Friday, February 27, 2009

As Things Change, Things Stay the Same


From the AP:



The mayor of Los Alamitos is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Local businesswoman and city volunteer Keyanus Price, who is black, said Tuesday she received the e-mail from Mayor Dean Grose's personal account on Sunday and wants a public apology.

"I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes," Price told The Associated Press. "I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor - come on."

The Orange County Register first reported the e-mail on its Web site Tuesday night.

Grose confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons.

He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board.

"Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did," Grose told the AP. "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally - or anyone - from the standpoint of the African-American race."

Grose, who became mayor in December, said he sent an apology e-mail to Price and her boss and also left her a voicemail apology.

Regardless, Price said it will be difficult for the two to work together.

"Now I am like - wow, is this really how he feels?" Price said.

Los Alamitos is a 2¼-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Worlds Collide!

Check this video lineup
There are at least 4 Oscar wins in this group:



Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Random Thoughts From the Last Week: Tues 2/17/09 to Tues 2/24/09

Other than my regular Ten Observations: 24 post on Monday, I have been a little out of pocket. Here are the some random thoughts from the last week.

1. I know I have to get my Ten Observations: Damages up. Last weeks episode was good. Uncle Pete, what a guy. By the way, I love character actors that play roles in multiple projects that are on at the same time. Tom Aldredge also appears in Taking Chance, the wonderful HBO movie.

2. If you watch Taking Chance and are not moved, you are a heartless bastard or part of the Taliban.

3. The Bulls pull of a nice trade without trading Kirk Hinrich. I hope the Bulls keep him and let Ben Gordan go.

4. I missed acknowledging the birthday of one of my favorite musicians and songwriters-Smokey Robinson turned 69 on February 19.

5. I realize I'm not into reselling. I'm in the process of cleaning out my storage space and getting rid stuff. I hate setting up garage sales, selling things on Ebay and Craig's List. I'd rather give it to Goodwill because I know these items can put people to work. And the stuff I donate is good stuff-new file cabinets, designer clothes, stainless microwave, etc. I really believe in the idea of sunk costs. For me, there is no way I'm going to get back what I pay for most items, so taking energy to try to sell things for pennies on a dollar is silly to me. I get my repayment by donating items to friends and to people who need them. That's just me.

6. The Oscars were alright. I chuckled at Hugh Jackman, Will Smith's line about action movies having things like fans and doing things like make money and Cuba Gooding Jr's "attack" on Robert Downey, Jr. I still hate musicals, most of the women look pretty good and the best speech of the night belonged to:



Actual this one was the best speech:



Dustin Lance Black, his speech should shame those opposed to gay marriage. Plus the emotion of the faces of the famous when Heath Ledger's family accepted for him was touching. The best live feed blogging was Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily. One of the best media and entertainment insider blogs. Period.

7. Obama's speech was great. I loved the line about high school and the theme of collectives responsibility for fixing America. Also the girl with the simple line in her letter " we are not quitters" really said it all. Next time, I will love blog it. Hey I was tired, I just ran 7 miles.

8. My wife's wallet got stolen out of one of her salons. All she was doing was being kind to someone that had to use the bathroom. She let this woman in while they were closed for training and she took her wallet. I learned about it because of email alerts I have place on our accounts. This bitch used over $1100 of our money and I was alerted because transactions were over $250.00. I encourage everyone to use this feature because it works. We were able to minimize the damage. It was a pain in the ass for her, though. She had to get a new driver's license, new Social Security card and all that crap. I just feel bad that people are getting that desperate. We should get all the funds back.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Ten Observations: 24


5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

1. Man, I said it last week, Dubaku needs to learn the lesson from Heat. Leave the woman. DeNiro left Amy Brennan in the car when he went back to get Waingro. He got the f*ck out. Dubaku missed that lesson in the "bad ass killer" class.

2. Marika, crashes the car? Really sister, no other way to stop the car? So of course she dies and Dubaku is injured badly. Renee is not used to this stuff so she is starting to lose it on Jack "I gave her my word, so back of or help me!" She is pulling a gun on Jack while trying to save Marika. Then Jack threatens a critically injured Dubaku saying he is going to kill his family. Dubaku takes about the list the is stuck inside his body after pulling a gun on a paramedic. Then Jack does the boldest thing I have seen him do-stick his hand in an African mans blood with no gloves. Aids, anyone? Hey, Dubaku is African...

3. Sean (Billy Walsh) macking on Erica (the blond I thought was the mole). It appears Billy sucked her into the conspiracy. Boy is she annoying. That is something 24 has a habit of doing at times, making some of the female characters shrill and annoying. It started with Kim Bauer. Then Sean does the classic double cross-this kiss and the shoot. He is a cold bastard and it almost worked. He is definitely not as slick as Nina was or Sheryl Palmer.

4. Renee might have moved into the annoying zone. I understand that this has been a hard day, but to jump on Jack about feeling pain. Who the hell is she? Jack has been hooked on heroin, his wife has been killed, his father was part of a conspiracy to bring down the government, his brother was killed, he drove Audrey Raines nuts. I think this man knows pain, lady.

5. I think Marika's sister has got a good lawsuit coming. By the way, Renee is going to have some 'splainin' to do. She still has to answer for the hospital incident.

6. This episode has just moved over to the annoying female character zone. President Taylor's daughter has got to be a pain in the ass.

7. Bill Buchanan does the big speech for Jack for the President. I came off pretty good but I'm not sure President Taylor is that impressed, yet. She needs to see Jack, staring into the sunset overlooking the Washington Mall. This ma'am, is an American hero! But wait, there's more!

8. A Ha! Tony's back cause it ain't over! I love this conversation. I know it's cheesy, but Tony is so serious and earnest.

9. The return of the dirty congressional aid. This dude Ryan looks like a weasel. The look on his face after reading his PDA is great. It was like, "Damn the White House is the one place I don't want to be!"

10. The 2 hours next week look awesome. What is it about attacking the White House? I guess since it hasn't happen since the War of 1812, the thought is so alarming that it drives people nuts. Should be great TV.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Ten Observations: 24




4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Geek Girls Smackdown has Arrived! Renee looks into a mirror and is not sure what she sees! Aaron Pierce is back! Chloe and Morris! But where the hell is Tony? A lot to see today in this hour...

1. It's personal now for President Taylor. She is pissed, "Whatever it takes, I want that son of a bitch found!" Imagine if Saddam Hussein actually shot President Bush 41? W would've nuke Iraq.

2. Dubaku should have watched Heat. Remember:



"You wanna be making moves on the street, have no attachments. Allow nothing to be in your life that you cannot walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you spot the heat around the corner."

Dubaku, my brother, the girl is not worth the risk....

3. A little technological thing about this show. Why don't any agents have better ringtones for their phones. I mean, I have different tones for different people so I would now if Jack Bauer or Larry from the FBI are on the line. Also, when did the government convert all of their superfast spy software to run on the Mac Platform? I love my MacBook Pro, but at work I have to use my Dell laptop because my media reports only work with PCs. All I'm doing is checking Nielsen and radio ad buys and I can't get stuff that is Mac friendly.

4. Renee with the reflective moment after wiping blood on her face after checking a freshly shot body. Then as she looks in the mirror, she wipes the blood off and it hits her. Larry doesn't help by recapping her greatest hits of the day-squeezing the breathing tube of a suspect and threatening to kill a child for information. I guess that could be a little tough.

5. Morris is back! I guess he is back on the wagon, driving around Prescott.

6. How great is Chloe? Tell us how you really feel Chloe. I like how she insults the way he set up the systems in the office. To get back at her, Larry the FBI guy dares to bring up people that have died around Jack-Curtis Manning (He lost it and was going to kill an important witness, I guess Bauer could have shot him in the leg or something), Ryan Chappelle (That wasn't totally his fault, Saunders made him do it and the President Palmer was up against the wall) and his wife (Nina killed her. It's Jack's fault that Nina was a traitor?)

7. As Marika argues with her sister, Jack and Renee kick in the door. I didn't expect that. Marika, the man you know is a killer and is evil as hell. How does that taste? Your sister might be jealous, but girlfriend was right. You know sending Marika to Dubaku will end badly. Jack tells Renee not to get to close and focus on Dubaku.

8. Aaron Pierce! Picking up the snarky bitch daughter of President Taylor. What the hell is her problem? That is going to be an interesting story line.

9. What is up with the paranoid, snarky and sneaky Janis? "Your a little bitch!" back at ya, Billy Walsh!

10. Speaking of Billy Walsh (I'm sorry, Sean is just a clean cut pain in the ass like Billy Walsh was in Entourage) I have to admit I didn't peg him as the mole. I thought the blond he is sleeping with was the mole and just using him. You know he is going to get Janis blamed for the fake APB as well as her breach of the secure line in the middle of the operation.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

I Love Shaq!



Has there every been a funnier NBA Big Man or player for that matter?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Let's Hear It For Derrick Rose


Derrick Rose just won the skills challenge, so the Bulls future looks brighter and brighter. Here is the some video:

Friday, February 13, 2009

A Trip to Springfield?

Not Illinois, but Massachusetts...

Michael Jeffery Jordan is the top name on the list of 16 finalists for the BasketBall Hall of Fame. The enshrinement ceremonies will be September 11-13, 2009. I just might have to go to this. Until then, feast on this:



and this:

A True Citizen of the World



Peter Gabriel opened my world when I was younger. His music and world view have influenced me deeply. The grand musician, visual visionary and one of the major consciences of the world. He introduced me to Amnesty International, Nursat Fateh Ali Khan, Youssou N'Dour, Tony Levin and a number of other great musicians. His label, Real World, is always on the vanguard of artistic and technological advancement. He still holds the torch for artistic expression and freedom with his protest about the Oscar cuts to his nominated song.

A true legend, Happy Birthday Peter Gabriel.

A video of one of his signature tunes:


Comedy/Sadness

After getting my Texas dry scalp back in shape at my wife's salon (she owns a few local ones: Avant Salon), I watched David Letterman joking around with the pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. Then I see the news about the terrible Continental Flight 3407 accident. It shows how unique the landing in the Hudson River was and the thin line between life and death. My sympathy goes out to the families of the victims of Continental Flight 3407.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

iPhone Issue

It's an interesting thing about gadgets nowadays. They do so much that
when a gadget can't do something, it comes as a shock. This is the
case with mobile posting to my blog. I wanted to send by Abe and
Charlie shout outs with the pictures attached. The iPhone doesn't let
you attach documents or pictures to emails from the phone. Once this
happens, who will need a laptop?

Abe!

Chuck!

Chuck and Abe! What a Day!

What are the chances that of key figures in the history of humankind
are born on exactly the same day?

Happy Birthday to Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Ten Observations: Damages


Episode 6: A Pretty Girl in a Leotard

1. This open is the lightest open in a while. Just Ellen and David's sister talking. Kate was living in their old apartment and is now moving in with

2. I love Marcia Gay Harden! Scotch drinking, garter-belt wearing, sexpot! And great camera work with the kiss off scene.

3. Kate is always caught in some mess. She gets mugged and sees the guy that followed her in last season. Turns out that he is cop buddy of Rick. I am beginning the remember how annoying she is...

4. Cadillac. Great product placement, this show is just a commercial for the car (as market researcher TV commercials and product placement interests me). A black man buying a Cadillac what a shock (with cash!). Then Dave gives the keys to Walter Kendrick as they both give their opinions on art. Dave is scary smooth.

5. Frobisher is back! The writers must love creating the dialogue for his show. Arthur warns Walter "My advice? When she straps one on, bend over, bite down hard and just take it." How can you not love dialogue this juicy.

6. Creepy President of Coop Board is back! Remember, he was in Patti's pocket last season. He delivers the package from David. What's in the box?

7. Ok. Kate is officially the most annoying character in the series. She is like Jack Bauer's daughter Kim. She keeps sicking her nose stuck in places it doesn't belong. She goes to the cops to file a complaint against this dude? Then bitches out Ellen for helping her? Blaming her for David's death? I wonder how long she will have to live...

8. The flash forward to Rick entering Ellen's apartment. Gun in hand, silencer on. Now is Rick the one that Ellen ends up shooting? Then who does Wes shoot? Wes and Rick are down, but what if Wes has feelings for Ellen and knows Rick wants to kill her?

9. Claire Maddox, cougar! She picks up the waiter that serves the wrong drink. She is a cold woman. "I prefer silence." "I smoke it alone"

10. I love the ticks of the psycho Darrell Hammond. What is it with the chapstick?

Bonus-11. Snap! Patti and Frobisher, together at last! He is the stock holder that is going to sue Walter. Man, this show is good. I know Patti likes to set up people and I know she does it all the time and yet I never catch it.

For more about Damages, check here.

Elegant Lady



The First Lady of the United States: Michelle Obama. This is a great picture from the new Vogue cover story on Michelle. I really like this part of the article:

Mrs. Obama herself describes it this way: "We want entertaining in the White House to feel like America, that we are reminded of all the many facets of our culture. The Latino community, the Asian-American community, the African-American community.…Hip-hop, spoken word—we want to bring the youth in, for them to hear their voices in this."

She sees the White House as a national classroom. "We want to make sure that our young people remember and understand what classical music is, who some of the great American artists are," she says, to give one example. And: "I am excited about the potential of the White House kitchen being a learning environment for the community. The current chef, Cristeta Comerford, is the only female chef in the history of the White House. She's a young Filipina woman, a mother with a young child, and I am excited to get to know her and for her to know us as a family. If you think about all the kids interested in finding out about all of the inner workings of the White House—I'm hoping that we can build a team to reach out."

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I Hope I Never Make This Hall of Fame....

This really brings back the stupidity of the infamous and also the unbelievable forgivably (yes I made up this word) of the American public. Come down the sordid history of some of our lovable cads....

Monday, February 9, 2009

Ten Observations: 24


3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

1. Whoa! What an intro! Dubaku takes the knife to the pinky of the 1st gentleman. President Taylor can only trust Jack? And Jack gets tough. "With all do respect Madam President, ask around." This show is intense, especially after the bleak news of President Obama.

2. Larry tries to talk sense some sense to Jack. Don't make Renee like you, Jack. "The rules are what make us better". "Not Today." Jack says. The intensity he commands when he orders people around is sweet. Imagine if this guy was your boss.

3. Dubaku, talking sweet on the phone to his squeeze while extorting the President of the United States. Playa!

4. This episode is all action. Jack smashing cars, killing suspects and shell shocking Renee. She realizes she can't be Jack Bauer. The look on her face as tricks Vesler's wife is great. The pain, the daze look of "What the F*ck am I doing?!". You see, not everyone can be Jack Bauer.

5. Dubaku, leaving in the middle of the mess to go an take care of his girl's noisy sister in a wheelchair? C'mon brotha, you're better than that. He gets away from capture. By the way, what does it say when he can walk through the streets of DC free and law enforcement hasn't put up any wanted posters? He is just chillin' on the train, dating chicks...

6. It's interesting that 24 features American cars. I like that. Jack stealing a new Caddy slamming it into a Ford.

7. Key to 24 plot-A likable character has to get shot and being hanging on for dear life. This season it will be 1st hubby Taylor.

8. Dubaku's crew doesn't play. Come to us with a fake Mutobo, we blow up you car. He should have had those guys at the bodega. They might have killed Bauer and Renee.

9. What the hell is Tony doing and why didn't Jack call him for help tracking Dubaku?

10. I am betting that the blond romancing Agent Billy Walsh.. oh I mean Sean Hillinger,is the mole. She is sexy, yet doesn't have purpose yet. Plus Janis Gold is on to them. I smell a confrontation between Janis and the blond.

TV Guide has great show recaps for 24 and other shows here. Stick with mine, too and maybe hip other fans my recaps.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Inside the Mind of a Musician.

Last night I saw Shawn Colvin in concert with my wife and some friends. She played a solo gig and she was wonderful. As I was listening to her, I couldn't help but think about the 40th Grammy's in 1998 when she was interrupted by 'Ol Dirty Bastard. Tonight the 51st Grammy's will be televised and it always makes me feel strange. I have been playing music since I was 7 years old. The first college I attended was Berklee College of Music. I lived was a working musician for 8 years in New York City. When I moved to Austin in 2000, I played with a number of people in this scene. I have to admit, I always thought one of the projects I was involve with (or my own stuff) would have a chance to be widely known. I realize that those ideas might have been grand illusions, but I really believe my talent and the talent of my friends. I still believe. After a 6 year hiatus from regularly with a group of musicians, today I am meeting with some guys to get it started all over again. Music and the industry has always been inside me and it is all I ever really wanted to do. I have kept diaries of past tours and recording sessions. I have backtracking tapes of a radio show I did on WBAI in New York. I have hundreds of great pictures.

The main point of this mind ramble is I want to do a complete music blog that really gets inside what it means to be a musician that had some success and still believes in his talent. I have never really read any blog about the insights of being a professional musician. The trials, the glory and the PITA (Pain in the Ass) moments. What is it like rehearsing a tune? Arranging, writing, gigging, buying equipment, recording sessions, personality traits of bass players, guitar players, vocalists? Being a black musician that loves rock music when the commercial public and even organizations (BRC) don't how to market that? The irony that major black rock artist didn't and still can't get together as one coalition? The economics in all of industries of music and entertainment that are creating major issues with content and ownership (how really this started in the early 1990's)? All of this and more. I want to make this blog a total unique experience that musicians and lay people can get into. I have been wanting to do this for years, I just have to plan how to include audio and video and date segments. Should I do this with this blog? Should I do it with another blog? A separate website? I'm not sure how to make it work, but this is what is inside of this musician.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Happy Birthday to Hammerin' Hank


Hank Aaron is perhaps the greatest living baseball player. Today he turns 75 years old. The dignity and grace this man showed playing America's pastime was remarkable. Just think about all the shit he went through as he passed Babe Ruth's home run mark and that was in my lifetime (I was born in 1971 and he broke the record on April 8, 1974). Now we have President Barack Obama.

Happy Birthday to an American hero and a standard of class.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Ten Observations: Damages Deluxe Edition



Damages get juicier and juicier. I have missed the last 2 weeks of updates so I just might go past the ten.

Episode 3: I Knew Your Pig.

1. The past comes back. Of course there was a case involving Patti and Daniel Hollis Nye was representing Daniel and her thinks Patti paid off Daniel. So this is why Hollis has been involved with the FBI. Payback!

2. Daniel is the father of Michael. The way Patti tells him is messed up. She is a piece of work. Again, William Hurt is a superb actor for how he played the reaction.

3. I like the subplot of the reporter.

4. Patti set up her own client to get at the case. She called the cops as Daniel was leaving the country. "She's cold as a tombstone" just like the Rolling Stones sang.

5. Danny boy just might be telling the truth about not killing his wife, sketchy blond dude pawns the ring. The plot thickens.

Episode 4: Hey Mr. Pib!

6. I like the opening to episode 4. The dream sequence is creepy. Even when Purcell laughs, it is a laugh that strains to be joyful.

7. The tension when Tom and Ellen look for the reporter (Josh Restin) is a nice subplot. His house is trashed, the editor of his paper is scared. Of course there is a snitch at the diner where Ellen and Tom meet with the editor. Good ole boys.
the way he sneaks up on Ellen is cool. What else does he know?

8. Ellen has a heart? She finally breaks down and does the father/son meet and great with Daniel and Michael.

9. What a role twist for Darrell Hammond. He creeps out the massage woman "Stop staring, your making her nervous." His response, "Do you have instructions for me? I respond to instructions." Robotic and creepy.

10. The twist is DEVASTATING! Daniel pulls a Patti on Patti. The pause before he speaks, he reverses himself in the deposition, he is in the car the the squeezy blond guy (who, by the way, gets shanked in the prison yard). The payoff, the dumping of the water sample..oh. I still don't think he killed his wife, but he obviously was involved.

Episode 5: I Agree, It Wasn't Funny:

11. The "previously on Damages" flashbacks rock. Frobisher, the bad cop? Those guys need to be seen again.

12. "I could always get creative.." Darrell Hammond creep out factor-10 "Do you have more instructions?"

13. Walter Kendrick, bathroom bully. The face smash into the urinal never goes well for the smashee.

14. Back to the scene of the crime, Ellen has these terrible, spacey looks. I would too if I went back to the place I almost died.

15. Ellen needs to learn to shoot. By the looks of the flash-forwards, she learns.

16. Uncle Pete, paranoid old guy. After Patti's husband gets wind of an investigation, she and Uncle Pete go into full paranoid front. Uncle Pete wants to get rid of Ellen, badly. He should, since he botched the first attempt.

17. The twist on who is following Ellen is fabulous. Wes is buddies with Rick the murdering cop. Wes has this dude follow Ellen for Rick. The way Rick is brought back to the show..."You got me cheeseburger?" as he eyes a dead body.

18. Speaking of the botched hit on Ellen. That dude Ellen stabbed SURVIVED! Now Pete has to get him out of town.

19. Patti's husband PLAYA! He looks over the paperwork with his lover. "You only got one night in London!"

20. Who is the black guy with all the power, Mr. Powell?

21. Will Ellen's smooth play work to get Patti's trust? Admitting that she was approached by the FBI, using the Fiske suicide as the excuse.

22. Darrell Hammond, the murderer!

23. Wes shoots someone. Love the music bumps he gets, speed metal. Sheriff Bullock is a nasty mutha!


Get on the Damages train.

I Love YouTube

First it's the Christian Bale remix:



Now it's Bill O'Reilly and Christian Bale together:



I love YouTube!

Favorite News Story of the Day, So Far.

I don't condone violence against women. I have had a great aunt and a co-worker killed in domestic violence situations. I have to say, this incident sounds ridiculous, from my own Austin American-Statesman:

Man accused of choking girlfriend with Wii controller

By Isadora Vail | Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 01:45 PM

An Austin man has been accused of trying to choke his girlfriend with the cord of a Wii video game controller after she became angry that he had eaten all of her Girl Scout cookies, according to an arrest affidavit.

Christina Alvarado told Austin police that she woke up her boyfriend, Daniel Alvarez, 21, Monday morning after discovering her cookies were gone, according to the affidavit.

Alvarez became upset that Alvarado woke him and began to yell at her, according to the affidavit. Alvarado told police that Alvarez got her into a choke hold that lasted several seconds before she was able to hit him in the eye to break free, according to the affidavit.

The two struggled until they ended up in the living room, where Alvarez grabbed a Wii controller, according to the affidavit. He put his knees on her chest to pin her down and strangled her with the cord of the video game controller, according to the affidavit.

Alvarado was able to free herself and call 911. Alvarez fled the home but was arrested soon after, according to the affidavit. Alvarado had a faint mark from a cord around her neck, shortness of breath, trouble speaking and was coughing when police arrived, the affidavit said.

Alvarez remained in the Travis County jail today with bail set at $40,000. He is facing second degree felony charges of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Permalink | Categories: Police

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Do you feel a little pinch in the wallet today?


On this day in 1913, Sixteenth Amendment (Amendment XVI) of the U.S. Constitution was ratified. I have never had a problem with paying taxes. I have a problem with the people budgeting and spending the taxes. Taxes should go to things that make our society a better place to live. Security, education, preservation and things like that. I never understood why people are so militant about taxes. I say if you don't want to pay taxes, get your own defense, protect your own property, school your own children, pave your own roads and insure your own stupid house built in a flood plain. I have a problem with the tax system, but not the idea of taxes themselves. I also have a problem with the wealthy or powerful who feel they don't have to pay taxes (Leona Helmsly, Tom Daschle, Nancy Killefer). No matter what side you are on this report by Nina Olson, the national taxpayer advocate at the IRS, should be seen a cry for help for all of us, the U.S. taxpayers.

What Did You Do at 22?



50 years ago today,this man was killed in tragic plane crash with The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.
The thing that is interesting to me about Buddy Holly is how focused he was at 22. The got married and moved to New York to concentrate on his songwriting. Plus, he played the Apollo Theater when white people didn't play the Apollo Theater. How influential was Buddy Holly? This is from his wikipedia page:

"Contrary to popular belief, teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney did not attend a Holly concert, although they watched his TV appearance on "Sunday Night at the London Palladium"; Tony Bramwell, a school friend of McCartney and George Harrison, did. Keith Richards attended one of the gigs, where he heard "Not Fade Away" for the first time. Bramwell met Holly, and freely shared his records with all three. Lennon and McCartney later cited Holly as a primary influence. (Their band's name, The Beatles, was chosen partly in homage to Holly's Crickets.) The Beatles did a cover version of "Words of Love" that was a close reproduction of Holly's version. McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalogue.

A young Bob Dylan attended the 31 January 1959 show, two nights before Holly's death. Dylan referred to this in his 1998 Grammy acceptance speech for his 1997 Time out of Mind winning Album of the Year:

And I just want to say that when I was sixteen or seventeen years old, I went to see Buddy Holly play at Duluth National Guard Armory and I was three feet away from him...and he LOOKED at me. And I just have some sort of feeling that he was — I don't know how or why — but I know he was with us all the time we were making this record in some kind of way."

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ten Observations: 24


Another Monday, another episode of the awesomely audacious 24.

1. I like how the wife of Prime Minister Matobo already buys into the power of Jack Bauer, "Don't worry, Jack will be here soon." Jack has that effect on people He builds trust in you by trying to kill you first. If you survive that, then you and Jack are peeps!

2. I can't see anyone ever calling Janeane Garofolo "honey". I liked it because it simmered under her skin and he told her to "lighten up." I sometimes think she needs to do that in real life. Her appearance on this show helps with that.

3. Dubaku is a wuss. He freaks at the first sign of Bauer and the team. He bails on his plan to melt the chemical plant and drops the CIP device like a bad habit. Wassup with that? You got to represent better than that brotha!

4. The return of the death of the likable innocent people. Michael the programmer has to get himself blown up to protect his family and the plant manager who laughed in the the plant crisis dies.

5. The first gentleman? Imagine calling Bill Clinton that.

6. It's official Dubaku had the The Taylor's kid wacked.

7. I love Dubaku as the fugitive, chillin' on the train, order the husband of the president kidnapped. Where was this dude when Bauer was raining bullets on his ass?

8. Jack bucking for government intervention. This is a great subtle twist. His whole career was trying to give the finger to government, now this ragtag crew needs government, kinda like free-market capitalists.

9. Tony Almeida is always shifty. I like the way you can't ever really tell what is on his mind. He really is a wounded. I wonder how long he will keep his word to turn himself in.

10. Dubaku the Mack! The range of motions the characters have on 24 are cool. This actor has a great face-Hakeem Kae-Kazim He smiles easily at his hot girlfriend while she is at the door. Sinister one minute, sultry and sexy the next. I wonder how he is going to break her heart....

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Liveblog Experiment: SuperBowl XLIII

I have read a bunch of liveblogs for events so now I'm going do one myself for the SuperBowl. Since I'm in Austin, all times are Central.

5:15 PM-The awarding of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Kurt Warner wins it.
Walter Payton is my sports hero, before Jordan ruled Chicago, the town
belonged to Walter Payton. I have a soft spot for Kurt Warner, since we are
the same age and his story of perseverance gives me hope that my creative
career (music and writing) will take off and gain some acceptance.

5:18 PM-The crew who landed the jet in the Hudson. Very cool.

5:19 PM-How has Jennifer Hudson not have won a Grammy? She won an Oscar. She is the
only American Idol that I know and it appears the only one with real talent.
It is a shame what happened to her family. She is singing the anthem well, but
the arrangement makes it sound like a Dream Girls tune. She kinda oversings
the last note, plus she doesn't resolve the melody. She holds the 5th and
doesn't go to the tonic.

5:23 PM-First round of commercials. Avon. Really, as an answer to the economy? Please.
and the first car I ever bought was a Hyundai. It was ok. Now lok at them.
eat that Ford, Chevy and Chrysler.

5:26 PM- Coin toss. I guess Iraq is going well enough for Petraeus to be here for coin
toss. Arizona wins.

5:32 PM-Kick Off.

5:38 PM-Wisenhunt have the stones to challenge the Roethlisberger touchdown and wins.
His knee was down. I like this for the Cardinals.

5:44 PM-The Pepsi commercial just reminds me how much talent has been downgraded in
the 45 years. Bob Dylan to wil.i.am? I don't think so. Plus Jack Black next to
John Belushi. Man have we gone downhill.

5:51 PM-I like Conan O'Brian Bud Light commercial. He is funny.

5:53 PM-3 and out for the Cardinals. Why did they run on 2nd and 20? That was odd.

5:57 PM Roethlisbeger just made a ridiculous scramble to get a 1st down from a 3rd and
10.

5:59 PM I'm just going to call Ben, Ben because his name is too long to type and if he
is going to play like this, I will be typing it a lot.

6:01 PM Another Fast and the Furious? I didn't know the world needed another one with
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. Not exactly Deniro and Pacino in Heat.

6:05 PM What is it the stupid Doritios commercials? I think the physical comedy is
kinda stupid and vulgar in these commercials and Danica Patrick and Go DAddy.
She started with cool girl power commercials and now she is letting nerds
oogle here in the shower.

6:08 PM Pittsburgh scores- 10-0.

6:12 PM I hate the horse commercials. I guess I'm Un-American.

6:20 PM The Arizona is landing some body blows with Edge James, then comes the right
cross-The 45 yard pass play to Boldin.

6:21 PM Touchdown-Warner Pass to Ben Patrick? I wonder who bet on that. Steelers 10
Cardinals 7.

6:34 PM Love the baby commercials with E-Trade. The brotha baby singing "Broken Wings"
is awesome.

6:41 PM The first turnover, Ben's pass is deflected and Dansby of the Cardinals picks
it out of the air.

6:43 PM Al Michaels with the smart joke about pirates since Bob Costas and the gang
are in the pirate ship at Raymond James stadium. " I hope none of them are
from Somalia."

6:47 PM Larry Fiztgerald sighting-11 yard reception.

6:48 PM This game is going pretty quickly. It is almost halftime already.

6:51 PM Kurt Warner picked off by James Harrison, he runs it back 100 yards, scores
and is winded on the ground. The longest play in SuperBowl history. Under
review now.

6:55 PM Ruling on the field stands. Steels 17, Cardinals 7.

7:00 PM I didn't have 3d glasses. I'm not sure it would not made a difference with
that Sobe commercial.

7:06 PM Bruce Springsteen hams it up the intro of his show. "I want you to put down
that Guacamole Dip. I want you to put down those chicken fingers." Classic.
The luckiest man in the world-Clarence Clemens. Does he do anything except
play a few tenor runs and hit a cowbell?

7:11 PM This when you look at the stage, no set lists, no teleprompters. The way all
bands should do it. You either know it or you fake it. Just perform.

7:15 PM When you need some heavy message song to be heavy, go with the gospel choir.

7:16 PM Changes the lyrics to Glory Days to "I knew a Football Player.." very clever.

7:17 PM "It's Boss Time!" I love the fact the Bruce is having fun and wants everyone
else to have fun. I love the ref with the flag.

7:22 PM The NBC commercials for they shows suck and are not funny. No wonder they are
in 4th place.

7:36 PM Love the Denny's Mob Commercial.

7:40 PM What's up with the field? Willie Parker and Edge James have been slipping all
night.

7:47 PM 1st bullshit call of the game. Roughing the passer on Dansby. He barely hit
him Big Ben.

7:53 PM The dumbest penalty in SuperBowl history. A personal foul on a field goal try?
are you kidding me? Half the distance to the goal, 1st down.

7:57 PM Now maybe the dumbest coaching series in SuperBowl History. Still can't punch
in the touchdown. 3rd and goal a quarterback sneak? Steelers 20, Cardinals 7.

7:58 PM Love the CareerBuilder commercial. "Hey dummy" When your co-workers don't
repect you....

8:04 PM 4th Quarter. Will Kurt Warner become legendary? I still think the Arizona
defense has a big play in them.

8:08 PM Penalties are KILLING the Cardinals. This holding call brings back a nice pass
play. 91 yards in penalties so far for the Cardinals.

8:10 PM 96 yards in penalties. New SuperBowl record.

8:16 PM 1st sack on Big Ben. For all the mistakes the defense is making, they are
actually playing an ok game. If Warner can get the offense going, watch out.

8:19 PM Cash4gold-GREAT commercial. "Hereeeee's Money"

8:22 PM Warner and Fitzgerald are warming up. Warner is 6 for 6 on this drive.

8:24 PM The commercial bumps are cool. The SuperBowl rings are swanky.

8:25 PM Larry Fitzgerald is a man amongst boys. What a touchdown catch. 3:57 on that
drive so there is time left if the Arizona defense can hold Pittsburgh.
Steelers 20, Cardinals 14.

8:31 PM Big Sack! and the Steelers are 3 and out.

8:32 PM I'm not sure about the McGrubber commercial. It made me chuckle, if just for
the mullets.

8:36 PM James Harrison, loses his mind after running 100 yards with the 2nd dumbest
penalty in SuperBowl history. Punching a guy when he is down and backing up
the offense to the endzone

8:45 PM The 3rd dumbest penalty of the game, holding in the endzone, so it's a safety.
Steelers 20, Cardinals 16.

8:49 PM YOU KNEW THIS WAS COMING! Kurt Warner hits Fitzgerald in stride TOUCHDOWN!
Steelers 20, Cardinals 23.

9:00 PM Big Ben WHAT A PASS TO HOLMES! WHAT A CATCH! This is under review, but it's a
touchdown.

9:02 PM Steelers 27, Cardinals 23.

9:05 PM Is Kurt Warner the man? Can he do it in 29 seconds? Ohhhh this is a good game.

9:09 PM Nope. The Pittsburgh Steelers wins SuperBowl number 6 for the franchise. Mike
Tomlin is the youngest SuperBowl winning coach and the second black coach to
win. Great Game.

9:23 PM Joe Willie Namaith walks out with the Lombardi Trophy and he didn't kiss it.

9:26 PM Dan Rooney, giving a shout out to President Obama. Love it. Hey the Rooney
rule was named after the family to give black NFL coaches a chance to
interview for head coaching vacancies in the NFL. Santonio Holmes is the MVP.

As far as the commercials, go here to view them all.

Followers