Other Tennessee Football Awards

Rocky Top Talk, a fine UT football news site, missed a couple of post-UT/LSU game awards:

Best The-First-Time-Was-Just-to-Warn-You Award: Early in Jonathan Crompton's first series, he calls an shift that causes a Chinese Fire Drill in the Tennessee backfield. All the backs and receivers run around each other for a moment, then shift to a 3-wide set to the right. Crompton play-actions and gives to Arian Foster for a run off-tackle to the left. Stopped for no gain.

Later in the second half, Crompton calls a shift again. Everybody in the backfield dances a gavotte and a jig until three receivers line up wide - this time to the left. "Foster off-tackle to the right," I said. Crompton play-actions again, hands off to Foster who runs off-tackle to the right. LSU, appreciating the practice against that play in the first half, takes Foster down for a loss. Entire LSU Defense waves to David Cutcliffe in the press box to thank him for the rehearsal.

When I can actually tell what play is being run, you know we're being transparent.

Worst Waste of the God-Given Right to Play-Overturning Instant Replay: LSU's fumble during their final drive that, if noticed and called correctly, would have snuffed their advance at midfield and probably sealed the win. Unfortunately it wasn't reviewable due to...um, due to...something about the moon being full and a dark horse riding through the streets of town or something. I don't remember. Anyway, it wasn't a fumble, and more UT defensive hilarity ensued.

Best Rerun: A UT defense giving up key 4th-and-relatively-long conversions on game winning drives. How many times have we seen it? Remember the UT/Georgia game about 6 years ago: Travis Stephens had given UT the lead with a long screen pass reception for a TD with a minute to go. A short kickoff gave UGA the ball near midfield and they drove 60 yards in about 50 seconds to win the game. Plus there was the 1990 1993 Bama game where they drove to tie us in the last seconds on a David Palmer 2-pt conversion. Florida converted two 4th-and-long plays on a final game-winning drive several years ago. It's a recurring nightmare for Tennessee to protect a precarious lead late in the game, or even protect their 4th down chances.

I've Had It With...

...the incessant, unsolicited and unwelcome telephone calls from supporters of Harold Ford, Jr and Bob Corker - mostly Harold Ford, Jr. - using a recording to remind me to vote, and remember what their candidate has done for his constituents, and what values they pretend to adhere to, etc. etc. etc. Not a day has gone by in the last two weeks or so when Caller ID shows a (615) 000-0000 number, or others similar to it as faithful followers pound the computer keys and send out the recorded messages over the phone lines.

I know that non-profit companies are somewhat exempt from No-Call Lists, but I think allowing political advertising over the phone to be exempt as well is a Bad Idea. And it should be prohibited. Not just because I don't believe your messages, don't trust your sincerity, or don't really think either one of you will be particularly good for me, Tennessee, or the United States serving in the U.S. Senate (not that either one could be much slimier than Bill Frist or Fred Thompson). I just don't think you should be forcing your message into my home by a seemingly innocent phone call. Luckily I have Caller ID so some calls can be screened (thank you, Knology) but sometimes I'm not near the TV and my answering machine has been filling up with recorded nonsensical babble from two would-be politicians who don't believe in what they're professing and only serve their own interests and the interests of their Political Parties. And I don't want a part of it.

So stop, please.

Two Heads are Better Than One

Tink: What do you call a two-headed dragon's forehead?

Me: I give up

Tink: An eighthead!


And she says she made it up sitting there in the bathtub. I think I believe her - how many times have you heard a joke based on a mathematical equation?

"Secret Identity" - Chapter Three online

"Secret Identity" - Chapter Three:

http://lasthome.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/secret-identity-chapter-three/

"Secret Identity" - Chapter Two online

"Secret Identity" - Chapter Two:

http://lasthome.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/secret-identity-chapter-two/

Chapter One of "Secret Identity" is online NOW

Chapter One of "Secret Identity" (working title) is online NOW:

http://lasthome.wordpress.com/

Feedback and comments are not only welcome but begged for... Without positive reinforcement, my enthusiasm wanes quickly ;)

Friday Meal Replacement

Since our good buddy Logtar's such a swell guy who eats his Froot Loops like any other semi-normal person, I'm going to do his Friday Meal Replacement meme.

1. When was the last time you drank a full glass of water, and do you drink water regularly?

I do actually drink water fairly regularly. The tap water at my house is surprisingly good, and unless there's some tea in the house I'll drink 2-3 glasses at night. I haven't actually drank any the last couple of days, though.


2. Name one food that you do not even put in your mouth.

Long time friends and readers know I won't touch anything that is or has peanut butter in it. But for sake of variety let it be known I have never, and will never, eat radioactive waste from Y-12. Or octopus.


3. You have an awesome meal… but you don’t know what kind of meat it was… after finding its an exotic animal what do you do?

Depends on the animal, and how much I liked it. If it was octopus, though, it's coming right back up so stand back.


4. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Probably curry, during a progressive Christmas dinner several years ago (remember that one, Michael?). In fact, I remember that day very well. It was the night of the 1997 Heisman Trophy awards that were Stolen from Peyton Manning (bitter? nahhh). I also went to bed that night and got sick as a dog, ending up missing our Christmas cantata the next day when I had a solo. Ah, memories...


5. Would you eat a Madagascar hissing cockroach for money? … how much would it take?

If you could guarantee my mortgage paid off, my cars paid off and tuition paid for both kids through high school...I'd eat one. But, as with octopus, stand back...

Helpful Hint For Those Seeking Healthcare Employment

When inquiring about a job in the healthcare field, it might help not to ask about job openings for a "sergical teck".

Just trying to be helpful...

A "Lost" Episode 3x05 Conundrum...

Ok, I've seen this week's Lost. If you haven't stop reading now and go read my story ;)

Anyway, so Ben tells Jack he feels God or fate or whatever caused a spinal surgeon to drop out of the sky two days after he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Ok, fine. What that tells us is that before the crash none of the Others knew a) that there was going to be a plane crash (they were all surprised to see the plane coming down in the big season-opening flashback this year) and 2) even though they seemed to have planned for some such eventuality (Ben sends Ethan, etc to infiltrate the survivors right there on the spot, they already know to prepare a "list") they don't know at that point who is going to be coming their way.

But then why does Ben ask Jack why he never noticed Juliet looks remarkably like Jack's ex-wife? If you follow what he seems to be hinting, they used an ex-wife look-alike to try and win Jack's confidence.

But...Juliet was already right there on the island when the plane crashed. And they didn't know Jack was onboard, so why would she already be there? The story Ben tells Jack doesn't make sense that that part was all planned.

I have two possible explanations - one is that Juliet is actually related to Jack's ex and they realized this at a later date (after the crash but before the abduction). The other is one I've had since last season, that there are an elaborate set of twins (or "twinners" as Stephen King might put it) among the Others and Losties. For some reason I think Libby has a twin that may just pop up since her stint in the Mental Institution doesn't seem to match up with her established back stories (not just that she was a clinical psychologist, but also set Desmond on his round the world cruise). It's also possible there are two "Juliets" - one that's sympathetic to Jack's cause that was brought here later, and the other that we saw witness the plane crash.

There's also evidence in the first few episodes this season that Juliet may not have been able to be in two places simultaneously. She may also have some history with Sawyer. More food for thought.

No NaNoWriMo Yet

As you can see, nothing yet. This week is just too crazy to wrap my brain around so far.

Tonight, chapter 1 - I promise!

I hope. Maybe.

National Novel Writing Month 2006

Today is the first day of the National Novel Writing Month, in which participants are challenged to write an entire 50,000-word novel during the month of November.

I've decided to give it a go, and will be posting periodic installments over at my WordPress site just to keep things separate. I'll put a notice here whenever there's a new installment - please give me comments and suggestions as time goes along.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a first line idea. I will definitely use one of them... whoever's I choose will get special mention as a character name somewhere in the book! (more incentive to read the installments)...

Chapter 1 will be posted later today. Stay tuned, and thank you.

Top 10 Words That More or Less Rhyme with "Brico"

In honor of Tish's call for Top 10 Lists to celebrate her boytoyfriend Brico's birthday, I present:

Top 10 Words That More or Less Rhyme with "Brico"

10. Crisco
9. Rico
8. Tivo
7. Freak-o
6. Meco (Beware - Sound!)
5. Leko
4. Coleco
3. Citgo
2. Schadenfreude

And the #1 Word that More or Less Rhymes with "Brico"....

1. Whipped

Thank you, good night everyone! Happy Birthday Brico!

Carry That Weight

Once there was a way
To get back homeward.
Once there was a way
To get back home.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby.

Just keep thinking, in six hours it'll be over. Keep your eyes forward, empty your mind, don't think of anything except what you're told to do.

Four men in dark suits drove out of the suburban fast food store parking lot. They didn't quite know where they were headed, but when needed directions can be produced.

They'd never been to this particular cemetery in Athens, TN before. The way was unfamiliar and the mood was dark. Contrasting the mood was the brilliant late October sun and the clear blue sky that was still full of clouds.

Golden Slumbers fill your eyes.
Smiles await you when you rise.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby.

At the cemetery, several entrances. Which one to choose? Simple, follow the hearse.

A large Suburban does not fit easily into a small paved pathway between the headstones but the driver makes it fit. They are joined by other men in dark suits and sunglasses, looking for all the world like a Presidential Secret Service detail.

The shade of the brilliant elms, cedars, pines and magnolias frame the graves in protective arms. The sun is alternately cool and hot as moods come and go. One man makes a simple joke that elicits a chuckle from all. Others stifle slight, whispered sobs. Older mourners arrive with gray hair and gray faces. The parents of the husband are assisted to the graveside while he and his son greet his late wife's mother and sister.

The men in dark suits begin to sweat as the day's unseasonable heat begins to rise.

Boy, you're gonna Carry that Weight,
Carry That Weight a long time.
Boy, you're gonna Carry that Weight,
Carry That Weight a long time.

The men lined up in two rows behind the hearse, as the casket was wheeled out. The Golden handles lining the blonde wood for cool but heavy. Once it has cleared the back of the car, the men turn as one and march the silent steps in tribute to their friend.

The way is difficult as a clear path to the gravesite is not exactly possible. Winding across the grass, mindful of small hills and granite markers they make their way across the lawn. Periodically a subtle grunt is heard as one person rearranges their grip. There is a lot of weight to the wood, and arms and hands are sore.

Their duty discharged, the men in dark suits form an informal honor guard behind the minister. A brief sermon of hope and life in resurrection is offered, although the immediate comfort it provided is dubious - through no fault of the minister.

The words conclude and the people begin to drift apart and away.

I never give you my pillow.
I only give you my invitations.
And in the middle of the Celebrations, I break down.

The mourners return to the concrete path. Murmurs are exchanged, opinions offered, recriminations, guilt, sadness, anger, frustration, sorrow, sympathy.

The men move on, their weight carried. The family and friends leave for a church-hosted luncheon. The workers are left to conclude their final tasks, and except for them everyone leaves the cemetery.

Except for the dead. And now there's one more who will stay.

The brilliant light of the day before Halloween should fill me with anticipation and buoyancy. Not today, not this year. There's just too much weight to carry.

Boy, you're gonna Carry that Weight,
Carry That Weight a long time.
Boy, you're gonna Carry that Weight,
Carry That Weight a long time.

Lennon/McCartney

Shock and...well, just Shock

Back. Still no heat.

Possibly one of the most stressful and strange weekends of my life. See here for a few details (I'm the friend that called Michael), and more later.

Heat Watch: Day 3

Still none. Waiting on parts. Have begun to burn furniture.

Meanwhile, headed out of town for the weekend. Stay warm!

John Locke: Faith Healer

For you "Lost" fans, here's my theory about John Locke.

One place I think I deviate from a number of established fans is that I don't revel in the fact Locke has embraced his inner "hunter". I appreciate the fact that he fancies himself the Big White Hunter and is trying to reject the "farmer" aspect of his personality - in his flashbacks we see him repeatedly being taken advantage for his trusting and forgiving nature, so he naturally wishes to rebel against that persona by becoming Mr. Mystical Tough-Guy. I think, though, that he is a farmer and always will be - and that to grow as a character and a person, he needs to understand there can be as much strength in that nurturing, creating aspect of life rather than as a leader/hunter and that's where he needs to focus himself.

There's a big difference in his personalities in the flashbacks and how he acts on the island (a lot of that has to do with his being bald, too) - he seized the opportunity to "rebirth" himself after the crash with the healing of his legs and decided he could "rebirth" himself into that hunter persona he always wanted to have. In fact, it started earlier when he decided to go on Walkabout. But his true nature keeps coming through (having "faith" in the Island, the Hatch, and the Button to a fault) and the battle between the two natures doesn't do him any good.

Course, now he's going to go and rescue Jack/Sawyer/Kate and be The Big Man. We'll see how far he gets... because he's not a Hunter. He's pretending to be one.

Let me explain...

Before Locke land on the island he is a man who is doubly handicapped - 1) He has handicapped himself mentally (he thinks himself a social cripple - a farmer - and wants to escape that and become a hunter (go on a Walkabout), and 2) he's physically crippled (legs).

When he lands on the island, his legs are healed! The island is the place that can offer him redemption and rebirth into the new Hunter persona. Since nobody knows anything about him from the past, he can shed the Farmer and become the Hunter. Only he keeps screwing up because he doesn't know how to be a Hunter - he just wants to be. I mean, he can hunt and kill boar but he really wants to be a Leader and that takes more than tracking game.

Was he a Leader when he led Booth down the primrose path and ended up getting him killed? Nope. That's why Booth's come back to haunt him.

Was he a Leader when trying to take charge of the Hatch and the button? Nope. BOOM.

But here's the thing...

If he leaves the island he believes his legs will fail again and he'll have to go back to the way he was - in fact (here's the big revelation that's coming) I think his paralysis is psychosomatic. I don't think there was anything wrong with his legs in the first place. Sometime before he went to Australia for Walkabout, he convinced himself he was a cripple, so he became one. Most likely as a result of the commune experience, something will happen that causes something to snap in his brain - not his spine - and he loses the use of his legs because he thinks he deserves to. And he's eaten up with guilt and self-doubt because of it.

He thinks the island healed him, but in fact after the crash he did it himself - because there was never anything wrong with him in the first place. He just "had faith" and believed.

Heh. Locke the Faith Healer.

That's why he needs to understand he can have faith in himself as a Farmer, not a Leader, and make just as important a contribution to the group as the others (not the Others, but the other Lostaways).

Will he figure this out as he tries to rescue Jack and the others? Is this what Ben/Henry saw in him that made him want to "save" him?

Maybe we'll find some of that out tonight. I rather think it'll come in about two weeks... We'll see.

Gotta have faith.

Heat Watch: Day 2

There is none.

Tune in for Day 3...

You Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone...

(apologies to Joni Mitchell)

Came home last night after King & I rehearsal to find my wife bundled up in the chair. Peaking out from beneath a blanket or ten, she said, "We have no heat."

What???

Resisting the urge to back up and come in again in hopes that it will become 2006 instead of 1806, I ask for details. Apparently there's not a lot of detail left to give - the heat pump isn't working. Yes, and those who live in the area know that last night was probably the coldest night of the season so far. And tonight will be even colder.

We eventually rebundled up and went to bed. Thankfully our home is warmer on the second floor where the bedrooms are than on the ground floor and the evening passed in relative comfort.

This morning a friend of mine came over to look at the heat pump with me. We have gas packs and apparently there was no gas getting into the unit outside, so no pilot lights were on. It's a self-igniting unit with the spark down into the unit (no need to be accessible for a match) but there was no gas smell at all and nothing came out of the bleed-off valve. If there had even been a little gas in the line there would've been a hiss, but there wasn't. Oddly enough, though, our hot water heater works fine and we were able to take hot showers (thank heaven for small favors).

I'm now waiting for my friend to consult with a heating and air guy he works with for more information. Hopefully it'll then just be a matter of determining where the gas is holding up....

Cowards

Commission shelves Harber probe

Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale said today he was relieved the County Commission chose not to hear the issue of dirty political tricks by former county employee Tyler Harber.

"This whole thing was entirely politically motivated," Ragsdale said after the commission voted to withdraw a resolution on the issue. "We need to move beyond the past and political bickering."

Sometimes I feel really embarrassed to live in Knox County.

Obviously some arms got twisted, futures were threatened and skeletons unburied to make sure this issue doesn't see the light of day for a good while.

Thank goodness we have courageous, upright people representing the citizens of Knox County that stand for the truth.

(And I thought the Knoxville City Council was bad...)

Maybe I'll run for County Mayor. How hard can it be?

UPDATE:

WATE is reporting that Commissioner Greg "Lumpy" Lambert --- (pardon me a moment. I always have to pause after saying that guy's nickname to compose myself) --- has requested the motion be withdrawn until a future date when Tyler Harber will supposedly make himself available for deposition.

Well, that's interesting.

This Just In...

Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

After the verdict, Skilling was heard to cry repeatedly that he would "beat the rap" and would "be exonerated quickly". He then promptly threw himself under a bus.

Jurists quicky re-deliberated and cleared him of all charges.

Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow...

The First Line

I'm still contemplating what I'm going to attempt to write for the National Novel Writing Month. I have a few good ideas, but I'd like a little assistance from the studio audience.

How about a first line? I know we're supposed to write the whole thing ourselves, but hey - I won't tell if you don't ;) Give me some good opening lines in the comments and maybe I'll use one of them!

Don't be too specific with names or places, because I don't want to lock myself into a setting just yet. But give a sentence that might grab a reader of a novel right out of the gate, and sets up the beginning action.

What can you come up with?

Needful Things

I'm rereading for the umpteenth time Stephen King's 1990 thriller Needful Things - which may actually have supplanted Insomnia as my favorite King novel.

Simply put, the story focuses on the demonic antics of a Leland Gaunt, who sets up shop in the fictional town of Castle Rock and wreaks havoc by selling the people the things they most desire in the world. Calling on their greed and selfishness, he uses them to turn their neighbors against each other. I won't ruin the ending, but suffice to say there's a reason the book is subtitled: "The Last Castle Rock Story".

Some of the "Needful Things" Mr. Gaunt pawns off on the unsuspecting townfolks are a mint condition signed Sandy Koufax baseball card, a framed photo of Elvis, a rod and reel of the exact model a man had as a small boy, a fox-tail a man remembered once hanging from his teen-ager car, a horserace game that predicted the outcome of races, a music box, a screwdriver set, a carnival glass lampshade, and an Egyptian amulet that cured a woman's arthritis.

If you were a character in the book, what would your "Needful Thing" be? What object, should the opportunity arise, could you picture yourself moving heaven and earth to purchase were it suddenly available and easily affordable?

Friday's Feast

Friday, October 20, 2006 - Feast One Hundred & Sixteen

Appetizer - What is your favorite beverage?

For years I would have answered Coca-Cola, but it has been supplanted, finally, by good old southern sweet tea (no lemon). I probably drink 5-8 glasses a day.


Soup - Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

Well, looking around my desk at home I see:

1. 3 chip clips, stacked neatly one on top of the other
   
2. a red and blue duct tape wallet created by Brainy Boy. I don't know if there's any money in it... (checking) whoa, holy cow, there's a bunch of ones. Guess they're his...
   
3. My Jurassic Park: The Ride baseball hat I bought at Universal Studios last year

What's in your wallet?


Salad - On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

Honestly? *snicker* I think I'm about an 7. I'm not sure people can be much higher than that, really. Unless, of course, they're lying.


Main Course - If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

Why in the world Wartburg, TN would've kept that name for all these years I have no idea. I guess I can't complain, it's kept me chuckling about it since I was a kid growing up. I guess if I could rename it I'd give it a very classical city name like others in Tennessee - we already have a Memphis, an Athens, an Alexandria and a Moscow. How about Rome? Buenos Aries? Wait, no, Constantinople. I hereby rename Wartburg Constantinople, TN. City officials, please make the necessary changes to the charter.


Dessert - What stresses you out? What calms you down?

Too many things happening at once stresses me out. Playing a computer game like "Civilization III" calms me down and relaxes me immensely.

Fan Belts and Teddy Bears

Speaking of time capsules (was I?), here's an interesting project.

We think there’s no one better suited to teach future generations what the world was like in 2006. For 30 days, from October 10 until November 8, Yahoo! users worldwide can contribute photos, writings, videos, audio – even drawings – to this electronic anthropology project. This digital data will be gathered and preserved for historical purposes.

Even if you aren't interested in participating or viewing the project, the website design is intriguing...

Oh, and for the many of you - literally, none in particular - who who wondering about the time capsule reference in last week's Friday's Feast, click here.

Education Gap

I recently had a discussion with two of the teens in the youth group at church. We were eating dinner and having a general chat about school and tests, and one of them mentioned she will be getting out early in December for break because she will have tested out of most of her exams.

I wasn't sure what she meant, so she explained that if you pass your tests during the year by a certain amount, you don't have to take the midterm (or final I presume). So she didn't need to go to class those days.

Growing up in the Knox County Public School System (lo, these 20+ years ago), I was surprised at the leniency in attendance required during exam times. We had 6 periods a day of 50 or so minutes each, with about 5-7 minutes between classes. Today's high school classes use a lot of block scheduling which means fewer but longer classes that last only a semester.

The discussion turned toward a rather nonchalant attitude toward skipping school - these are intelligent, talented and resourceful teens, but the stories they told on how they could easily ditch school for whatever reason with little notice from their parents or teachers left my jaw hanging open.

I then asked them about teachers, whether there were any teachers they'd had in high school that they particularly respected or enjoyed the classes more than other. No, was the response, they really didn't care for any of their teachers that much. Ho hum. Whatever.

I was rather appalled at the lack of interest being generated by either the teachers in their classrooms to engage these teens, or the parents that don't instill a sense of the wonder and discovery of learning to kids when they're younger.

Additionally, one of the girls goes to a local public high school, one to a private high school. Both are the same age and same social class.

Those of you who either have or had kids in high school (or are close to kids that are or were in high school recently) - how do their experiences with teachers and school compare to your own?

I could recall off the top of my head at least 5 teachers that made particular impressions on me in high school, either by challenging me to succeed or expanding my horizons to make learning interesting.

Is the education system collapsing around us while we fiddle away watching "Who Wants to Be The World's Greatest Dancer" or am I just being naive?

Get Well Soon

I'm a little out of it today - my wife is home sick with a stomach bug of some kind. Last week Brainyboy had pretty much the same thing.

I hate it when anyone in my family is sick. I always feel completely helpless, even for the little things.

I hope you feel better soon, L - I love you :)

Friday's Feast

Friday, October 13, 2006 - Feast One Hundred & Fifteen

Appetizer - Approximately how many hours per week do you spend reading other blogs?

I glance at blogs here and there during the day at work and in the evening as well - no set times, just here and there. Altogether I probably spend a couple hours total reading blogs.


Soup - Your community wants everyone to give one thing to put into a time capsule. What item would you choose to include?

I would put in a broken fan belt, a Cleopatra dress, a bottle of Cognac, a fish hook, some boxing gloves - and a teddy bear, to signify all the ones who came in here as boys, and left as men...

Oh, wait, am I on the right show?


Salad - What is the most interesting tourist attraction you've ever visited?

Most everyone who reads my site knows of my affection for Walt Disney World, so setting that aside - probably the most interesting tourist attraction would be the Caribbean Islands. My wife and I have cruised there twice and always found new and interesting things to see. From snorkling in St. Johns to kayaking in Barbados, exploring the black sand beaches of Dominica (seen in Pirates of the Caribbean II) and the dormant volcant of St. Lucia the islands are a marvel to visit.


Main Course - If you could give an award to anyone for anything, who would it be and what would the award be titled?

I hereby give my Blogger Buddy awards for 2006:

Most Likely to Become a Burlesque Dancer: Becky at Searching for Oz
Fair Weather Sports Fan Award: "Titans-loving-oops-except-when-they're-playing-the-Redskins" Michael at Big Orange Michael
Most Likely to Pass as a Cast Member of "The Office": Will at Hit Coffee.
The National Gallery of Art "Up-and-Coming" Award: - It's a tie between Teresa of Hatamaran and Nikki of Bedazzled
Most Likely to Junk it All and Head for Vegas With Another Blogger: Tish at The Kat House
Most Consecutive Rides on The Haunted Mansion Without Singing "Grim Grinning Ghosts": Philip at The Beast's Lair




Dessert - What do you think your favorite color reveals about your personality?

Green is my favorite color, and I think it truly signifies two things-well, three: 1) Although I wouldn't classify myself as an outdoorsman by any means, seeing a field of green grass or a mountain covered with trees is very soothing and comforting to me. I've lived in the East Tennessee area all my life and I could never exist in a concrete jungle. 2) Green is a neutral color in between the coolness of blues and purples and warmth of reds and yellows, which reflects my personality. I'm generally levelheaded and remain objective on a lot of issues. I can empathise with either side, and am not swayed by rhetoric or jingoism. Green signifies a peace reached through balance. 3) Who can argue with Kermit the Frog?

Self Portrait Challenge - October (Week #2)

Take the October Self Portrait Challenge!

Look beyond the surface of your life, dig into your imperfect self and reveal it to us. I want to see the down and dirty you, the messy, gross and ugly you, the side of yourself that you always try to hide, give us some insight into your dreadful secrets. This can be your physical self or your personal space or within your wider life. Be not afraid!

For years I've held on to a number of insecurities and self-doubts about my true talents and skills.

By profession, I'm a computer programmer. By avocation I'm a musician. I've enjoyed some moderate success in both over the years, rising to the position of website coordinator for a local hospital system. I've also managed to use my abilities to play the piano, direct theatre and act into a satisfactory body of work for local shows. To most anyone's eyes I would be considered a success at not only making a good living at being creative in designing websites, but fulfilling dreams of musical and theatrical creativity and self-expression.

But self-assessments of my own skills and talents continue to leave me feeling quite fortunate in where I am and what I've accomplished. I feel sometimes as if life has been a series of fortunate breaks, right-place-at-the-right-time opportunities and pleas for help from those at the end of their rope.

I fear I don't have the programming skills necesary to truly produce work output that at the end of the day I can be proud of in its creativity, user-friendliness or thoroughness. I feel my web programming skills stopped evolving several years ago and I'm getting by on past glories. I don't want to own my own web design company, but I feel I've come to a rock and can go no further even within my own ambitions.

I am also a fair pianist, but make more than my fair share of mistakes. Truly accomplished musicians come and go through my sphere of influence and I see where my futures might lie had I truly enough talent, drive and expertise to succeed. I don't desire to perform to Broadway, but feel have been unable to overcome the hard places that keep me from pursuin more attainable goals.

Therefore, the second of the "hidden challenges", a part of me I try to hide, is my lack of confidence in my own professional and creative abilities.

The Two Sides of the Keyboard.

Missed It By That Much..

Walt Disney World was almost a half hour away...

As early as 1958, Walt Disney was disappointed that the area outside of Disneyland was littered with cheap, garish shops, hotels and restaurants that capitalized on the success of Disneyland.

Even worse, Walt felt that the surrounding area detracted from the overall guest experience and he sought to find a place with enough land to hold all of his dreams and where he could control the entire experience.

There were many areas Walt looked at for an East Coast location. Some of those areas included Niagara Falls, the Great Smokey Mountains, Washington, D.C. and in Florida itself areas that included Miami, Sarasota, and Ocala. For a variety of reasons, Walt finally settled on land located near Orlando.

Oh, and we were so close...

YOU JUST GOTTA...

BELIEVE!!!

Diary of a Music Director 2006 - Part 1: "The King & I"

Another 7 weeks of pain and pleasure has begun. Last night was the first evening of rehearsals for the new show I am Music Directing, "The King & I" at the Oak Ridge Playhouse.

I'm going to try and chronicle my experiences as I did last year with "Annie" (here, here--oh, just browse October and November if you're interested. It's fascinating and insightful reading, I promise you..).

A couple of beginning observations. I'm a vocal director first off, and my strength is teaching and coaching vocalists to sing the various parts in a musical, both principal soloists and choruses. Interestingly, in this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic the choral work is very minimal - especially compared with their other shows such as "Oklahoma!" and "South Pacific" - and my vocal work won't take long. I have last night and tonight to work with the soloists, then three days next week to go over the choral parts. From then on until about a week before the show starts I'm the rehearsal pianist.

When the show starts into dress rehearsals I'm the orchestra leader - now, orchestra is a relative term in this level of amateur community theatre, because it usually just encompasses a piano, electronic keyboard, drums, bass and maybe a wind instrument or two. That's the plan for this show, but the challenge will be taking those instrumentalists and producing a musical sound that's compatible in emotion and scope with what a full orchestra can give to a production of this size.

It's a challenge, to be sure, but one I'm looking forward to because the music of this show is so rich and exotic. I can't wait to dig into the score!

One final note - Tink is in the show as one of the Royal Children. This is her first stage production, and I'll be there each night to watch over her. It should be quite interesting!

"The King & I" will be presented at the Oak Ridge Playhouse November 17-19, 23-26 and December 1-3, 2006.

Friday's Feast

Friday, October 06, 2006 - Feast One Hundred & Fourteen

Appetizer - Name a song you know by heart.

I know the whole beginning and end themes to "Lidsville".

Wow. I can practically hear your being impressed.


Soup - What will you absolutely not do in front of another person?

I can't go to the bathroom in front of someone else, unless it's in a public bathroom. If I'm at home, I gotta have privacy.


Salad - How often do you use mouthwash and what kind do you like?

I'm not sure I've ever used mouthwash, at least not regularly. I've never been able to stand those minty tastes...blech.


Main Course - Finish this sentence: I am embarrassed when...

I am embarrassed when...I try to accomplish a task that I should know how to do but can't. In other words, if it's assumed that I have a particular skill for a particular job but I run into the limits of my experience or skills when I should actually know how to do it, it's quite embarrassing.


Dessert - What was the last food you craved?

I'm always craving potato chips of some kind. Right now, I'm craving them... it's become an obsession.

Strange But Possibly True Things Learned on LOST Last Night

• Stephen King's "The Dark Tower (Book 7)" came out on September 21, 2004.
  
  Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on September 22, 2004.
  
  Coincidence? If that's really "The Dark Tower" they were discussing, then I think not. If nothing else it proves they have access (really DIRECT access) to the outside world.
  
  
• I think Jack's father is alive somewhere on the island, although I think less now that he's the mastermind behind the experiments. I'm still thinking Kate's father is the best bet.
  
  
• I will almost be disappointed if the bear cage Sawyer was in housed polar bears, because that would mostly invalidate Walt's possible psychic influence in creating the polar bear from the first couple of episodes. I think it was assumed up till now he (or something) created the polar bear with his fantastic mutant mental powers, after seeing a picture of one in a comic book (not to mention owning a stuffed one when he was younger). If it was already there as part of the Others' experiments, it diminishes Walt's importance....
  
  

Some Further Points on the "Bacchanalia"...

A couple more salient points about the "Sweet 15 Birthday Party" controversy that has gripped Knoxville the last few days...

• How much more of a hue and cry would there have been if instead of 5 hunky topless Webb High boys at the party, it was 5 curvacious Webb High cheerleaders in skimpy swimsuits fawning over a birthday boy?? Nope, no sexual undertones there. Guess it's ok for teen boys to be "eye candy" to a teenybopper girl crowd...
  
  
• Can anyone find it in any parents' magazine where Watching "My Super Sweet 16 Birthday Party" or whatever it's called on MTV with your kid is recommended? Advised? Looked favorably on? I know it's good practice to watch TV with your child, but when is this show or really anything on MTV these days good to show your teen?
  
  
• I do keep seeing detractors of the party take shots at Brittany herself, which I think are unwarranted. What 15-year-old wouldn't eat up all the money and attention thrown at her? Accordint to all the official (and unofficial) sources I've read, she's actually a pretty level-headed young woman and a good student. Let's lay off the "bratty/snotty" comments directed at Brittany and hope she stays that way. There are much better targets for criticism here.
  
  
• Hey, dad - if I were you and you and stepmom are as swell as people say you are...I'd look into some more favorable visitation and custody rights. I'm just sayin'....
  
  
• Supporters of the mom, including the mom herself, have responded publicly on the web and in letters to the editor. Common to most of the defenses have been three points: 1) A 15-year-old girl "deserves" to have the very best birthday party that can be thrown for her, b) We are all "jealous" of the fact that she can throw this party for her daughter and we can't, and 3) people shouldn't "judge" others when they don't know the whole story
  
  While the correct way to deal with this situation should be obvious, I'll spell it out because so many people seem to have such a wrong idea.
  
  First of all, yes, our children deserve the best we can give them. They deserve to have good food, good clothes, warm beds, education, free time, access to opportunities, fun, friends, sports and most of all love and attention. They deserve these things because they are precious human beings who are basically directionless and defenseless in the early years of their lives. However, they also deserve instruction, discipline, structure, challenges, examples, rules, responsibilities and guidance as well as all the others. Parents should be constantly aware of providing all of these things to their children. If you fall short in one area, you risk raising a child that's either so spoiled they expect all the good things in life or so cowed by life they expect nothing but hardness and disappointment. Finding the correct balance is absolutely essential in raising a well-rounded, mature child that will someday be ready to be a responsible adult.
  
  So in some cases, while we want to give kids as much of a good time as we can when they are children, all that fun has to be tempered with responsibility and an idea of excess. These folks don't realize that, while taken separately each of the elements of this party might not've been too bad by themselves, all together shows this teen that the more money you can throw at something, the less meaningful each individual part becomes. And when you throw so much money into one bash, the actual fact that the girl was turning 15 became an afterthought for gifts, extravegance, and any other descriptor you want to throw in. In the girl's eyes now, there is no reason to ever expect restraint or an idea of good taste as long as there's more money to buy even more things.
  
  No, a 15-year-old girl does not "deserve" to have such a Bacchanalia (and to a teen, it probably was the equivalent of a Bacchanalia, regardless of whether there was just eye candy, pixie sticks and oh-so-innocent "booty shaking" instead of wine, women and song) - she deserves to have a responsible parent that knows the meaning of restraint and responsibility. So far she doesn't have that. Thank goodness Brittany seems to be bright enough to be developing that sense on her own.
  
  Second, no, we're not jealous. If I threw that kind of party for my son or daughter I'd expect to be led away in handcuffs for contributing to the delinquency of (several) minors or a straightjacket. Contrary to popular belief, most parents don't have to buy their kids' love.
  
  Finally, are we "judging" you? That seems to be a popular pejorative these days, that anyone who finds fault with the way others are living their lives or raising their children is "judging" them. I seem to remember that's a pretty popular term used by guests of the Jerry Springer show, so I suppose they came by it honestly.
  
  No, we're not really judging anyone. I'm not actually saying anyone's necessarily a bad person, although methods leave much to be desired. It's quite possible there is actually a lot of love involved, and this is the only way she knows to express it. I don't know her, and can't judge her on that, obviously.
  
  But if I and the majority of Knoxville parents (which I'm hope feel the same way) see the obvious damage being done to an innocent 15-year-old's values, ethics and morals that was done a few weeks ago, then yes - I'm going to point that out very quickly and firmly to make sure everyone understands what is going wrong.
  
  And not just yes, but hell yes.
  

Self Portrait Challenge - October (Week #1)

This month's Self Portrait Challenge is going to be tough...

Look beyond the surface of your life, dig into your imperfect self and reveal it to us. I want to see the down and dirty you, the messy, gross and ugly you, the side of yourself that you always try to hide, give us some insight into your dreadful secrets. This can be your physical self or your personal space or within your wider life. Be not afraid!

Below is why I like to wear baseball caps (even though Somebody says I wear them too high). This is what makes me look like a combination of Frasier Crane and Josh Lyman from "The West Wing". I love my dad, but it's all his fault.



The high forehead - yes, there it is. The bane of my existence. Well, one of them.

Interestingly, I was going to crop out the poster of Malificent on the wall behind me, but the gout of flame she's breathing forth right on the top of my head was way too apropos...

It's Not Just a Cobb Salad - It's a Whole Cornfield...

My wife's Cobb Salad today at our anniversary lunch:



And that was after she ate as much as she wanted. Yes, it was that huge. I think after a while it started to develop its own gravitational field...

Boy, Now I've Done It.

For some insane reason, I've joined the National Novel Writing Month Challenge.


Starting November 1, I have one (1) month to write a 50,000 word novel.

Ha. Easy like cake. Piece of pie.

Well, this is where you come in... I need an idea. What should Barry's Great American Novel be about? What scintillating work of fiction should erupt from my head, much like the very likeness of Aphrodite herself from the forehead of Zeus, that will astound the literary world and rock the very foundation of society itself?

And if you figure that out, tell J.D Salinger, cause I ain't writing it.

But I'll take anything - any ideas are welcome. I may even (if I'm allowed) post excerpts here as I go. If I actually do it.

Ok...go!

A "Football Move"

Tennessee Titans and former UT standout Albert Haynesworth is in a peck of trouble.

By now, most everyone knows how Haynesworth stomped on the head of Dallas Cowboy Andre Gurode during their game on Sunday. And how Gurode required 30 stitches, Haynesworth was ejected and subsequently suspended for five games without pay.

There is continued talk about whether criminal actions should be brought against Haynesworth (although apparently the Nashville police are waiting for Gurode to actually press charges before pursuing the matter) or whether Gurode to sue Haynesworth. Apparently there is NFL precedent for this kind of action, so I've read.

What Haynesworth did was reprehensible and embarrassing to the Titans and to UT. That's a given. The five-game suspension was enough or not enough, depending on your own opinion. That's not at issue here, really.

I'm just curious at the possibility of criminal or civil charges being based on what a football player does on the field. I watched Chris Collinsworth during halftime of a game later that day comment that he believed it was a criminal act, and Haynesworth should've been led off the field in handcuffs. And that if someone had struck him in such a way on the street, the guy would've been in jail.

But while stomping is extremely dangerous and could've resulted in Gurode losing an eye, well...football's an extremely rough sport as we all know. When a football player goes on the field, the possibility of extreme injury is always there. QB's take ferocious sacks, linemen pound on each other, RB's get their legs cut out from under them... are these criminal acts? No, of course not - they're part of the game and not actionable under local laws.

Now, if I was standing on the street corner and somebody blindside-tackled me like a linebacker sacking a QB, would I have grounds to file for assault? Sure. But I wouldn't if I were a QB and that same guy sacked me on the field.

If I was standing on the strees corner and a somebody picked me up and threw me to the ground, I'd have them arrested. If I was a Wide Receiver getting caught in the backfield on an End Around, I'd be embarrassed for not being quicker around the corner (and pretty sore).

So there's a difference between what's actionable on and off the field. Where, legally, does that leave an opening for someone filing criminal or civil charges against Haynesworth?

Well, you say, what he did was not a "football move" as they like to call certain plays these days. It wasn't in the course of a tackle or block. It was clearly retaliatory, clearly in anger and caused injury.

True. But who's to say the Alabama defender that broke UT Quarterback Tony Robinson's leg almost in two in 1985 wasn't acting deliberately? I don't think he was, but who knows? What about the guy that snapped Joe Theismann's leg (shudder)? Or the guy who gave Kansas City QB Trent Green a concussion and has caused him to miss at least four games so far? Those injuries probably weren't intentional, but they could have been as far as anyone knows. Haynesworth's was just a lot more obvious.

But what I'm getting at is none of those injuries (as far as I know) were ever pursued by the injured party in the courts. They were unfortunate parts of the game, and I doubt the law would've (or could've) gone after any of the injurers.

So, tell me, if I - a Quarterback - can't sue someone for sacking me on a late hit and breaking my leg, why should Gurode be able to sue or prosecute Haynesworth? Where is that actual legal line drawn between "a football move" or even one that causes serious injuries and a crime?

(For another example of what I'm talking about, see Clemens, R. vs Piazza, M.)

I just have a hard time buying the arbitrary line drawn between purposeful injury and the injuries and violence that are just part of the game, as far as what should be considered illegal. It seems if you're going to exempt a vicious, bone-jarring, concussion-causing hit you should exempt a cleat to the head. Legally speaking, that is.

Random Cool Website Find Du Jour

Everything you wanted to know about the songs of the great Warner Brothers cartoon, One Froggy Evening, including sheet music and sound clips for "Hello Ma Baby!"

Our Neighbors, Part 1

For the folks from out of town, these are the types of people we share our city with:

A Super Sweet 15 for Farragut teen

On Sept. 23, Leslie [Gibbs] weathered the storm and threw her daughter the ultimate 15th-birthday bash at Maple Grove Inn in West Knoxville.

..

Five young hunks didn't require an invitation to the party. The five Webb High School athletes were handpicked to mingle and dance with partygoers. Their uniform: pink bow ties, jeans, and a coat of spray glitter on their bare upper bodies.

..

Around 7 p.m., Hall, the invitation deliverer, announces Brittany's arrival. The DJ cranks up "Let's Get It Started" by the Black Eyed Peas. With her court in tow wearing pink and green satin evening gowns and shiny wings, she enters on a green litter trimmed with pink feathers, carried by four of the shirtless Webb athletes. The original plan had Brittany coming in on her quarter horse, Riley. The fifth Webb footballer, Bo Johnson, dressed in military-style regalia, awaits her.

I could quote on and on, but I just keep getting more and more nauseous. Suffice to say, the evening culminates with the presentation of a 2006 BMW Z4. To a 15-yr-old girl. Who can't even drive by herself yet.

Reactions from the public on the Sentinel's feedback page are scathing, and deservedly so. This poor girl's mother... I honestly can't say what I'm thinking for fear of being sued for libel. With a total budget for the party in 5 figures - 90% of which could have been used for a multitude of more philanthropic gestures that would've resonated throughout the girl's life - mom has securely bought her daughter's love and affection. Nice job.

And for those criticizing the Sentinel for covering this event - and you know who you are - think about this. The entire article could also be read as a satirical indictment of the occasion. A look into the life of a mother whose only way to reach her daughter is through money, cars, food and borderline debauchery.

UPDATE: Regarding the backlash against the Sentinel for covering the story, editor Jack McElroy writes:

How dare we cover, in a non-judgmental way, an event that raises a plethora of questions about values in 21st century America and East Tennessee! What of waste of time, for us and apparently for the thousands and thousands of people who invested their mornings devouring the story in print and online and discussing it across town, merrily condemnnig all involved.

I love it.

I love it too. It's amusing, yet sad to watch people miss the entire point.

Missed It.

Well, I missed the Knoxville Blogger Bash this weekend. I start rehearsals for a new show this week, and I needed some last minute kids-time, plus to do some yard work I'd been neglecting...

Sorry, guys, wish I could've been there - let's plan another one really soon, and I promise I'll make this one!

Quik Quiz

Ok, what's worse than having to buy a full set of new tires for your car on Saturday?

I'll give you a second...

..

..

..

Ok, time's up.

Here's what's worse.

Having to buy two full sets of new tires for both cars on Saturday.

Ouch.

(Donations accepted)

Friday's Feast

Friday, September 29, 2006 - Feast One Hundred & Thirteen

Appetizer - What is your favorite herb or spice?

My favorite herb or spice...my favorite herb or spice... Well, my favorite herb would be Herb Tarlek from "WKRP in Cincinnati" and my favorite spice would be the Spice Mines of Kessel (which Han Solo ran in less than 12 parsecs).


Soup - Name a song you like but haven't heard in a long time.

There's an old Asia tune called "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" I haven't heard in a while that I always liked (the video had to do with a child being lost from his parents) - also 10,000 Maniacs did a tune called "What's the Matter Here" that was about child abuse and how some people just ignore the pain that's going on around them. Interesting, they both evoke strong emotions in me that relate to children and how they're treated or cared for.


Salad - If you were to take just one minute to write down as many things as you can think of that you need (not want) to do, approximately how many things would there be?

I need to schedule a new doctor's appt. I need to reserve rooms for TTA Conference next month. I need to finish two free-lance web design jobs. I need to start looking at the music for "The King & I" that I start Music Directing next week. I need to get new tires for my car. I need to get started and have the back door of the house repaired. I need to stop blogging at work ;) I need to be more responsive to the needs of my family. I need to stop wasting time playing Civilization III all night. I need to watch my NetFlix DVD's and actually return them. I need to help my son on my model. I need to know if a minute is up yet. I need to seriously examine my future employment possibilities. I need to improve my keyboard playing skills. I need to be more attentive to local and world events. I need this paddletoy - and that's all I need.


Main Course - Tell something interesting about one of your family members (nothing scandalous, please, just something unique).

My uncle has a doctorate and was a professor in New York, as well as having been married to a woman from Switzerland for a while.

Scandalous? There's nothing scandalous about my family. We're so clean we squeak.


Dessert - What's the latest you've ever stayed awake?

I've stayed up all night chatting on a very new internet chat during college a couple times. Happened to glance out the window at one point and saw it was light...uh-oh.

United Methodist Survey

If you are a United Methodist, take the United Methodist Church Survey.

State of The United Methodist Church Survey

The Connectional Table is conducting research on State of The United Methodist Church for the 2008 General Conference. We invite you to share with us your perspectives and points of view of the Church and its importance to your spiritual journey.

Way to go, Dad!

I just have to tell everyone, yesterday, my dad bowled a 289!

Next time, I expect him to do better...

Self Portrait Challenge - September (Week 4)

For the final Self Portrait Challenge of September, I have a photo of myself with the most important people in the world - my family.


(I call this shot our Meet the Beatles shot)

Another, slightly more serious version hangs on the wall in our home. These three folks are precious to me in more ways than I can possibly say. Our lives revolve around each other in such a way that we are so intertwined, when one is happy we're all happy, and when one's upset, we're all upset. When one laughs, we all laugh.

All for one and one for all.

Take the Self Portrait Challenge!


UPDATE: Oh, by the way - we go on tour next month:

Picking Your Battles...

I've heard this philosophy espoused by parents a number of times as I've chatted with them about raising children. Supposedly they advocate giving in on minor matters while standing firm on more important issues - reasons vary from allowing the child an occasional sense of accomplishment or independence to simple fatigue and downright apathy.

Michael Williams tackles this issue, that I've been meaning to blog about for a while now, head on:

I'm curious about the notion that parents have to "pick their battles" with their children in the sense that they shouldn't try to win every point but focus only on the important issues. This seems like an eminently sensible strategy for dealing with a spouse or other equal, and even more-so a boss or other superior, but is this the best way to deal with a subordinate?

..

As I'm learning with dogs and dominance challenges, if you expect to lead the pack then it's important to win every single time.

Amen, Michael. Read the whole post, and then also read a depressing article from The Washington Post about parental permissiveness and ignorance as to the suggestive T-shirts they allow their teens to wear...

As for me, I've pledged not to "pick my battles" and instead to show my kids that I care about each and every one of the issues and conflicts that come up. Giving in means you show them they, or their concern, is of little importance to you and subsquently neither are they. Show strength, show leadership, and show concern for everything your child brings to you, regardless of your frustration level. It's hard, but ultimately you don't matter - your kids do.

Well, It's Official...There's No Compromise. Or Is There?

The two sides of the Iraq war debate have officially polarized and now there is no possibility for middle ground anymore. No way either side will see either the other side's points, nor work for a compromise on what to believe or support.

It's either for or against, with completely contradicting reasoning on either side. And I say that for the side I fall on, as well.

I've watched debate over Clinton's TV interview, plus the rebuttals and support on either side by not only the politicians but by all the bloggers.

We're either safer, or worse off. Terrorism is either lessened or increased, depending on which side you're on. The people in Iraq either love us or hate us. Bush has either done a good job or a terrible job. Clinton did all he could, or did nothing. The war in Iraq was absolutely necessary or completely useless. You pick - one side or the other. There's nothing in the middle.

Bob Corker's either a great leader or corrupt heathen. Harold Ford, Jr. is...well, a either a great leader or a corrupt heathen. Governor Phil Bredesen singlehandedly destroyed the lives of people on TennCare, or saved them. Doesn't matter what the details are, just as long as you've made a decision.

I hate it. I despise it. I can't read blogs anymore that pick one side of the debate or the other, because there's never room for exploring the real truths. It's either black or white, yes or no, us or them. And that's going to kill us all much more completely than any terrorist might be able to.

SO....

I dare anyone reading this post who is set in their opinions to dig deep inside their own psyche, muster up some intestinal fortitude and admit to yourself - and us - one item. One point, one idea, one truth...that you've blasted the other side for lying about or exaggerating for years, but that you secretly, in your heart of hearts, actually are starting to believe yourself. And admit it here, in comments, or on your site.

Help start the movement toward putting together the real story and the real truth - sticking blindly by your guns isn't going to do it, there must be something you can be brave and admit that maybe you got it wrong, and the other side was right about all along. If enough people can do it, maybe we can start moving toward an understanding about what this is all really about.

C'mon, think. Something, somewhere, in the arguments you've vehemently and religiously ridiculed or denied - some spark of an argument you've said to yourself, "Ok...maybe they're right on that one..." Let it out - it will do you good.

Go for it. After a few comments roll in, I'll let you in on my big admission. But not till then.

SPC Coming...

My final Self-Portrait Challenge for September is delayed, but I'll have it up tonight (as if you were actually wondering where it was). This one is special, if I can get it scanned in good enough quality and I think you'll like it.

Personal Responsibility

What are the limits of our personal responsibility?

Perhaps that's not the best way to pose this particular question... When you make a commitment, even one that's not written in blood or carved in stone (choose your own metaphor) how hard do you work to keep your word?

Let's say you've told someone you're going to be at the Blogger Bash this weekend at Barley's Tap House (remember?) and at the last minute something comes up and you can't go. Do you count that as breaking a commitment or a promise? Probably not, as no one would have actually been depending on your presence one way or the other. However, if you'd mentioned that you'd pick up someone's tab, or give them a ride to or from the event then fail to show up - then yes, you're breaking a commitment. Even if the promise was explicit or implied, your absence has altered the flow of another person's life.

Now, hopefully in most cases the literal setbacks would be minor (in this instance, the other person can surely hitch a ride from someone else) but your status in their eyes and others around would likely be diminished somewhat. Maybe in that case you make it up to them next time, no harm no foul, all's forgiven. Right?

Ok, say the situation is a little more complex or serious. Say you promised to take someone to the airport? If you blew it off, or forgot, that person's life could be significantly altered. Missing a flight can be a costly and situation, not to mention the circumstances involved with missing whatever they were flying for. If someone was scheduled to pick me up at 6am for an 8am flight, and they didn't show up - causing me a good deal of distress and perhaps frantic calls to a cab company - it would be difficult to trust them again anytime soon for something of that magnitude.

You might be thinking, "Well, they were doing you a favor - you didn't want to spring for a cab or long-term parking so how do you feel justified in criticizing someone who was doing you a favor in the first place?" I understand the idea, but the point is not that since they're doing me a favor, they get to dictate the terms and conditions of the task they've agreed to perform - or whether to perform it at all. The point is once you've agreed to take on a job and someone is relying on your to come through, you do that job to the best of your ability regardless of time, place or circumstance. If things come up to force you to alter your agreement, then it's up to you to make arrangements to compensate. Obviously plans change - schedules are altered, people get sick, etc. But once you've agreed, in faith and principle and regardless of whether there's money involved, then you are honor-bound to see it through.

Honor is a nebulous concept, and a lot of people self-define it to fit their own ends. Similarly with different kinds of ethics and morality, people define levels of personal responsibility in different ways. When those different levels intersect, trouble can follow.

I'm very big on a do-what-you-say kind of interaction. If you say you're going to pick me up at 6am (or 3pm, or 9:42pm) then I'd better see your car pulling up at that time. And you can rely on me to do the same. In fact, I'll probably be there early just to make sure. And if I'm going to be late or not there at all, preparations will be made as soon as I realize it.

What are your expected levels of personal responsibility, and how do you respond to others' expectations?

My Little Tink

Seven years ago our family was made complete.

Happy Birthday, Tink :)

(L - Tink visiting "Disney's Princesses on Ice" this past weekend)

(R - Tink as her favorite idiom at Idiom Day in school. She came as "butterflies in her stomach", "trimming her hair", and "changing clothes")

Truer Words...

More great matholosophy at Indexed

The Ultimate Princess

Tonight, Tink has her very first ever sleep over.

See, on Monday she turns seven - finally rounding that corner and taking the downhill slope toward double-digits...

My ever-faithful, ever-patient wife will be taking her and her little best friend (well, one of her best friends at least. Tink has about four. While this one is her best friend, and that one is also her best friend, this little girl from tonight is her very best friend. Oh, ok, thank you - that clears it right up for me...) to dinner on Market Square, a whirlwind trip through the new Mast General store, and to see Disney Princesses on Ice. Then it's back home for an all-nighter of fun and merriment and much giggling.

Now, pan the camera over to myself and Brainyboy, standing in the corner...staring. Wondering how we ever got ourselves into this predicament.

The solution?

Run. Run, far away....

Always The Last One...

So, like, when do I get to join Blogger Beta program like all the cool kids?

Friday's Feast

Friday, September 22, 2006 - Feast One Hundred & Twelve

Appetizer - Measured in minutes or hours, how much exercise have you had in the last week?

I would say one good hour of exercise, playing our annual 2-hand-touch game of football with the youth at our annual church picnic this past Sunday. I was dead-tired afterward and am still sore.

But that's it. I have no time to go to the gym - it's either that or don't spend time with my family. Big decision. If you can find some other holes in my schedule, good luck.


Soup - If you had to change your blog title to something else, what would it be?

Another choice would be "The Flux Capacitor"


Salad - Name one television show you watched when you were 9-12 years old.

Just one? What kid can possibly choose one show that he watched between 9-12? Ok, just one...hm...that would be between 1976 and 1980.... Here's one - "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century". I was just old enough to really begin to appreciate Wilma Deering's shiny white skin-tight pilot's suit.... and that hair!


Main Course - If someone gave you $50 to spend with the one condition that it had to be educational, what would you purchase?

Probably tickets to a really cool museum somewhere I could bring the whole family to see. Someday I need to do a review post of all the museum's we've visited over the years. From Fernbank in Atlanta to the Smithsonian in D.C. to most recently the American Museum of Natural History in NYC... we love 'em.


Dessert - Do you tend to prefer dark colors, neutral shades, or lighter/pastel hues?

I prefer neutral shades. Well, neutral mixed with lighter colors, when possible.

I, For One, Can't Wait For "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: The Motion Picture"

Disney pushing new movie based on 'Jungle Cruise'

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Disney's stepping up its effort to get a Jungle Cruise movie into theaters.

Disney, of course, created one of the most profitable franchises in movie history with its Pirates of the Caribbean films. But it bombed with flicks based on Haunted Mansion and Country Bear Jamboree. For Jungle Cruise, the HR reports that Disney's enlisted the executive producers of the TV show "Smallville" to write the script. (For PotC, Disney brought aboard the writers of "Shrek.")

How long before they decide to make a movie out of "The Enchanted Tiki Room" and complete the Adventureland Trifecta?

However, I don't think they can ever make an "It's a Small World" motion picture. Happy children from all over the world, singing together as one global community of peace, love and harmony? Talk about Fantasyland.

Maybe if Stitch made a cameo and ruined things...

Defending the Office of the President of the United States

Several prominent Bush foes in Congress have stood up for him against Hugo Chavez's speech at the UN yesterday:

Charlie Rangel (D-NY):

I just want to make it abundantly clear to Hugo Chavez or any other president, do not come to the United States and think because we have problems with our president that any foreigner can come to our country and not think that Americans do not feel offended when you offend our Chief of State..."

And Nancy Pelosi (D-CA):

Hugo Chavez fancies himself a modern day Simon Bolivar but all he is an everyday thug...[he] abused the privilege that he had, speaking at the United Nations. He demeaned himself and he demeaned Venezuela.

It's interesting to see Democrats standing up for the Presidency in a rare sign of respect for the office in this day and age. Oh, I have no illusion they've suddenly come over to Bush's side, but at least there's an outward regard for the kind of respect the President of the United States deserves from the people of the U.S., regardless of who the officeholder is.

It's too bad neither the Democrats or Republicans have shown this regard for the office over the last several years or so - ever since the Clinton election (which is how far back my general political knowledge goes) respect for the actual office has eroded as more and more people on both sides of the political spectrum confused the office with the man (men) and degraded it beyond recognition. One only has to listen to Rush Limbaugh's Clinton imitations and all the "Chimpy W. McBoozy" jokes from the last few years to see common dignity has lapsed.

Don't get me wrong - I'm all for well intentioned political satire like on "Saturday Night Live", but the disrespect we've seen for the Office of the Presidency has been staggering. Maybe Rangel and Pelosi represent a change in the wind, maybe not. We can only hope others follow their example and ask themselves where their standards really lie.

Unfortunately, you still get idiocy like this:

In the first TV ad of his gubernatorial campaign, a giant-sized Jim Bryson is shown holding a diminutive and stumbling Phil Bredesen in the palm of his outstretched hand as a narrator denounces the incumbent governor.

*sigh*

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

EAST TENNESSEE BLOGFEST

What: BlogFest
When: September 30, 6PM till whenever
Why: To Meet the folks behind the posts
Where: Barley's Taproom in the Old City

RSVP: email to rhailey@yahoo.com from Shots Across the Bow.

Who's going?

The Torture Fable

Posted on Knoxviews:

Today is the International Day Of Peace, established by the UN in 1981. On this day of peace, we learn that torture in Iraq is now worse than it was under Saddam.

Happy Peace Day.

The article linked to says, in part:

[The UN's chief anti-torture expert] Manfred Nowak said the situation in Iraq was "out of control", with abuses being committed by security forces, militia groups and anti-US insurgents.

Bodies found in the Baghdad morgue "often bear signs of severe torture", said the human rights office of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq in a report.

The wounds confirmed reports given by refugees from Iraq, Mr Nowak said.

He told journalists at a briefing in Geneva that he had yet to visit Iraq, but he was able to base his information on autopsies and interviews with Iraqis in neighbouring Jordan.

"What most people tell you is that the situation as far as torture is concerned now in Iraq is totally out of hand," the Austrian law professor said.

"The situation is so bad many people say it is worse than it has been in the times of Saddam Hussein," he added.

Um, no. We learn that an UN anti-terrorist expert has interviewed Iraqi refugees in Jordan, who bore scars from torture inflicted on them by their own peoples' militia groups, security forces and anti-US insurgents. These reports apparently coincide with the conditions of bodies in the Baghdad morgue.

You also find out the refugees are the one's reporting that the torture is "worse than under Saddam", which of course would be a subjective argument based on people who've been subjected to trauma. There's no data to back this up, just stories. Obviously it's bad, but to rely on Iraqi refugees to form such a definitive, reportable conclusion is not very responsible journalism.

The bottom line is the Iraqis are either doing this to each other in sectarian, racial and religious bigotry-fueled hatred, or the foreign insurgents are doing it. These are the ones we are either trying to bring together into a cohesive unit to govern a new, free, Iraq that respects its people and its traditions or they're the ones we're fighting against that are sponsored by Al Qaeda, Iran, Syria, etc.

Seems to me this has much less to do with the US or the coalition and more to do with the kind of cultural norms we're struggling to overcome and lead to peace.

Reporting and commentary like the one at Knoxviews above obviously tell a small section of the story, don't elaborate on the details and come to the conclusions that your readers want to see. If I thought I could believe the premise stated above that torture was now worse than under Saddam, I'd need to see documented proof and statistics that show a) the US, the Coalition or the new, legitimate Iraqi government are performing these horrific acts, and b) that they were demonstrably more numerous and worse than say, gassing thousands of Kurds, putting people in giant shredders, raping and murdering young women at the pleasure of Udaq and Qusay, etc.

The report itself doesn't even allege the US or its allies were part of the tortures. However, we're apparently supposed to take responsibility for all atrocities committed all throughout the country by our enemies and those willing to betray their own countrymen.

But then why should facts and statistics get in the way of an good inflammatory headline?

Something Familiar About This...

Hey, good news! New airline coming to McGhee Tyson

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority announced Tuesday that a new airline has been recruited to Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport.

The airline will be named in a Wednesday afternoon press conference at the Airport.

This is good news for Knoxville, as it has lost some low-cost air carriers recently.

However, my crack team of gully dwarf researchers have uncovered the name and logo of this new carrier - and for some reason I'm a bit uneasy...


Does this name ring any bells? I've thought about it for a while, but I'm just lost...

We Kindle, We Char, We Flame and Ignite...

Arr, Mateys, 'tis that time of yar agayn... buckle up yer swash and swing from th' yarrdarrm!

Self Portrait Challenge - September (Week 3)

Yesterday my family and I spent the pre-UT/Florida game hours with a trip to Dollywood. If you've never been there, Dollywood is about the most laid back amusement park you could ever visit, doesn't take itself too seriously and is usually a pretty relaxing way to spend a day.

In fact, the train ride around the part is one of the best ways to unwind, especially when you take the trip with my kids...


I also finally rode Thunderhead, the great new wooden roller coaster, and I loved it. 55 mph, 100' drop, hairpin turn right out of the gate and a station pass through in the middle of the ride - awesome.

See if you can find me in the photo below - me with my fellow roller-coaster enthusiasts. You'll probably want to click on the picture for the full version.


Take the Self Portrait Challenge!

This Just In...

Sad news rocked the animation world today, as Larry the Cucumber, star of the popular VeggieTales children's animated series was found dead in his refrigerator. Close friend Bob the Tomato confirmed that Larry had recently been depressed following reports that NBC would require them to drop their "God" act in order to appear on Saturday morning television, but he had seemed to be handling it well.

Our sources tell us, however, that lately Larry had been running with a rough crowd of scallions and milk carton-tipping. Tragically, he was last seen in the disreputable company of a large stalk of spinach.

Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow.

Upcoming Disney Animation

Some amazing, stellar pre-production photos and artwork of what's up next from Disney/Pixar animation

One hint, three words: Toy Story 3.