What is Wrong With Jaromir Jagr's Face

Seriously, is anyone watching the second round series between the Penguins and Rangers?

Jagr has something on his face...it could be hair....it may be.....hair?

He looks like an idiot.



It may be hard to tell in this photo but he has a flavor savor and a tiny little wedge in the dent on his upper lip too.

Yikes, not attractive...though, i suppose i should have expected it from the guy who gave us this:

Deal or Would You Like Me to Put You Out of Your Misery?

hmmm....I dont know...hmmm. I will have to say...hmmm...Poke out my eyes!!!!


Q and non and I are done with dinner, kinda surfing channels before bedtime, and we come upon Deal or No Deal. You know that stupid show that is very popular and forced every other channel to air their own lame prime time game shows (Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Why yes, I believe I am).

I was thinking, am I the only one who actively roots against the contestants? I pray for them to get really close and then blow it all. And I hope that someone hits Howie right in his stupid flavor savor mouth.

...sigh.

That sound you hear? It's me turning the channel.

Awards Night

Yay Team 15! Not only did we win the whole shebang, Q pulled down a ton of personal awards and little birdy pulled down three herself.

Here's team 15's thrill of victory photo



This is Q's Haul



This is mine


...kinda sad eh?

Needless to say it was a good time and i believe we are signing up for a summer league.

Have a good week everyone~

Bird

Commuting...and Bowling

I fucking hate it when you are 15min early leaving the house only to have to sit in traffic for 20min. WTF? Also, today I had to deal with three complete asshole drivers. Weaving in and out of traffic like a bunch of dicks...randomly cutting people off. Jesus christ what is wrong with you assholes? Why must you fuck with my monday morning?

submitted from success has failed

******
Tonight are bowling awards, you know what that means....cash baby! I will blog and take a thrill of victory shot tonight.


~B

Hiya!

Hiya Palmer!


see, i can blog about you too!

Arrogance and Elitism Revisited

Q said it best last night..."The Dems are being really nasty to each other."

As I am sure you have all heard, Barack Obama made comments at a private fundraiser in SF that were leaked by a blogger (silly blogger!). In a nutshell, Obama said that rural and working class folks were bitter about economic issues and in their frustrations turned to religion, anti-immigrant and gun issues. Clinton and McCain called Obama out of touch and an elitist.

Here’s the thing…it’s fucking true people. I have lived with the rural and working class (I think I am working class…is that a pc way to say poor?) and when they get frustrated by government they fall back on “their” issues which are often guns, illegal’s and god. Everyone does this…you get mad at the gov for the complete fuck up of the last four/eight years and you get in touch with the issues that are really important for you. That could be environmental stuff, abortion (or lack thereof), free trade issues…whatever you consider important. We all have these core issues that are very important to us as people. Very often, for rural and working class those issues are guns, god, and illegal’s.

I don’t think Obama should have said it, or at least not around reporter types but I don’t think it is wrong or a sign that he is totally out of touch with “the little people” or whatever you want to call them. In fact, it seems spot on to me.

Now, to get to Clinton and McCain’s comments…yes he is arrogant and elitist, and so are you. Hillary, you made how much on your book? 20 million…yeah me too! McCain, you spent five years where? Me too…how strange.

You guys are nothing like me. Not one little bit…and you shouldn’t be. Who the fuck would want me as President? I have said it before and I will say it again, I don’t want an average joe for prez. I want someone much smarter than me. Much better in every way. I think we have seen what “a guy just like me” gets ya and it isn’t so hot. Hillary, stop throwing back shots


and talking about your experience with shooting guns. Everyone stop trying to relate to me. If you are smart you will completely understand how hard it is to be underpaid, with mounting debt and facing a job loss. And seriously, everyone stop bowling.



Also, arrogant? Fuck yes Obama is arrogant. Obama and Hillary and McCain and anyone who thinks that they can represent 303,868,256 people. You have to be arrogant and you should be. Can you imagine a wishy-washy prez? Someone who doesn’t have the confidence to bomb a nation if it is needed? Jesus christ people, wake up.

Oh. My. God

Awards are next monday and i will post photos then...

~Bird

PS Thanks for the good thoughts Pat....i dedicate my crappy 115 game to you!

Tonight....You...

...must cheer me on to bowling victory.

It must seem that I am obsessed with bowling and I want to assure you, I'm not.

It is just that, this bowling league started way back in October. In a way, it has been the bane of my existence since then.

Tonight is the very last day...this is for all the marbles, the whole sha-bang, the kit and kaboodle. What?

Team 15 is going for the win. Wish me luck and I will have a post tommorrow about


The Thrill of Victory


or the



Agony of Defeat




Tweets,
Bird

The Saints Go Marching In...*UPDATE*

There is a Patron Saint of Birds...

St. Gall, the irish hermit. How appropriate.

There isnt really a PS for Bowling...

Usually St. Christopher get's the job however, details about the guy are extensive but suspect. He carried a very heavy baby jesus across a river, which I guess kinda relates to bowling as some babies and my bowling ball weighs 12 pounds.



UPDATE
I guess I didnt really make it clear as to why i needed to know about the Patron Saint of Bowling.

As I have mentioned before, I am in a bowling league with Q and the K's, and the very last game is this coming monday. As it stands now, our team, Team 15 is in first place. Pretty astounding since I am such a miserable bowler. To stay in first place we need to play very well on Monday night. You know how well I do when the game is on the line right?





Wish me luck...

B

Goddamn...

******
Do I really want to get rid of my Nalgene water bottle?



No...but maybe i can just get a sigg as well and wean myself off of the beloved nalgene. Maybe I dont care, since it gives the childrens cancer and 1-I currently dont have childrens and 2-Probably wont have childrens. Also, if i do get childrens, can't i just stop using it then? hmmm..

Sigg bottles are neat though...



They have not so girly styles too

******
Why wont the day end?


B

Theft

This is a conversation I had with Don who owns and manages the Arrowhead Consignment Sales website. It is long so feel free to skip large portions. To make it easier, my comments will be bold. If you have thoughts or questions about the subject please post in the comments section.

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Do you have a way of making sure that the people selling didnt take the tools and points from sites on federal or state lands?

Thanks
B
~~
How on earth would anyone check for that? I wish I could, but it's not possible. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated. thanks. Don
~~
You are right, it is most likely impossible to check that information, even if you asked anyone could just lie. Do you inform sellers or buyers that it is illegal to sell and buy artifacts that were collected from State or Federal land? Some may not care and do it anyway but others may just not know about laws that prohibit collecting those items. Perhaps they will self-regulate...
~~
I am not sure why the government thinks they own the rocks on all their land. After all, we're taking about millions and millions of acres and millions of artifacts. I do understand why it's wrong to dig up graves, but surface finds? It makes little or no sense to me or to any other collectors that I'm aware of. If they could charge sales tax or a finders tax I'm sure it would be just fine to look anywhere you want. Thanks. Don
~~
Whether or not you agree with the laws doesnt mean that you dont have to abide by them. They are in place and there can be hefty fines for removing them and as a middle man in these transactions it seems like it is in your best interest to link to the laws or put in a caveat emptor. If someone tries to sell items that are associated with burials, would you not allow them to use your site?

I agree that there are probably lots of artifacts out there and that the gov. and states own lots of land, however, it is still important for artifacts to be found in context so that we (the community, the nation etc) can learn about an area. There could be subsurface features and the only indication may be an initial surface find of flakes and points. Also, the interpretation of a sites' use can be drastically altered if all diagnostic tools (awls, needles, points, manos, metates etc.) are removed-leaving only flakes. The site goes from a possible long term camp or subsistance area to seemingly unremarkable and unimportant lithic scatter. The actual use of an area is as important as the tools themselves...would you agree with that?
~~
Truthfully, you sound like an archaeologist. I have never met one of those guys that didn't have a pretty nice collection. Wonder where they got them if not pilfered from one site or another. Surely not illegal surface hunting!!!
And, no, I don't agree with all our laws and like everyone else I ignore some of he silly ones. For instance, Texas actually has a law that you can beat your wife as long as the stick is less than one inch in diameter.
It's pretty much ignored as being too silly to enforce.
I have no objection to major sites being preserved, but hunting camps will never be dug or examined, so why bother with preserving them? Likewise other surface finds that are associated with no site in particular. It is too difficult to separate them ( the legitimate sites and the occasional surface finds) so lets just outlaw hunting altogether. Then no one will have collections and a very interesting hobby and the joy of showing your finds will disappear for thousands of people. Only the archaeologists will have collections then and no one will ever see them, or care. Museums won't have anything to show either because no one will be able to donate illegally found items. There is no simple answer to it. thanks. Don
~~
I am an archaeologist. I can honestly say that i do not possess a single artifact and am not familiar with any other archaeologists that has a "nice collection" either. Perhaps I just dont know the right kind of archaeologists. It certainly doesnt surprise me since there are lawyers who lie and ministers who sin...that's just part of life. However, that still doesnt make it okay.

I agree that there are a number of silly laws in this country and in individual states and cities, no spitting in public, no horses on trolly cars etc. However, i would have to disagree with your assumption that the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are arcane laws that can be "ignored as being too silly to enforce."

In fact, the reason you dont see more enforcement of these laws is because it is so difficult for people to prove that objects were taken from public land. I certainly think that NPS, BLM, BIA and other tribal enforcement officers take the looting of sites as a significant problem and would enforce the existing laws if they had the man power to do so.

I also disagree with your statement that "hunting camps will never be dug or examined so why bother with preserving them." I have excavated numerous hunting camps. I have recorded even more...on national park service, forest service, blm and other public lands. On what basis do you say they will never be examined? Certainly there are more sites out there then current investigations are able to record but that doesnt mean that the sites arent important and should be protected so that people do get the opportunity to examine and learn from these areas.

As for other surface finds that are "associated with no site in particular" you may find it interesting to know that the state of Texas refers to a site as a collection of three artifacts in a 25 meter area. The state of Colorado says 10 artifacts are to be considered a site. If you find three flakes and a projectile point, that's a site. Do you feel that you are able to determine what is and isnt an important site? What do you think makes up an important site? Archaeologists would perform subsurface testing to look for features such as hearths and possible house structures (pit houses or in the southwest roomblocks). Do you take the time to examine the land and jot down notes, including location so that you can learn something from the area?

I have no problem with people having collections of artifacts. They are amazing and let's face it--the reason most of us got into the field is because of how cool projectile points etc. look. There are numerous places where you can legally look for artifacts-private lands. There are lots of organizations like amateur archaeological associations that train folks in identifying sites, excavation techniques, pottery identification etc. No one wants to kill the interest in archaeology...i just think it should be done legally. If you remember, my initial suggestion to you was to just mention that it is illegal to take artifacts from public lands. It seems that you are okay with ignoring this law but perhaps others just aren't familiar with them and would be willing to limit their "hunting" to private lands.

B
~~
You can trust me on this one - they all know hunting on Federal or State land is illegal. They just do it anyway, since that's where most of the artifacts are. When caught, they pay their $2,000.00 fine and go on with their lives. I don't hunt anymore. It got to be such a hassle I just gave it up. I miss it, but it's not worth the bother anymore. No one plows the land anymore in this area and the only productive spots are on federal and state lake shores. Now I just sell for other people. It's been a pleasure visiting with you. One last thing, do you know how many million points and other artifacts are in the possession of the Smithsonian? No one will ever see them. Same with most other agencies. They get them, hide them in the basement, never to be seen again. Who does this benefit? I am truly puzzled about that one. Have a good one. Don
~~
p.s. If you guys were really serious you would open a museum in each state and display your finds so the general public (the real owners of our public lands) could see your finds and learn from them. It's not going to happen. thanks again. Don
~~
Nice to talk with you as well.

You mentioned how many points and artifacts are being hidden in the basement...do the private collectors you sell for/to show their artifacts to the public or do they just frame them and mount them on their mantle? Would they let me into their houses to see their collections for free like the Smithsonian does?

I think there are lots of areas that have local museums or museums assocated with colleges or universities. If you are interested in getting these artifacts to the public you should really consider calling local museums, libraries etc. and working out a deal where the artifacts would be donated as long as they will be displayed. There are a number of free resources for museum folks etc to check out that will help them get funding and knowledge on how to best display and interpret your collections. Most states have at least one museum (natural history, Nature and science etc.) that have artifacts on display. I would be surprised if there wasnt a state that had a museum. Most counties have a local museum or historic society that also have displays (while not as expensive) and discussions about Native Americans in the area.

Thank you for speaking with me, it has been refreshing to talk with a collector that is so open and not hostile.


B
~~
The private collectors I sell for don't hunt for the public. They hunt for themselves and have no obligation to display their finds. Besides, that's an invitation to get robbed. They do show off their stuff at Artifact Shows around the country. You and your fellow archaeologists do have an obligation to show your finds since you are working for the public as paid employees. Depending on private museums and universities doesn't work very well. I recently saw and held in my hand the finest and largest Bell Point ever found. Purchased from a Texas university for pennies. They didn't know what it was. thanks. Don
~~
I dont work for the public. I work for a private company, as do most archaeologists. We assist clients which can include federal agencies but usually consists of privately owned oil companies, engineering and construction firms and the like. Making sure that when they put in an oil well or a new pipeline or a new housing development that they dont destroy cultural resources (prehistoric and historic). They have no responsibility to share their finds with the public. However, each state has museums where artifacts are displayed...is your complaint that there are not enough in your area? What is the difference between an archaeologist going out onto BLM land and recording an archaeological site and having the artifacts curated in a museum and you taking the artifacts, selling them and the buyer displaying them in a cabinet in their house? The first way, the information about the site is gathered and preserved and perhaps some new ideas about our history can be gleamed. The second way, you make money and you and the buyer are happy. Either way, no one but the archaeological crew, the collector and buyer get to see the artifact.

It doesnt surprise me that you ran into a university staff member who couldnt tell a Bell Point from a shiny rock...not everyone is a good archaeologist. I think that collectors and amateur archaeologists have a lot to offer the field, they have a passion and knowledge many "professional" archaeologists lack. My point is, do it legally. If you think that people dont do a good enough job on the display end, then figure out a way to get those artifacts on display...
~~
We do have shows. Lots of them, all over the USA. Open to the public. Big difference. There are no museums in my area that show over a handful of artifacts. Thanks. Don
~~
I can say that I have never been to one of your shows. My question about them is this...would you be able to tell me something about the people that made the artifacts you are showing? Would you be able to tell me the time period they are associated with? What type of animals these people ate, what type of plants? Can you tell me where the artifacts came from and how they got there? Why they chose to camp in one location over another? Can you tell me why there are three notches in this point and only two in this other? Why certain points are fluted and others are not?

Or are the shows more like, here's a very pretty and very well made artifact, only $250.00? Maybe you dont care about the above questions but that is the reason i do archaeology. Those questions are why i go into the field and dig 1x1m holes and screen my dirt and send off seeds for analysis. Fill out annoying forms and map sites. They are the reason that you know what a Clovis and a Bell point is.
~~
If you'll take a look at my website you will find that all points are typed and area of find is noted. All are guaranteed authentic by me or the seller. And yes, most dealers and serious collectors know the type, age, stone type, where that type stone is found and various other items of interest. Otherwise, how would I know how much to offer for a 4" Clovis, or how much a 4" Bell is worth? Uninformed people don't stay in this line of work or in this hobby very long. They end up with a pile of fakes and no money. Nothing will excite you like paying 5,000.00 for a point and then finding out it's a reproduction. I'm not much interested in seeds and bones but I do appreciate your hard work. Just wish you'd show more of it instead of hiding it away somewhere. thanks. Don

******
I could probably respond to Don but my gut hurts and i dont feel like going around and around with a guy who knows what he is doing is illegal but doesnt care because he can make good money doing it. While he was more willing to talk then any other looter i have ever run into-he is still a douche.

Here's a little tip o the hat to you Don. I will be sending THC your way pal.

Happy monday.
Bird

Somebody's Got a Birthday...

Guess Who?



Besides that being an inappropriate cake for a 16 year old...no, guess again...



Oh...so close! That guy's birthday was March 27th, although he will also be 32.

It's my Rich Uncle Skeleton!


Happy happy day to my big brother...


~B

Waiver

This broke a couple of days ago but I am just getting around to posting it now.

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today its intent to issue two waivers of certain laws to expedite security improvements at the southwest border. Congress gave the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to waive all legal requirements necessary to expeditiously install additional physical barriers and roads at the border to deter illegal activity."
-DHS Exercises Waiver Authority to Expedite Advancements in Border Security
April 1, 2008

Check out the laws they are side stepping here and here.


Thoughts anyone?

Music

Good advice from Matson Jones (not the song with same title but actual good advice...)

I'll be fine
I'll be fine
As long as I
Shut this mouth of mine

From the song, Welcome Back Mr. Audiotechnica on MJ's self titled album.

I-CRMP U-CRMP We All CRMP for ICRMP's!

I am working on an Army National Guard Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP) and couldnt be more sleepy.

Honestly, these are some boring documents. I did learn one interesting thing, the Department of Defense has Minimum Anti-Terrorism Standards for Buildings. It is actually quite interesting and even gives advice on where to place trash cans, parking lots, and details on using glazed and tempered glass that wont turn into dangerous flying shards when your building is attacked by terrorists...Check it out here.

******
This is the first time in a decade that I havent completed a NCAA bracket. Of all the years to miss it I think this is a good one. I never would have placed all first seeds in the final four. It may have made for a boring trip to the final four but at least it will prevent the final games from being complete blowouts...something much worse in my opinion.

******
A photo i took in SF that I havent posted but like a lot...as sad as that is...



******
Lastly, before I slog back into ICRMP world...I read this today and i liked it...

"Purists usually end up dying pure but without many accomplishments," Abner Mikva said. "True reformers learn how to build coalitions."


Tweets and whistles-
Bird

It Seems...

...that I am feeling better. Here are some more photos from San Francisco.

At the Musee Mechanique



Classic SF shot



Lovers on the beach....or two people standing near each other, it is hard to tell.



North Dutch Windmill at the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Gardens in Golden Gate Park



A tower shot, Q took this but his is better than mine...



And finally another shot of Q's. He takes such nice photos.

It Appears...

...that i am going to have one of those weeks where it is just an all around shit fest.

Here's a photo that put me over the edge...


Maybe you cant tell but that is a big fat ketchup burger one of the things I hate the most. Sure it is just a simple little thing-usually no big deal-but today, today it just feels like the tipping point. Already unstable the blobs of ketchup just knocked me off the ledge.

I think i am just going to give up...

I will see you all next week.

B

A Quick One While He's Away...

Just a couple photos from the trip...It was a good time but I am tired from it...

Anyway, brief explanations below the pix.


The Conservatory in Golden Gate Park


A market in Chinatown


Oldtimey Arcade


Wedding Party at the Legion of Honor.

...that is all for now. More later

Sadness

My favorite sci-fi author, Arthur C. Clarke died today...actually he died wednesday morning. He is the kind of guy who would die in the future.

I am no sci-fi geek but of what little I do/have read, Clarke is my favorite. Honestly, can you do better than 2001: A Space Odyssey?
"I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that."
What?
"Without your space helmet, Dave, you're going to find that rather difficult."
Why am i including random quotes from the movie?
"Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do..."
Ah, i am laughing even though no one else is.

Everyone think about geosynchronous orbits and remember Clarke.


...In other news the Western Painted Turtle is now the Colorado State Reptile.

Wearing O' the Green

Happy St. Paddys Day and to good old Thunderpussy, Happy Birthday.

It is pretty early in the day for a blog, what with me actually being a "good employee" now. Today however, I have nothing to do until the four people who love to waste my time, get into the office/on the computer, and get me what I have been waiting for since last thursday. What a drag....

Thought it would be a good chance to update the old blog-o-rama. I have a buncha things I have wanted to share but havent really had the time so lucky, or unlucky you, as the case may be...

******
I am not sure if i have ever posted this before but this is, perhaps sadly, one of my most favorite things in all the world...



I say god-cuz-damn!

******
Q and I are off to SF this week to enjoy the city and see the family.

It is Q's first time in the city of brotherly love, oh wait that is philly...the city of rice-a-roni, um no...lets just call it 'the city,' like Tick would.

Anyway...we are going to do the total tourist thing to get in as much as we can in between bbq's and awkward politico chat. Some highlights...


Which is how it looked the first time I saw it...


Maybe they will be having the crazy waiter race where they run down Lombard with trays of drinks...


I was almost hit by a car right here...


The building on the point has the best arcade museum ever inside, we'll bring lotsa quarters

and, god willing


men in drag...ah, the castro.


Photos will be forthcoming...

******
Recently I attended the Arapahoe County Assembly and Convention. I was an Obama alternate from my precinct (word) and i took notes. (If you get a chance, listen to Freak Power's 'No Way' while reading, it adds to the overall feeling.) Here's a sampling...

3/8/2008
8am Holy crap there are a lot of people here. What the hell did i get myself into?

8:37 I got moved to the front of the line, signed in with my House District and am sitting here on bleachers...in the alternate holding pen. Christ, it says they dont call us until 10:15. Why the f*^@ didnt i bring a book?

9:35 Damn, i am getting bleacher butt. They seem to be setting up speakers and a mike, hopefully for announcements and not for sing alongs or something horrific like that. Did i mention my ass hurts?

9:50 In colorado on super tuesday there were 120,000 caucusers...compared to 50,000 in 2004.

10:25 My house district is the largest in the state...also, never elected a Dem to CO General Assembly...

11:05 Ken Salazar...who wants to guess if he has a cowboy hat on?

11:45 Holy crap, they called my name...what loser didnt show up?

12:10pm Notice the time it has taken me from being excited to realizing this is the stupidest thing I have ever done? At least 15min of that was filling out a paper and getting my new delegate tag on. No one seems to know what is happening, including myself

12:30 I have made my way into the audiotorium where the regular delegates are voting on amendments to the Arapahoe County Platform. Ooooh damn I missed my chance to complain about key parts I am too embarrassed to even mention.

12:40 there are no moderates here...no middle of the road conservatives...just me and thousands of people that give progressives a bad name. Ed Perlmutter is speaking, quoting George Washington's 1796 Farewell Address. Did you know that Washington was 6'20" fucking killing for fun? That's a fact, I have a baccalaureate in history ya know...

1:10 Finally, our HD's Obama/Clinton breakdown----65%/35%

2:30 I think we are done, just one last thing 'Who wants to be a State or Congressional Delegate?' exit bird stage left...

******
Anyone who knows Bird, knows i have always had a strange desire to serve on a jury. I think I am the only person who is desperate to receive a jury summons, which is probably the same reason i have never been mailed one.

Well, pops called several weeks ago with a jury summons, which was sent to an address I havent used since high school. The summons was then sent to him in Tucson. Um, so...yeah.

Bizarre circumstances aside, a Jury Summons! I went at the required date and time and took notes...here's a bit...

8:20am I just filled out my juror questionaire. I hope i get called as I havent been in a court house since a field trip in high school...oh, and that one time I killed a man in Reno-just to watch him die (Thanks Johnny Cash!).

8:30 Some old broad just hit me in the head with a clipboard while she was scooting in to her seat. Haha, WTF lady? Jesus, that was like a comedy routine. Reminds me of the time I accidently knocked christ crackers all over the place in church as a child.

8:50 Oh crap...it is a five day criminal trial. Hmm well...

9:10 Judge Sylvester of the 18th Judicial District is breaking down the retention of Judges for us. Very interesting...a committee of folks gets surveys from all kinds of people who have dealt with a judge. Do extensive interviews with the judges themselves as well as other court people. Make a decision and inform the judge if they are recommended to be retained or not. Since they know in advance if they will be recommended not to retain many retire so that it doesnt go out to the public and personal friends/family. Which is why you rarely see recommendations to remove judges. Interesting...

9:30 oh, we get to watch a movie about jurors...i hope it isnt Runaway Jury--blech.

9:50 They are assigning us juror numbers (Bird is #53 of 110) and while calling names i heard William JohnCock...toastin. Holy crap i laughed out loud. "5'10", 6'2" with the afro..."

12:00pm I got pulled up to the courtroom. Listening to all the questions....do you know any police officers, do you know this guy, how about him? What about me? I know no one...i know nothing. sadly, I am too far back to be called. Sigh, what can you do.

~I didnt get chosen, which-given the length of the trial-is probably a blessing. Hopefully now that my name is in the pool i will get called more often...

******
And, finally- just this weekend Beck tried to destroy my ipod. The problem isnt fixed yet, though Q-who's a trooper for putting up with me being grumpy about it--is working on it. Sigh, sadness.

*****
Okay...i think work just landed on my desk.

Happy snowy monday...

~B

Airport Fun

So last Feburary i was flying to Texas, surprise surprise, and was in a bit of a rush. As i was standing at the security checkpoint slipping my shoes back on I heared the dreaded two words..."Bag Check!" Aw shit...

"Seriously, why me? Can they tell I am in a hurry and want to make me suffer? Can TSA really be so sadistic? Of course they can, those jerks. Christ, they cant tell an ipod from a bomb...what a bunch of losers..." I was thinking as they pulled my bag to the side.

As i was looking around at other passengers, huffing and rolling my eyes I hear the bag checker say, "Um...you can't fly with this." I turn around expecting him to be holding up something ridiculous like a tube of 3.2oz tube of toothpaste or something. I was shocked to see him holding up this...




Oh shit...you really cant fly with that can you?

Seems I left that letherman, a gift from Q, in my bag. haha...i feel dumb. The bag checker guy was super nice and led me to a little station where they charge your credit card and mail your shit back to you. How handy.

It finally arrived today...better late than never


B

Holy Crap..

I stole this from /makes jerk off motion.

Tunes

Stuff I am listening to...




Also, instant happy! Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Black Dominoes remix) by Vampire Weekend. I snagged this from a very cool music blog called I Am Fuel, You Are Friends, which you should visit now and often.


~tweets
Bird

My Favourite Thing

Why, the British House of Commons, of course.

Seriously, have you ever checked out the Prime Minister's Questions? Usually on C-Span. Everyone gets a chance to stand up and pose a question to the Prime Minister. At first glance, you think it is out of control. All the laughing and mocking and here-here's. The grumbling and murmuring...shouting of "Answer answer!" and then if the PM gives a vague answer there are boo's and jeers.

Then though, after thinking about it...the U.S. never gives our reps the chance to ask the President these questions, in public...demanding of an answer. Or if so, we never get to see it. We cant stop being "political" long enough to actually be political.

tally ho...
B

Howard Schultz...Evil Incarnate

I dont talk about basketball much. Of the big four, it is my third favorite to watch on tv (above baseball) and third to watch in person (before football but after baseball because of baseball's beers and hotdogs and ability to sit in the sun).

Needless to say, I am the last person who should be bitching about the Sonics situation in Seattle. And yet....see if you can stop me!

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, used to own the Sonics. He sold them in July of 2006 to businessmen in Oklahoma City. Already as a Sonics fan you have to be nervous right? But everyone, including Stern, said all the right things. Then, Clay Barrett, one of the new owners tells the city of Seattle that in order for their team to remain, the fans would need to build a $500 million dollar stadium. Seattle citizens, being the intelligent lot that they are, said...um what?! Now it looks like, surprise surprise, the team will be moving to Oklahoma City.

Now, Clay Barrett should have just come out and said, "Hey, they're movin to MY town." Everybody who is a fan of basketball (or any other major league sport) wants a team in their town. I wouldnt begrudge OKC their own team. They did a great job when the hornets were there...good folks who love the sport. The problem, as i see it, is Schultz. He bought the team with the idea of "saving" them. Keeping them local. A local businessman does good for the town that has done so much for him. Heartwarming.

However, now it looks like Schultzy wasnt happy owning a team, working on it, staying in the red until you create a solid team that can go deep into the playoffs. He wanted to be Mark Cuban. He wanted to have a good time and make a bunch of money and have it happen fast and easy.

This guy, who owns a "$35 million dollar townhouse in New York City," who's fortune is estimated at $1.1 billion dollars, is whinning about how the team isnt making money hand over fist. This guy, who charges you 4 bucks for a cup of coffee sold the hometown team to out of towners. He knew they would move them. He knew it because everyone knew it. To sell out your team, your fans, and the history of the Sonics is just disgusting. Sure there are cases for why Barrett and Stern are bigger jerks...but for me, Schultz is the guy I think is most responsible.

So, in light of that, I am going to ban starbucks until the situation is resolved. Does it mean anything? Oh no of course not. The company wont even notice when the 4bucks i spend once a month at the local joint stops coming in, but I will know...and that makes all the difference.


much love to you sonics fans...


B

ps I couldnt post about the sonics without mentioning...Jesus Shuttlesworth

Coffee Talk

This is a post about Hockey, but I like Coffee Talk with Linda Richman...



Anyway, since you are reading...

The NHL trade deadline was today and there were some big names moving around. Check out this website for each teams deals.

Big news for Colorado, some good, some bad, some WTF?!

Yesterday, prior to the deadline Peter Forsberg signed with the Avs. He had been adrift since his ankle injury middle of last season. I had said last fall that there was a rumor about Forsberg coming back to town and I thought it would make sense, play another year/half a year and then retire with your Avs jersey on. More recently, i had heard he was in Sweden skating with his old team but had said he was hoping to return to the NHL...oh baby. I called it but no one, except for maybe Q, will believe me. Also, it doesnt really matter because, while forsberg is exciting and fun to watch, he isnt the same player-he's prone to injury-and he has no spleen (everyone knows that the spleen is where the hockey skills come from).

Today, the real excitement happened. Do you want the good news or bad news first?

So, the Avs traded one of my favorite players, Karlis Skrastins, to Florida for Defenseman Ruslan Salei. Salei is a good player but Skrastins is just such a solid guy and a bad ass. I heard Francois Giguere say that Skrastins heard about the trade on television. Sadness. This for me is kinda like the Stephan Yelle trade, a big bummer. Sigh...

And now, for the good news...Adam Foote was acquired and - in what may be the strangest thing ever - was on the ice for the last four minutes of the first period of tonights Calgary game (the flames scored as I typed this...stupid shorthanded goal). Then he started the second period. Um...has this ever happened before? No matter, I am so happy to see Foote in an Avs jersey. I honestly had chills when he sat down on the bench. Happiness!


Ah yes, hockey fun...i hope your favorite team made some deals....

Bird

ps Sorry to all you Leaf fans...

Ralph Nader STD Update...

Um, while looking something up I realized that a someone has already compared Nader to Genital Herpes, which now makes me feel like a schmo. While I didnt steal this idea from TBogg (it came to me while driving in the car on the way to work) i decided I should acknowledge it and change mine to...

Ralph Nader is the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease of Elections...

* Both are caused by nasty bacteria...what?
* Douching puts you at risk...umm?
* Both cause chronic pelvic pain...this one is actually appropriate

Alright...nuff said.

Ralph Nader is the Genital Herpes of Elections

This morning while driving into work I realized how much Ralph Nader and herpes simplex virus type 2 have in common...

* They are both non-life threatening
* They are both irritating
* They are both unattractive
* There is no known cure for either
* They can both appear without warning and
* An outbreak of both last longer then you care to think about...

Seriously Ralph, you're not a spoiler in 2008...the only dissent this year lies in the Republican party and you will not offer hope to Reps who dont like McCain. Also, of all the years to come into an election and muck about with the Dems, this may be the lamest of all. Liberals will rally around Obama or Clinton after the DNC in August. If you think you will find a group of progressives that will throw their vote your way, you're crazy...worst of all you know it but still dont care.

Honestly, you are just kind of a sad old man.

Nader: "A Jeffersonian revolution is needed in this country."
Bird: "Agreed, but you also need a 'Jefferson' to lead it and you my friend, you are no Jefferson."

Satellite Update...

Damn!

Nerd Alert*

*As my friend Glorie would say...

The last lunar eclipse until 2010 is tonight. Ahh, space is neat. As mentioned in the article, with the help of a telescope you can check out Saturns' Rings. Super neat...if the clouds dont spoil it. Stupid clouds...

*****
As an aside, this popped into my head when I was writing the above:

(Bart points the tank turret at the school)
Principal Skinner: (Gasp) Good Lord! He's going to fire!
Jimbo: All right! Scud the school, dude!
Edna Krabappel: (Without enthusiasm) No. Stop. Think of the children.
(Bart moves the turret towards the church)
Reverend Lovejoy: Not the church! Jesus lives there!
(Bart moves the turret to aim at the Discount Frames store)
Homer: The frames store! You monster!
(Bart aims at the sky)
Sideshow Mel: Not the sky! That's where clouds are born!

Good stuff that Focusin...

B

"The Satellite Looks Down Right Now and Forever"

I am sure most of you folks have heard about the spy satellite
that was first reported about back in January.

It isnt responding to commands, is in a decaying orbit, and will strike the
ground in March. But recently the U.S. has said that to protect us from
large chunks of metal and rocket fuel it will shoot it out of the sky with a
missle. Oh also, there could be sensitive shite that no one wants the
russians or north koreans to find.

I am really excited to watch it happen and am thinking about placing bets on whether it will work or not...My guess is no chance in hell.

Also, like most news orgs are saying, you know it is more a test for the MDA. Who, by the by, have one of the coolest seals...



Atlantis has landed so the shot will come tonight in the Pacific. I can hardly wait...

Section 106 Fun

Tom King is known in the archaeology community as something of a Section 106 expert. He has written several books, teaches a bunch of classes and is very approachable about the subject. For you non-shovel bum's out there Section 106 is a "process to balance historic preservation concerns with the needs of Federal undertakings. It is designed to identify potential conflicts between the two and to help resolve such conflicts in the public interest," and it comes from the National Historic Preservation Act.

As you can imagine the actual regulations are very complicated and can be difficult to interpret, thus Tom King and his handy dandy books, classes, blogs, and message boards.

Recently he spoke at the Colorado Preservation Inc. Conference and I was there along with seemingly everyone else I know. I took notes and just found them today...

Section 106 --Just the high points
~wet enough?
~special place
~I feel shamed...
~nitpickery
~Tom King made me cry...
~He really hates archaeologists

Also, I drew a map of the area i am working in for a former colleague (does anyone else feel silly saying that? I dont think i am professional enough to have colleagues...)




****
Hope everyone is having a great monday, you know I am...

B

Strange Feelings

Not those strange feelings...I know what those mean.

You spend large chunks of your life with someone and then, a mere three years after you split it is like you dont even know them. You think, how were we even together? We are so different. Was there a time when we had everything in common, like we thought then?

It kinda feels disconcerting. Like, you were living with a stranger. I should say, the change wasnt a bad thing. It is not like, oh my god he turned out to be a serial killer...just more like...distance and a complete disconnect. I certainly think it is a good thing because everyone is who they are supposed to be now.

I guess it is hard to explain. This most likely doesnt makse sense which is why i try to avoid blogs about my life and feelings (a smart man once said that while it may seem like I am very open about feelings and personal stories I only share what i dont feel is personal...i didnt think that was true at first but then i realized he is totally right).

Anyway, it kinda makes me feel strange and maybe even a little sad. Like I just found out someone I know is dead.

Melodramatic? You betcha...but I am not doing it on purpose.

Things and Stuff

Here's a neat thing....



This is why Q makes me laugh. Stuff like this.


It is a long story so if you see me ask about it.

B

And Now...The News

I am totally swamped with work but had to take a moment to quickly blog. I still am amazed that I am wasting my time, and yours, with this damn blog. Do you know it has been four years? That's enough time to graduate college. I have hardly done anything for four straight years.

Anyway, I have blogged on every Valentines Day and I figured that this year, despite my workload, should be no different.

So here's a merry v-day to you. I hope you have a good day despite all the stories about how you are a loser if you are alone. You know it's not true. As Corky would say, you're too smart for that.

Tweets...



Bird

Waiting...

Delayed Flights....Hot Coffee....

Ouch my tounge.


Holy crap that is like a beatnick poem yes?

What is Dallas doing to me??!!

~tweet

Tasty International Buffet

Today I ate at the Tasty International Buffet. It wasnt really international. I mean, it was Chinese and Mexican...i guess that is international officially, however...I am not sure if it could be called Tasty.

The buffet was in a bar that was shaped like a boat.
I wish I had a photo but I dont.

Over and Over and Over...

Yet another trip to Texas without a visit to a Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees game. Seriously, this has got to stop.

Perhaps I will see something interesting and can post it...cross your fingers everyone.
*****
Folks, i need a name. Not a name for a baby (thank god) or a dog (sadness). I cant tell you what it is but I need it.

I need it to be neat and catchy and fun and clever.

If you can come up with a name I will give you a shiny new quarter, and by new a i mean whatever freakin quarter comes out of my pocket.

Get to it!

B

Here We Go A-Caucusing....Colorado Caucus Update

5:40pm For tonight I have stocked up on batteries and notepads and pencils. Oh, i can hardly wait...

6:45pm Holy crap it is cold and traffic is bad...




There is no place to park, a good sign i suppose.

7:04pm There are thousands of people...



but for my precinct there are only 24



Sitting here I am sad i dont have some shwag to display


7:06pm "Where are the caucus rules...?" Is it bad that once they were found we skimmed over them? Nah, I am sure it is fine

7:10pm Straw Poll Time

4 Clinton
1 Undecided
21 Obama
....wait, those number dont add up to 24? "Hey kids, you cant raise your hands."

7:20pm Second Straw Pole

4 Clinton
19 Obama

Of the four clinton voters, 1 is an elderly woman and three are middle aged women.

7:21pm All is quiet at the caucus..."Does anyone want to speak on behalf of Clinton or Obama?"

...chirp chirp

Honestly, if we arent going to talk about anything what the hell is the point of having a caucus? Couldnt we just do this by ourselves in a booth?

7:25pm Trying to match votes to signatures...While this is happening, I am going to thumb through the World Literature textbook here...



7:30pm Time for the Presidential Preference Poll...or wait...based on the numbers we are determining delegates...um...what?

Okay, final vote is the same as the straw which means, of the 5 delegates allotted to the precinct, there is

1 for Clinton
4 for Obama

Yay!

7:37pm Um, I just signed up for the precinct committee...but i dont think i meant to do that

7:40pm Checking the math...good christ what is wrong with these people.



7:45pm I get to be an alternate delegate for the County Assembly on March 8th. I hope someone gets sick!!

7:50pm Resolution Time: 14 Resolutions that the Arapahoe Democrats wanted us to vote on. I assume these are issues they feel are important and want to talk about on a larger scale. These resolutions pissed me off and I will be talking to someone about it...

1. Some crazy Iraq language that not only had us pulling out troops but giving money to the Iraqi people...Nay

2. Better language about not supporting the war...Yay

3. Israeli/Pakistan 2 country solution...Yay

4. Universal Health Care and then some random supporting of a bill that I am not familiar with...Abstain

5. Let's be nice to people...Yay

6. Is the environment important...Yay

7. Lets label genetically modified food...Yay

8. Lets give money to farmers who crops were harmed by genetically modified organisms...What? Is this an issue? Abstain

9. No torture...Yay

10. Lets impeach VP Cheney...Oh my god you morons?! Do you like being a joke? Do you want to be taken seriously?? Nay

11. Fair and transparent elections. Oh also, paper ballots only...Abstain

12. Public financing of elections. Oh also instant run off elections. Why do you do that? Why do you put two things together. I like one but not the other...why you bastards!...Abstain

13. What?...Abstain

14. Do we like Dems?...We sure do...Yay

I was really bothered by several of these. One, what's the point? Do we want to be able to say, these are issues we Dems in Arapahoe think are important? Because if that is the case why are they so fucking stupid and insulting. Two, are you dumb? Why are you combining issues that arent related? Public financing of elections and instant runnoffs? You douches...



8:10pm Lets all meet for beers on the 14th!!

8:12pm Lets all get the hell out of here

****
All in all it was an interesting experience. I was bummed that there wasnt more discussion but it was a good time. I mean, you cant beat a ton of people going out in the snow to cast a vote for someone they hope will be running the country. A couple more shots at the bottom.

Also, CO went to Obama. Yay indeed!






~Bird