Monkeys

A month ago I went to see the Mets play the Angels. Angels Stadium, or Disney Field, or Los Angeles Stadium of Anaheim, or whatever it's called, is pretty dull. Not nearly as interesting, or visually appealing, as Dodger Stadium...but that's another story. Anyway, the Mets were winning BIG, so it didn't really matter. At some point in the game things looked as if the Angels might mount some sort of comeback. As the Mets switched pitchers, the jumbotron started playing a scene from Jurassic Park, the one near the beginning where it's raining, and they get stuck in the mud, and they start hearing this thunderous sound, and...you know T-Rex is coming. Only where T-Rex was supposed to be, a screaming monkey suddenly appears, in keeping with the Angels rally monkey theme.

I don't really care that much about the Angels. I mean, I love Chone Figgins, and Vlady is really fun to watch, but whatever. But, in that moment, I got goose bumps. And I'm a Met fan. They also used the Monkey on the jumbotron at some other point. Joyce says it was maybe infused into Rocky, or something like that.

It all brings me back to the little travelmentary I watched today, on demand, about the Elephanta Caves in India. It looked pretty cool, obviously...but about half way when the monkeys showed up, cool turned to unforgettable and amazing. It reminded me of the time HC and I were in Malaysia, also in a cave, and a bunch of monkeys showed up and started ripping potato chip bags out of people's hands. Or the time Huevos and KB and I were walking around Tamarindo and a bunch of howler monkeys (similar to the one pictured above) started screaming in the trees. Monkeys always improve things.

Recently I watched a bit of REM's Rockpalast gig in 1985, on Demand. REM was amazing back then, not that I really need to mention that. I guess, at this point, they're a bit less amazing. And then I started thinking about REM with a monkey...I would be interested to hear what other people think about the value of monkeys.

On another note, as I was writing this post, I just felt my first earthquake. It was definitely kind of unsettling. My walls started to creak, and then my building seemed to wobble, and then I ran to grab my girlfriend and my dogs and hid under the door frames. My heart was beating a bit.

my story:

ever do a google image search on your name? here's the first thing that came up for me:

read the fine print. it's worth it.



the first result for some others in the 4KS ranks:

PC-


big cat-


mcsquared-


the sauce-

Summer Break Highlights

1. Going to Japan, again. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kamakura, Kawaguchi-ko. See above pics.
2. Getting published (an email I wrote) in Hillary's mom's amazing food publication, Knife and Fork.
3. Checking the internet about halfway through my trip and learning the Mets had made up 5 or 6 games in the standings. Checking the internet when I get home and seeing them in 1st place.
4. Encounters at the End of the World-I think Herzog is actually starting to play along a bit with those that think his narration is hysterical. Or maybe he's just really funny.
5. Eating sausage sticking out of a beer stein full of soup at the Red Lion with Kenny Bloggins and Chris Rogers.
6. Playing whiffle with Deuce Deuce after visiting his brother's Boogie Nightsesque mountaintop villa.
7. Getting CC Sabathia off the waiver wire in my fantasy league.
8. Buying tickets to see Polvo, Silver Jews and Radiohead (at the Hollywood Bowl). Not all in the same show.
9. Seeing Grizzly at the New Beverly Cinema. Inglorious Bastards next Wednesday.
10. Taco trucks in LA.
11. Getting a new job.

grossest thing ever:

my ladyfriend's cat, young weezy, just sprayed a fart on my face. feline fecal matter was on my cheek.

here is a picture of the culprit:


my reaction was something like this.

Obama in Berlin

More than 200.000 people showed up.



Instead of protesters, this time Berliners, Americans living in Germany, and tourists from all over came to see the man who is going to change the perception of the U.S., not only in Germany but in entire Europe. As someone who has spent a lot of time in the U.S. it was wonderful to see American flags being waved in Berlin today. His Berlin visit is further evidence that Obama has already improved Americas standing in the world. America should be proud of him, even if he does not manage to win the elections.

The contrast between Obama and Bush/McCain could not be bigger. The people in Berlin saw someone who gives them the feeling that he - like them - lives in the 21st century. Someone who has the guts to admit in a televised speech that America has done many things wrong in the last years. Someone who does not treat Germany like a little brother who is not wanted if he does not play along.

The speech was well received. However, being in the crowd myself, I don’t think it was his best. It was obvious that he struggled to speak to the people of Europe and at the same time to his voters back at home. He still managed to heal a lot of wounds that opened up in the last 8 years in a little bit more than 20 minutes. The last time Germany has seen an American politician taking a bath in the crowd was a long time ago. How refreshing! I am proud of my fellow Germans for the way they received the senator. I am also proud of the senator for reminding people in Europe that America has more to offer than crazy gun-laws, anti-abortion rights activists, and never ending public disputes about different religious views.

I really hope that anyone who is not convinced by Obama’s qualities, appreciates the meaning of his visit and the enthusiasm he created in my city today. Sometimes experience is not as important as the ability to give people the feeling that their views get at least taken into consideration. What we are seeing is a new era of American politics and a new era of America. America is struggling right now pretty much on every front. It is really time to give this man a chance. America cannot afford to vote for the past again (especially not if racial reservations or misinformation about the candidate’s religious views would be the cause).

Obama won’t be able to fix all the problems that would be on his plate in January, if he should get elected president. However, it will be less difficult to build bridges if you are an individual who can inspire not only Americans but also people abroad. Europe needs America just as much as America needs Europe. The balance between the two became disrupted in the last 8 years which led to problems that neither the Americans nor the Europeans can afford to have.

Obama is what the U.S. needs right now. What a wonderful individual. I hope his speech in Berlin and the turnout (3 times as many people as at his biggest rally so far in Portland Oregon) convinced people back in the U.S. in front of their TV sets that they saw someone special. Someone who does not appear on the political stage too often. America should be proud and should get this man elected in order to cash in on his potential.

I pray that I will see Barack Obama in Berlin again one day. This time, though, as the president of the United States of America and, as he said today, as a citizen of the world – not only a citizen of Northern America.

Thanks for coming to Berlin Mr. Obama! You are welcome to come back anytime!

bon voyage, jchill.

i can't believe this.

it may not entirely be the hawks fault, the offer was way more than they could pay him. and i don't blame childress, taking lots more money to play and living in athens greece sounds good to me (free housing, free car, basically no taxes...more free flowing style of play). still, atlanta is starting to feel cursed in a clipperish way. the hawks only had three reliable players (joe, horford, chill); now they're down to two. at this point i concede they have to keep smith, can't lose both joshes.

Snakes in a MFKN Courthouse

Every so often someone descends from the large intestine of celebrity into the bowels of the judicial system, and today in Athens was no different. Samuel L. Jackson, star of about half of the movies you've ever seen, was in court in support of a distressed relative this morning. In keeping with the tradition of every action star sighting in history, it is my duty to point out that he was not as big as I thought he'd be. Clad in a dapper seersucker suit and minus any gaudy accessories (although I didn't get a look at his wallet) he blended in surprisingly well for a guy whose made millions by screaming. Under different circumstances, SLJ would be the kind of guy you'd love to get to shout some line into your cell phone to record for posterity, but today was not that day. Almost to ironically to be believed, the dispute that landed his cousin in hot water began in a basketball game at the Ramsey Center, when another player felt that the cousin was giving out a little too much instruction said, "Alright Coach Carter, let's just play." Sentencing in the case was deferred until August and courtroom regulars are certainly hoping that will lead to a sequel.

Welcome to Berlin Barrack!

I am back in Berlin after working at the U.N. in NYC in the last months. And Berlin is exactly where I want to be this week. After many “famous people”-sightings at the U.N. and in NYC – I met/saw Ban Ki-Moon, Jeffrey Sachs, Bill Clinton, Jim Kim, and the Pope – this week holds the biggest price of them all: My friend Obama is coming to Berlin on Thursday!

After our chancellor Angela Merkel asked him not to speak in front of the Brandenburg Gate, he is now speaking in front of the so called Siegessäule (The Victory Column) which is surrounded by one of the most beautiful parks I know, the Tiergarten, and faces the Brandenburg Gate (the picture shows the view from the top of the column looking at the Brandenburg Gate last winter).




Even though I can sort of understand Angela’s reservations, I still think it was the wrong decision not to let him have his speech in front of the gate. After they announced the new sight of the speech, American and German newspapers are full with reservations about a speech in front of the Siegessäule today (because of its history that I won’t try to describe here … see the NYT OP-ED if you’re interested).

All I can say is: Just let him talk wherever! Everything in Berlin – with the exception of my living room - has some weird history to it…

No one knows how many people will show up. Estimates are in between 10.000 and 1 million. In Portland he drew a crowd of 75.000 people. I hope it will be more next Thursday. I’ll definitely be there. It’s the sight of the public viewing areas during the World Cup in 2006. There was talk about putting up big screens for public viewing so that everyone who wants to see him can get a glimpse. Two years after I watched the World Championship in a public viewing area at the same sight, I hope to see a killer speech of one of the – hopefully – new world champions in politics. Go Obama!

I’ll keep you updated!

The Dark Knight

I saw the Dark Knight last night at midnight. The first two hours are incredible; one of the most exciting, ecstatic moviegoing experiences I've ever had. The chase sequence invoving the introduction of the Bat Pod is why you go to the movies. The last, say, 45 minutes could have been have been cut out entirely, though. It's mainly spent in the coming the fruition of the whole Harvey Dent subplot, and just makes you realize how central the Batman-Joker dynamic is to the movie's success. I started to see Aaron Eckhart as just some dude taking up Heath Ledger's valuable screen time.

Ledger's unreal. I'd imagine the role of a nihilistic, psychotic clown would be for most actors an opportunity for "acting," in the capital "A", look-at-me sense. So many opportunities for tics, "outrageous" behavior, and just overall scenery-chewing. Ledger's relatively quiet and contained, though, never freaking out or over-emoting when the camera settles in on him and always playfully, "organically" insane. The way he talks, the way he moves--he's fascinating, and not because he's a freakish train wreck, but because he's simply like nothing you've ever seen before. If Sean "is that my daughter in there???!!!!" Penn had played the Joker, you would have been like, "wow, look at Sean Penn screaming, spraying Christian Bale with spittle. He's really come unhinged for this role. So devoted to his craft! I wonder how long it took to put on all that makeup every day?" With Ledger's incarnation, on the other hand, the last thing on your mind is what kind of preparation went into the role, or how said role stacks up with others played he's played. You're simply thinking, where did Christopher Nolan get this Martian? It's a truly original creation.

Anyway, I'll be seeing it again (and maybe again). Anxious to hear what everybody thinks. Rest in peace, Heath Ledger.

worst cover ever:

big cat brought this turd to my attention. it's just infuriating. i think AG might puke if he hears it.

btw, do they really need to put the lyrics on the screen? is there a song ever performed in the english language that the words are as easy to understand?

"Top 30 in the last 30" lists:

JRo has assembled some good ones.

though i agree with most of the picks, i encourage you all to comment liberally. these sort of lists are made for dialogue/dispute.

significant development in iraq:

opposing timetables on troop withdrawal just became less defensible.

wendy's: still your cheap lunch leader.

my office is like 75 ft from a wendy's. don't get there as often as i might, since i want mexican for lunch like 4 days a week. but i still recognize it as a cut above other fast food burger joints.

as many of you know, wendy's has long offered the 1/4 pound double stack hamburger for 99 cents. couple years ago they added the crispy chicken sandwich for the same price. definitely the most meat available for your buck, even if it's pretty unhealthy.

however, i have an momentous announcement. apologizies to dr. billy currell, but the double stack is no more. in its place is a very similar sandwich called a "stack attack". same ingredients, same price, but now you can add lettuce and tomato upon request, free of charge. a shockingly good deal; why you'd pay the extra $1.39 for the quarter pound single is beyond me. just downed a stack attack and a crispy chicken while putting in some leisurely saturday office time. i'm fully satiated, and my wallet is only two bones lighter.

knoff, only in america.

Monkeys

A month ago I went to see the Mets play the Angels. Angels Stadium, or Disney Field, or Los Angeles Stadium of Anaheim, or whatever it's called, is pretty dull. Not nearly as interesting, or visually appealing, as Dodger Stadium...but that's another story. Anyway, the Mets were winning BIG, so it didn't really matter. At some point in the game things looked as if the Angels might mount some sort of comeback. As the Mets switched pitchers, the jumbotron started playing a scene from Jurassic Park, the one near the beginning where it's raining, and they get stuck in the mud, and they start hearing this thunderous sound, and...you know T-Rex is coming. Only where T-Rex was supposed to be, a screaming monkey suddenly appears, in keeping with the Angels rally monkey theme.

I don't really care that much about the Angels. I mean, I love Chone Figgins, and Vlady is really fun to watch, but whatever. But, in that moment, I got goose bumps. And I'm a Met fan. They also used the Monkey on the jumbotron at some other point. Joyce says it was maybe infused into Rocky, or something like that.

It all brings me back to the little travelmentary I watched today, on demand, about the Elephanta Caves in India. It looked pretty cool, obviously...but about half way when the monkeys showed up, cool turned to unforgettable and amazing. It reminded me of the time HC and I were in Malaysia, also in a cave, and a bunch of monkeys showed up and started ripping potato chip bags out of people's hands. Or the time Huevos and KB and I were walking around Tamarindo and a bunch of howler monkeys (similar to the one pictured above) started screaming in the trees. Monkeys always improve things.

Recently I watched a bit of REM's Rockpalast gig in 1985, on Demand. REM was amazing back then, not that I really need to mention that. I guess, at this point, they're a bit less amazing. And then I started thinking about REM with a monkey...I would be interested to hear what other people think about the value of monkeys.

On another note, as I was writing this post, I just felt my first earthquake. It was definitely kind of unsettling. My walls started to creak, and then my building seemed to wobble, and then I ran to grab my girlfriend and my dogs and hid under the door frames. My heart was beating a bit.

Infuriating Picture Alert:

"boy, i've sure fucked things up!! mideast turmoil with no end in sight, economy in the toilet, racism back in vogue due to fictionalized immigration crisis, return to reagan era budget deficits, the world hates america...i guess i mucked this one up. but who cares, i'm still your good ol' buddy george. plus, i'm still so rich it's not even funny. can i PLEASE be baseball commisioner?!"