Happy Christma-Hanu-Kwanza!

I won't be posting for the next 2-3 weeks. Instead--God/Allah/Buddha willing--I will be catching up on movies, books, sleep, nookie, skiing, gaming, cooking, eating, etc. In my absence, feel free to keep yourself entertained with this game. It's quite addictive, and OH so pretty. I can't get past level 12, but it's still fun trying. As a bonus, the music is rather tranquil.

Also, here is an early present for my fellow Hellboy fans out there. The trailer for Hellboy II is apparently going on-line tomorrow, can't wait! Happy Christma-Hanu-Kwanza everybody! Indian Princess and I hope to see some of you over the break. Heiwa!



Update: I beat level 12, and apparently the game! Hoowa!

Today's WTF Link

Um, yeah, WTF?

With that said, I'm debating getting one. I wonder if they come in blue?

Updated: Now with video!

My Daemon

With the recent arrival of "The Golden Compass", I thought I'd visit the movies website, and one of the things you can do there is take a personality quiz to find your "daemon". Personality quizes are usually hit or miss, but I found this one to be spot on, "modest, responsible, solitary, proud, and dependable" are the qualities that are listed. However, I'm still getting use to the idea of a crow named "Xanthia" being my spirit animal, but what can you do? Feel free to take the quiz and either post your results on your blog or in the comments.



I may take up Fleur's offer to let me borrow and read her copy of the trilogy of books that the movie is based on. If the Flock is planning on seeing the movie in the near future, let Indian Princess and I know, I'm sure we would enjoy it.

Speaking of Indian Princess. She recently redesigned Wyoming Public Radio's website, and did a bang-up job in my opinion. Keep in mind, she did this without any formal training with the software she used. You kick ass babe! You can see the redesigned website by clicking here.

Bruce Wayne aka John Connor

Interesting. I loved T2 as a kid, and I'd love it if the franchise got more serious and less "Ahnold slapstick". I always found the war between man and the machines to be one of the more intriguing aspects of the movies. I'd love to see an entire film set in that time period.

Post-Turkey Day Post

Last week, "Indian Princess" and I spent Thanksgiving with her parents in Lakeside, Montana. We had a wonderful, laid-back time in a beautiful, beautiful area. We were able to catch a couple of flicks while we were up there, The Mist, 1408, and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which was an abomination of a comic movie. I mean it was X-3, Spidey-3-craptastic. Galactus as a cloud?!?! WTF!?! I did enjoy The Mist and 1408, and would give them each a solid “B” rating. However, "Indian Princess" wanted to hurt kittens after the controversial ending of The Mist.

When we gathered around the dinner table on Thanksgiving, I thought of what I was personally thankful for. A list of the many things that crossed my mind follows.

I am thankful for:

• Being able to share each and every day of my life with my wonderful wife.
• Having great relations with my mother & father-in-law.
• The safe travels that we had.
• Having the support of family throughout the years and always being encouraged just to be myself.
• My good health.
• Job security.
• Having the camper to ourselves (wink, wink).
• Cuddles with loving old cats.
• The toasty-warm atmosphere of a cozy living room.
• Exquisite Thanksgiving food such as homemade rolls, devilled eggs, stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and peanut butter fudge.
• Funyuns–the ultimate road-trip snack in my opinion. If you don’t like Funyuns than Jesus hates you.
• The privilege and good-fortune to experience and enjoy all of the above.

It’s cliché, but I do hope that everyone is able to pause and reflect and be thankful for the good things in their lives, even if just for one day. It’s important to always focus on the good, regardless of how much bad there may be. In my mind, there is simply no other way to live. I hope everyone else had a great Turkey day.

Peace, out!

Being Sick Sucks Donkey Balls...

...the big and hairy kind.

The post I had planned for this week will have to be delayed a week or two. A nasty cold has been monopolizing my time lately. I wanna give a shout-out to my favorite nurse, "Indian Princess." Love ya babe! Thanks for the T.L.C.!

Over 30 Years Old...

The follwing text is from an e-mail I got earlier this week. I'm not 30 yet, but I can still relate to much of it. The Kids these days! With their fancy toys, their ballcaps and sagging pants (guys), and their skimpy outfits (girls), and their stinkin' "hip-hop". They don't even know of Run DMC or The Sugarhill Gang!

Seriously though, I'm only a few years older than the typical college student, and I already can't relate to them. Such is life.

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways .. yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that...

I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email! ! We had to actually write somebody a letter...with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like " Space Invaders" and "asteroids" and the graphics were horrible! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever!
And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! . Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little bastards!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove or go build a fire ... imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid JiffyPop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled.

You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!

Regards,
The over 30 Crowd

Kick @$$ Song: Number Ten & Eleven

We've reached Kick @$$ Song #10! What a milestone...

"The Crow" was one of the more popular movies to come out of the 90's. Many songs from the soundtrack reflect what was big at the time, i.e. NIN, STP, Rage Against the Machine, Pantera, etc. But oddly enough, a popular 80's band had a song on the soundtrack as well, The Cure. I certainly don't like everything from the band, but below are my two personal favorites.

The Cure-"Burn"



"Don't look don't look" the shadows breathe
Whispering me away from you
"Don't wake at night to watch her sleep
You know that you will always lose
This trembling adored
Tousled bird mad girl... "
But every night I burn
Every night I call your name
Every night I burn
Every night I fall again

"Oh don't talk of love" the shadows purr
Murmuring me away from you
"Don't talk of worlds that never were
The end is all that's ever true
There's nothing you can ever say
Nothing you can ever do... "
Still every night I burn
Every night I scream your name
Every night I burn
Every night the dream's the same
Every night I burn
Waiting for my only friend
Every night I burn
Waiting for the world to end

"Just paint your face" the shadows smile
Slipping me away from you
"Oh it doesn't matter how you hide
Find you if we're wanting to
So slide back down and close your eyes
Sleep a while you must be tired... "
But every night I burn
Every night I call your name
Every night I burn
Every night I fall again
Every night I burn
Scream the animal scream
Every night I burn
Dream the crow black dream
Every night I burn
Scream the animal scream
Every night I burn
Dream the crow black dream

Dream the crow black dream...
Dream the crow black dream...
Dream the crow black dream...
Dream the crow black dream...

The Cure-"Pictures of You"



i've been looking so long at these pictures of you
that i almost believe that they're real
i've been living so long with my pictures of you
that i almost believe that the pictures are
all i can feel

remembering
you standing quiet in the rain
as i ran to your heart to be near
and we kissed as the sky fell in
holding you close
how i always held close in your fear
remembering
you running soft through the night
you were bigger and brighter and whiter than snow
and screamed at the make-believe
screamed at the sky
and you finally found all your courage
to let it all go

remembering
you fallen into my arms
crying for the death of your heart
you were stone white
so delicate
lost in the cold
you were always so lost in the dark
remembering
you how you used to be
slow drowned
you were angels
so much more than everything
hold for the last time then slip away quietly
open my eyes
but i never see anything

if only i'd thought of the right words
i could have held on to your heart
if only i'd thought of the right words
i wouldn't be breaking apart
all my pictures of you

looking so long at these pictures of you
but i never hold on to your heart
looking so long for the words to be true
but always just breaking apart
my pictures of you

there was nothing in the world
that i ever wanted more
than to feel you deep in my heart
there was nothing in the world
that i ever wanted more
than to never feel the breaking apart
all my pictures of you

Happy Necrophilia, er...um...Halloween!

One word, ewwww!

Kick @$$ Song: Number Nine

Yeah Yeah Yeahs--"Maps"

The wife thinks this band is just plain weird. She's right, but I still enjoy this song. Not entirely sure why.



Pack up;
I’m straight;
Enough;
Oh say, say, say;you'll
Oh say, say, say;you'll
Oh say, say, say;you'll
Oh say, say, say;you'll
Oh say, say, say you'll

Wait, they don’t love you like I love you;
Wait, they don’t love you like I love you;
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aps;
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you.

Made off;
Don’t stray;
Well, my kind’s your kind;
I’ll stay the same!
Pack up;
But Don’t stray;
Oh say, say, say;
I'll Oh say, say, say!

Wait! They don’t love you like I love you;
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you;
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aps;
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you!
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you!
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aps!
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you …

Wait! They don’t love you like I love you;
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you;
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aps;
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you!
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you!
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aps!
Wait! They don’t love you like I love you …

Kick @$$ Song: Number Seven & Eight

Filter: "Take a Picture"

This one and "Hey Man Nice Shot" are my two favorite Filter songs. The later because I love to listen to it to "pump up my primal manness" either before or during working out. Also, there is a common misconception concerning what the song is about. Many assumed/assume that it is about Kurt Cobain's suicide, but in fact it's about another suicide.

As for "Take a Picture?" Well, what can I say? The song has a surreal, dreamy quality to it, which is echoed in the music video as well. Recognize "Goldie" from Sin City? Also, what guy can't relate to the lyrics, "Hey dad! What do you think about your son now?"

A bit of trivia: The lead singer, Richard Patrick, is the younger brother of the T-1000.



Awake on my airplane
Awake on my airplane
My skin is bare
My skin is theirs
Awake on my airplane
Awake on my airplane
My skin is bare
My skin is theirs

I feel like new-born
And I feel like a new-born
Awake on my airplane
Awake on my airplane
I feel so real

Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember - yeah

I don't believe in
I don't believe in your sanctity; or privacy
I don't believe in
I don't believe in sanctity or hypocrisy
Can everyone agree that no one should be left alone
Can everyone agree that they should not be left alone
And I feel like a new-born
And I feel like a new-born (kicking and screaming)

Could you take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you take my picture
Cuz I won't remember - yeah

Hey dad what do you think about your son now?
Hey dad what do you think about your son now?

Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember
Could you wanna take my picture
Cuz I won't remember - yeah

I Have My Candidate!

Finally! Someone I can fully support! ;)

Update:Seriously! If Hillary gets nominated, I'll strongly consider writing in "Stephen Colbert" on the ballot.

Serenity Sequel?

Click here if you want to get excited.

How Some Movies Should Have Ended

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope



The Lord of the Rings



Superman



Spider-Man 3



The Matrix Trilogy



Braveheart



The Blair Witch Project



There are some other ones out there, but those were the ones I found most amusing. I found the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings ones to be particularly funny, and the Superman/Batman exchange in both the Superman & Spider-Man 3 videos was enjoyable as well. The Braveheart video is just...odd.

My 5 Question Interview

Questions from Big Gay Jim.

1. Describe your most amazing play/shot/move/moment from the handball courts.

This is tough for me to describe for a couple of reasons. One, being somewhat of a humble fellow, I try to brag as little as possible. Two, the games tend to be so fast it's difficult to fully visualize certain moments that may have looked awesome or incredible to the other players on the court. With that said, I think it is safe to say that my signature handball move is "The Kong." "The Kong shot" is my patented right-handed & backwards return shot along the left wall. The reason for its existence is my reluctance to fully incorporate my left hand into my game. But I am getting better in that regard. There have been a handfull of occasions, when I have either busted out "The Kong" or managed to dig out a return that seemed nonreturnable, and I recall other players vocalizing their disbelief (Flynn). ;) My "around the world" serve also comes to mind.

2. Being a male of the species, you screw something up big time. What fabulously romantic thing do you do for Tara to say “I’m sorry, please don’t kill me?”

LOL! I can't tell you how many times I've been in this situation. Honestly, there is not "one" thing I do. I screw up enough to have several "sorry tactics" in my repertoire. These include massages, cuddles, head-pets, puchases of ice-cream, flowers, choclates, etc. However, the ace up my sleeve is my patented, uber-cute look, that no woman can resist. With that said, I have to say that women have their fair share of "I'm sorry, please don't kill me" moments as well. ;)

3. (In simulated locker room jargon:) Dude, we know you’re not. But, like...huh…if you were, what dude would you pick? (I can speak jock, but I’m not fluent.)

If I were ever to go gay, it would be for you Jimmy Bear! ;) Although honestly? I just can't bring myself to find manly men attractive. A man would have to have feminine traits in order for me to take note of them. One person does come to mind, Angle from Rent. I remember saying to Tara once, while we were watching the movie, "Damn, that man is fine!"

P.S. Jim, don't worry about not being fluent in "jock speak." Even as a straight man, I don't speak it well either.

4. After winning the lottery, you must select the two bands that will play your birthday concert. Ignoring the laws of time and space and assuming death or band break ups are trivial details, who plays and why?

First Band(s): Tool & A Perfect Circle, hands down. I was exposed to both of these bands in college and have never looked back. They make the only music that I can listen to non-stop and never get tired of. The music from each of these bands is meditative, introspective, intelligent, aggressive, harmonious, hypnotic, and beautiful, all at the same time. I am counting these two bands as one, given that Maynard James Keenan is involved with both of them.

Second Band: Pete Yorn. This underrated musician has been a sentimental favorite of mine since college as well. I have grown more fond of his music over the years as it has been playing in the car during several road trips and vacations with my wife, Tara. The mix CD we have of his music is one of our favorite traveling CDs, if not THE favorite.

5. If you were a super hero, what would your powers be…and describe your costume (realizing that spandex is required and non-negotiable)?

WOW! What an amazing, fantastic, incredible, super, and uncanny question! ;)

Gee, what does one gauge one's response on? Sheer strength? Telepathic or telekinetic abilities? Keen detection skills? Regenerative capabilities? To be honest, I think there are a plethora of super powers that I would go for. However, in the case of making things interesting, I would choose to have control over the elements. I think it would be bad-ass to have the power of earth, fire, water, & wind, all at my fingertips. Costume-wise, think a masculine version of Storm from the X-men, but just as dead-hot-sexy. I would go for either a blue, silver, or black spandex suite or a combination of those colors. No worries ladies and gents, the spandex would be plenty tight.

Family Guy: Star Wars Spoof

For those who missed it, last night's episode of Family Guy was hil-arious! Here is just one of many golden moments. I'll see if I can't find the whole episode somewhere. It was LOL hilarious!



Update: More video from the episode is below (sorry if there is any overlap between the different videos). Watch them before FOX has them taken off YouTube.

Kick @$$ Song: Number Six

Smashing Pumpkins -- "1979"



Shakedown 1979
Cool kids never have the time
On a live wire right up off the street
You and I should meet
Junebug skipping like a stone
With the headlights pointed at the dawn
We were sure we'd never see an end to it all

And I don't even care to shake these zipper blues
And we don't know
Just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below

Double cross the vacant and the bored
They're not sure just what we have in store
Morphine city slippin' dues down to see

That we don't even care as restless as we are
We feel the pull in the land of a thousand guilts
And poured cement, lamented and assured
To the lights and towns below
Faster than the speed of sound
Faster than we thought we'd go
Beneath the sound of hope

Justine never knew the rules,
Hung down with the freaks and the ghouls
No apologies ever need be made
I know you better than you fake it to see

That we don't even care to shake these zipper blues
And we don't know just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below
The street heats the urgency of now
As you see there's no one around


I'm not entirely sure if I have a favorite Smashing Pumpkins song. However, when I think of some of the best music that came out of the 90's, this song comes to mind.

I've heard mixed reviews about the bands recent release, and I have only seen the music video for the first single off of the album, "Tarantula." Not a bad song, and quite the trippy video.

Nintendo Wii Overtakes Xbox 360 In Sales

Suck on that Gates!

I think I'm eyeing a Wii of my own come tax return season next year. On a related note, I pose the following question:

Who would win? Mario or Master Chief?


...yeah, Mario would likely get owned. Here is a more intriguing match-up:

Master Chief vs. Samus Aran? That would be fun to watch!

New Trailers of Movies on the Horizon

I ran across a couple of movie trailers that I thought I'd share. You will need quicktime. If you don't have quicktime...WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU! After watching each trailer, you may read my comments below.

Numero uno.

Numero dos.

Trailer uno: Robert Downey Jr. may have just been born to play the role of Tony Stark. The director, Jon Favreau has been involved with great movies like Swingers, and seems like a smart filmmaker. I hope the good cast leads to an enjoyable and interesting movie.

Trailer dos: Given that the earlier Beowulf movie was "B-tastic", perhaps this one will be more interesting. The CG reminds me a lot of the Final Fantasy movie from a while back.

If you like, feel free to comment on either or both. Jaded & negative comments are accepted, but strongly discouraged.

Kick @$$ Song: Number Five

There are timeless songs, and then there are timeless songs. Sadly, this song has become more and more applicable since it's inceptiton. Is there a better "stick it to the man" song out there? Feel free to suggest one.

Trifecta of Good News & a Thank You

So, I leave on my honeymoon and when I come back I hear of three juicy news items. Both Rove & Gonzales have resigned, and a republican senator recently plead guilty over some lewd behavior in an aiport restroom. Seriously, how many "in the closet republicans" are there? The honeymoon was kick ass, of course, but these news bits are just icing.

Speaking of the honeymoon, Tara and I had a blast, and we look forward to sharing pictures in the future. I may also post a few on the blog eventually. Also, we both want to extend our gratitude to those who helped set-up, provide services, and also those who could join us for the wedding and reception. All of you helped make it a day to remember. Arigato!


I also plan on working on a DVD of the wedding and reception and hope to have that done within a month or so.

The Wedding & Honeymoon

First, Tara & I would like to give a preemptive thanks to all of our family and friends who will be helping us set up for the wedding ceremony and reception (which will be here). The plan is to start around noon, so if you are interested in helping, give me a call and let me know when you plan on showing up to help set up.

Now, onto the cool part, the honeymoon. Tara and I spent months throwing destination ideas at each other. We finally settled on a San Francisco/Northern California trip. For my part, I had never been to San Francisco and everything I had heard about the city sounds like fried gold. On top of that, we will also be visiting the town where Tara grew up, and I simply cannot put into words how much that experience will mean to me.

From August 13-16 we will be in San Francisco, where we will be staying at the SF Marriott Hotel close to Union Square. We are hoping to see all the cool sites, which will likely be easier given Mark's awesome suggestion of getting a "Not for Tourist" book. In particular, I am looking forward to Chinatown and Muir Woods. We are also hoping to drive down to Monterey and spend most of the day "playing" on the beach.

From San Fran, we will be driving north and staying in Chico until the 19th, which will serve as our de facto base of operations. We also plan on visiting towns like Corning, Redding, & Paradise while we are up there. We will be staying at the Hotel Diamond in downtown Chico.

On August 19th, we will be flying back to Denver and then staying in Boulder for a couple days at our favorite hotel The Boulder Outlook. We will then make our way back to Laramie late in the evening on the 21st. We look forward to resting for the remainder of the week and spending some nice, relaxing time together.

Blogger note: I do hope that a HONEYMOON is a good enough excuse for not posting for a couple weeks. If I have my way, I won't be anywhere near a computer. I have filled out and submitted the proper paper work (the BV-S9 form) and I hope HSBP keeps me on the redeemed list during my absence. ;)

Apple presents the iRack

MAD TV gold! Simply brilliant!

The Dark Knight Teaser

Ooooooo, geekgasm. Geekgasm all over my pants...I need a tissue.

Update:It looks like Warner Bros. is continuing the viral marketing ploy and has now redirected the previous site to a web page full of pictures of "joker fans." But thanks to youtube, I bring you the teaser in all it's video glory below.

Lyrics for the Current Mood

And when you wanted me,
I came to you.
And when you wanted someone else,
I withdrew.
And when you asked for light,
I set myself on fire.
And if I go far away,
I know you'll find another slave.

Now I'm free
from what you want.
Now I'm free
from what you need.
Now I'm free
from what you are.

And when you wanted blood,
I cut my veins.
And when you wanted love,
I bled myself again.
Now that I've had my fill of you,
I'd give you up forever.
And here i go far away,
I know you,
you'll find another slave.

Now I'm free
from what you want.
Now I'm free
from what you need.
Now I'm free
from what you are.

Then a vision came to me
when you came along.
I gave you everything but then
you wanted more.

Now I'm free
from what you want.
Now I'm free
from what you need.
Now I'm free
from what you are.

Now that I'm free
from what you want.
Now that I'm free
from what you need.
Now that I'm free
from what you are.

Gee, Thanks Dick...

I just got this e-mail in my inbox (text follows). It's very hard to keep the snarky comments at bay. VERY HARD. I will say one thing though, is it a surprise to anyone that the Cheyene's aren't hurting for cash?

Cheneys Create Unprecedented Study Abroad Endowment

July 20, 2007 -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, have created for the University of Wyoming the largest single-university endowment dedicated to study abroad support.
They presented $1.8 million, an amount matched by the state of Wyoming, to establish scholarships promoting internationalization in education. Dick Cheney earned both a B.A. (1965) and an M.A. (1966) in political science from UW. Lynne Cheney received a bachelor's degree from Colorado College, a master's degree from the University of Colorado and a doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin.

"This gift shows a keen appreciation for the importance of our students having meaningful global experiences," says UW President Tom Buchanan. "From its inception, our Academic Plan has stressed the need to secure financing that will allow more UW students to study abroad. This generous scholarship program will help us accomplish that goal and put UW on the path to ensuring opportunity for all of our students to gain global agility and understanding."

UW is a substantial player in international education and has ties to universities on every continent except Antarctica, says Anne Alexander, UW International Programs Office director. As the university continues to add partners abroad, UW international programs are experiencing unprecedented participation.

"Our students have been going abroad at increasing rates, with a 400 percent program growth in the last four years," says Alexander. "This past academic year, more than 400 students participated in UW international programs in such varied locations as China, India, Ghana, Tunisia, and Russia, along with the traditional European destinations."

The endowment will support four scholarship categories: Cheney Study Abroad Grants, Dick and Lynne Cheney Fellowships for Excellence in Study Abroad, Dick and Lynne Cheney International Awards for University Sponsored or Recognized Student Organizations, and Cheney Semester Support Scholarships.

Cheney Study Abroad Grants will assist with travel costs to the study destination and other costs incurred abroad. Applications for spring study are due Oct. 1. Deadlines for summer and fall study will be announced this fall.

Dick and Lynne Cheney Fellowships for Excellence in Study Abroad will be awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate student with a history of academic excellence and potential to make significant contributions to their fields through international study or research. Applications for spring study are due Oct. 1, applications for summer or fall study are due March 15.

Dick and Lynne Cheney International Awards for University Sponsored or Recognized Student Organizations will support groups traveling abroad for academic reasons. Projects focused on advancing UW internationalization goals will be considered. Applications are due March 1.

Cheney Semester Support Scholarships will assist students who may exhaust financial aid by studying abroad. Applications are due Oct. 1 for spring study and March 1 for fall or summer study.

For additional information or applications, call Alexander at (307) 766-3677, e-mail aalex@uwyo.edu, or visit Knight Hall Room 248.

Update: Apparently Dick gets to be president this Saturday. I wonder what Vegas says about the odds of a war with Iran coinciding with Saturday?

Kick @$$ Song: Number Four

Steve Miller Band, "The Joker"

This is one of my favorite "oldies".

Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
Cause I speak of the pompitous of love

People keep talkin' about me, baby
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
Well, don't you worry baby
Don't worry
Cause I'm right here, right here, right here, right here at home

Cause I'm a picker
I'm a grinner
I'm a lover
And I'm a sinner
I play my music in the sun

I'm a joker
I'm a smoker
I'm a midnight toker
I get my lovin' on the run
Wooo Wooooo

You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Ooo-eee baby, I'll sure show you a good time

Cause I'm a picker
I'm a grinner
I'm a lover
And I'm a sinner
I play my music in the sun

I'm a joker
I'm a smoker
I'm a midnight toker
I sure don't want to hurt no one

Wooo Wooooo

People talk about me, baby
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
Well, don't you worry baby
Don't worry mama
Cause I'm right here at home

You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Come on baby ill show you a good time

Harry Potter is teh Gay but Manages to Own Spider-Man

Seriously people, what's with the Potter craze? He's obviously a sex-addict, not to mention that he bites it in the last book. Oops!

Well apparently plenty of people are drinking the kool-aid, because according to ComingSoon.net "...Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix earned an estimated $44.755 million on Wednesday, surpassing Spider-Man 2's 2004 Wednesday opening of $40.442 million." For more click here.

Seriously, LAME! I can tell you one thing, Spider-Man would never fuck a horse!

Kick @$$ Song: Number Three

As someone who lived my adolescence through the 90's, I have an affinity for Alanis Morissette. I remember spending countless hours in my room listening to the "Jaged Little Pill" album on casette. Yup, even I am that archaic. Choosing a favorite song off the album is like choosing between Star Wars and Firefly for me, I just love it all. With that said, one particular song comes to mind, which I enjoy very much. It is one of those timeless "life" songs that are always applicable.

Oh, did I mention Alanis Morissette was "God?"

Alanis Morissette: Hand In My Pocket

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm worthless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

What it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm shy but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chicken shit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

What it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxicab...

"Transformers" is Made of Awesome

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Tara and I went to go see Transformers. Although the movie isn't going to win any Oscar's in the "Best Adapted Screenplay" or "Best Actor" categories, the visual effects are really MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE! Also, the action sequences are jaw-dropping-edge of your seat-cream your pants-impressive. You remember the feeling when you first saw "The Matrix" or "Jurassic Park?" This movie is going to have that level of impact, the robots just look so damn cool, not to mention "real."

Any movie that can reignite someone's inner child is something special. This is one of those movies. I give it an A-, and I am counting down until the DVD release. Fortunately, I can blow plenty of money on toys until then. I'm teh dorkus maximus.

"AUTOBOTS ROLL OUT!"

Men Are Just Happier People ...

Thanks to HSBP for forwarding the following to me in an e-mail. It provided a lot of laughs as my nuptuals draw closer and closer. I hope all men and most women will be able to enjoy it. ;)

What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never get pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. Hell, you can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress: $5000.00. Tux rental: $100.00. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is not only appreciated by your friends, but practically expected. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $6.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can "do" your nails with a pocketknife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes.

Kick @$$ Song: Numbers Two & Three ;)

How's that for a trip back to the glory of the '80s?

Seriously though, I am a fan of the second one, and make no mistake, if you can't enjoy that one on any level, you are not only jaded, but you are in fact DEAD INSIDE.

I promise more legit "Kick @$$ song selections in the future.

Beer in the Headlights

So apparently wine consumption has risen dramatically over the past decade, while beer consumption has remained stagnant. Does this mean Americans are turning into a bunch of snobs? Ahem, I mean "connoisseurs". You can read the article here.

I suppose I am shocked by this development, considering that I always thought that in America, hating beer is like hating freedom. Do so many of us hate freedom? Why can't beer and wine coexist in harmony with one another? I certainly enjoy both.

"Vanilla Fresh": An Explanation

As you can see, His Sinfulness the Black Pope has changed my blog's link name to "Vanilla Fresh." This warrants an explanation I suppose. "Vanilla Fresh" is my court name/other personality that comes out whenever I am in a VERY competitive mood (which is a rarity), while participating in sporting activities. Again, this is a very rare occasion, but one that is quite humorous according to those who have seen it.

"Vanilla Fresh" or "'Nilla Fresh"--depending on how much time you have to talk or how "street" you are--made his debut during a particularly spirited game of H.O.R.S.E. between myself, my sister, and my fiance. The conept of "Vanilla Fresh" was inspired by my scandinavian/scotch/irish-white skin, an episode of Family Guy, and most importantly, my hard-knock life-upbringing in the mean streets of Laramie. The accuracy of the later is still being debated to this day.

In addition, "Vanilla Fresh" has been known to take his shirt off while competing, if the situation warrants. All are warned to look away or risk permanent blindness when "Vanilla Fresh" reveals his pale, spartan-like physique.

Finally, in "Vanilla Fresh's" downtime, he can be found busting anything from his grove to his nut while participating in a wide variety of physical activities.

Those who compete against "Vanilla Fresh" should be aware of only one thing, you are in his house, you either bring it or take that trash outa' here.

Kermit the Frog -- "Hurt"

Some of you may have already seen this, but if not, it may be one of the funniest things you have ever seen. Who knew Kermit had such a troubled soul?

I'm a Marvel...and I'm a DC

As an unabashed comic book geek, these videos certainly tickle my funny bone. "Everybody loves Batman." Ha! Classic!

Map of the Internet

What say you web-surfers? Is this an accurate map? Apparently the majority of sites I visit have yet to be discovered and recorded. What I want to know is where is the Peoples Republic of Oriental Nationalists?

Mission Accomplished Video

The poets in our group should be able to appreciate this one.

Is this nightmare (administration) over yet? With a quick stroke of his pen, Bush could end the war. Wonder what Vegas says about the odds of that happening.

"BUCK FUSH!" That's my idea for a bumper sticker.

Some Lyrics to Munch On Given Recent Events

Eye on the TV
'cause tragedy thrills me
Whatever flavour
It happens to be like;
Killed by the husband
Drowned by the ocean
Shot by his own son
She used the poison in his tea
And kissed him goodbye
That's my kinda story
It's no fun 'til someone dies

Don't look at me like
I am a monster
Frown out your one face
But with the other
Stare like a junkie
Into the TV
Stare like a zombie
While the mother
Holds her child
Watches him die
Hands to the sky crying
Why, oh why?
'cause i need to watch things die
From a distance

Vicariously I, live while the whole world dies
You all need it too, don't lie

Why can't we just admit it?
Why can't we just admit it?

We won't give pause until the blood is flowing
Neither the brave nor bold
The writers of stories sold
We won't give pause until the blood is flowing

I need to watch things die
From a good safe distance

Vicariously I, live while the whole world dies
You all feel the same so
Why can't we just admit it?

Blood like rain come down
Drawn on grave and ground

Part vampire
Part warrior
Carnivore and voyeur
Stare at the transmitter
Sing to the death rattle

La, la, la, la, la, la, la-lie

Incredulous at best your desire to believe in
Angels in the hearts of men
Pull your head on out
Your head believes it give a listen
Shouldn't have to say it all again
The universe is hostile
So impersonal
Devour to survive, so it is
So it's always been

We all feed on tragedy
It's like blood to a vampire

Vicariously I, live while the whole world dies
Much better you than I
--Tool, Vicarious, 10,000 Days

Thoughts?

Abstinence Students Still Having Sex

Way to go Bushie and whoever else supported this "smart" approach to "educating" teens. What an effective use of $176 million/per year. My response to the story's headline? "Um, duh!"

Disregarding the "don't do it" school of thought, I'm in favor of teaching teens about the emotional or mental aspects to sexuality, in addition to the "insert tab A into slot B" level of education that is presently taught. We are sexual creatures, we can figure that out on our own. What teens--and for that matter a healthy number of young-adults--could use is some type of education that discusses the ins and outs of relationships once sex is brought into the equation. Some times, I see that sex just makes people crazy. That's where I feel some real education is needed. Or is it just enevitable for sex to complicate things? Personally, I don't think so. I think whether or not sex complicates or enhances a relationship is determined by the willingness and ability of the involved persons to talk openly about their sexuality together. Perhaps if people put as much energy into "communicating" as they do "attracting" maybe my above idea would work. Who knows though. There are some damn-horny people out there.

Anyone care to offer their own ideas or proposals?

"Imusgate"

Once again, an example of our media putting its resources to good use. Ahem, ahem, ahem. Sorry, choking on bullsh%t.

I don't mean to come off as insensitive to racial slurs, and I understand that somone in the position of radio shold use a little more tact than Don Imus did. What he said was racist and immoral, but there are plenty of "radio personalities" that make a living off of being vulgar. Where is the public outcry for them? Where is the public outcry when supposed "music artists" depict women as "bitches" or "hoes." I suppose it is acceptable when presented within the framework of "badonkadonk" or "smack dat".

In the end, I'm sure this story will make the American public pause and reflect on what defines us as a nation and as a people. We will hold hands, brother to brother, sister to sister, and speak to each other with dignity and respect.

Nigga please!

Once more my feelings on the subject parallel those of one Jon Stewart.

Update: I also support Obama's stance...

Long Beach, California

Given the current weather in Laramie, I thought it would be nice of me to share with all of you where I will be over the next few days. I will be flying into here. Staying here. And hopefully seeing this, and this. Not to mention hopefully taking in one of these. I will keep all of you in my thoughts. I almost forgot, here is the weather forecast for the area...i'm a horrible person.

Given that some of you are likely to go jihad on my @$$ when I return, I offer you this video as a preemptive peace offering. It may be too much for those of the "black" persuasion, but look at how cute. Awww! If you aren't touched by this video, ahem, you're dead inside!

My Visual DNA

Because all the cool kids are doing it.

Read my VisualDNA™     Get your own VisualDNA™

Conclusive Proof: Vampires Do Not Exist

Sorry fans of Anne Rice novels. Sorry members of the dark persuasion. According to this, vampires could never exist.



So what am I suppose to do with my garage full of stakes that I spend countless hours making? I need a knew hobby.

A Picture That Must Be Shared: # 2

Sometimes you just need a picture to cheer up your day. This one did that for me.

I know, I'm a horrible person. Thanks to the Black Pope for brightening up my day. Wait, can the "Black" Pope do that?

300

It's finally here! My darkhorse pick for my favorite movie of the year. Who else is planning on seeing it? If you are, why? Do you love sandle epics, i.e. Gladiator or Troy? Are you seeing it for the stylized look of the film? Are you a hopeless graphic novel geek like me? Or is your reason for seeing it Gerard Butler? Jim, I'm looking at you! ;)


For more information about the movie, check my earlier post from last year or visit the movie's website where you can see trailers or download wallpapers of Gerard Butler's chizzled physique - Jim, still with the looking! ;)

Also, here is a nice review of the film.

A Picture That Must Be Shared

Every so often, a picture emerges through the process of web-surfing and simply must be shared with others. Below is one of those pictures. Enjoy!

Kick @$$ Song: Number One

This is the first of a series of posts to come in the future...

Johnny Cash -- "Hurt"

I hurt myself today,
to see if I still feel.
I focus on the pain,
the only thing that's real.
The needle tears a hole,
the old familiar sting.
Try to kill it all away,
but I remember everything.
What have I become?
My sweetest friend.
Everyone I know,
goes away in the end.
And you could have it all,
my empire of dirt.
I will let you down,
I will make you hurt.
I wear this crown of thorns,
upon my liar's chair.
Full of broken thoughts,
I cannot repair.
Beneath the stains of time,
the feelings disappear.
You are someone else.
I am still right here.
What have I become?
My sweetest friend.
Everyone I know,
goes away in the end.
And you could have it all,
my empire of dirt.
I will let you down.
I will make you hurt.
If I could start again,
a million miles away.
I would keep myself.
I would find a way.

Yeah, I know it was written by and originally performed by Trent Reznor of N.I.N., but man! I'll be damned if Cash didn't make this song his own. His cover is just so poignant.

Happy Valentine's Day

For my Indian Princess,

"Your Song"

My gift is my song
And this one's for you
And you can tell everybody
That this is your song
It maybe quite simple
But now that it's done
Hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world

Sat on the roof
And I kicked off the moss
Well some of the verses well
They got me quite cross
But the sun's been kind
While I wrote this song
It's for people like you that
Keep it turned on

So excuse me for forgetting
But these things I do
You see I've forgotten
If they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is well I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It may be quite simple
But now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is now you're in the world
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world

The Mainstream Media Peed In My Gas Tank

If you want to see the latest example of how the MSM has morphed into a 24-hour National Enquirer Network, check out this uproarious clip from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

I wish the dead in Iraq got this kind of publicity. Maybe if we dyed their hair blonde and gave them implants.

That clip vindicates my aversion to cable news and further demonstrates why I am gay for the Daily Show. If it wasn't for it and NPR, I don't know where I would go to stay informed.

Who I Hope Will be the Next President of the United States of America

Obama is the sexy pick. I like Edwards' charm and his message. I can't f%#king stand Hillary for a variety of reasons. Jon Stewart has already said he won't run (damn it!). So who am I pulling for? Who do I think would make the best president in 2008? This guy.





We voted for him once, we should do it again.

Who are you pulling for? And why?

25 Signs That, Sadly, You've Grown Up

I've bolded the ones that apply to me...

1. Your house plants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them. (Never smoked any plant.)

2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. (Given my acrobatic tendencies, and my manly strength, only a king bed will do.)

3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge. (As much as I enjoy beer, I love food more.)

4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.

5. You hear your favorite song on an elevator.

6. You watch the Weather Channel. (Practically daily. Sad, but true.)

7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of hook up and break up.

8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. (I miss having summers off.)

9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."

10. You're the one calling the police because those damn kids next door won't turn down the stereo.

11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.

12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore. (Fortunately, I am still down with the Bell.)

13. Your car insurance goes down and your payments go up.

14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonalds leftovers.

15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.

16. You no longer take naps from noon to 6 PM. (I don't think I ever did this.)

17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one. (Does this include later "activities" at home after the movie?)

18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle your stomach. (Well, on several occasions Burger King food has wreaked havoc on my bowls. Sorry toilet!)

19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.

20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff".

21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time. (Thanks to the wonderful cooking of a certain special lady.)

22. "I just can't drink the way I used to," replaces, "I'm never going to drink that much again." (I have never actually been drunk. However, rumor has it that certain individuals are conspiring to remedy that during my future bachelor party.)

23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work. (Indeed, this is true.)

24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar. (Not only do I do this, but I have also learned to never underestimate the value of afternoon matinees at the theater.)

25. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save Your sorry old ass.

I scored 12 out of 25, so does that mean that I am 48% old? It was my hope, that at the age of 24, I was not already becoming a grumpy old man. However, these results seem to undermine said hopes. So, how did the rest of you do?

Snake Vs Bunny

Remember the Easter bunny? Well this is how he warms up in his spare time. Apparently he hates snakes too.

Why am I reminded of this?

*Shudders* I can't even look at it. It's so terrifying!

Today's Installment of W.T.F. Part V: Darwin Award(s) Candidate

This is a case of photographer photographs photographer. The following photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The descriptions are his own. The identity of the photographer IN the photos is unknown.

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock IN the Grand Canyon.

The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.

Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod I asked myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?

2. Why not taking that sunset picture on that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?

3. How will he get back?


This is the point of no return.


After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available)

and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes.

At that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals...
The canyon's depth is 900 meters here.

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.


We've come to the end of this little story. Look carefully at the photographer.

He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand.

Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.

He lands low on this flip flops both his right hand and right foot slips away...
At that moment I take this shot.

He pushes his body against the rock.

He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

I half expected to see a picture of this guy plummeting to his doom, however it looks like Mr. Van de Vorst (the photographer of the photographer) is just flexing his illusion muscle. Why can't cool shit ever be real?