Maybe ya need a little inspiration to get going, or to clean that grill, or to open your next bottle of vodka. Whatever it is, I hope I help. 1.James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
And then I talked to my home office and all the annoyances and drama and covert conspiracy operations washed over the phone. I should not have bothered, I would have enjoyed my Friday night, since I am not working anymore this week.
Its been an interesting past couple of days, mostly in the evenings, listening to Mrs Duck as she rants and rants about work. Shortly, I believe she is going to revert into Daffy Duck, stuttering and spit all over the place as she discusses the lack of work effort, gumption, or even activity that her supervisors show. If the building is not metaphorically on fire, things don't get done. And for the type A personality that my wife is, that is not a healthy situation.
I just nod complacently and listen to her bend my ear, mostly because this is the same song and dance that has been played for months now, plus my normal place, since I am still helping out somewhere else, has many of the same qualities. So I can commiserate, but not fix. What I can fix her is a nice stiff drink.
I have given my fair share to Presidential politics this past year, giving my small little amounts to both John Edwards and Barack Obama, hoping that I backed the right horse when it comes to the Presidency.
Now, though, I will be throwing my small measly weekly change into the local political ring, since I got a nice little message fromRep Patrick Murphy. It was not a personalized message or anything, there was no mention of my wedding anniversary or me helping out in a different office. So its obvious that the Murphy people do not read this blog. However, I will not let that deter me from sharing with my faithful readers.
Dear Supporter,
Over Memorial Day weekend, the right-wing, pro-war group Freedom's Watch blanketed my district with phone calls questioning my commitment to the welfare of American soldiers.
The call was insulting and inaccurate, but sadly, not surprising.
This type of baseless attack is typical of groups like Freedom's Watch, since they have unlimited funding and answer to no one. Using lies to viciously smear public servants is the sole reason these groups exist – they do the dirty work for the same old, status quo style of Washington politics that I am trying to change.
It's a simple formula that has worked before. In 2004, outside groups spent millions of dollars "swift boating" and broadcasting lies about John Kerry. With lots of money and a fabricated message, they distorted the service of a decorated war veteran. Now it looks like they're going to try the same dirty tricks in my district and they're starting early.
That's why I'm writing you today. I want to send these groups a message but I need your help. When candidates across the country file their financial reports on June 30, these fringe groups will use the fundraising numbers to identify those they view as "vulnerable" and decide where and how to empty their war chest. Using the same old underhanded tactics, they will descend on these districts to vilify anyone who stands up to President Bush and fights for change.
If we make a strong showing on June 30, we can send a clear message to those groups: stay out. If we can post a large enough number, we might just convince those on the far-right to take their millions elsewhere. Please, join me today and let these folks know you're not going to stand for their divisive and damaging political games.
Thank you for your continued support,
Patrick J. Murphy
Now while there was plenty of mention of contributing to the Murphy campaign, I will spare you of such. Though I am ranking very high, I am called Dear Supporter.
When, I was little, I would play arcade games that made little to no sense. Really, who is Pac-Man and why would I want him to be eating up ghosts. And Galactica? Please, there is no way I am a space pilot.
But, as I got older, the games also matured and while Donkey Kong was all about animal conservation and at least in Zelda, I was attempting to save a princess and a kingdom. And now adays we play games that have high minded goals like defeating terrorists in Las Vegas or getting Northwestern back to the Rose Bowl.
There are still games that make no sense though and that is what I have found in Dead or Alive Extreme 2. Visually stunning, it has no real goal in mind. Obstensibly, its about a resort where scantily clad pixelated women play party games and interact with each other to try and find and keep the correct volleyball partner. But in the end it is just an excuse to see chicks naked.
Gameplay was fairly simple to figure out, it was a game that you could pretty much just pick up and with a little bit of practice, get the hang of, but even after 2 hours of playing, I could not ascertain what the real point was. I guess to get my character that i controlled and then other characters as close to naked as possible.
I can see who the game was angled towards, hormonal young men, except for the fact that the game is rated M for Mature, which means it should be harder for the girlfriendless types to get and by the time you are 18, you should be able to find other ways of stimulating your mind.
Overall, I would say pass, and just try to figure out Rainbow 6 Vegas a little bit more. Now thats a game that needs practice.
The Songbird was nice last week, seeing that my brain was full of porridge and figured I needed some blogging help. So, she reached out and tagged me with the 6 boring/quirky things about me meme. What a fine desert friend! So, this feathery blogger obliged, even though it was later then need be.
) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other bloggers by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.
And now, I am sure, more then you ever wanted to know...
1-I feel a little bit guilty when I am playing my Xbox 360. Not because it is childish or immature, but because it is set up in the living room and it bores the heck out of Mrs Duck. So I feel like I am kicking her out of her relaxation zone.
2-I twirl my hair when I am tired or bored. Not exactly something that odd, except for the fact that I find myself doing it at work.
3-I collect horse racing glasses. Now there is nothing wrong with the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness, plenty of people collect those. But I have searched EBay for glasses from the Blue Grass Stakes and the Travers. Not exactly big name races. Mrs Duck is not amused.
4-I love to cook, but hate to grill. I have a fear that the propane will somehow get loose and I will explode in a firey blast of gas and hamburger.
5-I just do not get the appeal of the TV Show, Lost.
6-I used to feel bad for stuffed animals, especially the last ones on a shelf, so I would buy them so they did not feel all alone.
6a-I still do #6 occasionally now if my mood is just right.
There, six more reasons why yours truly should probably be committed. And now, who to tag, who to tag.
1. Who are your favorite authors? Non-fiction:David Beschloss; Fiction: Kim Harrison, Robert Parker and Christine D'Abo 2. What are your favorite books? Seabiscuit, Dead Witch Walking, To Kill a Mockingbird
3. What kind of books do you tend to read?Paranormal, biographies, politics
4. Do you prefer to borrow books from the library or buy them? Buy them. Half.com is my friend 5. Do you prefer hardcover or paperback? Paperback
6. What was the last book you read? What are you reading now? Wicked, though I just could not finish it. Currently its Audacity of Hope 7. Do you read everyday? Everyday, no, 5 out of 7 days yes 8. On average how many books do you read per year? 15 books or so, it depends on what I am reading
9. Do you belong to any book clubs? Nope.
10. Recommend a good book. My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Thought provoking and emotional, reads like a movie.
Today, of course, was the first real Meet The Press without Tim Russert. And I honestly hope that until thy decide on one of the young turks or turkettes to replace him, that Brian Williams and Tom Brokaw switch off and share duties on one of the most important political shows on TV. At least until the election, because both sides, Republican and Democratic, are going to do there best spin jobs and these two anchors have the gravitas to say hey hold on a moment.
Today, it was Senator Joe Biden of Delaware and Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina that graced us with there presence at 10:30 am Philadelphia time. And, it was not that bad a program. Biden was Biden, which means he said some smart witty things and also sort of stumbled and bumbled a bit as he spoke. Classic Biden. Senator Graham had a pretty clean show, smartly letting Biden take up alot of the hot air.
Until (and you knew there had to be an until, its the Sparky Duck blog) the discussion turned to drilling for oil off the coasts of the United States. Now, I am not sure if Biden's point about land in the ocean already leased and not used by oil companies already not being drilled, why do they need more, point was spot on. It sounded a bit like a talking point that could be skewered eventually. But Senator Graham botched one moment for sure. Briam Williams brought up two quotes from two South Carolina newspapers that pointed the Senator, and co chairman of McCains national committee, towards being against the drilling off the shores of the United States. Specifically because tourism would probably suffer, which besides tobacco and two major Universities, is one of the biggest money makers for the Palmetto state. To quote Williams, "so Senator Graham, what changed your mind?" 4 dollars a gallon, so speaketh Mr Graham.
Does anyone realize how short sighted an answer that was? How the logic is all askew? Sure, approve drilling off the coast, the oil companies get what they want and then gas prices reduce. Until, the oil companies or maybe a pharmaceutical, or heck dairy farmers what something else, and then they race the price on the commodity to get something else they want. Senator Graham kind of just said that the government is held hostage to prices and corporations. This was smart how??
So, there is this brewhaha from the a stronghold on Hillary Clinton supporters, who are so hurt by the media's treatment of there candidate and the entire inevitability of Hillary Clinton that was flushed down the toilet, that they will ignore every single thing about John McCain, because he is not black and he is not the person that stole there thunder.
So, while John McCain has no ties to this quote, and the fact that this is a quote from the 80s, when Clayton Williams lost to Ann Richards, lets still focus on the fact that as on 11 PM eastern time, McCain did not give the money back, that Clayton raised for him.
I shall put the quote in big bold colorful letters...
"Claytie" Williams made about women and rape nearly 20 years ago. While running unsuccessfully against Ann Richards for governor, the Texan was overheard comparing rape to the weather: "As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it."
Unfortunately, technology screwed me today, since my phone beeped to let me know that Tiger Woods had defeated Rocco Mediate in a 19 hole playoff today. I did my best to stay away from any news, keeping the radio off and not skipping off to the Action News website to make sure Philadelphia had not imploded today, and yet, I could not avoid it.
So while Mrs Duck and I half watch our TiVo, there is a part of me that is glad to know. Because, the Duck Family was pulling for Mediate, not only because he was born in Pennsylvania, but because he was a normal guy.
Subway told us a story while we were at the Heritage. He was outside his shop, setting up for the morning, when he saw Rocco Mediate having a conversation about what wine to buy across the parking lot in Hilton Head. I've done that, you've done that, we have all done that, which is why Rocco was just a regular guy.
So to see him lose in Sudden Death, without knowing it ahead of time might have ruined my night.
Ok, maybe I am not like Mickelson, since he went to college on a golf scholarship in Arizona and has won millions upon millions of dollars. Sparky on the other hand had to pay to go Delaware and is still buying powerball tickets. Yes, the title is an overstatement.
Yet for one brief moment, Phil and I were alike. Mickelson hit a 9 on a hole on the back nine, which was a quadruple bogey I think. I hit 9's all the time!! Phil and I are simpatico. Just remind me not to compare bank books.
As of 7:30, it was still Rocco Mediate, though Tiger and Davis Love III were in the US Open hunt.
When I go to another office, sometimes it feels like a little vacation. The trauma of having to deal with the inner workings and dramatic wanderings of my staff can be taxing. Hence, when I do not have to deal with it, its a blessing, even when I have to deal marginally with the dramatic wanderings of another staff. Plus, I actually had things to do, which meant I did not have to look busy. A nice touch. Who knows how long this working vacation will last, but I will try and enjoy it while I can.
John McCain was not on the Today show today, saying that getting the troops out was not really important, was he?
Oh wait, maybe he did, as seen here with Matt Lauer.
Nothing like the former veteran standing up for the Brotherhood of Brothers. Lets never mind that a poll came out today that said 63% of the countries Latinos would vote for Obama, even though McCain is more on there side with immigration.
Mrs Duck and I went away this weekend in celebration of our 2 year anniversary and hot damn, we almost dropped in the street from the heat. Its about 85 now, with an 80% humidity and its not that much more comfortable then it was last night.
But, there is no such thing as global warming. Nevermind the fact that houses in Wisconsin and Iowa are falling into rivers that never existed before. Nevermind that its 100 on June 9th, and it is not even summer.
Life was good, but goddamn it was hot this weekend
On he one hand, I have never seen a Triple Crown winner. Yes, techinically I was alive for a few of them, including Seattle Slew and Secratariat, but I did not see them with my own eyes. So, the Big Brown story would be a good one. Its what horse racing needs in America and the horse is really a sweet, beautiful horse.
On the other hand, I have a nice little hatred for Rick Dutrow. I think he is a bit too arrogant for what a horse trainer should be, and I also think he maybe a cheater. I certainly would not put the pain killers/steroids rumors past him at all, because in the end he is a businessman and he also has a Daddy Complex.
So, where do I go? Smarty Jones and Real Quiet (sidenote, I adore Real Quiet, I mean, I will be sad when he finally passes, adore him) were more deserving Triple Crown winners. Yet, Big Brown is the man of 2008 horses and really, would you want a Japanese trained horse to take another feather away? I think not. So, I will be in front of a TV at 5:30 or so tomorrow, rooting but not. If Icabad Crane manages to come through, this Duck will be alot happier.
On a side note, I will be donating 10% of whatever I win tomorrow to the Another Chance for Horses ranch, because these animals are beautiful and do not deserve to be on the auction block for Asian Cuisine.
At lunchtime today, I made some of my typical stops. I do not actually eat during lunch, but even if I have no place to really go, I find an excuse to get out of the office so I can not be called back for one reason or another. The quarter tank of gas wasted is worth the sanity.
I made one of my usual stops, a place I go to at least once a week, which will remain nameless. Lets just say there are Celtic fans. Anyway, as I was browsing about, the manager/shift supervisor/shift person in charge gathered some of her workers around. First mistake on there part, talking too loudly.
They go on to say, the periwinkles are non negotiable. I was very disappointed yesterday that the periwinkles were not completed and that we were not able to periwinkle. That is unacceptable and it will not happen again today. (Periwinkle replaces the real word, just so I don't get anyone in any kind of trouble.) As I turn to leave the establishment, Head Person has disappeared into an office and the rest of the staff is rolling there eyes and laughing.
In my opinion two mistakes here. Number one, yes the periwinkles will get done, but they will not get done with any gusto. It will be more like I am doing this because they are making me and no value will come out of the time spent. Plus, customers dont really want periwinkles, they want to get in and out and off on the rest of there errands, chores, tasks, napping. Why do businesses insist on slowing them down. Plus, giving your underlings a bit of a dress down in public, not the best idea.
And now I am off to go yell about some periwinkles!
We live in an apartment complex that is run by a well known development company, whose name sounds alot like the second word in the title to this post. Its really not an apartment, more of a townhome, but we still rent. And trust me, the rent is not cheap, especially for the size of the place. And of course, this spring has been like a monsoon, raining almost every other day in one way or another. I was thinking the other night, man when was the last time these gutters were cleaned out. I was thinking this because the pool of water on my sidewalk and the waterfall cascade outside my living room window from where one of the gutters on the roof was clogged up, while pretty, was not exactly the kind of thing you wanted to look out on. Now, this duck is not going up on the roof, firstly because I do not have wings or a ladder that can get me up there, but secondly, the townhome association takes care of things out side, not little old me. So, imagine my double chagrin when Mrs Duck mentioned to our neighbors that she was going to go down to the office to tell them to clean out the gutters and our neighbors just laughed and laughed, like she was a cuter version of Letterman. Oh and also imagine my double chagrin as we now sit in a tornado watch until 8 pm tonight. Anyone for surfing??
***Its Our Anniversary, so this is a repost, but I figure good people need some credit***
Ok, this review was all mine. Mrs Duck always said that the DJ's were my job for the reception and that would mean I have to go all the way by finishing up with the review. As some of you may know from all my posts about it, Music is a very important thing in my life. I always thought I could be a wedding DJ, except for the fact that my voice sounds like Mickey Mouse when it goes through the microphone. But, I could never ever do as good a job as Synergetic Sounds did.
From the first meeting up until the start of the reception, they were extremely professional. Jason Weldon was our MC and Dan was the one behind the turntables, at least I think he was. The best part about Synergetic is that you have as much or as little control as you want. I had a healthy list of requests that I wished to hear, and they played everyone of them that they could find. Plus they were able to read the crowd. I had requested Poison by Bell Biv Devoe and also some Kayne West. The dj's were able to realize that if the dance floor is filled when you hear some BBD and Kayne, then the crowd would love Hip Hop Hooray! And they were right, it was one of the best dance portions of the night.
Plus, they were able to dig up things. Chasing Cars had just been featured on Grey's Anatomy a few weeks before and we both fell in love with it once we heard it. But, it had not even hit the airwaves. One of the last songs played before the dance floor was opened up? Chasing Cars. It just made me smile, well, smile more then I had been since it was our wedding day finally.
I think on the bride and grooms wedding day, they should be treated like kings and queens of the ball. Jason and Dan helped to make sure that was possible, making sure that we enjoyed the music, had any requests or checking the volume. Plus, they were both just really nice guys. Plus, we had a ban on line dances and hokey party favors, and they followed up with that ban, no questions asked. Even turning down a cute little 8 year old nephew. Now thats what I call customer service :)
In the end, Synergetic Sounds would be a company that I highly reccomend, and have done so time and time again when anyone asks questions about our DJs.
Love I get so lost, sometimes days pass and this emptiness fills my heart when I want to run away I drive off in my car but whichever way I go I come back to the place you are
All my instincts, they return and the grand façade, so soon will burn without a noise, without my pride I reach out from the inside
In your eyes the light the heat in your eyes I am complete in your eyes I see the doorway to a thousand churches in your eyes the resolution of all the fruitless searches in your eyes I see the light and the heat in your eyes oh, I want to be that complete I want to touch the light the heat I see in your eyes
Love, I don't like to see so much pain so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away I get so tired of working so hard for out survival I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive
And all my instincts, they return and the grand façade, so soon will burn without a noise, without my pride I reach out from the inside
In your eyes the light the heat in your eyes I am complete in your eyes I see the doorway to a thousand churches in your eyes the resolution of all the fruitless searches in your eyes I see the light and the heat in your eyes oh, I want to be that complete I want to touch the light, the heat I see in your eyes in your eyes in your eyes in your eyes in your eyes in your eyes in your eyes
I would just tell Hillary and all her crazy supporters in Florida especially, would just go away. Because the way she has been acting in the last few hours or so is as close to an embarrassment as you can get. Rules in fact are RULES.
Though I did enjoy hearing Harold Ickes say the word ass
You know it is never good when you rent a game and then send it back the same day you rent it. Unfortunately, that happened in my experience with Fight Night 3.
I play video games so I can live through the little pixels on the screen. I can not shoot the ball like Lebron James, can't throw a pitch like Curt Schilling and I certainly can not punch like Roy Jones Jr. I am not coordinated nor am I exactly that athletic.
And guess what, as you play the EA Sports boxing feature, you need to have some coordination. Call it the Wii Effect. Now games actually want you to have some sort of skills when you press buttons, or you will be just throwing right uppercuts. Guess what my experience was in Fight Night 3 training mode, lots and lots of uppercuts. If I can not complete training, I certainly can not think about even starting an exhibition. Forget about a career mode. So, Fight Night 3 was just too frustrating, too much timing involved.
The graphics were brillant, beads of sweat and blood spew everywhere, but when I feel the need to slap Madden football in so I can throw like Favre, you know a game is not meant for some folks.
There are so many choices today, its like a quiet storm.
A-John McCain, who in response to some protestors in Colorado said " I will never surrender in Iraq". Nothing like keeping your cool, since you know it is not something that is necessary in being the leader of the free world.
B-Phil Gramm-The financial/mortgage advisor to the McCain campaign, but he was also on the payroll of UBS, a financial institution out of Switzerland that has gotten itself all mucked up in the sub prime mortgage mess. I would think being associated to the troubled finances of banks would make you incapable of helping to steer the political plan on how to fix troubled finances.
C-Joe Lieberman-who is so in touch with his own beliefs in the Jewish faith, that he will appear at a speaking engagement, with Pastor John Hagee, who last week reinforced his idea that the Jewish people were actually the cause of Hitler. I guess the pocketbook gets tight when you are an independant.
D-Warren Christopher-whose mealy mouthed, weak stance in regards to the recount in 2000 has gotten us into this mess in the first place.
I personally vote for C, just because I think my political hatred for this man is at a white hot level
Now this is something that I kind of agree with, since I can almost never tell the difference between Grey Goose or Stoli or Smirinoff, especially after the 3rd or 4th drink, but the Consumerist told a story about a Businessweek reporter who had a fun blind taste test of a bunch of vodkas. How does one get this job exactly?
Isidro Del Prado was a 2 time Olympian from the Phillippines, in the 200 and 400 meter races. He still holds the national record for the Phillippines in the 400 meters and his son is now also a well known high school runner within the Phillippines.
Or maybe its a wing. But, no matter. Here is the story.
Our Anniversary is coming up, only 10 days away or so. And while, there is not much of a plan, I still needs some ideas. So of course, I look to my blogger friends for advice. I have a grand plan, I need the details.
Ya see, my plan is to get one thing from each place that we visited on our Honeymoon. So, thats one thing from San Diego, one or two things from Hawaii and one thing from Seattle. Now, I have an idea in mind for Seattle, but now I have a problem with the rest of them. Coconuts and smoked salmon are not going to cut it.
So, all my blogger friends, how could you help. And please, lets remember that I am on a semi limited budget and cutting it close for shipping.
And now, to get noticed, I will link a few folks because I figure they would just notice a link.
Not only are they making sure I can not watch any Philadelphia Sport team unless they are on public channels. And not only are they in the running for worst company in the universe. And, they have also ruined the Philadelphia skyline with a monstrosity of a building.
But now, they are apparently competing with Trading Spaces.
Rocking and rolling in this feathered friends house, though at least it is not having anything to do with personal life, or my future political career, but I just got another ticket to a roller coaster, collectable in the not to close future, but not off in the far far distance either.
I know, I am vague, there are times when I need to be vague, and it is probably not even bad news overall. But, I have to be as wiggly as a gummy worm and as peppy as Mary Lou Retton. Joy!
But, my goodness, Senator Obama really brought it tonight in Iowa, especially in comparison to the sort of please keep me around speech from Senator Clinton. I have a toast all set for when the Beaver State ends this nonsense in my book. 12 minutes to go
11:20
And now Pat Buchanan has insulted Oregon, by first calling it Or E Gone and then saying it is the spotted owl state. Now I have to keep telling myself that Pat Buchanan is a freaking idiot.
This could be one of the final chances for Senator Clinton to get out in front of an audience of supporters and give a victory speech, as the fiasco that the Democratic Party calls Primary season, winds its way towards Kentucky and Oregon. And yes, Senator Clinton can still finagle a way to sneak into the presidential nomination, but unless you really count Puerto Rico as a contest, Kentucky could be her last confetti and balloon moment until the whole carnival gets to Denver.
The reason for this is after probably getting a comfortable 10 to 15 point win in the Bluegrass state, the voters of Oregon will start the "Na Na Na" singing to Senator Clinton, giving Senator Obama a comfortable win in one of the liberalist states on the map. And while she will win Puerto Rico, he will end up getting Montana and Idaho, or Montana and a Dakota, or whatever two Big Sky states that are left to vote on June 5th and the math will still show her behind. Plus really, when was the last time Senator Clinton had 80,000 people showing up to see her at a rally?
Though she did get a tour of Makers Mark, which is something I would sure like to do someday.
On a side note, if this was a discussion about college football instead of politics, a game between the University of Kentucky and either of the big time football schools in Oregon would be an exciting one.
Now, this is an excellent song, a lot of emotion and feeling put into the lyrics as well as the performance. Of course, the emotion is hatred and depression, but it still strikes a chord. So, as this Duck jumps back on the Poetry Train, lets make it a pissed off train. All hail Blue October.
"Hate Me"
(If you're sleeping are you dreaming If your dreaming are you dreaming of me? I can't believe you actually picked me.)
(”Hi Justin, this is your mother, and it's 2:33 on Monday afternoon. I was just calling to see how you ware doing. You sounded really uptight last night. It made me a little nervous, and a l... and... well... it made me nervous, it sounded like you were nervous, too. I just wanted to make sure you were really OK, And wanted to see if you were checking in on your medication. You know I love you, and... Take care honey I know you're under a lot of pressure. See ya. Bye bye”)
I have to block out thoughts of you so I don’t lose my head They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I’m alone Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home There's a burning in my pride, a nervous bleeding in my brain An ounce of peace is all I want for you. Will you never call again? And will you never say that you love me just to put it in my face? And will you never try to reach me? It is I that wanted space
Hate me today Hate me tomorrow Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways Yeah ways hard to swallow Hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you
I’m sober now for 3 whole months it’s one accomplishment that you helped me with The one thing that always tore us apart is the one thing I won’t touch again In a sick way I want to thank you for holding my head up late at night While I was busy waging wars on myself, you were trying to stop the fight You never doubted my warped opinions on things like suicidal hate You made me compliment myself when it was way too hard to take So I’ll drive so fucking far away that I never cross your mind And do whatever it takes in your heart to leave me behind
Hate me today Hate me tomorrow Hate me for all the things I didn’t do for you
Hate me in ways Yeah ways hard to swallow Hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you
And with a sad heart I say bye to you and wave Kicking shadows on the street for every mistake that I had made And like a baby boy I never was a man Until I saw your blue eyes cry and I held your face in my hand And then I fell down yelling “Make it go away!” Just make a smile come back and shine just like it used to be And then she whispered “How can you do this to me?”
Hate me today Hate me tomorrow Hate me for all the things I didn’t do for you
Hate me in ways Yeah ways hard to swallow Hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you For you For you For you
[Children voices:] If you're sleeping, are you dreaming, if you're dreaming are you dreaming of me. I can't believe you actually picked me
Everyone and there grandmother will be wagering on Big Brown tomorrow at the Preakness down in Maryland. Its kind of a no brainer pick that will not win you much money. And, I even agree with it. But, there is one other thing that I also do when it comes to the big race at Pimlico, look for the local talent.
For Maryland Breeders, this has to be the Super Bowl of races for them, so this year I know I will be laying a few bucks down on Ichabad Crane, at least to place or show. He is trained out of the Fair Hill Training Center, which for me is about as local as you can get. Plus, apparently, he has a pretty good record in the races that he has run in his career. While I have not done all of my research yet, I will save that for after work tomorrow, I can say without a question that I think Ichabod can hit the board and score, especially with some nice odds. Might be worth some milk money.
This is actually a post idea that I got from a comment on my Kentucky Derby review post of last week. Good ole Hyperion asked a darn fine question. Plus, I think I am going to cross post this post on the Monkey Barn, just to hear what Hyperion thinks.
I'm not a big horse racing guy, but I have been watching the Triple Crown religiously for 20 years. I'm curious what the best horse and horse races you have seen.
The best duels were with Easy Goer and Sunday Silence, late '80s I think. The best horse, hands-down, was Point Given. To this day I can't figure out why he lost the Derby (his only loss ever, I believe). Just didn't want to win that one. Man, did he dominate in the Preakness and Belmont
And of course, being Hyperion, he does bring up some great horses to look at. Though of course, me being the duck that I am, I am going to have to quibble just a little bit.
I have been watching races since the early 80s. I still remember winning my family Preakness pool when Forty Niner hit on the board. So, I have lots of races tucked away in my feathery brain.
The best horse ever of course is Secretariat. His Belmont performance was sheer and utter domination. But, Secratariat was even before my time.
The best horse I have ever seen in person was Smarty Jones, but that was not really in a race since it was his retirement workout at Philadelphia Park. By then, Smarty was ready to start shagging, not racing. So, best I have seen at the time would be a tough call, between Hyperion's Point Given and Afleet Alex. Both horses had inexplicable faults in the Kentucky Derby and then went out and won the last 2 parts of the Triple Crown races, stomping the pretenders that had managed to defeat them in the Derby. I would probably give the nod to Point Given, based on bloodlines and his price, but Afleet Alex was also damned special.
Best race ever? Even tougher call, probably because as I watch, I am so impressed by some performances. Afleet Alex stumbling at the start of the Preakness and then cruising to a win. Though the most crushing race in the Triple Crown races at least of my past, has to be Real Quiet losing to Victory Gallop by a nose at the Belmont. My heart just sunk.
And for uplifting, check out what Rags to Riches did in the Belmont last year. While the field was a tad overrated, a Filly winning like that against the Stallions is special.
Again, don't forget to look for a response at Monkey Barn.
Now, I am not trying to be insulting, though I am sure this post is going to come out that way to some folks, but West Virginia is not a bell weather state when it comes to the national election in November.
A few thoughts on the Mountaineer state. Back when I was in high school, before I had even taken the SATs seriously, I got a good middling number. Now, I had not taken any sort of prep courses, nor had I even gotten a good nights sleep before test one. Yet, when I applied to all my colleges over the summer, the University of West Virginia was the first school to send me an acceptance letter. Before my senior year even started. Ask any kid in the northeast if you know of a good safety school that is not an instate school and they will say West Virginia.
And of course, there is the fact that Country Roads by John "freaking" Denver is one of the songs that the state is best known for. Good song, but still.
And finally, it seems that John Edwards is going to get 6 or 7 % of the vote, even though he has suspended his campaign since the time the air was cold here in Philly. What that tells me is 2 things. One, there must be some really dedicated Edwards supporters, or there is a small sect of folks that will vote democratic, but they will only vote for the Democratic white guy.
Though, lets remember, even though Hillary is winning now by about 40%, she is only going to get a net of 10 delegates tonight.
So, for every click on this page, featuring Mila Kunis, from now until midnight on Sunday, May 18th, I will donate a quarter to the Komen Foundation. So, everybody wins, even me, since doing a search for Mila Kunis pictures can be a lot of fun.
First words out of Mrs Duck's mouth, cute. I would think that right there would be a ringing endorsement. Especially since in most circles, this movie was a romantic comedy with lots and lots of testetosterone.
Jason Segal plays a music composer for a television show, a knock off of CSI Miami and he is dating the hot female star of the show Kristen Bell. Until she dumps him, while naked by the way. For the faint of heart, there is alot of Jason Segal naked in the first 20 minutes of the movie.
So, after some random sex with random chicks, Segal's character shoots off to Hawaii. Turns out Bell and her new boyfriend are there as well. The sexiness of Mila Kunisand the hijinks ensue.
The movie was actually a romantic comedy with some laughs for guys. Russell Brand, who plays Arliss Chris, Bell's new rock star beau, nearly stole the entire movie. He will be the one that I most pay attention to when I watch the movie on DVD, because I am sure he had some hilarious throw away lines that we missed. The only drawback character wise was Jonah Hill's Matthew character. A one trick pony that became old very quickly.
Overall, probably worth seeing in the theaters and definetly a video rental!
Philadelphia has been rocked again by the killing of another police officer. This time it was Sgt Stephen Liczbinski, after a bank robbery in Port Richmond. The Seargeant never stood a chance, as the suspect hopped out of a van and started shooting with an SKS. Sadness has again enveloped the City.
Today, there was a press conference about the banning of assault rifles within the city of Philadelphia, even though the Chinese made SKS is not techinally an assault rifle. New Commissioner Ramsey made a few fans today, including this feathery duck, with his response.
Officials acknowledged the federal assault weapons ban would not have included the gun that killed Liczbinski, as it came to the U.S. in 1992.
But Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey bristled when told that some gun-rights organizations dispute whether the SKS rifle qualifies as an assault weapon.
The gun inflicts wounds so devastating that it should be considered one, Ramsey said angrily. "Then add it to the frickin' list!" he said to sustained applause from officials and other police officers at the news conference.
The funeral is tomorrow, and as a pagan, I am looking for a little something I can do at my place of work to show respect. So, if there is a candle I can light, something I can burn or a little chant I can do at Noon, please let me know, preferably before 8 AM since thats when I hustle off to work.
And when I say food, I mean money for votes. It is now 10:50, and my twitter prediction is coming quite true, though it is a hell of a lot closer then I thought it would be. Indiana is still too close to call, though I still do not see how Obama can win, unless Purdue University had record turnouts.
So, as we listen to Senator Clinton doing a fine job of now semi applying for the chance to take the second spot on the Obama Presidential Ticket, I have to wonder when she and Bubba will actually go away. When the heartlands of Indiana could not deliver a strong victory for you before the 11:00 news, you know you really kinda are cooked as a candidate.
Though, Senator Clinton is still asking for the loot, because Lexington, Louisville and Portland are going to be darned expensive to run negative campaign ads in.
On a side note, there goes Evan Bayh's hopes for VP
I made a slight mistake this weekend. I actually looked forward to something. In my past, I have found that looking forward to something small usually causes something to go awry. Lets look at the Super Bowl, when dammit I was rooting for the Patriots.
The Derby is something I usually do well on. In fact, the last 5 years, I have been spot on with the winner, though this year I was a tad off. Danged Pyro! But, also, I Twinspires let me down by allowing the site to go down 45 minutes before the Derby actually began.
I was all for Pyro and Visionaire, though I also put a sprinkle of money down for Eight Belles, because she was the only Filly, and Mrs Duck could be a bit of a sports fan. The race itself, up until the end was a tad dull, Big Brown was the class of the field, which is evidenced by the fact that none of the Derby horses are going to actually decide run against him in the Preakness. So overall, the race was not exciting.
Well, exciting in the fact that My Old Kentucky home was still an Extreme Home Makeover moment, and the race was the fastest 2 minutes in sports. Until...
Eight Belles pulled up after the finish. With hindsight being 20/20, the poor girl did seem to be laboring a bit at the end, though she still cleared all the other nags by a good 2 or 3 furlongs. So, to see Big Brown throw his jockey, you know it was not a good thing, because he was spooked by the falling of Eight Belles. My first words were of course, Oh Fuck. To see the black beauty laboring on the dirt, breathing heavily, obviously in distress, you knew the news would not be good. To see not one but two ambulances coming out to shield the crowd, the news just got worse.
There were a few idiots in the aftermath and the celebration. One, whoever is the CEO of Yum Brands. If they are busy putting a horse down about 50 feet away from you, you do not say what a great day it was with a big ass goofy smile on your face. #2 is the speechwriter for the Governor of Kentucky. One would think that you would be a voice for one of the 50 states in the Union, you may wanna run up and scribble something down for the Governor, just to say how sorry you were, etc etc. Finally, Rick Dutrow. I get the feeling that the rest of the horse racing community does not like you that much already, to begrudingly, finally say you felt a tad bit sorry for the owners of Eight Belles, who really almost beat your horse, is a tad slow.
For once, I may not be rooting for a Triple Crown.
My brain is at least a tad fried around the edges right now, but not fried enough to at least manage to mention this wedding in Pittsburgh.
Now, I am going to stay away from the obvious Pittsburgh jokes, sometimes I do not like bothering taking the easy way out. But, what truly scares me about that story is the fact that the groom, who was obviously ossified, is also a dentist? I am thinking Little Shop of Horrors dentist here.
The most comical part was the fact that the groom clunked his wifes head against the door frame. And then she managed to kick him. Now that takes some flexibility. Though I do think they will still be a couple that will stick together, because they united when it came to attacking the police.
The weekend in Hilton Head was a golf fan festival.
Saturday was the latest day that I slept, and it was close to 9 am when I woke up. I think it was because I did not want to waste any moments of freedom that I had from that soul sucking job of mine. Sleeping can happen at home.
3 PM, Subway and I are on the golf course, the Golden Bear at Indigo Run. It was the first time I had picked up the sticks in about 7 months and really I did not play that badly. Especially since my sticks were still sitting in the basement of the home in Philly and I was using borrowed ones. The Golden Bear was a nice open course, with some great views and a some very tough greens to read. Plus there were spectators.
He was a small one.
By the way, Mrs Duck was at a spa with Doc at this time, somehow I think most of you will think she had a better time.
Saturday night was Wild Wings and Silicone Sister. Wild Wings was a positive, Silicone Sister not that much. Silicone Sister was a cover band of all those 80s hair bands. They were not half bad, except they may not have been the best for all the rebels in the audience. The feigned arrogance of the band did not help. Though a band that covers Bon Jovi works for me.
Sunday, the Verizon Heritage Classic was on tap. It was better tournament then last year, which is not that big a deal actually, since last year was a windblown, postponed mess. There were no big stars in last 2 rounds, besides Jim Furyk, but since it was not as crowded as last year, I was able to see Furyk and all the other golfers up close. Boo Weekley won again, which would have been more exciting if we had actually seen him chip in at the 10th hole to seal the tournament.
There was drunkeness and missed shuttles after the tournament, but really, doesnt every golf tournament end with drunkeness and missed shuttles? Oh and a few great pictures.
Sometimes, these random wiki posts are just filler, something to throw up on my blog and more times than not, its a wiki that I actually find pretty darned boring.
This is a different one. Rose Warfman is a survivor of Auschwitz. Read through the wiki page and you will probably get chills when she talks about her conversation with Mengele.
Well, if you had under 3 hours in the how long it would take me to get annoyed at work over/under game, you won.
So, in an effort to try and still capture the trip down to Hilton Head and savor the feeling that is vacation, lets try and review a few of the days.
Delta is quickly becoming one of my favorite airlines. They were friendly, on time and actually kind of a pleasure to fly on. Yes, I know its amazing. So once we finally arrived via a connection in Atlanta, we got picked up at the Savannah airport by Subway. It took Doc a little while to get out of work, which was probably a good thing since Mrs Duck and I did need some time to decompress.
Then it was off to walk on the beach. Now, the Hilton Head beach is not as tropical as Florida or Hawaii, but when you have been dealing with the 50 degree weather of Philadelphia, it hit the spot. Though dinner that night at Turtles did not exactly hit the spot, since I got like little mini BBQ sandwiches. I could have eaten 2 orders and still have been hungry.
Friday, it was back to the beach. One complaint about Subway and Doc's house was that the bed was uncomfortable and the pillows were even worse, so being up at 7:30 was not a surprise. Folly Beach was on the agenda for the day, and while it was breezy at the shore, it was still fantastic lay out on the beach weather. Though the weather was ice cold. Subway and Doc were brave enough to dip there toes in the water, and that was about as brave as any of the 4 of us could get.
Dinner was at Shrimp Michaels and it was fanatastic, though danged expensive. I had soft shell crabs, which is a treat because they do not get up past the Delaware River. Dessert also easily topped the soft shell crabs.
In our next review, its golf and more golf. I know you are all so jealous.
Hey, was there some sort of Primary election here yesterday or something?
So, Mrs Duck and I are officially back from the land of Palmettos. We are both well rested and relaxed feeling, though also kind of exhausted. It is amazing how hard it is to sleep in foreign beds for long periods of time.I am sure that well rested feeling will escape us both by about 11 AM or so tomorrow, as we get entrenched back into the fun of work. The weather everyday there was near perfection, 70s to low 80s, sun, no humidity.
It should make plenty of sense then as I felt the gloom and bleh feeling wash over me just as I get a view of the grey buildings and hustle and bustle of the Philadelphia skyline. Now, I think the skyline of Philadelphia is gorgeous and the city is a great place to live in, but it does not have the slow downed relaxed attitude, with a sea breeze.
Which is why I now have a desperate feeling for a palm tree.
As Mrs Duck and I prepare to go on a well needed vacation, I figured to keep blog traffic at least a little bit up, I would run a contest.
So, I am going to give you 13 questions, each correct answer will count for one entry in the contest. Almost all of the questions will be answerable if you just search the blog, though at least 3 of the questions will take some knowledge of Sparky and Mrs Duck. Oh yea, prizes. The winner of the contest will get a $20 gift card of there choice and also a souvenir from vacation, which will have a retail value of at least $5. If there is a tie on correct answers, the winner will be drawn from a blind draft. The contest runs from 11:00 pm Wednesday, April 16th until noon Wednesday April 23.
Now on to the fun part.
1.Who did Sparky vote for in the Presidential election of 2004?
2.My parents have lived in 4 different states since they retired, name one of them?
3.Mrs Duck and I saw a concert in Atlantic City, what female singer was the headliner?
4.We have 2 cats, name one of them?
5.On our honeymoon in 2006, we visited 3 states. Besides Hawaii, name one of the states we visited?
6.Our hotel in Honolulu was a certain color, what color was it?
7.I have worked for a few places in my professional career. One company had many names although I worked in the same building. Name one of the companies that I worked for?
8.Where are we on vacation right now?
9.Who did I want to win the 2008 NCAA Basketball Championship?
10.I have posted a few recipes on this blog, name one?
11.Something happened to my car in 2007. What happened to it and what kind of car was it?
12.Name one music video I have posted on this blog.
13.What is the name of the Philly Transplant sister blog?
Simple isnt it? Plus, anyone that links this post with there own post about it gets an extra entry.
Last Friday, Senator Hillary Clinton appeared on the top local morning show in Philadelphia, the Preston and Steve Show. Its sort of a mix between Howard Stern and the other array of wacky morning DJ nonsense, except sometimes I do actually find them to be quite hilarious.
The interview was one of those typical puff pieces. Alot of softball questions, one of those interviews that has a political consultant on the edge of there seat with worry especially if you are consulting for the candidate being interviewed. I found only a few cringe worthy moments though.
1.I found it kind of disrespectful that before each question with the Senator, they would say "Hey Hillary, what do you think about this" "Hi Hillary welcome to the show." For petes sakes fellas, you are not interviewing Hillary Duff, lets try Senator, or Mrs Clinton or something like that.
2.They actually got the Hill to say one of there wacky catch phrases at the end. "Hi, this is Senator Hillary Clinton on Preston and Steve and you guys rock." Next, I think she may be slinging cheesesteaks down on South Street to try and show how every woman she is. Or at least how desperate she is to look that way.
3.I guess the djs were getting some emails and messages from the Hills opponents, wondering why she got the air time. And one of the DJs said, oh we will love to get all of them on. Like he was being magnanimous or gracious. Um, its called the shared air time law, so if Obama or McCain called and asked for a 10 minute interview, you kind have to give it, whether you want to or not.
But, at least the Senator did not have a "show us your boobs moment"
It seems there was some switching problems when the Poetry Train was working its way to Duckville. So, better late than never. It seems like it has been a slight bit of a renaissance for George Michael. First there was Eli Stone, which seemed to almost revolve around his music. And then Carrie Underwood sung this song on Idol Gives Back. I liked the original version better, which is why I share it now.
These are the days of the open hand They will not be the last Look around now These are the days of the beggars And the choosers
This is the year of the hungry man Whose place is in the past Hand in hand with ignorance And legitimate excuses
The rich declare themselves poor And most of us are not sure If we have too much But well take our chances Because God stopped keeping score I guess somewhere along the way He must have let us all out to play Turned his back and all gods children Crept out the back door
Chorus And its hard to love, Theres so much to hate Hanging on to hope When there is no hope to speak of And the wounded skies above Say its much too late Well maybe we should all be Praying for time
These are the days of the empty hand Oh you hold on to what you can And charity is a coat you wear Twice a year
This is the year of the guilty man Your television takes a stand And you find that what was over there Is over here
So you scream from behind your door Say whats mine is mine and not yours I may have too much But Ill take my chances Because God stopped keeping score And you cling to the things They sold you Did you cover your eyes when They told you That he cant come back Because he has no children To come back for
And its hard to love, Theres so much to hate Hanging on to hope When there is no hope to speak of And the wounded skies above Say its much too late Well maybe we should all be Praying for time
There are still 5 holes to play, but Trevor Immelman is going to win the Masters. He has a six stroke lead as we speak with 5 holes to play and all he has to do is keep playing the same steady way he has played all day. One of my first signs of spring has been one of the most boringest days ever.
No one has made a run, in fact, everyone has gone backwards. Even Tiger Woods has been close to awful today. Two of the best rounds were posted by Heath Slocum and Miguel Jiminez, and these two were so far back that they needed to shoot 63s to have a shot.
Augusta National is still a breathtakingly beautiful course. The Magnolia's and the warm looking sun still does something that makes the viewer feel spring and warmth. I just wish I did not need to be distracted by the trees to actually find something exciting in this.
I live in a battleground state, at least this time around when it comes to the Democrats running for President. And frankly, I have to say I am disappointed in the onslaught of people trying to get me to vote one way or another on April 22. We have only gotten 3 calls to be sure to vote for Obama or the Hill. There has been no one knocking at my door, jamming leaflets down my throat. I have only been polled called for my opinion once and that was a total accident since it happened at work. And the lack of commercials is a tad odd. Even in the mayoral primary this year, there was more commericals for candidate A, B or C then there has been this time around. On a commercial side note, while I like Mayor Nutter, he is not exactly the strongest person to be talking for Hillary. He has been mayor for like 3 days. Plus, where is my 3 AM phone call?
Yet the race seems to be getting closer in the Keystone state, even without the barrage. Depending on what poll you listen too, it is as 5 to 9 between the two, and while I think some of these polls could be run by Franks Chicken Hut and Polling company, it is still a drop from the 14 point lead that Hillary once had. I wonder if both Dems are trying not to beat us over the head with there message because they will be back in a few months to try and beat McCain over the head.
Miserable in the sense that it was just one of those things that you dread doing, though you just know deep down it is something that you have to do.
The wife, Inlaws and I took a short little trip last night, to go to a wake for the father of a childhood friend of Mrs Duck. Now, I just do not do well at wakes and funerals, I seem to just sneak even deeper into myself. But this one was for a former police officer and the turn out was just so overwhelming, that I probably was overwhelmed.
The line up of the Philadelphia police cars down the middle of the street in front of the funeral home. The honor guard keeping watch over the casket, supplied by a suburban force that one of the sons worked for. All the old timers in the line that had to be a block and a half long, exchanging stories. A future politician, who right now is only a district attorney, but who I guarantee will be running for Congress 10 years from now, just showing up. It is just something this surburbanite duck was not used to seeing. Not that it was bad, the pomp and circumstance is also somewhat comforting.
Mrs Duck is off to the funeral this morning and I am sure the full regalia will be out today as well. But it is good to know that if you put your life to some sort of job or career, there are times that someone remembers, even if you have been retired for 15 years.
I really do not care who wins tonight, though I am pulling more for Memphis because I like John Calipari. But, a tradition on the NCAA Tournament coverage is the "One Shining Moment" montage. It is the one time you can cry at a Luther Vandross song when you are not at a funeral. Though, personally, I like the Teddy Pendergrass version.
Wow, I have been gone a while. How Horrible is that. Well not that horrible, since my readership has shrunk like a guys junk in cold water. But, there have been thoughts in my head that need to get out.
ThePandering for Charitypost kind of did not go over well. Part of it, I am sure, is because I have some horrible tracking widgets. So, I will be sending Habitats for Humanity $6.00 and restarting this charity thing once again in the near future. I already have my hottie picked out.
In the San Hiltadelphia group of the March Madness pool, I think it is all over but the shouting. Since not a single person in our group picked Memphis or Kansas to win the tournament, there are no more points to be earned. So, my "ex" brother in law Motas of Oregon is the winner. If you see this post before I drop you an email, send me your address so I can send the check. And as predicted, there were a few choice curse words uttered when I told Mrs Duck that Father Tex beat her by 40 points.
I knew I had not drank that much to be drunk last night, so I knew the fact that Kansas was ahead of UNC by almost 30 last night, was gigantic. The fact that they almost blew the lead was even crazier.
Memphis is very very fast.
The winner of the Shell Houston Open this weekend was Johnson Wagner. Now, doesnt the name Johnson Wagner sound like it should be in one of those fly by night law firms?
Oh, I am running a vacation contest, please stay tuned for next week.
While Mrs Duck kicked my ass, I think she will take much greater joy in defeating Brother Buckeye.
I have Friday off. Guess what else, I plan on doing absolutely nothing but watching the Today show, sticking my hand down my pants, and drinking plenty of coffee. Oh and XBOX 360.
Yes indeed, its Sparky Duck live via the internets. So put sparky.duck@hotmail.com in your little address book if you have the MSN Messenger/Windows live. If your an AIM fan, look for sparkyducky. And say hello. Just dont send emails there
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