7.27.2008

i like ike

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first presidential candidate to use television commercials. Below is one of his commercials, made by Disney, from 1952. Eisenhower was skeptical about using television and his opponent, Stevenson, wouldn’t appear on television because he thought it demeaning to a man ascending to the presidency. Eisenhower won.


7.23.2008

california cool


California is decreasing the wage of state workers due to a critical budget crisis. The state minimum wage was $8.00 per hour (a virtual fortune apparently) yesterday, today it is $6.55, the Federal minimum. Good for the state's budgett. Bad for the folks that have to drive to work or buy food. Or pay rent or support children or an elderly parent or relative.

What the fuck is wrong with us?

Not every person that grows up poor takes undue advantage. I grew up poor. Got Social Security benefits because of my deceased father (and an Air Force pension of $43.00/mo.). Used those benefits and graduated with a law degree. And now, I think I've probably paid it all back in taxes.

The CA rollback is inexplicable. When the going gets tough, the tough take from the weakest? This is not The Way.

To paraphrase Blackfoot;
The Nations have scattered
The Sacred Hoop is broken

7.19.2008

girl, you really got me now


By golly, I got a bit of a shock when I learned that Samantha (Sam), a bartender at the Spurr Lounge in Laveen, AZ wanted to go to the stock car races with me. She's tall, a curly haired blonde and very pretty; always smiling and laughing. We waited in line in the 105 degree heat for tickets. Sam was as good as naked in a bikini top and short jean shorts and flip/flops. I could hardly believe my luck. I assumed I was dreaming. I thought it might be related to the good karma generated by my consistent charity to the Off Ramp Card Board Sign Man at 51st and I-10.
We waited in line again for a hot dog and then a beer and then upstairs for the heat races. The sun was just going down and it began to cool off. Sam's clothing decisions began to pay dividends. I went back to the truck and grabbed the NorthFace fleece jacket I always carry. Sam looked like a Goddess. Maybe it's in the eyes.
I missed most of the races, paying attention only to Sam. Anyway, here's the info, Manzanita Speedway is just north of Baseline on 35th. It's a mile and a quarter dirt track. Open wheel stock, sprints and NASCAR full modified. Its been in operation since 1958 and the hot dogs are proof in hand. But, the beer is cold and when you're with a gal like Sam, all is well in the world.
Hell, I might even take her to Applebees.


they say

scars on broadway
i'm sitting at the bar in the spurr lounge in laveen talking to a young ex-marine who had attended Ufest earlier in the day (slipknot, disturbed, black tie boys, etc.) when i mentioned scars on broadway whose debut album we still await. i mentioned the singing on this song reminded me of jello biafra of the eighties hardcore california punk band the dead kennedys. if you remember the jello and the dead, judge for yourself. if not. simply enjoy or get lost.
Scars on Broadway- They Say

7.13.2008

shall i hike?

In the Rapid City Journal today 7/13/08 (Rapid City, SD):
Wind Cave offers ferret night hikes
Ferrets hiking at night. Where? Do they hike like we do and if so do they bring wine, bread and cheese? And, why do they hike at night?

7.11.2008

downer applicant

I'm hiring a Lead/Supervisor and have an ad on CareerBuilder.com. The job requires IT and telecom abilities as well as personnel management strengths. Yet, I continue to get resumes like the following (a summary of the applicant's work history, I have not edited a single word);
I've Been doing this sence I was 16. I enjoy doing it and I'm a hard worker my job contains, Me to gurad People an keep the event safe. I also am a great cook. I've cooked for Red Robin for 3 years, and I also worked in sales for att wirerless for 3 years.

Ouch! I would say stick with Security or Red Robin and thank God you even have a job.

7.01.2008

the feelies

From New Jersey's north shore, The Feelies helped define a strange era in the New York Art/Punk scene and were, to some extent, forefathers of modern college rock. Whatever that means.
What I do know is that they'll be opening for Sonic Youth on Friday in Battery Park, NYC. I believe it's a free concert. I know the views are very cool. And you might even bump into Tom Verlaine or Lou Reed. The Feelies opened for both back in the day.
Go see The Feelies (and Sonic Youth). Time is running out.