Exactly!

From a NYT book review:

Most of us are in the blissful position of having already made up our minds without bothering to think about it.

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.

Peace.

I bet ya three Dorotas I could make ya happy

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.

Leap and the net will appear

you've flapped and fluttered against limits long enough
you've been a bird without wings
in a house without doors or windows
compassion builds a door
courage cuts a key
ask,
step off into the air
like a baby hawk
strut proudly into the sunlight
not looking back
take sips of this pure wine being poured
don't mind if you've been given a dirty cup
it's nothing.

Thanks to Landis.

This is the only world we have, and the other guy counts, too!

via

Protect Marriage! Ban Divorce.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Yes, we can!

History is made. I can't wait to see what happens next.

You gotta give 'em HOPE

via towleroad

Feel how it quivers on the brink

I saw this over at Jake's blog (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.

Believe it or not, it's just me

From my little java joint yesterday:

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::

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 The Flying Nun and I thought maybe this idea could work.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.

The key to a room of one's own and a mind without end

One cannot think well,
love well,
sleep well,
if one has not dined well.
Virginia Woolf

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.)

Gives ya the shivers, makes ya think, there's so much more to sing

So 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 Freakgirl. Take a gander:

Jellus? I know. La Freakgirl and I saw Mr. Cheyenne Jackson 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.

My undying gratitude to Deb/Freakgirl! Keith Michael.

Watching the sky's first light while the city sleeps

I saw this video over at fourfour 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.

It's embarrassing. Srsly.

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.

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.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

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.

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.

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?


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.

Something is stirring, shifting ground, it's just begun

I've never been more moved or inspired by a political speech. We can't go back.

Let's cut to the chase

ABC is adding these two series to its 2008-09 lineup:

Castle, a comedic crime drama about mystery writer Nick Castle.

Cupid, a romantic dramedy featuring Trevor, a character who might just be a Roman god of love.

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 chair is just a chair, unless someone is sitting there

I 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 GQ Rules (How To Become A Well-Dressed Rebel In 30 Days). I guess I'm only a week in, so it's probably too early to call, but so far we have the following:

1. Wear a suit, don't look like one. 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.

2. Dress to a T. Where they put a t-shirt....you guessed it....with a suit.

3. Put a Lid on It. People who look fabulous in hats x me. That's a Venn diagram with no intersection.

4. Rethink Your Leather Jacket. Buy one with a closer fit, and wear it....like a suit jacket. Lemme guess. Pair it with a t?

5. Get Some Color. 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?

6. Dress Up Your Denim. Hmmm, wonder how they'll do that? With a suit jacket maybe? Fer chrissake.

7. Wear It On Your Chest. Finally, another one to savor. I'm completely infatuated with Mad Men 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.

8. Go Vest, Young Man. 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.

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."

Where 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:

Dude: Barack Obama is not the man.
Me: O RLY?
Dude: And it's not that....I mean, I'd vote for Colin Powell.
Me: Um. OK.
Dude: Plus, have people already forgotten 9/11?
Me: What do you mean?
Dude: Well, he was mostly raised in the Middle East.
Me: Actually, no, he wasn't.
Dude: Either way, he's still a Muslim.
Me: So you think we'll get rain today?

I feel guilty about it, but sometimes I'm just too tired to go on.

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.

That would be perfection

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.

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? Two words: Pocket rockets. (via)

It feels like home to me

I 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:

Mom: I'm really surprised he has time for marathon training.
Me: What do you mean?
Mom: Well, he has a very successful business and he's working all the time.
Me: What about me?
Mom: What about you?