Happy Birthday Marse Robert

Today is the birthday of Robert E. Lee. Born this date in 1807, Lee had a varied career as an officer in the United States Army and when the War  broke out he chose to go with his native state of Virginia. He could have very easily had the post of United States' Army commander. It was a different time sure. Those who practice revisionist history and consider this fine, distinguished man "evil" or "racist" are foolish and ignorant. He is a figure of great importance in the history of this nation. It is disturbing that there are those who are so ignorant of American history. It is ridiculous that there are those that allow their pathetic petty prejudices get in the way of educating themselves about our country. No Master Robert was not evil. On the contrary.

Tell em Like it is Ricky

I did not watch the Golden Goobs live, I preferred to watch the Military Channel to see who won WWII, but I did see Ricky Gervais' opening remarks this morning on various web sites. I also saw an op-ed that opined that Ricky was "mean" to the Hollywood types. I myself have a love/hate relationship with those folk. I enjoy movies and I appreciate the skill it takes to be a real dramatic (or comedic) actor, but I also find some of these Hollywood types to be dunces and fools. There is a sense of entitlement there under the surface with some of those people that is a bit sickening. Many seem to think that their opinions should matter more than others. After all they are sensitive artists. In reality they are nothing more than jesters. High paid and talented perhaps, but jesters none the less. I think it great that Gervais made light of them. I enjoyed watching their pasted on smiles as he joked at their expense. I wager he won't be invited back.

Boogie Nights and Sniff'n the Tears. More Opium? Fill my Bowl

The Tucson thing is still the topic, non stop topic, on talk radio and "news" television. It seems just last week we were all concerned about TSA employees looking at someones cock. I suppose it is safe to say that I am nauseated now. I have before stated that as a centrist I can point fingers of blame at those exploiting this horrible tragedy to the utmost and I will so point said fingers. The "professional" (and otherwise) left in this country are beating their drums and blowing their horns to the point of insanity. I really question whether some of these folks are really as soulless as they sound. Perhaps I exaggerate. There really seems to be very little in the way of remembering the victims of this awful episode and a whole lot of vicious, sick, vitriol. Nuff said on that I suppose.

I again find myself filling my bowl with the finest opium in the way of the one hit wonder "Sniff'n the Tears" with  their classic "Driver's Seat." This song certainly brings back memories for me personally. When this tune was popular I was stranded in Alameda, Ca. in USCG basic training. Really it was not all that hard for me and I wondered at some at the pussies who had trouble adjusting to military training. What did they think was going to happen in boot camp? A birthday party? At that time Coastie basic was twelve weeks of hell. This was before it was shortened and became coed training. Ask anyone with any knowledge of such matters and they will tell you it was every bit as hard as Marine Corps basic. Who says that drill instructors didn't smack you around a bit in the late 70's basic? Who says? At any rate, the song reminds me of sitting in my "rack" during some rare time off with the barracks radio blaring this tune through the roof. Just like it was yesterday I tell you. I loved it then and I love it now. You know, this song had a resurrection somewhat in the incomparable 1997 film "Boogie Nights." The scene where "The Colonel" (Roger Ridley RIP) greets Floyd Gondolli (Phillip Baker Hall) at the big NYE party. Great Great Great. The song was playing in the soundtrack. It is interesting that Boogie Nights was a watershed film for quite a number of actors who have gone onto stardom and semi stardom. Boogie Nights resurrected the film career of Burt Reynolds somewhat. Marky Mark was propelled to stardom. Don Cheadle as "Buck" is classic as is John C. Reilly as "Reed Rothchild." Phillip Seymour Hoffman has since become a force in films also. There are more; Melora Walters has gotten some good roles and of course Thomas Jane (Todd Parker) has made inroads in the movie game. Good for them. There are still more of course. This truly was a film with an all star cast. William Macy, Heather Graham, Julianne Moore as "Amber Waves," Luis Guzman, Alfred Molina and Joanna Gleason all had a role in this film. Even some of the stars of the "adult" biz had roles. Nina Hartley, Lil Cinderella, Tony Tedeschi, Sky Blue and Summer Cummings were featured. Who can forget the lovely Veronica Hart as the "Judge?" If you remember (well maybe you don't) she was one of the darlings of the "Golden Age of Porn" prior to the video revolution. After all the "early days" of commercial pornography is what the film is really about. Why else would Ron Jeremy be a consultant? Of course he was a young man at the time portrayed and it probably would have been better to get one of the Mitchell Brothers (one is still alive I think) or Gerard Damiano (RIP) for a better view of the "business" Oh well. The things one thinks about when trying to find distraction from the craziness that has befallen our nation. Wonder what's next.

A Bit More on the Evil Empire

I unfortunately found myself shopping at the Evil Empire this afternoon with the sole intent of purchasing a couple of small bottles of tempera paint for a class that I am teaching. Should be no problem right? Guess what? They did not have it. Perhaps they don't make this stuff in Red China. I don't know. Had to go to another store to make the purchase. At any rate while shopping I did need to pick up a few other grocery items as we all must do at one time or another. I try to avoid the Empire but sometimes it is convenient and it is in fact somewhat cheaper than most stores. Well as I was standing in the check out line I noticed some incense made in good old Oxford, Ohio; USA. I was a bit surprised at this as I know that a lot of smell pretty type stuff is made by borderline slaves in China. I found that rather interesting and I do know that they carry some candles made in West Monroe, Louisiana. I suppose if you look hard enough, even at the den of Evil, you can find a few items still made in the USA. Not enough though. Not near enough.

Holidays Draw to a Close

The last bowl game has been played and the Saints are finished for the season. The Holidays are officially over.

More Opium for Me. You Are Welcome to Partake If You so Desire

Well things are totally out of hand with everybody trying to blame each other for the terrible incident in AZ. I have grown tired of it for sure by now. It was the work of one nut apparently and no one is sure of his political bent or motive. Not that it matters now. As a centrist I can safely and objectively say that some on the left are sad, sick little human beings. Pathetic. Hopefully those injured will recover and those killed RIP. I especially grieve with the family of the small child. Sickening. I will try some opium in the form of the incomparable band "War." Incidentally "War" still tours under the name of the "Lowrider Band." Apparently due to a copyright, trademark thing most original members can not use the name. Don't be fooled now with a band that tours as "War;" it is not the real deal.

Tired of the Nonsense? Try a little Al Stewart

With all the the crazy things happening in the last couple of days I grow tired of the pundits, nuts, and pussies who are attempting to lay blame for the horrific episode in Arizona on one group or another. I find myself again watching music videos of a time gone by. Enjoy Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat."  There is a college football game on tonight also.