Quote of the Week- Ted Kennedy

Today, we remember two cultural icons who have recently passed away. On this blog we honor Ted Kennedy (1932-2009) and on my other blog we remember John Hughes (1950-2009). In the respective worlds of politics and films, both of these figure leave an ever-lasting influence.


Ted Kennedy at the Democratic Convention in 1980:


"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures and the dreams shall never die."

Beers of the Islamic World (5 of 6)- Bintang from Indonesia

It might go well with a hot dog! Then again, maybe not!

Silly Photo to Fill Space- Hot Dogs

Hmmmmmmmm.........this makes me NOT want to eat a hot dog the next time I go to a Greensboro Grasshoppers game.

Quote of the Week-Benjamin Disraeli

Today's quote of the day comes from Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) and I found it the great graphic novel "Elephantmen: Wounded Animals," hence the image we have here for you:

"The press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can enjoy."

A Crazy Poem I Wrote

This was originally intended to be read at No Shame Theatre at Studio Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., this weekend, but I was still recovering from my gall bladder surgery as well as the medications they put me on!

It is called "I'm Dating Sylvia Plath:"

I met a wonderful girl through e-harmony

They claim she's a 'perfect match'

This time- they could actually be right.

We both like The Smiths and The Cure

as well as the poetry of Mishima

And, we had our first date at the Holocaust Museum

Perhaps, we'll have our honeymoon at the Golden Gate Bridge


I'm so happy, so happy, so happy

I'm dating Sylvia Plath

Aren't I a lucky boy, indeed???

Footnote: For those who don't know Sylvia Plath was the subject of the Gwyneth Paltrow film "Sylvia." The late poet, also known for her novel "The Belljar" killed herself when she was just in her twenties.

Political Confusion Test (21 of 21)- Village People vs. The Oak Ridge Boys

Today, we finally conclude our Political Confusion Test series by asking folks if they would prefer the music of The Village People or The Oak Ridge Boys.

The Village People were formed in the late 1970s and the original members included police officer (Victor Willis), American Indian chief (Felipe Rose), cowboy (Randy Jones), construction worker (the late Glenn Hughes) and military man (Alex Briley). The band's costumes were inspired by the gay night life scene in Grenwich Village.

Hit songs for the group included "YMCA," "Macho Man," "Go West" and "In the Navy."

Former lead singer Ray Simpson who replaced Willis as the cop recently threw out a first pitch at a Florida Marlins game.

The Oak Ridge Boys were actually formed way back in 1945! The current lineup includes Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban.

Originally called the Oak Ridge Quartet, the group focused on gospel music. They moved to Columbia Records in 1973, and they finally made it big in 1981 with their smash hit single "Elvira."

This has been a fun series (the entry was in June!), but like all good things it must come to an end.

More Silly Photos to Fill Space-Operation!

If this seems like one too many silly photos, please keep in mind that I am recovering from gall bladder surgery which I had on Monday. In case you were wondering yes it really %$&*#% hurts!

Silly Photo to Fill Space- Cow

I was inspired to post this silly photo in part because of my recent viewing of the documentary film "Food Inc," which will alter the way you see your cheeseburgers!

Quote of the Week- Billy Joel

We are doing our quote of the week today instead of Monday because I am (yikes!) having gall bladder surgery then. I want to thank all my friends who've sent their best wishes. Needless to say, this blog will probably not be active until late next week.

Today, we go with quotes from singers Billy Joel and the late Jerry Garcia, who was the lead singer of the Grateful Dead (that quote will be on our sister blog "Politics, Culture and Other Wastes of Time.").

The reason for this quips has to do with celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain who expressed his disdain for both Joel and the Greatful Dead on the NPR music show "Sound Opinions" which airs here in NC on WUNC-FM (91.5/Chapel Hill). In fact, it is airing right now! (I should be listening, but I'm in a public library). Amazingly enough, Bourdain had dinner with Joel even though he is candid about not being hip to "Uptown Girl."

Here is the quote from the man who brought us "Just the Way You Are," "Piano Man" and "We Didn't Start the Fire:"

"There is nothing better than good sex. But, bad sex? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is better than bad sex."

Movies of Our Youth (3 of 12)

"The Road Warrior"

Beers of the Islamic World (3 of 6) Barada from Syria

Check for an image of Petra Beer (Jordan) on our sister blog "Politics, Culture and Other Wastes of Time."

I don't think Vice President Joe Biden can drink Barada as (unlike Iranian beers) it does contain alcohol.

Silly Photo to Fill Space- Dolphin with a Fedora

I went to an aquarium in Charleston, SC, in 2007. I must admit if I had seen something like this it might have been more fun!

Quote of the Week- Benito Mussolini

I have just finished reading Chuck Palahniuk's ("Fight Club") newest novel "Pygymy," which looks like one of those works which will demand a second reading.

In the novel, Palahniuk frequently quotes cruel dictators, so this week we have two respective quips from two henchmen on our blogs (Fidel Castro is on "Politics, Culture, and Other Wastes of Time).

Here we have Benito Mussolini who ruled fascist Italy with an iron fist until he was overthrown and hanged. But, he did have a way with words:

"Democracy is beautiful in theory; in practice it is a fallacy."

Know Your Congress Reps and Senators (Entry 14 of 21)

This is the first entry in this series since May! For today's piece, we choose the new U.S. Senator from Minnesota Al Franken (D) a former stand-up comedian and "Saturday Night Live" writer who now joins Sen. James Webb (D-Va)*, the co-screenwriter for "Rules of Engagement" as the only members of Congress with a screenwriting credit though I'm not sure Franken wants to fess up for "Stuart Saves His Family" (1995).

*- a presumption on our part

Here are some other fun facts about Franken:

_Born May 21, 1951, in New York

_Beat his opponent Norm Coleman by a mere 215 votes (out of 2.8 million votes cast)

_Author of #1 best-seller "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot."

_Appeared as actor in the 2004 remake of "The Manchurian Candidate."

_Hosted radio program "The Al Franken Show" (2004-05)

_Cousin of MSNBC's Bob Franken

_Wrote for "SNL" with partner Tom Davis from 1975-80 and again from 85-95.

_Created Sturat Smalley and interviewed Al Gore as Smalley for 2002 "SNL" show.

_Left "SNL" after losing Weekend Update segment to Norm MacDonald.

_Is first member of Congress who was a stand-up comedian, though amazingly enough Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Ct) has performed stand-up as well!