I tried this last year and it screwed up my blog... so let's try it again.
Over on the right side you can now track how I'm doing on my word count for National Novel Writing Month. Hope it works!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
I realize I go off every year on this topic, but GOOD GOD!!!
First here's the news:
R.E.M., Patti Smith, Chic, the Dave Clark Five, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Ronettes, the Stooges, Joe Tex and Van Halen have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In January, five of the nine nominees will be selected and will participate in the induction ceremony on March 12th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
My friend Dan sent me this item and he was very excited because of Van Halen, but I have got to tell you this list pisses me off.
First, Van Halen started in 1974. That means they were eligible in 1999. And they are just now put on the list? Ridiculous!
Second, Van Halen was "discovered" in 1976 by Gene Simmons of Kiss. Guess what? Kiss is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This would be laughable if it weren't true!
Third, R.E.M. was founded in 1980 but nobody knew about them until 1982. That means they are eligible for the first time in 2007. And they are on the same ballot? I like REM a lot. I think they did a lot for rock (alt rock, but still rock). But I really think they have to pay some dues.
The following are NOT in the Hall right now (so how can they justify REM?):
Electric Light Orchestra
Squeeze
Yes
Genesis/Peter Gabriel
Rush (MY GOD!!!!)
Alice Cooper
Jethro Tull (I’m not entirely upset about this because of the whole Grammy thing over Metallica!)
ABBA (My wife likes ‘em)
Styx
Def Leppard (1977 founded!)
Journey
And the most egregious one: KISS!
Any one of these groups should be in there. It is a travesty they aren’t. And until the HOF recognizes these issues, it will continue to be a laughingstock. I mean this is the same group that finally enshrined ZZ Topp and Lynyrd Skynrd … LAST YEAR! REM right after them seems crazy!
VH is a no-doubter. Wouldn’t mind Grandmaster and Smith. But I gotta say that REM needs to wait (and, trust me, I’m a fan!).
First here's the news:
R.E.M., Patti Smith, Chic, the Dave Clark Five, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Ronettes, the Stooges, Joe Tex and Van Halen have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In January, five of the nine nominees will be selected and will participate in the induction ceremony on March 12th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
My friend Dan sent me this item and he was very excited because of Van Halen, but I have got to tell you this list pisses me off.
First, Van Halen started in 1974. That means they were eligible in 1999. And they are just now put on the list? Ridiculous!
Second, Van Halen was "discovered" in 1976 by Gene Simmons of Kiss. Guess what? Kiss is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This would be laughable if it weren't true!
Third, R.E.M. was founded in 1980 but nobody knew about them until 1982. That means they are eligible for the first time in 2007. And they are on the same ballot? I like REM a lot. I think they did a lot for rock (alt rock, but still rock). But I really think they have to pay some dues.
The following are NOT in the Hall right now (so how can they justify REM?):
Electric Light Orchestra
Squeeze
Yes
Genesis/Peter Gabriel
Rush (MY GOD!!!!)
Alice Cooper
Jethro Tull (I’m not entirely upset about this because of the whole Grammy thing over Metallica!)
ABBA (My wife likes ‘em)
Styx
Def Leppard (1977 founded!)
Journey
And the most egregious one: KISS!
Any one of these groups should be in there. It is a travesty they aren’t. And until the HOF recognizes these issues, it will continue to be a laughingstock. I mean this is the same group that finally enshrined ZZ Topp and Lynyrd Skynrd … LAST YEAR! REM right after them seems crazy!
VH is a no-doubter. Wouldn’t mind Grandmaster and Smith. But I gotta say that REM needs to wait (and, trust me, I’m a fan!).
New look
So, I decided to mess with the look of my blog. How do you like it?
On the writing front, I'm getting set to do National Novel Writing Month. On Sunday, I met with a bunch of my fellow Greeley writers at Margie's. They are a pretty eclectic group, but many of them are into the "community" thing with writers, and I tend to be more solitary. They gather to write together and do exercises in writing. I just like to write. Sometimes I like to chat about it, but not often.
I wish all of those going for NaNo this year success. I can't remember if I have written here about what I'm going to do this year (and I'm too lazy to go look) so here it is. Every year for NaNo, I plan on re-writing and finishing the novel I started when I was in college, Deadlines. But, every year, right before NaNo, I come up with a better idea. Not this year. So, I'll finally be finishing it. It's the story of a reporter who writes about serial killers ... the twist is that he is the serial killer.
So, off we go. Starts tomorrow after midnight (I love that it's Halloween!!!)
On the writing front, I'm getting set to do National Novel Writing Month. On Sunday, I met with a bunch of my fellow Greeley writers at Margie's. They are a pretty eclectic group, but many of them are into the "community" thing with writers, and I tend to be more solitary. They gather to write together and do exercises in writing. I just like to write. Sometimes I like to chat about it, but not often.
I wish all of those going for NaNo this year success. I can't remember if I have written here about what I'm going to do this year (and I'm too lazy to go look) so here it is. Every year for NaNo, I plan on re-writing and finishing the novel I started when I was in college, Deadlines. But, every year, right before NaNo, I come up with a better idea. Not this year. So, I'll finally be finishing it. It's the story of a reporter who writes about serial killers ... the twist is that he is the serial killer.
So, off we go. Starts tomorrow after midnight (I love that it's Halloween!!!)
Friday, October 27, 2006
Why?
When I tell people I'm doing National Novel Writing Month and writing a 50,000-word novel in one month, that's what they ask... WHY?
There is something to be said for getting in the habit of writing every day ... of stabbing in the heart that internal editor who tells you your stuff sucks ... of writing to write without a concern for quality.
But the truth, I think, is the sense of accomplishment. It's something I don't get from writing a press release, working on an ad campaign, or (ugh) balancing a budget. It's a personal accomplishment.
For 11 months out of the year, my personal accomplishments are pretty mediocre (finishing a "tough" Sudoku in 10 minutes). But for November, every day is filled with a goal and the entire month has a victory just waiting for me to grab it.
Anyone who's reading this in Greeley is invited to Margie's at 3 p.m. on Sunday to help us kick-off NaNo and see a bunch of other folks ready to accomplish something.
There is something to be said for getting in the habit of writing every day ... of stabbing in the heart that internal editor who tells you your stuff sucks ... of writing to write without a concern for quality.
But the truth, I think, is the sense of accomplishment. It's something I don't get from writing a press release, working on an ad campaign, or (ugh) balancing a budget. It's a personal accomplishment.
For 11 months out of the year, my personal accomplishments are pretty mediocre (finishing a "tough" Sudoku in 10 minutes). But for November, every day is filled with a goal and the entire month has a victory just waiting for me to grab it.
Anyone who's reading this in Greeley is invited to Margie's at 3 p.m. on Sunday to help us kick-off NaNo and see a bunch of other folks ready to accomplish something.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Disillusioned
So, last night Tracy and I went with some friends to see The Prestige.
This is the second of two 1800s magic movies. The other was the Illusionist.
Neither was very good.
<<>>
In The Illusionist, we are supposed to believe that in the 1800s, a magician was able to create a 3D projector that would fool people into thinking a real person was there (think like Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor pulled off in Superman except less believable).
In The Prestige, and I'm not making this up, the plot revolves around ... a CLONING DEVICE!!!
<<>>
I can't understand why someone can't make a good magic movie. I used to interview magicians and they all had really interesting things to say about the process and showmanship. Seems like there could be a good flick there.
Too bad these aren't them.
I'm hoping to see Flags of Our Fathers on Friday with Dono and Dan. So far, The Departed is easily the best pic of the year.
This is the second of two 1800s magic movies. The other was the Illusionist.
Neither was very good.
<<>>
In The Illusionist, we are supposed to believe that in the 1800s, a magician was able to create a 3D projector that would fool people into thinking a real person was there (think like Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor pulled off in Superman except less believable).
In The Prestige, and I'm not making this up, the plot revolves around ... a CLONING DEVICE!!!
<<>>
I can't understand why someone can't make a good magic movie. I used to interview magicians and they all had really interesting things to say about the process and showmanship. Seems like there could be a good flick there.
Too bad these aren't them.
I'm hoping to see Flags of Our Fathers on Friday with Dono and Dan. So far, The Departed is easily the best pic of the year.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Boys day
So, I had two free passes to Six Flags Elitch Gardens. I bought another at King Soopers so the boys and I could check out the Fright Fest activities at the park.
It's been many years since I was there the last time. And at that point Alex was barely old enough to ride the kiddie rides. So, I sat there and watched him go on the train ride AGAIN as I looked longingly at the big coasters and thrill rides that I knew I couldn't ride.
But this time was different. Sure, we spent some time in kiddie land (they actually have a nice trick-or-treat trail thing that the boys liked). But then we ventured to the bigger things.
Andy just made the 48-inch cut-off for most of the big rides and so we hit 'em. We went on the Batwing ride first which is actually just a giant spinning swing ride with the ability to control some movement by moving the big wings on the seat. Both boys loved it and were excited for more.
We hit a number of other spinning, rolling, flying things and they loved each one. And then we went to Twister II which is the big wooden rollercoaster. The boys were in awe, but they were both excited to go. We ended up going on it twice and despite a crazy-hard beating the rides provides, we had a blast.
Alex freaked a little on some of the big rides at Disneyland a few months ago, but he was gung-ho for rides at Elitch's. In fact, when we saw the Flying Coaster, Andy was sad because he was too short to go on it. But Alex asked if he could go by himself. This rides goes upside down and is pretty fast, so I was shocked he'd want to go. But he did and loved it!
Tracy is not a big fan of amusement parks (meaning, she hates them!), so I am glad that my love of the thrill ride rubbed off on both of my boys.
It's been many years since I was there the last time. And at that point Alex was barely old enough to ride the kiddie rides. So, I sat there and watched him go on the train ride AGAIN as I looked longingly at the big coasters and thrill rides that I knew I couldn't ride.
But this time was different. Sure, we spent some time in kiddie land (they actually have a nice trick-or-treat trail thing that the boys liked). But then we ventured to the bigger things.
Andy just made the 48-inch cut-off for most of the big rides and so we hit 'em. We went on the Batwing ride first which is actually just a giant spinning swing ride with the ability to control some movement by moving the big wings on the seat. Both boys loved it and were excited for more.
We hit a number of other spinning, rolling, flying things and they loved each one. And then we went to Twister II which is the big wooden rollercoaster. The boys were in awe, but they were both excited to go. We ended up going on it twice and despite a crazy-hard beating the rides provides, we had a blast.
Alex freaked a little on some of the big rides at Disneyland a few months ago, but he was gung-ho for rides at Elitch's. In fact, when we saw the Flying Coaster, Andy was sad because he was too short to go on it. But Alex asked if he could go by himself. This rides goes upside down and is pretty fast, so I was shocked he'd want to go. But he did and loved it!
Tracy is not a big fan of amusement parks (meaning, she hates them!), so I am glad that my love of the thrill ride rubbed off on both of my boys.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Over-tained
Flags of our Fathers and The Prestige and Marie Antoinette
They all come out this weekend.
And I have one son's birthday on Saturday and we'll be out of town on Sunday. (Poker tonight)
Last weekend we wasted our money on "Man of the Year" and now there's 3 movies I want to see.
We have all of this plus some really good TV shows: Heroes, The Nine, Lost, Studio 60, The Office, Earl, ER and 24 hasn't even started yet.
Plus, HBO and On Demand.
Plus, NetFlix.
I may actually be over-dosing on entertainment.
Didn't know that was possible.
They all come out this weekend.
And I have one son's birthday on Saturday and we'll be out of town on Sunday. (Poker tonight)
Last weekend we wasted our money on "Man of the Year" and now there's 3 movies I want to see.
We have all of this plus some really good TV shows: Heroes, The Nine, Lost, Studio 60, The Office, Earl, ER and 24 hasn't even started yet.
Plus, HBO and On Demand.
Plus, NetFlix.
I may actually be over-dosing on entertainment.
Didn't know that was possible.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Nanu-NaNo
I can't believe November is almost here again. Which means it's National Novel Writing Month again!!! 50,000 words in one month!!!
I have to admit I'm a little intimidated this year. It's going to be my fifth year of doing this, but I don't feel anywhere near a writing groove. But I have signed up. Here's my profile if you care.
I have also cleaned off my computer work space. I have a new computer that actually connects to the internet so I can do updates easily. I am planning to revisit a novel I began writing in college called "Deadlines." I still think it's a good story. I haven't pursued it in the past because other ideas kept getting in the way. But not I have nothing in the way (meaning I have no new ideas) so that's it. Wish me luck!
I have to admit I'm a little intimidated this year. It's going to be my fifth year of doing this, but I don't feel anywhere near a writing groove. But I have signed up. Here's my profile if you care.
I have also cleaned off my computer work space. I have a new computer that actually connects to the internet so I can do updates easily. I am planning to revisit a novel I began writing in college called "Deadlines." I still think it's a good story. I haven't pursued it in the past because other ideas kept getting in the way. But not I have nothing in the way (meaning I have no new ideas) so that's it. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Macha out
I know most people who read this blog don't care about baseball, but I have no where else to rant about this...
So, the A's fired Ken Macha ... again.
And even though they FINALLY made it past the first round of the playoffs, I think this is a good move.
The A's were swept by the Tigers. I hate to write those words, but they're true. And it's not that the Tigers had the better team (although they have a great one!). They had a better manager. And that's really hard to swallow after the crappy year Leyland had at the helm of the Rockies.
But the playoffs are a time when managers are needed to fire up a team or turn things around when they aren't working. Macha never did this. I know that professionals shouldn't need to get fired up, but they do. And I know that under Billy Beane no manager is going to really get full control, but something has to be done.
Anyway, I'm hoping for a St. Louis and Detroit series just to have the midwest showcased. And I have to admit, I'll probably be cheering for the Tigers.
So, the A's fired Ken Macha ... again.
And even though they FINALLY made it past the first round of the playoffs, I think this is a good move.
The A's were swept by the Tigers. I hate to write those words, but they're true. And it's not that the Tigers had the better team (although they have a great one!). They had a better manager. And that's really hard to swallow after the crappy year Leyland had at the helm of the Rockies.
But the playoffs are a time when managers are needed to fire up a team or turn things around when they aren't working. Macha never did this. I know that professionals shouldn't need to get fired up, but they do. And I know that under Billy Beane no manager is going to really get full control, but something has to be done.
Anyway, I'm hoping for a St. Louis and Detroit series just to have the midwest showcased. And I have to admit, I'll probably be cheering for the Tigers.
WARNING!
This is a public service announcement...
DO NOT (I Repeat DO NOT) go see "Man of the Year" with Robin Williams!
Tracy and I saw this over the weekend and it was just awful. It was billed as a comedy, but, if anything, it's a political thriller (trust me, it's not good at that either).
And don't tell me I don't understand Barry Levinson's vision. B.S. I loved "Wag The Dog" and still think it's one of the best political comedies ever. But this one sucks!
Williams isn't funny. Lewis Black is pathetic. The only person worth a darn is Laura Linney and she seemed like she was in a different movie (a better one!) the whole time.
I truly hope Robin Williams will again make a good comedy, but this ain't it.
P.S. Sorry for the light postings. I've been sick as a dog and then I had a loopy dentist procedure.
DO NOT (I Repeat DO NOT) go see "Man of the Year" with Robin Williams!
Tracy and I saw this over the weekend and it was just awful. It was billed as a comedy, but, if anything, it's a political thriller (trust me, it's not good at that either).
And don't tell me I don't understand Barry Levinson's vision. B.S. I loved "Wag The Dog" and still think it's one of the best political comedies ever. But this one sucks!
Williams isn't funny. Lewis Black is pathetic. The only person worth a darn is Laura Linney and she seemed like she was in a different movie (a better one!) the whole time.
I truly hope Robin Williams will again make a good comedy, but this ain't it.
P.S. Sorry for the light postings. I've been sick as a dog and then I had a loopy dentist procedure.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Bill and Mitzi
I think everybody has an Uncle Bill and Aunt Mitzi in their lives. They are the people in your family who insist on family getting together regularly. They organize reunions, schedule times to get together and/or just make that extra effort to ensure family stays together.
Bill and Mitzi live in Longmont. They are technically my Great Uncle and Aunt, but they are as close to our family as any of our relatives. (Andy's middle name is William in Bill's honor). Bill and Mitzi have been to every major celebration of my life (including junior high graduation) even though most of those took place in California.
This weekend we went to see them again. They are both getting older and their lives are busy with their own activities as well as those of their grandchildren. But they always make time for us and always want to know how everyone in our family is doing.
In these days where everyone is so busy that we often tell ourselves we don't have time for our extended family, I am very glad there are people like Bill and Mitzi who make sure we know that jobs may come and go, hobbies and other interests may fade and all those other things that fill our time won't seem so important years from now ... but family and friends are what really matters.
Bill and Mitzi live in Longmont. They are technically my Great Uncle and Aunt, but they are as close to our family as any of our relatives. (Andy's middle name is William in Bill's honor). Bill and Mitzi have been to every major celebration of my life (including junior high graduation) even though most of those took place in California.
This weekend we went to see them again. They are both getting older and their lives are busy with their own activities as well as those of their grandchildren. But they always make time for us and always want to know how everyone in our family is doing.
In these days where everyone is so busy that we often tell ourselves we don't have time for our extended family, I am very glad there are people like Bill and Mitzi who make sure we know that jobs may come and go, hobbies and other interests may fade and all those other things that fill our time won't seem so important years from now ... but family and friends are what really matters.
October Madness
OK, I know that I am one of three people in the world who cares, but the baseball postseason is awesome.
I'm fine with the fact my Rockies aren't in it (AGAIN) because I have faith in next year (AGAIN!).
But my Oakland A's have FINALLY made it past the first round and will now take on the dreaded Tigers for the AL championship and the honor of kicking the poop out of the NL (AGAIN! But I'm not happy about it).
Go A's!!!!!
I'm fine with the fact my Rockies aren't in it (AGAIN) because I have faith in next year (AGAIN!).
But my Oakland A's have FINALLY made it past the first round and will now take on the dreaded Tigers for the AL championship and the honor of kicking the poop out of the NL (AGAIN! But I'm not happy about it).
Go A's!!!!!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Catching up, revving up
I graduated from college in 1991. I haven't seen nor heard from most of my friends from that era since around 1992.
Of course, they all have normal names like Tom, Scott and Cro-Mag (don't ask). Anyway, that makes it nearly impossible for me to Google them. So, I have to hope they find me (the one saving grace for being cursed with two screwy names!).
Well, the other day, I heard from my roommate and best friend from college, Bill. Found out he's married. Has a kid. Hard to believe because in my mind all those folks are stuck in the hardened amber of my memory as the drunk, crazy kids we all were.
Anyway, I've actually been having a fun conversation through e-mail with his wife, Patty. She enjoys writing, so, naturally the first thing I did was try to recruit her for National Novel Writing Month. And my writing buddy, Eric, is back behind the keyboard as well.
All of this has got me pretty excited once again for taking on NaNo. I'm still not sure what story I'll do. If I can't come up with something better, I'll probably work on the novel I started writing when I was back in Chico, going to school. It's called "Deadlines."
I'd love to get my NaNo novel from last year finished. And I'd like to get my pitch letters out to agents as well. I'll try to do that before November, but with work, racquetball, soccer, new TV season (including Lost tonight!!!), playing around with iMovie, and many other distractions, it will be a struggle.
Of course, they all have normal names like Tom, Scott and Cro-Mag (don't ask). Anyway, that makes it nearly impossible for me to Google them. So, I have to hope they find me (the one saving grace for being cursed with two screwy names!).
Well, the other day, I heard from my roommate and best friend from college, Bill. Found out he's married. Has a kid. Hard to believe because in my mind all those folks are stuck in the hardened amber of my memory as the drunk, crazy kids we all were.
Anyway, I've actually been having a fun conversation through e-mail with his wife, Patty. She enjoys writing, so, naturally the first thing I did was try to recruit her for National Novel Writing Month. And my writing buddy, Eric, is back behind the keyboard as well.
All of this has got me pretty excited once again for taking on NaNo. I'm still not sure what story I'll do. If I can't come up with something better, I'll probably work on the novel I started writing when I was back in Chico, going to school. It's called "Deadlines."
I'd love to get my NaNo novel from last year finished. And I'd like to get my pitch letters out to agents as well. I'll try to do that before November, but with work, racquetball, soccer, new TV season (including Lost tonight!!!), playing around with iMovie, and many other distractions, it will be a struggle.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Justice prevails
Saw this news item this morning:
Ex-Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent lost his appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former bandmates. Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the heavy metal band's 1983 album Lick It Up.
All I can say is "YES!"
Vinnie was the worst guitarist Kiss ever had. Paul Stanley used to mock his solo on "Lick it Up" when he played it live. He would play the solo on the lead guitarists' guitar. Worse than being a bad guitarist ... he was REALLY boring.
Ex-Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent lost his appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former bandmates. Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the heavy metal band's 1983 album Lick It Up.
All I can say is "YES!"
Vinnie was the worst guitarist Kiss ever had. Paul Stanley used to mock his solo on "Lick it Up" when he played it live. He would play the solo on the lead guitarists' guitar. Worse than being a bad guitarist ... he was REALLY boring.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Macs vs. PCs
OK, I'm back in the fold. I'm sorry I ever considered leaving!
I am a Mac person. Ain't no doubt.
For the past five years, I have learned to deal with a PC for my work life. I have found them to be much easier to use than I expacted. Many of my favorite programs (mostly Photoshop) run very well on a PC.
Because of that, I was considering going the PC route at home, too. I figured I could handle all the PC limitations and have the advantage of actually getting to buy software from a store ... like games and stuff.
But then I got my father-in-law's G4. This thing is sweet. Runs all my programs smoothly and WAY better than a PC. Plus, I recently discovered the absolute joy of iLife. This is the suite of programs that turns a Mac into a video production studio. It's incredible. I'm upgrading to iLife 06 (for an amazingly low price of $79!) and just loving it. I'm turning all of my South Dakota vacation footage into a DVD that will NOT bore other people. Believe it or not!
Plus, the latest Macs now have a chip that allow them to run Windows so we Mac people can buy those games off the shelf.
I was terribly close to giving in, but I have been saved.
I am a Mac person. Ain't no doubt.
For the past five years, I have learned to deal with a PC for my work life. I have found them to be much easier to use than I expacted. Many of my favorite programs (mostly Photoshop) run very well on a PC.
Because of that, I was considering going the PC route at home, too. I figured I could handle all the PC limitations and have the advantage of actually getting to buy software from a store ... like games and stuff.
But then I got my father-in-law's G4. This thing is sweet. Runs all my programs smoothly and WAY better than a PC. Plus, I recently discovered the absolute joy of iLife. This is the suite of programs that turns a Mac into a video production studio. It's incredible. I'm upgrading to iLife 06 (for an amazingly low price of $79!) and just loving it. I'm turning all of my South Dakota vacation footage into a DVD that will NOT bore other people. Believe it or not!
Plus, the latest Macs now have a chip that allow them to run Windows so we Mac people can buy those games off the shelf.
I was terribly close to giving in, but I have been saved.
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