February 27, 2005

The essence of Life

Life is a prison comedy directed by Ted Demme. Starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, Life tells the story of two small time criminals framed for murder and sentenced, oddly enough, to life in prison. The hard luck criminals must overcome personal rivalries and prison hardships to survive, and apparently are hilarious while doing so.

February 26, 2005

das Bierzelt

I had a few drinks with Bryan last night at a great new joint on Prospect called Cafe Brücke. Judy met up with us a little later, and we enjoyed a bite to eat, as well. Overall, I was very impressed with the atmosphere at the Cafe, and the beer selection was delicious. Our bartender seemed to know his stuff, and our server was very attentive, although I think I may have offended her by waving my hand to get her attention when we wanted to settle up. Sorry about that, miss.

My only complaint is the benches at our table. While visually appealing, I could only sit in them comfortably for about 5 minutes. After that, it was a struggle to maintain a painless position. Small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, though.

To all who doubt the old school charms of the original "Center of Power", come check out the Cafe Brücke sometime. I think I'll take my father out to eat there today. They have a braunschweiger sandwich, called the "Deutschlander", that he's anxious to try. Good stuff, all around.

February 24, 2005

thirtysomething

Today is my co-worker The Other Dan’s 30th birthday. Happy birthday, The Other Dan! Welcome to adulthood! You’re the greatest person named The Other Dan that I have ever met in my life, and I mean that!

February 23, 2005

Return of the Jedi

Seems the talks between President Bush and the European Union leadership have been a little icy. While celebrating a token commitment of European support concerning Iraqi reconstruction and troop training, the President has nonetheless expressed misgivings about Europe's insistence on a strong European defense structure independent of NATO. Addressing the issue of a rising European state as a counterbalance to U.S. hegemony, Bush had this to say:

"Why, when in fact we share values and goals? As opposed to counterbalancing each other, why don't we view this as a moment when we can move in a concerted fashion to achieve those goals?"

You mean the kind of values and goals that keep the United States number one in the world? I don't think Europe shares those values, Mr. President.

Europe spent the latter half of the 20th century recovering from two devastating military conflicts. Continental destruction, coupled with the Cold War, created a need for international assistance with matters of defense. Enter NATO. Consequently, Europe has been afforded the luxury of sitting quietly aside while America has carried the bulk of military responsibilities worldwide. It's the RISK equivalent of hanging out in Australia. They haven't been inactive, mind you, just not as engaged, financially or otherwise, as their allies. They haven't had to be. Putting peacekeeping troops in the Balkans isn't quite the same as overthrowing Saddam Hussein.

Part of a strong European superpower, of course, is independent military power. Many of Europe's national arms chiefs now hope to meet in two separate forums--one for NATO, and one for the EU. Steps have already been taken to achieve autonomy. Eero Lavonen, Chairman of the European Defense Agency's national armaments directors, will oversee the development of a planned 60,000-strong EU rapid reaction force. When asked to comment on the impending rivalry between NATO and EU military organizations, one defense insider responded, "It's going to be an interesting ballgame between NATO meetings and the EDA's, and I've got my money on the latter."

We'll talk about European economics a little later.

Stay tuned...

February 22, 2005

The days of yore.

Stopped by my former gig tonight to see some old friends. Mariah, Dennis, Javier, and Idelfonso, it was great to see you again. You're the best. I miss y'all dearly.

February 21, 2005

Seventh?!?

A recent poll revealed that Americans rank George Washington, the Father of our Country, a mere seventh on their list of top U.S. Presidents, trailing such names as Clinton and Reagan. If I may quote the great Johnny Mac for a moment--"You cannot be serious!?!"

Really, seventh? This is the same Washington who headed up the Continental Army, guided an up-and-coming nation called "The United States of America", and set the standard for every future President to come! A man of modest demeanor, humble ambitions, and selfless integrity, Washington was socially light years ahead of his peers. A reluctant slaveowner himself, Washington understood the potential risks of recklessly addressing the issue of abolition and its potential consequences on the fragile new republic. He had this to say:

"There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see some plan adopted for the gradual abolition (of slavery)."

Washington understood the need to avoid certain similarities between the new Union and the monarchy we had just defeated during the Revolution, so he wisely refused more than two terms in office. Careful to ensure that the highest level of power in the land was kept in the hands of a civilian, Washington surrendered his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to Congress. Without question, Washington personified the model of reluctant yet brilliant leadership.

Seventh.

Let's see Slick Willy spend a winter in Valley Forge!

February 19, 2005

9:17

Last night, I met up with some friends at the Cactus Club to watch a couple bands and have a few drinks. After the show, Bryan left for home, while Chuck, Rajan, and myself stuck around for a while to have a couple more drinks. When Chuck decided he'd had enough for the night, Raj and I decided to stay until bar time.

After Raj--who, I might add, is a genius without peers--and myself were finished bemoaning the slough in which the Democratic party currently finds itself entrenched, we headed off to our respective homes. Upon my arrival, I laid down on my couch with the intention of catching a little television before heading off to the land of Nod. As can be expected after a few hours of drinking, I didn't stay awake for more than a couple minutes.

This morning, I had one of those unpleasant moments that all of us have had at one time or another. When I awoke, my head was pounding and my neck was sore from falling asleep on the couch. Glancing over at the clock, I saw it was 9:17 in the morning. Being half awake, a little hung over, and somewhat disoriented from my awkward sleeping position, I forgot that it was Saturday. Thinking I had to be at work, I jumped off the couch in a panic, slamming my shin into my glass coffee table. Almost instantly I remembered it was the weekend, so I decided to jump in bed and sleep it off. I turned towards my room and stepped on my shoes that I had left in the middle of the floor last night, turning my ankle. Luckily, I finally made it into bed and slept until 1 in the afternoon, something I've been unable to do in years.

Drink responsibly, kids.

February 18, 2005

This land is our land.

The Wisconsin farming industry set a record for net income in 2004. Estimates place the number just under $2 billion. Kudos, Dairy State.

Milk prices in May reached record highs, thanks to low supply levels brought on by industry exits in the previous two years. While livestock production posted moderately impressive numbers, reservations in the international beef market resulting from the mad cow scare prevented maximum capitalization. Luckily, Americans still love their beef.

There's room for improvement in the corn and soybean departments, however. Our crop was just too plentiful last year, causing prices to plummet. Come on, guys. Let's plan a little better next time.

Pork did great, thanks primarily to exports. No one outside the United States wanted our beef, so we stuffed 'em full of pigs. Good job, folks.

Overall, well done Wisconsin farming industry! We're proud of you.

February 17, 2005

Real Sports

So hockey got cancelled today. It made me sad, knowing we'll have no new NHL memories to cherish this year. Like that one time a few years ago when...um...something happened. Or that other time when...another thing happened. I think. Er, wait...I wasn't watching. What does "NHL" stand for again?

Anyways, here's a shot of last year's MVP--what's his name--to hold you over until next year, when we can all, once again, gather around the TV and watch something else.

February 16, 2005

RIP

This one's a couple weeks late, but better late than never...

As several of my friends can tell you, I'm a big fan of the Sweet Science. On February 2, 2005, the boxing world lost one of its most beloved legends, as German sports icon Max Schmeling, World's Heavyweight Champion in the early 1930's, died in his hometown of Hollenstedt at the ripe old age of 99. Linked for all of time to the late great Joe Louis, Schmeling was one of boxing's genuine good guys.

An unfortunate victim of the Nazi propaganda machine, Max Schmeling was unfairly promoted by Hitler as a prime example of Nordic superiority following Schmeling's 1936 knockout of an up-and-coming Louis. Welcomed back to Germany as a national hero, Schmeling reluctantly accepted his newfound popularity. Despite political pressure from a puzzled Nazi leadership, Schmeling refused to join the Party and never fired his Jewish manager.

Following his first round loss in the Louis rematch, Schmeling was essentially abandoned by the Nazis. During the horrific events of Kristallnacht, Schmeling sheltered two children of Jewish friends and eventually helped smuggle them out of the country. Hitler, seeking retribution for Schmeling's refusal to publicly endorse the Nazis, ordered Schmeling to the front with the intention of making a national martyr out of him. In a fantastic bit of karma, Hitler's wish was never realized.

After their careers had come to an end, Joe Louis and Max Schmeling became dear friends. A shrewd businessman, Schmeling bought the rights to the German division of Coca-Cola. In a touching display of his true character, Schmeling quietly supported the financially troubled Brown Bomber for the rest of Louis' life, and actually paid for his funeral in 1981.

Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling was buried next to Anny, his wife of 54 years.

February 15, 2005

Learning to fly can be quite painful!

In what may be one of the coolest developments ever, the early 1980's cult classic, The Greatest American Hero, was finally released on DVD this month. A ridiculously dated and often campy piece of fantasy/adventure television fodder, The Greatest American Hero nonetheless holds a special place in my heart.

My favorite Hero memories? Read on...

As anyone who has ever seen the show may recall, the main character, kindly special education teacher Ralph Hinkley, was given a superhero costume by a group of aliens with the best of intentions. Unfortunately for our poor hero, he lost the accompanying instruction manual in the very first episode. As a result, Ralph was forced to learn how to use his new costume "on the fly", so to speak, which obviously resulted in an unending series of disasters.

As a child, I would often go sledding with my buddies at the legendary "Hospital Hill" in my hometown of Beloit, Wisconsin. While my friends, understandably enough, would use their conventional rectangular plastic sleds, lie on their stomachs, and "fly" headfirst down the hill pretending they were Superman, I employed an altogether different strategy. Imagining I was the Greatest American Hero, I would instead opt for the dangerously unpredictable circular saucer sled, take off like a bat outta' hell, flail my arms about like my dopey hero, and, of course, end up in a heaping pile of blood and snow amongst the trees at the bottom of the hill...and then go do it again.

Brings a smile to my scarred face just thinking about it.

February 14, 2005

What does this button do?

Hello! Welcome to my new weblog, good citizens!

I'd first like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to two of the finest gentlemen one could ever be fortunate enough to meet--Daniel Cody and Bryan Buchs. Without their generosity, I would still be clogging up Dan's comment boxes and alienating his poor, unsuspecting visitors with my mindless chatter.

One request...please be patient with me while I acquaint myself with the intricate details of weblog maintenance. I'll do my best to have something valid to say from time to time, but mostly I'll just be trying to offend you.

Please, I beg you, return the favor.

Let's rock...