Because I know you are all going rush out to see Vin Diesel's new movie when it comes out on April 3, I want to take some time to clear up a little confusion that no doubt has been troubling you.
There have been four movies now in the series. The first one was "The Fast and The Furious," followed by the sequel "2 Fast 2 Furious," the threequel, "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift," and now the latest and probably greatest: "Fast & Furious." Notice how they have cleverly dropped the "The" from the title, and adding an ampersand- making it a completely different title than the first movie!! Now that's some serious ingenuity, people. Bravo.
Now, I myself will not be attending- not only do I have plans on said release date, but I also have not seen the prior three films, and therefore would surely find myself lost and confused. Plus I'll have another chance when the fifth one comes out: "Fasturious!" It's gonna be huge.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What global financial meltdown?
Even in these trying financial times, there's always gotta be one guy who's got way more money than he knows what to do with.
This guy. He's Charles Simonyi, a Hungarian-born software developer, the so called "space tourist," who today blasted off in a Russian rocket for his second- that's right second- trip to the International Space Station. The going rate for which is $35 million dollars. I don't know about you, but I would love to wipe the smug look of his face.
From the article in the NY Times:
Help calibrate space radiation sensors my butt. The latter two seem more like it... "Hey, look at me! I'm filthy rich and rather than use my money to fund humanitarian efforts in these troubled times on earth, I'M GOING TO SPACE!!" Now far be it from me to tell a guy how spend his money, and I am sure this will only boost his chances with the ladies (Hey baby, wanna see my space suit?)- but it seems to me a little insensitive to be dropping 35 mill on something that should probably be a once in a lifetime experience. Once, Charles. Hell, it irks me and I have a job. What must some jobless factory worker think about this? ( Find one and ask them, I am sure they are not happy...)
Okay, bitter rant over. Sweet galactic dreams, Mr. Simonyi, on your pillow no doubt made of soft, laundered currency. Okay seriously, the bitterness is over...
This guy. He's Charles Simonyi, a Hungarian-born software developer, the so called "space tourist," who today blasted off in a Russian rocket for his second- that's right second- trip to the International Space Station. The going rate for which is $35 million dollars. I don't know about you, but I would love to wipe the smug look of his face.
From the article in the NY Times:
In a telephone interview... Mr. Simonyi said he plans to help Russian engineers calibrate space radiation sensors, chat with school kids via ham radio and discuss his experiences with Internet readers.
Help calibrate space radiation sensors my butt. The latter two seem more like it... "Hey, look at me! I'm filthy rich and rather than use my money to fund humanitarian efforts in these troubled times on earth, I'M GOING TO SPACE!!" Now far be it from me to tell a guy how spend his money, and I am sure this will only boost his chances with the ladies (Hey baby, wanna see my space suit?)- but it seems to me a little insensitive to be dropping 35 mill on something that should probably be a once in a lifetime experience. Once, Charles. Hell, it irks me and I have a job. What must some jobless factory worker think about this? ( Find one and ask them, I am sure they are not happy...)
Okay, bitter rant over. Sweet galactic dreams, Mr. Simonyi, on your pillow no doubt made of soft, laundered currency. Okay seriously, the bitterness is over...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Peeves, pets...
Let me start by saying: I don't like washing my hands with cold water. It doesn't feel like they are getting clean, and the soap seems to take longer to wash off. Do I do it? Yes of course, as public restrooms don't always give you the option: no matter what the handles on the faucet are labeled; or do you really want to spend the extra time in a public bathroom to wait for the water to get warm? So yes, I do wash my hands with cold water when I have to- but I don't have to like it... not even a little.
While on the subject of public bathrooms: Give me paper towels. I know, know, hand blowers are better for the environment, blah blah blah... Hey I'm all for reducing my carbon footprint, but I'm also for walking out of the bathroom with dry hands... or without water up inside my sleeves, where it invariably ends up getting blown to. Paper towels, I'm in control of- I know where the water's going: on the towel. And let's not get me started on the whole automatic faucets and blowers... I've already gone there on this blog awhile ago.
Back to water temperature: I don't like brushing my teeth with warm water. If the water comes out of the faucet, still warm from the last use, and it gets on my toothbrush- I will start over. Water and toothpaste conservationists be damned.
Now a here's "pet" peeve. This goes beyond the normal New Yorker complaint of "Why can't they clean up after their dog??" Although I am behind that one too. This is another issue I have with many dog owners, and a word of advice: Be giving when it comes to your dog. There are those of us out there, my wife and I included- in a big way- who wish to have have a dog of their own- but cannot for now, due to lifestyle and other financial restrictions. So when we stop to pet your dog on the street, and ask its name or how old or what breed- don't act like I've committed a federal offense, or walk away like you don't speak human, dragging your pal behind. Humor us. Hey I know, I'm sure it's the fourth time you've walked your dog today, and you've really got to get to that spinning class at the gym- but share in the joy that your dog is obviously bringing us. I'm not saying we want you to put on a show or display for us all of his or her tricks- just be civil. Embrace the joy, not the annoy.
A list of pet peeves could go on for ever, but that's all for today. So after the peeves, I leave you with some pets:
Our little angels, Mick & Bean.
While on the subject of public bathrooms: Give me paper towels. I know, know, hand blowers are better for the environment, blah blah blah... Hey I'm all for reducing my carbon footprint, but I'm also for walking out of the bathroom with dry hands... or without water up inside my sleeves, where it invariably ends up getting blown to. Paper towels, I'm in control of- I know where the water's going: on the towel. And let's not get me started on the whole automatic faucets and blowers... I've already gone there on this blog awhile ago.
Back to water temperature: I don't like brushing my teeth with warm water. If the water comes out of the faucet, still warm from the last use, and it gets on my toothbrush- I will start over. Water and toothpaste conservationists be damned.
Now a here's "pet" peeve. This goes beyond the normal New Yorker complaint of "Why can't they clean up after their dog??" Although I am behind that one too. This is another issue I have with many dog owners, and a word of advice: Be giving when it comes to your dog. There are those of us out there, my wife and I included- in a big way- who wish to have have a dog of their own- but cannot for now, due to lifestyle and other financial restrictions. So when we stop to pet your dog on the street, and ask its name or how old or what breed- don't act like I've committed a federal offense, or walk away like you don't speak human, dragging your pal behind. Humor us. Hey I know, I'm sure it's the fourth time you've walked your dog today, and you've really got to get to that spinning class at the gym- but share in the joy that your dog is obviously bringing us. I'm not saying we want you to put on a show or display for us all of his or her tricks- just be civil. Embrace the joy, not the annoy.
A list of pet peeves could go on for ever, but that's all for today. So after the peeves, I leave you with some pets:
Our little angels, Mick & Bean.Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Madoff's Punishment: Fair Market Value?
For those who haven't been living in a cave- or for those that do that have their cave wired for internet or TV- we all know that last week beloved Bernie Madoff pleaded (or is it pled) guilty to crimes beyond most of our collective comprehension. For these crimes Madoff may face up to 150 years in prison. Now I don't want to downplay just how serious these crimes were- many peoples' lives were greatly affected. But what does it say about our justice system when this guy faces 150 years for causing financial woes, while drug dealers, rapists and murderers can get 5-25 with time off for good behavior? Hmmm...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling sorry for the guy- it's not like it would be hard time. So he gets sent away- let's face it- to probably some white-collar criminal minimum security prison/ country club for the rest of his life. Not so bad. But it's the math that just doesn't add up for me. Murders get a shot at redeeming them themselves in 25 years, but Bernie needs to stay off the streets forever, a true danger to society!
A better punishment for this guy would be stripping him of all his money, and forcing the guy to work the french fry-vat at Mickie D's, or some other minimum wage gig. It's not like the guy's got the street-cred to be able to open another financial firm, nor does he probably have any friends who would give him a shot to work at theirs. He has done more damage to himself already than any amount of time in jail could do. I would like to see him need to scrounge to make a living, not be given a cushy life behind "bars."
I think I may have contradicted my argument somewhere in there, but so be it- I'm over it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling sorry for the guy- it's not like it would be hard time. So he gets sent away- let's face it- to probably some white-collar criminal minimum security prison/ country club for the rest of his life. Not so bad. But it's the math that just doesn't add up for me. Murders get a shot at redeeming them themselves in 25 years, but Bernie needs to stay off the streets forever, a true danger to society!
A better punishment for this guy would be stripping him of all his money, and forcing the guy to work the french fry-vat at Mickie D's, or some other minimum wage gig. It's not like the guy's got the street-cred to be able to open another financial firm, nor does he probably have any friends who would give him a shot to work at theirs. He has done more damage to himself already than any amount of time in jail could do. I would like to see him need to scrounge to make a living, not be given a cushy life behind "bars."
I think I may have contradicted my argument somewhere in there, but so be it- I'm over it.
Monday, March 16, 2009
TP, or not TP? That's NOT the question...
I've come to realize that there are two types of people in this world. Those who put the toilet paper on the holder so the paper comes out from the top, and those who put it on so that it comes out from the bottom. Even though there are many preaching unity in the country right now, I think it's time we all took a good look in the mirror and decide just which side we're on.
I am and always been a "From The Top," or FTT guy, and always will be. I guess it's just that I was raised that way, and it's how I've done it as I have come of age and into control of my own toilet paper holders throughout life. But it is more than just an ingrained course of action- it is a choice. Studies have shown* there is far less chance of the paper getting caught behind the roll as you pull it, making it a far more agreeable situation for you after you have done your proverbial business (*there are actually no such studies, it's more of a really good gut feeling). Plus, I like seeing the paper I'm about to use- spotting any defects and/ or abnormalities- and us FTTers get that opportunity with our method. The "From The Bottom" contingent's view of the paper is often compromised due to the bulk of the roll and/or sub-standard lighting coming up from the bathroom floor.
I don't wish to change you, just to educate you. If I come to your house and find that you are an FTB, I will not judge you- and I will not passive aggressively change the orientation of your paper. I am an accepting person, and would never assume I can walk into others' commodes and lay down the law (although I have "laid down the law" in many bathrooms- but in a different manner of speaking).
Decide, people. Don't tell me, "Oh, I just don't pay attention to how I do it..." Because you're not only lying to yourself, you are lying to bald eagles and apple pie too. And that's a shame. Just be who you are, and, to use toilet paper and singer-songwriter Steve Winwood as an example: Just roll with it, baby.
I am and always been a "From The Top," or FTT guy, and always will be. I guess it's just that I was raised that way, and it's how I've done it as I have come of age and into control of my own toilet paper holders throughout life. But it is more than just an ingrained course of action- it is a choice. Studies have shown* there is far less chance of the paper getting caught behind the roll as you pull it, making it a far more agreeable situation for you after you have done your proverbial business (*there are actually no such studies, it's more of a really good gut feeling). Plus, I like seeing the paper I'm about to use- spotting any defects and/ or abnormalities- and us FTTers get that opportunity with our method. The "From The Bottom" contingent's view of the paper is often compromised due to the bulk of the roll and/or sub-standard lighting coming up from the bathroom floor.
I don't wish to change you, just to educate you. If I come to your house and find that you are an FTB, I will not judge you- and I will not passive aggressively change the orientation of your paper. I am an accepting person, and would never assume I can walk into others' commodes and lay down the law (although I have "laid down the law" in many bathrooms- but in a different manner of speaking).
Decide, people. Don't tell me, "Oh, I just don't pay attention to how I do it..." Because you're not only lying to yourself, you are lying to bald eagles and apple pie too. And that's a shame. Just be who you are, and, to use toilet paper and singer-songwriter Steve Winwood as an example: Just roll with it, baby.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mama, don't let your babies... into a movie theatre!
Went to see "Coraline" last night- the new Tim Burton-esque animated feature- in 3D no less. Being as it was animated, there were quite a few children in the audience- although for a movie that was pretty slow moving, the kids in the theatre were for the most part very well behaved.
Halfway through the movie though, a small baby could be heard crying. To which the kid sitting next to me, who had been audibly enjoying the movie and its 3D effects, replies, "Who brings a baby to the movies?" Which made me chuckle a little. And it begs the question: If a nine or ten year old kid knows full well that it's foolish to bring a baby to a movie theatre, how does an grown adult not know this? At least this was a movie geared toward kids, but still.
Rule of thumb: If the kid can't walk into the theatre on his or her own, then they don't belong in the movie theatre. I know this. The ten year old kid next me knows this. I gotta think on some level, even the crying baby knows this. I'm too young to be here, it's dark and loud and smells like butter, waaaaaaah!!
I'm just saying. Come on, people.
Halfway through the movie though, a small baby could be heard crying. To which the kid sitting next to me, who had been audibly enjoying the movie and its 3D effects, replies, "Who brings a baby to the movies?" Which made me chuckle a little. And it begs the question: If a nine or ten year old kid knows full well that it's foolish to bring a baby to a movie theatre, how does an grown adult not know this? At least this was a movie geared toward kids, but still.
Rule of thumb: If the kid can't walk into the theatre on his or her own, then they don't belong in the movie theatre. I know this. The ten year old kid next me knows this. I gotta think on some level, even the crying baby knows this. I'm too young to be here, it's dark and loud and smells like butter, waaaaaaah!!
I'm just saying. Come on, people.
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