April 29, 2005

British Invasion

A few months ago, Chuck gave me a copy of Keane's latest effort, Hopes and Fears. It's become a favorite in my CD rotation at work. Last night, Keane made an appearance on The Tonight Show, where they performed their smash hit single, Everybody's Changing. Their music is good enough on its own, but until you see them perform their stuff live, you can't really appreciate how passionate this band really is.

While their guitar-free, piano-driven sound provides the kind of unique brand of pop music made popular by Coldplay, it's the pleading, gut-wrenching voice of lead singer Tom Chaplin (pictured, far left) that absolutely blows you away. I love 3-man rock bands, and let me tell you--these guys are freakin' awesome! I can't wait to see them live at the Rave on May 18th.

April 28, 2005

"I won't be back."

Seems the "new car smell" is all but used up in the great state of Cal-E-phone-yuh. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's approval rating has dipped to the lows once claimed by Democratic punching bag Grey Davis. It would appear the people of California, a blue state, aren't too thrilled with the Terminator's attempts to curb spending by eliminating programs.

Should have thought about that before you put a musclehead in office, you silly folks. I know what you're going to say, and you're right, you're right--Predator was a cool movie. Based on that, it's difficult for me, too, to understand why Arnie's such a lousy governor.

Oh, right. He's a meathead. Not so difficult, I guess.

April 27, 2005

Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands to the rescue!

In a move certain to send the Kaiser spinning in his grave, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, joined embattled French President Jacques Chirac Tuesday in a desperate attempt to rally French voters behind the endangered European constitution. Opposition to the constitution's ratification has now hit a high of 62% among the clueless French voters, who inexplicably feel threatened by the idea of a united European continent. Unwilling to acknowledge the promising long-term advantages of political unity, the French have sadly succumbed to irrational concerns over short-term unemployment and the loss of sovereignty.

"We will reproach ourselves later if we let this historic opportunity to advance Europe slip by," Schröder pleaded.

Don't blow it, France. There are 24 other European countries awaiting your decision with bated breath.

April 26, 2005

The Ming Dynasty

I can't tell you how much I'm rooting for the Shaq/Yao rivalry to take off. The NBA is in desperate need of a good old-fashioned rivalry, and the Shaq/Yao thing never really got going while Shaq was in the West. With the Rockets currently playing like world-beaters, and the Heat playing like, well, the team that currently holds the rights to Shaquille O'Neal, a Rockets/Heat Finals matchup would be spectacular!

I've kinda' lost interest in the NBA these days, but these are the playoffs--an entirely different animal. Come on, Shaq and Yao. Make my June.

April 23, 2005

Why, the Gaul!

May 29, 2005, marks a crucial moment in world history. In a pivotal vote that will likely determine the ultimate success or failure of the European unification project, the people of France will head to the polls and vote "Yes" or "No" on the proposed European constitution.

Together with Germany, France has enjoyed a powerful leadership role in the European Union since its inception. However, the results of several recent polls concerning the ratification of the new constitution have left French politicians in a bit of a panic. The percentage of French voters who say they plan to vote "No" has risen from 40% to 52% in just under 2 months. Many member states of the Union expressed fears that a French "No" vote will have a domino effect on the voting behavior of other countries still scheduled to vote, and send a death blow to the stability of the European economic community. Norbert Walter, chief economist of the Deutsche Bank, said new member states would suffer catastrophic economic consequences, such as predatory currency speculation and skyrocketing interest rates, should the French reject the constitution.

So what exactly is the problem, France? Some believe confusion over the scope of the constitution is a major factor, and blame France's political leadership with failing to properly educate the French public on its content. For example, many French citizens mistakenly believe that the constitution would directly allow for Turkish EU membership, a hot topic in France. In addition, many conflate policy proposals made by the European Commission, such as the deregulation of service industries, with constitutional language. Still others feel the constitution simply doesn't go far enough in creating political union.

Come on, France. Enough already. A ratified constitution brings credibility, political bargaining power, and guaranteed fundamental rights to your continent. It cements your place as a powerful international leader, and helps pull your less fortunate member states into the 21st century. Who cares if the original document isn't the image of perfection? Ever heard of the concept of an amendment? Seems to work for us!

Besides, you really want to compete with the United States of America? You better not throw away this golden opportunity! State sovereignty is overrated, Frenchie. Money talks.

April 23, 2005

1 euro equals 1.30735 dollars

April 22, 2005

Superman

Thoughts?

April 19, 2005

Heiliges Romisches Reich

Hmmm. A German Pope. Interesting.

Seems the two mixed together can be a little unstable. On Christmas Day, in the year 800, Pope Leo III placed a crown atop the head of Charlemagne, King of the Franks. With all due respect to Otto the Great, many historians consider this event the birth of the first Reich--an unholy alliance between church and state that ruled over Europe for a thousand years.

Let's hope Pope Benedict XVI isn't as spooky as he seems to be. Pope John Paul II did wonders for his homeland of Poland, and Germany could sure use as much help from former Hitler Youth member Joseph Ratzinger as possible. Unemployment is skyrocketing out of control over there right now. Any contributions from the Vatican would, I'm sure, be greatly appreciated. (In all fairness to His Holiness, membership in the Hitler Youth was mandatory. I just get a kick out of the irony.)

I must say I'm a little disappointed none of the cardinals wrote me in. I would have been a great Pope. Oh, well. I guess I'll just have to keep persevering until, someday, I become Emperor Hermann the Malevolent I, Lord of the Universe, Protector of the Young, Ruler of All He Surveys.

Until then, enjoy Pope Sandman.

April 18, 2005

Up, up, and away.

Pics like this make me happy. I'm feeling really good about Superman Returns. So far, so good.

Don't mess it up.

Here's another one.

April 15, 2005

He goeth to 11.

Do I really have to say anything here?

Sell! Sell! Sell!

The stock market lost over 400 points in the last three days. I guess I picked the wrong week to dump my life savings into retail and technology stocks.

Er, no I didn't. That would have been stupid.

April 13, 2005

David and Goliath

Dan, this one's for you, buddy.

Thought I'd share this fantastic t-shirt I happened upon today with you guys. Perspective is a good thing.

April 12, 2005

Aqualung

Just wanted to offer a quick word of support for my courageous co-worker, The Other Dan, who has decided to become the latest member of the "Nicotine is my Bitch" club. Good luck, The Other Dan. Just get through these first couple of weeks and you're home free.

You're the Man.

April 10, 2005

Mr. Irrelevant

25 minutes. That's how much time it took for Mr. Irrelevant to erase a 4-shot deficit this morning when third round play finally resumed. If history is any indicator of what we'll see in today's final round, I'd like to send Chris DiMarco my early condolences. Poor Chris has had the unfortunate privilege of being paired with the crowd favorite for two consecutive years now.

Wow. 25 minutes. Welcome back, Tiger.

April 09, 2005

Motorcycles, Cocaine, and the World Series

Dig deep enough in the memory vault of any Brewers fan born in the 1970's, and you will find a treasured emotion that has eluded the Milwaukee faithful for years--optimism. Remember when the Brewers rocked? Remember when post-season play wasn't something you read about in books? Remember how much you loved that first Brewers jersey Mom and Dad gave you that was two sizes too big? Remember how pissed you were when Milwaukee upper management crushed those cherished, all too familiar images connecting you to your youth and introduced the horrendous new Brewers emblem that was the sports logo equivalent of typewriter font?

It would be great to have that old glove logo back, wouldn't it? Not only does it recall the glory days of Yount, Thomas, and Coop, it also serves as one of the most identifiable and unique major league baseball logos out there. I would love to see its return, and I am confident there are thousands of others who feel the same.

Our buddy Big Andy G provided the following link to a petition for the return of the coolest logo in baseball. It's quick and it's easy to do--takes less than 30 seconds. If you're interested, please check it out!

http://www.petitiononline.com/brewcrew/petition.html

Juiced

Congratulations to our own Milwaukee Brewers, whose thrilling extra-innings win over the Chicago Cubs last night cemented their position as the only undefeated team in the history of the young 2005 baseball season.

Way to go, boys. Keep it up.

April 07, 2005

Sonntag East of the Rhine

Sunday, April 10, promises to be a wonderful day inside the East Side "Center of Power". In anticipation of the fantastic televised afternoon festivities courtesy of the good ol' boys at Augusta National, Bryan and I will be sampling the acclaimed Viennese Sunday Brunch at Mader's German Restaurant in downtown Milwaukee late this Sunday morning. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the wonderful assortment of foodstuffs at Mader's earlier this year with mein Vater, and am looking forward to sharing the experience with Herr Buchs, the self-proclaimed Kaiser of Brunch. Naturally, friends, loved ones, and significant others are encouraged to attend, as Bryan and I properly prepare ourselves for a tradition unlike any other with good company, fine dining, and quality biers imported straight from the Fatherland. While I honestly can't wait to plant myself on a barstool where the east side meets and enjoy the final round of the Masters on HDTV, I am equally excited at the prospect of drowning myself in mead and devolving into noble barbarian savagery.

Mader's Sunday brunch begins at 11:00. Bryan and I plan on showing up around 12:00. I shall check the necessity of reservations post haste. A quick glance at the available menu options provides the following insight:

Breakfast/Brunch Items:

• Omelets made to order
• Waffles
• French Toast
• Scrambled Eggs
• Sausage
• Bacon

Brunch Entree Items:

• Bavarian Sauerbraten
• Kassler Rippchen
• Hungarian Beef Goulash
• Bratwurst and Knackwurst
• Carving Station-Chef’s Choice Meat

Other Brunch Selections:

• Pasta Du Jour
• Soup Du Jour
• Mashed Potatoes
• Boiled Potatoes
• Red Cabbage
• Smoked Salmon
• Peel and Eat Shrimp
• International Cheeses
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Assorted Appetizers
• Assorted Salads
• Assorted Breads
• Assorted Desserts Juice Bar

While this list is far from complete, it nonetheless provides a basic overview of the goodness that awaits the hungry Sunday diner. My favorite dish the last time I enjoyed Mader's brunch was the Chicken Franconia. Although I cannot guarantee it, I am confident that, should it be necessary, a sword fight can be arranged to satiate the bloodlust of any willing participants.

Blood, bier, brats, and bogeys. Could a Sunday get any better? I think not. Come one, come all--unleash your inner Goth.

Then go watch golf.

April 06, 2005

Hot for Teacher

Congratulations to Elizabeth Burmaster, who defeated Gregg Underheim with roughly 60% of the vote in yesterday's spring elections to remain Wisconsin's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. We can now look forward to four more years of being held hostage by that damned Teachers' Union.

Or just better funding for education than Gregg Underheim would have given us. But that's not important right now...

April 05, 2005

Respek

Ok, I finally got hit with Masters fever. The weather out here in Brookfield was absolutely beautiful this afternoon. The right honorable Bryan Buchs was kind enough to join Chuck and I for lunch, and it was sunny enough to enjoy outdoor seating at Louise's. Inevitably, the conversation turned to golf, and my love for the links was officially rekindled for the season.

I read an article called "Mr. Irrelevant?" by Gary Van Sickle on SI.com when we got back from lunch. The piece was about Tiger Woods' so-called slump in the last couple years. Van Sickle wonders openly if this weekend's Masters tournament may already be the pivotal moment in Woods' brilliant career, and feels that Tiger needs this title to maintain his "relevancy" in the golf world. He believes that other golfers are no longer intimidated by him the way they were just 3 years ago.

I don't know about that. Although Tiger wasn't one of my picks in the Scribbler's Masters pool, wasn't it just a few weeks ago that Tiger beat Phil head-to-head in the final round at the Doral Ford Championship? In those last couple holes, Tiger looked like the same guy who put his foot to the throat of every opponent he faced on Sundays past. Phil, on the other hand, looked a little rattled. Was it the looming figure of Tiger that got to him, or did he just pull a classic Mickelson? Maybe a little of both, but I think Tiger can still send a chill down the spine of his opponents, regardless of his recent majors performances.

Guess we'll find out this weekend. Personally, I'm rooting for Tiger to get his groove back, so Phil can provide us with the same kind of agonizing, Buckner-esque late Sunday entertainment he's given us for years.

April 03, 2005

Chicks dig the car.

With all due respect to the late great John Paul II, I'd like to suggest we all move forward and start thinking about the future of the world's major Christian sect. Accordingly, I would like to officially announce my candidacy for the Chair of Saint Peter.

I realize there may be some roadblocks in my campaign. For example, I support birth control, only speak one language fluently, and don't believe homosexuality is an abomination punishable by hellfire. Most importantly, I'm not even Catholic. That might be a problem.

But how hard can it be? I know I could do better than Pope John XII, a guy who once toasted the devil and began centuries of church/state corruption when he awarded Otto the Great the Imperial title of Holy Roman Emperor. How about Pope Stephen VII? He had the corpse of Pope Formosus--his predecessor--exhumed, clad in papal vestments, propped up on a chair, put on trial, and then mutilated and thrown into the River Tiber! Or Pope Pius XII. Remember that guy? He's the one who inexplicably remained silent while 6 million Jews were butchered during the Holocaust.

Not to diminish what Pope John Paul II achieved. There's no denying the positive impact the Pope had on millions of people, both politically and personally. As the continuous media cycle has reminded us in the last couple of days, Pope John Paul II probably deserves as much credit as Reagan for toppling the Soviet Union. His selfless work for peace speaks for itself, and stories of his compassion during the second World War are the stuff of legend.

I'm just sayin'...

Let's face it--John Paul II notwithstanding, the standard set by the Popes throughout history is pretty low. I think I could pull it off. C'mon. I look damned good in white! There's got to be some sort of loophole to get me into the conclave next week. Seriously, Catholic folks! You want to bring the church into the 21st century? Vote Hermann the Malevolent! Sick of Friday fish fries during Lent? Vote Hermann! Ladies, don't feel like having 18 children? Vote Hermann! Want your local priests to stop leering at your sons? Vote Hermann! Hate Latin? Hermann's your man!

"His Malevolence, Pope Hermann the Innocent I". Has a nice ring to it, if you ask me.