I was trying to decide what music to play to accompany the ritual destruction of the Christmas tree. The soundtrack for decorating is simple enough -- this year Bette's new Christmas album and the inevitable Rosemary Clooney "White Christmas." What to play while taking it down?
I settled on Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. It works.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Happy Trails to You
I'm pretty traditional when it comes to weather...I like the winters to be cool and the summers to be hot. When those things get reversed my system goes a little out of kilter.
Still, the best thing about yesterdays temps topping 70 was....
Shirtless joggers!
And plenty of them too on the Rock Creek Park trail.
The next best thing to a shirtless jogger is that move joggers do to wipe sweat off their faces, by lifting their shirts up to their brow, briefly exposing a hot, sweaty mid-section and, if you're lucky, a hot sweaty happy trail.
Speaking of happy trails, as an avid biker I'm constantly amazed and horrified by the careless and dangerous behavior of pedestrians on the trial. Yes, yes, I know bikers can be reckless and dangerous but I'm a biker and this is my blog so we're going to focus on peds.
1) Walk on the right. I know it may seem safer to walk on the left and thereby face oncoming traffic, but that move will get you tangled up in someone's spokes for sure on a trail as winding as Rock Creek. There are too many blind curves and I've come close to taking out several peds who were walking on "my" side as we both rounded a corner heading straight into each other.
2) Don't walk in the middle. I have no idea then which way you are going to move as I pass.
3) If you must listen to music as you walk, keep the volume down enough so you can hear my audible warning as I pass.
4) If you hear my audible warning this means you should move over, instead of thinking that the pretty bell sound and "passing left" are just things I do for my own amusement,
5) Don't cross in the middle of the street. I can't see you step out between two parked SUVs until I hit you. And in city traffic I have little margin for error.
6) And whenever possible, jog shirtless.
Still, the best thing about yesterdays temps topping 70 was....
Shirtless joggers!
And plenty of them too on the Rock Creek Park trail.The next best thing to a shirtless jogger is that move joggers do to wipe sweat off their faces, by lifting their shirts up to their brow, briefly exposing a hot, sweaty mid-section and, if you're lucky, a hot sweaty happy trail.
Speaking of happy trails, as an avid biker I'm constantly amazed and horrified by the careless and dangerous behavior of pedestrians on the trial. Yes, yes, I know bikers can be reckless and dangerous but I'm a biker and this is my blog so we're going to focus on peds.
1) Walk on the right. I know it may seem safer to walk on the left and thereby face oncoming traffic, but that move will get you tangled up in someone's spokes for sure on a trail as winding as Rock Creek. There are too many blind curves and I've come close to taking out several peds who were walking on "my" side as we both rounded a corner heading straight into each other.
2) Don't walk in the middle. I have no idea then which way you are going to move as I pass.
3) If you must listen to music as you walk, keep the volume down enough so you can hear my audible warning as I pass.
4) If you hear my audible warning this means you should move over, instead of thinking that the pretty bell sound and "passing left" are just things I do for my own amusement,
5) Don't cross in the middle of the street. I can't see you step out between two parked SUVs until I hit you. And in city traffic I have little margin for error.
6) And whenever possible, jog shirtless.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Purge the Surge
I've come around to the conclusion that a surge makes no sense -- not just because the commanders don't want it but because there's no political goal it would serve.
By political I don't mean politics here at home, I'm talking Iraqi politics. It seems to me that military goals must be in sync with political goals. And the political goals of the al-Maliki government appear, as shown by the state sponsored lynching of Saddam, are sectarian violence, obviously something we can't support (or condone).
I'm moving closer and closer to the conclusion for some type of orderly withdrawal (I'll use the word, even if Speaker Pelosi won't). The Iraqis will have to determine the fate of their country. The blood-soaked lesson we've come to is that you can remove a dictator with force. But you can't force Democracy on a people. They have to want it and work towards it. And they don't appear to want it.
Hell, 200 years on and we still haven't got it right.
By political I don't mean politics here at home, I'm talking Iraqi politics. It seems to me that military goals must be in sync with political goals. And the political goals of the al-Maliki government appear, as shown by the state sponsored lynching of Saddam, are sectarian violence, obviously something we can't support (or condone).
I'm moving closer and closer to the conclusion for some type of orderly withdrawal (I'll use the word, even if Speaker Pelosi won't). The Iraqis will have to determine the fate of their country. The blood-soaked lesson we've come to is that you can remove a dictator with force. But you can't force Democracy on a people. They have to want it and work towards it. And they don't appear to want it.
Hell, 200 years on and we still haven't got it right.
What Musical Are You?
Take the quiz and find out what musical you are (Dean, this is for you!)
I was (horror) Chorus Line:
Dramatic past? Hardly. And everyone knows I can't dance.
I was (horror) Chorus Line:
"You're A Chorus Line! You're wild, kinky, and love dance. Music is your life. You've had a dramatic past, but then again, who hasn't?"
Dramatic past? Hardly. And everyone knows I can't dance.
Your Nation's Capital
The Post has a good graphic of DC.
Note two stats in particular: 395,926 registered voters -- 1.36 million parking tickets issued. The ONE thing the DC govt does most efficiently is issue tickets. The parking Nazi who patrols my 'hood has to be DC's most dedicated public servant. I see her every morning, right on time, writing tickets as I walk the dogs in the morning then again in the evening.
Note two stats in particular: 395,926 registered voters -- 1.36 million parking tickets issued. The ONE thing the DC govt does most efficiently is issue tickets. The parking Nazi who patrols my 'hood has to be DC's most dedicated public servant. I see her every morning, right on time, writing tickets as I walk the dogs in the morning then again in the evening.
Handball Tournament
Yesterday's hunk of the week got me intrigued about Handball. Turns out the sport has been around a long time. Quote of note from the International Handball Federation:
The sport of handball as it is played today certainly has a chequered history. The very fact that man has always been more adept at using his hands than his feet lends credibility to the claim made by famous sports historians that he started playing handball much earlier than, say, football.
The 2007 International Handball Tournament will take place next month in Stuttgart, Germany. Our hunk of the week, Kristian Kjelling, (who can also be seen here) plays for the Norway team, which is expected to finish second.
The sport of handball as it is played today certainly has a chequered history. The very fact that man has always been more adept at using his hands than his feet lends credibility to the claim made by famous sports historians that he started playing handball much earlier than, say, football.
The 2007 International Handball Tournament will take place next month in Stuttgart, Germany. Our hunk of the week, Kristian Kjelling, (who can also be seen here) plays for the Norway team, which is expected to finish second.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Gays Can't Get Married, Straights Can't Divorce
If the Family Foundation of Virginia gets their way.
Let's see:
1) Two people who love each other can't have their releationship legally recognized if they are of the same sex; and,
2) If you're straight and married and hate each other you can't be legally separated.
Yep, makes sense to me.
As Will stated on Metro Weekly's Mincing Words blog:
Let's see:
1) Two people who love each other can't have their releationship legally recognized if they are of the same sex; and,
2) If you're straight and married and hate each other you can't be legally separated.
Yep, makes sense to me.
As Will stated on Metro Weekly's Mincing Words blog:
I hope that majority of Virginia voters who were willing to trample on the rights of same-sex commonwealth couples will be as eager to rein in their own personal freedoms. Here’s to the Family Foundation of Virginia getting everything it wants in 2007!
Send Dan on a Re-Date to help the Gay Men's Chorus
This is Dan Kaufman, a friend of a friend.
The Washington Post, says Dan, "sent me and Robert Falk on a blind date back in October, and they interviewed us and wrote about it in the Sunday Magazine a few weeks ago. The date was nice, and Robert and I got along great--there just wasn't any romantic interest."
And Now:
"they asked me back, with a twist. Instead of a completely blind date, if I'm chosen as the guy who gets to go out on a second date, I'll get to choose from 3 candi-dates. But more important than that is the fact that, if I'm the top male vote-getter, they'll donate $500 to my favorite local charity. I chose the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, as I've been a member of this amazing group for 16 years and I think the mission of the group is spot-on: "To entertain through excellent musical performance, to affirm the place of Gay people in society, and to educate about the Gay experience."
You don't have to date him (though you can apply for that with the Post if you wish), all you have to do is vote for him, by clicking here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/datelab/redate/index.html
The friend who sent this to me notes Dan was also active with the local Names Project (AIDS Memorial Quilt) here in DC.
Cooler Temps on the Way. But Will They Stay?
Forecasters predict cooler temps by the 15th for the East Coast...but don't agree if we'll stay cool.
I want snow.
Madonna -- a True Conservative
If you really listen to the lyrics of Madonna's songs you can only come to the conclusion she's an arch-conservative!
That's the conclusion of Juste Mileu. The top three most conservative songs:
Go here for the full list (hat tip: Madge fan A.D.)
That's the conclusion of Juste Mileu. The top three most conservative songs:
1. Like a Virgin. A chastity promise set to music, this hit glorifies virginity and reminds us that born-again virgins can be just as chaste—and sexy—as any other kind. In this song, Madonna teaches us that a saving oneself can be a struggle, but it is worth it when you find that one true love: “I made it through the wilderness/Somehow I made it through/Didn't know how lost I was/Until I found you”
2. Papa Don’t Preach. In this battle cry against big government, she’s not going to let those nanny liberals talk her into an abortion: “I’ve made up my mind/ I’m keeping my baby. Ooh. I’m gonna keep my baby. Ooh, yeah.”
3. Music. The bourgeoisie and the rebel come together to dance. Take that Karl Marx.
Go here for the full list (hat tip: Madge fan A.D.)
DC Gay Marriage Watch
Chris Crain points out in his blog the main obstacle to gay marriage in DC. Quote of Note:
But the political support [for same sex marriage] in Washington is far more solid. Adrian Fenty, a Democrat sworn in as mayor on Jan. 2, is on record supporting full marriage, as did his predecessor. So does a clear majority of the D.C. Council, which includes one openly gay Democrat and one openly gay Republican who turned independent in 2004 after President Bush pushed for a federal marriage amendment.Believe it or not, in Washington, D.C., of all places, the politicians aren't the problem. It's the gays — or more accurately, the local gay activists. Or to put it even more accurately, the few local and very vocal gay activists who make up the D.C. Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance.
Read the whole post here.
DC Schools
This fight will be good, if both sides in the debate go beyond who's in charge and talk specifics about what will be done to improve DC's miserable public schools.
I'm inclined to favor Fenty's mayoral takeover as I think something drastic needs to be done and putting the power and clout of the mayor's office behind school reform -- not to mention Fenty's political future -- seems to be the right step.
I'm inclined to favor Fenty's mayoral takeover as I think something drastic needs to be done and putting the power and clout of the mayor's office behind school reform -- not to mention Fenty's political future -- seems to be the right step.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Condoms at Reagan National
Over at MetrobloggingDC Carl wonders why there are condom machines in the men's room at Reagan National.
It might be for guys like this one.
With all the security, how does someone manage a hookup at an airport?
Full disclosure: I've never had sex at an airport, or on an airplane. I will admit to thinking about it in those places, especially that time I was sitting next to the muscular black-haired dude in a tight black tee shirt that one time en route to La Guardia.
UPDATE: So, I couldn't resist. I emailed the guy who posted the craigslist ad, linked above. I posed my question to him. And, he responded with the answer, a "private" spot at DCA. And no, I don't intend to "use" this information. My interest is purelyprurient intellectual. And, btw, the guy wasn't successful.
It might be for guys like this one.
With all the security, how does someone manage a hookup at an airport?
Full disclosure: I've never had sex at an airport, or on an airplane. I will admit to thinking about it in those places, especially that time I was sitting next to the muscular black-haired dude in a tight black tee shirt that one time en route to La Guardia.
UPDATE: So, I couldn't resist. I emailed the guy who posted the craigslist ad, linked above. I posed my question to him. And, he responded with the answer, a "private" spot at DCA. And no, I don't intend to "use" this information. My interest is purely
Al Qaeda Mormans and Mormons on Mormons
Average Gay Joe has two funny video clips lampooning Mormon conformity and Al Qaeda recruitment efforts.
Quote of note:
"Wow, that buns of steel thing is really paying off..."
Here and here.
Quote of note:
"Wow, that buns of steel thing is really paying off..."
Here and here.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Martin Scorsese's Sesame Street
If Scorsese had directed (via the other 42 year old blogging Scott Barker):
Warning: Foul language from the large fowl and other characters!
Warning: Foul language from the large fowl and other characters!
The Reason for the Weather
Here's the reason why there is no snow falling on the Capitol dome in the nation's capital and the principle reason NE US school principals are not having to call school for snow.
But whether the weather is warm or cold, two grammatical corrections in one day is too much, though I will always try to hear the feedback of my readers as long as I'm here.
:-p
But whether the weather is warm or cold, two grammatical corrections in one day is too much, though I will always try to hear the feedback of my readers as long as I'm here.
:-p
Oh the Weather Outside is
mild.
15 degrees above average and expected to rise by the weekend.
The LTR and I both want snow, but the only flakes to be seen in the nation'scapitol capital are the ones at both ends of Pennsylvania Ave.
15 degrees above average and expected to rise by the weekend.
The LTR and I both want snow, but the only flakes to be seen in the nation's
God to Robertson: U.S. to be Attacked
via Christopher:
Okay.
But later in the story, commenting on previous revelations from God that didn't pan out (like a tsunami striking the U.S. in 06), Robertson says:
Huh? Since he says God tells him these things doesn't he mean God missed? Or -- wait -- maybe he means sometimes he doesn't really understand what he thinks God is telling him.
Now, there's a thought.
Evangelical broadcaster Pat Robertson said Tuesday that God has told him that a terrorist attack on the United States would cause a "mass killing" late in 2007.
Okay.
But later in the story, commenting on previous revelations from God that didn't pan out (like a tsunami striking the U.S. in 06), Robertson says:
"I have a relatively good track record," he said. "Sometimes I miss."
Huh? Since he says God tells him these things doesn't he mean God missed? Or -- wait -- maybe he means sometimes he doesn't really understand what he thinks God is telling him.
Now, there's a thought.
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