Has anybody ever heard of the idea of getting a button from Santa's coat as good luck?
I did a show for WGN in Chicago this morning and they had a Toys for Tots drive..
(because Toys for Old people doesn't rhyme and they are in bigger danger from "Swallowable parts" than kids are)
And Santa was there and as Santas go..This guy was good. Never broke character, didn't seem creepy, smiled a lot, when asked for a quote by the news people said something rather eloquent about "Dreaming big dreams while appreciating what you already have" that didn't sound rehearsed..and...laughed genuinely after..and it had a genuine Ho Ho Ho tinge to it... on top of that he was about 7 feet tall... Very Santa
And he asked after me when I was leaving as if he had been bringing me presents since I was little and wondered how I was...
It was almost spooky.
And as I was leaving he reached into his pocket and handed me a small red drawstring pouch and said it was a button from Santa's coat and it was for luck...
I was almost nervous to look inside since we are so jaded in this culture I half expected a dye bomb or something untoward. But inside it was a Gold button with the initials SC and a sleigh and reindeer engraved across the top and a word along the bottom in simple cursive text...
"Believe"
I think it was single-handedly the most Christmasy thing I have experienced in decades.
----
Oddly enough as I travel all over the country and see the effects of the "economic downturn", I have noticed that when Americans are unable to shop... we actually engage in some pretty worthwhile behaviors. It's like the aftermath and clean-up of a tornado or hurricane. There seems to be a more charitable feeling this year and a sense of community that we don't have when we have the ability to shut out the world.
I'm sure it's not like this everywhere but I feel a sea change when I'm out and about in all the cities and communities. Hope it's the same where you are.
I did a show for WGN in Chicago this morning and they had a Toys for Tots drive..
(because Toys for Old people doesn't rhyme and they are in bigger danger from "Swallowable parts" than kids are)
And Santa was there and as Santas go..This guy was good. Never broke character, didn't seem creepy, smiled a lot, when asked for a quote by the news people said something rather eloquent about "Dreaming big dreams while appreciating what you already have" that didn't sound rehearsed..and...laughed genuinely after..and it had a genuine Ho Ho Ho tinge to it... on top of that he was about 7 feet tall... Very Santa
And he asked after me when I was leaving as if he had been bringing me presents since I was little and wondered how I was...
It was almost spooky.
And as I was leaving he reached into his pocket and handed me a small red drawstring pouch and said it was a button from Santa's coat and it was for luck...
I was almost nervous to look inside since we are so jaded in this culture I half expected a dye bomb or something untoward. But inside it was a Gold button with the initials SC and a sleigh and reindeer engraved across the top and a word along the bottom in simple cursive text...
"Believe"
I think it was single-handedly the most Christmasy thing I have experienced in decades.
----
Oddly enough as I travel all over the country and see the effects of the "economic downturn", I have noticed that when Americans are unable to shop... we actually engage in some pretty worthwhile behaviors. It's like the aftermath and clean-up of a tornado or hurricane. There seems to be a more charitable feeling this year and a sense of community that we don't have when we have the ability to shut out the world.
I'm sure it's not like this everywhere but I feel a sea change when I'm out and about in all the cities and communities. Hope it's the same where you are.
I spent the last week before the election campaigning for Obama in 4 different swing states.
The last of which was Ohio..which went blue this time... now I am not claiming that I singlehandedly won the election for Obama through my tireless efforts... History will decide that that is the case without any help from me... But I am saying that I..helped turn Ohio blue...and it felt good. <GRIN>
I keep watching the news expecting to hear them say it was a big misunderstanding and no democratic votes will count. Paranoia dies hard.
on the other hand its a little uncomfortable to wake up every morning with your fingers crossed.
On a serious note, election night totally felt like Christmas. I was excited, I was worried that I wouldn't get what I wanted and My Dad ate 2 cookies and had a glass of milk that was meant for someone else.
The last of which was Ohio..which went blue this time... now I am not claiming that I singlehandedly won the election for Obama through my tireless efforts... History will decide that that is the case without any help from me... But I am saying that I..helped turn Ohio blue...and it felt good. <GRIN>
I keep watching the news expecting to hear them say it was a big misunderstanding and no democratic votes will count. Paranoia dies hard.
on the other hand its a little uncomfortable to wake up every morning with your fingers crossed.
On a serious note, election night totally felt like Christmas. I was excited, I was worried that I wouldn't get what I wanted and My Dad ate 2 cookies and had a glass of milk that was meant for someone else.
I get the occasional e-mail from the far-right(..er...Queer As Folk..fans? or Dude, Where's My Car fans? anyway.. ) That is warning me that I am supporting a "Muslim"! "OMG!" They cry, don't you realize that you are supporting a Black...Muslim!?!
Well, what a shock to wake up to the realization that they...are...right!
I have been supporting a Black Muslim for some time now. And I can actually say he is one of my heroes. And believe me I was shocked to realize that it was true. I mean... I guess I knew it was true but I never really gave it much thought... or believed it was important... but it is. It truly is and I have to admit it to everyone here....
I support a Black man who is a Muslim...and I will continue to...
It's true... I am a fan of...
Muhammad Ali
I know... I know..... you ladies and gentlemen meant Barack Obama...
Now I know Barack's not a Muslim but I won't hold that against him.
He may not share a religion with Muhammad Ali.. but what he does share is a sense of respect for humanity, his courage, and his desire for all people to live in peace.
I like Barrack Obama... I am voting for him.
I love Muhammad Ali
Well, what a shock to wake up to the realization that they...are...right!
I have been supporting a Black Muslim for some time now. And I can actually say he is one of my heroes. And believe me I was shocked to realize that it was true. I mean... I guess I knew it was true but I never really gave it much thought... or believed it was important... but it is. It truly is and I have to admit it to everyone here....
I support a Black man who is a Muslim...and I will continue to...
It's true... I am a fan of...
Muhammad Ali
I know... I know..... you ladies and gentlemen meant Barack Obama...
Now I know Barack's not a Muslim but I won't hold that against him.
He may not share a religion with Muhammad Ali.. but what he does share is a sense of respect for humanity, his courage, and his desire for all people to live in peace.
I like Barrack Obama... I am voting for him.
I love Muhammad Ali
The Lesser of Two Evils....
One of my pet peeves during an election cycle is the old stand by.. "You're just voting for the lesser os two evils". Setting aside that it actually portrays both sides in an elections as evil. You know, like child rape, genocide, hate crime and nuclear war. Evil isn't one of those words you should play around with. At least not in close contrast. I think saying "My Cat is Evil" is fine because the notion is ludicrous... unless of course your cat is a genocidal maniac. But when you attach it to a person... even one with whom you disagree... it cheapens the meaning of the word. Evil, like Stupid, Awesome, Ugly or Unbelievable... should be reserved for it's intended use or its absolute ironic opposite.
That being said. I personally believe there are some genuinely evil fuckers in the republican party. But I also think they are vastly outnumbered by well meaning (Although seriously self-destructive and misinformed) people.
The Lesser of two evils argument is usually a bail out in a substantive argument. It is used as a last resort when one has run out of information, hit a wall and is clearly losing the argument or is simply too tired or lazy to continue. They bail out of the conversation by going.. "Well... I really an independent anyway and the election is like voting for the lesser of two evils." Which, in my brilliant and more often than not totally correct opinion, is Horse Shit.
It used to be said that a Libertarian is a republican who smokes pot and an Independent is a Democrat too lazy to read. Wether one or both is true I would never consider either as evil... wasteful maybe... but not evil.
John McCain is not Evil.
Barack Obama is not Evil.
And the differences between the two are profound.
For full disclosure, I support Barack and think he would make a great president. It's not even in the realm of possibility that I would support a Republican in this election. I think the notion considering their fiscal, environmental and security track record is absurd. It STUNS me that any one would anyone would vote republican this time around.
But I still would not consider either of the two evil. (However Phil Gramm, MacCain's economic advisor comes really, really close)
But let's just say for argument that it was a choice between the lesser of tow evils....
Compared to a Con-artist a pick pocket is the lesser of two evils.
Compared to a murderer a mugger is the lesser of two evils.
Compared to a Cannibal a person who bites in a bar fight is the lesser of two evils.
My point is... choose wisely...
One guy might knock you over the head and take your wallet... the other would fuck your corpse..
Which one you gonna let sleep on your couch for four years?
It's just the lesser of two evils right? why not just flip a coin?
and relax, I'm not saying McCain is a Cannabalistic Necrophiliacal Grifter (Gramm? who can say)
I'm just exaggerating to show the ludicrous nature of that argument.
Whatever side you are on, the election is only served by you having More information, interest and choice.
That argument is a sign of moral and ethical weakness.
But that's just my opinion*... and compared to the opinion that Jews, Arabs, Indians, Blacks and Women should be beaten, killed or subjugated... is the lesser of two evils.
*see earlier description of said opinion
One of my pet peeves during an election cycle is the old stand by.. "You're just voting for the lesser os two evils". Setting aside that it actually portrays both sides in an elections as evil. You know, like child rape, genocide, hate crime and nuclear war. Evil isn't one of those words you should play around with. At least not in close contrast. I think saying "My Cat is Evil" is fine because the notion is ludicrous... unless of course your cat is a genocidal maniac. But when you attach it to a person... even one with whom you disagree... it cheapens the meaning of the word. Evil, like Stupid, Awesome, Ugly or Unbelievable... should be reserved for it's intended use or its absolute ironic opposite.
That being said. I personally believe there are some genuinely evil fuckers in the republican party. But I also think they are vastly outnumbered by well meaning (Although seriously self-destructive and misinformed) people.
The Lesser of two evils argument is usually a bail out in a substantive argument. It is used as a last resort when one has run out of information, hit a wall and is clearly losing the argument or is simply too tired or lazy to continue. They bail out of the conversation by going.. "Well... I really an independent anyway and the election is like voting for the lesser of two evils." Which, in my brilliant and more often than not totally correct opinion, is Horse Shit.
It used to be said that a Libertarian is a republican who smokes pot and an Independent is a Democrat too lazy to read. Wether one or both is true I would never consider either as evil... wasteful maybe... but not evil.
John McCain is not Evil.
Barack Obama is not Evil.
And the differences between the two are profound.
For full disclosure, I support Barack and think he would make a great president. It's not even in the realm of possibility that I would support a Republican in this election. I think the notion considering their fiscal, environmental and security track record is absurd. It STUNS me that any one would anyone would vote republican this time around.
But I still would not consider either of the two evil. (However Phil Gramm, MacCain's economic advisor comes really, really close)
But let's just say for argument that it was a choice between the lesser of tow evils....
Compared to a Con-artist a pick pocket is the lesser of two evils.
Compared to a murderer a mugger is the lesser of two evils.
Compared to a Cannibal a person who bites in a bar fight is the lesser of two evils.
My point is... choose wisely...
One guy might knock you over the head and take your wallet... the other would fuck your corpse..
Which one you gonna let sleep on your couch for four years?
It's just the lesser of two evils right? why not just flip a coin?
and relax, I'm not saying McCain is a Cannabalistic Necrophiliacal Grifter (Gramm? who can say)
I'm just exaggerating to show the ludicrous nature of that argument.
Whatever side you are on, the election is only served by you having More information, interest and choice.
That argument is a sign of moral and ethical weakness.
But that's just my opinion*... and compared to the opinion that Jews, Arabs, Indians, Blacks and Women should be beaten, killed or subjugated... is the lesser of two evils.
*see earlier description of said opinion
Holy Shite!...
I guess this was a big internet buzz about a year a go but Isure missed it..
To coin a phrase... CRIKEY!!
I guess this was a big internet buzz about a year a go but Isure missed it..
To coin a phrase... CRIKEY!!
As John McCain runs for President and many people say that his extension of the Bush/Cheney plans are no big deal. As they call him a "maverick" while he supports extended tours for our troops and OPPOSES the new GI Bill which would pay for a college education for returning vets I can't help but look back at the pile of lies that we have lived through and wonder if we can survive 4 more years of McSame. And then I think of what our soldiers have been through...
And it boggles my mind that ANYONE could vote republican this time.
It's so heartless, gutless and foolish.
Do they just not care what has happened to our military, not to mention our economy under the republican regime?
Even the one's who claim to be pro-life must realize they are being used... used to kill innocent Iraqis and our own soldiers and citizens.
Stunning
And if you're looking to make the "lesser of two evils", "I don't vote because nothing changes", "There's no difference" horse shit argument...fuck off... man this pisses me off
And it boggles my mind that ANYONE could vote republican this time.
It's so heartless, gutless and foolish.
Do they just not care what has happened to our military, not to mention our economy under the republican regime?
Even the one's who claim to be pro-life must realize they are being used... used to kill innocent Iraqis and our own soldiers and citizens.
Stunning
And if you're looking to make the "lesser of two evils", "I don't vote because nothing changes", "There's no difference" horse shit argument...fuck off... man this pisses me off
Question of the week....
What are people actually addicted to on gossip sites? is it the feeling of superiority or the anger (a very adictive emotion)?
I ended up on TMZ last weekend. The comparison they made was that i looked like Gene Simmons... and they didn't even show a tongue shot...which is weird..
And I have to say that a lot of the response was surprisingly positive for a site like that. But I kept reading, as ya do, and followed links to other people, other pictures and some of the most vile vitriol I have ever read. It always amazes me that the world could be crumbling around us (arguably is) and these people find the time and energy to waste debating the right of some American A-hole contestant to keep eating.
Okay so... questionS of the week
What are people actually addicted to on gossip sites? is it the feeling of superiority or the anger (a very adictive emotion)?
I ended up on TMZ last weekend. The comparison they made was that i looked like Gene Simmons... and they didn't even show a tongue shot...which is weird..
And I have to say that a lot of the response was surprisingly positive for a site like that. But I kept reading, as ya do, and followed links to other people, other pictures and some of the most vile vitriol I have ever read. It always amazes me that the world could be crumbling around us (arguably is) and these people find the time and energy to waste debating the right of some American A-hole contestant to keep eating.
Okay so... questionS of the week
For those about to Rock!
My band ZERO1's Cd is now available for purchase on Amazon!
It's been such a weird tall order getting it on there for reasons I won't bore you with.
And I thought getting on iTunes would be tough.... it isn't.. you just use Tunecore.com
it's a good service... but Amazon has all kinds of weird rules about selling DVDs and CDs
if you want. You could sell a t-shirt or a Nuclear warhead easier than an independently produced
CD or DVD... thanks to their agreement with the RIAA and the retailers (Many of whom aren't even in business anymore)
But all complaints aside...it's up!
I'm writing for the next record already and It's finally available for sale in most available venues..
Ah the world of indi...
Join Our fansite
My band ZERO1's Cd is now available for purchase on Amazon!
It's been such a weird tall order getting it on there for reasons I won't bore you with.
And I thought getting on iTunes would be tough.... it isn't.. you just use Tunecore.com
it's a good service... but Amazon has all kinds of weird rules about selling DVDs and CDs
if you want. You could sell a t-shirt or a Nuclear warhead easier than an independently produced
CD or DVD... thanks to their agreement with the RIAA and the retailers (Many of whom aren't even in business anymore)
But all complaints aside...it's up!
I'm writing for the next record already and It's finally available for sale in most available venues..
Ah the world of indi...
Join Our fansite
Hi all,<br><br>I have totally shied away from the kind of mass pushed madvertising that bands and comics do on here and... I have watched other bands get tons of attention and play...so... <br><br>My pride about my band is overwhelming my desire to be unobtrusive and respectful of people's digital domain. <br><br><img src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/buffer.gif" height="4" /><br/><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="never" allowNetworking="internal" height="100" width="434" data="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/artist/fancollector.swf?page_object_id=artist_180423&backgroundcolor=EEEEEE&posted_by=artist_180423">
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</object><br/><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" style="display: none" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast"/><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/Jmx*PTEyMDY*OTAyNDU*OTgmcHQ9MTIwNjQ5MDU3OTYwOSZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9ZmFuJTVGY29sbGVjdG9yJTVGZmlyc3QlNUZnZW4mbj*=.jpg" /><br><br>This gathers fans and street team members for ZERO 1 and allows you all to help us get seen. <br><br>I appreciate the respect and appreciation we've gotten from everybody. Now hopefully those of you that like us can help us spread the word so we can tour! What a concept!<br><br>Thanks so much!<br><br>Hal<br><br>P.S. The CD is now available for purchase on AMAZON! YAY!
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</object><br/><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" style="display: none" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast"/><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/Jmx*PTEyMDY*OTAyNDU*OTgmcHQ9MTIwNjQ5MDU3OTYwOSZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9ZmFuJTVGY29sbGVjdG9yJTVGZmlyc3QlNUZnZW4mbj*=.jpg" /><br><br>This gathers fans and street team members for ZERO 1 and allows you all to help us get seen. <br><br>I appreciate the respect and appreciation we've gotten from everybody. Now hopefully those of you that like us can help us spread the word so we can tour! What a concept!<br><br>Thanks so much!<br><br>Hal<br><br>P.S. The CD is now available for purchase on AMAZON! YAY!
