tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148018502024-03-07T03:46:22.012-05:00PIPEDREAMSIf we live our lives the right way, then everything we do can become a work of art.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.comBlogger1021125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-25518783096872164582009-09-06T09:21:00.001-05:002009-09-06T09:21:40.146-05:00A Couple of Swells<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/YU3robyaNAY' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/YU3robyaNAY'/></object></p><p>I had a rough long run this morning. I've since reframed it in a "glass half full" way. I'm regrouped. This little song and dance number helped. It always does. Fred Astaire and Judy Garland together is almost too much for this gay boy's heart to take. Almost.</p></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-26488995175251155722009-08-23T05:03:00.001-05:002009-08-23T05:03:33.802-05:00Friendly Fires - "Kiss Of Life"<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/NK0H3jEwUYc' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/NK0H3jEwUYc'/></object></p><p>The song, the video, his eyes...even his MOVES, are all working for me. I wanna feel it today. The kiss of life.</p></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-9058333385100972092009-02-12T08:35:00.000-05:002009-02-12T08:32:40.571-05:00Lying to yourself doesn't make it easier<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object width="425" height="350"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/OngJRXh1rBk" name="movie"></object></p><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object width="425" height="350"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/wbqHddFqAos" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/wbqHddFqAos" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></p></div><p></p><p>I've been obsessed with this song for a few weeks now, with no sign of waning interest. Makes me happy every time it pops up at home or in the car or at the gym or on the running paths. Listen and just try to sit still. Frankmusik.<br /></p></div><br /><br />I have one other song from this guy, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDgu2UoyQHo&feature=related"><span style="font-style: italic;">Vacant Heart</span></a>. Need more!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-77481034149672860902009-02-12T08:18:00.004-05:002009-02-12T08:28:02.825-05:00Baby, if he's the bottom, I'm the top<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bKOHn2cWZLcmI24vQTvdCIay-gtIhBUKg-kjVCF52hvr7SbP_PQw4m_MQ-SmlUQGBBEq0bHi2ii0uUalg1CvTR4ddgIw5_w_SWcvrycfEO-VDMuaAHxw_xhXdytKGcotVOVW/s1600-h/cheyennebottom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bKOHn2cWZLcmI24vQTvdCIay-gtIhBUKg-kjVCF52hvr7SbP_PQw4m_MQ-SmlUQGBBEq0bHi2ii0uUalg1CvTR4ddgIw5_w_SWcvrycfEO-VDMuaAHxw_xhXdytKGcotVOVW/s320/cheyennebottom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301900465163955202" border="0" /></a><br />OK, two days in a row. Who smells a trend? But as a Cheyennetologist, how could I resist re-posting a pic of Mr. Jackson bottoming for Sandra Bernhard? This was from Broadway Backwards, which I think is a fundraiser for <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/specialevents/broadwaybackwards">New York City's LGBT Community Center</a>.<br /><br />Wow. That ass/thigh combo is quite the one-two punch, non?<br /><br />via <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/">Joe.My.God</a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-59626245090677575192009-02-10T22:01:00.003-05:002009-02-10T22:03:49.343-05:00Grip so tight it shattersI know I don't blog anymore, but in case anyone is around, I wanted to make sure you didn't miss Will Young's new video. LOVE this guy. I've really been enjoying his latest CD. Not sure how it's doing. Did he even sell it in the US? Anyway, I think the video is an unexpected and great take on the song.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uR2ylBzWW8A&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uR2ylBzWW8A&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-26165264497369786882009-01-07T08:11:00.001-05:002009-01-07T08:14:48.313-05:00Exactly!From a NYT book review: <blockquote>Most of us are in the blissful position of having already made up our minds without bothering to think about it.</blockquote>This was in reference to evolution, but we can apply this to a whole lotta other topics, can't we? I can abide your differing opinion, but not if it's ignorant. <br /><br />Peace.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-71299879481555716252009-01-06T20:13:00.001-05:002009-01-06T20:13:45.069-05:00I bet ya three Dorotas I could make ya happy<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/VLRaJOnJHhU' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/VLRaJOnJHhU'/></object></p><p>If you don't follow the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, don't bother with this. But if you do, I'll wager this is the best thing you'll see all month. </p></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-19928086445309132252008-12-31T09:37:00.000-05:002008-12-31T09:39:18.939-05:00Leap and the net will appear<blockquote>you've flapped and fluttered against limits long enough<br />you've been a bird without wings<br />in a house without doors or windows<br />compassion builds a door<br />courage cuts a key<br />ask,<br />step off into the air<br />like a baby hawk<br />strut proudly into the sunlight<br />not looking back<br />take sips of this pure wine being poured<br />don't mind if you've been given a dirty cup<br />it's nothing.<br /></blockquote><br />Thanks to <a href="http://thetwodogblog.blogspot.com">Landis</a>.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-41359708136813442832008-11-14T12:42:00.004-05:002008-11-14T12:53:19.106-05:00This is the only world we have, and the other guy counts, too!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5xdxOL8PTxrSCrZaoShMgUMuRRw-ZG2A-ZaZtD0gJGvANxS5zqSpjp_eQm1Ru1r8XRW52C0fAoBTXbG3dUZ0dXjTJ8hQrlXCCDUoOCxnxNAgD-Yc96bn_qsS95dQz-_dNUFX/s1600-h/defendequality_shepardfaire_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5xdxOL8PTxrSCrZaoShMgUMuRRw-ZG2A-ZaZtD0gJGvANxS5zqSpjp_eQm1Ru1r8XRW52C0fAoBTXbG3dUZ0dXjTJ8hQrlXCCDUoOCxnxNAgD-Yc96bn_qsS95dQz-_dNUFX/s320/defendequality_shepardfaire_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268570031007530050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://towleroad.com/">via</a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-82681546656834683432008-11-11T19:39:00.000-05:002008-11-11T19:40:14.291-05:00Protect Marriage! Ban Divorce.<object width="464" height="388" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="key=cca5e8a78a" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="464" height="388" flashvars="key=cca5e8a78a" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" src="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div style="text-align:center;width: 464px;">See more <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/">funny videos</a> at Funny or Die</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-20630412435537035302008-11-05T08:24:00.002-05:002008-11-05T08:25:03.640-05:00Yes, we can!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRStR-bPY8qZyUceGVUrv8jHtoV379el2_P9gs_kSR847RIipUJk1YqtbIL_HJ-Jv-lFo_3j76tidQJEd8tm0T9_ox8RFyxST3Wg4neoVFsU8R0nchx0JSJGx0oGvZ3vwy9QD1/s1600-h/november42008rq9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRStR-bPY8qZyUceGVUrv8jHtoV379el2_P9gs_kSR847RIipUJk1YqtbIL_HJ-Jv-lFo_3j76tidQJEd8tm0T9_ox8RFyxST3Wg4neoVFsU8R0nchx0JSJGx0oGvZ3vwy9QD1/s320/november42008rq9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265163867201738578" /></a><br />History is made. I can't wait to see what happens next.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-49641008036136418152008-10-22T10:38:00.002-05:002008-10-22T10:42:46.642-05:00You gotta give 'em HOPE<object type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowNetworking='all' allowScriptAccess='always' allowFullScreen='true' height='340' width='550' id='causecast_video' align='middle' data='http://static.causecast.org/swf/videoplayer/VideoPlayer.swf?v=?3a0d2eb'><param name='allowNetworking' value='all' /><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='movie' value='http://static.causecast.org/swf/videoplayer/VideoPlayer.swf?v=?3a0d2eb' /><param name='flashvars' value='cv=?3a0d2eb&location=http://www.causecast.org/videos/2980&sizeString=550x340¤t_user=&appDomain=http://www.causecast.org' /><param name='quality' value='high' /><param name='isInternal' value='true' /><param name='wmode' value='transparent' /><param name='bgColor' value='0x000000' /></object><br /><br />via <a href="http://towleroad.com">towleroad</a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-20138903193679168432008-10-08T12:32:00.002-05:002008-10-08T12:35:58.584-05:00Feel how it quivers on the brink<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShhDsTsWPJ-iROFlh7irpSE9NC2uSLwi1QKJpH_RbX21TG-0KebUpfeRmsxD5VP3NK0pYcJc6AzO9bwFjgSwHLKBKV7jdB4N_04xJac3ykP-xb21fqrnSCDR_s5dkXZ3roaBN/s1600-h/that_one_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShhDsTsWPJ-iROFlh7irpSE9NC2uSLwi1QKJpH_RbX21TG-0KebUpfeRmsxD5VP3NK0pYcJc6AzO9bwFjgSwHLKBKV7jdB4N_04xJac3ykP-xb21fqrnSCDR_s5dkXZ3roaBN/s320/that_one_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254838087948873762" border="0" /></a><br />I saw this over at <a href="http://nofo.blogspot.com/">Jake's blog</a> (he's totes adorable and is also running the Chicago marathon this weekend...along with his husband, methinks) and couldn't resist posting it up here, even though this blog is existing on fumes lately.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-77195076684019137642008-10-02T08:22:00.006-05:002008-10-02T09:40:47.390-05:00Believe it or not, it's just meFrom my little java joint yesterday:<br /><br />Coffee Shop Lady (CSL): My daughter is SO excited to be a superhero for Halloween. She asked, "What will my superpower be, Mommy?" And I said, "The power of prayer!" ::as she shouts and raises her fist to the heavens::<br /><br />Cut to me desperately trying not to roll my eyes. Worst superpower ever? And what the hell kind of costume would that be? But then I remembered just how much fun my sister and I used to have playing <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061252/">The Flying Nun</a></span> and I thought maybe this idea could work.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg3_inaTW0h_jp8cxVISNY8pg3EtMexfWWL03DPNTFkbDKKwsafgdj_yDUnLXG0zX6Bukr_hzlaYCPDEdbDjCha_-weCN3VunEPnGQNtMTQgFxDZ0ViHHqtidLyq0iZVLp6DW/s1600-h/field_flying_nun_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg3_inaTW0h_jp8cxVISNY8pg3EtMexfWWL03DPNTFkbDKKwsafgdj_yDUnLXG0zX6Bukr_hzlaYCPDEdbDjCha_-weCN3VunEPnGQNtMTQgFxDZ0ViHHqtidLyq0iZVLp6DW/s320/field_flying_nun_small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252548397325910658" /></a>Gosh, I can't count how many times we fashioned elaborate wimples (or, if we were feeling less ambitious, settling for a more demure bath towel headdress for Sr. Bertrille's "novitiate" look) and soared around the backyard.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-42271868285533040202008-10-01T08:52:00.003-05:002008-10-01T08:59:08.288-05:00The key to a room of one's own and a mind without end<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3w1dJKrA7t4u6AQSoFCf4IqiLF5-qH_vxE34BH6ey7UHJQe7GbVQRnbOPvRVWkQLM5GWOeHpegwfHlSkygVHBBmzYDJq281B-nJVXcgHOpr8QmXAPRimtlqxEp3WzQ0VUXsK/s1600-h/A+room+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3w1dJKrA7t4u6AQSoFCf4IqiLF5-qH_vxE34BH6ey7UHJQe7GbVQRnbOPvRVWkQLM5GWOeHpegwfHlSkygVHBBmzYDJq281B-nJVXcgHOpr8QmXAPRimtlqxEp3WzQ0VUXsK/s320/A+room+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252183486708622978" /></a><br /><blockquote>One cannot think well,<br />love well,<br />sleep well,<br />if one has not dined well.<br />Virginia Woolf</blockquote> <br /><br />So while I may attempt to live more simply in these trying times (goodbye, new car!), I'm taking Ms. Woolf's advice and keeping food, glorious food, as my sole indulgence. (And electronic gadgets, natch.)Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-37163347658850184332008-09-21T03:55:00.007-05:002008-10-01T09:40:52.734-05:00Gives ya the shivers, makes ya think, there's so much more to singSo when I was sitting at home yesterday, eating sausages and watching Wonderfalls on DVD....speaking of....that show is delightful. My only quibble? Could use more Lee Pace. Though in its defense, couldn't everything? Anyway, where was I? Oh, so I'm having the spicy pork products and reveling in the wry humor, completely unaware that one of the most awesome things EVER was happening in New York City, courtesy of one of my bestest friends, the lovely <a href="http://freakgirl.com/blog">Freakgirl</a>. Take a gander:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCjJP7Fa8TevyVFi7npXqL3m_HBdd93X5SN3t3HBi-S76Ph4q2ZAbEJPeJcPIly3y76vCa8XjghIU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Jellus? I know. La Freakgirl and I saw <a href="http://cheyennejackson.com">Mr. Cheyenne Jackson</a> in Xanadu last fall (from the stage!) and we've been all aflutter about it ever since. OK, yeah, it's mostly me fluttering, but she plays along and you can hardly tell! And while I'm not immune to the charms of his thighs in satin booty shorts (natch), CheyJack is not just a prime piece. He's the real deal. After casually perusing his website (in a completely non-obsessive, non-stalkery fashion), I found lots to admire about the way he conducts his life. He may be much younger than I (and much prettier, the bitch), but I aspire to REPRESENT like he does. <br /><br />My undying gratitude to Deb/Freakgirl! Keith Michael.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-63657267846891858752008-09-16T19:50:00.003-05:002008-09-16T19:54:36.090-05:00Watching the sky's first light while the city sleeps<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/KXj0QcSDVRE' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/KXj0QcSDVRE'/></object></p><p>I saw this video over at <a href="http://fourfour.typepad.com">fourfour</a> and was knocked over by the wave of nostalgia. Why Rich loves/scorns it, I can only guess, but I clearly remember that when this video came out I thought Belinda Carlisle was the most gorgeous creature on earth. OK, I still do. Look at her (especially with Marilyn-inspired eyes)! I don't remember the year (and I'm too tired to look it up), but I'm betting I taped this song off the radio onto a cassette. And probably imitated her self-conscious arm movements while dancing by myself.</p></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-35280265884832928582008-09-15T17:35:00.004-05:002008-09-15T17:42:08.389-05:00It's embarrassing. Srsly.<embed src="http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/1185304443" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1786848892&playerId=1185304443&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://console.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed><p>Like McCain's ads don't make you cringe? I can hardly stand to watch this previously respected man stoop to this level of discourse. It's nothing but lies and obfuscation. I worry (even more) for this country if it works. I'm glad they are FINALLY bluntly calling him on it.<br /><br />PS Palin lied AGAIN today, claiming she said, "Thanks, but no thanks" to Congressinal funding of the Bridge to Nowhere. This claim has been debunked, but she continues to repeat the lie.</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-24123222284774804472008-09-02T08:36:00.004-05:002008-09-02T09:45:40.330-05:00Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriLxm7SpxbxwlCTdbI9YI1R7UoDEzLRukTiPyJ_bIFZdsqS0NFh3QIICzr2NfDf4DdZ7ICnamcHeGatoqeh5R7L8fWRbduAaAkP2rb4kd6A15CR-SI-rEmndlaaIg8oGyfEN0/s1600-h/088-+Walden+Pond+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriLxm7SpxbxwlCTdbI9YI1R7UoDEzLRukTiPyJ_bIFZdsqS0NFh3QIICzr2NfDf4DdZ7ICnamcHeGatoqeh5R7L8fWRbduAaAkP2rb4kd6A15CR-SI-rEmndlaaIg8oGyfEN0/s320/088-+Walden+Pond+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241434860642639506" /></a>That's Thoreau. Over the last year I've drawn inspiration from his mandate to simplify. Simplify! But it's been almost a year since I sold my house and most of my possessions, and now I've settled into some semblance of a comfortable existence again. But stagnant. So I'm looking to him (and you!) for more inspiration. <br /><br /><blockquote>Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.</blockquote><br />I reflected over the LONG relatively uneventful weekend, and I'm committed to making some concrete steps this week. Call me out on it if I don't, won't you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej0EITX5zvPRkxjL0kIIVD018ZWRV-iBJdVk0hfRpiCE3hHDbd95N8owSd8KHVYeRf-bw07_y8i3bbKZQui22ro8Ivk2nnNYjC6Slwf0eoqGdA7Vg4p3aZAUOfC-q8WQ17cbH/s1600-h/chickenthoreau.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej0EITX5zvPRkxjL0kIIVD018ZWRV-iBJdVk0hfRpiCE3hHDbd95N8owSd8KHVYeRf-bw07_y8i3bbKZQui22ro8Ivk2nnNYjC6Slwf0eoqGdA7Vg4p3aZAUOfC-q8WQ17cbH/s320/chickenthoreau.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241418518319994210" /></a><br />Let's see if I can hold myself back from getting all Little Edie on your asses tomorrow with the Frost poem quoting. I make no promises.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-88811286687316363832008-08-29T02:17:00.003-05:002008-08-29T02:19:56.434-05:00Something is stirring, shifting ground, it's just begun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8IAUboe-XMmcL6q8B9RSDTL0GZrBCw77s0u-qltdipgSvlMkaJ4ZikDvWRmhnktdhLs8v5H_twtPMaR8V4Kvl8jyksTpJaIaOLMK5UOP2ZfZHJKS2olUBowGLD7Ho9WlehUK/s1600-h/BarackObamaForPresident.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8IAUboe-XMmcL6q8B9RSDTL0GZrBCw77s0u-qltdipgSvlMkaJ4ZikDvWRmhnktdhLs8v5H_twtPMaR8V4Kvl8jyksTpJaIaOLMK5UOP2ZfZHJKS2olUBowGLD7Ho9WlehUK/s320/BarackObamaForPresident.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239835478930309122" /></a><br />I've never been more moved or inspired by a political speech. We can't go back.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-11094754502032985682008-08-28T06:00:00.003-05:002008-08-28T06:11:58.380-05:00Let's cut to the chaseABC is adding these two series to its 2008-09 lineup:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Castle</span>, a comedic crime drama about mystery writer Nick Castle.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cupid</span>, a romantic dramedy featuring Trevor, a character who might just be a Roman god of love.<br /><br />Never mind the ridiculousness of "comedic crime drama" and "romantic dramedy," these don't sound particularly appealing as stated, do they? Well, that's because I've left out the four most important words: Nathan, Fillion, Bobby, and Cannavale. Yeah, I'll be tuning in, too.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8OvtLuXuWNxUlGPmqHQR1pHndw7gLI5ffXSyqViNylX6aHn2Uo1V-058BkLHkAyhZ7DaouZ7TXatnUz4x1Op9cwwEyIbcqQfr6q43mvWbcQxY-qP2tAhr42ByJcXlWgZLEwh/s1600-h/nathan_fillion_99.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8OvtLuXuWNxUlGPmqHQR1pHndw7gLI5ffXSyqViNylX6aHn2Uo1V-058BkLHkAyhZ7DaouZ7TXatnUz4x1Op9cwwEyIbcqQfr6q43mvWbcQxY-qP2tAhr42ByJcXlWgZLEwh/s320/nathan_fillion_99.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239524350824223026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfPqX_IHfXSnuHX5i9sqToXdZspCRszKyA09vK8Y3kXl40w645IfIcsGbc_yw0UdzY_f4gwPyEEMr5zlJZTQCXId5_FE1mBM4Vv7IkajeRsOJvbLpFPZrp4MEAlgvCEQIMbMQ/s1600-h/bobbyc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfPqX_IHfXSnuHX5i9sqToXdZspCRszKyA09vK8Y3kXl40w645IfIcsGbc_yw0UdzY_f4gwPyEEMr5zlJZTQCXId5_FE1mBM4Vv7IkajeRsOJvbLpFPZrp4MEAlgvCEQIMbMQ/s320/bobbyc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239524350856148338" border="0" /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-42894402946031241472008-08-27T14:23:00.002-05:002008-08-27T14:48:26.438-05:00A chair is just a chair, unless someone is sitting thereI guess there's only so much you can do with a man's clothes, but I have to admit I'm disappointed with the daily videos I've been receiving from <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.gqrules.com/welcome.php?tip_id=1">GQ Rules</a> (How To Become A Well-Dressed Rebel In 30 Days)</span>. I guess I'm only a week in, so it's probably too early to call, but so far we have the following:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Wear a suit, don't look like one.</span> Breaking up suits always sounds good, but how many times have you seen it done well? TOUGH to carry off, I think. And it's probably an indictment of my life, but the occasions to even consider it don't seem to pop up.<br /><br />2.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Dress to a T.</span> Where they put a t-shirt....you guessed it....with a suit.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-style: italic;">Put a Lid on It.</span> People who look fabulous in hats x me. That's a Venn diagram with no intersection. <br /><br />4. <span style="font-style: italic;">Rethink Your Leather Jacket.</span> Buy one with a closer fit, and wear it....like a suit jacket. Lemme guess. Pair it with a t?<br /><br />5. <span style="font-style: italic;">Get Some Color.</span> This one I love because it's a lesson I have slowly learned over the years, I really enjoy the way Glenn O'Brien mixes his pops of color, and I'm also enamored of his perpetually snarky expression. Did he say his jacket was lined with naked lady?<br /><br />6. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dress Up Your Denim.</span> Hmmm, wonder how they'll do that? With a suit jacket maybe? Fer chrissake.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-style: italic;">Wear It On Your Chest.</span> Finally, another one to savor. I'm completely infatuated with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mad Men</span> right now, so pocket squares are pinging my radar. I'm SO wearing one next time I need to wear a suit. Which, you know, Grandma turned 93 last week, so any time. That would be a crisply folded white one, but the colored ones in this video are SMASHING. <br /><br />8. <span style="font-style: italic;">Go Vest, Young Man.</span> A new week, another "break up your suit" tip. Not sure I can pull this off, but the video is worth it for all the stills of the lovely James McAvoy rocking vests and cocky expressions.<br /><br />So I guess these are probably good tips, if a little repetitive. It'll be interesting (?) to see how they come up with 22 more "rules."Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-19112200116182071102008-08-27T08:49:00.004-05:002008-08-27T09:37:09.711-05:00Where is that damn EJECT button?I actively avoid talking about politics with clients. Some things I learn. Sometimes, despite all my frantic steering, the conversation ends with a wreck like this:<br /><br />Dude: Barack Obama is not the man.<br />Me: O RLY?<br />Dude: And it's not that....I mean, I'd vote for Colin Powell.<br />Me: Um. OK.<br />Dude: Plus, have people already forgotten 9/11?<br />Me: What do you mean?<br />Dude: Well, he was mostly raised in the Middle East.<br />Me: Actually, no, he wasn't.<br />Dude: Either way, he's still a Muslim.<br />Me: So you think we'll get rain today?<br /><br />I feel guilty about it, but sometimes I'm just too tired to go on.<br /><br />Look, I'm not trying to feel superior to this guy, or even mock his political affiliations. Believe what you want to believe, but if you can't be bothered to get INFORMED, then shut up. Is it too much to ask that you UNDERSTAND why you believe something? It's like, I'm not gonna suddenly start talking about football. Like that.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-7650969733217126732008-08-20T11:20:00.004-05:002008-08-20T15:07:09.011-05:00That would be perfection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jig3Q8uNQh4RD8E5dUTvs1ubnRBScELAhOaqPnud6SLj1bUVw0UGwc0h80CfMd6hA0WAbXlyblmm2mYLyx3EEBT8OKAZGIZe7uGhN-ABv3EMtiORUKxU_mtFisCZ3aj_a5Tn/s1600-h/padma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jig3Q8uNQh4RD8E5dUTvs1ubnRBScELAhOaqPnud6SLj1bUVw0UGwc0h80CfMd6hA0WAbXlyblmm2mYLyx3EEBT8OKAZGIZe7uGhN-ABv3EMtiORUKxU_mtFisCZ3aj_a5Tn/s320/padma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236636218800238306" /></a>Oh Padma. I won't even insult her with a cliche like "I'd switch sides for her." No need. Even as I stay gayer than a tree full of monkeys, I'd still give my left nut to do her. You heard me. I'd give Esteban. My favorite.<br /><br />And for those who just can't cotton to a little ON GIRL action, I'll offer the silver and bronze medalists on horizontal bar from last night's apparatus competition in Beijing. Germany's Fabien Hambuechen seems sincere in his congratulations to US gymnast Jonathan Horton, no? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v913DLqVcPDinSBeYag35tRrS_SpomKFOD8QaUC56XyfqZIqNWGwXVNp7NJvPgv7Tu71cFqVh2VkAECkGH4vpebreVGN0VDTKn3XYHKEtaoPrJnHMF8FdnEko_yb7zqSaIrQ/s1600-h/hambuechen_horton.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v913DLqVcPDinSBeYag35tRrS_SpomKFOD8QaUC56XyfqZIqNWGwXVNp7NJvPgv7Tu71cFqVh2VkAECkGH4vpebreVGN0VDTKn3XYHKEtaoPrJnHMF8FdnEko_yb7zqSaIrQ/s320/hambuechen_horton.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236693578232313858" /></a>Two words: Pocket rockets. (<a href="http://towleroad.com">via</a>)Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14801850.post-61888881609960206082008-08-19T13:12:00.001-05:002008-08-19T13:15:38.364-05:00It feels like home to meI was talking to Mom this weekend, and I mentioned some of the people I'd done my training run with Sunday morning. Specifically, we were discussing a local business owner and the following exchange occurred:<br /><br />Mom: I'm really surprised he has time for marathon training.<br />Me: What do you mean?<br />Mom: Well, he has a very successful business and he's working all the time.<br />Me: What about me?<br />Mom: What about you?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974435902564570126noreply@blogger.com7