“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.”
― Galileo Galilei
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Quote Of The Day
Year: 2013
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Note To Self…
- Catch up with every single episode of “Totally Biased On FX” with W. Kamau Bell.
- Catch up with every single episode of Don Cheadle‘s new show “House of Lies” on ShowTime
- Force EVERYONE I know to do number 1 & 2. Total hilarity!!
Well–they’ve gone and did it now! Rhianna and Chris Brown are about to get hitched!
Rumor has it that Rihanna is planning to tie the knot with Chris Brown this summer in her home country Barbados, and the affair will be anything but boring.
“Rihanna doesn’t want a big dress or boring old confetti,” a source told Now magazine. “She wants to get married in her bikini and have a carnival atmosphere.”
“They want it to be relaxed and fun, like a playground,” HuffPost Celebrity reports, “and to celebrate with the people who have stood by them.”
It’s been four years since that fateful day Brown assaulted Rihanna on the eve of 2009’s Grammys, while both were in his car. Reports say he’s still on probation for the assault.
Rih reflected on getting back with Chris saying,
“I decided it was more important for me to be happy. I wasn’t going to let anybody’s opinion get in the way of that. Even if it’s a mistake, it’s my mistake.” She added, “We value each other. We know exactly what we have now, and we don’t want to lose that.”
Live and Learn! That’s pretty much what we’re all doing on this rock. Good Luck to them. ♦
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RESIDUAL: Fiction
It was the type of giant reel to reel that was used to show movies in old-fashioned cinemas. The glowing, ghostly white screen flickered for a few seconds while the footage wound around the giant spools of the reels, the rapid firesound of the tape slapping against itself, rushing ahead to the cell that held the first recognizable image.
It flickered in and out a few seconds more, until machinery and celluloid, finally in synch, produced the still profile bust of a stoic Native American Son on the screen. Like the head on a buffalo nickel.
The film found its pace and the red man, showing in sepia tones, slowly turned around to face me. He’s beautiful as only Natives can be. He stared out from the screen for some time and I got to study his features — the aquiline nose, the creviced solemn eyes, his jutting lower lip that wrinkled his chin. He is in full headdress – I think ‘Cherokee’ not really knowing why.
The silent film then began to advance forward, now showing him walking towards me as if intending to come off the screen into my space, the real world. It was making me a little uncomfortable, maybe even a bit scared. As he came closer, other Indian men slowly morphed in behind him, walking in single file first facing east then each turning right at the same point as if in a drill. They all turn their eyes on me as they move slowly forward, crowding dangerously to overflow at the edge of the screen, really frightening me now. I felt myself pulling away into consciousness…
When I woke up I was glad to see I was still in my single bed in the small rustic hotel I and my traveling partner, asleep in his own bed, had checked into. I was relieved that I hadn’t disturbed his sleep. He had been driving us around Sedona all day and then we had taken a long, late afternoon hike up the side of a gargantuan mound of red hardened clay called Bell Rock where we read in our ‘Arizona for Dummies’ guide book there were vortexes and portals to other dimensions. We trekked up slowly in the blazing southwestern sun, noticing doused pyres made by past visitors to the area.
The view, when we reached our desired plateau, was of course out-of-this-world! A panorama of nothing but sun-bleached white, cottony clouds, sky-blue skies and rusty red mountains jutting up in that peculiar phallic shape. We saw eagles flying way above our heads. It was magic even without the discovery of a portal.
I got out of my bed and quietly crept into my friend’s, trying hard not to wake him. I was a bit shaken up after my dream and didn’t want to sleep alone.
That next morning at sunrise he woke up yawning, stretching and looking around the room at the same time. He looked over at me and smiled, not asking what I was doing there in his bed. I volunteered;
“I had a bad dream last night and …”
But before I could continue, in between yawns he broke in and said,
“I had the strangest dream last night.”
“Oh yeah?” I said, as my heart began pounding. “What about?”
“I dreamt I was watching one of those old fashioned movies. There was an Indian in it – reminded me of the head on a nickel. Than he and some other Indians crowded onto the screen and were sort of walking towards me. They had on traditional gear with the headdress and everything. It was so weird.”
I told him I had the exact same dream.
We sat up in his bed for awhile, not looking at each other but staring at the framed charcoal drawings of so-called ‘noble savages’ some non-Indian artist had drawn that hung on our hotel room walls.
“Check out time’s at 12pm. Let’s get outta here.” he said.
We hurried and got dressed.
I must admit. At first, I too was tricked. I had to watch this one a couple of times before I really got it. And yea, they show how it’s done in the video, but it is too simple to be this clever. At least that’s my take.
A great stunt to pull on anyone!
During last year’s GOP presidential race, Bachmann racked up the highest ratio of Four-Pinocchio comments, so just about everything she says needs to be checked and double-checked before it is reported.
In this case, Bachmann appears to be citing the self-published book “Presidential Perks Gone Royal,” by Republican lobbyist Robert Keith Gray, though one wonders whether she actually read the book — which is only 131 pages — or just read a summary that appeared in the Daily Caller, since many of her points are highlighted in the Daily Caller article.
The Fact Checker read the book so that you don’t have to. It provides no specific sourcing for any of its claims, though in the back it provides a list of articles and books that presumably the author consulted. He claims that the book is not intended as an attack on President Obama, but only on the imperial trappings of the presidency, though the subtitle of the book is: “Your taxes are being used for Obama’s re-election.”
Bachmann, however, framed it as an attack on Obama, and we will examine her claims in that context. How does Obama compare with other presidents?
Bachmann’s headline figure is that Obama’s presidency costs $1.4 billion a year. Gray never quite explains how he developed that figure, though another self-published book, “The 1.4 Billion Dollar Man: Costs of the Obama White House,” by self-help writer John F. Groom, attempts to provide a breakdown. But what is quickly apparent is that this number covers every possible expense, including many having to do with the security that is necessary to protect the president. The figures also include the cost of the White House policy-making staffs. Are those really all “perks and excess?”
Groom’s figures include a number of somewhat fishy guesstimates (“unreimbursed campaign expenses”), but as it happens, a much more credible scholar — former White House aide Bradley H. Patterson Jr. — attempted to figure out the tab for the White House for a book, “To Serve the President,” published in 2010 by the Brookings Institution.
Patterson estimated that the cost of running the White House for fiscal year 2008 — when George W. Bush was president — was nearly $1.6 billion. About half — more than $800 million — related to the Secret Service budget. An additional $271 million was spent on the president’s helicopter squadron.
If Bush is a $1.6 billion man, does that make Obama a relative bargain at $1.4 billion?
By Kevin Dolak
Mar 18, 2013 2:42pm
Creators of the History channel’s “The Bible” today rejected suggestions that the character of Satan in the popular mini-series resembles President Obama.
“This is utter nonsense,” producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett said in a statement. “The actor who played Satan, Mehdi Ouazanni, is a highly acclaimed Moroccan actor. He has previously played parts in several Biblical epics — including Satanic characters long before Barack Obama was elected as our president.”
The History channel said any claims of a resemblance are “false.”
“HISTORY channel has the highest respect for President Obama. The series was produced with an international and diverse cast of respected actors. It’s unfortunate that anyone made this false connection,” the channel said.
The 10-hour series, produced by Downey and Burnett, who also produced “Survivor,” began airing March 3 and will conclude on March 31. The series has been pulling in strong ratings, with the premiere viewed by 13.1 million.
Sunday night’s reveal of Satan led many viewers to take to social media to express their surprise with the casting choice.
“Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?” conservative commentator Glenn Beck tweeted.
“Did you catch #TheBible last night? Obama made an appearance,” Twitter user Chris Forewit wrote.
The White House did not immediately respond to ABC News when reached for comment.
The casting decision recalls the uproar when it was revealed that the creators of “Game of Thrones” used a faux severed replica of former President George W. Bush’s head mounted on a stake in a number of scenes in the hit series. HBO quickly released an apology over its inclusion.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and front-runner for the Democratic nominee for President in 2016, has now formally followed the path of many other leading Democrats, including President Obama, in supporting marriage for LGBT Americans. In the video below, Mrs. Clinton explains her reasons.
For America to continue leading in the world, there is work we must do here at home. That means investing in our people, our economy, our national security. It also means working everyday as citizens, as communities, as a country. To live up to our highest ideals and continue our long march to a more perfect Union.
LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our Teachers, our Soldiers, our friends, our loved ones. And they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship. That includes marriage.
That is why I support for lesbian and gay couples.
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As a runner, there are many fantastic opportunities to participate in run events all over the world. My favorite event as a runner is by far The Color Run 5K, where dressed in white, you run through a color station at every 1K mark. By the time you finish, your pristine white running clothes look like they’ve barely survived an explosion at a crayon factory, and you’ll have powdered color in places one shouldn’t have powdered color.
The Color Run 5K, and its sibling, Color Me Rad tour dozens of major cities. Other popular fun runs are Zombie/Vampire themed 5Ks (do you want to run as a zombie, vampire, or human?), the Hot Chocolate 5K, and the Glo Run.
The cost of registering for these popular 5Ks will run you a little more than the average 5K registration, but for an untimed event, close to home, that you can choose to walk or run, your money will probably be well spent. And oh, by the way, you’ll also be exercising your body – especially if you decide to train yourself to run the event.
There are many fun runs out there for recreational runners who like to set training goals, but also have a good time. Active.com is a great resource for finding local, national, and global events, and the 2013 season is just getting started. Go have some fun!
Jennifer is a recreational runner living in a Maryland suburb of Washington, DC. She writes about running for health and fitness at Terrapin Crossing.
Yes! It’s Here! March Madness 2013 – the Superbowl of College Basketball, will begin Thursday, March 21st, 2013 with 68-teams focusing on the biggest prize in the college ranks, that of National Champion!
To be fair, there are several ‘Play-In’ games of smaller schools to actually get the opportunity to play against the #1 seeded teams in each region. Oh BOY, if you’re the smaller school that wins the ‘Play-In’ game. But the elation of that win turns into a sudden dose of reality once they step into the arena of BIG TIME Basketball against powerhouse #1 seeds like Indiana out of the East Region, Kansas from the South, Louisville representing the Midwest and, yes, the Cinderella Darling of previous National Championship runs, Gonzaga University out of the great state of Washington – with a student body enrollment of just over 7,800 – solidifying the #1 seed from the West.
Just looking at the brackets this year brings about intrigue and anxiety, depending on who you’re pulling for. I’m a North Carolina Tarheels fan and they’re an 8 seed. They’ve been a staple in the Big Dance for years and have 5-National Titles which includes 1957, 1982, 1993, 2005 and the last in 2009. They won’t win a 6th this year. (Sorry ‘Heels Fans). This is the first time I can recall UNC not having a ‘true’ big man in the middle. It will be tough to advance without one, especially if they win against #9, Villanova, they get #1 Kansas. Goodnight.
Also coming out of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) are N.C. State, another 8 seed in the East, Miami, a 2 seed also in the East who, arguably, should be a 1 after winning the ACC tournament and perennial tournament participant, Duke University (BOOO!), a 2 seed in the Midwest Region.
Another first, at least in my opinion, there’s not a clear favorite to win this year’s coveted trophy. That is unless you’re a #1 seeded fan. Indiana, Kansas, Louisville and Gonzaga have all been ranked #1 this season, only to suffer loses immediately after becoming #1. I know some will say, that’s just the regular season and this is when the season begins. True in both, but in years past, the dominating teams like Duke or Georgetown or North Carolina or Kentucky – which didn’t even make it in this year – or Michigan or Michigan St., just to name a few, were teams that ran the table during the regular season in most instances, won their conference championship and/or were regular season champs. It just doesn’t seem like the teams have that same dominance this year. And because of that, this tournament is Wide Open.
Outside of North Carolina being the clear favorite, I’ve never been so excited about March Madness. Why you ask? Because of how evenly matched these teams are, it will be hard to discern which region has the clear advantage or which team has an easier track to the Final Four. All the #1 seeds will make it deep into the tourney but they also have uphill battles with some teams that are poised to send them home before the Final Four.
Let’s take a quick look at some possible bumps in the road in each region:
- Louisville, the overall #1 seed in the Midwest may play #9, Missouri in the 2nd round and if Duke makes it through, Wow, what a great game to see who makes it through the Elite 8.
- Gonzaga, out of the West, has #2 seed Ohio State possibly in an Elite 8 match-up but they may have a tougher time trying to get past a tough Sweet 16 possibility with #4 Kansas State. And, there’s a hungry, 29-5, #3 seed, New Mexico team sitting out there as well.
- In the South, Kansas has some match-up problems of their own with a possible tango with #4 Michigan, in a must-see Sweet 16 nightmarish challenge. Within the same region, Florida and Georgetown may do the dance to advance to the Elite 8.
- Finally, the East #1 seed, Indiana definitely won’t have a cake-walk with Syracuse, a struggling #4 seed in their bracket. Miami, a 2 seed, is playing some great ball at the moment and has all the momentum going into this tournament. They too, are in the East and have a chance to advance to the Final Four.
Again, just looking at the brackets this year, survival early will be the name of this year’s Madness. Upsets have happened early before but I don’t see any of the #1 seeds getting bounced early this year. However, I don’t think all of the #1’s will make it through to the Final ‘Soirée’ either.
My Final Four are: Ohio State, Kansas, Miami and Louisville
Finalist will be: Ohio State vs. Miami
National Champions: Miami Hurricanes
I’m no Prognosticator by any means but my picks feel solid. It’s all up for debate which is why we fill these crazy brackets out every year. It’s Always fun, Always Crazy and It’s Always Madness Baby! Thanks Dick Vitale J
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C*G*R*Style: My Man Godfrey
I’d wager that for many, the winter weather has been a major culprit in letting go of New Year’s resolutions to make 2013 a healthy and fit year. Fortunately, this excuse is just about over. With the arrival of spring, there is little reason not to get outside and get moving!
My outdoor activity of choice is running. For me, there are few better ways to enjoy fresh air, socialize with other running friends, and get an incredible workout.
As a recreational runner, I am frequently asked about the best way to start a beginning runner’s program. I firmly believe that anyone is capable of completing a learn-to-walk or run program, provided they take it slow and steady. All you really need is a good plan, motivation, and commitment to see it through!*
Thinking about getting started? Check out these resources:
- Jeff Galloway’s 5K Training Plan: This is the easiest and most gentle 5K plan I have ever come across. In my opinion, it is superior to the popular Couch-to-5K plan, ideally suited for anyone who hasn’t been active in a while, or is looking for a less intense introduction to the sport.
- Active.com’s 5K Training Tips for Beginners: A concise overview of basic tips for new runners.
- Active.com’s Running Shoe Guide for Dummies: Runners have all manner of opinion on what constitutes the best footwear (if any) for running. Largely a matter of personal preference, but the bottom line is you should at the very least be aware of your options.
* If you haven’t been active for a while, or you have known medical conditions, you should always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Jennifer is a recreational runner living in a Maryland suburb of Washington, DC. She writes about running for health and fitness at Terrapin Crossing.