Rhode Island it’s neither a road nor an island – discuss.

Let's talk about age. This came up over the holidays with the group of us that got together. Is it an issue for any of us? If so, why? What is the issue? Most of us have or are just about to hit 30 - is this a major milestone? Does it mean anything? Are we where we thought we’d be at 30?

I still think we’re babies in the big scheme of things (even those of us with babies). Every now and again I freak out, but for the most part I think I am okay with it all. Maybe because I still get carded and I “appear” to be in my early twenties. I knew looking like a 12 year old would come in handy some day. haha However, I do every now and again think oh boy time keeps going and there is a lot of life to get in …

Scared of Santa?

Bri found this awesome site, which had me in tears. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I did.

Merry Xmas to you all, and to all merry Xmas!

(and, see a few of y'all SOON!!)

Sweet Vindication

Hey, everyone. Do you remember several months back when I was toying with the notion of starting a new blog where I posted the responses of my Senators and Congressperson to various petitions I sent them? Well, DailyKos, one of my daily read blogs has begun doing that very thing...not en masse, but pertaining specifically to the vote on whether Joe Lieberman should have retained his committee chairmanship.

Sweet...swt. Identifying information on whom the letters have been addressed to has been removed.

-Brad

Olbermann on Prop. 8

I don't normally watch Olbermann, but after seeing this, I might.  Beautiful speech about the idiots who voted for Prop. 8

Diarrhea of the Keyboard

Not to be confused with Diarrhea ON the Keyboard.

I have returned to Our Favored Blog to see that Rog has taken over...in true Shock and Awe style. Good stuff.

Anybody have any predictions about Joe Lieberman's fate in the democratic caucus? Will his chairmanship be removed? Will he be booted from the caucus?

Will Missouri ever give up its electoral votes?

If you didn't hear, we here in MA had a question on the ballot to change possession of less than an ounce of marijuana into a civil charge rather than a criminal charge. I support the concept and voted for it. I was pretty sure that it would pass, despite the fact that literally every police chief and district attorney in the state came out against it. As it happened, not only did it pass, but by a 2-1 margin! Shocking! Way to go, Marijuanachusetts!

I did see that the assisted suicide (with a bunch of conditions) question was passed in Washington. Hmmm.

O

Check it out....

He won. In the top three. Beat out three incumbents in terms of votes.

http://www.kypost.com/content/democracy2008/nkyelectionnews/story.aspx?content_id=4ba29cdc-ed12-4d8c-8c38-606affed02c6

Yes we can.

UPDATE....And so can Ella.  This morning, I had Ella push the button to select Obama/Biden and then to officially cast the ballot.  I teared up a bit.  Here's the proud voter just after:

Tomorrow's the Big Day...

And I know what you're all thinking...Will Matt Olliges pull this one out?!   Here's hoping...best of luck, Matt!  Matt for Bellevue City Council!

Halloween Harvest Moon

Happy Halloween

In honor of Halloween, I happily present a clip from Monster Squad, arguably the highest watermark of human achievement.  Watch to discover the answer to that oldest of questions: Does Wolf Man have nards?

Planned economies, freedom, and redistribution of social goods

I just read a cool quote by George Orwell, written in 1944:

"Such is our present predicament: Capitalism leads to dole queues [read: unemployment and state subsistence], the scramble for markets, and war. Collectivism leads to concentration camps, leader worship, and war. There is no way out of this unless a planned economy can be combined with freedom of the intellect."

With this, Orwell hints at one of the ironies or contradictions of capitalism: markets have the capacity to destroy social bonds, thus containing the inherent potential to destroy their own stability; yet, markets at both the domestic and international levels also have the great capacity to integrate people.

Ignoring the equal (maybe even greater?) potential for self-inflicted destruction, many Adam Smith-centered libertarians trumpet markets solely as self-regulating forces for good, focusing only on the potential of markets to create peaceful orders that encourage mutual reliance and thus discipline, probity and honesty. Smith, however, proved himself overly utopian in his conception that both the economy and society could be protected from state penetration, could be left to reproduce unfettered, or that they would maintain social solidarity. Never mind the fact that modern capitalist markets depended from the start on the shaping and protecting activities of states. Never mind the fact that, in The Wealth of Nations, Smith himself stakes out a role for the government in defense, public works, education, and especially in the establishment of a framework of law. (For without such a system of justice, a market system is not possible.) Only Marx seems to have called for a total "withering away" of the state with his far-fetched idea of an enlightened proletariat organically developing a stateless society.

As we have seen from capitalism's previous cycles of boom and bust and the state's role in helping put the system upright again, the establishment of an economic order based solely on self-regulating markets (Smith's "invisible hand") are necessarily followed by the sucidal demise of these markets' self-regulation. This has been seen, perhaps most clearly, in the past several months of economic turmoil. The untamed market commits the sin of gluttony and eventually eats itself to death.

Ever since modernity's division of the human experience into state, economy, and society, the sight of ceaseless contestation has not been whether the state should have a role in our economy and society, but how it should do so, with what checks, and with what degree of mass participation and consent. For, as the state shapes and mitigates markets, it redefines the autonomy and flexibility of that market. And, importantly, it also opens up possibilities for self-conscious social engineering.

Our democratic system of government provides we, the people, with quite an honor and challenge to choose how we will redefine our markets and help shape our social system. I respect the conservative inclination to maintain what they believe are traditional methods of virtue, despite my great disagreement in our conceptions of virtuousness. I see the Republican party's virtues being centered on individual gain, self-interest (especially for those already empowered), and a reluctance for the government to use its potentially vast resources for social betterment. The values I see espoused in the Democratic party revolve around the idea that we're all in this together, by working together we make our whole greater than its sum, and that government can work to help make a more equitable and just society while maintaining social and intellectual freedoms.

The challenge, as Orwell states above, is to orchestrate a planned economy with the greatest degree of freedom. The idealist in me hopes, and even believes, that we're currently on that very path now. If so, it'll be amazingly ironic that the greatest government interventions in the history of our country (as obviously occurred over the past 8 years), were brought on by a right-wing, self-described "conservative" administration. Likewise, won't it be great if (when!?!) those state policies are scaled back in some cases by a so-called liberal Democrat, who then plans to redirected that state involvement toward a more just distribution of resources? After all, the purpose of taxes in our nation's history has always been to redistribute wealth and facilitate democratic state intervention. Whether the burden of payment falls on the struggling and disintegrating middle class (as it would if Bush's tax cuts became permanent, which McCain desires), or if the burden falls upon the rich who have a greater ability to shoulder such national responsibilities, tax redistribution always occurs with each year's necessary payment to our government.

I, as you know, favor Obama's policies of each of us helping each other out. That's the mixture of freedom and state intervention that I think can make "Morning in America" all over again.

Top 10 Reasons Conservatives Should Vote for Obama

This comes from a self-avowed conservative writer at The Atlantic.com.

Wassuuuuuup?!

My rapid-fire posts here likely reflect one of two things: either the sparse attention I've been putting into my school work as late, or my powerful urge to communicate the dusty rattlings inside my head and share my recent cultural discoveries.

(Frank! Drebin!) Your both right!

Anyway, here's the youtube joy that fell into my lap today.

(Historical TV-relevance can be found here for those who don't remember, or never saw it.)

If your searching for something even more beautiful than adaptations of old beer commercials, you can find more urgent truth here. The second half of this makes my heart happy. Strength in numbers, baby. TRUE.

Wassssuuuuupp!???? Obama's wassup, y'all. Word.

Reaching Across the Aisle

Post-Partisan Politics at its best:

Debt

Margaret Atwood has an interesting op-ed in the NYTimes on the subject of debt.

Coincidentally, the students in my Colonial American history course just read a bit from Ben Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac (1757) in which he explains his aversion to debt. I couldn't help but think about it in the context of our growing national debt and its relation to America's increased concern about the rise of China. I'm still trying to figure out how else it might apply now that the American taxpayer has become the creditor to several of our major banks. Anyway, here's what Ben has to say (with his emphasis, not mine) --

“What Madness must it be to run in Debt for these Superfluities!... [T]hink what you do when you run in Debt; You give another Power over your Liberty. If you cannot pay at the Time, you will be ashamed to see your Creditor; you will be in Fear when you speak to him; you will make poor pitiful sneaking Excuses, and by Degrees come to lose your Veracity, and sink into base downright lying; for, as Poor Richard says…Lying rides upon Debt’s Back. Whereas a freeborn Englishman ought not to be ashamed or afraid to see or speak to any Man living. But Poverty often deprives a Man of all Spirit and Virtue….

The Borrower is a Slave to the Lender, and the Debtor to the Creditor, disdain the Chain, preserve your Freedom; and maintain your Independency: Be industrious and free; be frugal and free….

This Doctrine, my Friends, is Reason and Wisdom; but after all, do not depend too much upon your own Industry, and Frugality, and Prudence, though excellent Things, for they may all be blasted without the Blessing of Heaven; and therefore ask that Blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort and help them.”

Click on everything.

http://www.palinaspresident.us/

Oh, baby--Obama!

As soon as summer comes and I have some time, I'll read all the links from your post, Rog :)  Actually, I'd like to get to them soon.  I've also heard Switzerland had a remarkably similar situation in the '90s?

Anyhow, here's a snap of Ella after I asked her, "Hey, how would you like Palin to be your VP?"

Economic collapse - now and then (1873)

This post is for the history dorks like me.

The two articles linked below examine how today's economic meltdown is more similar to the global and American depression in 1873, with a real estate collapse and credit freeze, than it is to the 1929 crash. Both articles are really interesting.

The Chronicle of Higher Education article does a great job of showing how the 1873 crisis was surprisingly a trans-atlantic phenomenon, aided by US economic growth into the global marketplace but based upon European lending policies (read: China's growth and US lending today). At the end, it makes some tentative but interesting predictions for our current situation.

The NYTimes article does a great job of explaining the 1873 Panic from a more domestic perspective, complete with links to old primary documents from that era, as well as some political ramifications of that collapse.

While not metioned in the NYTimes article, I think its interesting that the market recovery to the 1873 collapse coincided in 1877-78 with a troop draw-down of American occupation forces in the post-Civil War southern states. And, that this was soon followed by a shift in military attention to a much earlier but similarly regarded war on terror: the tragic Indian wars in the western states/territories. In these events, do we have our Iraqi 'horizon-line' and our possible shift of military resources to Afghanistan? If so, is there a military-economic lesson to be taken from it?

Finally, in a remarkably related cultural analysis, movie critic A.O. Scott takes a look back at the movie 'Wall Street' by Oliver Stone in this short video post. His analysis is excellent. Seeing some of these clips (the greed speech is incredible) makes me even more excited for this weekend's release of 'W.'!

PS. Last weekend, Bri and I went to see Bill Maher's 'Religulous.' Worth seeing, me thinks, not only for the laughs but for the interesting and important questions he raises.

Absolutely--Though It Looks Like It Won't Be Necessary....

Here's a funny vid Slate did about us liberals moving to Canada if McCain/Palin win:

http://slatev.com/player.html?id=1842856410

Finally, a politician I can believe in...

This is what I'm talking about:

"I would like to bring a younger generation's voice to the council and represent the younger generation in Bellevue," said Olliges, 29. He said his goals include increasing the amount of home owners instead of renters in the city."

Now, just add expanding the city's definition of marriage to include same-sex couples, boosting the education budget, and a commitment to the principles of Obama's blue book of policy, and you're set!

Ugh.

Ugh ugh ugh.  Ugh.  Ugh ugh.  Ugggggghhhhhh.....

Rambo as US foreign policy, etc.

Hey y'all,
The NYT movie critic A.O. Scott has a cool, little 3 minute video looking back at Rambo. Despite what Scott says, I still think it's wack that, in many ways, this mid-1980s film has come to reflect contemporary neo-con thinking regarding foreign policy. The final seen in this little video clip speaks volumes.

Also, am I the only one a little bit concerned that Obama is pushing a strategy for us to throw our military resources into full-scale war in Afghanistan and Pakistan? That plan certainly did wonderous things for the Soviets... Is Obama setting himself up for future failure?

Finally, for a few stellar guffaws, I highly recommend checking out several of these "Get Your War On" video clips. The comics are fabulous, and these cartoons are likewise grand.

Jah rule; rasta.
- Rog

Well after months of plotting... it happened. Last night was Matt's surprise 30th b-day party. (His actual birthday is Oct. 2). We were able to trick him and he had no idea until he opened the door and everyone yelled surprise! Wish you guys could have been there. Attached is my gift to Matt : ) Enjoy! Some of you make appearances in it. It's only about 15 minutes long. Love ya.

Awesome New Sound

Hey all,

I know I fall into the category of "off the f'-in planet" but I am still reading and like now sometimes contributing. So for my quick reinstatement into the blogging world check out this guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEcckX1kHWI&feature=user

Not sure if he's legit but definately has some cool beats.

Love to ya,

Tom

Happy Halloween

In case anyone's looking for a Halloween costume: Enjoy.

Trying to understand

Hey there Tamo (and hey to anyone else, if you too happen to be reading clandestinely),

In a Judith Warner blog-posting on the NYTimes, she referenced an article by a psycologist in Virginia who does reaserch on morality and emotion titled "What Makes People Vote Republican."

It makes some rather interesting points about liberals' inability to empathize with conservative viewpoints, and it also makes reference to how conservatives' "moral clarity" presents a black/white, good/evil world-view that helps them tap into (manipulate) people's deepest fears. Intersting stuff, me thinks.

Grrr...

This country blows my mind.  I wish we felt outrage at ignorance and lies.  What's got me fired up now?  The reprehensible ad running claiming Obama wanted to teach little kids about sex, when in fact the bill he voted for instead allowed teachers to instruct kids about what inappropriate touches are.  How disgusting, immoral, debased, and wretched can Republicans get?  Honestly, I don't know the answer to that.  What's more disheartening is that the nation isn't rising like a tide of intelligent citizens to castigate and shame purveyors of ads like this out of our nation.

What do I think of Palin?  She thinks the earth is 6,000 years old...guess what I think of her?  She believes God wants us in Iraq and wants a new pipeline in Alaska.  She asked about banning books at the Wasilla library, and the librarian who refused was fired a few months later.  She can't answer a straight question (see the new interview with Charlie Gibson).  She wants to prevent American females from the making the choice she proudly proclaims her own daughter was able to make.  She wants to drill in ANWR, even after admitting that such a move wouldn't be a solution, merely a palliative measure.  She's a hypocrite, who claims to believe that gov't should get out of the way and let private citizens improve their communities, yet also mocks Obama's service in such a role (while at the same time praising in her role in, you guessed in, government).

If McCain and Palin win, we might honestly move to British Columbia because America will have signaled it's officially done moving forward.  Anyone want to go in on a house in Vancouver?

UPDATE: Holy hell.  Add to all this the fact that she doesn't know what the Bush Doctrine is (watch the Gibson interview clip).  What?  WHAT?!  People seriously believe this person should be next in-line behind the oldest presidential candidate ever?  My brain hurts.

Merry Patriots Day, friends.

Behold, a reading from the Book of (NY) Times.

Blogging with Myself...?

Hey there y'all,
I might be the only person still looking at this blog anymore, but Billy Idol and I thought this recent commentary by conservative author David Frum was particularly interesting.

In a surprising (to me) turn, Frum concludes "Equality in itself never can be or should be a conservative goal. But inequality taken to extremes can overwhelm conservative ideals of self-reliance, limited government and national unity. It can delegitimize commerce and business and invite destructive protectionism and overregulation. Inequality, in short, is a conservative issue too. We must develop a positive agenda that integrates the right kind of egalitarianism with our conservative principles of liberty."

It's nice to see a conservative advocate for a greater balance of equality/inequality, even if he seemingly only does so to boost higher Republican ballot returns.

What do you think? ...as Roger Waters asked in The Wall, "Is there Anybody Out There?"

A donde mis perros @?

Hey there Team!
It's been far too long since we've been chatting-up on the blog (only 2 posts in as many months?!) There's too much going on -- from the heavenly start of the new football seasons [college & pro] to the coming elections -- for us to be silent here.

With the 2 conventions behind us and only 2 months until the election, I'd like to see/hear some thoughts from y'all. As a biased Democrat, I LOVED the Denver Convention - literally getting weepy several times with inspiration and excitement. The Republican Convention was markedly different, but devilishly smart and effective on several fronts. Much of it made my stomach spin (esp. Mitt and parts from Rudy), but interesting.

What are y'all thinking here?
I thought this Paul Krugman op-ed was damn good.

I hope you are well. Much love, - Rog

Antikythera Mechanism

Amazing machine from over 100 years B.C...because you thought that the best the ancients could do was the abacus. Enjoy!

Straw Poll for Obamas running mate?

My Choices are: John Edwards
Va. Senator Jim Webb
Former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford Jr.
Check out these websites for the lesser known Jim Webb and Harold Ford Jr.
http://www.fordfortennessee.com
http://webb.senate.gov

Anyone have other candidate ideas for Barack or selections for John McCain? Does the vice presidential candidate really matter or not in your vote?

Lastly, for those who haven't seen Lions To Lambs and Charlie Wilson's War, I would recommend both for excellent political themes that will inform and provoke your thoughts.

Let Freedom Ring on this Independence Day Weekend!
Tom

Bumming on Obama

Anyone else bummed with Obama recently?  Specifically turning down public financing, his ridiculous attempt to rationalize it, and his probable vote for the FISA bill?

***UPDATE*** And now this? He's going to support Bush's faith-based initiatives and continue allowing them to discriminate based on religion?!  WTF.

So, that's what fatherhood is about?

Around 1:10 or so in this video of Obama speaking about fatherhood in 2007, he reveals that William was not the only man with a notion of what it means to be a good father.

As you all may recall, this feat of fatherhood was Part II of what was actually William's treatise on marriage. Now, all that's left is for Obama to reveal the all-important Part I. Since he's already married (whereas William, shockingly, was not), Obama's revision would go something like, "Man, I wanted to get married..."

Rebekah and I are doing well out here in Haverhill (pronounced HAY-vrull...to make it easy). Busy busy. Painting, landscaping, renovating, gardening, etc. Work is going well. This past Friday, we attended a workshop on Trauma and Attachment. It was very good.

Some weekend, we won't have any projects (YEAH RIGHT!!!), and I'll take a bunch of photos and do a slideshow on Kodak.com.

Take care, all. Happy father's day, Dad, Mr. T., Chris, Adam, and Vic!

Alanis

As most females in my generation , I've been a huge fan of Alanis' music.... I didn't know she was also funny ....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W91sqAs-_-g

Survey Monkey

Hi All - Matt is doing a project for one of his classes. He has created a survey and needs respondents. If you have a chance, please click on this link and take his survey. Thanks!


From: Matthew Olliges [mailto:olligesm@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 10:30 PMTo: matto@tp1.com; olligesm@xavier.eduCc: Olliges, Kelly A.Subject: survey


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lberatt6J2AQrHvULfQFaA_3d_3d

The Clock, the Clock, the Clock is on Fire!

Looks like it's already too late to "Save the Clock Tower!" Perhaps Doc Brown and Marty could go back in time and team up with Governor Arnie to put the freeze on those flames as soon as they started...

Crude Awakening

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or-TyPACK-g

Great Essay

Just found an essay I love--it's on the Templeton Foundation's website, posted in a series of responses to the question, "Does science make belief in God obsolete?"  Steven Pinker's is spot-on, I think, and I'd like to hear anyone else's take.

100th Post

Hi, all:

Just back from Florida, and I come bearing technological good news.  I've discovered, as some of you may have already, Thunderbird, Mozilla's email client.  Why is it awesome?  Because I have all of my email accounts in one place now--for free.  This means my AU email, my .Mac email, and my two Yahoo email accounts are all in one place, so I don't need to spend a few minutes checking various webpages and programs.  Also, I have it set up to view this blog, so I know when new posts arrive.  If you're interested in doing all this for yourself, I'll be happy to walk you through it all (it took me a bit of time to track down the various how-tos around the web, but now I feel pretty comfortable with it all).

I'm looking forward to watching that vid from the post below and responding.

UPS deliver for Pandora?

David Brooks has an intersting op-ed in the NY Times about religion, brain-science, and the ways we perceive of ourselves and our place in the universe. His opinion is that science won't trump a belief in God, but will rather provide a strong challenge to the belief in the Bible as the word of God. Perhaps along somewhat similar lines, 'Lis sent a really great link to Bri with a short talk about a neurologist's enlightened Stroke of Insight. How does all of this relate? What do you guys think about all this?

Also, I've been wondering about the Christian "mystery of faith" as a means of explaning several"'why?'s" of the world. Admitedly and maybe a bit ironically, faith in Christianity has become a bit of a mystery for me. But I still cling to a spiritual notion of what I would call God (energy, the universe, something bigger than us, etc.) I can't explain why. It's just something I feel and think. I suppose that's the mystery of faith. But, why must the constant mystery that is the universe as I experience it include a God? Can't the mystery also be that God doesn't exist? After all, if God caused the Big Bang, what caused God? Can't the answer just be that its the mystery of existence without an answer? Very mysterious.

Hooding

Here's a photo from the hooding ceremony for the MFT program. The woman in the middle is my supervisor, Jamie. The man on the right is Kevin, one of my professors. The man and woman on the left need no introduction.


This photo needs a short explanation. Music has been an important part of my cohort's experience at Antioch. So, I rewrote the words from the Thompson Twins' song "Hold Me Now" to express my version of "our" experience and as a thank you to Antioch and to our fams and friends. The other folks standing with me are some of my fellow graduates: Simone, Christian, I, Betty Anne, and Bunny. It was good stuff, and Dad E. hopefully got it on video. If you're interested, here are the lyrics I made up...

I can remember -- way back, two years
Twenty-some strangers and Janie and Bateson and Bertalanffy
A systemic perspective -- How do you see the world?
Do you see pieces or do you see parts of a much larger whole?

Hood me now
Woah-oh! Master of Arts
M F T
Let homework stop -- Let income start

So many changes -- old faces and new
Full-time or part-time or one-time, you each deserve our gratitude
A word to the first-years -- Before we eject
Beyond all the models and theories, do not forget to just connect

Hood me now
Woah-oh! Master of Arts
M F T
Let homework stop -- Let income start

Hood me now
Woah-oh! Master of Arts
M F T (A licensed MFT)
Let homework stop -- Let income start

No more reflections -- No more critiques
One more Basic Skills Evaluation, and I think I'd have freaked
Does it sound like we're ready -- Did we want these hoods?
Well, let us be honest -- The question is 'Does a bear crap in the woods?' (Yes, it does! Yes, it does!)

Hood me now
Woah-oh! Master of Arts
M F T (A licensed MFT)
Let homework stop -- Let income start

Hood me now
Woah-oh! Master of Arts
M F T (A licensed MFT)
Let homework stop -- Let income start

Emilys 30th B'day

Good morning.

Kelly I know you got the evite already - but wanted to throw this nugget out there. We're having a birthday party for Emily's 30th on June 7 - and while those who read this blog live scattered throughout the continental US, just in case anyone will be in or around columbus on that date, you are more than welcome to come by.

It's not a surprise party (Emily knows when her birthday is).

And as if you needed another reason to come, I will be there, so that's pretty kick ass. And Kelly will be too, shaking that thang up, down, and BAD.

Should She Stay or Should She Go?

How do people feel about whether and how long Hillary should stay in the race?

GreenFears, Then and Now?

Much of the recent history I’ve become interested in lately deals with the rise of environmentalism in the 1960s and 1970s, and I’m fascinated by its broad similarities with today’s heightened discourse on environmental issues.

The late 1960s/early 1970s was rife with apocalyptic environmental sentiments, like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring or Paul Erlich’s Population Bomb, that called for a drastic shift in our resource-exploitative and consumer-oriented American Way of Life. American globalization was (and still is) fueled by this consumption ethic, and a remarkably diverse collection of people and groups in the 60s/70s rose to speak about alternative paths and issue warnings about what was (and still is?) our trajectory if we maintained the consumerist path. The environmental concerns of those days intersected deeply with ecological scientists who railed against the misuse of chemicals, with anti-war activists who were bitter about American imperialism fighting wars on the other side of the world against an “evil” force that was diametrically opposed to American Way of Life, and it found support amongst a contingent of youths who challenged the dominant culture and created a diverse and often contradictory movement inclusively labeled “counterculture.” The oil shocks and energy crises of the 1970s only seemed to elevate the importance of environmental concerns with other, negative aspects of the American Way of Life.

Today’s news and commentary is once again filled with such similar themes that it makes me wonder if someone simply cut-and-paste discussions from those years into today’s world. I’m especially interested in discussions about how overpopulation, the role oil plays in lubricating the cogs of the modern world, and climate change are all interrelated. (Speaking of which, this 6-part documentary by ABC Science called The End of Oil is amazing.)

It all makes me wonder: are we talking about all this stuff all over again because history is cyclical or because they are relevant issues that won’t go away? If they are issues that won’t go away, then what explains why the dire predictions about overpopulation and climate change from 30-40 years ago were crushed by the an expanding American economy, increased abundance in food supplies, and an earth that still seems to be able to maintain another doubling in the world population? Any thoughts?

Dad E. just found a nugget...

Mom and Dad E. are out here in NH for my graduation this wkd.

Dad E. just found this crazy story from late Feb/early Mar about a team-building exercise gone awry.

Did anyone else hear about this?

Philippines Thriller

Okay. Scratch my last post. The coolest and craziest thing I've seen in, perhaps, forever is found on YouTube if you type in Philippines Thriller. I highly suggest you blast the speakers as loud as you can, and put this on a large screen.

This video just made my brain explode. If you don't remember the original Thirller video, it is more than worthwhile to watch again. In picking up the pieces, I've thought about connecting this to a bunch of other stuff. I'd love ya'lls suggestions and help, even it random and just for fun!
Now, regardless of whether the Phillipines Thriller vid is real or not, I'm thinking of linking this to a history course syllabus where we discuss the role of patriarchy and American foriegn relations at the onset of the 20th century, it's connection with torture in the Phillipines over 100 years ago, and the connection to modern day torture in the so-called global and never-ending "War on Terror" (particularly Abu Ghraib), and finally bringing it all together with Foucaultian notions of Discipline and Punish.

Connected to that Abu Ghraib blib, and also connected to people following orders so much that they become zombies, I thought we could watch the movie 28 Weeks Later, and then read parts of the book Imperial Life in the Emerald City:Inside Iraq’s Green Zone by Rajiv Chandrasekaran to talk about the Green Zone in Baghdad (and, if needed, to try and link that to the American notions of fantasy, myth, story-telling, and the Wizard of Oz in early 20th century American culture.)

Hopefully there is some fund out there that might pay me to put something like this together. If you know of one, please let me know! I love you guys. Love, rog

Breakfast Club

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time.

Keep rockin' the suger crisps, ya'll.

Love rog

Better than Chupa Chups?

Lollipops with Chile peppers are delicious. God bless our Latino neighbors for sharing at a recent birthday party.

Sharing...

This made me giggle... (it's old so you may have already seen it).

Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

I am in love with Jack Johnson (you can tell Matt, he is in love too).

http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/home

I just bought his new album a week or so ago and have been listening to it nonstop. LOVE IT.

The question...

...If you were the President of United States, and Pope Benedict had just finished making his first speech during his first visit to the United States, what would you say?

I'm only asking, because I'm sure it would be more appropriate than what Bush said.

Is this real?

I Thought I Saw a...

...Putty Tat!

C/O Brad and Roo.

Dueling DJs Final Show

Hi, all:

So, I lost the finale (in case you didn't tune in).  But it was the best show I'd been part of, so that's cool.  And my opponent had great selections.  If you want to listen to the show, here are the two parts (two hours' worth of music/sarcasm was too big to load at once, apparently).  And a cautionary tale for those of you with more, um, delicate sensibilities: the final round's category is "Foulest Hip-Hop Song," and though I thought I had a doozie, my opponent's song is beyond raunchy.  Really.  Like, wow.  I mean...foul.  So if you're not looking to hear X-rated language, stop after round nine--all you'll miss is me losing and you not losing your innocence.

Part I--Dueling DJs Finale

Part II--Dueling DJs Finale

Through the Fire and Flames

Hey everyone - I have hoped to post more but unfortunately, I only have small amounts of time to read everyone's posts, and I am blocked from jumping on here at work (when all good blogging is supposed to take place).

But, I'm home today and thought I'd send a quick note.

The children are doing great - Mia is almost 4 weeks old now, and sleeps well through the night. Zachary does a great job helping, although is a little anxious for her to be able to play hockey with him.

Emily is taking 13 weeks off to be with Mia, which is wonderful for her and for the baby. After that, she will go to the same "school" as Zachary - the daycare/learning center that the church we were married at runs.

Speaking of church, recently overheard in the Harrison car:

Zachary: "Mom, who is God?"
Emily: "Well, He is different for everyone, but I believe that he created everything, and everyone."
Zachary: "Like the king?"
Emily: "Well, yes, kind of like a king."
Zachary: "No, Mom, that car. It looks like The King from Cars."

Maybe he just doesn't know what the WWJD stands for on his bracelet.

Anywho, Emily and I are also totally into our Wii (no, not like that, Mrs. Tamashasky. You had your chance). After mastering Wii Tennis and Bowling, we took our hand at Guitar Hero III. Easy the most fun and addicting game ever - it's essentially nothing more than a new outlet to unleash my awesomeness on the world. The Wii in general is so great - Emily, Zachary and I can all three play the same game, we all have a blast, and while it is a video game, you're not sitting idle while you play.

Of course, Guitar Hero is really, really difficult once you get into the Hard (and even Medium) levels. DragonForce's song "Through the Fire and Flames" is the last song, and it's the one all of these guys on YouTube play to break the world record. We're still mastering "Slow Ride" and I think "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" so not there yet, but if you ever have a chance to try it out, I highly recommend it.

How great was Dr. Katz?

I will try to write more often.

PS Brad you sent me an email which I promptly deleted by mistake. Or maybe you sent it to Emily? One way or another if your message went unanswered, I apologize. Let's blame Science.

Not to Overshadow You, TK...

...But Roo and I have been offered positions as entry-level clinicians at HES (Health and Educational Services) in Lawrence, MA.

This calls for a little celebration.

We went apartment/house hunting last weekend and will continue our search this weekend in the surrounding areas.

Take care, all. I'm really ready to start getting paychecks again.

The Lighter Side of My Job

Well since it's been a while for a comment or post from yours truely I thought I'd share something new in my little slice of the world. I just got done winning the Cincinnati CANstruction competition with my firm. We had to make an 8' x 8' structure using only cans and cardboard or masonite (harder than cardboard). We didn't use anything else but gravity and the cans for support and ended up getting Kermit up to 10' tall and 9' wide. He's not all cans inside (actually hollow) but it gives a cool effect nonetheless. So we won the overall prize and I thought that was pretty cool. I'm having fun catching up on everyone's stuff and I'll get to responding to all the stuff. Love ya'll.

DUELING DJs TONIGHT, 8 PM--Grand Finale!

All right, it's the final--ten rounds, twenty songs. 8-10 PM, www.wvau.org. Listen and vote!

It's Official...Well, It's Been Official

My friend from Antioch, Allison, brought the hats and the Happy 30th lei.

I have much to be grateful for.

Don't forget that a certain Master of the Art of American History has a birthday coming up on April 12th...Whack.

McUpdate

10 Things We Should All Know About John McCain.

Matt-O's Pics from China

Click on this link to see Matt's pics...he visited a few bars....

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=220053634/a=126094621/t_=126094621

Another Blog Idea

Hey, all.

I had an idea this morning. I get all these emails to sign this or that petition, and I usually do. And when I do, I get either an email reply or a typed letter through the mail. As I read yet another letter from Judd Gregg this morning, I thought...Hmmm, what would happen if more people had access to this email?

Then, I thought...Hey, I could publish these letters on the blog. Then more people could read them. Now, maybe it's redundant because the same people who would find and read this blog would also be signing and sending the same petitions and receiving the same replies I'm receiving, but who knows? It's an idea.

The problem is that I don't know that this will be interesting to any of you, and I'd rather not stuff our blog with these posts. I've thought about and looked into starting a separate blog. Any opinions, advice? This would be legal, right?

Tamo's Going to the Final Round!

Hi, all:

I won the semi-final round last night of the Dueling DJs competition.  This means that this coming Monday I'll be going for the gold in a two-hour extravaganza--10 songs each, head to head...Two enter!  One leaves!  If you'd like to listen to last night's show, I recorded it and uploaded it to my new favorite site...get it here.  Hope you're all well--and that you mark your calendars for next Monday, 8-10 PM.

New Song to Dig On

Hi, all:

In honor of my victory last Monday (and Round Four this Monday night), here's a song I've been looping on my iPod recently: Regina Spektor's "Samson."  To get it, click on the listen tab (once you follow the link), and then up will come a new window playing the song and an option to get the original file.

As a sidenote, that site I found (drop.io) is amazing...sharing song files is ridiculously easy.  You don't even have to sign up with an email address or anything.  You name the page to which you're dropping, upload ANY kind of file, and call it a day.  Seems revolutionary, actually, in that quiet way real revolutions start.

--Tamo

A Grad School Milestone

I didn't have a child, nor am I yet officially a master of marriage and family therapy.

However, in addition to academic requirements, I have to compile 500 hours of client contact through my practicum and internship in order to graduate.

Well, I just finished my 500th hour!

Links to Outside Websites

Most of you know this, but for those who don't, there is a way to link text in a post to an outside website. The blue text in my recent post (and in Rog's and Tamo's recent posts as well) is a link to an outside website. What that means is that you click on the blue text, and you'll be transported to an outside website. In my post, for example, clicking on the first link will take you to a web post on a different website called Think Progress. Clicking on any of Rog's link would have taken you to any of those articles. Clicking on Tamo's link would have taken you to the website for the college radio station.

Again, I'm sure most of you know this, but I'm also sure there are some who don't.

Enjoy.

Tamo, are the cherry trees blossoming any time soon?

Housing Crisis Follow-Up

Following up on Rog's post on Bear Stearns, I agree that the gov needs to get more involved...and should have gotten more involved LONG AGO. John McCain has missed the boat on this one for years. Click here for more info.

I'd be open to hear criticisms of Obama and Hillary if they have also missed the boat on this issue.

To me, "missing the boat" means penalizing ordinary people for wanting to buy a home and believing that their bank (or lending institution) would not put them in an untenable position vis-a-vis their mortgage.

Of course, if that doesn't turn you off McCain, perhaps his concept of an indefinite occupation of Iraq will do the trick.

Orgasmic!!

I know this is preaching to the choir for many of you lovely people, but this post is about organic food. As organic foods are more expensive, here are two articles which can help you decide how to best flex your purchasing power.

This first article lists 12 items that typically receive a vast amounts of pesticides and/or growth hormones, so try to get these foods in organic when you can. (It includes Meats, Milk, Coffee, Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Strawbabies, Lettuce, Grapes, Potatoes, and Tomatoes. This article also lists alternatives for foods with similar vitamins and nutrients when you can't find the above in organic.)

The second article lists 10 foods that either receive lower pesticide treatments or have thick enough skin to protect the food from ag-chemicals. (It lists Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kiwi Fruit, Mango, Onions, Papaya, and Pineapples.)

Live well!
Much love, - Rog

Banter

Hey kids!

So, Matt O is back from China, Alissa just got back from Thailand, and I just opened a fortune cookie that says "You will gain admiration from your pears." I wanna see some blog posts and pictures about all this Asian goodness (sans the cookie, that is. Me and my pears are already sweet.)

In other news, I really dug Frank Rich's NYTimes column this Sunday, as I usually do. Check it out if you're into the whole politics thing. I also dug this really solid magazine article about the current Stock Market freak-out and the Feds' bailing out of Bear Stearns. (It also has a sweet pic of Greenspan, who looks like he’s gettin’ down to some BeeGee’s jams.) The article gives some interesting background on the unregulated 'shadow banking system' that has caused all the hub-bub this past year or so. After the housing bubble burst, this seems to be why the aftershocks have been so serious. Serious enough for the Feds to bail out a private firm for the first time since, well, I think since the Great Depression. I certainly don't advocate a socialist approach to market regulations, but I certainly DO think the invisible hand needs some wise guidance from better public policy. That invisible hand is kinda like a really dumb golden retriever. It'll keep eating more and more until it makes itself sick. The govt's job, in some aspects is to best limit that kind of harmful consumption. That sort of regulation for capitalism is one of the better New Deal legacies to come out of FDR’s first 100 days.

But, speaking of consumption, I'm gonna grab a beer. Bri just got home, so I’m gonna hang out with that wonderful lady and see how her day went. In reverence to ya’ll, in your absences, I'll pour a little ale out for all you homies. Much love! - Rog

Round Three REALLY on Tonight

The station's working...I'm listening to it as I type. So tonight's a go--8 PM, www.wvau.org, listen and travel back to the heady days of the mid-'90s. Vote after each song! Hear you there.

Friends don't let friends drink and dial....

I was out and about last night with my pal Kim and we met up with Molina (Roly that is). He says "hi" to all. He left Rog a voicemail and Adam I don't know if you have texting on your cell but he sent "chuppa chups"...

Hope the Easter Bunny came to visit everyone today : ) I pick Matt up from the airport today around 6:00 p.m. He's been in China for 10 days. I miss him and can't wait to hear all about his adventures. I will see if he wants to put up a post on China and maybe some pictures.

More later,

Kells

I'm 30.

In the immortal words of three guys named Tony...IT FEELS GOOD!

Video Link

I still haven't found out how to post videos to the video bar, so here's a link to a funny video message entitled, "A Message to Voters Somehow Older Than McCain."

http://video.236.com/services/link/bcpid1272014315/bclid1125909605/bctid1463244748

UPDATE: Okay, I have figured it out. Just wait for the video bar to switch out from Obama links.

SECOND UPDATE: I have no idea how Charlie Rose episodes got onto the bar, but whatever. Interesting stuff.

Best Speech of our Lifetime?

If you haven't seen Obama's speech from today, check it out.  It's amazing--a cross between the best college lecture and the best sermon you've ever heard (coming from me, that should say something).  "Brilliant" gets thrown around a lot, but I'm willing to call this speech brilliant--and honest.  It also dovetails nicely with the race relations discussion from a week or so ago here on the blog.  Let's talk about this thing!

Emergency Help from Group Needed!

Hi, all:

Tomorrow (Monday) at 8 PM I'm back on Dueling DJs.  Here's the emergency--I didn't realize it was happening so soon.  Me and the guy I'm going against are friends (he's a former student) and we've decided on a theme...songs from our high school days.  So, let me know what that triggers for you all.  In the words of the Beatles, Help!  I need somebody!  Help! Not just anybody...I need the Group!

The Glory of Guinness

Mr. Pagan kindly sent me this link to his favorite Guinness advertisement at this hallowed time of year. 'Tis a grand one, and there's a hefty collection of other brilliant Guinness ads to enjoy on YouTube. WELL worth you time. The geniuses behind Guinness's marketing campaigns have even made me a bit misty eyed here. In anticipation of the grand day itself, Happy St. Patty, ya'll. Much love.

The Simpsons Are Going to the Big Dance!

AU's in the NCAA Tourney!  Go Eagles!

My First Post

Testing, testing...
If this works, it proves you don't need natural borders in your homeland to create a blog post.
If this doesn't work, I will humbly return to the bread line.

Not to be getting into semantics, but is it racism or stereotypes and prejudice?

Brad,
This is a provocative and challenging bit of lyrics and we can all look within for deeply held beliefs. But I think that racism is not the problem, which according to Webster's dictionary is a belief that your race is superior to other races;i.e. Hitler's Aryanism., as much as prejudice is the root of the problem.

What I do agree with is we all are, black, white, Asian, Native American Indian, Eastern Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, etc. are all, if we are honest to a degree prejudice and carry stereotypes that go with it . Now, don't get me wrong, there are racists out there, such as skinheads, KKK, multiple xenophobes and closet racists that simply love to hate other people in their inferiority complexes or in their subtle and blatant hatred and racist beliefs. But I believe that the true racist is amongst the minority. These people are beyond help and reform of their hatred.

The majority of us that suffer the choice of prejudice and subsequent stereotypes, need to reach out to other ethnicities and start a forum for communication and understanding. I recently began to put this theory into action myself. For years I stayed in the safe white suburbs of Loveland and dreamed of reaching out to urban youth. In the past 6 weeks I met a young black man, yes he is okay with being referred to as black and doesn't care about the politically correct moniker of African American, who sold me my new cellular phone. As I waited for my phone to be activated, Brandon, a senior at U.Cincinnati majoring in business, and I shared many business ideas and values. If you've recently purchased a cell phone you can relate to the fact that this activation process probably took over an hour; plenty of time to shoot the breeze on all kinds of topics.

As a result of that meeting we agreed to meet with another friend of his, Dennis, who is majoring in business and is a senior @ U. Cincinnati and a young black man as well. Both young men are energetic, disciplined, hard working and enthusiastic .We decided to start an embryonic experiment we call for now, Cincinnati Business Reciprocity. We take turns bringing a business idea to our meetings. The rule is whatever idea you gain from the meeting must then be taken back to the community we live and work in and pay it forward as the movie states. In other words, we are required to give the ideas away from our meeting and receive nothing in return. It is our way of philanthropy and giving back.

This is just a beginning, but I believe we can make a difference in better communicating and understanding each other and hopefully positively touch other peoples lives in the journey.

Keep On Bloggin',
Tom Eardley

There's no title yet

Born into a world where everyone was White
Didn't take long to learn the stereotypes
Most folks felt the exception proved the rule
And the evening news provided plenty of fuel

Emotions flared - I realized the deal
No one questioned if these images were real
I'd be the one to set my people straight
I'd go downtown and meet my messianic fate

I get a feeling, and it calls to me
I get a feeling, and it calls to me
I get a feeling, and it calls to me

Being young, I got the breakfast shift
I unlocked the doors and served those nasty grits
The men came in - They all had tales to tell
Or maybe just looking to sit down for a spell

All the same I was scared consistently
One of them's bound to take their anger out on me
I'd say the wrong thing and that would be the end
Of all this talk of being brothers, being friends

I get a feeling, and it calls to me
I get a feeling, and it calls to me
I get a feeling, and it calls to me

Where in hell did I get this kind of thought?
I can't be sure, but TV'd be a place to start
If I had never looked these black men in their eyes
I wouldn't know that I'd been racist all this time

So, it's been said - Where do I go from here?
This is my story 'bout irrational fear
Don't know what the consequence will be
Good or bad, it's about honesty

I get a feeling, and it calls to me
I thought it'd be others, but the broken one was me
It's not what I intended, but it's what I need

Is there still room in this world for us to tell the truth?
Where that dream won't be reduced to the naivete of youth?
Many feel that we've passed the time for honesty
So much on the line now, but is that what it means to be free?

What an ass!

Click on this ass to learn more about his presidential campaign/ego trip.

I'll be honest. I voted for him in 2000, which was my luxury because Mass was heavily favored to vote for Gore (and did). I voted for him in 2000, because I was young and idealistic, and I wanted to vote my conscience. Eight years of George W. Bush has put that idealism permanently to rest...especially in the general presidential election.

I know Dad Eardley is a big fan of third-party candidates, and Nader does indeed represent something different than Obama, Clinton, or McCain. He has a point that the two-party system has begun to look more and more like a one-party system. But it pisses me off. Nader will only take votes from Obama, the same way he took votes from Gore. And in an election that is all about the war and healthcare, he's only going to take votes from the democratic nominee. The tragedy is that the democratic nominee will be closer to his positions than McCain is.

But it's the same as it was in 2000.

I admire Nader's refusal to sell out, but I think he, like Dennis Kucinich, does not represent the majority view in the USA. Neither Nader nor Kucinich will ever be president of the USA. They're far too radical. I admire that, but I also want Obama to get elected.

That is why I think Nader is an ass. I call it an ego trip, because he insists on running for president, instead of some lesser office, like governor, congressman, or senator. He could be a great liberal congressman, but he has to go all the way to the top.

Lame! Totally not cool!

Hey, fellow bloggers...just a quick FYI...Ledgedweller has jumped...parties (not off the ledge, yet). What began as a 30th birthday gift to my son has become this phenom...tomorrow a.m. I will vote for Obama and do my part for 2008...certain repercussions await me but life on the ledge has prepared me for this action.  Farewell to the life that late I lead.....goodbye!

Because there's more to life than politics...

There's football!!!

Dad Eardley's fantasies of a Browns team lead by Mighty Brady Quinn are now very much in doubt as the Dawgs have resigned Derek Anderson. I told you, Dad! The Brownies have also acquired WR Donte Stallworth from the Patriots. Nice.

Patriots DB Randall Gay is headed to New Orleans. DB Eugene Wilson is visiting other teams, too. Pro-Bowl CB Asante Samuel is headed to Philly. Exactly whom Belichick and Pioli are expecting to cover wide receivers next season is beyond me. Why Samuel is gone and Hobbs is still here is a HUGE mystery to me. The Giants proved that record-setting offense is not enough to win Super Bowls. A good defense is VITAL. Our secondary definitely needs work, so these changes are somewhat expected, but the loss of Samuel is a real drag.

The Pats have released TE Kyle Brady, LB Roosevelt Colvin, and LB Oscar Lua. No great losses.

The Pats resigned LB Tedy Bruschi, LS Lonie Paxton, and WR/ST Kelley Washington. No great gains.

WR Randy Moss is likely to resign with the Pats. Thank God.

Eat your heart out, folks!

I've sent most of you invitations to view our Hawaii photos (complete with succinct commentary) via Kodak.com. For those who haven't received an invite but would like one, send me your email address.

In Memorium - William F. Buckley

As a youth growing up, I would read William Buckley's column each Sunday in the Philadelphia Sunday Bulletin. I kept a dictionary at my side so I could understand and learn the many multi- syllabic  and arcane words  that he used in his columns. It was a wonderful vocabulary builder. I also learned how to think and evaluate opinions and theories. 

Buckley founded The National Review magazine, a journal of sound conservative thinking. He hosted Firing Line where he debated many of the nation's finest thinkers, both liberal and conservative. These debates were always carried on without rancor, bile, and demagoguery; a lesson both sides could learn from today.

He was a man of faith, of love, of wisdom and a gentleman always. With his passing, the bell tolls once again.

God rest, Mr. Buckley.

Aloha!

Although many of you did not know, Rebekah (Roo) and I were in Hawaii this past week, visiting her family.

Well, we've returned. As soon as I figure out how to get photos onto a Kodak.com account, I'll send y'all a link.

Hawaii is everything that everyone says it is and more. I was slightly skeptical, but it is a truly magical place. We were on Oahu (Roo's parents live just in a part of Honolulu called Manoa).

Also, I'm loving that others are trying to learn the guitar. Roo is also trying to learn! As TommyK said, it is a totally valid use of time. I just sat around playing notes that sounded good to me...never took a lesson, just watched others play and learned what I could from them. I also did my own thing for a couple years, before getting caught up in learning other people's songs. I'm glad I did that, but taking lessons is cool, too. My first and only unsolicited recommendation: buy an electric tuner and a guitar stand. I still don't have a stand yet, but I wish I did.

CincyBrownsFan aka Cleveland Sports Madman

To whom it may concern. As of today, March 1st, I have morphed from CincyBrownsFan into Cleveland Sports Madman. Just in case, any of you did not realize this trivial point, for I am a certifiable madman, as deemed by my buddies in Ctown, for the Big 3 major league sports; Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. I am also a big Reds Fan, especially Jr. Griffey fan; and heresy to most Browns fans, I root for the Cincinnati Bengals, as long as they aren't playing the Browns.

I root for the Cincinnati Reds because growing up; the Indians only had flashes of brilliance with players like Buddy Bell, Rick Manning, Dennis Eckersley and Duane Kuiper and earlier years with Gaylord Perry, Sam McDowell, Ray Fosse and many others that will go down in infamy in Indians Major League history. Bottom line, the Big Red Machine of the mid '70s caught my attention with their All Star Hall of Fame lineup; Rose, Morgan, Geronimo, Foster, Bench, Perez, Griffey Sr., Gullett, etc. This team had so many stars that Manager, Sparky Anderson was tasked to get all the talent maximized in each and every game.
Major league baseball nearly did not exist growing up in Cleveland so moving here in '85 made it easy to embrace the Reds as my baseball team to follow.

I root for the Bengals for an eclectic set of reasons. First , I respect and admire Marvin Lewis, despite his need to exercise discipline on players like Chad Johnson. Marvin brought class back to the Bengals and removed a decade of doormat performances. Secondly, those Bengals fans that badmouth Browns fans don't respect the rivalry and the rich history of the meld of both teams;i.e.Bengals commentator Dave Lapham's ignorance of asking Marvin Lewis in a pregame press interview... "Coach, if its Brown, flush it down?...Right?", to which Marvin answered the need to move on and ask an original question that was pertinent to the game. Third, without the Cleveland Browns, who legend has it was named after their first coach Paul Brown, there may not be a Cincinnati Bengals franchise.

For those that care, current owner Mike Brown is the son 0f Paul Brown. Paul Brown, perhaps the greatest coach of pro football in NFL history with his decades of excellence leading the Cleveland Browns in their infancy and perrenial success as the model of success in the 50's and 60's winning several AAFC (the old All America Football Conference)and NFL championships(now known as SuperBowl). The Cleveland Browns, in that era, were the current day Patriots, winning virtually everything. Paul Brown, was fired by Art Modell, then Cleveland owner, and Brown then was motivated to start his own pro football team here in Cincinnati. Soooo, when ignorant fans like Lapham say,"...if its Brown, flush it down" they are saying, in effect, flush Paul Brown down. Paul being the original founder of the Bengals and namesake of the Cleveland Browns is a paradox for all Ohio NFL fans to admire.

Finally, the most important reason I root for the Bengals when they aren't playing the Browns is because the woman I admire the most in this world;the lovely, intelligent and super talented neuro nurse named Mary Ellen, whom I am honored to call my wife, is a Bengals fan. For you guys reading this, that would be all the reason I would need; just a little unsolicited advice to take or leave.

I know I went into "Sweets like" detail here but these are things of which I am passionate and love. Must have been Tommy's passions were activated upon on his last blog, keep it up my freind! For if we gain nothing else out of this cyberspace place, it is just that, an opportunity to share part of ourselves via print. It is truely a modern day forum for communication. A Council of The Group. Thank you one and all for allowing to be a small part of this journey.
Keep On Bloggin',
Tom(aka Dad) Eardley

Posting Videos

Here's the sitch...when you go to create a new post, there are a series of icons above the main text box.  If you put the cursor above each icon and just let it sit there, you'll get a little pop-up box that tells you what it does.  On the right-end of the line of icons is a little eraser that removes formatting from the post (probably nothing anyone needs to worry about).  In from this is the "Add Video" button, and then the "Add Image" button.  The ABC-over-a-checkmark button is spell check, and the button with quotation marks would format something as a block quote within the post.  Moving still further left are buttons for adding bulleted or numbered lists, and then four buttons controlling justification of text.  The button to the left of these, with a little chain link above a globe, is the Link button.  To hyperlink something, simply highlight the text you want to hyperlink, then press the Link button.  A little window will come up where you can paste in a web address.  Left of this button is the Text Color button, then the italics and bold button, and finally the font size button.  And the drop-menu against the left side lets you change font.  Hope that helps!

You can also embed videos in posts--here's one of Ella

video bar

So... how are these videos appearing. I mean I know Adam put his up .... anyway who ever put up the SNL "one period a year" skit..... AWESOME. (thanks to all for holding my hand and brining me into the present tech siteeeaaation : )

blog-tastic

Sweets you are blog-tastic. (I made a new word, spread it).

Okay so anyone watch the debate last night? I saw a good 45 minutes of it.

I was pretty turned off by (and I admit I am not really a fan anyway) Hillary C-dog Clinton and her whining about being asked the tougher questions and always being asked the questions first.... and attempting to link that to the fact that she is a woman....

first off CLAIM. I mean I watched it and I absolutely saw questions being posed to Obama first and secondly - Um hello? If you want to be El Presidente you should WELCOME the tough questions, the tougher the better. To be ready DAY ONE you have to be able to face at least that much.

I am sure I have riffles aimed at me and peeps are ready to fire away.... bring it...

Sweets! (et al)

Sweets: Buck, buck, buck!

My songs were "The Sadness," Ryan Adams; "Half a Person," the Smiths; "After All," Sondre Lerche; "In the Car," Barenaked Ladies; and "That's Me Trying," William Shatner (lyrics by Nick Hornby, Ben Folds and Aimee Mann back-up vocals).

I won (the show was last night)--of course, I kind of unfairly win because I tell all of  my students (from multiple semesters) to listen (but not necessarily to vote for me).  So Round Three will probably be in the next few weeks (it's the Elite Eight, now, I think--maybe even Final Four).

As to the ph7 on the politico front, that's Kool and the Gang.  I will say that it looks like Bouncin' Billy Cunningham made an ASS out of himself today at McCain's rally in Cincy.  Nice work, Billy.   The debate starts in eight minutes (Clinton and Obama, Sweets, in case you were wondering)--be there or be much cooler than some of us on this blog will no doubt be.

Sweets in the house, oh my god, oh my god!!!

My title is not meant to be egotistical, Tamo gets it.

So a comment that I got from the venerable Mr. Christopher Pagan on Facebook prompted me today to finally accept my invitation to this "blog." My bad guys, I thought this would be more of a creative outlet for ourselves to share stuff, and having nothing to share immediately resulted in my tardiness. Many apologies. It would appear that I have some catching up to do, so I shall try.
Before I start, allow me to say once again, it's not that I don't care that you guys care about politics, I do...but I just hate this stuff. I thought a had a grasp a few months ago, but now I think I'm in over my head again, and I'm losing interest fast. So if I don't share much politically, don't forgive me, just accept it. Also as a sidenote, I will try to keep my input brief, and it will follow in reverse chronoligical order:

Tamo: I'll be at lacrosse practice tonight while your DJ competition is airing, which I presume to be 8pm EST. I'd be stoked to find out who you've been playing and what songs, and I've got a great list of music that I've been introduced to lately that I'd be thrilled to share if people would like to take a listen. I dig the Cat Power vids. My favorite band to rock to right now is Vampire Weekend. Good luck in the comp!!!

Lis: given my limited views on politics, I could say I've always liked McCain, can appreciate Obama, but have no desire whatsoever to see Hillary become president. And I will say this, I think it's scary to some extent as a man to see a woman leading this country. So in answer to Brad's question to you, I guess that's my instinct talking. If no one will admit it I will. I just think it's frighteningly unfamiliar.

Rog: my first instinct when I saw the "USS New York" was skepticism. The picture looks fake. So I did some research. State names were originally designated for submarines, but in honor of 9/11, the request for a surface ship was approved. "Oddly enough, a previous holder of the name, USS New York (BB-34), had its keel laid on September 11, 1911, exactly 90 years to the day before the WTC was attacked." Turns out, everything in that forward you got appears to be true. You can trust Wikipedia if you want to.
That being said, I guess I'm a little disheartened to find that we're in a sense commerating the death of fellow Americans as well a people from all over the world who died that day by creating a weapon of war. And I agree with you in asking what kind of message that sends. Don't we have enough steel from confiscated weapons, busted up tanks, other ships, and gas guzzling cars that we could have used? Why do we need to take a place where geniuses worked, people supported their families, carried out global relationships, and most certainly made love into a weapon of war? I understand what Papa Eardley has to say about protection, and the ability to criticize our government is a privelage we enjoy. But I cannot agree with Tamo more, "But wouldn't it be cooler if instead of another instrument of war, artists used the steel to craft a monument to the dead, a memorial that would also symbolize hope for a future different from the one we pretty much know is coming..."

Mr. T!: Obama's wife is seemingly an idiot at first glance for her comment. But I agree with Brad. She didn't sign up for this. She isn't running for Prez. Sure she's in the spotlight, and probably trying to do her best, and in her shoes, I could probably be heard saying a lot worse things. (not to be taken literally.) Brad, do you seriously have a list of stupid things potential first ladies have said?...now that's some politics I could sink my teeth into.

Rog!: good to see I'm not the only one who joined "The Blog" in the last 7 days!

Kells: you aren't the only one. Regarding Rog's last post and the subsequent comments, I felt a little overwhelmed as well. I do use facebook, myspace, and e-mail, I read books, am trying to learn how to play guitar, (by the way Brad your skills over Christmas were part of what inspired me to finally pick the damn thing up,) and sometimes the other stuff like politics just takes a back-burner, or no burner at all. So if you just wanna post stuff about your house, your life, your family, or fun stuff that you heard, said, tasted, felt, or smelled, just write about that. It's a blog so do whatchu want...I'll read it, and I'll dig it da most!

To All: the rest of the posts were about politics so I abstain. The pic of G-Dub & McCain hugging is cute. It looks like McCain is giving Bushy's undercarriage the old "how's your father?!"

I hope that catches me up. I'll post some more stuff about me and the stuff I care about soon. I heart you all dearly. X's & O's.

DUELING DJs TONIGHT, 8 PM

Hi, all--I'm in Round Two of the Dueling DJs competiton tonight on AU's radio station. Listen in at 8 PM online at http://www.wvau.org/index.html -- vote after each song round (5 rounds, one hour). I'm not saying vote for me--just vote for the best (which will probably be me :) ). Rock on!

CincyBrownsFan

I Don't Blame You

Cat Power has a new album out--check out one of her songs by clicking on the top video over there on the right.  It's awesome (and it's called "I Don't Blame You")

responding to questions posted last week

I don't know why men aren't voting for her. I can only make assumptions...not comfortable with a woman in power, buying into the media spin, her voice is annoying, didn't like Bill blah blah blah. But, the answer is i don't know.

I do think some woman are voting for her because she is a woman, i also think there are woman who aren't voting for her for the same reason-because she is a woman.

I voted for Clinton because out of the leading candidates I strongly believe she is the best fit for president.

what we're made of?

I just got this scary-as-hell email forward today.
Might this lend another answer to why "they" hate us, other than because of our "freedom?"
Here's the forward:


Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the World Trade Center!

(picture to the right -->)

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center .

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003 , 'those big rough steelworke rs treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

Please keep this going so everyone can see what we are made of in this country!

Say It Ain't So

Obama's wife said yesterday in Milwaukee "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

For the first time in her life!!?? What a great first lady she'll be. What a patriot!

So, this is what blogging is...

Shazzaam, Group Blogger-heads!! Rog here. As my cherry blog entry, this'll be my official step into the 21st century since, well, since I first jumped into the Internet rather late in the 20th century. It's fabulous to see all your beautiful 1's & 0's shining through the LCD (although, I don't know who some of you sneaky peeps are, with your witty and misleading names for your blogging avatars...)

Pennyway, since we're getting all politicized here (as well we should), he's my Curtis James Jackson III minus 48 cents for the day:

There was a typically solid Frank Rich article in yesterday's NYTimes, about the Republican Party painfully but undeniably sporting a scratchy, old, woolly, smelly, and moth-ball infested sweater as the “Grand Old White Party.” But, I’m even more fascinated by a Washington Post article Rich mentioned and linked to in his editorial. This Washington Post article is entitled “The Boomers Had Their Day. Make Way for the Millennials.”

The idea behind this article (and the authors’ recently published book) is the cyclic nature and inherent differences between idealist generations and civic generations in American history, particularly in light of the Obama phenomenon. (BTW, I heart Obama these days.) The authors speak of the post-1982 "milliential generation" being the largest and most diverse in US history (bigger than the boomers) who may well be looking to remake the country in what I think will be some kick-ass ways. If you don’t want to link to it above, here are a few quips:

"Today's millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history -- twice as large as Generation X and numbering a million more than the baby boomers... About 40 percent of millennials are of African American, Latino, Asian or racially mixed backgrounds. Twenty percent have at least one immigrant parent."

"Civic generations are committed to political involvement and believe in using and strengthening political and government institutions. In the 1930s, young members of the GI generation regularly voted in greater numbers than older generations. Similarly, millennials have led this year's surge in voter participation, especially in Democratic contests."

"...[N]ow, with another civic generation emerging, the times, as boomer troubadour Bob Dylan sang, they are a-changin'. Civic generations react against the idealist generations' efforts to use politics to advance their own moral causes and focus instead on reenergizing social, political and government institutions to solve pressing national issues. Previous civic realignments occurred in 1860, with the election of Abraham Lincoln, and in 1932, when the GI generation put Roosevelt in office. It's no coincidence that these "civic" presidents, along with George Washington, top all lists of our greatest presidents. All three led the country in resolving great crises by inspiring and guiding new generations and revitalizing and expanding the federal government."

I don't know about ya'll, but that's got me all giddy for both the present and the future. Maybe Bri and I won't have to move to Australia, Canada, or Ireland after all! Take care and much love to you lovely peoples.