Just for fun, here's the 2004 presidential election by county.
9.10.2008
Pop vs. Soda - The Battle for your Diabetes
Question: What is the source of our regional identity? Chicken or the Egg?
Just for fun, here's the 2004 presidential election by county.
Just for fun, here's the 2004 presidential election by county.
8.12.2008
8.11.2008
Real (and awesome) Professional Baseball team names
All from the 19th Century American Association (precursor to the National League).
Boston Beaneaters
Brooklyn Grooms
Brooklyn Bridegrooms
Boston Doves
Brooklyn Superbas
New York Highlanders
Cleveland Naps
Brooklyn Tip-Tops
Boston Beaneaters
Brooklyn Grooms
Brooklyn Bridegrooms
Boston Doves
Brooklyn Superbas
New York Highlanders
Cleveland Naps
Brooklyn Tip-Tops
George Orwell has a blog!
Well, to be clear: his diaries are being published in real time - blog style. It's comforting to know that blogs in 1938 were every bit as masturbatory are as ones 70 years later. I can't wait until the delicate and timeless symbiosis between George's self-loathing and inflated sense of purpose propel him to 'challenge' social/personal mores while pimping his Fringe show.
7.03.2008
7.01.2008
6.30.2008
Does anybody have a breath mint?
Congratulations! A single additional Monday has been allotted to your life - what will you choose to do with it? Currently, I am quietly recouping lost energy at a desk covered in familiar. In the distance I can start to see the day when the mundane of The Job will overtake the comfort of it, but as of today, The Job still suits me pleasantly.
This weekend:
• Took Chuckles to see Iron Man, again. Adequately entertained, again. This was followed by a 3 hours conversation about nothing and everything with Chuckles and my roommates – I love my home.
• Shot some ‘Drinking with Ian’ stuff for Brian. Met some very funny people. Memorable quote:
A: “I’m exhausted from all this simulated humping.”
B: “Yeah, you might want to think about simulating getting tested.”
• Indian wedding! Congrats to Paul and Avni. Avni was one of the prettiest brides I’ve ever seen – Formal Sari FTW! Alisha, as a bridesmaid, looked lovely as well. It made me wonder: are there some brides that intentionally dress their bridesmaids in the ugliest dresses possible in order to ensure that they are the prettiest girls at the party? If so – awesome. I think this should transfer regular (read: non-life ending) parties. If you throw a party, you should be able to mandate that your gender/sexual equal must dress in the least attractive attire possible – perhaps a garbage bag, a urine-soaked poncho, or something Old Navy. Anywho, the after an hour long conversation about religion with strangers at dinner, there was dancing and frivolity. Good stuff.
• Sunday = Chipotle lunch with Marie, several healthy hours of bike riding, handiwork installing new lighting in the kitchen, and evening of writing. Way to go Sunday.
This weekend:
• Took Chuckles to see Iron Man, again. Adequately entertained, again. This was followed by a 3 hours conversation about nothing and everything with Chuckles and my roommates – I love my home.
• Shot some ‘Drinking with Ian’ stuff for Brian. Met some very funny people. Memorable quote:
A: “I’m exhausted from all this simulated humping.”
B: “Yeah, you might want to think about simulating getting tested.”
• Indian wedding! Congrats to Paul and Avni. Avni was one of the prettiest brides I’ve ever seen – Formal Sari FTW! Alisha, as a bridesmaid, looked lovely as well. It made me wonder: are there some brides that intentionally dress their bridesmaids in the ugliest dresses possible in order to ensure that they are the prettiest girls at the party? If so – awesome. I think this should transfer regular (read: non-life ending) parties. If you throw a party, you should be able to mandate that your gender/sexual equal must dress in the least attractive attire possible – perhaps a garbage bag, a urine-soaked poncho, or something Old Navy. Anywho, the after an hour long conversation about religion with strangers at dinner, there was dancing and frivolity. Good stuff.
• Sunday = Chipotle lunch with Marie, several healthy hours of bike riding, handiwork installing new lighting in the kitchen, and evening of writing. Way to go Sunday.
6.26.2008
Bravery
I am blessed. By just about every metric, I live a charmed life. The occasional turn of fate that doesn't go my way is far overshadowed by the towering good that I am privy to.
But... in the world around me - shit happens. There is the shit that happens to people and places far away - removed from my ethnocentric circle of influence. This shit gets called earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and genocide. All of it devastating yet frighteningly easy to distract myself from. With these happenings, as with the rare troubles I face, it takes little effort to give control/credit over to the powers that be, often a higher power or the unseen hand. Calmly, detached - 'shit happens.'
Then there is the shit that hits the ground walked on by people I know. Watching the people I love battling inconceivable pain, I always end up filled with rage; rage at God, rage at fate, rage at the world that incubates ignorance and evil. Anger is not a trait I experience often enough to know what to do with or not be terrified by it's consummation.
Why does my brain allow the pain of one to completely swallow the pain of thousands? I know it's typical, but it feels wrong. This is a part human nature I will always be frustrated by.
Still, hope subsists. From the mouth and heart of someone far braver that I - said while living through the worst moment of his life;
But... in the world around me - shit happens. There is the shit that happens to people and places far away - removed from my ethnocentric circle of influence. This shit gets called earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and genocide. All of it devastating yet frighteningly easy to distract myself from. With these happenings, as with the rare troubles I face, it takes little effort to give control/credit over to the powers that be, often a higher power or the unseen hand. Calmly, detached - 'shit happens.'
Then there is the shit that hits the ground walked on by people I know. Watching the people I love battling inconceivable pain, I always end up filled with rage; rage at God, rage at fate, rage at the world that incubates ignorance and evil. Anger is not a trait I experience often enough to know what to do with or not be terrified by it's consummation.
Why does my brain allow the pain of one to completely swallow the pain of thousands? I know it's typical, but it feels wrong. This is a part human nature I will always be frustrated by.
Still, hope subsists. From the mouth and heart of someone far braver that I - said while living through the worst moment of his life;
"Live with peace in your heart, and seek out those with peace in theirs."
6.24.2008
The Omega Male Commeth
In nature and faith, the exploits of the Alpha Male are well documented and rarely contested. The world has come to accept its collar-flippin', lady-bonin', Nickleback-rockin' progeny with the quiet dignity a mother has for her slow but charming son. The hyperbolic would say that the Alpha Male is so well accepted in the social zeitgeist that this sticky-haired feller now stands next to some of our most rigid mores, like no white after Labor Day – and – he/she that smelt it, ergo, dealt it.
This presents us with a hole to fill. (It’s important to note: that is indeed what “She” did say). As with all problems, Physics is here to help. Newton’s Third Law of Motion speaks to the direct inverse relationship between action/reaction. Kenneth Cole’s Reaction™ is youthful and fun-loving line of shoes and mid-range apparel. The truly lovely derivation of this bedrock of rationalism, and indeed all Physics, is that it always manages to illuminate and humiliate at the same time. Enumerated:
Gravity = Paramount
Falling on Your Face = Gravity’s Skanky Paramour.
I have just now decided to term this relationship the Double Inverse Polarity Paradigm of Humiliation - for that title clearly sounds badass. Look for it in next months JAMA! But I digress.
The very existence (action) of the Alpha Male requires the retroaction (reaction) of its antithesis. The positron to his electron, the Dave Coulier to his John Stamos. Thus, we must presume the latent coexistence of the Omega Man. In accordance with the laws of nature; The Omega Man must balance the force of the Alpha Man, which, heretofore, makes the Omega Man a little like Luke Skywalker - also badass.
Through means of simple extrapolation the Omega Man already begins assume form. From the ether we start to see the brute outline of the chthonian hero forgotten by time's more beautiful children. In the reflection of the Alpha's physical superiority we can see the Omega's relative dirth of dexterity, agility, stamina and strength. Truth be told: the Omega is only metaphorically familiar with these terms as a lexicon for the Dungeons and Dragon's Complete Rule Set (4th Edition). Where the Alpha might leisure in 'sport' - the Omega might take pleasure in reading McSweeny's and collecting ironic tee-shirts. Alpha is to likes big boobs - as Omega is to likes big boobs under ironic tee-shirts. Alpha: Dave Mathew's Band, Omega:: bands that don't suck. The beat goes on...
Which brings us to the crux; the Back to the Future 3 of this assertion. Just as the Alpha profits from his considerable (if counterfeit) confidence, and the resulting leadership grab - so too does the Omega benefit from his apparent (if artificial) apprehension in social situations. Chicken and the egg be damned - the Omega now lives in a world that is entirely not without reward for him. Insecurity is a tool often helpful to the Omega but has become MOST beneficial in 'The Game.' 'The Game' - also known as 'the F%$king Game' - has many rules and infinite players. Essentially, 'The Game' consists of finding, copulating-with and keeping lady-humans. In the past the Omega would have been far outclassed in 'The Game' by the Alpha, but something has changed - and it's only been recently. The Omega is becoming increasingly more apt in playing outside the rules, especially in contrast to the Alpha. This, coupled with a radical shift in women's desired traits in men, the final shape of the new Omega males becomes finally visible - the new Hero.
Next to talk about:
The Omicron Male
The Omega Female
The evolving role of procreation/breeding in 'the game'
Your penis; your frenemy?
This presents us with a hole to fill. (It’s important to note: that is indeed what “She” did say). As with all problems, Physics is here to help. Newton’s Third Law of Motion speaks to the direct inverse relationship between action/reaction. Kenneth Cole’s Reaction™ is youthful and fun-loving line of shoes and mid-range apparel. The truly lovely derivation of this bedrock of rationalism, and indeed all Physics, is that it always manages to illuminate and humiliate at the same time. Enumerated:
Gravity = Paramount
Falling on Your Face = Gravity’s Skanky Paramour.
I have just now decided to term this relationship the Double Inverse Polarity Paradigm of Humiliation - for that title clearly sounds badass. Look for it in next months JAMA! But I digress.
The very existence (action) of the Alpha Male requires the retroaction (reaction) of its antithesis. The positron to his electron, the Dave Coulier to his John Stamos. Thus, we must presume the latent coexistence of the Omega Man. In accordance with the laws of nature; The Omega Man must balance the force of the Alpha Man, which, heretofore, makes the Omega Man a little like Luke Skywalker - also badass.
Through means of simple extrapolation the Omega Man already begins assume form. From the ether we start to see the brute outline of the chthonian hero forgotten by time's more beautiful children. In the reflection of the Alpha's physical superiority we can see the Omega's relative dirth of dexterity, agility, stamina and strength. Truth be told: the Omega is only metaphorically familiar with these terms as a lexicon for the Dungeons and Dragon's Complete Rule Set (4th Edition). Where the Alpha might leisure in 'sport' - the Omega might take pleasure in reading McSweeny's and collecting ironic tee-shirts. Alpha is to likes big boobs - as Omega is to likes big boobs under ironic tee-shirts. Alpha: Dave Mathew's Band, Omega:: bands that don't suck. The beat goes on...
Which brings us to the crux; the Back to the Future 3 of this assertion. Just as the Alpha profits from his considerable (if counterfeit) confidence, and the resulting leadership grab - so too does the Omega benefit from his apparent (if artificial) apprehension in social situations. Chicken and the egg be damned - the Omega now lives in a world that is entirely not without reward for him. Insecurity is a tool often helpful to the Omega but has become MOST beneficial in 'The Game.' 'The Game' - also known as 'the F%$king Game' - has many rules and infinite players. Essentially, 'The Game' consists of finding, copulating-with and keeping lady-humans. In the past the Omega would have been far outclassed in 'The Game' by the Alpha, but something has changed - and it's only been recently. The Omega is becoming increasingly more apt in playing outside the rules, especially in contrast to the Alpha. This, coupled with a radical shift in women's desired traits in men, the final shape of the new Omega males becomes finally visible - the new Hero.
Next to talk about:
The Omicron Male
The Omega Female
The evolving role of procreation/breeding in 'the game'
Your penis; your frenemy?
5.20.2008
This Technology Will Blow Your Mind..
These genius' never cease to amaze me.. This technology will soon be at our fingertips..
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
5.13.2008
A Return to Innocence
Tired.
· Yesterday: I met with the group that is working to start a big old national tournament in MN. The initial plans are really exciting, but there is so much to do and many complications that are going to make this a pain in the sassafras. I find myself wondering if I really have the gumption to take something like this on and try to lead the group. All Though… the certain huge multi-national corporation that seems frightening willing to bank-roll this throw-down makes the prospect a smidge more palatable.
· Saturday: Saw some dance – I like the dance. Every time I watch the dance I find myself wishing to have more interesting thoughts. It seems there is little grey area in the objectivity of dance. All of it either seems to fall on the far James Joyce/Constructionist side of things or on the far Ron Howard “who needs subtlety” angle. But as an audience member, I found myself wondering if the moment I figure out what the creator was going for is the moment the creation become pedestrian? I simply enjoy dance, and most art I ‘spose, when I my head isn’t big enough to contain it. Maybe I need to start appreciating little ideas more. Concept that fit in the palm of my hand. I also ran into 3 past “girlfriends” (your term, not mine). This unforeseen meeting of twains left me feeling rather skanky and regretting some actions. Btw, Ben and Laura are about as cute as a stupid couple can be. It’s really nice to watch two people being good to each other and not self-mutilating their souls in the process.
· Friday: Bike got stolen, suck it karma. Jenny took me to a bonfire and fooled me into liking people one more gullible time.
This week: Need to study up on the Grand Canyon. Leave in 13 days!
· Yesterday: I met with the group that is working to start a big old national tournament in MN. The initial plans are really exciting, but there is so much to do and many complications that are going to make this a pain in the sassafras. I find myself wondering if I really have the gumption to take something like this on and try to lead the group. All Though… the certain huge multi-national corporation that seems frightening willing to bank-roll this throw-down makes the prospect a smidge more palatable.
· Saturday: Saw some dance – I like the dance. Every time I watch the dance I find myself wishing to have more interesting thoughts. It seems there is little grey area in the objectivity of dance. All of it either seems to fall on the far James Joyce/Constructionist side of things or on the far Ron Howard “who needs subtlety” angle. But as an audience member, I found myself wondering if the moment I figure out what the creator was going for is the moment the creation become pedestrian? I simply enjoy dance, and most art I ‘spose, when I my head isn’t big enough to contain it. Maybe I need to start appreciating little ideas more. Concept that fit in the palm of my hand. I also ran into 3 past “girlfriends” (your term, not mine). This unforeseen meeting of twains left me feeling rather skanky and regretting some actions. Btw, Ben and Laura are about as cute as a stupid couple can be. It’s really nice to watch two people being good to each other and not self-mutilating their souls in the process.
· Friday: Bike got stolen, suck it karma. Jenny took me to a bonfire and fooled me into liking people one more gullible time.
This week: Need to study up on the Grand Canyon. Leave in 13 days!
6.27.2007
Nationals = Done
Soo... Wichita happened. Animal Farm took second. It was a humdinger to watch them in the final round. Alex won the whole thing in Extemp, Kevin cried... sad little man.
The Fringe show is going well - certainly well outside of the norm for me.
Cheddar Triscuits = tingle-makers
Oh yeah, I also am shopping for a dog.
6.13.2007
R.I.P. Mr. Wizard
When I saw this today I got choked up in much the same way that I did when Fred Rogers died. These men weren't just television personalities to me - they were surrogate fathers. Mr. Wizard helped raise me and I owe much of my love for science experiments to him. I have immensely strong memories of sitting on the floor in my living room as Mr. Wizard taught me and the usual multi-ethnic nerd "assistant" the principals of resonance, polarization, inertia or PH. With the added perspective of age, I can see that much of the foundation of my understanding about science I learned from Mr. Herbert.
Once, when playing the question game, someone asked "If you could give a hug to any person right now, who would it be?" Guess who my answer was. I always thought Mr. Wizard looked a little sad that he had to always remain so scientific with the kids on his show... as if perhaps,if one of the kids were to just wrap their arms around him and say;
"I love you Mr. Wizard!"
A quite smile bravely stands guard in front of the man's loneliness.
"Thank you little man... but I can not love you back, for I am a wizard and, as such, we wizards are married to science."
"But, why can't you just..."
"Shhh... go forth young egghead; fall in love with the world and it's mysteries, for they are the most beautiful thing you will ever see."
As the man returns to his red balloon filled with hydrogen tied to a tennis ball, he turns away to hide his betraying eyes. The boy walks away, gets beaten up after Chess Club and goes to Space Camp.
Thank you Mr. Wizard - you made me love questions.
6.08.2007
Cutegasm
Good Lord, it's lovely out. Summers here humans, go forth and wear tank-tops.
My dog uterus aches from watching this. I'm totally serious when I say that if anyone needs a dog-sitter - I'm your soldier for love.
My dog uterus aches from watching this. I'm totally serious when I say that if anyone needs a dog-sitter - I'm your soldier for love.
5.09.2007
Swim Home
Ok, so you think mimes are creepy and/or sad. Frankly, having never seen one I would have been apt to agree with you - but that would make me just as racist as you are Skippy.
Enter the Sunday. Jodi dragged me to see a quite feller named Mikael Rudolph. Whoa nelly - I heart mime! This was one of the more solidly entertaining bits of performing I've seen as of late. The show was framed around him pulling stuff from his suitcase - in other words - there wasn't really much structure. Nonetheless, it didn't really need much. Almost everyone one of his object based 'bits' connected on many levels while bing pretty damn impressive. His one attempted at being poignant, a dancing with a woman's dress to demonstrate his loneliness, did fall flat - but I commend him for scratching the profound.
So, I guess I'm a convert now. Damnit - next I'm prolly going to start liking movement based mesa-storytelling... sorry Sarah.
So
Enter the Sunday. Jodi dragged me to see a quite feller named Mikael Rudolph. Whoa nelly - I heart mime! This was one of the more solidly entertaining bits of performing I've seen as of late. The show was framed around him pulling stuff from his suitcase - in other words - there wasn't really much structure. Nonetheless, it didn't really need much. Almost everyone one of his object based 'bits' connected on many levels while bing pretty damn impressive. His one attempted at being poignant, a dancing with a woman's dress to demonstrate his loneliness, did fall flat - but I commend him for scratching the profound.
So, I guess I'm a convert now. Damnit - next I'm prolly going to start liking movement based mesa-storytelling... sorry Sarah.
So
4.22.2007
"Communicating as performance art"
So one of the only articles I've ever seen in a major TC paper about Speech and it gets described as "performance art." Sigh. Anywho, it's a decent article. The State tournament yesterday was one of those truly wonderful days that define the power of being on a team. Eagan broke the record for the number of medals won (20 - previous record was 17). Woot for us - that's gonna stick for a long time.
Jay and John took home the blue; rocking all sorts of awesomeness. Jay in particular delivered a creative that reminded me how powerful this silly activity can be.
Walker wrote his own speech, one of the requirements for the creative expression category. It was titled "Blacked into a Corner." His thesis, he said, is that African-Americans often limit the freedoms they've fought for by stereotyping themselves, and by forcing definitions upon each other about what it means to be black.
And, yes, he used the N-word, in what many said was a provocative performance. He took the part of a black man who was trying to be black enough and a fairy godfather who was trying to help him.
Good day... good day.
12.02.2006
Auditions for Gooogle: The Musical (2.0)
Winning the award for most unlikely show ever to be produced at the Guthrie - the 2006 Fringe hit Gooogle: The Musical is back for a full run the entire month of February – including 3 shows at the Guthrie. Rehearsals begin middle December and last through January.
Gooogle: The Musical asks the centuries old question: “would the world be better off without the internet?” Set in the slightly-more-than-not-to-distant future; the story follows the last Librarian in the world. When Google disappears all hell breaks loose, the unwashed masses addicted to the internet (a.k.a.: us) become zombies and people start singing… ooohh, scary. The show has been reworked from the ground up for this run.
9 ROLES BEING CAST!
4 Women, 5 Men: all ages, types – mostly looking for strong singers. Ethnic diversity strongly encouraged. A couple of the harder to fill roles include;
Jessica – 40+: Older woman, maternal figure, dark side. Strong singer wanted.
Rajit – Indian male – any age, tech support, strong comic timing.
Auditions Thursday 12/7 and Saturday 12/9. Prepare 1 comic monologue and 1 minute of any song that shows off your pipes. Please send a resume & headshot to drewhammond@imdo.org to schedule an audition time.
All positions paid.
11.09.2006
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