Sometimes the weekend is busier than the work week. Starting at 4:00 on Friday it felt as if we never stopped moving. First up was a trip to Eau Claire Friday evening for Country Jam. A fun atmosphere, but I must say that Big and Rich embodied just about every negative stereotype of country music culture, not to mention the fact that they weren't entertaining in the least. We drove back after the show, getting back into the Cities at 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning I got up early and ran with Wynn at Lake Calhoun so we could work out logistics for the 100k race on August 2. After that was Highland Fest, the local community gathering in our new neighborhood, where I purchased the longest bratwurst ever and Katie was accosted by a woman who was fascinated that they had the same hair color. Then we were off to a wedding reception for one of Katie's coworkers, after which we drove to Coon Rapids for a going away bonfire for Katie, getting to bed around 12:30 a.m.
Now we're starting to get tired, but WAIT! There is more! Sunday I rose early to put in 10 miles before running the Highland Fest 5k, which I ran in a relaxed 16:02 followed by another 7 miles. Shower. Katie's uncle's birthday party. Pazzaluna with my family to celebrate my sister's birthday. And then....the man who is forever in blue jeans...Neil Diamond at the Xcel. Even though we were dragging a bit, the show was fantastic. It was his second show of the weekend, but we heard that he didn't play many of the old standards at the first show. Not so last night. Cherry, Cherry. Cracklin Rosie. Thank The Lord For the Night Time. Love on the Rocks. Play Me. Solitary Man. I'm A Believer. And of course, Sweet Caroline. The greatest thing about Neil Diamond is how committed he is to the performance. For You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore, he started the song slouched at a white-clothed lounge table with a bottle of wine. The man looked in pain when he sang I Am, I Said. And he was wistful as he talked his way through Brooklyn Roads. I know I'm being greedy, especially when he played two hours without an intermission, but Shilo, Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon, The Boat That I Row, and Kentucky Woman didn't make in on the set list last night. I guess he did need to make some room for the songs of his new album. Oh well, his voice is still so powerful, I don't see him hanging it up anytime soon.
I will say that he didn't tell any stories like this:
Showing posts with label Ad Nauseum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ad Nauseum. Show all posts
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lost Emoticons
I've been passing the time lately following this website:
http://www.lostinemoticons.com/
Its basically IMs between a girl and her Chinese mother who doesn't speak very good english.
http://www.lostinemoticons.com/
Its basically IMs between a girl and her Chinese mother who doesn't speak very good english.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Fear And Loathing In Rochester, MN
Friday evening I made the pronouncement to my wife that the events of the day had made it one of the worst of my life. After this weekend I can say that I could go my entire life without hearing the following phrases again:
1. "Presumptive nominee"
2. "Point of order"
3. "DIVISION!!"
4a. "I move to suspend the rules of the convention."
4b. "Second"
4c. "All those in favor of suspending the rules of the convention?"
4d. "Those opposed?
4e. "Motion fails"
5a. "Conservative Coalition"
5b. "Conservative Conscience Coalition"
If you can't tell, I spent the better part of a beautiful Friday in Rochester, MN at the State GOP Convention. I was planning on staying through Saturday's session, but about 4:00 p.m., listening to Norm Coleman spew his special brand of snake oil ("I bring people together to get things done" *gag*) I had to walk out on my delegation. My heart was racing with anger and disappointment, not at the results of the day to that point, but at the atmosphere and the way in which "real" Republicans responded to newcomers (Ron Paul Republicans).
I went there somewhat optimistically, hoping that this would be a positive experience and I would learn a lot about the process. While I was successful in accomplishing the latter, I didn't like what I saw. I should have seen it coming when Dr. Paul was barred from speaking at the convention. He showed up anyway and gave a very moving speech in a park near the convention site just before the call to order. I can't speak for my fellow delegates, but I went in very motivated and ready to engage the establishment. We didn't want to be disruptive, but rather, as Dr. Paul put it, disturb them a little bit.
Well walking into the convention hall I was quickly overwhelmed with what we were up against. Party regulars/traditional Republican, whatever you want to call them, had learned from the gains we had made at the caucuses and district conventions. Now they had there own slate of delegates to vote for to the national convention and they had it posted on big red banners hanging on each side of the stage (Conservative Coalition)- the implication: vote for these real Republicans. It wasn't illegal, but I wonder if the Paul delegates had attempted the same trick, would it have been allowed?
Unfortunately it was downhill from there. Bickering on both sides for the next few hours. We tried to change the rules to allow nominations from the floor and lost. That meant that the only nominees for delegates to the RNC would come from the Nominating Committee and in a move that surprised no one, all 14 of the Conservative Coalition were on the ballot and only five Paul-sympathetic delegates appeared. It was a blow, but it wasn't unexpected.
Then it got petty. Mccain supporters complained that there was delegate campaign literature being distributed that did not have the proper wording at the bottom ("Paid for by" or "Message approved by"). Of course some of those flyers were for Ron Paul delegates. McCains supporters demanded that the Sergeant-At-Arms collect every piece of literature that did not conform and destroy them (at the last call there were 1700 delegates seated - good luck with that). Also they demanded that anyone distributing "illegal" flyers be removed from the convention. This was seriously a 45-60 min debate that had nothing to do with convention business. Then others fought back (maybe Paul supporters, maybe not) bringing attention to the fact that Mccain supporters were walking down the aisles holding up a green "Yes" or red "No" card during votes. This led to a physical confrontation behind me as someone "turned-in" a Mccain-hat wearing supporter carrying the damning evidence in his pocket.
By 4:00 I was stressed, I was tired, and I didn't want to be there anymore. So I walked out. I'm a bit ashamed because it gives the appearance that I'm protesting that we lost. But going in we knew it would a tough road and we probably wouldn't come out with more that one or two delegates. What bothered me was the atmosphere. I naively thought that the debate would be interesting, but in actuality it was a lot bickering over parliamentary rules. I also didn't like the fact that there was so much bad-mouthing of Ron Paul supporters. The GOP wants the appearance of a big tent, but the real culture is one of "tow the party line or else".
I left Friday disillusioned. I feel like there is nowhere to go. Either Democrat candidate will bankrupt the country. The Republican candidate will bankrupt the country. The Green Party will REALLY bankrupt the country. Nobody is addressing the real issues facing America - the devaluation of our dollar, massive debt obligations, and a foreign policy that only exacerbates the problem. Basically we're screwed no matter who gets elected. What to do, what to do.
Go for a run?
1. "Presumptive nominee"
2. "Point of order"
3. "DIVISION!!"
4a. "I move to suspend the rules of the convention."
4b. "Second"
4c. "All those in favor of suspending the rules of the convention?"
4d. "Those opposed?
4e. "Motion fails"
5a. "Conservative Coalition"
5b. "Conservative Conscience Coalition"
If you can't tell, I spent the better part of a beautiful Friday in Rochester, MN at the State GOP Convention. I was planning on staying through Saturday's session, but about 4:00 p.m., listening to Norm Coleman spew his special brand of snake oil ("I bring people together to get things done" *gag*) I had to walk out on my delegation. My heart was racing with anger and disappointment, not at the results of the day to that point, but at the atmosphere and the way in which "real" Republicans responded to newcomers (Ron Paul Republicans).
I went there somewhat optimistically, hoping that this would be a positive experience and I would learn a lot about the process. While I was successful in accomplishing the latter, I didn't like what I saw. I should have seen it coming when Dr. Paul was barred from speaking at the convention. He showed up anyway and gave a very moving speech in a park near the convention site just before the call to order. I can't speak for my fellow delegates, but I went in very motivated and ready to engage the establishment. We didn't want to be disruptive, but rather, as Dr. Paul put it, disturb them a little bit.
Well walking into the convention hall I was quickly overwhelmed with what we were up against. Party regulars/traditional Republican, whatever you want to call them, had learned from the gains we had made at the caucuses and district conventions. Now they had there own slate of delegates to vote for to the national convention and they had it posted on big red banners hanging on each side of the stage (Conservative Coalition)- the implication: vote for these real Republicans. It wasn't illegal, but I wonder if the Paul delegates had attempted the same trick, would it have been allowed?
Unfortunately it was downhill from there. Bickering on both sides for the next few hours. We tried to change the rules to allow nominations from the floor and lost. That meant that the only nominees for delegates to the RNC would come from the Nominating Committee and in a move that surprised no one, all 14 of the Conservative Coalition were on the ballot and only five Paul-sympathetic delegates appeared. It was a blow, but it wasn't unexpected.
Then it got petty. Mccain supporters complained that there was delegate campaign literature being distributed that did not have the proper wording at the bottom ("Paid for by" or "Message approved by"). Of course some of those flyers were for Ron Paul delegates. McCains supporters demanded that the Sergeant-At-Arms collect every piece of literature that did not conform and destroy them (at the last call there were 1700 delegates seated - good luck with that). Also they demanded that anyone distributing "illegal" flyers be removed from the convention. This was seriously a 45-60 min debate that had nothing to do with convention business. Then others fought back (maybe Paul supporters, maybe not) bringing attention to the fact that Mccain supporters were walking down the aisles holding up a green "Yes" or red "No" card during votes. This led to a physical confrontation behind me as someone "turned-in" a Mccain-hat wearing supporter carrying the damning evidence in his pocket.
By 4:00 I was stressed, I was tired, and I didn't want to be there anymore. So I walked out. I'm a bit ashamed because it gives the appearance that I'm protesting that we lost. But going in we knew it would a tough road and we probably wouldn't come out with more that one or two delegates. What bothered me was the atmosphere. I naively thought that the debate would be interesting, but in actuality it was a lot bickering over parliamentary rules. I also didn't like the fact that there was so much bad-mouthing of Ron Paul supporters. The GOP wants the appearance of a big tent, but the real culture is one of "tow the party line or else".
I left Friday disillusioned. I feel like there is nowhere to go. Either Democrat candidate will bankrupt the country. The Republican candidate will bankrupt the country. The Green Party will REALLY bankrupt the country. Nobody is addressing the real issues facing America - the devaluation of our dollar, massive debt obligations, and a foreign policy that only exacerbates the problem. Basically we're screwed no matter who gets elected. What to do, what to do.
Go for a run?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Screw "Deal Or No Deal"
This is the most exciting news I've heard in awhile. Any regular peruser of the interwebs has undoubtedly witnessed the splendor of Japanese game shows. Finally, an American network has wised up - and you just knew it had to be FOX.
NOW CASTING HOLE IN THE WALL
The TV phenomenon sweeping the globe is finally making its way to American television! Hole In The Wall (a.k.a. HUMAN TETRIS) is the most downloaded Japanese game show ever on the net. Now FremantleMedia, the company behind American Idol, is looking for trios (friends, co-workers, spouses, etc) to take part in one of the most outrageous, funny, and challenging game shows ever seen on television!
http://www.fox.com/hitw.htm
Here is a clip of Hole In The Wall along with a couple other shows that I hope make it over here (especially the last one).
If only this one were real:
Chris Farley on a Japanese game show
NOW CASTING HOLE IN THE WALL
The TV phenomenon sweeping the globe is finally making its way to American television! Hole In The Wall (a.k.a. HUMAN TETRIS) is the most downloaded Japanese game show ever on the net. Now FremantleMedia, the company behind American Idol, is looking for trios (friends, co-workers, spouses, etc) to take part in one of the most outrageous, funny, and challenging game shows ever seen on television!
http://www.fox.com/hitw.htm
Here is a clip of Hole In The Wall along with a couple other shows that I hope make it over here (especially the last one).
If only this one were real:
Chris Farley on a Japanese game show
Monday, May 19, 2008
I Thought He Only Rapped About Butts and Buttermilk Biscuits
In honor of Iron Man reaching $200 Million - $30 of which came from the Russell household over two viewings.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Housing Crisis Explained
Last week's This American Life is must listen radio.
The Giant Pool Of Money
The Giant Pool Of Money
Friday, April 18, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Bad Grammar Makes Good Music
http://www.myspace.com/sheandhim
http://www.mergerecords.com/band.php?band_id=140&
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
I AM....
Try finding blog comments regarding this trailer on the internet that don't include the phrase "I have a big f-ing boner". I saw at least three.
Regardless...I have a big f-ing boner.
Regardless...I have a big f-ing boner.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
White Like Me
"Stuff White People Like" is my new favorite blog. Its my daily Starbucks. While a little cliche at times - I picture the Tracy Jordan stand-up act from 30 Rock, "White people dial a phone like this, Black people dial a phone like THIS - most of the time its hilariously self-deprecating, usually because they're indeed things I like.
Three of my recent favorites:
"#62 Knowing Whats Best For Poor People"
"#69 Mos Def"
"#44 Public Radio"
Katie and I saw "Spirit of the Marathon" last Thursday. I thought it was very well done, as it served to highlight the struggles of both the back-of-the-packer and elite. Flocast, Youtube, etc are great for videos, but there is just something about seeing a feature film on the big screen. Of course it was really big for us because we got there just before the show started and were relegated to the second row. Those seats should be outlawed.
Could it possibly be in theaters a third time? If so, make sure you show up early. If not, I would guess it would be out on DVD (or should we be buying Blu-Ray now?) soon.
"Spirit of the Marathon" sparked some inner dialogue as I contemplated what my long term goals are and how this year fits with them. The first thing I realized was that I really, really love running. The simple act of running brings me a lot of joy. When things are going good, the ratio of positive energy created:energy expended is quite high. That brings me to my second thought/realization: this hamstring injury is taking a little bit of that joy away. I thought if I could continue to run at a moderate level while stretching, lifting weights, and getting therapy, I could heal thyself. But the fact is I'm approaching a year of dealing with this particular hamstring issue and I've had hamstring issues dating all the way back to high school. I have a bunch of theories that I won't detail at this time, but suffice it to say, I need to focus on the healing and less on the running right now.
That may seem obvious to an objective observer (Katie?), but I think I, like a lot of running addicts (and thats what we are), have a hard time being objective.
When pouring over what I would like to accomplish running-wise over the next 3-4 years and what it will take to do it, I kept coming back to the fact that step 1 is get healthy. So I've stopped running for the moment. I've been doing the elliptical machine most days and I've been piecing a good routine of weights, core work and stretching. I've also made a slew of PT appointments with people recommended by some of the Team USA Minnesota members (many thanks to Jason and Kristen).
Too tell the truth I would say with the exception of my left hamstring and gluteus, I feel great. Aerobically I was really starting to come around. I'll almost certainly lose some of that by cross-training, but in my mind my efficiency was compromised by the hamstring anyway, so why not remove that obstacle?
So it seems like this is the 100th time I've written "I'm taking a break from running" in this blog, but it is what it is. We'll see where this one goes. I hope everyone else is hitting the ground running as spring approaches.
Three of my recent favorites:
"#62 Knowing Whats Best For Poor People"
"#69 Mos Def"
"#44 Public Radio"
Katie and I saw "Spirit of the Marathon" last Thursday. I thought it was very well done, as it served to highlight the struggles of both the back-of-the-packer and elite. Flocast, Youtube, etc are great for videos, but there is just something about seeing a feature film on the big screen. Of course it was really big for us because we got there just before the show started and were relegated to the second row. Those seats should be outlawed.
Could it possibly be in theaters a third time? If so, make sure you show up early. If not, I would guess it would be out on DVD (or should we be buying Blu-Ray now?) soon.
"Spirit of the Marathon" sparked some inner dialogue as I contemplated what my long term goals are and how this year fits with them. The first thing I realized was that I really, really love running. The simple act of running brings me a lot of joy. When things are going good, the ratio of positive energy created:energy expended is quite high. That brings me to my second thought/realization: this hamstring injury is taking a little bit of that joy away. I thought if I could continue to run at a moderate level while stretching, lifting weights, and getting therapy, I could heal thyself. But the fact is I'm approaching a year of dealing with this particular hamstring issue and I've had hamstring issues dating all the way back to high school. I have a bunch of theories that I won't detail at this time, but suffice it to say, I need to focus on the healing and less on the running right now.
That may seem obvious to an objective observer (Katie?), but I think I, like a lot of running addicts (and thats what we are), have a hard time being objective.
When pouring over what I would like to accomplish running-wise over the next 3-4 years and what it will take to do it, I kept coming back to the fact that step 1 is get healthy. So I've stopped running for the moment. I've been doing the elliptical machine most days and I've been piecing a good routine of weights, core work and stretching. I've also made a slew of PT appointments with people recommended by some of the Team USA Minnesota members (many thanks to Jason and Kristen).
Too tell the truth I would say with the exception of my left hamstring and gluteus, I feel great. Aerobically I was really starting to come around. I'll almost certainly lose some of that by cross-training, but in my mind my efficiency was compromised by the hamstring anyway, so why not remove that obstacle?
So it seems like this is the 100th time I've written "I'm taking a break from running" in this blog, but it is what it is. We'll see where this one goes. I hope everyone else is hitting the ground running as spring approaches.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bold Promises That May (or May Not) Be Kept
Sickened is the only way I can describe how I felt after reading THIS article that Deadspin linked today. I've heard of stories similar to this of course; its not as if it is breaking news that star athletes (and stars in general) get a pass. There was a little academic hubbub here at the UofM a few years ago that some may vaguely remember. But the violence of this case and how personal the reporter made it by documenting the affects on the victim are especially profound.
At least in the short term, this really turns me off to big time college athletics and to some extent pro sports. Dare I say I won't watch sports ever again? No I don't think I can make that promise. But I'm keeping a link to this article in my bookmarks to offer some perspective in the future. Today I feel like I'll be watching sports a lot less.
At least in the short term, this really turns me off to big time college athletics and to some extent pro sports. Dare I say I won't watch sports ever again? No I don't think I can make that promise. But I'm keeping a link to this article in my bookmarks to offer some perspective in the future. Today I feel like I'll be watching sports a lot less.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friday, November 16, 2007
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