Why I Drink, Radio Edition

So let me get this straight: I can't get arrested in the biz, while this horse's ass and these two brainstems are gainfully employed?


Peachy...just peachy...

Those Durn Russkies

Having come across this exchange over the mess in Russia, I submit the following:

In fairness to Putin (who I don't particulaly like or trust), he's had a formidable job in pulling together a rather large country on the verge of collapsing into anarchy. I remember another head of state who suspended civil liberties and even sent out soldiers to shoot their countrymen, all in an effort to hold together a cumbling nation. He also took his share of heat - eventually he paid with his life...

So, is it hypocritical to bash Putin for essentially doing what Lincoln did?

Joe Biden: the next Number Two, or just...well, number two...

My take on Biden (and as a Delaware native I've met him once or twice) is that he started out as a well-meaning guy and got corrupted by too many years in the system. (I witnessed a speech in 1977 where he urged citizens to actually take the initiative in caring for the elderly in their own families and stop relying on the government so much. Yeah, he actually said that...in 1977).

On the other hand, I once worked alongside a certain Wilmington businessman with ties to Biden and that guy was as crooked as the proverbial day is long...

(Not that it blows up my skirt one way or another; the only thing that could conceivably drive me to even consider voting would be if McCain were to pick someone really, really, really, really, really, really, really, revolting as his number two...)

Johnny Got His Gun (and shot himself in the foot)...

A documentary came out this summer celebrating the life and work of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. I say “celebrating” in the most literal sense, since the movie (which is based on a play) amounts to little more than a puff piece.

That’s too bad. Trumbo was indeed a gifted writer and an interesting guy (if not always a sympathetic one - OK, he was an asshole), whose life would make for compelling bio material. Sadly, it looks like instead of a well-rounded biography we get more of the usual agenda-driven puffery (and counter-puffery in turn).

Jesus - isn't anyone interested in just doing a good story anymore...

Jerry Wexler: Founding Father

One of the true architects of rock ‘n’ roll died this week: Jerry Wexler, co-builder of Atlantic Records, record producer and musical mentor to Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, to name just a couple. Read of his life here, and witness his legacy here, here and here.
Sic transit Gloria mundi…

R.I.P. Black Moses

Best. Movie. Theme. Ever. (Daaaaaaaamn right...)

Oh, Dem Benadryl Days...

Welcome to allergy season. If you need me, I'll be under that rock over there...

Life Is A Highway

The Reason Foundation has issued their 17th annual report on performance of state highway systems. The study calculates “the effectiveness and performance of each state in 12 different categories, including traffic fatalities, congestion, pavement condition, bridge condition, highway maintenance costs, and administrative costs.” North Dakota is on top, New Jersey is at the bottom. (Hooray for our side, I guess. Actually, the Peace Garden State is a pretty nice place to live if you don't mind the rural culture and horrible weather. And hey: car insurance is dirt cheap here. Now if only we could something about the Jesus Camp mentality...)