Last Peachy Post

I'm outie, kids.

This time tomorrow, I'll be on the road to The Cape and The Land of Oranges.

Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe New Year!!

Don't be a stranger....you know I won't.

Marquee Matchup

Here’s a game for you to play at your workplace:
If they ever make a movie about your life at work, who would play you in the title role? Your co-workers?

Here’s my casting list (with a little help from my friends)

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Amanda – Linda Fiorentino
Andrew – Matt Damon
Ashley – Emily Proctor
B-Pizzle – Larry Joe Campbell
Chuck – Ed Asner
Cory - Donal Logue
C-Rob – Dave Chappelle
Dave – Brian Dennehy
Deb – Debra Messing
Dee – Alfre Woodward
Drew – Michael Genadry
Fadell - Regina Hall
Hayley – Maggie Gyllenhaal
Jade – Regina King
Jessica – Poppy Montgomery
Jonathon – Anthony Anderson
Kari – Lucy Liu
Kirsten – Laura Dern
Layla – Courteney Cox Arquette
Liz – Marcia Cross
Robert – Dustin Hoffman
Sean – Ethan Embry
Semone – Suzzanne Douglass
Wayne – Jerry Orbach

Note: These are only a few that we could come up with, but we encourage you the reader to add your ideas, matches and thoughts on other people-actor look-a-likes in the comments below.

Break a Leg!

From The Hooch to The Loose

This is the last post from the home office in Georgia.

I have only one thing to say:

God, I hate moving.

Talk to you all on Wednesday.

O, Holy Light (Bill)

Many of us in the newsroom have been getting a kick out of this real house light show.

Apparently, the homeowner, Carson Williams of Mason, Ohio, is an self described computer geek and has the music that you hear piped out on a FM transmitter, much like a drive in movie.

So, you can watch the light show in your car and hear the musical accompaniment.

Eat your heart out, Clark Wilhelm Griswold, Jr.!

courtesy Putfile

iPod for your iCod

OK...so I want an iPod, but....

I also don't want to wear pants.

Eureka! A great stocking stuffer for the pants challenged male in your life!

courtesy Fark

The Case For Basil

Author's Note: The following is an email that was sent along to our good friend Richard at The Blog of Columbus regarding our other blogger pal Basil's big announcement in that space:

Hi Richard-

I just finished perusing your post entitled "A Dash of Basil".

I writing to confirm to you that Basil is a very big Catfish fan. In fact, I would venture to say that he's their #1 fan. The SportsLady and I had many wonderful conversations with Basil at the games the last two summers, and with the impending move to the Sunshine State, we'll miss the chance to rekindle our "horsehide chats" behind home plate.

At any rate, I'm taking this opportunity to congratulate Basil on being named a finalist for the Weblog Awards. It couldn't have happened to a better guy....that roots for the Fish.

Ciao...for now.

Again, mazel tov to our man Basil. Good Luck in the finals.

American Masterpiece

Have I ever told you how much I love documentaries? Really, I do.

Per the previous post, it should plant the seed to that very idea. But, I just finished watching another golden nuggest to re-affirm my affection for nonfiction celluloid.

The title of this gem, you ask? American Movie.
Just the name itself is something to behold.

Here's a review that I think sums it up nicely:

So sad, it's good
13 October 2003
Author: cortell from Austin, TX

I have mixed feelings towards this movie. I found the movie fascinating in the way people are fascinated by car wrecks, and I found it funny in the way one might uncontrollably burst out a laugh at the sight of an eldelry person slipping on an icy sidewalk. It's a sick and guilt ridden enjoyment. The lives of most of the people this movie brings you in contact with are so pathetic that you can't help being intrigued. But lives hardly worth living do not a good movie make. No; there was more to it than that. What sucked me in to this documentary was the perserverence and tenacity of the characters that carry on day after day in an existence that would drive most people to jump off the nearest bridge. People standing around in robes in a forst in the dead of winter for hours on end to help a friend that will no doubt produce a film only 400 locals would pay to see. A barely coherent old man who's too cheap to use the phone for local calls lends $3,000 to his nephew for a project he is certain is doomed. A mother who is as clueless as her heart is big sticks by her son through thick and thin. These things tug at the heart and, despite all the pity and head shaking they provoke, reveal a humanity that one can't help but be in awe of.

Oh, and the comedic moments are priceless. Uncle Bill steals the show in that department, but many others contribute. (The kitchen cabinet door scene nearly rolled me off the couch.) Yep; there are some priceless laugh spots in this film that almost make you wonder whether this isn't truly a mockumentary in the style Christofer Guest (Spinal Tap, Best In Show). But it's not; it's real life making you laugh, and that makes it funnier.

Yes; I enjoyed the movie quite a bit, but probably for the wrong reasons. But so did countless others. In the end, it doesn't matter. A good movie is a good movie.

Now, I know you're thinking, "Dude, you're just now seeing that movie? It came out 5 years ago"
Actually, it's nearly 6 years, but who's counting?

If you're like me and hadn't seen it yet, it's the story of a downtrodden filmmaker slaving away on his unfinished work, trying desperately and ambitiously to finish his dream with the help of his family and friends. All this beneath the snowy, gray flannel skies of Wisconsin.

Talk about someone perpetually behind the 8-ball.

While there are some life-affirming moments for our heroes in the movie, the film is a comedy of errors for the most part, played out over 2 years and the production and abandonment of as many movies.

I won't spoil the ending, but if you haven't seen it...check it out. I will admit it's an acquired taste, in that you'd really must live the filmmaking experience and shared the hero's dream to find the pathos behind the film.

But if you look hard enough and don't give up on it, you found something profound and beautiful against all odds.
Much like Mark's journey in the film.

It's all there. Your patience will be rewarded.

Hey, it worked for Mark.

This Post is Not Yet Rated

Here's Your Captain Obvious News Clip of the Day:

MPAA gives film about itself an NC-17 rating

No bias was detected in the rating of this film.

The good news: The International Film Channel will be showing the doc uncut and commercial free in Fall 2006 to a TV with premium service near you. Pencil it into your calendar.

Touché, IFC. Well played.

courtesy Fark

The 10 Commandments of the D

As a service to the lot of you that I'll be abandoning in the next few weeks, I know you're gonna be in some deep shit.

You'll be saying to yourself:
"What am I gonna do now that Core's gone?"
"Who's gonna handle the reins of fun and guide us to the land of hilarity?"
"Who's gonna fix my grilled cheese sandwiches now?"

Guess what? It's time. Time for you to take ownership of your life. I can't continue the burden of carrying your ass any longer and nurse you through the scary times. These shoulders are broad, but Atlas I am not.

Wake up....take the binky out of your mouth...and live.

Listen to my boy, Jack....and heed this great advice:

"Quit your day job. I know that scares a lot of you. Focus on your craft...one time...before it's over...and you've squandered it, cause you're a f!^$#en robot."
-Jack Black

Until then, I'll leave you with these scribes to live by....these nuggets of life-giving nectar that will allow you to sludge through your sorry lives...searching for those small moments that keep all of us going.

10 Commandments of the D
1. Never stop Rocking.
2. Legalize all drugs.
3. Quit your day job.
4. All Religion should be taxed.
5. Cut down on carbohydrates.
6. F#ck her gently.
7. Never believe what people tell you after a show.
8. Always take a spoon full of Metamucil after a heavy day of eating.
9. Get at least 9 hours of sleep a day.
10. Eatin' ain't cheatin'.

Feel better? Kick Ass.

We'll Meet Again

Author's Note: The following was penned in the wee hours of Saturday, November the 26th in the Year of Our Lord two thousand five (Ano Domino).

It just occurred to me as I sit here on a cold Midwest morning. When I'm leaving a friend, loved one or acquaintance, I usually say something to the effect of "See ya later" or derivative thereof, but one phrase rarely escapes these pursed lips:

Goodbye.

Maybe it's the optimism I always hold in seeing that person somewhere along the path of life.
Maybe it's all wishful thinking on my part, that somewhere on this mortal coil, our souls will find one another again.
Maybe we'll rekindle our last time in each other's company, hoping then as now that this chance encounter won't be the last.

We meet so many wonderful, fascinating people in our lives, it's hard to fully entertain the thought of never seeing their face again. Never hearing their voice. Never sharing a laugh. A fond memory.

Johnny Cash's final album was a beautiful album with a sense of finality and closure, and when I say that, I mean I'm not alone in thinking that he knew it was his swan song in life, love and craft.
The last song on the album was a cover of the classic Benny Goodman song, We'll Meet Again.
If you're not familiar, here are the lyrics:

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
Keep smilin' through
Just like you always do
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away

So will you please say hello
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

Every time I hear that song now, I well up. It's like Johnny's saying goodbye to me all over again.
But, in the same breath, he's not.
He's telling me that I should hold on hope for the time when we will meet again. That's when I know that I will see him again, anytime I want. All I have to do is push play.

With that in mind, I won't dare speak the dreaded "G" word. Not my style.

Instead, I'll leave you with a heartfelt and hopeful "See ya later" or even "We'll meet again", and when we do, I hope we make the most of it.

Thursday Madness

1. I've always been afraid of fluffy bunnies er,...what other people think about me. (I agree with KO.)
2. People should not talk on cell phones while people can be annoyed by them....how's that for a broad answer?
3. The one thing I look forward to every day is that first cup of coffee in the morn...oh wait, I hate coffee!!
Let's go with the daily blog buzz and emails that don't deal with work.
4. My first meal of the day usually consists of Diet Pepsi. Sometimes Diet Mountain Dew....if I'm feeling especially peckish...we'll have a Cinnamon Disk....breakfast of champions!! It's how I maintain my girlish figure.
5. It seems like cleaning is a never-ending job. Agreed!!
6. The last time I painted a room in my house/apartment was never, at least what I can think of...yeah, pretty sure it's never.
7. The next time I paint, I'd like to paint my first house in earth tones...though we'll have to run it all by the boss first.

We're Retiring!!

Before I get started...A special thanks to DStack and the lovely Layla for a beautiful feast at the Casa tonight. You guys can have me over for dinner anytime.

I'm sorry I won't be joining the boys for Sunday football at the BW3...next week, pen me in.

As for the retiring, ahh...what a wonderful dream.
But, here's some news that almost as good.

KO and I are moving to the land of retirees and palm trees.

Florida. Fort Myers, Florida, to be specific...

Note: Something really odd just happened while I was typing that I feel compelled to share.

We're both sitting here at 2 am...getting ready for bed since I have a flight back to Missouri in the morning.
The doorbell rings. I don't know about you, but if the doorbell's ringing at 2 am...it ain't good.
But, I can't ignore...as much as I want to. Whoever it is, they know I'm home...and up.

So I'm opening the door. There's this really freaked out guy, mid-30's...slender, standing about 10 feet back of the door.

Obviously, he knows how crazy it is to ring a doorbell at this hour...so he's giving me some space.

Plus, I'm a big guy...so he's a little jumpy around me. He hands me his ID and explains to me that he lives in a neighboring apartment with his girlfriend. She's just kicked him out of the house on Thanksgiving, and all he has to his name for the moment are the pennies in his pocket and the clothes on his back. No credit card. No cash. No gas in his truck. Just a Sears gift card.

The guy needs some help. Plus, it's Turkey Day...and I'm not leaving him in the cold.

One problem....I also have no money on me.

Then it hit me.

"Hold on one second...I think I can find something that might help you out a little".

I run into the kitchen...grab the coin jar and dig out a roll of quarters. After we marked out the account number on the side, I opened the door.

"I know it's not much...but here's $10 in quarters, if you can get your truck to the Spectrum around the corner...you should be able to make it to your mother's house."

Charlie shook my hand and thanked me again and again....wishing me and my family a happy Thanksgiving.

It's amazing how things like this happen so randomly sometimes.

To be honest, I would've helped out Charlie whether it was Thanksgiving or Tuesday.

But, it's times like this that make me truly thankful for everything I have. My love. My Zoe. My friends. My family.

So, I'm thanking all of you now for stopping by my little stop along the super-highway...most of you fall into my little lexicon of friends and family above....some of you may just be dropping in for a spell...but whatever the case, thanks for everything.

It's friends like all of you that make life wonderful.

PS: You can read more about the big news from The Sportslady. Also, get the story as it broke first from Kaos and, slightly and bitterly afterwards, TarheelTV.

Ciao, for now.
I'll try to post from the Kansas City branch this weekend...if not, we'll see you Tuesday.

Happy Turkey Day!!

I've Got Hand...Don't I?

From Seinfeld Episode 31: "The Pez Dispenser"

George: No everything is *not* going good. I'm very uncomfortable. I have
no power. I mean, why should she have the upper hand. *Once* in
my life I would like the upper hand. I have no hand-- no hand at
all. She has the hand; I have *no* hand...
George: How do I get the hand?
Jerry: We all want the hand. Hand is tough to get. You gotta get the
hand right from the opening.
George: She's playing a recital this week at the McBierney School. You
wanna hear her play? I got two extra tickets, you and Elaine
could go...
Jerry: Yeah, that sounds like somethin'...
George: Then afterwards maybe we could all go out together. Y'know she'll
see me with my friends, she'll observe me as I really am, as myself.
Maybe I can get some hand that way.
[Kramer enters]
....
ELAINE: (laughs)
[Noel turns to Elaine. Jerry raises his eyes to heaven]
NOEL: That laugh. That's the laugh. That's it. You're the one.
ELAINE: No, no. It was an accident. It really wasn't my fault. It was Jerry.
Jerry put a Pez dispenser on my leg.
NOEL: You put a Pez dispenser on her leg during my recital?.
JERRY: I didn't know she would laugh.
NOEL: You lied to me George, you lied to me.
GEORGE: No, I, uh, um, wa, wa, What did I do? ... Where are you going?
NOEL: I ... am breaking up ... with you!
GEORGE: You can't break up with me. I've got hand.
NOEL: And you're going to need it.
[Noel exits, George chases her]
----------
Isn't it funny how if you're in a relationship with someone, you want to have "hand", but when it comes to friendship, it's usually the opposite?

"Hand" in a relationship means having the last laugh, the upper hand that's crucial should the need arise to part ways.

But, no one wants to be in a friendship where the person that they're hanging with isn't as cool as them. What kind of good time is that?

Maybe that's why relationship where the two people are truly friends last so long.

The hands maintain the balance.

So ask yourself: Hand...or no hand?

The Madness Continues...

KO always gets me with these. Here we go:

1. diamonds or pearls? Diamonds. They're shinier.

2. paperback or hardcover books? What are books? Are they on the internet?

3. carpet or hardwood floors? Since I don't like wearing slippers, I guess I have to go with carpet.

4. dogs or cats? Cats. That one's for you, Zoe.

5. fluffy or firm pillow? Fluffy...and body length. The bigger, the better.

6. fine point or medium point pens? Medium. I like a little girth to my calligraphy...if you know what I mean. *winks*

7. clocks a little fast or on time? Always a little fast, because the trick still works on me. Such a simple, simple man.

8. mahjong or spider solitaire (or other)? Mahjong.

9. wall calendar or desk calendar? Wall. No room on my desk.

10. 'Survivor' or 'The Amazing Race?' Amazing Race...though I could take or leave both.

O & O At The Movies

Last night, KO and I finally got a chance to see Good Night, And Good Luck.

The verdict: A must see…for everyone.

Directed by George Clooney, the film looks at the historic battle between Senator Joseph McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.

Murrow, considered to be the father of broadcast journalism, battles his network, the senator, and the papers with his rare editorializing in an effort to quell the Communist witch hunt spearheaded by McCarthy.

The film’s themes resonate clearly and can be applied to the politics of the day. For example, take this bold and brilliant commentary from Mr. Murrow and note how it, like the movie itself, applies today:

“We must not confuse dissent for disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.”
-- Edward R. Murrow

The pacing of the movie was executed to perfection, and it’s refreshing to know that some Hollywood minds can still cut a film in the day of special effects and “re-imaginings”.

The film’s plot plays out very much like a Greek tragedy, complete with the Greek chorus, utilized brilliantly by Clooney and co-writer/producer Grant Heslow, in the role of the Jazz Singer.

I’ll be honest, old movies and black/white film stock has always been a favorite of mine, so some of my generation may not fully appreciate this movie.

To them I say: Get over it.

Plus, Clooney and Heslow’s story will engross you so fast that it shouldn’t even register.

If you’re looking for a special effects extravaganza, look elsewhere.

If you’re jonesing for a well-written film with wonderful performances from a motley of great actors, check out this movie.

With that, I'll leave you with this quote taken from Mr. Murrow's keynote speech at a Night in His Honor by the Radio and Television News Directors Association of America:

"I began by saying that our history will be what we make it. If we go on as we are, then history will take its revenge, and retribution will not limp in catching up with us.

We are to a large extent an imitative society. If one or two or three corporations would undertake to devote just a small traction of their advertising appropriation along the lines that I have suggested, the procedure would grow by contagion; the economic burden would be bearable, and there might ensue a most exciting adventure--exposure to ideas and the bringing of reality into the homes of the nation.

To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost.

This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.

Stonewall Jackson, who knew something about the use of weapons, is reported to have said, "When war comes, you must draw the sword and throw away the scabbard." The trouble with television is that it is rusting in the scabbard during a battle for survival."

Good Night, and Good Luck.

Es "Locos" Abierto?

Sources close to me (OK...a friend at work) have informed me Saturday night that "consumer activity" was present around the new Locos Deli & Pub on 13th Street, in the Plaza de Miriam's.

This may seem like a small happening to many, but the opening of this new business has many of us at the station buzzing, pining for its doors to swing open and accept our hard earned currency in exchange for food, spirits, fun, and laughter.

At press time, this author feels that perhaps the proprietors are merely participating in "test runs", a time-honored restaurant warmup to make sure the food and customer service performs up to snuff.

With that, I put it to you, faithful reader:

Is Locos open, or are those bastards just toying with us? Your comments are welcome.

More on this story as details become available.

Flighty Friday

Some Random Thoughts on this Friday Night Saturday Morning:

>>I just checked out the Walk The Line official site.

Very slick.

As for Ms. Witherspoon...Wow. I wasn't sure how the dark hair would look on her.

I stand corrected.

>>The SportsLady and I didn't get to the theatre to see Good Night and Good Luck (another great site)....maybe next week.

>>Big SEC weekend tilts (UGA-Auburn & LSU-Bama)...Will you be watching?

>>I'm making the bi-annual trip back to MO for Thanksgiving...plans are still up in the air.

>>I'm waiting with bated breath to see which new players Cards GM Jocketty will pick up in the Hot Stove.

I'm holding out hope for Brian Giles or Jacque Jones and maybe a new 2nd baseman. We'll see.

>>The Blues are soooo bad. Oy Vey.

>>Counting the days until my first Cottonmouths game of the season.

I'm jonesing for some hockey. Badly.

Enjoy the weekend.

Touching Thy Inner Self

(With thanks to The SportsLady & Monday Madness)

1. Sometimes I wish I could just make everything alright for the ones I love.

2. If I could take a long weekend to drive to California with The SportsLady, I'd be very happy.

3. The world would be a better place if more people would just shut the fuck up and love each other.

4. One of my greatest qualities is my innate ability to (as Eric Idle would sing) look on the bright side of life.

5. The one thing about me that I need to work on is being a better listener. What? Huh?

6. Happiness is anything that starts or ends with the phrase "canoodling with my sweetie". Who doesn't love to canoodle? Or snuggle? Or both? That, dear reader, is one sad being.

Your turn. I expect participation.

Waterworld, Or Breaking The Fourth Wall

The SportsLady and I are very excited about the grand opening of The Georgia Aquarium opening in Atlanta this coming November.

When the first people walk through its doors, it will officially become the world's largest aquarium. It will also host more than 100,000 animals from 500 species, and contains over eight million gallons of fresh and marine water.

Some of the attrations include the following:
1. Georgia Explorer
2. Ocean Voyager
3. Cold Water Quest
and, my personal favorite...The 4-D Theater, which makes its world premiere on November 23, 2005.

One question, though.

We live in 3 dimensions, length, width, and height.

If the 4th Dimension is commonly considered time...

Is not the opening date irrelevant?

If it is truly 4D, why can't it be open now?

Discuss.

Quiz Crazy

Your Hidden Talent

You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words. You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel. People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation. When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

What's Your Hidden Talent?