Saw the Elmwood "White Lady" twice yesterday and once today on my way to work. Pretty sure I saw the "Buffalo Shall be Judged" Holy Roller outside the Allentown Trading Company this morning on the way to work.
Kinda wished I had my camera with me. I just drove in via Washington St and as you got closer downtown. You could see a veil of frost on the top of the HSBC arena that faces the lake. It would have made for an interesting pic. Alas.
Beatiful thing about (e:strip) -- getting turned on to something new. Stumbled across (e:joshua) 's myspace page and became a fan of Warren Haynes' acoustic work. Went on a mini itunes shopping spree to collect the awesomeness of it all. Knew the great electric stuff, but my ipod is happy to have a bunch of new tunes.
off to work, great day, peeps
Mrmike's Journal
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04/11/2007 08:54 #38850
A Sure Sign of SpringCategory: weather
04/10/2007 20:47 #38842
"I fathered Anna Nicole's Baby!!"Category: rant, sorta
Having stumbled through journalism school and almost home on the Masters, and generally being a bit of a media junkie, I've had a lot of food for thought lately.
Last week's reporting of who raised the most money campaigning for president made me wonder if all the national media outlets (aside from the Onion and Utne Reader) have gone around the bend. The thing that ultimately pisses me off a little is that such reporting basically annoints candidates as viable and to a degree influences voter choices. And before I incur (e:Joshua)'s wrath for picking on Fox again, it struck me that MSNBC (home of the newly color blind Don Imus) was worst at this. They were continually harping on how much the money tally means for Obama versus how much it means for Clinton. Should other candidates reorganize? etc. Since the republican tallies weren't quite as high, MSNBC didn't spend a whole lot on those candidates. Mitt Romney raised the most (the hell kind of name is Mitt?) and they ignored him preferring to overanalyze on Guiliani & McCain. If I haven't bored you to tears yet, you might wonder what difference this makes. All it means is that they can all afford to keep campaigning (shocker there) long before we wanted them to. It's funny because of none of this has anything to do with what any of these people would do as president. It's literally reporting because there is nothing else to say, but continued reporting like that could prop up somebody not worth propping up (cough, John Edwards) or deflate somebody unnecessarily (carping on McCain for being weak as a fundraiser hardly seemed important
(e:jenks) mentioned her love of TIVO. I hold mine in similar high regard. Mine offered up Bill Maher's last show on HBO. Maher was asking about the candidates in talking with Chris Rock. Rock's initial answer was he wished "Gore would get in it soon. He's more qualified than all the others out there." Not sure, I agree, but an interesting take nonetheless.
Don't remember a presidential campaign getting this ramped up so soon. When I was in school the first time, I made a good buck working for all the news organizations who couldn't be bothered to come near St. Bonaventure and the surrounding area. They all hired the week before. If we are voting in February, it would be cool if they (the candidates, the news organizations, etc) would cool it till the fall at least. We're not going to find anything out in the interim.
Argh
Last week's reporting of who raised the most money campaigning for president made me wonder if all the national media outlets (aside from the Onion and Utne Reader) have gone around the bend. The thing that ultimately pisses me off a little is that such reporting basically annoints candidates as viable and to a degree influences voter choices. And before I incur (e:Joshua)'s wrath for picking on Fox again, it struck me that MSNBC (home of the newly color blind Don Imus) was worst at this. They were continually harping on how much the money tally means for Obama versus how much it means for Clinton. Should other candidates reorganize? etc. Since the republican tallies weren't quite as high, MSNBC didn't spend a whole lot on those candidates. Mitt Romney raised the most (the hell kind of name is Mitt?) and they ignored him preferring to overanalyze on Guiliani & McCain. If I haven't bored you to tears yet, you might wonder what difference this makes. All it means is that they can all afford to keep campaigning (shocker there) long before we wanted them to. It's funny because of none of this has anything to do with what any of these people would do as president. It's literally reporting because there is nothing else to say, but continued reporting like that could prop up somebody not worth propping up (cough, John Edwards) or deflate somebody unnecessarily (carping on McCain for being weak as a fundraiser hardly seemed important
(e:jenks) mentioned her love of TIVO. I hold mine in similar high regard. Mine offered up Bill Maher's last show on HBO. Maher was asking about the candidates in talking with Chris Rock. Rock's initial answer was he wished "Gore would get in it soon. He's more qualified than all the others out there." Not sure, I agree, but an interesting take nonetheless.
Don't remember a presidential campaign getting this ramped up so soon. When I was in school the first time, I made a good buck working for all the news organizations who couldn't be bothered to come near St. Bonaventure and the surrounding area. They all hired the week before. If we are voting in February, it would be cool if they (the candidates, the news organizations, etc) would cool it till the fall at least. We're not going to find anything out in the interim.
Argh
carolinian - 04/11/07 20:37
I personally believe that Americans secretly desire street smart politicians more than honest ones. We're like the cheerleader who says she wants the most sweetest and faithful guy in 50'sville when really she lusts after the badboy leader the pack. When we talk about kind of president we want, we describe Jimmy Carter, probably the most honest and decent man we've ever had in the Oval Office. But who do we most fondly remember for getting things done? Ronald Regan, JFK, FDR, Nixon, etc. Guys who had in their closet more skeletons than the catacombs of paris and who knew how to make deals with powerful and obsenely rich people.
Any joe sixpack can be honest, but a good politician the people really want will lie, cheat, beg, borrow, and steal on behalf of their constituents to get them what they want. And the person who is best at that kind of wheeling and dealing is the person who can raise the most money.
I'm not saying it's right. I'm just saying that might just be how our messed up world really works (according to my crackpot theories of political science, at least).
I personally believe that Americans secretly desire street smart politicians more than honest ones. We're like the cheerleader who says she wants the most sweetest and faithful guy in 50'sville when really she lusts after the badboy leader the pack. When we talk about kind of president we want, we describe Jimmy Carter, probably the most honest and decent man we've ever had in the Oval Office. But who do we most fondly remember for getting things done? Ronald Regan, JFK, FDR, Nixon, etc. Guys who had in their closet more skeletons than the catacombs of paris and who knew how to make deals with powerful and obsenely rich people.
Any joe sixpack can be honest, but a good politician the people really want will lie, cheat, beg, borrow, and steal on behalf of their constituents to get them what they want. And the person who is best at that kind of wheeling and dealing is the person who can raise the most money.
I'm not saying it's right. I'm just saying that might just be how our messed up world really works (according to my crackpot theories of political science, at least).
metalpeter - 04/11/07 18:57
First of all often times the news doesn't go into good enough detail. But Here mike I have to completely disagree with you. How much candidate has raised is very important. But the part that makes the news story good is to list each candidate and how much money they have from each source and do it mabye once a week. This will tell what they will do if elected, or at least who they owe favor to. In this country the presidentcy is bought. The people vote for representives who then pick the candidate and they get points the one with the most points wins. But to get to that spot they have to supported with lots of cash. Once they get in then they owe the people who got them elected favors. It is really a scam often. Granted the new elect doesn't have to follow the ideas of the people who paid for there travel and ads, but most of the time they do.
First of all often times the news doesn't go into good enough detail. But Here mike I have to completely disagree with you. How much candidate has raised is very important. But the part that makes the news story good is to list each candidate and how much money they have from each source and do it mabye once a week. This will tell what they will do if elected, or at least who they owe favor to. In this country the presidentcy is bought. The people vote for representives who then pick the candidate and they get points the one with the most points wins. But to get to that spot they have to supported with lots of cash. Once they get in then they owe the people who got them elected favors. It is really a scam often. Granted the new elect doesn't have to follow the ideas of the people who paid for there travel and ads, but most of the time they do.
brit - 04/10/07 23:41
well it's statistically significant at national, state and district level in about seven hundred PSC papers I had the misfortune to read but whether or not the guys on TV know that is a whole other debate
well it's statistically significant at national, state and district level in about seven hundred PSC papers I had the misfortune to read but whether or not the guys on TV know that is a whole other debate
mrmike - 04/10/07 22:10
I think it's kind inferred indicator as opposed to empirical, which is what gets my hackles up. Feed a statistic to O'Reilly on Fox or Scarborough on MSNBC and they annoint winners and losers based on the one stat. Any wonder the non-news programming with the "stars" on those networks or Glen Beck on Headline News flirts with unwatchable much of the time.
I think it's kind inferred indicator as opposed to empirical, which is what gets my hackles up. Feed a statistic to O'Reilly on Fox or Scarborough on MSNBC and they annoint winners and losers based on the one stat. Any wonder the non-news programming with the "stars" on those networks or Glen Beck on Headline News flirts with unwatchable much of the time.
brit - 04/10/07 22:04
The news networks get excited about this issue because it is an empirically supported indicator of performance in the campaign itself. The normative debate is valid...I.E why do we care at this stage but.... but from a 'news' point of view that is why they do it.... I guess it's hard to fill 24/7 hours of programming so they may have stepped up the gears on this issue
The news networks get excited about this issue because it is an empirically supported indicator of performance in the campaign itself. The normative debate is valid...I.E why do we care at this stage but.... but from a 'news' point of view that is why they do it.... I guess it's hard to fill 24/7 hours of programming so they may have stepped up the gears on this issue
james - 04/10/07 21:03
I am inclined to agree. Somehow people managed to keep up with the goings on of the world without internet news services and 24 hour news channels. The media has to create stories where there might not be one.
But the money issue is a very slightly almost interesting one. Mitt Romney was considered for a long while as a second tier candidate. But he out raised no money McCain (who would have been the de facto candidate two years ago) and Guiliani who didn't so much raise money as empty his piggy bank into the tax shelter known as campaign contribution.
Do we learn anything about them as candidates? No, not really. But people who care about such things can infer how the candidates party feels about them. So, what did we learn. Republicans don't care much about their candidates, and Democrats dig a few of theirs. Wow, a revelation that can turn our hair white like Moses.
But thank god for Tivo to ensure we always have plenty to watch other than the crappy ass news channels.
I am inclined to agree. Somehow people managed to keep up with the goings on of the world without internet news services and 24 hour news channels. The media has to create stories where there might not be one.
But the money issue is a very slightly almost interesting one. Mitt Romney was considered for a long while as a second tier candidate. But he out raised no money McCain (who would have been the de facto candidate two years ago) and Guiliani who didn't so much raise money as empty his piggy bank into the tax shelter known as campaign contribution.
Do we learn anything about them as candidates? No, not really. But people who care about such things can infer how the candidates party feels about them. So, what did we learn. Republicans don't care much about their candidates, and Democrats dig a few of theirs. Wow, a revelation that can turn our hair white like Moses.
But thank god for Tivo to ensure we always have plenty to watch other than the crappy ass news channels.
04/08/2007 10:14 #38802
What me, biopsy??Category: health and stuff
Had one this week, a biopsy that is. It turns out to be no big deal, but such a little word can send your imagination out for an impressive walk. My dad-in-law is in week two of chemo at Roswell so I didn't want to say boo to anybody about until I knew I had a much a due about nothing situation. The mental anguish made for a stressful week until horsing around with number one son reminded me made me want to cry like a little girl. He managed to smack right where at the fun happened (in the chest, ya pervs). Had my attention right from there on out.
So, it's all good.
Wore a nice suit to a memorial service and three women came up to me to chat who ordinarily given me the time of day. (e:imk) and (e:jenks) do know of what they speak. I looked pretty good in it if I say so myself.
Enjoy your sunday everybody, may there be plenty of tasty chocolate rabbit parts just when you need them.
Later
So, it's all good.
Wore a nice suit to a memorial service and three women came up to me to chat who ordinarily given me the time of day. (e:imk) and (e:jenks) do know of what they speak. I looked pretty good in it if I say so myself.
Enjoy your sunday everybody, may there be plenty of tasty chocolate rabbit parts just when you need them.
Later
imk2 - 04/08/07 20:08
whew......i sure am glad youre ok. i hate when we have those kinds of scares. here's to negative biopsies!
whew......i sure am glad youre ok. i hate when we have those kinds of scares. here's to negative biopsies!
metalpeter - 04/08/07 11:17
Not sure where to chime in so I'll say at least the cold and snow didn't follow (e:theecarey) and (e:ladycroft) down south with them. Yes Florida has gotten the ice before. I remember a few years ago when it destroyed lots of oranges. I think it is the Bisons opening day Jinx myself. It seems to be the same one that hits the St. Pats Parade. It can be 75 the day before both events and then the deep frezze turns on those days. The bisons where cancelled 3 days in a row, and if today's game gets called that would make 4 I think. Hope everyone has a great Couple of days for the holiday and I hope (e:theecarey) and (e:ladycroft) bring the warm wheather back to Buffalo when they comeback here.
Not sure where to chime in so I'll say at least the cold and snow didn't follow (e:theecarey) and (e:ladycroft) down south with them. Yes Florida has gotten the ice before. I remember a few years ago when it destroyed lots of oranges. I think it is the Bisons opening day Jinx myself. It seems to be the same one that hits the St. Pats Parade. It can be 75 the day before both events and then the deep frezze turns on those days. The bisons where cancelled 3 days in a row, and if today's game gets called that would make 4 I think. Hope everyone has a great Couple of days for the holiday and I hope (e:theecarey) and (e:ladycroft) bring the warm wheather back to Buffalo when they comeback here.
james - 04/08/07 11:09
Also glad to hear you are ok.
My favorite Firefox addon is a tracker that tells you whether or not Abe Vigoda is alive or dead.
www.abevigoda.com
Also glad to hear you are ok.
My favorite Firefox addon is a tracker that tells you whether or not Abe Vigoda is alive or dead.
www.abevigoda.com
leetee - 04/08/07 11:02
Very Happy to hear you're ok, in the biopsy department!!
The weather also went downhill because (e:Uncutsaniflush) isn't working until... well, the weather gets nicer again. Poor guy.
AND, to top that off, my 'rents went on a holiday to Myrtle Beach, SC... they haven't been on holiday in what seems like a billion years. (e:Uncutsaniflush) has never known them to take a holiday. They flew outta Buffalo, so maybe we will see them tomorrow and they can complain about the unseasonably cold weather we hear South Carolina got...
Very Happy to hear you're ok, in the biopsy department!!
The weather also went downhill because (e:Uncutsaniflush) isn't working until... well, the weather gets nicer again. Poor guy.
AND, to top that off, my 'rents went on a holiday to Myrtle Beach, SC... they haven't been on holiday in what seems like a billion years. (e:Uncutsaniflush) has never known them to take a holiday. They flew outta Buffalo, so maybe we will see them tomorrow and they can complain about the unseasonably cold weather we hear South Carolina got...
04/06/2007 09:48 #38770
Happy HolidaysCategory: laugh, dammit
04/06/2007 08:07 #38769
Well, it's not just Buffalo....Category: weather
This weather blows, but at least we aren't alone. It's 33 in NYC at the Moment and the Detroit Tigers cancelled their home game last night because of single digit wind chill.
Shit apparently happens, but in an increasing number of places, freezes on impact.
You'd think we'd all have better luck pairing off to stay warm when crap like this happens.
Shit apparently happens, but in an increasing number of places, freezes on impact.
You'd think we'd all have better luck pairing off to stay warm when crap like this happens.
metalpeter - 04/06/07 16:55
That picture is a classic I like that your version has a frame. I also like the video the Easter Bunny Hates You, that is so funny. The thing that I find Ironic about the Baseball game cancellations is that if the games where a week earlier the weather would have been almost a perfect day for spring. In terms of the pairing off that is a funny statement but it is so true also.
That picture is a classic I like that your version has a frame. I also like the video the Easter Bunny Hates You, that is so funny. The thing that I find Ironic about the Baseball game cancellations is that if the games where a week earlier the weather would have been almost a perfect day for spring. In terms of the pairing off that is a funny statement but it is so true also.
Warren Haynes is GAWD!