“Shock and Awe”
Earlier today after finished two epos ides of the Transformers on DVD I flipped on the news just to see what was called the shock and awe that we were expecting since yesterday. I was amazed on how much destruction was going on in front of my eyes. Baghdad appears to be on its way to being totally leveled.
Enormous clouds of smoke raised into the sky and buildings were turned into balls of flames. A reporter for ABC was right in the middle of it, and obviously shaken. He estimated that half of the city had been destroyed. Although he did say he may be overstated, but I am sure its hard to gage when missiles are flying over you head. I keep hearing that the end hasn’t come yet, and some addition bombing will happen with in hours that I type this.
I cannot imagine what it is like to be in the middle of that, or even in the neighboring countries. Not only is Baghdad being hit but many of the major cities are basically getting the crap bombed out of them.
Sadly last night (our time) we learned of the first causalities of the war. In addition to the ones killed in the helicopter accident another marine was killed on the ground in an unrelated incident. They say Saddam is still alive, but I don’t know how many men he has left close to him at this point. Many of his monuments and palaces went up in flames about an hour ago.
“Hollywood Poop-Machine”i>
Hopefully its okay to take a break from the war talk for a bit, because I am going to. Hey everyone needs escape these days. This topic is some what relevant with the pending Oscars and all. Not to mention none of these films I am about to discuss are likely ever to be uttered during Oscar season.
I recently saw Bringing Down the House with Steve Martin, frequently funny film, but not flat out classic Martin. Good enough to make me forget St. Bilko, and The Out of Towners and the over-rated Bowfinger. I am also glad it made a lot of money so perhaps Martin will bounce back.
Anyway I was upset at one misstep in the film when the resorted to a pop-medicine joke. Now we all remember the classic scene in the hailrous film Dumb and Dumber (1994) when a jealous Jim Carrey decided he would help out Jeff Daniels digestive track by spiking his drink. Of course he over did it and Daniels couldn’t taste anything. What resulted was one of the most talked about scenes 90’s films, and certainly of Daniel’s career who still fields questions about the scene to this day. It was classic.
I guess it was inevitable that the joke would be copied by lazy writers, and like usual every time you make a copy of a copy of a copy it loses its impact. A few years later a similar prank was pulled in American Pie when the vitictim was a high school senior who refused to use public restrooms. Daniels had to take a dump at his girlfriends, while poor Finch took one in the girl’s room by accident. This kind of worked because of the previous set up, but it was an obvious Dumb and Dumber remake. Granted 5 years had past but I thought it was a cheap way to get laughs and fill a few minutes in an other wise solid comedy.
Just last year in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Van’s arch enemy was the vitictim of similar circumstances by the fate of his ex-girlfriend. This poor guy had to unload in a trash can in front of influential people for his law school prospects. This was more gruesome than Daniels but less funny. Why couldn’t they come up with an original way for him to get what he deserved?
Most recently Steve Martin was the mistaken victim of fast relief. This sequence seemed like a last minute throw in. It would have played better with the musical movement of Martin’s limbs had the joke not been already tired. The minute I saw the bottle I was ready to slam my hand against my forehead hoping the set up and delivery would be quick. I couldn’t imagine why they needed that in there. It didn’t even play any significance at the end of the film at all. Didn’t anyone one the set see the previous 3 films ? When I see this joke now I just see the writers initially saying. something funny happens here. Than when the shoot…they say I KNOW! I know many jokes get recycled from previously funnier versions, but this one is too blatant and cheap to allow to continue.
I am looking to put a ban on all these jokes. Write your congressman or the head of a major motion studio in an attempt to retire this worn out gag. You will be glad that you did!
Oh and now we have a new movie out this week with Cub Gooding Jr. who “comically” dresses in drag. ENOUGH! How many times must we see this concept UGGGHH.
Friday, March 21, 2003
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
"The Waiting Game From Hell"
Right now the Flyers search for answers after a defeat to a hapless Buffalo team. Right now people are increasingly frustrated with their NCAA brackets not matching the actual outcome of the tournament. Right now as I type this most my readers are fast asleep in their beds waiting for the alarm to buzz off again, and to start another day. Whether it be going to school or work, or just loafing around the house. Right now thousands of American solders stand in a sanding desert awaiting orders.
Driving home from my girlfriend’s tonight hardly a car was on the road. Everything appears normal that is unless you turn on a television, click on the Internet or pick up a newspaper. The hours of a pending war are dwindling. As I type this we have just a few minutes over 18 hours left until the war has begun. I know this because the NBC cable affiliates have shamelessly been running a clock in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. I know that their ratings have been below FOX News and CNN, but it is not like but they act like there are proudly launching a new reality series. I fear many cable networks will package this war as something or an entertainment value.
Turn on the news and you see hundreds of protests around the world. Most people I talk to are either admittedly against the war, or like myself on the fence. Some people think that 9/11 and Iraq are related. Are they? I haven’t been giving hard evidence yet, but I wouldn’t at all be surprised. We know that terrorists involved in plots against America have met with high up Iraqi officials. Yet we have no proof that money exchanged hands. It seemed people were more irate about the possibility of Enron and Bush exchanging money than Iraq and terrorists groups. Some people think its one of the best public relations campaigns ever. Critics of the war site the lack of recent references to Osama. Bush has not publicly mentioned him since July 2002, and not said his name in a speech since February 2002. Not that we haven’t had success going after his followers. The last few months have been highly successful in the war against terror.
Talk to people, and try to research the war, and you will find it’s a confusing situation. People have different variations about what’s going on out there. This lady I work with was telling my this is the first start in a evil American plan to take over the world. She said we were going to destroy Iraq and take all of the their oil. Than we will move on to North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan destroying and looting everything in our paths, but I seriously doubt we have the manpower to do that. Nor will Bush have enough time left on his term. Some Americans are just totally against the Bush policies.
Some fear this war will rage on for years and become a disaster. A friend of mines mother who was giving me advice on my current job search hinted that I might end up in the military. She is under the impression that we are short handed and a draft is not out of the question. Others think it might be over in a few weeks. It would be nice to see most of the Iraqi people just allow American troops to move into Iraqi. From what I understand more people would rather Saddam be ousted than not. However, he still has followers that are likely to fight to the death. I fear that if Saddam has any lethal weapons he might use them to go down out with a fight. Many people think this war will be done in mere weeks.
Many people are irate that the UN didn’t get a final vote on the situation in Iraq. However that would likely just draw things out more, and agree or disagree about this war I honestly think its either now or never. The weather over there is going to get worse in the next few months, and further delays would result in a harder battle for our troops. Or perhaps delay the ordeal another calendar year, which would be deviating to the mental state of our troops.
Still others think our meddling in other countries is responsible for terrorism itself, and we should just let Saddam do his thing and hope that he stays in his corner. Most people think that since he hasn’t been overly aggressive since 1991 he has learned his lesson. Most people thinks Saddam is a horrible person, but cant justify war. While others think, we should deal with North Korea. However, I doubt we would go to war there, given the size of their forces, and the fact that they have means to destroy most of our major cities. Oddly enough some people thing we should throw in the towel on the missile defense system. Well if Iraq doesn’t have nuclear capabilities it very well could in years, than we would have two North Koreas on our hands.
People seem a little more on edge than they did in 1991 about the pending war. I guess that’s understandable in a post 9/11 war. There could very easily be cells waiting for the right moment to strike. I hope that’s not true. I pray for our troops, and hope for peaceful solution even though many cable networks will be disappointed. I hope to be kicking back a cold one with Price this summer.
I have been going through mental anguish trying to get aspects of my life in order since I finished college, and grow ever more increasingly frustrated with my current job status. Part of it is my own damn fault, and I am lucky to have a terrific girl who helps me from feeling too discouraged and helps me keep my sanity. I shift through meager offerings and job openings for resent college grads and it’s a major obstacle in my life. But as far as hardships go compared to the troops at the Iraq border mine is roughly the size of an orange and theirs perhaps the size of the Empire States Building. Sometimes I fear I could fail at a new job, but than I think to myself if people my age and younger can have the balls to stand out in that desert than I can certainly succeed once I get my foot in a door some place. Any place.
I have also heard that Vegas is even running lines on how long the war will last. I think the lost of human lives is simply a horrible thing to put money on. Who out there thinks they know how things will play out? This isn’t something you can put a bet on for any reason, and that is scary as hell.
Right now the Flyers search for answers after a defeat to a hapless Buffalo team. Right now people are increasingly frustrated with their NCAA brackets not matching the actual outcome of the tournament. Right now as I type this most my readers are fast asleep in their beds waiting for the alarm to buzz off again, and to start another day. Whether it be going to school or work, or just loafing around the house. Right now thousands of American solders stand in a sanding desert awaiting orders.
Driving home from my girlfriend’s tonight hardly a car was on the road. Everything appears normal that is unless you turn on a television, click on the Internet or pick up a newspaper. The hours of a pending war are dwindling. As I type this we have just a few minutes over 18 hours left until the war has begun. I know this because the NBC cable affiliates have shamelessly been running a clock in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. I know that their ratings have been below FOX News and CNN, but it is not like but they act like there are proudly launching a new reality series. I fear many cable networks will package this war as something or an entertainment value.
Turn on the news and you see hundreds of protests around the world. Most people I talk to are either admittedly against the war, or like myself on the fence. Some people think that 9/11 and Iraq are related. Are they? I haven’t been giving hard evidence yet, but I wouldn’t at all be surprised. We know that terrorists involved in plots against America have met with high up Iraqi officials. Yet we have no proof that money exchanged hands. It seemed people were more irate about the possibility of Enron and Bush exchanging money than Iraq and terrorists groups. Some people think its one of the best public relations campaigns ever. Critics of the war site the lack of recent references to Osama. Bush has not publicly mentioned him since July 2002, and not said his name in a speech since February 2002. Not that we haven’t had success going after his followers. The last few months have been highly successful in the war against terror.
Talk to people, and try to research the war, and you will find it’s a confusing situation. People have different variations about what’s going on out there. This lady I work with was telling my this is the first start in a evil American plan to take over the world. She said we were going to destroy Iraq and take all of the their oil. Than we will move on to North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan destroying and looting everything in our paths, but I seriously doubt we have the manpower to do that. Nor will Bush have enough time left on his term. Some Americans are just totally against the Bush policies.
Some fear this war will rage on for years and become a disaster. A friend of mines mother who was giving me advice on my current job search hinted that I might end up in the military. She is under the impression that we are short handed and a draft is not out of the question. Others think it might be over in a few weeks. It would be nice to see most of the Iraqi people just allow American troops to move into Iraqi. From what I understand more people would rather Saddam be ousted than not. However, he still has followers that are likely to fight to the death. I fear that if Saddam has any lethal weapons he might use them to go down out with a fight. Many people think this war will be done in mere weeks.
Many people are irate that the UN didn’t get a final vote on the situation in Iraq. However that would likely just draw things out more, and agree or disagree about this war I honestly think its either now or never. The weather over there is going to get worse in the next few months, and further delays would result in a harder battle for our troops. Or perhaps delay the ordeal another calendar year, which would be deviating to the mental state of our troops.
Still others think our meddling in other countries is responsible for terrorism itself, and we should just let Saddam do his thing and hope that he stays in his corner. Most people think that since he hasn’t been overly aggressive since 1991 he has learned his lesson. Most people thinks Saddam is a horrible person, but cant justify war. While others think, we should deal with North Korea. However, I doubt we would go to war there, given the size of their forces, and the fact that they have means to destroy most of our major cities. Oddly enough some people thing we should throw in the towel on the missile defense system. Well if Iraq doesn’t have nuclear capabilities it very well could in years, than we would have two North Koreas on our hands.
People seem a little more on edge than they did in 1991 about the pending war. I guess that’s understandable in a post 9/11 war. There could very easily be cells waiting for the right moment to strike. I hope that’s not true. I pray for our troops, and hope for peaceful solution even though many cable networks will be disappointed. I hope to be kicking back a cold one with Price this summer.
I have been going through mental anguish trying to get aspects of my life in order since I finished college, and grow ever more increasingly frustrated with my current job status. Part of it is my own damn fault, and I am lucky to have a terrific girl who helps me from feeling too discouraged and helps me keep my sanity. I shift through meager offerings and job openings for resent college grads and it’s a major obstacle in my life. But as far as hardships go compared to the troops at the Iraq border mine is roughly the size of an orange and theirs perhaps the size of the Empire States Building. Sometimes I fear I could fail at a new job, but than I think to myself if people my age and younger can have the balls to stand out in that desert than I can certainly succeed once I get my foot in a door some place. Any place.
I have also heard that Vegas is even running lines on how long the war will last. I think the lost of human lives is simply a horrible thing to put money on. Who out there thinks they know how things will play out? This isn’t something you can put a bet on for any reason, and that is scary as hell.
I promised I would let readers get their comments in if they wanted too. I have cut and pasted comments from my former co-worker Ed who has had a previous guest shot on my blog.
"Wam Bam, Adios Saddam"
But I do know about this. The war about to start in Iraq is about to kick off. This will be very quick except for possibly taking Baghdad. Seiging the city will take longer but there will be less casualties on both sides which will be politically advantageous. We have them. Baghdad is not the key to Iraq, but is the final goal. We can take the rest of the country before taking the capitol. If Sadist's inner circle is capable of seeing the wrighting on the wall they may kill him and this be over before Monday. If he languashes in the city this could take awhile.
I think things will unfold this way. On Thursday the air campaign will commense. Baghdad won't need street lights to navigate the roads. 80% of the weapons droped will be percision guided (unlike in '91 20%). This will limit civilian casualties assuming our intelligence is accurate. The air strikes will destroy all communications between their command structure and units in the field. Also units directly outside the city will be tageted. I doubt they will be able to mount any oposition in the air at all. At the same time our ground forces will cross the border and charge up the highway (very convienant?). In the open desert our armored and mechanized infantry will smash through anyone stupid enough to offer resistance. Much of the enemy which consists of conscripts will surender outright. I think chemical weapons will be used against us but be ineffectual. We'll be ready for it. Republican guard units will try to fight but will be cut up by our more modern and be
tter trained forces. They will all have to be delt with before going to Baghdad.
Sadam is a small man. He is a coward. I hope he'll just commit suicide. But he is self delusional and may try to fight it out against the inevitable. Unless his own trusted men take him out, I fear the civilian casualties in the capitol could be high. But I doubt that the military will commit to an urban battle.
We have the trained troops, technology, and equipment. This is the time and the place to show the rest of the world how firm our resolve is. Fighting this war hopefully will also scare other roughes who don't think we have the steel to fight to protect ourselves. Some people outside of the U.S. think we are cowards, unable and unwilling to commit to open warfare. THIS should change their mind. And let IT be a warning to any other beligerant nation or organization who think they can target us.
"Wam Bam, Adios Saddam"
But I do know about this. The war about to start in Iraq is about to kick off. This will be very quick except for possibly taking Baghdad. Seiging the city will take longer but there will be less casualties on both sides which will be politically advantageous. We have them. Baghdad is not the key to Iraq, but is the final goal. We can take the rest of the country before taking the capitol. If Sadist's inner circle is capable of seeing the wrighting on the wall they may kill him and this be over before Monday. If he languashes in the city this could take awhile.
I think things will unfold this way. On Thursday the air campaign will commense. Baghdad won't need street lights to navigate the roads. 80% of the weapons droped will be percision guided (unlike in '91 20%). This will limit civilian casualties assuming our intelligence is accurate. The air strikes will destroy all communications between their command structure and units in the field. Also units directly outside the city will be tageted. I doubt they will be able to mount any oposition in the air at all. At the same time our ground forces will cross the border and charge up the highway (very convienant?). In the open desert our armored and mechanized infantry will smash through anyone stupid enough to offer resistance. Much of the enemy which consists of conscripts will surender outright. I think chemical weapons will be used against us but be ineffectual. We'll be ready for it. Republican guard units will try to fight but will be cut up by our more modern and be
tter trained forces. They will all have to be delt with before going to Baghdad.
Sadam is a small man. He is a coward. I hope he'll just commit suicide. But he is self delusional and may try to fight it out against the inevitable. Unless his own trusted men take him out, I fear the civilian casualties in the capitol could be high. But I doubt that the military will commit to an urban battle.
We have the trained troops, technology, and equipment. This is the time and the place to show the rest of the world how firm our resolve is. Fighting this war hopefully will also scare other roughes who don't think we have the steel to fight to protect ourselves. Some people outside of the U.S. think we are cowards, unable and unwilling to commit to open warfare. THIS should change their mind. And let IT be a warning to any other beligerant nation or organization who think they can target us.
Monday, March 17, 2003
“The Good, The Bad,The Sad”
I wanted to comment on some things I see that make me happy, mad, and/ or sad.
The Good:
The Warmer Weather will result in girls walking around in skimpy clothing.
Sharkey’s Chicken Wings
Tony Amonte has 5 points in his first 2 games as a Flyer
Some random Billionaire bought the Buffalo Sabres.
Laying face down on my bed motionless after coming home from Sears, and trying to pretend I don’t exist. It is one of my favorite things to do in my day.
The fact Widescreen format is becoming more of an acceptable way to view movies.
The Ocean City boardwalk one of my favorite summer rituals and home of some of the best pizza in South Jersey.
The Bad:
The sound of the automatic door at Sears, which means a customer, has entered.
Lima Beanz teaching high school kids.
Moscos’ Christmas sweater
The Ice at the FU center in the spring
Sears Outlet
Taco Bell
People who use the left turn only lane as a means to pass other motorists and cut off traffic to try to make a green light
The negative effects a pending War could have on our country.
If Liza (the newest reader) does not think my comments on girls in skimpy clothing is funny, and puts me in the dog house!
The Sad
Jason Alexander’s KFC ads
Michael Jackson’s nose
The people that clean up the tables at the Echelon Mall.
The La Strada Restaurant a fairly new Italian restaurant located in a seemingly cursed location on the White Horse Pike (Magnolia I think). Everyone tells me that there are never any cars in the parking lot and people that have dined say they were the only people there. Ryan has told me that he has seen the owners staring out the window hoping for motorists to stop by for a little Italian food. He reported seeing them on his way to and on his way back from a recent Sixers Game. I have also heard that its actually owned by two Czech dudes. Just think of the poor guys coming to America in search of a dream coming over on the ship with their ponies and dreams of owning their own business. Think of the poor guys staring out the window hoping that all their money and hard work will pay off and business will start booming. Think of the poor guys going over their bills at the end of the month scratching their heads in attempts to make ends meet.
Maybe I should go in there and suggest reformatting their business and serving Czech. Food. Perhaps I will tell all my friends about their wonderful establishment. I bet they would listen to me because I am a very good man…. scratch that a very GREAT man!
I wanted to comment on some things I see that make me happy, mad, and/ or sad.
The Good:
The Warmer Weather will result in girls walking around in skimpy clothing.
Sharkey’s Chicken Wings
Tony Amonte has 5 points in his first 2 games as a Flyer
Some random Billionaire bought the Buffalo Sabres.
Laying face down on my bed motionless after coming home from Sears, and trying to pretend I don’t exist. It is one of my favorite things to do in my day.
The fact Widescreen format is becoming more of an acceptable way to view movies.
The Ocean City boardwalk one of my favorite summer rituals and home of some of the best pizza in South Jersey.
The Bad:
The sound of the automatic door at Sears, which means a customer, has entered.
Lima Beanz teaching high school kids.
Moscos’ Christmas sweater
The Ice at the FU center in the spring
Sears Outlet
Taco Bell
People who use the left turn only lane as a means to pass other motorists and cut off traffic to try to make a green light
The negative effects a pending War could have on our country.
If Liza (the newest reader) does not think my comments on girls in skimpy clothing is funny, and puts me in the dog house!
The Sad
Jason Alexander’s KFC ads
Michael Jackson’s nose
The people that clean up the tables at the Echelon Mall.
The La Strada Restaurant a fairly new Italian restaurant located in a seemingly cursed location on the White Horse Pike (Magnolia I think). Everyone tells me that there are never any cars in the parking lot and people that have dined say they were the only people there. Ryan has told me that he has seen the owners staring out the window hoping for motorists to stop by for a little Italian food. He reported seeing them on his way to and on his way back from a recent Sixers Game. I have also heard that its actually owned by two Czech dudes. Just think of the poor guys coming to America in search of a dream coming over on the ship with their ponies and dreams of owning their own business. Think of the poor guys staring out the window hoping that all their money and hard work will pay off and business will start booming. Think of the poor guys going over their bills at the end of the month scratching their heads in attempts to make ends meet.
Maybe I should go in there and suggest reformatting their business and serving Czech. Food. Perhaps I will tell all my friends about their wonderful establishment. I bet they would listen to me because I am a very good man…. scratch that a very GREAT man!
"Iraq's Mission"
The following is a transcripte from CNN.com ___
Earlier today, I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors.
Their purpose is to protect the national interest of the United States, and indeed the interests of people throughout the Middle East and around the world.
Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons.
I want to explain why I have decided, with the unanimous recommendation of my national security team, to use force in Iraq; why we have acted now; and what we aim to accomplish.
Six weeks ago, Saddam Hussein announced that he would no longer cooperate with the United Nations weapons inspectors called UNSCOM. They are highly professional experts from dozens of countries. Their job is to oversee the elimination of Iraq's capability to retain, create and use weapons of mass destruction, and to verify that Iraq does not attempt to rebuild that capability.
The inspectors undertook this mission first 7.5 years ago at the end of the Gulf War when Iraq agreed to declare and destroy its arsenal as a condition of the ceasefire.
The international community had good reason to set this requirement. Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them. Not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops during a decade-long war. Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran. And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq.
-end transcript
Some of you who have read this might have thought it was plucked from a resent CNN weblink, and that it was indeed Bush speaking. It has all the trademarks, but its actually Bill Cinton speaking on Dec. 16 1998. Granted it was just about "miltary strikes" but he is pretty much saying the same damn thing we have been hearing over and over again for almost a year from Bush. Clinton even vaugely referenced farther miltary action if they don't comply. The really haven't complied much at all. This was years ago, but did many people give him crap and say where is the smoking gun? I know he wasn't asking for all out WAR, but he basically was implying that if the situation stays the same or gets worse it might be necessary
I'd rather see a stronger link bettwee Iraq and 9/11 than hearing that the weapons they have could be used against us in the future. The most that I know that have heard is that various terrorists linked to 9/11 met with Iraqi agents. However after reading this Clinton makes it harder to argue lack of miltary support, because he issued a final warning in 1998. Add that to all the ones Bush gave him, and thats quite a few. Basically from what I remember he yanked inspectors out of there so he could hit some targets. They were never allowed back in, and as he had said the inspections weren't progressing anyway. I DONT want war, one of my best friends is over there, but what is the alternative? More sanctions that won't work? Its bad enough we put it off this long with the US soliders standing out there in sandstorms and all, as we try to iron things out with the UN. Id imagine if the US wanted to go to war they may have done it sooner, but simply couldn't have without jumping a few hurrdles.
Is it hard to come to grips with the dirty deeds that need to be done in order to prevent Saddam from getting out of control? Or is it just the US going buck-wild after the land the horrible events of 9/11. Is Bush mad with power? email me at Mst3keith@aol.com cause I'd like to know what my readers think.
Tucker's World has yet to claim a positive position on the WAR, but I thought I would throw these links out here.
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/16/transcripts/clinton.html
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/16/clinton/
The following is a transcripte from CNN.com ___
Earlier today, I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors.
Their purpose is to protect the national interest of the United States, and indeed the interests of people throughout the Middle East and around the world.
Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons.
I want to explain why I have decided, with the unanimous recommendation of my national security team, to use force in Iraq; why we have acted now; and what we aim to accomplish.
Six weeks ago, Saddam Hussein announced that he would no longer cooperate with the United Nations weapons inspectors called UNSCOM. They are highly professional experts from dozens of countries. Their job is to oversee the elimination of Iraq's capability to retain, create and use weapons of mass destruction, and to verify that Iraq does not attempt to rebuild that capability.
The inspectors undertook this mission first 7.5 years ago at the end of the Gulf War when Iraq agreed to declare and destroy its arsenal as a condition of the ceasefire.
The international community had good reason to set this requirement. Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them. Not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops during a decade-long war. Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran. And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq.
-end transcript
Some of you who have read this might have thought it was plucked from a resent CNN weblink, and that it was indeed Bush speaking. It has all the trademarks, but its actually Bill Cinton speaking on Dec. 16 1998. Granted it was just about "miltary strikes" but he is pretty much saying the same damn thing we have been hearing over and over again for almost a year from Bush. Clinton even vaugely referenced farther miltary action if they don't comply. The really haven't complied much at all. This was years ago, but did many people give him crap and say where is the smoking gun? I know he wasn't asking for all out WAR, but he basically was implying that if the situation stays the same or gets worse it might be necessary
I'd rather see a stronger link bettwee Iraq and 9/11 than hearing that the weapons they have could be used against us in the future. The most that I know that have heard is that various terrorists linked to 9/11 met with Iraqi agents. However after reading this Clinton makes it harder to argue lack of miltary support, because he issued a final warning in 1998. Add that to all the ones Bush gave him, and thats quite a few. Basically from what I remember he yanked inspectors out of there so he could hit some targets. They were never allowed back in, and as he had said the inspections weren't progressing anyway. I DONT want war, one of my best friends is over there, but what is the alternative? More sanctions that won't work? Its bad enough we put it off this long with the US soliders standing out there in sandstorms and all, as we try to iron things out with the UN. Id imagine if the US wanted to go to war they may have done it sooner, but simply couldn't have without jumping a few hurrdles.
Is it hard to come to grips with the dirty deeds that need to be done in order to prevent Saddam from getting out of control? Or is it just the US going buck-wild after the land the horrible events of 9/11. Is Bush mad with power? email me at Mst3keith@aol.com cause I'd like to know what my readers think.
Tucker's World has yet to claim a positive position on the WAR, but I thought I would throw these links out here.
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/16/transcripts/clinton.html
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/16/clinton/
Friday, March 14, 2003
"Thats Amonte!"
When the fans all get pumped up, when the goal actually lights up…that’s AMONTEEEEEEEEEE…when tears falls from the other goalies eye like a Nuccio’s pizza pie ..that’s AMONTEEEEEEEEEEE.
The sports side of the Philly Daily News hitting newsstands today shows new comer Tony Amonte dressed in the new flyers jersey and waving to the fans. His tongue is out in KISS like fashion and in the last few days the players have been all doing something I haven’t seen a Flyers team in a long time. Actually smiling. Signs of life!
I predicted Amonte would net two goals he didn’t prove me right but notched an important goal and assisted on another. Looking at the highlights last night at Harpers I felt like I was watching another team. The goals were a result of inspired play and excellent puck movement. The goals were cleanly beating the goalie. Amonte still harbors the potential to score the big goals the Flyers are always in the need of. Even though former Flyers St. Jaques managed to stick it to us, it didn’t spoil the night.
Not only did Amonte return to the lineup but cheapskate John Leclair returned to the line up after sitting out for what seemed like years. Amonte, Leclair and JR reunited as the American express line on the power play. Maybe Amonte will be the sparkplug the Flyers needed to get their power play out of the basement.
In a somewhat related noted I bumped into a Sterling Alumni (I really don’t know him, but Tom was with me and he knew him from his class) and talked some Flyers with him. Apparently, he met now former Flyers Bruno St. Jaques and Guilliame Lefebvre at Top Dog and scored Lefbvre’s cell phone number (stud of the Winter?) He told me that Lefebvre actually pronounces his name like Lafleur don’t ask me how. He also said the Lindros/Brindy scandal was true. Even the Tocchet part but it wasn’t at a Cherry Hill bar it was in the locker room. Apparently Toc beat the crap out of him and the whole Lesard (former Phantom) running into the Big E was just SPIN from the Flyers.
Anyway I don’t want to get all excited by a win over a team that threw in the towel in January but its what the doctor ordered for the pending post season. It was a nice fun game for them before they start the hell that is the journey to the Cup.
“Sweet Child of NOT Mine”
One of my customers seemingly young at heart Philly native my age tries to understand about the new appliance that she is purchasing, but she can’t simply because her out of control child is screaming at the top of his lungs. Her kid keeps running all around the store and screaming for no reason. When he actually stops, it is to open doors of appliances and slamming the doors.
Her friend turns to me and tells me she hates kids and is glad she doesn’t have any. I agreed with her, and was glad to find one more person who shared my lack of desire to have an offspring. Luckily, I have managed to fine perhaps the only girl in South Jersey who has nightmares not dreams about changing diapers and losing sleep for a wailing infant.
Another kid in the store has corn smeared all over her face leaving globs of it everywhere she goes. I guess most people would think it was cute, but I simply thought it was repulsive. It made me sick to my stomach. Kid after bratty kid comes in the store making it an ideal place for a high school field trip for horny high schoolers to either scare them off sex for life or hammer home the importance of safe sex.
I am an Uncle and the best thing about that role is you don’t have to live with the child. Now don’t get me wrong and all my nephew is a cool kid, but he is currently going through the terrible 2s. This consists of yelling as loud as you possibly can non-stop and knocking everything over that you can find. I’m told that the terrible 2s start when they start walking and actually last for several years in some cases. Also refusing to eat, go to bed or shut up are the norm. I can see the fatigue in my brother and his wife’s eyes as they try to settle down their son. One time I came home with a splitting headache and had to pop advil and hide out in my room.
I talked to a friend of mine about the potential of spreading my seed before I became corpse. My theory is maybe something drops down in your brain, like a chemical one day that says I want to have a kid! That would be AWEWSOME. May it just happens over night. Right now I just see kids as a ball and chain and a constant burden, especially on a young adult such as myself who has yet to land a job to support myself let alone a eating, breathing, poop machine.
Maybe not wanting a child ever is side of immaturity. If that is the case than I’m glad my road map to maturity is so confusing. I mean sure children bring happiness and joy into many parents’ lives, but I do not understand some people’s rush to start a household of their own. I used to work with a girl younger than me who had two kids already, making less than me. She didn’t have a problem with it either.
If I ever do make good money I’d like to be able to spend it on myself and do the things I always wanted to do. I am only 23. Every time I see a young couple dragging in bratty kids, or in many cases several bratty kids I just say thank GOD that’s not me. Id rather live with my parents until I am 30 instead of having their fate. Reading this might make you think that I am (or that Tucker Character) is a self-centered jerk. That’s not the case, I actually feel sorry for my brother when he just appears in the need of a quiet night alone with his wife. I wouldn’t even wish sleepless nights, poop diapers, constant care, life long money woes and personal commitment, and hours of BLUES CLUES on my worst enemy.
When the fans all get pumped up, when the goal actually lights up…that’s AMONTEEEEEEEEEE…when tears falls from the other goalies eye like a Nuccio’s pizza pie ..that’s AMONTEEEEEEEEEEE.
The sports side of the Philly Daily News hitting newsstands today shows new comer Tony Amonte dressed in the new flyers jersey and waving to the fans. His tongue is out in KISS like fashion and in the last few days the players have been all doing something I haven’t seen a Flyers team in a long time. Actually smiling. Signs of life!
I predicted Amonte would net two goals he didn’t prove me right but notched an important goal and assisted on another. Looking at the highlights last night at Harpers I felt like I was watching another team. The goals were a result of inspired play and excellent puck movement. The goals were cleanly beating the goalie. Amonte still harbors the potential to score the big goals the Flyers are always in the need of. Even though former Flyers St. Jaques managed to stick it to us, it didn’t spoil the night.
Not only did Amonte return to the lineup but cheapskate John Leclair returned to the line up after sitting out for what seemed like years. Amonte, Leclair and JR reunited as the American express line on the power play. Maybe Amonte will be the sparkplug the Flyers needed to get their power play out of the basement.
In a somewhat related noted I bumped into a Sterling Alumni (I really don’t know him, but Tom was with me and he knew him from his class) and talked some Flyers with him. Apparently, he met now former Flyers Bruno St. Jaques and Guilliame Lefebvre at Top Dog and scored Lefbvre’s cell phone number (stud of the Winter?) He told me that Lefebvre actually pronounces his name like Lafleur don’t ask me how. He also said the Lindros/Brindy scandal was true. Even the Tocchet part but it wasn’t at a Cherry Hill bar it was in the locker room. Apparently Toc beat the crap out of him and the whole Lesard (former Phantom) running into the Big E was just SPIN from the Flyers.
Anyway I don’t want to get all excited by a win over a team that threw in the towel in January but its what the doctor ordered for the pending post season. It was a nice fun game for them before they start the hell that is the journey to the Cup.
“Sweet Child of NOT Mine”
One of my customers seemingly young at heart Philly native my age tries to understand about the new appliance that she is purchasing, but she can’t simply because her out of control child is screaming at the top of his lungs. Her kid keeps running all around the store and screaming for no reason. When he actually stops, it is to open doors of appliances and slamming the doors.
Her friend turns to me and tells me she hates kids and is glad she doesn’t have any. I agreed with her, and was glad to find one more person who shared my lack of desire to have an offspring. Luckily, I have managed to fine perhaps the only girl in South Jersey who has nightmares not dreams about changing diapers and losing sleep for a wailing infant.
Another kid in the store has corn smeared all over her face leaving globs of it everywhere she goes. I guess most people would think it was cute, but I simply thought it was repulsive. It made me sick to my stomach. Kid after bratty kid comes in the store making it an ideal place for a high school field trip for horny high schoolers to either scare them off sex for life or hammer home the importance of safe sex.
I am an Uncle and the best thing about that role is you don’t have to live with the child. Now don’t get me wrong and all my nephew is a cool kid, but he is currently going through the terrible 2s. This consists of yelling as loud as you possibly can non-stop and knocking everything over that you can find. I’m told that the terrible 2s start when they start walking and actually last for several years in some cases. Also refusing to eat, go to bed or shut up are the norm. I can see the fatigue in my brother and his wife’s eyes as they try to settle down their son. One time I came home with a splitting headache and had to pop advil and hide out in my room.
I talked to a friend of mine about the potential of spreading my seed before I became corpse. My theory is maybe something drops down in your brain, like a chemical one day that says I want to have a kid! That would be AWEWSOME. May it just happens over night. Right now I just see kids as a ball and chain and a constant burden, especially on a young adult such as myself who has yet to land a job to support myself let alone a eating, breathing, poop machine.
Maybe not wanting a child ever is side of immaturity. If that is the case than I’m glad my road map to maturity is so confusing. I mean sure children bring happiness and joy into many parents’ lives, but I do not understand some people’s rush to start a household of their own. I used to work with a girl younger than me who had two kids already, making less than me. She didn’t have a problem with it either.
If I ever do make good money I’d like to be able to spend it on myself and do the things I always wanted to do. I am only 23. Every time I see a young couple dragging in bratty kids, or in many cases several bratty kids I just say thank GOD that’s not me. Id rather live with my parents until I am 30 instead of having their fate. Reading this might make you think that I am (or that Tucker Character) is a self-centered jerk. That’s not the case, I actually feel sorry for my brother when he just appears in the need of a quiet night alone with his wife. I wouldn’t even wish sleepless nights, poop diapers, constant care, life long money woes and personal commitment, and hours of BLUES CLUES on my worst enemy.
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
"Trading Places"
The weather is warming up, the little X has started to appear next to teams in the NHL standings, and the smell of grills a blazing will soon replace the smell of firewood burning. That could mean only one thing, that the NHL playoffs are almost here. The National Hockey Night theme will soon be blaring almost non- stop in my household. But before the “2nd season” we get the fun of watching the crazy trade deadline madness. The deadline was 3 pm yesterday. Here is a run down on winners and the losers in perhaps the biggest trading deadline day in my lifetime.
Winners:
Flyers
The Flyers picked up sniper Tony Amonte, who has produced poorly for the Coyotes this season after signing a big contract. The long time NHL staple has been known to put the puck in the net something the Flyers sorely need. Only a few teams have managed to score less than Philly. Despite Amontes’ disappointing stint in Phoenix he will likely get a new spark playing for a talent stocked team such as the Flyers. He also played with JR with the Blackhawks and Leclair in many USA team games. With someone passing to him, he can easily put the biscuit in the basket.
In order to make room for all the newcomers (including the return of the RUSSIAN TANK) the Flyers shipped off Guillame Lefebvre (who a day later was sent to the penguins) and waivered Todd Wairner who was swiftly picked up by Nashville. Although Wariner played fairly well the team is overstocked ( even more so with Lapointe) with players of his abilities and he was simply the odd man out. So the Flyers basically gave up a potential life time AHLer and some meaningless draft picks for some one who could potentially get the team scoring again.
The Maple Leafs
In what seemed to be an arms race against the likely 1st round foe the Flyers the leafs went out and snatched some playoffs warriors. Granted most of what they picked up will just help them get far this season, but they picked up an impressive cast of players. The addressed their lack of offensive defenseman problem (unlike the Flyers) and picked up the ageless Phil Housley, and solid blue liner Glen Wesley. AT the same, time the picked up the playoff machine Doug Gilmour who was supposed to retire at least twice, but keeps coming back from more. Even though he has lost most his teeth and is certainly in the twilight of his career he could be a thorn in Philly’s side come Mid-April.
The Red Wings
Defenseman Mathieu Schneider ended up in the Motor City after various NHL general managers made a bid for him. Including the Flyers who weren’t going to part with any young talent (for once) to rent an older player.
The Saint Louis Blues
Okay from what I heard about scouting reports Justin Papineau who was sent to the Islanders will be a solid NHL performer one day, but for the Blues the Future is NOW. The team that never won a cup is in their best position to win one in recent memory. Papineau was small price to pay for goaltending insurance from here on out. They picked up Stanley Cup winner Chris Osgood who granted came off a injury plagued season but at the same time could be the missing piece of the Blues puzzle. Certainly an upgrade over the inconstant Johnson with players like Demitra, Weight, Macinnis and Mellanby firing on all cylinders with their eyes on the prize, they could be the dark horse of the west.
In addition they managed to pick up Valrie Bure from the panthers for another prospect, a defensemen this time. Also a couple of boxes of Teddie Grahams were included.
Bruins
They picked up Dan McGillis for a draft pick, if they intend to be in playoffs he could certainly fill the role of one of their 6-man. Especially since they have been hampered by injuries on the blue line all season long. They also picked up Ian Moran from the Penguins for a Cam Neely autographed copy of Dumb and Dumber. However, it was a VHS because the penguins sold their DVD player to the Blackhawks, but Theo Fleury stole it for drug money.
Sens.
They got Rob RAY! They seriously needed some toughness though or someone to open and close the door. ROB RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time Will Tell -----
Dallas
They nabbed journeyman Stu Barnes put up some numbers in the past, but has fallen off. They gave Buffalo a young prospect and a draft pick. This trade is only as good as how if Barnes makes an immediate impact though. Dallas might be in a rebuilding period sometime soon and could have used what they gave up.
Coyotes:
Jan Hirdina (penguins) and Chris Gratton won’t exactly put fans in the seats of an arena that has seen JR and Amonte peace out recently. These type of players are basically in place for next season to hold down the fort until a 2004 to see what happens. Amonte simply didn’t fit in here though. Although this team does seem to becoming the island of misfit toys they did the best they could given their situation. If exclude that they had to give Amonte away, these separate trades were good moves.
The Flames
They got Dean McCammond back! Basically because the Lanch (they landed Bates Battaglia ) had an over stock over players, and injuries kept the former Flyer out of action a lot this season. McCammond was delighted to be going from the NHL’s elite to an early season of Golf. At least he gets to play along side the CHIEF ! An obvious reference to former Flyer Craig Berube who actually has two less points (6) than the 5 million dollar man in Boston Lapointe(8.)
Losers__
The Oilers:
The Oilers gave away their leading scorer Anston Carter to the Rangers for Cory Cross ( an okay d-man) and the over-rated Dvorak. I wonder what racial slur Beezer made when he heard about this trade!
The Rangers
Granted they got the better end of the Oilers trade, but they are 4 points out of a playoff spot and on the outside looking in. They would need a miracle to get in. Even if they do they wont go far. The Rangers payroll is already insane, and Carter isn’t worth as much as he gets paid. If the NHL puts on a salary cap in 2004 (the damn well better, look for a future post on this one) teams like the Rangers are going to have to dump a large amount of players in the off season or next year. Not to mention the fact half the team should have retired already. Something Mark Messier will never do. They SUCK.
Penguins
Poor Mario had get rid of all his talent, most notably on the day of the deadline Jan Hirdina to the Coyotes. Mario got an enrollment in the jelly of the month club in return. The penguins are hoping and praying to stay together till 2004 a new collective bargining agreement is reached that will benefit small market teams. In the mean time, they have to horde prospects for the future, which they certainly have done. Many of the players may not amount to much but some easily could be gems down the line. I liked the moving of Wayne Primeau to the Shark for Matt Bradley. They could use an up and coming defensive forward.They also managed to pick up Brain Holzinger from Tampa for Marc Bergevin in an actual trade. If anyone is interested, the Penguins are having an Alex Kovlev bobble head night, despite the fact they traded him away weeks ago. That’s pretty sad. On second thought maybe Mario is just hoping the Igloos roof collapses before the collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Vancover
Despite picking up Brad May, who is known for occasionally scoring a big goal (MAY DAY, MAY DAY,MAY DAY) you have to think they wanted some more veteran spice to the recipe of young talent they have. They needed a veteran like Mike Ricci or someone to help these kids out. Too bad they couldn’t afford to keep Andrew Cassels in town..if they did the would certainly have (Italian accent) A SPICEY MEATBALL!
The Islanders
Despite taking one of the best playmaking d-man in the league in Niinimma they may have squandered their chances by prematurely unloading Chris Osgood. Who is going to start in net if they even make the playoffs? Garth Snow? Or are you going to put all that pressure on the goalie of the Future in Rick Diprieto? Why not just wait for Summer to do unload Osgood? Dumb move unless they already have written this season off.
Buffalo
Their trades will benefit them about as much as a College Degree has benefited me so far.
Tucker cause he works horrible hours and will miss most of the post-season action unless the next job he lands has better hours. Other options are multiple VCRs, wiring up TVio, or suicide.
The weather is warming up, the little X has started to appear next to teams in the NHL standings, and the smell of grills a blazing will soon replace the smell of firewood burning. That could mean only one thing, that the NHL playoffs are almost here. The National Hockey Night theme will soon be blaring almost non- stop in my household. But before the “2nd season” we get the fun of watching the crazy trade deadline madness. The deadline was 3 pm yesterday. Here is a run down on winners and the losers in perhaps the biggest trading deadline day in my lifetime.
Winners:
Flyers
The Flyers picked up sniper Tony Amonte, who has produced poorly for the Coyotes this season after signing a big contract. The long time NHL staple has been known to put the puck in the net something the Flyers sorely need. Only a few teams have managed to score less than Philly. Despite Amontes’ disappointing stint in Phoenix he will likely get a new spark playing for a talent stocked team such as the Flyers. He also played with JR with the Blackhawks and Leclair in many USA team games. With someone passing to him, he can easily put the biscuit in the basket.
In order to make room for all the newcomers (including the return of the RUSSIAN TANK) the Flyers shipped off Guillame Lefebvre (who a day later was sent to the penguins) and waivered Todd Wairner who was swiftly picked up by Nashville. Although Wariner played fairly well the team is overstocked ( even more so with Lapointe) with players of his abilities and he was simply the odd man out. So the Flyers basically gave up a potential life time AHLer and some meaningless draft picks for some one who could potentially get the team scoring again.
The Maple Leafs
In what seemed to be an arms race against the likely 1st round foe the Flyers the leafs went out and snatched some playoffs warriors. Granted most of what they picked up will just help them get far this season, but they picked up an impressive cast of players. The addressed their lack of offensive defenseman problem (unlike the Flyers) and picked up the ageless Phil Housley, and solid blue liner Glen Wesley. AT the same, time the picked up the playoff machine Doug Gilmour who was supposed to retire at least twice, but keeps coming back from more. Even though he has lost most his teeth and is certainly in the twilight of his career he could be a thorn in Philly’s side come Mid-April.
The Red Wings
Defenseman Mathieu Schneider ended up in the Motor City after various NHL general managers made a bid for him. Including the Flyers who weren’t going to part with any young talent (for once) to rent an older player.
The Saint Louis Blues
Okay from what I heard about scouting reports Justin Papineau who was sent to the Islanders will be a solid NHL performer one day, but for the Blues the Future is NOW. The team that never won a cup is in their best position to win one in recent memory. Papineau was small price to pay for goaltending insurance from here on out. They picked up Stanley Cup winner Chris Osgood who granted came off a injury plagued season but at the same time could be the missing piece of the Blues puzzle. Certainly an upgrade over the inconstant Johnson with players like Demitra, Weight, Macinnis and Mellanby firing on all cylinders with their eyes on the prize, they could be the dark horse of the west.
In addition they managed to pick up Valrie Bure from the panthers for another prospect, a defensemen this time. Also a couple of boxes of Teddie Grahams were included.
Bruins
They picked up Dan McGillis for a draft pick, if they intend to be in playoffs he could certainly fill the role of one of their 6-man. Especially since they have been hampered by injuries on the blue line all season long. They also picked up Ian Moran from the Penguins for a Cam Neely autographed copy of Dumb and Dumber. However, it was a VHS because the penguins sold their DVD player to the Blackhawks, but Theo Fleury stole it for drug money.
Sens.
They got Rob RAY! They seriously needed some toughness though or someone to open and close the door. ROB RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time Will Tell -----
Dallas
They nabbed journeyman Stu Barnes put up some numbers in the past, but has fallen off. They gave Buffalo a young prospect and a draft pick. This trade is only as good as how if Barnes makes an immediate impact though. Dallas might be in a rebuilding period sometime soon and could have used what they gave up.
Coyotes:
Jan Hirdina (penguins) and Chris Gratton won’t exactly put fans in the seats of an arena that has seen JR and Amonte peace out recently. These type of players are basically in place for next season to hold down the fort until a 2004 to see what happens. Amonte simply didn’t fit in here though. Although this team does seem to becoming the island of misfit toys they did the best they could given their situation. If exclude that they had to give Amonte away, these separate trades were good moves.
The Flames
They got Dean McCammond back! Basically because the Lanch (they landed Bates Battaglia ) had an over stock over players, and injuries kept the former Flyer out of action a lot this season. McCammond was delighted to be going from the NHL’s elite to an early season of Golf. At least he gets to play along side the CHIEF ! An obvious reference to former Flyer Craig Berube who actually has two less points (6) than the 5 million dollar man in Boston Lapointe(8.)
Losers__
The Oilers:
The Oilers gave away their leading scorer Anston Carter to the Rangers for Cory Cross ( an okay d-man) and the over-rated Dvorak. I wonder what racial slur Beezer made when he heard about this trade!
The Rangers
Granted they got the better end of the Oilers trade, but they are 4 points out of a playoff spot and on the outside looking in. They would need a miracle to get in. Even if they do they wont go far. The Rangers payroll is already insane, and Carter isn’t worth as much as he gets paid. If the NHL puts on a salary cap in 2004 (the damn well better, look for a future post on this one) teams like the Rangers are going to have to dump a large amount of players in the off season or next year. Not to mention the fact half the team should have retired already. Something Mark Messier will never do. They SUCK.
Penguins
Poor Mario had get rid of all his talent, most notably on the day of the deadline Jan Hirdina to the Coyotes. Mario got an enrollment in the jelly of the month club in return. The penguins are hoping and praying to stay together till 2004 a new collective bargining agreement is reached that will benefit small market teams. In the mean time, they have to horde prospects for the future, which they certainly have done. Many of the players may not amount to much but some easily could be gems down the line. I liked the moving of Wayne Primeau to the Shark for Matt Bradley. They could use an up and coming defensive forward.They also managed to pick up Brain Holzinger from Tampa for Marc Bergevin in an actual trade. If anyone is interested, the Penguins are having an Alex Kovlev bobble head night, despite the fact they traded him away weeks ago. That’s pretty sad. On second thought maybe Mario is just hoping the Igloos roof collapses before the collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Vancover
Despite picking up Brad May, who is known for occasionally scoring a big goal (MAY DAY, MAY DAY,MAY DAY) you have to think they wanted some more veteran spice to the recipe of young talent they have. They needed a veteran like Mike Ricci or someone to help these kids out. Too bad they couldn’t afford to keep Andrew Cassels in town..if they did the would certainly have (Italian accent) A SPICEY MEATBALL!
The Islanders
Despite taking one of the best playmaking d-man in the league in Niinimma they may have squandered their chances by prematurely unloading Chris Osgood. Who is going to start in net if they even make the playoffs? Garth Snow? Or are you going to put all that pressure on the goalie of the Future in Rick Diprieto? Why not just wait for Summer to do unload Osgood? Dumb move unless they already have written this season off.
Buffalo
Their trades will benefit them about as much as a College Degree has benefited me so far.
Tucker cause he works horrible hours and will miss most of the post-season action unless the next job he lands has better hours. Other options are multiple VCRs, wiring up TVio, or suicide.
Sunday, March 09, 2003
A former classmate of mine emailed me this story. Instead of spaming everyone's email I figured I would post this on here. I found it amusing. Its written by a 29 yearold but I could certainly relate to the majority of it. Enjoy!
"1984"
When I was a kid adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning uphill both ways through year 'round blizzards carrying their younger siblings on their backs to their one-room schoolhouse where they maintained a straight-A average despite their full-time after-school job at the local textile mill where they worked for 35 cents an hour just to help keep their family from starving to death!
And I remember promising myself that when I grew up there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it.
But....Now that I've reached the ripe old age of twenty-nine, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damned Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet--we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damned library and look it up ourselves! And there was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter--with a pen!--and then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there! And there were no MP3s or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had go to the damned record store and shoplift it yourself! Or we had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and messed it all up! You want to hear about hardship? You couldn't just download porn! You had to bribe some homeless dude to buy you a copy of "Hustler" at the 7-11! It was either that or steal the lingerie section of the JC Penney catalog! Those were your options!
We didn't have fancy shit like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the the phone rang, you had no idea who it was it could be your boss, your mom, a collections agent, your drug dealer, you didn't know!!! You just had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
And we didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation videogames with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "Asteroids" and the graphics sucked ass! Your guy was a little square! You had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win, the game just kept getting harder and faster until you died... Just like LIFE!
When you went to the movie theater there was no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! A tall guy sat in front of you, you were screwed! And sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 20 channels and there was no onscreen menu! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! And there was no Cartoon Network! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning... ...D'ya hear I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK, you spoiled little bastards!
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy You're spoiled, I swear to God! You guys wouldn't last five minutes back in 1984!!!
"1984"
When I was a kid adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning uphill both ways through year 'round blizzards carrying their younger siblings on their backs to their one-room schoolhouse where they maintained a straight-A average despite their full-time after-school job at the local textile mill where they worked for 35 cents an hour just to help keep their family from starving to death!
And I remember promising myself that when I grew up there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it.
But....Now that I've reached the ripe old age of twenty-nine, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damned Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet--we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damned library and look it up ourselves! And there was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter--with a pen!--and then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there! And there were no MP3s or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had go to the damned record store and shoplift it yourself! Or we had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and messed it all up! You want to hear about hardship? You couldn't just download porn! You had to bribe some homeless dude to buy you a copy of "Hustler" at the 7-11! It was either that or steal the lingerie section of the JC Penney catalog! Those were your options!
We didn't have fancy shit like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the the phone rang, you had no idea who it was it could be your boss, your mom, a collections agent, your drug dealer, you didn't know!!! You just had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
And we didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation videogames with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "Asteroids" and the graphics sucked ass! Your guy was a little square! You had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win, the game just kept getting harder and faster until you died... Just like LIFE!
When you went to the movie theater there was no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! A tall guy sat in front of you, you were screwed! And sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 20 channels and there was no onscreen menu! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! And there was no Cartoon Network! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning... ...D'ya hear I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK, you spoiled little bastards!
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy You're spoiled, I swear to God! You guys wouldn't last five minutes back in 1984!!!
Friday, March 07, 2003
“Human Speed-Bumps”
Okay I am all for freedom of speech, and protesting something or cute little catchy chants. But there is a fine line between making a statement and just becoming royal pain in the ass.
A few days ago there were many local students college and high school that decided to walk out and protest the pending (possible) war with Iraq. That’s fine and dandy, although I’m sure several students simply did it in order to make the absentee total high enough to merit class being cancelled. Heck I walked one time in grade school once for some reason that I don’t recall. All I knew was the person who lead the revolt was Sharon Hiley, the kind of girl (10 years ago anyway) that got all the guys out of their seat. I think it had something to do with her getting detention or something. Who knows, but I doubt half of them actually believed in the cause.
Anyway a few days ago some smart-asses came up with the idea of laying in front cars in the city of brotherly love. I guess this was a cheap ploy to get on TV (it worked most local network affiliates got footage of the event), but when they are causing traffic snarls that’s simply just interfering with other peoples daily life. Christ I am not sure an Anti-War protest needs anymore coverage I have seen more articles and seen enough footage to fill a small museum. Now before you jump all over my pasty white back of course its important for them to get coverage! I am just saying it’s not like its something we are unaware of, anyone that cares about the future of the country is aware of this.
Now if some dude was laying in front of the tempo and I was late for a job interview it would have gotten ugly. After politely telling him to pick his ass off the pavement and not getting a response I would resort to yelling. Than I would result to kicking him in the ribs repeatly at least he would look like a hypocrite if he came swinging. I even saw a poor woman yelling at the people that she agreed with them and she just wanted to get through. I don’t know what Joe Public is going to do due anyway to please the protester. Why don’t they just engulf the White House and sing folks songs holding hands.
Now we have an incident where highschoolers turned a walk-out protest into a miniature looting fest. They broke windows and shelves in a Mobil gas station and stole merchandise. The event also disrupted traffic like in Philly. I am not saying protesters are all going to start trouble, but you have to figure kids are going to be protesting just to protest. It’s the teenager code in many aspects. Okay, you won’t stand of violence or a WAR FOR OIL, but you do stand for destruction and stealing snickers? Anyone that can manage such a complicated issue to NO BLOOD FOR OIL is certainly over simplifying. Are things going to get out of hand again? Are we going to have water hoses being aimed at protestors again?
Say what you want to say, but don’t put others in danger or jump in the faces of other students on a college campus screaming stuff at them. Give them literature if you desire its about educating not forcefully shouting silly catch phrases or causing destruction for attention. I haven’t decided what side of the fence I have fallen in, but I guess I should soon so I know what to pain on my chest for CNN. Speaking of painting chests, does anyone know what happened to Sharon Hilly?
Okay I am all for freedom of speech, and protesting something or cute little catchy chants. But there is a fine line between making a statement and just becoming royal pain in the ass.
A few days ago there were many local students college and high school that decided to walk out and protest the pending (possible) war with Iraq. That’s fine and dandy, although I’m sure several students simply did it in order to make the absentee total high enough to merit class being cancelled. Heck I walked one time in grade school once for some reason that I don’t recall. All I knew was the person who lead the revolt was Sharon Hiley, the kind of girl (10 years ago anyway) that got all the guys out of their seat. I think it had something to do with her getting detention or something. Who knows, but I doubt half of them actually believed in the cause.
Anyway a few days ago some smart-asses came up with the idea of laying in front cars in the city of brotherly love. I guess this was a cheap ploy to get on TV (it worked most local network affiliates got footage of the event), but when they are causing traffic snarls that’s simply just interfering with other peoples daily life. Christ I am not sure an Anti-War protest needs anymore coverage I have seen more articles and seen enough footage to fill a small museum. Now before you jump all over my pasty white back of course its important for them to get coverage! I am just saying it’s not like its something we are unaware of, anyone that cares about the future of the country is aware of this.
Now if some dude was laying in front of the tempo and I was late for a job interview it would have gotten ugly. After politely telling him to pick his ass off the pavement and not getting a response I would resort to yelling. Than I would result to kicking him in the ribs repeatly at least he would look like a hypocrite if he came swinging. I even saw a poor woman yelling at the people that she agreed with them and she just wanted to get through. I don’t know what Joe Public is going to do due anyway to please the protester. Why don’t they just engulf the White House and sing folks songs holding hands.
Now we have an incident where highschoolers turned a walk-out protest into a miniature looting fest. They broke windows and shelves in a Mobil gas station and stole merchandise. The event also disrupted traffic like in Philly. I am not saying protesters are all going to start trouble, but you have to figure kids are going to be protesting just to protest. It’s the teenager code in many aspects. Okay, you won’t stand of violence or a WAR FOR OIL, but you do stand for destruction and stealing snickers? Anyone that can manage such a complicated issue to NO BLOOD FOR OIL is certainly over simplifying. Are things going to get out of hand again? Are we going to have water hoses being aimed at protestors again?
Say what you want to say, but don’t put others in danger or jump in the faces of other students on a college campus screaming stuff at them. Give them literature if you desire its about educating not forcefully shouting silly catch phrases or causing destruction for attention. I haven’t decided what side of the fence I have fallen in, but I guess I should soon so I know what to pain on my chest for CNN. Speaking of painting chests, does anyone know what happened to Sharon Hilly?
Thursday, March 06, 2003
"It Is On"
For those of you wondering Ryan is playing at Damico's Friday night. He plays from about 6ish to 9ish. You usually don't have to make reservations. The food is pretty damn good, and they give you (with most platters) a plentiful size. You get a salad and soup too so its a sweet deal!
However the best part of the night is Ryan, Chris Arter, and dude named dave playing jazz type music. Oh yeah and the boss of the establishment Vinny just might stop by your table and say hello. Maybe even if your lucky you can get a seat near Ryan's parents.
For those of you wondering Ryan is playing at Damico's Friday night. He plays from about 6ish to 9ish. You usually don't have to make reservations. The food is pretty damn good, and they give you (with most platters) a plentiful size. You get a salad and soup too so its a sweet deal!
However the best part of the night is Ryan, Chris Arter, and dude named dave playing jazz type music. Oh yeah and the boss of the establishment Vinny just might stop by your table and say hello. Maybe even if your lucky you can get a seat near Ryan's parents.
Wednesday, March 05, 2003
"Can You Smell That Smell?"
Earlier today I stopped by my friend Ricks house who lives just down the White Horse Pike from me. I was there to pick up money I had left behind in his car. Something I am famous for, and luckily Rick didn't pocket the loot. Anyway when I got to Rick's house his car was there (both of them actually) and I knew he had to be home.
So as I am knocking on his door and calling his home on my cell phone to get him to come to the door. As I did this I smelled a strong ordor of gas. It was so intensely strong that I started to wonder if it was actually coming from Rick's house. He still wasn't opening the door. Perhaps he had enough of Boscovs and shoved his head in the oven to OFT himself. Perhaps it was the silent killer and slowly killed him leaking from somewhere while he was listening to Pink Floyd. Perhaps his rooting corpse would greet his mother upon her return home. So I figured I'd try to open the door, but it was locked.
I thought either im jumping to conclusions or he is already dead anyway. So I opted not to bloody my hand or break his a window for no reason. I could have tried the back door but there was too much snow out there, and like I said I figured if that gas was leaking he was dead already. Im sure I would have felt bad when I heard of a grisly discovery on the 10 O'clock news.
Than I got home to continue my job search (IT STINKS). I noticed he was online and well. Finally I went back over his house and while I was there I voiced my concern of the strong gas smell. He told me they called the gas company out a month ago, and they just shrugged over the strong odor and told him not to worry about it. Not that they found the source of the odor. Odd since its so strong and their the gas company and all.
So if you see a block of Laruel Springs engulfed in flames you will know why. Thanks for reading this and wasting precious seconds of your worthless life.
Earlier today I stopped by my friend Ricks house who lives just down the White Horse Pike from me. I was there to pick up money I had left behind in his car. Something I am famous for, and luckily Rick didn't pocket the loot. Anyway when I got to Rick's house his car was there (both of them actually) and I knew he had to be home.
So as I am knocking on his door and calling his home on my cell phone to get him to come to the door. As I did this I smelled a strong ordor of gas. It was so intensely strong that I started to wonder if it was actually coming from Rick's house. He still wasn't opening the door. Perhaps he had enough of Boscovs and shoved his head in the oven to OFT himself. Perhaps it was the silent killer and slowly killed him leaking from somewhere while he was listening to Pink Floyd. Perhaps his rooting corpse would greet his mother upon her return home. So I figured I'd try to open the door, but it was locked.
I thought either im jumping to conclusions or he is already dead anyway. So I opted not to bloody my hand or break his a window for no reason. I could have tried the back door but there was too much snow out there, and like I said I figured if that gas was leaking he was dead already. Im sure I would have felt bad when I heard of a grisly discovery on the 10 O'clock news.
Than I got home to continue my job search (IT STINKS). I noticed he was online and well. Finally I went back over his house and while I was there I voiced my concern of the strong gas smell. He told me they called the gas company out a month ago, and they just shrugged over the strong odor and told him not to worry about it. Not that they found the source of the odor. Odd since its so strong and their the gas company and all.
So if you see a block of Laruel Springs engulfed in flames you will know why. Thanks for reading this and wasting precious seconds of your worthless life.
Sunday, March 02, 2003
“Back to the Trilogy”
Not that anyone asked, but since I got the Back to the Future Trilogy for Valentines Day on DVD I was able to revisit one of my favorite movie franchises of all time. Hey Drew does this with bond movies. I hadn’t watched any of the movies in well over a year which for me was a long time to not view these films that were high on my annual rotation of films. (I am a loser). Here some useless facts and comments about the films:
Back to the Future
One of the original scripts of the movie had Marty McCfly in need of a nuclear explosion to teleport him from 1955 back to 1985. Thankfully that would have cost too much money, and we get a more plausible scenario and the classic sequence with the lightning hitting the clock tower. This also enables the early scenes to serve as foreshadowing.
The first film in still remains the favorite of the 3 among most film fans (that’s the case most of time though). Despite the fact that it will always be known as an “80s’” film, the movie almost twenty years later still holds up quite nicely. The movie magic and the pure fun of it the film makes it seem as though its destined to become a timeless classic.
The movie although about time travel is more about people and relationships. As repeated more times on the DVD special features than Jenna blogs about her love for Jay (lima beanz) the premise was based on validating your parents always telling you how they never drank, fooled around or misbehaved. As Marty finds out its pretty much all lies, and his mother “parked” several in a car several times and in a deleted scene sees her cheat on a test.
Did You Ever Notice ?
In the scene late in the film when Doc is getting ready for his “science experiment” a person in some what outlandish (at least to anyone from 1985 on) drive past on a bike in the back ground. In Part II Doc Brown tries to disguise himself while riding around on a bike, and wears a somewhat similar outfit. In the movie he ends up riding behind Doc from the first film, and actually engaging in a brief conversation. I am no longer sure this was intentional though since I can’t find mention of it on any of the special features.
Cool Deleted Scene:
When Marty goes to freak out his father (in 1955) he talks to him more. He specifically tells him to take out his would be mother to the dance. After this he gives him chloroform to knock him out, than hopes out the window, slides down the house and hops in the Docs car. This makes more sense since I was wondered how George (Marty’s Dad) would let Marty (disguised) awkwardly just exist his bedroom after it would likely become clear he was just a wired-o in a costume.
Point to Ponder:
When Marty finally returns to 1985, his life quality has drastically improved. However we are to be happy that everything has returned to “normal”. Once Marty spends time with the new McCfly family ( he doesn’t for several weeks due to time traveling) I’m sure he will find that his relationships with his family is much different. For example his brother now wears a suit to work, and his parents seemingly have a different outlook on life and likely a different parenting style (providing Marty with the 4x4, liking his girlfriend).
Back to the Future Part II
Painted in a bit of a corner since the first films ending was just originally ment to be amusing, and not a introduction to a sequel, the movie plays out in break neck speed. Some people were turned off by the 3 different acts in different time eras, however I thought it worked quite well, especially for the middle installment of the films. Certainly the darkest of the 3.
Of course when dealing with time travel, things get confusing. Luckily we have Doc there to not only explain stuff to Marty, but to the audience. It might take a 2nd viewing to completely understand all the concepts of the film. What is really unique is a chance to literally relive the ending of the first film with the characters in Part II walking through the events of the first one. Something no filmmaker could have passed up chance to do. Too my knowledge it has never been done before or since.
The movie’s look for the future (2015) might be dated in a few years since we don’t seem to be on the verge of having hovering cars. However some things like the multi-picture flat screen TV are a common site these days. The main reason for the at times silly Future outlook is because the makers wanted for once to make the future look fun. Id have to admit Id rather live in this future rather than Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, or Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Not to mention the fact we get to experience the dark side of time travel in the alternate 1985 in the middle of the movie. This world is done quite well and is the ying to the yang of the first 30 mins of the movie.
Did You Notice?
That the paper that shows Doc being committed also has headline about Richard Nixon seeking a fourth term, when the future is reinstated to that of the end of part I, it blends into saying Regan seeks 2nd term. Also many soon to be bigger names were in this movie for brief appearances, including Billy Zane and Elijah Wood (the little kid in the Café 80s).
Missing Cast Members:
Cripsin Glover who played Marty’s dad did not return for any of the sequels. Apperently his agent wanted more cash. I have read reports that he wanted more money than Michael J Fox to return. The decided to decline his greed, and pretty much write his character off. Although he does appear in the future they cleverly diverted the audiences attention while putting another actor in the role. In the future he is covered in makeup and hovering upside down due to a back injury. Because of the make up and the absurdness ( and laughs im sure it generated) of him being upside down the audience was to distracted to realize it was another actor, and most people actually thought (and still think) that it was actually Cripsin Glover. He does appear at the end of the film, but only in footage from the first film. He isn't in III either, but some other dude shows up in a far away shot as the 1985 verision. Look for Glover in a movie where he is creepy (as usual) and controlling rats for some reason due out in theaters in a few weeks.
Meanwhile Elizabeth Shue was quietly slipped into the role of Marty’s girlfriend. Apparently the actress who had played her ( Jennifer Grey more known for Dirty Dancing and Ferris Buller’s Day Off) had a mental break down. She was with Mathew Broderick when he accidentally killed a mother and daughter driving on the wrong side of the road in England. Broderick broke his leg, but recovered but Jennifer Grey had serious issues for years after (combined with success at an early age). Thankfully Marty’s girlfriend was written off early in Part II also, although it seemed a little awkward it would have been twice as much of she was a main player in the remainder of the movies.
Back to the Future Part III
Maybe my least favorite (I hate to rate these movies tough), but I still really enjoy the movie which means they did a really good job. The film starts in 1955, but spends most of the time in 1855, when Marty has to go save the Doc who had been accidentally warped (and trapped) in the old west at the end of the previous film. I did enjoy the set for this movie, and the slower pace worked with the movies’ plot. We get to see Marty interact with his ancestors and Fox puts in a good performance as his great grand father.
The whole movie has a sense of building to it that the others don’t because you know the films are drawling to a close, so not only do we get movie climax (some people felt cheated at the end of II, but I thought it was an awesome ending) but a finale to the movie series. Although destruction of the deloran at the end of film still hits really hard after all these viewings, I was never fully satisfied with the final minutes of the trilogy. The exchange between the Doc and the kids was nice, telling them how their futures have already but written, however I would have liked to know what the heck Doc was doing other than stopping by to say goodbye. Well Id imagine he went back to 2015 or so to get a hover conversion on his train engine, and get his dog. But wouldn’t having kids who could very easily steal anther guys chick (like Marty almost accidentally did) and disturb the natural course of events? Were these kids being raised in the late 1800’s early 1900’s? Id assume so since he said he wasn’t going to the future. Even Marty seemed confused. It was nice of Doc to say goodbye and all, but shouldn’t it been more practical for him to set up shop in 1985? Than again those crazy terrorists might still be a bit miffed. I would just have liked the final scene to be perhaps two minutes longer, because it seemed too rushed to me. I mean Marty and Doc went through some serious shit together.
If you do watch them all with in a few days, you do sort of feel like you just got back from a vacation when the third installment ends. Which is a huge compliment to the makes of the film. I am glad they are refusing to ever do another film so they go out on high note.
Did You Notice?
That Marty gets the idea in the high-noon fight from a Clint Eastwood flick that Biff was watching in the evil 1985? Also that ZZ top showed up for a spell.
Useless Trivia:
Michael J Fox mentioned he loved making the movies, cause he go to learn how to skateboard, ride a horse, and shoot a gun. Mostly all the skills he has lost. In fact he forgot how to skateboard in the 4 years between the first two films which resulted in the invention of the hover board. Which was cool, because that thing is cool as hell, and despite what you have heard they are not real.
My Cousin had a deloran for a few years, but recently sold it. When he took it to car shows he would have a plat that either say. M McFly or Outtatime, it sat in display at an interior place on the pike(in somderdale) for a whole summer. Somewhere there is a picture of me in it. I should have taken more and posed like Fox looking at my watch ! DAMNIT!
Pretty Cool: I loved every credit sequence that they did. The first film was classic with all of Doc's clocks going at once. Part II had the famous ( awesome) music theme playing while we simply saw shots of clouds that the time travelers were going through. Now this might seem lame, but think about waiting for these sequel for 4 years. They show you the final scene fromt he first film (re-shot), than you just when you think you will get clue to what was going to happen, you are hyped up more by hearing the theme. I bet audiences minds were racing having just a few more minutes to try to predict where the story was going to go. In Part III the credits play over Doc and Marty resting after the wild adventures from the first two films. Its a nice touch and is kind of sentimental of the films drawling to a close.
These films are the perfect protype of what a FUN movie can be. They do require some thinking, and they prove blockbuster movies can be good films at the same time if the are done right. Students of film should be required to watch these films to see if what its like to catch lightening in a bottle.
Not that anyone asked, but since I got the Back to the Future Trilogy for Valentines Day on DVD I was able to revisit one of my favorite movie franchises of all time. Hey Drew does this with bond movies. I hadn’t watched any of the movies in well over a year which for me was a long time to not view these films that were high on my annual rotation of films. (I am a loser). Here some useless facts and comments about the films:
Back to the Future
One of the original scripts of the movie had Marty McCfly in need of a nuclear explosion to teleport him from 1955 back to 1985. Thankfully that would have cost too much money, and we get a more plausible scenario and the classic sequence with the lightning hitting the clock tower. This also enables the early scenes to serve as foreshadowing.
The first film in still remains the favorite of the 3 among most film fans (that’s the case most of time though). Despite the fact that it will always be known as an “80s’” film, the movie almost twenty years later still holds up quite nicely. The movie magic and the pure fun of it the film makes it seem as though its destined to become a timeless classic.
The movie although about time travel is more about people and relationships. As repeated more times on the DVD special features than Jenna blogs about her love for Jay (lima beanz) the premise was based on validating your parents always telling you how they never drank, fooled around or misbehaved. As Marty finds out its pretty much all lies, and his mother “parked” several in a car several times and in a deleted scene sees her cheat on a test.
Did You Ever Notice ?
In the scene late in the film when Doc is getting ready for his “science experiment” a person in some what outlandish (at least to anyone from 1985 on) drive past on a bike in the back ground. In Part II Doc Brown tries to disguise himself while riding around on a bike, and wears a somewhat similar outfit. In the movie he ends up riding behind Doc from the first film, and actually engaging in a brief conversation. I am no longer sure this was intentional though since I can’t find mention of it on any of the special features.
Cool Deleted Scene:
When Marty goes to freak out his father (in 1955) he talks to him more. He specifically tells him to take out his would be mother to the dance. After this he gives him chloroform to knock him out, than hopes out the window, slides down the house and hops in the Docs car. This makes more sense since I was wondered how George (Marty’s Dad) would let Marty (disguised) awkwardly just exist his bedroom after it would likely become clear he was just a wired-o in a costume.
Point to Ponder:
When Marty finally returns to 1985, his life quality has drastically improved. However we are to be happy that everything has returned to “normal”. Once Marty spends time with the new McCfly family ( he doesn’t for several weeks due to time traveling) I’m sure he will find that his relationships with his family is much different. For example his brother now wears a suit to work, and his parents seemingly have a different outlook on life and likely a different parenting style (providing Marty with the 4x4, liking his girlfriend).
Back to the Future Part II
Painted in a bit of a corner since the first films ending was just originally ment to be amusing, and not a introduction to a sequel, the movie plays out in break neck speed. Some people were turned off by the 3 different acts in different time eras, however I thought it worked quite well, especially for the middle installment of the films. Certainly the darkest of the 3.
Of course when dealing with time travel, things get confusing. Luckily we have Doc there to not only explain stuff to Marty, but to the audience. It might take a 2nd viewing to completely understand all the concepts of the film. What is really unique is a chance to literally relive the ending of the first film with the characters in Part II walking through the events of the first one. Something no filmmaker could have passed up chance to do. Too my knowledge it has never been done before or since.
The movie’s look for the future (2015) might be dated in a few years since we don’t seem to be on the verge of having hovering cars. However some things like the multi-picture flat screen TV are a common site these days. The main reason for the at times silly Future outlook is because the makers wanted for once to make the future look fun. Id have to admit Id rather live in this future rather than Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, or Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Not to mention the fact we get to experience the dark side of time travel in the alternate 1985 in the middle of the movie. This world is done quite well and is the ying to the yang of the first 30 mins of the movie.
Did You Notice?
That the paper that shows Doc being committed also has headline about Richard Nixon seeking a fourth term, when the future is reinstated to that of the end of part I, it blends into saying Regan seeks 2nd term. Also many soon to be bigger names were in this movie for brief appearances, including Billy Zane and Elijah Wood (the little kid in the Café 80s).
Missing Cast Members:
Cripsin Glover who played Marty’s dad did not return for any of the sequels. Apperently his agent wanted more cash. I have read reports that he wanted more money than Michael J Fox to return. The decided to decline his greed, and pretty much write his character off. Although he does appear in the future they cleverly diverted the audiences attention while putting another actor in the role. In the future he is covered in makeup and hovering upside down due to a back injury. Because of the make up and the absurdness ( and laughs im sure it generated) of him being upside down the audience was to distracted to realize it was another actor, and most people actually thought (and still think) that it was actually Cripsin Glover. He does appear at the end of the film, but only in footage from the first film. He isn't in III either, but some other dude shows up in a far away shot as the 1985 verision. Look for Glover in a movie where he is creepy (as usual) and controlling rats for some reason due out in theaters in a few weeks.
Meanwhile Elizabeth Shue was quietly slipped into the role of Marty’s girlfriend. Apparently the actress who had played her ( Jennifer Grey more known for Dirty Dancing and Ferris Buller’s Day Off) had a mental break down. She was with Mathew Broderick when he accidentally killed a mother and daughter driving on the wrong side of the road in England. Broderick broke his leg, but recovered but Jennifer Grey had serious issues for years after (combined with success at an early age). Thankfully Marty’s girlfriend was written off early in Part II also, although it seemed a little awkward it would have been twice as much of she was a main player in the remainder of the movies.
Back to the Future Part III
Maybe my least favorite (I hate to rate these movies tough), but I still really enjoy the movie which means they did a really good job. The film starts in 1955, but spends most of the time in 1855, when Marty has to go save the Doc who had been accidentally warped (and trapped) in the old west at the end of the previous film. I did enjoy the set for this movie, and the slower pace worked with the movies’ plot. We get to see Marty interact with his ancestors and Fox puts in a good performance as his great grand father.
The whole movie has a sense of building to it that the others don’t because you know the films are drawling to a close, so not only do we get movie climax (some people felt cheated at the end of II, but I thought it was an awesome ending) but a finale to the movie series. Although destruction of the deloran at the end of film still hits really hard after all these viewings, I was never fully satisfied with the final minutes of the trilogy. The exchange between the Doc and the kids was nice, telling them how their futures have already but written, however I would have liked to know what the heck Doc was doing other than stopping by to say goodbye. Well Id imagine he went back to 2015 or so to get a hover conversion on his train engine, and get his dog. But wouldn’t having kids who could very easily steal anther guys chick (like Marty almost accidentally did) and disturb the natural course of events? Were these kids being raised in the late 1800’s early 1900’s? Id assume so since he said he wasn’t going to the future. Even Marty seemed confused. It was nice of Doc to say goodbye and all, but shouldn’t it been more practical for him to set up shop in 1985? Than again those crazy terrorists might still be a bit miffed. I would just have liked the final scene to be perhaps two minutes longer, because it seemed too rushed to me. I mean Marty and Doc went through some serious shit together.
If you do watch them all with in a few days, you do sort of feel like you just got back from a vacation when the third installment ends. Which is a huge compliment to the makes of the film. I am glad they are refusing to ever do another film so they go out on high note.
Did You Notice?
That Marty gets the idea in the high-noon fight from a Clint Eastwood flick that Biff was watching in the evil 1985? Also that ZZ top showed up for a spell.
Useless Trivia:
Michael J Fox mentioned he loved making the movies, cause he go to learn how to skateboard, ride a horse, and shoot a gun. Mostly all the skills he has lost. In fact he forgot how to skateboard in the 4 years between the first two films which resulted in the invention of the hover board. Which was cool, because that thing is cool as hell, and despite what you have heard they are not real.
My Cousin had a deloran for a few years, but recently sold it. When he took it to car shows he would have a plat that either say. M McFly or Outtatime, it sat in display at an interior place on the pike(in somderdale) for a whole summer. Somewhere there is a picture of me in it. I should have taken more and posed like Fox looking at my watch ! DAMNIT!
Pretty Cool: I loved every credit sequence that they did. The first film was classic with all of Doc's clocks going at once. Part II had the famous ( awesome) music theme playing while we simply saw shots of clouds that the time travelers were going through. Now this might seem lame, but think about waiting for these sequel for 4 years. They show you the final scene fromt he first film (re-shot), than you just when you think you will get clue to what was going to happen, you are hyped up more by hearing the theme. I bet audiences minds were racing having just a few more minutes to try to predict where the story was going to go. In Part III the credits play over Doc and Marty resting after the wild adventures from the first two films. Its a nice touch and is kind of sentimental of the films drawling to a close.
These films are the perfect protype of what a FUN movie can be. They do require some thinking, and they prove blockbuster movies can be good films at the same time if the are done right. Students of film should be required to watch these films to see if what its like to catch lightening in a bottle.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
I flip-flop about the whole Iraq thing more times than Lima Beanz farts in a given hour. So I brought in someone who is somewhat closer to the situation who was nice enough to give me his two cents. My former co-worker and fan of the crew Ed. Since things are heating up, I would like to get some emails from my readers perhaps post them so we can see where different people stand on the situation..maybe I can cut and paste them. Enjoy Ed's Comments, and dont forget to read my message to Avril! Im going to the fridge for a beer.
"Attack Iraq?"
Hello everybody, I am extremely happy to be writing to all of you in this, the most prestigious publication in the free world. I would like to thank the editor of Tucker’s World (who interestingly enough isn’t named Tucker) for allowing me to address his millions of devoted readers. I just hope that this humble rant is worthy of all of your time.
First an introduction, my name is Eddie Greene. I’m a 25 year old engineer wannabe who’s trying to finish his bachelors degree. Politically speaking I’m a middle road kinda voter (independent). That is that I have in both some liberal and conservative views. I voted for Clinton and the Dub. This puts me into the smallest of minorities, but I like to be different. Also I am a member of the armed forces. In the Pennsylvania Army National Guard my function is as a dismounted infantryman aka a foot soldier. I joined after the Sept. 11th massacre.
Today I am here to discuss my views on the possible impending war with Sears…uhh I mean Iraq. Why should or shouldn’t the United States go to war with Iraq?
War simply put is state sanctioned murder. Throughout history it has been over anything or over absolutely nothing. This county is a democracy. The government is a reflection of its people. Its citizens value life and therefore the lives of those employed to defend the country. Our society believes in the ideal that force of arms should be a last resort to defend ourselves and to maintain our way of life.
Before September 11th, during the Cold War America sought to contain our communist enemies. Containment limited open and secret warfare of one kind or another to nonaligned countries across the globe. We and they did everything in our power to gain their alleigence. Weather they were despotic or freedom loving, we were inclined to engage the communists in bitter and bloody fighting, just so long as it didn’t go to a level of global catastrophe. And both we and the communists were satisfied at the stalemate that was achieved. Although there were vast philosophical differences, nobody wanted to die from a nuclear holocaust. Everyone (who was important at the time) understood each other.
President Bush, along with others, no longer saw containment as effective after September 11th. The administration changed the country’s national security policy. From now on America would actively seek to pacify its enemies one way or another. No longer would the government seek to appease adversaries, or treat them with blind ignorance. A very hard line would be drawn in future confrontations with
Is Iraq an enemy? No, but Hussein is. He has been the dictator of Iraq for more than two decades and in that time he has accomplished much:
- Took control of Iraq in 1979, and immediately set the tone for his rule by murdering 21 of his cabinet members.
- Started an unprovoked war with his neighbor Iran. During the religious and military coup of the Shaw’s government in the 1980, Hussein invaded Iran in a sneak attack attempting to, in the confusion of the crisis, quickly gain territory (and oil) and the Shatt al Arab waterway to the Persian Gulf. The conflict lasted 8 years. 1.5 million were killed or injured. The region suffered severe economic dislocation.
- Developed the ability to produce, store, and use chemical weapons. These chemical weapons included H-series blister and G-series nerve agents. Iraq built these agents into various offensive munitions including rockets, artillery shells, aerial bombs, and warheads on the Al Hussein Scud missile variant. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iraqi fighter-attack aircraft dropped mustard-filled and tabun-filled 250 kilogram bombs and mustard-filled 500 kilogram bombs on Iranian targets.
- Used special weapons. To avoid defeat, Iraq sought out every possible weapon. This included developing a self-sustaining capability to produce militarily significant quantities of chemical warfare agents. In the defense, integrating chemical weapons offered a solution to the masses of lightly armed Basif and Posdoran. Chemical weapons were used on troop assembly areas and supporting artillery. When conducting offensive operations, Iraq routinely supported the attacks with deep fires and integrated chemical fires on forward defenses, command posts, artillery positions, and logistical facilities.
- Used ballistic missiles against civilian centers. In response to Iranian missile attacks against Baghdad, some 190 missiles were fired by the Iraqis over a six week period at Iranian cities in 1988, during the 'War of the Cities'. The Iraqi missile attacks caused little destruction, but each warhead had a psychological and political impact, causing almost 30 percent of Tehran's population to flee the city. The threat of rocketing the Iranian capital with missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads is cited as a significant reason why Iran accepted a disadvantageous peace agreement.
- Used poison gas on his own people. On Kurdish minority villages in northern Iraq. 50,000 Kurdish survivors flee their homes to go to Turkey.
- Started an unprovoked war with Kuwait and completely conquered it in four hours. Iraq claimed that Kuwait was conducting illegal slant drilling, and wouldn’t forgive a strangling war debt. Iraq needed to bolster its devastated economy, and wanted Kuwaiti oil.
- Defied the U.N. resolutions to withdraw from Kuwait peaceably, allowing the return of the rightful government to power. This triggered the Gulf War in which more than 60 coalition aircraft were lost and 246 American Armed Forces persons perished, and 19 are still MIA.
- Launched an unprovoked attack against Israel with ballistic missiles trying to fracture the coalition.
- Threatens U.S. and British aircraft conducting Operations Southern and Northern Watch on a daily basis in violation of a ceasefire that he stipulated to.
- Defied the U.N. on innumerable occasions in regards to resolutions and the ceasefire regarding the destruction of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction.
- Moved 40,000 troops into northern Iraq, which threatened the Kurdish population. This triggered Operation Desert Strike.
- Attempted to assassinate former President George Bush in retaliation for Operation Desert Storm.
- Has constantly verbally threatened the U.S. and her allies with destruction over the last 13 years.
I believe that applying these points to the new national security policy defines Sadam Hussein as a threat to America. I also think that he should be removed from power one way or another to ensure our security. This doesn’t necessarily mean a war.
Some people have raised points in opposition to a possible war in Iraq. All Bush wants is oil. Not true. Bush comes from Texas, where there’s nothing but oil. Texans bathe in oil. Attacking Iraq will make our enemies angry at us. I’m pretty sure they’re already angry at us. They should be afraid of us. Attacking Iraq will cost us the friendship of our allies. Who needs France? We have their secret recipes for French toast, French fries, croissants, and truffles. France is useless to us now.
But will there be a war in Iraq? Probably not. The administration isn’t going to invalidate the U.N. as the organization to promote world peace. It’s too important a tool for the U.S. to promote its foreign policy. Tactically speaking summer is coming soon and the desert is very unforgiving. Also an army simply cannot exist out in the middle of nowhere for a long period of time without having serious morale problems.
Sadam isn’t a fool. Iran and Kuwait was a miscalculation on his part. He thought he could get away with it. However he has no illusions as to the current situation. He knows that Bush means business. He thinks he won the Gulf War. In his world he did win. He’s a person who has had to survive in his world and he views surviving the war as a victory. I believe that all of this is his façade and he will disarm because he knows it’s the only way to end U.N. sanctions and put him back on track economically. But I also think that he is simply too dangerous and unpredictable to let him to continue to rule Iraq.
"Attack Iraq?"
Hello everybody, I am extremely happy to be writing to all of you in this, the most prestigious publication in the free world. I would like to thank the editor of Tucker’s World (who interestingly enough isn’t named Tucker) for allowing me to address his millions of devoted readers. I just hope that this humble rant is worthy of all of your time.
First an introduction, my name is Eddie Greene. I’m a 25 year old engineer wannabe who’s trying to finish his bachelors degree. Politically speaking I’m a middle road kinda voter (independent). That is that I have in both some liberal and conservative views. I voted for Clinton and the Dub. This puts me into the smallest of minorities, but I like to be different. Also I am a member of the armed forces. In the Pennsylvania Army National Guard my function is as a dismounted infantryman aka a foot soldier. I joined after the Sept. 11th massacre.
Today I am here to discuss my views on the possible impending war with Sears…uhh I mean Iraq. Why should or shouldn’t the United States go to war with Iraq?
War simply put is state sanctioned murder. Throughout history it has been over anything or over absolutely nothing. This county is a democracy. The government is a reflection of its people. Its citizens value life and therefore the lives of those employed to defend the country. Our society believes in the ideal that force of arms should be a last resort to defend ourselves and to maintain our way of life.
Before September 11th, during the Cold War America sought to contain our communist enemies. Containment limited open and secret warfare of one kind or another to nonaligned countries across the globe. We and they did everything in our power to gain their alleigence. Weather they were despotic or freedom loving, we were inclined to engage the communists in bitter and bloody fighting, just so long as it didn’t go to a level of global catastrophe. And both we and the communists were satisfied at the stalemate that was achieved. Although there were vast philosophical differences, nobody wanted to die from a nuclear holocaust. Everyone (who was important at the time) understood each other.
President Bush, along with others, no longer saw containment as effective after September 11th. The administration changed the country’s national security policy. From now on America would actively seek to pacify its enemies one way or another. No longer would the government seek to appease adversaries, or treat them with blind ignorance. A very hard line would be drawn in future confrontations with
Is Iraq an enemy? No, but Hussein is. He has been the dictator of Iraq for more than two decades and in that time he has accomplished much:
- Took control of Iraq in 1979, and immediately set the tone for his rule by murdering 21 of his cabinet members.
- Started an unprovoked war with his neighbor Iran. During the religious and military coup of the Shaw’s government in the 1980, Hussein invaded Iran in a sneak attack attempting to, in the confusion of the crisis, quickly gain territory (and oil) and the Shatt al Arab waterway to the Persian Gulf. The conflict lasted 8 years. 1.5 million were killed or injured. The region suffered severe economic dislocation.
- Developed the ability to produce, store, and use chemical weapons. These chemical weapons included H-series blister and G-series nerve agents. Iraq built these agents into various offensive munitions including rockets, artillery shells, aerial bombs, and warheads on the Al Hussein Scud missile variant. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iraqi fighter-attack aircraft dropped mustard-filled and tabun-filled 250 kilogram bombs and mustard-filled 500 kilogram bombs on Iranian targets.
- Used special weapons. To avoid defeat, Iraq sought out every possible weapon. This included developing a self-sustaining capability to produce militarily significant quantities of chemical warfare agents. In the defense, integrating chemical weapons offered a solution to the masses of lightly armed Basif and Posdoran. Chemical weapons were used on troop assembly areas and supporting artillery. When conducting offensive operations, Iraq routinely supported the attacks with deep fires and integrated chemical fires on forward defenses, command posts, artillery positions, and logistical facilities.
- Used ballistic missiles against civilian centers. In response to Iranian missile attacks against Baghdad, some 190 missiles were fired by the Iraqis over a six week period at Iranian cities in 1988, during the 'War of the Cities'. The Iraqi missile attacks caused little destruction, but each warhead had a psychological and political impact, causing almost 30 percent of Tehran's population to flee the city. The threat of rocketing the Iranian capital with missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads is cited as a significant reason why Iran accepted a disadvantageous peace agreement.
- Used poison gas on his own people. On Kurdish minority villages in northern Iraq. 50,000 Kurdish survivors flee their homes to go to Turkey.
- Started an unprovoked war with Kuwait and completely conquered it in four hours. Iraq claimed that Kuwait was conducting illegal slant drilling, and wouldn’t forgive a strangling war debt. Iraq needed to bolster its devastated economy, and wanted Kuwaiti oil.
- Defied the U.N. resolutions to withdraw from Kuwait peaceably, allowing the return of the rightful government to power. This triggered the Gulf War in which more than 60 coalition aircraft were lost and 246 American Armed Forces persons perished, and 19 are still MIA.
- Launched an unprovoked attack against Israel with ballistic missiles trying to fracture the coalition.
- Threatens U.S. and British aircraft conducting Operations Southern and Northern Watch on a daily basis in violation of a ceasefire that he stipulated to.
- Defied the U.N. on innumerable occasions in regards to resolutions and the ceasefire regarding the destruction of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction.
- Moved 40,000 troops into northern Iraq, which threatened the Kurdish population. This triggered Operation Desert Strike.
- Attempted to assassinate former President George Bush in retaliation for Operation Desert Storm.
- Has constantly verbally threatened the U.S. and her allies with destruction over the last 13 years.
I believe that applying these points to the new national security policy defines Sadam Hussein as a threat to America. I also think that he should be removed from power one way or another to ensure our security. This doesn’t necessarily mean a war.
Some people have raised points in opposition to a possible war in Iraq. All Bush wants is oil. Not true. Bush comes from Texas, where there’s nothing but oil. Texans bathe in oil. Attacking Iraq will make our enemies angry at us. I’m pretty sure they’re already angry at us. They should be afraid of us. Attacking Iraq will cost us the friendship of our allies. Who needs France? We have their secret recipes for French toast, French fries, croissants, and truffles. France is useless to us now.
But will there be a war in Iraq? Probably not. The administration isn’t going to invalidate the U.N. as the organization to promote world peace. It’s too important a tool for the U.S. to promote its foreign policy. Tactically speaking summer is coming soon and the desert is very unforgiving. Also an army simply cannot exist out in the middle of nowhere for a long period of time without having serious morale problems.
Sadam isn’t a fool. Iran and Kuwait was a miscalculation on his part. He thought he could get away with it. However he has no illusions as to the current situation. He knows that Bush means business. He thinks he won the Gulf War. In his world he did win. He’s a person who has had to survive in his world and he views surviving the war as a victory. I believe that all of this is his façade and he will disarm because he knows it’s the only way to end U.N. sanctions and put him back on track economically. But I also think that he is simply too dangerous and unpredictable to let him to continue to rule Iraq.
“My Sweet Skater Girl”
I didn’t tune in but I know by now your story. I know that my Sweet Avril Lavigne that you didn’t win one Grammy. I know that Norah Jones basically kicked your adorable butt all over the red carpet.
I imagine you either got all watery eyed and bowed your head in disappointment or perhaps you through a punch into the wall back stage. Perhaps you thought it was a damn cold night that you didn’t get to make that acceptance speech that I’m your practiced over and over again.
I’d imagine you went out with your band and filled your brain with several mind altering substances. I hope that you didn’t over do it. I hope you realized that you will be there again next year.
People love you, and although the music industry is a fickle creature I know in my heart that people will still be buying your CDs (or downloading your music) years from now…so don’t worry and don’t measure yourself against others like that. Its not the end of the world. I bet many girls around the world imitated you when you performed earlier this week. Why just the other day I saw a young girl all dressed like you in the mall.
Don’t be discouraged you are really young and have your whole career ahead of you.
I didn’t tune in but I know by now your story. I know that my Sweet Avril Lavigne that you didn’t win one Grammy. I know that Norah Jones basically kicked your adorable butt all over the red carpet.
I imagine you either got all watery eyed and bowed your head in disappointment or perhaps you through a punch into the wall back stage. Perhaps you thought it was a damn cold night that you didn’t get to make that acceptance speech that I’m your practiced over and over again.
I’d imagine you went out with your band and filled your brain with several mind altering substances. I hope that you didn’t over do it. I hope you realized that you will be there again next year.
People love you, and although the music industry is a fickle creature I know in my heart that people will still be buying your CDs (or downloading your music) years from now…so don’t worry and don’t measure yourself against others like that. Its not the end of the world. I bet many girls around the world imitated you when you performed earlier this week. Why just the other day I saw a young girl all dressed like you in the mall.
Don’t be discouraged you are really young and have your whole career ahead of you.
"Where's Tucker?"
Both my readers may have noted that I have possibly gone the longest time with out an update since the birth of the blog. Thats simply cause I have a crappy job, and work horrible hours. On top of that I have had a few interviews this week which combined with riding out to Liza's house has gobbled up most of my Blogging time. Look for tonight (thursday) and tomorrow (friday) for some good old fashion ranting. I'm going to touch on Avril's lack of a grammy, hopefully the war, and maybe even other stuff you just don't know Tucker's World being a whacky one and all.
Sears Alert: Yellow
Both my readers may have noted that I have possibly gone the longest time with out an update since the birth of the blog. Thats simply cause I have a crappy job, and work horrible hours. On top of that I have had a few interviews this week which combined with riding out to Liza's house has gobbled up most of my Blogging time. Look for tonight (thursday) and tomorrow (friday) for some good old fashion ranting. I'm going to touch on Avril's lack of a grammy, hopefully the war, and maybe even other stuff you just don't know Tucker's World being a whacky one and all.
Sears Alert: Yellow
Friday, February 21, 2003
“Too Many People”
Driving down Somerdale Road towards, the Deptford area (formerly my Rowan drive) more trees lay in ruins flattened and ready for more people to move in. A common sight in South Jersey these days. More and more people are moving to the area and want their house build the way they like.
In addition, South Jersey seemingly wants to see how many drugstores that can erect in an insanely small amount of space. We have enough drugstores to medicate a small country in one county. Sometimes we have an intersection with rival drugstores squaring off on opposite sides.
Everywhere you look…there is either a new home being build or sign simply saying sold signaling the future site of yet another house. Some towns have suffered horribly from Growing Pains, such as Washington Township who’s population has nearly doubled in the past decade. The suburban sprawl as it has come to be known is also responsible for horrible traffic in South Jersey. Some new towns don’t even enough city workers to take care of their town. Various streams dried up in the past few years because of constant construction (and dumping) in the last few years. Not to mention since many things are paved over its harder for rain to sink into the ground (which added to last summers drought).
Take a look at Sterling and how many more kids are going there than when were students. More and more intersections are requiring traffic lights around here, and while it’s a good thing safety wise it is just another indication of how many cars we have zooming around.
When Ken Hitchock returned to Philly to coach the Flyers, he couldn’t even figure out where he was in Voorhees. You can’t really blame him, because the white horse road area exploded in the past 10 years or so. Olive Garden, Fudruckers, Goodfellas, Lone Star, and the Comcast building and even the Skate Zone weren’t not around at the start of the 90’s. While its good for the economy, you have to wonder how over crowded South Jersey will become in another 10 years. Granted Camden County suffers the most, but I can’t imagine the population won’t overspill to Atlantic county and eat up more land for another cookie cutter home.
Often times when a shopping center fails it will stay there vacant mainly cause businesses see it as being a bad location. So they buy up more space destroy more trees, and sometimes purchase and destroy homes in order to mark their claim in the South Jersey businesses scene. Meanwhile the other shopping centers remain to become eyesores. The former one on the pike in Berlin comes to mind, and ones like Lions Head Plaza (in Somerdale) are in danger of sinking. I can't even remember more than one store being in the Berlin shopping center as long as I can recall. Why not destroy it and put a park there or something?
Because of the markets right now people have the advantage of the lowest mortgages in the 30 years and building a home has never been as cheap. So I can't really blame people for making the move now. Thankfully, our Governor wants to fight the sprawl and make it harder for construction to choke to death the people of South Jersey.
Some of you might be sitting here with your mouth wide open thinking that I have become a tree hugger or something , but most my readers likely have gotten bored and went back to looking at porn. But I am just sick of the over crowded streets and what used to be nice scenery being chewed up for more sheep to take up residence. There is an old saying around these parts. …Welcome to New Jersey….now get the hell OUT!
Driving down Somerdale Road towards, the Deptford area (formerly my Rowan drive) more trees lay in ruins flattened and ready for more people to move in. A common sight in South Jersey these days. More and more people are moving to the area and want their house build the way they like.
In addition, South Jersey seemingly wants to see how many drugstores that can erect in an insanely small amount of space. We have enough drugstores to medicate a small country in one county. Sometimes we have an intersection with rival drugstores squaring off on opposite sides.
Everywhere you look…there is either a new home being build or sign simply saying sold signaling the future site of yet another house. Some towns have suffered horribly from Growing Pains, such as Washington Township who’s population has nearly doubled in the past decade. The suburban sprawl as it has come to be known is also responsible for horrible traffic in South Jersey. Some new towns don’t even enough city workers to take care of their town. Various streams dried up in the past few years because of constant construction (and dumping) in the last few years. Not to mention since many things are paved over its harder for rain to sink into the ground (which added to last summers drought).
Take a look at Sterling and how many more kids are going there than when were students. More and more intersections are requiring traffic lights around here, and while it’s a good thing safety wise it is just another indication of how many cars we have zooming around.
When Ken Hitchock returned to Philly to coach the Flyers, he couldn’t even figure out where he was in Voorhees. You can’t really blame him, because the white horse road area exploded in the past 10 years or so. Olive Garden, Fudruckers, Goodfellas, Lone Star, and the Comcast building and even the Skate Zone weren’t not around at the start of the 90’s. While its good for the economy, you have to wonder how over crowded South Jersey will become in another 10 years. Granted Camden County suffers the most, but I can’t imagine the population won’t overspill to Atlantic county and eat up more land for another cookie cutter home.
Often times when a shopping center fails it will stay there vacant mainly cause businesses see it as being a bad location. So they buy up more space destroy more trees, and sometimes purchase and destroy homes in order to mark their claim in the South Jersey businesses scene. Meanwhile the other shopping centers remain to become eyesores. The former one on the pike in Berlin comes to mind, and ones like Lions Head Plaza (in Somerdale) are in danger of sinking. I can't even remember more than one store being in the Berlin shopping center as long as I can recall. Why not destroy it and put a park there or something?
Because of the markets right now people have the advantage of the lowest mortgages in the 30 years and building a home has never been as cheap. So I can't really blame people for making the move now. Thankfully, our Governor wants to fight the sprawl and make it harder for construction to choke to death the people of South Jersey.
Some of you might be sitting here with your mouth wide open thinking that I have become a tree hugger or something , but most my readers likely have gotten bored and went back to looking at porn. But I am just sick of the over crowded streets and what used to be nice scenery being chewed up for more sheep to take up residence. There is an old saying around these parts. …Welcome to New Jersey….now get the hell OUT!
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
I hope everyone had fun digging out of the biggest winter storm in South Jersey in 7 years! Maybe the storm was made possible by IRAQ! Maybe Bush was behind it to drive up OIL PRICES! Maybe Micheal Jackson was behind it because he likes the color of snow, and wanted people to stop talking about his nose.
"Sleeping Jenna"
Many of my readers know my friend Jenna and have noticed lately that she sleeps a ridiculous amount of time. She sleeps through every movie we watch now, even if its in the theaters. From what I hear she slept through half of the Super Bowl. She sleeps hours away at Dukes where she spends the majority of her time (it’s Lima Beanz’s favorite place to take a date). There has to be something to this because she never slept this much before. Heck a few mere months ago she was a swinging single girl going out to South Jersey bars 5 nights a week staying out really late. If I had nothing to do I would always know that I could call up Jenna and join her for a few beers somewhere. Except for the nights where I was likely to ruin her game. Here are some theories on her sleeping disorder. Now when she isn’t at Sears she is usually somewhere sleeping. Usually on Duke’s couch….does he even live there anymore?
Theory # 1 As it turns out she IS part cat which requires her to sleep 20 hours a day. Maybe Lima Beanz had her spayed. Or something which made her become chronically tired. I doubt t his because I have not seen her licking herself since her sleeping time doubled.
Theory # 2
My experience watching the evolution of a couple I usually notice that right before the engagement stage the woman sleeps constantly. I guess preparing for how exciting marriage life must be. My sister-in-law for example would come over here (when my brother was back in the house briefly) and fall sleep with in 15 minutes. She would sleep for hours than get up and go home and sleep more. I was amazed that he had any kind of a relationship with her since she was seemingly in a coma 24/7. She even fell asleep when he would take her to the movies. She slept through Deep Impact, although it was a mediocre movie I don’t see how anyone can sleep through a film with explosions in it. Or even get comfortable in a theater chair.
Many other couples before they get engaged experience this. Usually the guy is looking all around when the girl slumps over and becomes unconscious for hours. The guy will be like…do I finish this movie? Is there something wrong with her? Should I wake her when its through? Sometimes if you are really deep into a relationship and want to see her awake..put on the Golden Girls. For whatever reason lots of couples (long term ones) love this show….or should I say the girl loves it. However, once all the next show comes on the girl will immediately fall asleep again.
Maybe its Jenna’s body telling her that Jay is “The One” . Its time for Lima Beanz to start ring shopping, and I happen to know a cozy little place in Hi-Nella perfect for their Honeymoon. If you pay extra you can have a bearded law student included. Many crew members have penciled this December when Lima Beanz will fall to his knees and pop the question.
“Next year they will be celebrating a ring” Duke.
Theory # 3
Jenna loves Lima Beanz so much that it actually hurts. In order to avoid the pain she must force herself to sleep. Just looking at him makes her overflow with love that she can’t handle it. She has sung his praises on her Blog several times. She claims he can do no wrong. Maybe she just loves too much. Last I heard she was campaigning to put his face on Mt. Rushmore.
Theory # 4
She realized how dull life is with out alcohol; Jenna who recently quit drinking all together didn’t slip into this constant state of sleepiness until after she gave up the booze. Maybe she realized how dull, mundane and meaningless her life was. Everything is better when your brain is numbed a bit. Perhaps she needs to start drinking again to get her de-lame-fied.
Theory # 5
Perhaps she dreams of a better life where she is regional manager of Sears, married to Rich Arter, and naked men randomly roam the streets. Perhaps she just wants to sleep to speed up time to her evitable death. Making her meaning less time on this hurling ball of granite seem to pass by quicker. Living in a constant dream state where she can fool herself into thinking life has an actual meaning when she knows she better off laying sprawled out motionless.
Theory # 6
Jenna has brain cancer
Theory # 7
I AM WRONG…she doesn’t sleep anymore than usual. Everything I say and do is wrong.
Theory # 8
Maybe Lima Beanz is such a manly man that he wears her out on constant basis. We all hear him brag (well 2 of us maybe) on TERMINUS about what an amazing experience it is to be with a man like him.
Theory # 9
Jenna is a pothead.
Theory # 10
Jenna is just LAME! L-A-M-E
-end-
"Thank You Loyal Readers"
A a week ago, amongst the terror warnings I asked my readers to send me who they would want be locked in with when they had to be in locked down duct (not DUCK) taped homes. I have cut and pasted all the emails that I have gotten in bettween these two lines!
______________________________________________________________-
_____________________________________________
Thanks for reading Tucker's World!
"Sleeping Jenna"
Many of my readers know my friend Jenna and have noticed lately that she sleeps a ridiculous amount of time. She sleeps through every movie we watch now, even if its in the theaters. From what I hear she slept through half of the Super Bowl. She sleeps hours away at Dukes where she spends the majority of her time (it’s Lima Beanz’s favorite place to take a date). There has to be something to this because she never slept this much before. Heck a few mere months ago she was a swinging single girl going out to South Jersey bars 5 nights a week staying out really late. If I had nothing to do I would always know that I could call up Jenna and join her for a few beers somewhere. Except for the nights where I was likely to ruin her game. Here are some theories on her sleeping disorder. Now when she isn’t at Sears she is usually somewhere sleeping. Usually on Duke’s couch….does he even live there anymore?
Theory # 1 As it turns out she IS part cat which requires her to sleep 20 hours a day. Maybe Lima Beanz had her spayed. Or something which made her become chronically tired. I doubt t his because I have not seen her licking herself since her sleeping time doubled.
Theory # 2
My experience watching the evolution of a couple I usually notice that right before the engagement stage the woman sleeps constantly. I guess preparing for how exciting marriage life must be. My sister-in-law for example would come over here (when my brother was back in the house briefly) and fall sleep with in 15 minutes. She would sleep for hours than get up and go home and sleep more. I was amazed that he had any kind of a relationship with her since she was seemingly in a coma 24/7. She even fell asleep when he would take her to the movies. She slept through Deep Impact, although it was a mediocre movie I don’t see how anyone can sleep through a film with explosions in it. Or even get comfortable in a theater chair.
Many other couples before they get engaged experience this. Usually the guy is looking all around when the girl slumps over and becomes unconscious for hours. The guy will be like…do I finish this movie? Is there something wrong with her? Should I wake her when its through? Sometimes if you are really deep into a relationship and want to see her awake..put on the Golden Girls. For whatever reason lots of couples (long term ones) love this show….or should I say the girl loves it. However, once all the next show comes on the girl will immediately fall asleep again.
Maybe its Jenna’s body telling her that Jay is “The One” . Its time for Lima Beanz to start ring shopping, and I happen to know a cozy little place in Hi-Nella perfect for their Honeymoon. If you pay extra you can have a bearded law student included. Many crew members have penciled this December when Lima Beanz will fall to his knees and pop the question.
“Next year they will be celebrating a ring” Duke.
Theory # 3
Jenna loves Lima Beanz so much that it actually hurts. In order to avoid the pain she must force herself to sleep. Just looking at him makes her overflow with love that she can’t handle it. She has sung his praises on her Blog several times. She claims he can do no wrong. Maybe she just loves too much. Last I heard she was campaigning to put his face on Mt. Rushmore.
Theory # 4
She realized how dull life is with out alcohol; Jenna who recently quit drinking all together didn’t slip into this constant state of sleepiness until after she gave up the booze. Maybe she realized how dull, mundane and meaningless her life was. Everything is better when your brain is numbed a bit. Perhaps she needs to start drinking again to get her de-lame-fied.
Theory # 5
Perhaps she dreams of a better life where she is regional manager of Sears, married to Rich Arter, and naked men randomly roam the streets. Perhaps she just wants to sleep to speed up time to her evitable death. Making her meaning less time on this hurling ball of granite seem to pass by quicker. Living in a constant dream state where she can fool herself into thinking life has an actual meaning when she knows she better off laying sprawled out motionless.
Theory # 6
Jenna has brain cancer
Theory # 7
I AM WRONG…she doesn’t sleep anymore than usual. Everything I say and do is wrong.
Theory # 8
Maybe Lima Beanz is such a manly man that he wears her out on constant basis. We all hear him brag (well 2 of us maybe) on TERMINUS about what an amazing experience it is to be with a man like him.
Theory # 9
Jenna is a pothead.
Theory # 10
Jenna is just LAME! L-A-M-E
-end-
"Thank You Loyal Readers"
A a week ago, amongst the terror warnings I asked my readers to send me who they would want be locked in with when they had to be in locked down duct (not DUCK) taped homes. I have cut and pasted all the emails that I have gotten in bettween these two lines!
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Thanks for reading Tucker's World!
Sunday, February 16, 2003
“Calm Before the Storm”
What could make the top ten storms of all time in the South Jersey and Philly region might be starting a few hours after I write this. It should certainly be underway by the time most people read this. Both my readers read it anyway.
He is a run down of what the local weathermen are saying so far, or at least the few I saw
Fox: On the site I visit a lot they eluded to this storm like a week and half ago, so I trust them the most. They have been closely watching it all week. They are calling for 10-20 inches in our area.
Channel 6: They dark horse of the media calls for a mere 8-10 inches. They are often times way off though, but no one cares because of the affable Dave Roberts.
NBC 10: They agree with Fox pretty much for the 10-20
The Weather Channel website keeps breaking it down for parts of the day…so its hard to gage what they are really saying. I guess maybe 8- 12.
I learned that some random snow formed tonight that should make it start snowing before the storm even gets here. The radar showed snow just west of Philly as I write this. Granted it can pick up the slightest little mositure in the air and it might not actually hit the ground. Maybe just a lot of people are sneezing. By the way Lima Beanz is sick with the flu..really sick..that should make some of my readers who don't like him happy!
I am going to say we get 12 at best. I don’t see this one falling apart like the non-existent storm of the century a few years back. If it gets really bad keep checking back at Tucker’s World for updates and silly stuff to read. Hang on tight fellow readers and put your mittens on! I hope the roof blows off the Sears Outlet.
What could make the top ten storms of all time in the South Jersey and Philly region might be starting a few hours after I write this. It should certainly be underway by the time most people read this. Both my readers read it anyway.
He is a run down of what the local weathermen are saying so far, or at least the few I saw
Fox: On the site I visit a lot they eluded to this storm like a week and half ago, so I trust them the most. They have been closely watching it all week. They are calling for 10-20 inches in our area.
Channel 6: They dark horse of the media calls for a mere 8-10 inches. They are often times way off though, but no one cares because of the affable Dave Roberts.
NBC 10: They agree with Fox pretty much for the 10-20
The Weather Channel website keeps breaking it down for parts of the day…so its hard to gage what they are really saying. I guess maybe 8- 12.
I learned that some random snow formed tonight that should make it start snowing before the storm even gets here. The radar showed snow just west of Philly as I write this. Granted it can pick up the slightest little mositure in the air and it might not actually hit the ground. Maybe just a lot of people are sneezing. By the way Lima Beanz is sick with the flu..really sick..that should make some of my readers who don't like him happy!
I am going to say we get 12 at best. I don’t see this one falling apart like the non-existent storm of the century a few years back. If it gets really bad keep checking back at Tucker’s World for updates and silly stuff to read. Hang on tight fellow readers and put your mittens on! I hope the roof blows off the Sears Outlet.
"Love Song"
Well I have to admit I finally got into the Valentines Day spirit this weekend. I credit a certain song that got me into the spirit, and it goes a little something like this.
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
>From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son
The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"
They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash
Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?"
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
You know...the Monsters were all dancing and having a good time together and enjoying each others' company!
Happy 300th Episode to the Simpsons this Sunday. Quite possibly the best show ever!
Sears Alert: Blue
Well I have to admit I finally got into the Valentines Day spirit this weekend. I credit a certain song that got me into the spirit, and it goes a little something like this.
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
>From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son
The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"
They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash
Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?"
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
You know...the Monsters were all dancing and having a good time together and enjoying each others' company!
Happy 300th Episode to the Simpsons this Sunday. Quite possibly the best show ever!
Sears Alert: Blue
Thursday, February 13, 2003
“The Color of Tucker”
A new Bin Laden audio tape has released boasting about his escape from the bombing of the mountains where he was hiding in Dec. 2001. (or dodging a PR campaign as Drew would say). He talks how Iraqi troops should rally against America if we go into Iraq. I guess that’s why the alert was raised to Red. Many thought a War with Iraq would an increased chance of an attack.
In reference to the color, coded terror alerts I am going to gage my frustration working my current job at Sears after graduating from Rowan. For those of you taking note I have gone one two interviews witb not luck yet, although the second is not dead in the water yet. I have turned down two job offers because of distance and they sounded like they would suck.
Color Level:
White: Happy Go Lucky. I love Sears, who cares if I spent 4.5 years in college. I LOVE THIS JOB. I went on my Razor’s Edge Experience and I found that working at the Outlet until I die is what I want.
Green: Sears: Where Else? I want to become the next Willie Borders. I want to raise in the ranks of the retail chain. I plan to do this by being dumber and dumber the older I get.
Blue: Rational level. I am going to keep this job for a source of income while I try to land a better paying job. I have to sit in front of the computer and check the papers. I must not get disheartened and remind myself I will be out of there soon. I have to call people and company’s for connections and chance. I will not grow lazy. I will not falter. I will not fail.
Yellow: Frustrated. I HATE every minute at Sears it is pure hell. I wish death upon almost every customer I come in contact with. I NEED a new JOB NOW..or I will soon go crazy. I plan to do things pretty half-assed.
Orange: Disgruntled. I am going to go and be the worst Sear employ ever. Maybe they will fire me and it will make me more desperate for a job. So I can dedicate my whole day to getting a new job and be poor. I am going to make a complete mockery of my horrible paying job.
Red: Highly Irate. I am going to go into Sears and quit and take my chances having no source of income. I am going to leave there and quite possibly curse everyone out as I leave. I might even punch a customer or two.
Today’s code is a code Blue. I hope that this stupid joke runs no longer than a month. The level can bounce back and forth like the Terrorist color code. I have to finnish duct taping my home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey for kicks why don't my readers email me at Mstkeith@aol.com to tell me if you had to pick one person to be sealed in a bunker for a long period of time after an attack who would that person be?! I will post them on here when I get enough in! Anyone is fair game from Ben Affleck to Avril to Rip Torn.
A new Bin Laden audio tape has released boasting about his escape from the bombing of the mountains where he was hiding in Dec. 2001. (or dodging a PR campaign as Drew would say). He talks how Iraqi troops should rally against America if we go into Iraq. I guess that’s why the alert was raised to Red. Many thought a War with Iraq would an increased chance of an attack.
In reference to the color, coded terror alerts I am going to gage my frustration working my current job at Sears after graduating from Rowan. For those of you taking note I have gone one two interviews witb not luck yet, although the second is not dead in the water yet. I have turned down two job offers because of distance and they sounded like they would suck.
Color Level:
White: Happy Go Lucky. I love Sears, who cares if I spent 4.5 years in college. I LOVE THIS JOB. I went on my Razor’s Edge Experience and I found that working at the Outlet until I die is what I want.
Green: Sears: Where Else? I want to become the next Willie Borders. I want to raise in the ranks of the retail chain. I plan to do this by being dumber and dumber the older I get.
Blue: Rational level. I am going to keep this job for a source of income while I try to land a better paying job. I have to sit in front of the computer and check the papers. I must not get disheartened and remind myself I will be out of there soon. I have to call people and company’s for connections and chance. I will not grow lazy. I will not falter. I will not fail.
Yellow: Frustrated. I HATE every minute at Sears it is pure hell. I wish death upon almost every customer I come in contact with. I NEED a new JOB NOW..or I will soon go crazy. I plan to do things pretty half-assed.
Orange: Disgruntled. I am going to go and be the worst Sear employ ever. Maybe they will fire me and it will make me more desperate for a job. So I can dedicate my whole day to getting a new job and be poor. I am going to make a complete mockery of my horrible paying job.
Red: Highly Irate. I am going to go into Sears and quit and take my chances having no source of income. I am going to leave there and quite possibly curse everyone out as I leave. I might even punch a customer or two.
Today’s code is a code Blue. I hope that this stupid joke runs no longer than a month. The level can bounce back and forth like the Terrorist color code. I have to finnish duct taping my home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey for kicks why don't my readers email me at Mstkeith@aol.com to tell me if you had to pick one person to be sealed in a bunker for a long period of time after an attack who would that person be?! I will post them on here when I get enough in! Anyone is fair game from Ben Affleck to Avril to Rip Torn.
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