Lexidiem: Word of the Day

Do you remember that old rhyme that summed up the difference between the sexes? It went something like this:

What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice,
And everything nice,
That’s what little girls are made of.
 
What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails,
And puppy dog tails,
That’s what little boys are made of.

It was cute, back in preschool days, and it was said to help help youngsters understand that there was a difference between boys and girls, a fact that we would have all found out by ourselves as we matured... with or without the rhyme. 
 
Was thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I heard a well-meaning grandmother repeating it to some young children. Then I found this riveting photo posted by none other than MiseryXchord, an image so powerful that it made me stop and reflect on something that any reader of my pages here knows : 
 
 
MiseryXchord: that's what little girls are made of...  
 
There's a powerful message in Misery's photo, and one that should be seen by every under-30 female here on Buzznet... hell, everywhere on the 'Net. And please do click on the link above and see the message and the link that she posted there under the photo.
 
And from this male's perspective, skinny is not sexy... period. The female form is one of the distinguishing marks between the sexes, the basic differentiation between the male and female of the human species. Women need a backside, the curve of the hips, real breasts... and I'm not talking about silicone-because-the-boyfriend-demanded-it, either. The truly feminine body comes in all sizes and shapes, and each can be appreciated for it's own merits, and not because a medium-boned young woman can starve herself down to a size-0.

Pardon my rant, but it's an issue that I've personally waded into here on Buzznet before. See the video entitled Daughters, which was posted here in conjunction with the award winning Evolution video, and the newest Onslaught video, which was picked as a Buzznet Featured Video on 10/6/2007. These were all part of the Real Beauty Campaign promoted by the Dove beauty products company. One of the promos for their videos noted: “Only 2 % of women feel comfortable describing themselves as beautiful.” and “Things won’t change until we change them.”

Said it then and I'll repeat it again: it's about time that we changed our narrow contemporary definition of beauty and encourage women and girls to build stronger self-esteem, to build a better explanation of beauty and positive self-image among women and girls of all ages, shapes and ethnic backgrounds. We need to stop teaching women of all ages to emulate that ridiculous Barbie-doll look, and that Star magazine ( founded by Rupert Murdoch in 1974) does not define beauty. 
 
Misery, you hit the nail on the head with this most compelling image...

And congrats on the Featured Photo... one of your most powerful yet!
 
 

Are you getting spammed here on Buzznet?

If you're like many of us here, you may have received messages offering you something for free, be it ring tones, music of all types, football jerseys, mp3 files and such. Does this seem a bit familiar to some of you? 

The message to the phone spammers is very simple:
 

 
   
So what should one do?

There are no clear-cut answers on how to deal with the spammer, but if you wish to help eliminate them here on Buzznet, the steps are pretty simple.

 Good morning, and Happy New Year! 

Resolutions for 2008: 
  
No matter how successful one has been in following the resolutions in previous year, one makes fresh resolutions for the coming year with full determination and will. The starting days of New Year are the most crucial in order to plan for the entire year. These are the days when many sketch a mental graph for the whole year. To materialize the things thought of is somewhat difficult but still some people manage to do so. New Year resolutions provide a sort of direction to people to lead the coming year. 
  
Make feasible New Year resolutions. Some people make such resolutions that are impractical and impossible. And afterwards, these people find it difficult to follow such resolutions. This is one reason that leads to sadness in many people. 
  
New Year resolutions should be such that they are easy to follow. Try to find out what you can do easily and stick to them. Going out of the way to prove yourself to others is of no use. Get only achievable tips for New Year resolution. Things that will make you a better human being and help you lead a more comforting life should be made the New Year resolutions. 
  
The bottom line is this: change for the better in the coming year!

• Don't settle. Don't lose sight of your goals and dreams. Empower yourself. 
    
• If you're going to lose some of those holiday pounds that you put on, come up with a good plan, then stick to it. Exercise is a good thing, and it can be enjoyable if you find a plan that fits you and your lifestyle. 
    
• Give a little of yourself, to your children if your have them, to your significant other, to family, to friends, and maybe even to total strangers. Try to make the world a better place... pay it forward. Above all, try to give a little of yourself every week. 
    
• Work through issues, be they at home or at work. Don't let them ferment and become worse. Resolve conflicts. 
    
• The old saying 'Practice Makes Perfect' is valid, and don't stop trying. 
    
• Simplify your life, and don’t expect too much from yourself.
   
• And above all, don't sweat the small stuff...
   

Again, Happy New Year, and may yours be the best ever!  
  

Technorati Tags: New Year, pay it forward, resolutions, Lexidiem, Jargontalk

 

1. Don't tase me, bro!   
   ~ Andrew Meyer, a senior at the University of Florida, while being hauled away by campus police during a speech by Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. It was the plea heard round the world as officers removed him from a speech by Senator Kerry.  
     
   Yale Book of Quotations editor Fred Shapiro said that the quote by Meyer just before he got zapped by campus police while protesting at Senator Kerry's speech was "a symbol of pop culture success," thanks to how many times it was searched for on Google and how many T-shirts it showed up on. 
      

2. I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps and I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and Iraq and everywhere like such as and I believe that they should our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future for us.   
   ~ Lauren Upton, South Carolina contestant in the Miss Teen USA contest, when asked why one-fifth of Americans cannot find the United States on a map.  
      
3. In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country.  
   ~ Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking at Columbia University in New York.   
      
4. That's some nappy-headed hos there.  
   ~ CBS radio personality Don Imus, referring to the Rutgers University women's basketball team.  
      
5. I don't recall.  
   ~ Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' repeated response to congressional questions about the firing of U.S. attorneys.  
      
6. There's only three things he mentions in a sentence: a noun and a verb and 9/11.  
   ~ Senator Joseph Biden, referring to Republican presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani, speaking during a Democratic presidential debate.   
      
7. I'm not going to get into a name-calling match with somebody who has a nine percent approval rating.  
   ~ Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, referring to Vice President Dick Cheney.  
      
8. (I have) a wide stance when going to the bathroom.  
   ~ Senator Larry Craig, explaining why his foot touched the foot of an undercover police officer in the men's restroom of an airport.  
      
9. I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook, man.  
   ~ Senator Joseph Biden, referring to Senator Barack Obama, a rival Democratic presidential candidate.  
      
10. I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history.  
    ~ Former President Jimmy Carter, referring to the Bush administration.  
        

Bonus 'Perfected' Quote:  
   
There was one truly memorable quote that was made in 2007 that I was disappointed to find had not been included in this year's edition of the book. This one came from the October 8th television broadcast of The Big Idea With Donny Deutsch on CNBC, and included a lively dialogue between the host and his guest, a well-known conservative commentator, columnist and best-selling author:  

• We just want Jews to be 'perfected,' as they say.  
  ~ Ann Coulter, who went on to explain her viewpoint that Jews ought to become Christians.  

Deutsch, a practicing Jew, said he was personally offended by Coulter's remark, and she tried to defend herself.  
   
"I don't want you being offended by this. This is what Christians consider themselves, because our testament is the continuation of your testament. You know that. So we think Jews go to heaven. I mean, [Rev. Jerry] Falwell himself said that, but you have to follow laws. Ours is 'Christ died for our sins,'" Coulter said. "We consider ourselves perfected Christians. For me to say that for you to become a Christian is to become a perfected Christian is not offensive at all."  
   
And of course she had to mention the late Jerry Falwell... and you can see an interesting animated of him 'perfected' in this parallel posting.  
    
See the YouTube video here.  After seeing that, you might enjoy this video where Philadelphia's own Leah Kauffman, the voice behind "I Got a Crush on Obama", performs in the music video "Perfected" which is probably the best jab in Ann Coulter's ribs that I've yet seen.  
 
 
Technorati Tags: Don't tase me bro, Andrew Meyer, Quote of the Year, Yale Book of Quotations, Ann Coulter, Perfected, YouTube, Buzznet, Lexidiem, Jargontalk, words   
    

 
Christmas is coming, but that's not all.  
  
We know that in most places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th. Less known is that the Winter Solstice is coming to all who reside in the Northern hemisphere on December 22, at 06:08 Universal Time (GMT), and is celebrated by various cultures, both ancient and modern. 
 
But that's not all that's coming... 
  
On Wednesday, Fox News reported that at the exact moment of the Winter Solstice, the world is advised to "get busy at the second annual Global Orgasm for World Peace," and further stating: 
 
"Oui! Si! Da! Ja! Yes! Any way you scream it, one group hopes you'll be having an orgasm in the name of world peace this Friday at 6:08 GMT."  
  
Their link showed the 2nd Annual Global Orgasm for Peace will occur on December 22nd... just click on the link for all of the details, and you can follow their online countdown clock for the exact time as to when this will take place. They list their 3 reasons for the big Global-O as:  

• Peace - works for me.  
• Gender & Social Justice - would be glad share for that reason.  
• Global Warming - wouldn't this contribute to global warming? They explain it all better than I'm willing to here, so check it out for yourselves.  

Global Orgasm was started by Donna Sheehan and Paul Reffell, co-founders of the anti-war organization Baring Witness, a group of activists who get naked to make public peace displays with their naked bodies. 

Those in the Southern hemisphere have no reason to feel any jealousy, for according to Australia's Sidney Morning Herald, the Summer Solstice occurs Down Under on Friday at 5:08pm. Their motto of the day? "More-gasm, not Wargasm!" 
 
Wonder if a unified effort among Buzznet members would help the cause...  

    
   
  w00t!  

  
Technorati Tags: Solstice, Global Orgasm, December 22, big-O, Baring Witness, JargonTalk, Lexidiem, word of the day, Buzznet, wtf, w00t  
  

Alternate Link   
    
    
  

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! 
 
Yes, it’s one of those personal question and answer things, and Hearts hit me first on this… 
  
Answer the questions, post it in your journal and then pass it on.  

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper... or sometimes the Sunday comics.  

2. Tree; Real or Artificial? Get real! Real.   

3. When do you put Christmas tree up? When we get around to it.  

4. When do you take the tree down? When the needles start turning color...  

5. Like eggnog?  Eggnog is awesome!  

6. Do you have a nativity scene? No, because we have mostly humorous decorations.  

7. Favorite gift received as a child? A genuine Buck Rogers Sonic Ray Gun... it was really nothing more that an elaborate flashlight, but it made weird noises and allowed a kid to zap alien invaders (like my younger brother) before they had a chance to even think twice.  

8. Hardest person to buy for? My son, when he juggles his wish lists on Amazon.com or gets caught up in the Lego catalog, trying to decide what he wants.  

9. Easiest person to buy for? My son, when I juggle his wish lists on Amazon.com  or get caught up in the Lego catalog, decide what he's going to get... and he loves it.  

10. Worst Christmas gift? Worst Christmas gift ever received was a Zippo lighter and a carton of Chesterfield unfiltered cigarettes, and that was only a few weeks after I had quit smoking.  

11. Mail or e-mail a Christmas Card? E-mail more and more each year, 'cause most geeks do that. Then there are the relatives who proclaim (loudly) that it's being 'cheap' when someone doesn't send a paper card in the mail, so they get paper cards... sometimes.  

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Easy...  A Christmas Story, the 1983 version which was co-written and narrated by the late Jean Shepherd, and it's loaded with his characteristic comical one-liners and hilarious dialogue. The backups to this are  A Charlie Brown Christmas, the touching Miracle on 34th Street, and Frank Capra's classic It's a Wonderful Life.  

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in the beginning of November, and ending with truly frenzied searching for last minute gifts as late as Christmas Eve.  

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, a Zippo lighter and a carton of Chesterfield unfiltered cigarettes. See #10 above.  

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Turkey with stuffing. Home-made candied orange peel, some old-fashioned Southern fruit cake from Georgia, or nice home-baked Christmas cookies. See #23 below... hint, hint!   

16. Clear or colored tree lights? Usually colored, though my son prefers clear because they remind him of stars.  

17. Favorite Christmas Song? “Silent Night” or "Joy to the World." If it comes to playing Christmas music CDs, some of the old classics, always some Handel's Messiah, a lot of Mannheim Steamroller, but for comic relief we always include the Dr. Demento Christmas CD, which has some hilarious tracks.  

18. Travel during Christmas or stay home? Stay at home.  

19. Store bought or homemade gifts? Like doing homemade, but this year it's mostly things purchased on the Web, and mostly from Amazon.com or ThinkGeek. I love the 'Net!   

20. Angel or Star on tree top? Star or angel, depends on the year. One year it was an angelic chicken, but that's a story into itself.  

21. Open presents on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve? Both, one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day.  

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Discourteous, ill-mannered, boorish, offensive, rude, and nasty shoppers pushing and shoving in the stores... and a Merry Christmas to you, too!  

23. Bake at home or Buy? We buy, but being two very appreciative and hungry guys, we really do enjoy nice home-baked Christmas cookies and goodies like that... hint, hint!  

24. Lights outside? When we can... and those are always clear ones.  

25. Mistletoe? Depends on who’s in the room, but have to agree with Jenn in the idea that mistletoe would make a fantastic belt buckle. Might have to try that… 

In any case, some of you will get tagged, and I truly hope that you'll do your own in celebration of the Holiday Season!  
  
 

  
It's now official... "w00t" has been crowned Word of Year!  
  

  
It was officially announced last week that "w00t," was crowned Word of the Year by none other than Merriam-Webster, one of the leading U.S. dictionary publishers. 
  
The word "w00t" ia an expression of joy coined computer geeks, and is frequently used by online gamers. The Massachusetts-based publisher noted that "w00t" -- typically spelled with two zeros -- reflects a new direction in the American language led by a generation raised on video games and cell phone text-messaging. 
  
For those unfamiliar with the term, it's like saying "yay" as an expression of joy or extreme happiness.  
  
"It could be after a triumph or for no reason at all," according to Merriam-Webster. It's also known to be an acronym for “we owned the other team”.

The other words in the new Top Ten list are:

2.  facebook

3.  conundrum

4.  quixotic

5.  blamestorm

6.  sardoodledom

7.  apathetic

8.  Pecksniffian

9.  hypocrite

10. charlatan

Visitors to Merriam-Webster's Web site were invited to vote for one of 20 words and phrases culled from the most frequently looked-up words on the site and submitted by readers. The runner-up was "facebook" as a new verb meaning to add someone to a list of friends on the Web site Facebook.com or to search for people on the social networking site. 
  
But where is Buzznet?  Looks like the Facebook users were more organized this year.
 
The term isn't really new, as one Web site, www.thinkgeek.com, has been selling T-shirts with the word "w00t" printed on the front for awhile now. 
  
According to ThinkGeek, "w00t belongs to gamers the world over. It seems to have been derived from the obsolete 'whoot' which essentially is another way to say 'hoot' which itself is a shout or derisive laugh. But others maintain that w00t is the sound several players make while jumping like bunnies in Quake III. Still others want you to believe that it comes from the phrase 'wow loot' used in multiplayer RPGs many moons ago. And if you can believe it some folks even think it was derived from the gaming phrase, 'We Own the Other Team!' Fiction or fact? I suppose you'll just have to decide what 'w00t!' means to you..." 
  
Online gamers are often known to replace numbers and symbols with letters to form what Merriam-Webster calls an "esoteric computer hacker language" known as "l33t speak" which translates into "leet", short for "elite".  
  
According to Merriam-Webster’s president John Morse, “w00t” was an ideal choice because it blends whimsy and new technology. He noted that “w00t” was a clear cut instance of the fact that there is an increasing use of numeric keyboards to type words. 

“People look for self-evident numeral-letter substitutions: 0 for O; 3 for E; 7 for T; and 4 for A,” he said. “This is simply a different and more efficient way of representing the alphabetical character.”  
  
But what about Buzznet? Well, there's always 2008, isn't there?  
  
Sources: Reuters, ThinkGeek, TechShout 
 
 
Technorati Tags: w00t, Merriam-Webster, Buzznet, Facebook, JargonTalk, Lexidiem, word of the year, wtf, l33t, geek, yay, gamer 
 
 

Top Holiday Gifts for Geeks

The Monty Python Killer Bunny slippers are a great gift for any geek. 

Right now we're out there scouring the Web to find those perfect holiday gifts for the geek in your life, and if you think that the above suggestion is too geeky or not geeky enough, never fear, for in a few days you'll find a few different geek gift lists right here on these pages to help with those critical decisions.
  
In the meantime, here is a list of items that you should perhaps avoid getting for a geek:

• Swiss Army Knife - chances are that your geek already has a number of these received in previous years. The exceptions here would be if the knife has at least 50 tools or is one of those special models with 1GB or greater of USB memory.
• Computer games - unless your geek has a special request, it's best to avoid these. Computer games are a very personal thing.
• Geek Squad gift certificate - just don't. Enough said.
• A CD with 1001 screen savers - cute, but your geek already knows how to download these same screen savers for free.
• Socks - do you want to remind your geek of his great aunt Matilda, who's probably still giving him the same argyle socks each year?
• Dress shirts - he or she has them already, and they're probably still new in the package because they aren't being worn. Better to stick to work shirts or humorous t-shirts.
• An biography of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs - he or she probably tell you more about them than would fit in most books. Save your money.
• A gift card for cell phone ringtones - only if it's a joke.
• An atlas - come on, if the geek you know doesn't already own the latest GPS, he or she has been using the 'Net for years to find and print out directions.
• Magazines with photos of half-dressed people...
  
  Geeks know more about finding nudes and half-naked people than even the most astute magazine editor. Don't bother... unless you have round-trip airline tickets to a tropical climate to go with them.

OK, if you absolutely, positively have to get that gift immediately and can't wait a few more days for our lists, there is one thing that always works:

• Caffeine!
  Can't think of a true geek whom it's not a major food group. It just comes with the territory If all else fails, buy 'em a pound or two of their favorite coffee. Gift cards from Starbuck's usually work, too.

For those that are still looking, check back here in a few days and you find the first of a few of holiday gift lists specifically for geek, things in all price ranges, and some that are purely for fun!
 
'Tis the season...
   

15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE (to scam) You!

Meet fellow Buzznet member buzzgirl22. Look at her photo here, though one might wonder if it's for real.




Have you received a message here on Buzznet that looks like this?
 
15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE You!
 
If you opened the message, this is what you found:

From buzzgirl22 Date 11/13/2007 6:23 AM Subject 15 Ringtones FREE because We LOVE You! Click Here to get your 15 FREE Ringtones! Enjoy!!

What you received is e-mail spam, also known as bulk e-mail or junk e-mail, and not only that, it's a scam, and activities have been reported on numerous sites on the Web. If you had gone to the site, you would have found a very diverting and colorful graphic telling you that by entering your mobile phone number, you can get 15 Complimentary Ringtones in just three steps... so very simple and tempting.
 
But the problem is the fine print at the bottom of the page, which reads as follows:

* Participants in the complimentary/bonus ringtones offer become "[name removed]" subscribers, and will receive 50 credits good for ringtones, wallpapers, games, and other products, for their first month. After 30 days, "[name removed]" subscribers receive 20 credits for $9.99/mo. Boost, Nextel, Altell, MetroPCS and non-MMS capable Verizon Wireless users will get the Joke of the Day SMS alert and can redeem credits only for SMS packages. (Boost users are billed $6.99/mo.) 
 
Terms & Conditions: Carrier messaging rates may apply; Internet-enabled handsets are required. By entering the PIN code sent via text message to the cell phone number supplied by you on this page, you acknowledge you are subscribing to [name removed]'s [name removed] service at a cost of $9.99/mo. Participants receive 20 credits every month for downloading ringtones, wallpaper, games, applications, screensavers, themes, and SMS services such as Text Alerts and Mobile Match Up. For the first month of [name removed] service 30 additional credits will be deposited into a participant's account, which may be used to download 15 ringtones or other products and services [name removed] provides. (Polyphonic ringtones and wallpapers: 2 credits each, non-premium games: 4 credits each.) The 15 complimentary ringtones offer is available only to AT&T, Sprint, Virgin, Cellular One and Verizon Wireless customers, and requires a paid $9.99 monthly subscription. (T-Mobile users can only download 8 items/mo. Boost users will be billed $6.99/mo.) Credits expire at the end of each monthly billing period. Also, Boost, Alltel, Nextel, MetroPCS and non-MMS capable Verizon Wireless customers will get the Joke of the Day SMS alert and can download only SMS services. All plans are subject to [name removed]'s Terms of Service. [name removed] subscribers may cancel by texting [info removed]. To know more about [name removed]'s Terms & Conditions please contact customer service at www.[name removed].com or call [phone number removed]. 
 
Note: the name and phone numbers of the company making this offer this has been removed in the above fine print.
 
So read the print above and realize that you will be billed, and that comes out to be about $120.00 per year... for some crappy ringtones that you can probably get elsewhere for free if you really look for them!
 
If that's not enough to convince you, be aware that the site making the offer leaves cookies on your computer, as they did on mine while I researched this, allowing them to track where you go on the 'Net. 
 
There's a great article from eHow entitled How to Avoid Cell Phone Ringtone Scams, and they offer the following tips:

• If you have kids who have cell phones, talk to them about these steps as well. They'll be interested in how to get free ringtones and may unwittingly sign themselves up for something you'll end up paying for. Talk to them about the numerous ringtone scams out there before it's too late.
    
• If you subscribe to a ringtone service—intentionally or not—it can be incredibly difficult to remove the charges from your bill. Phone companies are not very helpful when it comes to these charges and sometimes can't even tell you where the charge is coming from. If this has happened to you contact the FCC and tell them about the charge and the phone company that won't help remove it.
    
• Never keep anything too personal—like your credit card information—on your cell phone. Hackers can use that information to steal your identity so keep it confidential.

This is posted both as a warning to members of the Buzznet community that we have become the target of spammers and scammers, and Buzznet administration personnel, including Mark, have been made aware of this. Please also be aware that these people change their online names and identity quickly, so don't be surprised if another pops up in the same day.
 
Feel free to leave any comments on this below, and if you have been the victim of any of the spammers who have been hitting us, please feel free to comment or send me a private message. 
 
And buzzgirl22, you've been exposed publicly now... have a nice day!
 

10 November 2007

A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

Since the birth of our Nation, our liberty has been purchased by valiant men and women of deep conviction, great courage, and bold action; the cost has often been in blood and tremendous sacrifice. As America's sentinels of freedom, United States Maries are counted among the finest legions in the chronicles of war. Since 1775, Marines have marched boldly to the sounds of guns and have fought fiercely and honorably to defeat the scourge of tyranny and terror. We are Marines—that is what we do.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy: "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Magnificent heroes fought in the wheat fields of Belleau Wood, in the snows of the Chosin, and on the streets of Hue City. Your generation bears this obligation now, and it is borne on mighty and capable shoulders, Just like the Marines at Belleau Wood—we are once again engaged in sustained operations ashore. Just like Belleau Wood—Marines have been given the toughest sector and have prevailed over a resilient and determined enemy—who has made us pay for our gains. Once again, as in any struggle, the road ahead is far from certain, but as Marines, we are not dissuaded by the challenges of war or the tough conditions of a warrior's life. Indeed, we don't just accept our destiny—we shape it.

  On our 232nd birthday, to every Marine—those still in uniform and those who have served honorable in the past—be proud of who you are and what you do. Know that your citizenship dues have been paid in full; you are part of this Nation's elite warrior class. Cherish our families who offer marvelous support, abiding resolve, and steadfast patience. Remember those who have served and those who have fallen—their names are chiseled on the roll call of America's heroes. Those who have carried the battle colors of our Corps have forged our heritage, and today's generation of leathernecks chart our future. Carry the colors with pride; carry them with honor. 

Happy Birthday Marines!

Semper Fidelis,


James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps
 
 

You might want to see the following as well:

• USMC Commandant's 2007 Video Message
  Interesting from a historical perspective as well
   
• From the Halls of Montezuma from Buzznet Originals member Sstrokerj
  A visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA
   
• Old Corps
  A personal photo gallery reflecting this Marine's experiences

Semper Fi...

Technorati Tags: birthday, Semper Fi, Marines, Iwo Jima, Chosin, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, Lexidiem, Jargontalk

This is a trailer for the film Pay It Forward, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment. In the motion picture, social studies teacher Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey) gives his class an assignment: look at the world around you and fix what you don’t like. Mr. Simonet’s student, Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) comes up with a concept for changing the world: “Pay It Forward.” But can you fix people?

You can see more about the film here.

Before it was a hit movie, Pay it Forward was a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Challenged by a teacher to "think of an idea for world change and put it into action," 12-year-old Trevor McKinney decides to do a good deed for three people. Instead of paying him back, Trevor asks them to "pay it forward." The idea catches on and his initial acts of kindness have global consequences. It's a hopeful book for our cynical times.

The concept isn't new, as science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein, used the phrase in Between Planets, a book published in 1951, almost fifty years before C. Ryan Hyde's novel. Heinlein both preached and practiced this philosophy, and now the Heinlein Society, a humanitarian organization founded in his name, does so.
 
 
Making a Difference  

The premise is fairly simple: you do a big favor for three people. When they ask how to repay you, you tell them to pay it forward to three more people. Each person is then impelled to pay it forward to three more. Nine becomes 27, which becomes 81, which becomes 243. Do the math: in 14 levels we reach a group about the size of the population of Australia. 

So, is "Pay It Forward" realistic? And what if your idea doesn't work? 

Want to know more? Maybe these links will help:

• Pay It Forward Foundation  
    
• Pay It Forward Movement  
    
• Heinlein Society  
    
• Catherine Ryan Hyde  
  Pay It Forward bumper stickers are available to readers on request. There is no charge. The author asks only that you put them to use where they will be seen.

So it's up to you... can you handle the challenge?

Technorati tags: catherine ryan hyde, empowerment, jargontalk, lexidiem, making a change, pay it forward, robert heinlein, utopian

Got your attention?

Good, because... 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the world. 
 
Note: parts of this journal were originally posted here last October, but since it's such an important and timely topic, much of the information and resources have been updated. 
 
Breast cancer is a serious issue, for all women are at risk for getting breast cancer. As you get older, your risk increases. Assuming you live to age 90, your risk of getting breast cancer over your lifetime is about 14%. That might sound scary, because it means that an average of about one out of every seven women will get breast cancer over a 90-year life span. 
 
You can also look at it another way: A 14% risk means there's an 86% chance that you won't get breast cancer.
 
Why am I, as a man, posting this information? Simply put, because I care, and because I know first hand how breast cancer can effect a woman, both physically and emotionally. 
 
This is serious enough that I'm sure the you get the point, so let's just lighten up for a bit. A couple of years ago, the Breast Cancer Society of Canada contracted Zig Inc. to come up with a way to convince young women to perform their own regular breast examination. They chose to use humor to reinforce self-testing as a 'normal' task that everyone does. 
 
So the classic Cam’s Breast Exam public service announcement was born. The founding partners of Zig Inc, believed that women value offers of help when they feel overwhelmed and unable to help themselves. When they’re offered help for something they should be doing they protest and happily play their own part. 

Cam, played by then 20-year-old Noah Plener, opens the 30-second spot speaking to the camera:
 
"Are you too busy to do your monthly breast self exam? Unsure of the right technique? My name is Cam. I’d like to help. Let me examine your breasts for you, absolutely free! I’m highly trained and highly motivated so call the number on the number on the screen. Call takers are standing by." 
 
The camera switches to three teenage boys sitting on a couch, phone ready. 
 
Cam continues, "So put your breasts in my hands. Let Cam do your breast exam."
 
The PSA concludes with "They’re your breasts. You do it. Examine yourself monthly."
 
And that's the point: you need to do the exam, and don't put it off, as it's more important that you may realize. As I said before, I care, and I know first hand how breast cancer can effect a woman, both physically and emotionally. I also know what can happen if you put it off, and don't start with that self-exam. It becomes easy to forget, then to put off that critical mammogram, figuring that it won't happen to you, only to that 14%, right?
 
Let me be up front: Been there - done that. I lost someone to breast cancer, so I know. I know the alternatives, the treatment, and that in most cases it can be stopped if caught in the beginning. 
 
According to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), young women can and do get breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of this disease is widespread: There are more than 250,000 women 40 and under in the U.S. living with breast cancer, and over 11,100 young women will be diagnosed in the next year. And these figures are just for the United States. The YSC is an international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. It's a favorite of mine because they're so proactive, and offer some great free resources.
 
Another very proactive group worth noting is the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, whose mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. They offer such things as a 24-hour hotline, an amazing wig & prosthesis bank. And they offer their resources in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean and Chinese. Because they're so uniquely proactive, this one is another favorite.
 
As noted here last year, I've gotten close to some of you here on Buzznet and other places on the 'Net, so let me just make this simple appeal: it's my birthday this month. You can give me a great birthday present by just doing that Breast Self-Exam (BSE). It's simple, only takes a couple of minutes, and won't even cost you what a birthday card would. If you haven't had one in the last couple of years, please pick up the phone and try to schedule a mammogram. In some areas, they're free if you look around. 
 
And here you can follow Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Valient Thorr, and members of MxPx as they walk you through the steps of just how to do a breast self exam in this Warped Tour video from Keep-A-Breast.org, a unique non-profit organization that has been very proactive in increasing breast cancer awareness among young people.
 
Finally, there are some updated resources below that you can check out. This should be very global, but if you know of other such resources, please just add them in the comments or send me a message.
 
Please feel free to comment... and don't forget that BSE! 

» Blogs that link here
» View my profile. 

My Top Ten Bands

I've been tagged by Ana (anapinkf) so here it goes...
 
Here are the easy rules.
 
1) Pick your 10 favorite musical artists.
2) Tag the journal "top 10 bands" so we can have a full tag page of all our lists!
3) Pick 8 more people to do this! Make sure to link them to your original post
 
Here's my list, and it's not in any real order of preference, as I could have listed at lest 87 groups here if I had the time. These are just some of my favorites that I've been listening to lately, an extremely eclectic list as you'll see... so on with the show: 
  
  
#11. Tom Waits...

It’s been over 30 years since Tom Waits made his recording debut. He may be the coolest man on the planet, a lyrical genius, bizarre & wonderful, and still going strong after all these years. For me, to get on this list you have to put on one helluva show, and Waits has to be on the top of my must-see-in-concert list. He may not be in his prime, but he's still doing his thing pretty damn well & there isn't really anybody out there that can do the same.
 
His newest album (set) is Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards, a wide-ranging 3-disc collection of 54 songs, including 30 new recordings, equaling over three hours of rare and never-before heard music. 

Videos:

• Tom Waits: Hold On 
• Tom Waits: God's away on business

MP3 Audio Files: 

• "Hold On" MP3 from Mule Variations
• "Bottom Of The World" MP3 from Orphans - Brawlers
• "Road To Peace" MP3 from Orphans - Brawlers
• "Another Man's Vine" MP3 from Blood Money
• "How's It Gonna End" MP3 from Real Gone
  Above audio files courtesy of Anti Records

#10.  Andrea Bocelli...

 
Andrea Bocelli was born in 1958 in rural Tuscany. The traditions of the region, and the strong influence of his parents who taught their son never to simply accept defeat, rather to draw strength from it, have left indelible impressions on the man. He's been blind since the age of twelve as a result of a football accident and an eye condition known as glaucoma. Yet despite these handicap, he never lost his love for music. And more amazingly, Andrea attended the university in Pisa, and went on to take a degree in Law. 
 
In 1992, the Italian rock star Zucchero first auditioned Bocelli while scouting for tenors to duet with him in the song "Miserere." After hearing this recording, tenor Luciano Pavarotti urged Zucchero to use Bocelli instead of himself and said, "he is better than me, I can't do any better." The song was later recorded with Pavarotti, but Bocelli accompanied Zucchero on his European concert tour. In 1995, Bocelli's song "Con te partiro" placed fourth at the Sanremo Festival. It was included in his 1995 album Bocelli. This song is also know as "Time to Say Goodbye" in English.
 
Andrea's lifetime's passion has been to share his love of opera with a wider audience, especially those for whom opera would be an exciting new experience. He's an amazing man of passions, with an unquenchable lust for life and a thirst for all manner of insight and experience.
 
Videos:

• Con te partiro (original solo version)
• Time To Say Goodbye (with Sarah Brightman)
• En Aranjuez

#9.  7 Seconds of Love...

7 Seconds of Love is an English ska band fronted by musician and animator Joel Veitch that writes and plays songs with often random, silly lyrics. Veitch animates many videos of the band's songs, such as "Ninja" and "First Drink of the Day". Some songs have had videos directed by guitarist Pat Schulenburg, such as their most recent production "Twister". The band regularly tours the United Kingdom. The animations are available on Veitch's website and the band's site. The band's first official single was "Twister" as an iTunes exclusive, but they have recently released "Love Me Like You Used To" and "Ninja". They've actually made a video bio (explicit lyrics) that's about as off-the-wall as they are. And yes, I've been a fan of Joel Veitch for years now... remember the Spongmomkeys and We Like the Moon?
 
Videos:

• Ninja (animated - yes the one with the Ninja cats)
• Love Me Like You Used To (animated)

#8.  AMPOP...

AMPOP is a three-piece group from Reykjavik, Iceland, and has been making music together for a few years now. Their first two albums were more electronic-ambient-based (the band name was put together from Ambient and Pop which reflected the style of their music at that time). The second of those albums called Made For Market was acclaimed Best Icelandic Album of 2003 by many critics. In 2005, they emerged again with new songs in their pocket and released their third album My Delusions, which again got rave reviews and was picked up by lots of radio DJs for their shows. A fourth album, Sail To The Moon, followed in 2006. 
 
Must also note that it was Hulda who introduced me to their superb and unique sound. Simply put, they're just too good to be missed! 

• My Delusions from My Delusions
• You Could Be Lovely from Sail to the Moon

#7.  Mose Allison...

In addition to cultivating a 57-year career in music, producing countless albums, having his songs recorded by Van Morrison, the Clash and Pete Townshend and generally being regarded as a walking jazz legend, Mose Allison is still going strong. This Grammy-nominated musician was born in the Mississippi Delta on his grandfather’s farm, and at five he discovered he could play the piano by ear and began picking out blues and boogie tunes he heard on the local jukebox. His musical career has spanned not only years, but continents, and he's presently on tour in the US, the UK and Europe. He's an amazingly prolific composer, and I must admit to having a fondness for his Parchman Farm and Your Mind is on Vacation (also see below).

His music has often been used in movies, and he can be seen performing in the film, The Score, starring Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton and Marlon Brando.
 
Video:

• Your Mind is on Vacation

#6.  Miles Davis...

Miles Davis is one of those artists whose very name means jazz, but he couldn't stand being permanently linked with jazz if it meant his becoming second-class in the world of music. He had made numerous forays outside of jazz, most particulary in his album Sketches of Spain, which was a beautiful interpretation of the Concierto de Aranjuez by the late Spanish classical composer Joaquin Rodrigo. He wanted the music industry to take him even more seriously than before, and delved into rock 'n' roll simply by being himself and resisting decline. 
 
Miles died in 1991, and was essentially unsentimental about jazz, yet he respected many of its forms. With rock he could be more instinctive, brusque, shocking, mystifying, wasteful. With "In a Silent Way," from 1969, he did want his music to sound "like rock." He said as much in his 1989 memoir, though at the time he was fantastically dismissive about the issue. 
 
Video:

• Concierto De Aranjuez (Adagio)

Audio:

• Summertime (from Gershwin's Porgy & Bess) 3,19 MB - 3:19 min

#5.  Andreas Vollenweider...

Andreas Vollenweider is a Swiss Grammy Award winner whose music has been categorized as World Music, Jazz, New Age or even Classical. Two of his albums were number 1 on the Billboard charts simultaneously in the categories Classical, Jazz, Pop and Crossover for more than 11 weeks. His primary instrument is an electrically modified harp of his own design, but he also plays a wide variety of instruments from around the world. His very dynamic and colorful albums feature many musicians performing his compositions with him, ranging from simple solos to suites for orchestra and soloists. 
 
His past collaborators include Bobby McFerrin, Carly Simon, Djivan Gasparyan, Luciano Pavarotti, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Carlos Nunez, Ray Anderson, Zucchero, Hans Zimmer, Angelo Branduardi and Milton Nascimento. Personally he's a follower of the principles of non-violent conflict management of Mahatma Gandhi. His website features quotes from Gandhi, among others.
 
Videos:

• Caverna Magica 
• Down To The Moon

#4.  bond...

Is this really a string quartet? Yes, this is bond, and these four beautiful women rip apart the longstanding tradition of women adorned in long black dresses hidden behind a music stand playing without emotion. They derive their melodies from classical material but have crossed over into the world of contemporary music with their own unique arrangements, not only with upbeat percussion and rich orchestration that accompanies the virtuosos, but with pop styling and on-stage choreography. They are an Australian/British string quartet that has made people look at classical music in a completely different fashion, and they've become the best selling string quartet of all time, selling over four million records with their style of music. 

Their debut album Born was removed from the UK classical charts, apparently owing to it "sounding too much like pop music" yet it rose to the #1 position in 21 different charts around the world.

Videos:

• Explosive (said to have been shot in Cuba)
• Victory (live at London's Royal Albert Hall)

#3.  Kate Bush...

It's difficult to define Kate Bush and the the musical genre of her work because there are few other artists like her. She is often compared to female singer/songwriters such as Bjork and Joni Mitchell, but this comparison is derived from those artists' uniqueness rather than the similarity of their music. Her music has also been eclectic, utilizing various styles of music even within the same album. Her songs have spanned across genres as diverse as rock, pop, jazz, alternative, ska, folk, samba and even New Wave. Even in her earliest works where the piano was a primary instrument, Bush wove together many diverse influences, melding classical music, rock, and a wide range of ethnic and folk sources, and this has continued throughout her career.

Videos:

• Running up that Hill 
• Babooshka 
• The Sensual World 
• Hounds of Love  

#2.  Gogol Bordello...

OK, what exactly is Gypsy punk music?  Look no further than Eugene Hutz and his band of Gypsies called Gogol Bordello. They are a band from the Lower East Side of New York City that formed in 1999, and are becoming known for their theatrical stage shows. Much of the band's sound is inspired by Gypsy music, as some of its members are immigrants from Eastern Europe. The band incorporates minor-key accordion and fiddle (and on some albums, saxophone) mixed with cabaret, punk, and dub as well as multiple languages. One witty critic described the band as "a bit like The Clash having a fight with The Pogues in Eastern Europe," while Kenneth Partridge of The Hartford Courant described lead singer Eugene Hutz's voice as "somewhere between that of Borat and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog." 

The recording of "Start Wearing Purple" on their 1st album is the song that made them known, a very entertaining nnmber thanks to Hutz’ deep Ukrainian accent and goofy lyrics. They're a group that has fun with their music. Are you ready for them?

Videos:

• Start Wearing Purple
• Wonderlust King 

#1.  Regina Spektor...

There's not much that I can say about Regina Spektor that I haven't said before (see Who needs real love?). She's is a Russian-born American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village, and rely on a mixture of styles and techniques. She is said to have created over 700 songs, yet she never aspired to write songs herself, but rather are based on scenarios and characters drawn from her imagination. Regina possesses a unique vocal style and a broad vocal range and uses the full extent of it. If asked, I would say that all of her albums are great, but her 2006 release of Begin to Hope was truly superb.
 
Can one fall in love with a voice? Yes, I have.
 
Videos:

• Fidelity (from Begin to Hope)
• Samson (from Begin to Hope)
• Better (from Begin to Hope)
• On the Radio (from Begin to Hope)
• Us (from Soviet Kitsch)

Runner-Up List: Iggy Pop & the Teddybears, Amy Winehouse, Josh Groban, Lily Allen, Nick Cave, Bruce Springsteen, Neko Case, Chris Botti, A Girl Called Eddy, Refugee All Stars, Gunther & the Sunshine Girls . etc.
 
Please don't tell me that I ran over, because I know that already. 
 
By the way, I listed MCR and Fall Out Boy earlier as a joke, that's all. Sorry, they're really not on my list.
 
 
And in no particular order, I've tagged: 
 
artsytypegirl, knurl, catiag, denaliluna, taciturrn, bluesbro, corinneeatsghosts, gloomytears, alissaj, anachronism, copgirl, and that's it for now.
 
 

Dumb question, isn't it... then again maybe not.

Seb tagged me, and he had been tagged by Hulda, and it looks like she got the idea from Bree. Go figure. Anyway, the way they put it...

You'll always have celeb crushes!

They were feeling borderline obnoxious today, they took it out on me and I'm going to take it out on you!

Remember the "8 Random Facts About Me" thing? Yeah, it's basically the same thing, so here are the rules:

1. You post your top 10 fantasy guys/girls.
2. You tag 10 people.
3. You CANNOT tag someone who has already been tagged.
4. You have to let the people you tagged know that they've been tagged.
5. These are the rules they must be repeated every time.
6. THERE MUST BE PHOTOS! AT ALL TIMES!

Now here are mine...

#10. Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is a motion picture, stage, and Academy Award-winning actress, widely considered to be the best-loved most popular Italian actress. During a career spanning more than 50 years, Sophia has amassed 100 films to her credit. She received an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1990, and in 1999 People magazine called Sophia "one of the world's most stunning and age resistant women.” Her chemistry with both renowned director/actor Vittorio de Sica and Marcello Mastroianni (her favorite co-star), produced such successful collaborations as Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow; Marriage, Italian Style; The Priest’s Wife; Gun Moll; A Special Day; and Ready To Wear. Other favorite co-stars of Sophia included Anthony Perkins (Five Miles To Midnight), Robert Wagner (The Condemned Of Altona), Paul Newman and David Niven (Lady L.), Gregory Peck (Arabesque), Marlon Brando (A Countess From Hong Kong), Peter O’Toole (Man Of La Mancha), Richard Burton (The Voyage and Brief Encounter), Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner (Cassandra Crossing), and and Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau (Grumpier Old Men). She's also a respected businesswoman and author of a number of books.

And if you really wonder if a 72-year-old woman can still look good, consider this: she posed for the 2007 Pirelli calendar along with Naomi Watts, Penelope Cruz, Hilary Swank and France's Lou Doillon, and Sophia was dressed in little more than her diamond earrings. She's here simply because she's still one of the most beautiful women in the world.

• Mistakes are a part of the dues one pays for a full life.
  ~ Sophia Loren
   

#9. Quentin Tarantino

Gifted film director, actor, and Oscar winning screenwriter. His films include Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), Jackie Brown (1997), Kill Bill (2003 & 2004) and Death Proof featured in Grindhouse (2007). And I would have to list him as my favorite director and screenwriter.
 
 
#8. Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa (1940 – 1993) was an American composer, musician, film director and satirist, with a career spanning more than 30 years. He worked in almost every musical genre and wrote music for rock bands, jazz ensembles, synthesizers and symphony orchestra. His passion for American politics was a big part of his life. Throughout his 1988 tour, he regularly encouraged his young fans to register to vote, and even had voter registration booths at his concerts. 

• Scientology, how about that? You hold on to the tin cans and then this guy asks you a bunch of questions, and if you pay enough money you get to join the master race. How's that for a religion?
  ~ Frank Zappa, to a concert audience at the Rockpile, Toronto, May 1969

#7. Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is best known for his comedic roles, such as in the films Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), and Big Daddy (1999), he has broken into romantic and dramatic roles, such as Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Spanglish (2004), and Reign Over Me (2007). He's pictured here with his wife Jackie Titone. I think he's very funny.
 
 
#6. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement. He was a political activist and minister, and is regarded as one of America's greatest orators. King's most influential and well-known public address is the "I Have A Dream" speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC in 1963. In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (for his work as a peacemaker, promoting nonviolence and equal treatment for different races). On April 4, 1968, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
 
#5. Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is perhaps the most famous portrait photographer living today... period.  Her shots of celebrities, including musicians, politicians and athletes, have been celebrated worldwide.  She strives to incorporate the public persona of her subject or sitter into each of her photos.  Rather than static headshots, she often uses her subject's entire body, most often while in motion, to dispel any artificial qualities.  Annie has photographed for magazines (Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, etc.) as well as prestigious advertisers, such as Gap and American Express.  She is one of only two living photographers to have had an exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. Annie is not only a wonderful woman, she's the most amazing people photographer that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
 
 
#4. Raquel Welch

Born in 1940, Raquel Welch is an American actress who reached fame during the 1960s as one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. She won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy for The Three Musketeers in 1974, and was also nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the TV drama Right to Die (1987). Along with Academy Award nominees and winners Diane Keaton ( 61), Meryl Streep (57), Helen Mirren (61) and Judi Dench (72), she has been a leader in the unofficial " 60 is the new 40" movement, encouraging women to realize that life doesn't end when they hit the age of 39. I'll say!
 
 
#3. Sir Sean Connery

What can one say about the Academy Award-winning Scottish actor and producer who played 007 in seven James Bond films, then was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in July 2000, wearing a hunting tartan kilt of the MacLean of Duart clan. He's been repeatedly named as one of the most attractive men alive by various magazines, though at 77 he's older than most sex symbols. He is also a vocal and visible supporter of the Scottish National Party, often campaigning for their cause of Scottish independence. 

My favorite of his film roles? Easy, it was Finding Forrester... "You're the man now, dog!"
 
 
#2. Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor is a Russian-born American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village, and rely on a mixture of styles and techniques. She is said to have created over 700 songs, yet she never aspired to write songs herself, but rather are based on scenarios and characters drawn from her imagination. Regina possesses a unique vocal style and a broad vocal range and uses the full extent of it. For a good example, just watch this video of her song "Fidelity" from her 2006 "Begin to Hope" album. 

Can one fall in love with a voice? Yes, I have.
 
 
#1. Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen is an American journalist and novelist. He attended Emory University, then transferred to the University of Florida, graduating in 1974 with a degree in journalism. He joined the Miami Herald in 1976, where he currently works, focusing on investigative journalism, concentrating on exposing schemes by developers to destroy Florida's natural beauty for the sake of profit. In the 1980s he embarked on a career as a novelist in the '80s, and he wrote his first solo novel, Tourist Season (1986), introducing many of his distinctive styles and themes. His view of Florida shows it to be a nest of greedy businessmen, corrupt politicians, dumb blondes, apathetic retirees, intellectually- challenged tourists, hard-luck redneck cooters, and militant environmentalists. Then there are specific (and hilarious) targets that he focuses on, such as a weeping fiberglass Madonna, hordes of dung beetles, a life-saving bundle of Jamaican pot, a runaway monkey, the Road-Stain Jesus, and a Republicans-only hooker. 

His many novels include Basket Case, Sick Puppy, Lucky You, Skinny Dip and Strip Tease, which was made into a feature film starring Demi Moore and Burt Reynolds. He also wrote Hoot and Flush, two novels for young adults. It's a Florida viewed with a pretty satiric and often sardonic eye. Nature Girl (2006) is his latest novel, and follows the proven theme of his other books. And as you might guess, he's my favorite contemporary author.
 
 
Well, this might not exactly be as much of a "celeb crush list" as was originally intended, but I'm sticking with it.

I've tagged the following people, in no particular order:

bennbell, kiastar67, mannaz, catiag, raquel23, chloetraisnel, denaliluna, swanktrendzvanc, anachronism, alissaj, knurl, and a bonus, just because nobody ever includes him... the buzzbot.

So go for it, people, and let's see what you've got!

More than 20,000 hopeful people lined up for the "American Idol" auditions on Monday, August 27th outside Philadelphia's Wachovia Center. Some had been here for days. Auditions began today for the seventh season of the hit Fox TV show. 



Those driving to the auditions caused traffic jams on Interstate 95 during the early-morning rush. Southbound lanes of the major roadway were backed up because of volume, and a crash on the Broad Street exit ramp made the jam up even worse.

Idol organizers have estimated that Philly will have the largest group to tryout in the country this year, so no matter how good the act, it's going to take a long time for all of them to be to heard.

At first, estimates were that there were going to be about 10,000 hopefuls for the auditions, then that was raised to 13,000, as optimistic people started waiting last Saturday. By this morning, estimates jumped to between 17,000 and 20,000 people who had registered to try out for "American Idol."

There was a "Yes, yes!" door and a "No, no" door from which the hopefuls exited after their reported thirty seconds before the producers. Those who exited from the "Yes, yes!" door made the cut get to come back a second time. The broad field of contestants will be trimmed to 1,000 before the final selections are made later.

It's said that only about 100 performers will make it through to the end of the week when, at an undisclosed location, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will hand out the golden tickets to Hollywood for the real competition. 



Episodes will begin airing in January

"And I swear, it was this big..."

OK, it's possibly not what you might have been thinking. It could be that she was referring to the fish that got away on the last sea cruise or fishing trip with the guys that she went on. 

Around just about every salt water boating marina or place where the bigger yachts congregate seem to be a series of women who hang out and just enjoy going out on boats. If you ask them what they do, they usually just refer to themselves as the "crew" onboard a particular boat, or they may be waiting for another berth on yet another sea craft.

The lightweight luggage that they seem to have available on a 90-second notice seems to contain mostly bikinis, sun dresses, bikinis, various underwear and lingerie items from Victoria's Secret catalogs, bikinis, cosmetics, sun glasses, sunscreen, bikinis, sandals and deck shoes, bikinis, CD players or iPods, a cell phone, bikinis, cut-off jeans, halter tops, bikinis and little more. And did I mention that they seem to have an endless supply of bikinis?

The seem to be attracted to a wide variety of boats. They can range from a sailboat such as a vintage 42' Pearson 424 blue water cruiser or an 83' West Bay SonShip custom luxury motor yacht fresh from Canada, though they can be smaller or larger craft as well. And though most of them deny it, some do seem to be attracted to those seagoing vessels that are owned by members of the so-called Lucky Sperm Club, and word seems to spread rather quickly when one of those craft pulls up to a dock.

Many of the hookups between the young women and the boat owners take place in nearby watering holes. Some of the owners are smilingly tolerant when approached, and some love the attention. Then there are the saltwater stud muffins who own (or have rented/borrowed) these floating craft, and they seem to have a few things in common. They have money to spend, and onboard carry an ample supply of Jamaican rum, Jose Cuervo tequila, Corona Beer, Margarita mix and Jimmy Buffett CDs with which to keep the crew entertained. 

Some refer to these young women as boat bimbos, marina girls, beach babes or worse, but that's a pretty unkind cut. Some are just doing this for the fun of it during the late spring, summer, or early autumn months. They can include young women from a wide range: those who are on a break from college, who just got fired from their job at a local pizza shop, or are musicians between gigs. Some are respected professionals who are just on vacation, and doing as they like. Though most of them seem to make a bikini look pretty good, many of them are quite adept at baiting fish hooks, performing engine maintenance, reading navigational charts, or piloting a fairly large cruiser through the channel markers of an inlands waterway.

In any case, they do often make boating life interesting, figuratively for some and visually for a broader audience. And if you ever observe one of them gesturing and hear " I swear, it was this big...", then remember that it just might have been that fish that got away. 
 
 
 

How does one write about themselves?

As noted in my previous journal entry, I received a note today from Mark (PanasonicYouth) today with a request to click and check out his current journal entry here on Buzznet, so I went to take a look and see what it was about. I looked... and laughed out loud, not making fun of Mark, but because I'm familiar with The Disgruntled Chemist and his frequently off-the-wall blog subjects.

Mark's rules were pretty simple:

• Only list 8 facts.
• You must then list 8 TAGS at the end of the post. This means you must name 8 people on Buzznet who now must do the same blog.
• Go comment on their profile and tell them to come read yours! I want participation.

It's far more fun to do one of these things about someone else, and I did that writing about my perspective of Mark, but guess that it's now my turn, my moment of truth, so to speak...

So here goes:

1. First and foremost, there's my son, and the times that we spend together. They often say that a picture speaks a thousand words, and if that's so, this one might say it best:
   
   
   
   I'm a single dad, and my son lives with me. He's always a constant source of amazement to me. I used to think that I was pretty smart, but realize that in a few years he's going to be far ahead of me.
    
2. I was born in the year of the steel penny. If it matters that much, you can look it up on the 'Net. Bill Gates and I share the same birthday, but not the same wealth. Life can be that way sometimes.
    
3. I can be pretty profane at times, and am a charter member of the WTF Club.
    
4. Am in the midst of writing some books right now. The first one covers the the usually-boring topic of disaster recovery and business continuity planning for small and medium-sized businesses. Exciting, isn't it? Right now I'm editing the first half and trying to increase it's readability, making a boring subject far more interesting to the reader.
   
   The second is a novel, and is the toughest to write due to the characters, plot and subplots. Refuse to talk about it now because its plot is pretty unique, and we'll leave it at that. It's not hardcore, but some of it is pretty R-rated, to say the least... much like real life.
   
   The third is also a novel, but is the most fun, as it's about people I've met and things that I've experienced on the road of life... like a relative who two of us talked into pissing on an electric fence as part of a contest. The names have been changed to protect the innocent... and the guilty as well.
    
5. I stand 5 feet 9 inches tall. That's 1.75 meters outside of the US, and I had to look that up on the Web, as I'm pretty bad with the metric system.
    
6. My brown hair is strewn with slowly-increasing outbreaks of flecks of gray, but I refuse to dye it. My moustache has been on my face all of my adult life, and there's no dye there, either. My eyes are hazel/green, and said to be nicely lashed. The profile picture of my eye is really my own eye. And my tongue is frequently in cheek.
    
7. I spend far too much time on the computer, often waking up in the middle of the night and going online. I can easily have 15+ windows open at a single time, then loudly bitch about it when things go wrong. Guess I'll never learn. You can sometimes find me here, where I sometimes poke sticks at things. Leave comments there if you like, and send me any good ideas you might have for poking sticks at things that need poking.
    
8. I ride. I would like to do this every day, but when it's raining, I don't. And during our current East Coast heat wave, I'm limiting the rides a bit.
   
   
   
   My son is a frequent companion on my morning and/or evening rides, and we enjoy the time to explore backwoods trails in our area, often stopping to see things that we haven't seen before.

Well, Mark, I hope you got a few laughs out of the 8 Random Facts About PanasonicYouth that I posted earlier. And as I said before, thanks for inviting me to fritter away a few hours racking my brain while I could have been doing a wide variety of other things, like riding, editing my writing, uploading more photos or poking sticks at things in general.

And no, Funks, as you can see there was no ruse to avoid this. Just took longer to hold the mirror up, so to speak. 

Tagged: melodya, sstrokerj, deliderata, mcdaniel37, sidsars, catiag, hope88, xdopedannyx

So I invite and nominate each of you who received a message from me, some old friends and new. It's now your turn to step up to the plate... eight things each, and make them good! And don't forget to nominate eight of your own... and if you run out of choices, find some new people out there and nominate them.

Technorati: panasonicyouth, buzznet, the disgruntled chemist, qotd, lexidiem, jargontalk, no pule zone, cycling, writing, wtf