Hi there! He has returned to regale you with tales from the Windy City. He and She packed up the car and went 3 hours north to Chicago for the latest installment that is Lollapalooza. Lolla has changed a bit since it's heady days of the 90s spent traversing the country and setting up small carnivals at each stop. Lolla is now a 3-day event held in Grant Park, bordered by Lake Michigan and using the beautiful downtown skyline as a back-drop.
He and She attended last year's festival and were given many pleasant surprises but saw a few opportunities for improving our own experience. So we were both excited to have planned well in advance to ensure another fun weekend. Arriving in the afternoon on Friday our first major band was the Black Keys. A fierce 2-piece pumping out heavy blues rock truly set the stage for the weekend of music to come. With 8 stages and no shortage of food and alcohol vendors and other distractions, Lollapalooza attempts to cover all bases.
Cat Power's sultry cover sound was our next destination, and she did not disappoint. Covers sound like a shortcut in many ways, but when you hear her voice and see her prowling the stage while re-animating some great tunes you know she's worth it. But Cat Power was just an appetizer as the band that would crown the weekend was up next: The Raconteurs. Jack White may be more well known for his 2-piece collaboration with sister Meg in the White Stripes, but his band full of high-school friends seems to be where his heart lies. Raw rock just doesn't get any better than this, and Jack poured every ounce of sweat into this performance - as did the entire band. We were engrossed from the off, and they never let the crowd rest.
Radiohead headlined the opening day and, while I'm not a huge fan, they did not disappoint. Their sound is a bit too mellow-psychedelic for such a large atmosphere, but they created a good vibe and were certainly worthy of their billing. But the fun was just beginning. Saturday saw us enduring some sound issues that apparently popped up late due to city complaints, but the sound guys did their best to balance it all out on the fly. Not an easy task, especially with stages so near to each other. The worst sound issue was on Perry Farrell's small stage where he was to perform with special guest Slash. Unfortunately, their sound issues were too much and nothing could be played. Ever the good sport and entertainer, Perry led the crowd in a sing-along version of "Jane Said" while Slash held his young kid and soaked in the crowd.
DeVotchka's odd brand of Eastern European-inspired rock got the buzz going again and, after some confusion thinking MGMT were Booka Shade and vice versa, we found ourselves bobbing our heads in time with the very electronica-based Booka Shade. While so many other electro acts are switching to laptops, Booka Shade has gone a bit old-school electro with a live drummer (on electric drums) and a producer. This allowed them to reel the crowd into their unique sound. Perhaps better suited for a club, they still carried the torch for the dance crowd missing the presence of anyone approaching last year's headliners Daft Punk.
Spank Rock, Jamie Lidell, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco and then the Toadies kept our pace (along with numerous reasonably priced Bud Lights!) as we prepared for the main event (at least for me) of the weekend: Rage Against the Machine. Quick aside - I had tix to see RATM and the Beastie Boys on tour back in the late 90s; a bike accident by Mike D put that tour on hiatus, during which RATM decided they just couldn't work together. Nearly 10 years and several side projects later, RATM returned to Lollapalooza as part of their reunion tour, and they can certainly still bring it. Unfortunately, "it" can sometimes be so much energy that everyone gets swept up in their own emotions. After walking out to airhorns, they let fly with "Testify" (my personal fave), which got everyone going. Then came "Bulls on Parade," and that's exactly what it was. Apparently too close to several mosh pits, many in our section panicked and attempted to get out even as the growing crowd was still surging into the show. Fearing for our own safety and others, He and She grabbed tight, supported others being pushed and nearly trampled, and made our way to the edge of the front section. At the time we were completely unaware, but apparently over 2000 people attempted to storm a gate to get into the show illegally; several hundred supposedly made it in and bull-rushed the steps we were attemtping to access. Still in throng, we made our way to a safe distance further back. Rage frontman Zach de la Rocha stopped the show on 3 separate occasions so safety workers could get a few people out and to restore some order. But Zach's brand of order is to tell the crowd to "save that shit for the streets!" Ever the prophet. But, from our safer vantage point, RATM rocked the city, rarely pausing so they could get their full setlist in. They played every one of the favorites. And while I certainly was glad to finally see them, I can't help but feel the energy suffered because of the crowd issues. That said, where are they playing next?
Sunday rolled around and our treat for arriving before noon was to catch The Octopus Project. A collection of multi-talented musicians who routinely swap instruments - midsong! - they were just the tonic to start the final day. What Made Milwaukee Famous - great band name - were another pleasant surprise on our way to The Gutter Twins, fronted by rock vets who knew precisely how to sway the crowd. But it was Brazilian Girls (strangely, not Brazilian, only 1 girl) who really heated things up. Their crafty blend of sex-pop, electro, and rock really engaged the crowd, though perhaps so did the skimpy outfit worn by their Argentine lead singer. Twirling her parasol in the blazing sun, she chatted coyly with the crowd reminding us that "it's all about ASS, not US!"
With little effort, She persuaded He to check out Newton Faulkner, and that was yet another surprise of the weekend. Faulkner's mixture of pop-folk combined with his virtuoso guitar playing, alternating between strumming and playing it like a drum, and sing-along style will surely have his star shining bright in the months to come.
So back to the south end of the park for the final push: G Love & Special Sauce, Blues Traveler, Gnarls Barkley, and then Mark Ronson all paved the way for the double-headline of Kanye West, who apparently arrived by spaceship, and Nine Inch Nails (who, surprisingly, did not). Kanye opened strong but levelled off, so we decided to cap the weekend with NIN. Trent Reznor has mellowed a bit, but not so much that he's forgotten his roots. After a few of his more somber and quiet pieces, he paused to reflect on being on the original Lolla tour with Perry before launching into several of the band's more well-known hits.
So, many ups, only a few downs, a weekend of great music (we counted up that we actually saw 32 bands!), sunshine, and well past a few hundred thousand people all made for a terrific experience. Lollapalooza has been around for 17 years and appears to have no end in sight. He and She will be back next year!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
She Said- Best Bars, Part 1
She says bars are a wonderful thing. And nothing better than tipping one back over a good conversation with a kindred spirit. Which is why She's favorite place for a drink is bellied up to the bar next to He who understands and shares her passion for drink. But some bars do lend themselves to the experience so let me chime in and share my thoughts on bars not to be missed.
The Ten Bells- London, England
Some dripping in worn out velvet, some with torn leather stretched across broken down cushions, and all sporting the knicks and dings of a century; the furniture in The Ten Bells begins a story of dilapidated decadence that one can't wait to hear. Over a drink. Or two. Or as many as it takes. One might think that as famous as the bar's history is- and considering the London Walks Jack the Ripper tour ends just across the street- that the place would be crawling with tourists. And it was, for a drink's length, but then the sightseers moved on. Except for us. Never quick to leave a bar, we stayed and let our imaginations soak up the atmosphere radiating off of these relics of Victorian London's underbelly while our blood streams soaked up the generously poured drinks. As we stayed the local crowd started filing in for their Friday night fun showing the Ten Bells as the current incarnation of it's past self. Almost. No apparent prostitutes, but certainly a ne'erdowell's neighborhood pub where you are welcome to have one too many. Just my sort of place.
The Ten Bells- London, England
Some dripping in worn out velvet, some with torn leather stretched across broken down cushions, and all sporting the knicks and dings of a century; the furniture in The Ten Bells begins a story of dilapidated decadence that one can't wait to hear. Over a drink. Or two. Or as many as it takes. One might think that as famous as the bar's history is- and considering the London Walks Jack the Ripper tour ends just across the street- that the place would be crawling with tourists. And it was, for a drink's length, but then the sightseers moved on. Except for us. Never quick to leave a bar, we stayed and let our imaginations soak up the atmosphere radiating off of these relics of Victorian London's underbelly while our blood streams soaked up the generously poured drinks. As we stayed the local crowd started filing in for their Friday night fun showing the Ten Bells as the current incarnation of it's past self. Almost. No apparent prostitutes, but certainly a ne'erdowell's neighborhood pub where you are welcome to have one too many. Just my sort of place.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
He Said: My Favorite Watering Holes!
As will become very obvious after viewing our blog, He&She very much enjoy going out, having some drinks, and being very social. We love the nightlife, we got to boogie!
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my favorite bars from my many journeys... (as with any of my opinions, this list is subject to change... at a moment's notice)
1) The Ten Bells, London - some of you may recognize this name from the Johnny Depp thriller, From Hell, based on the Jack the Ripper killings. It is indeed a real pub, and was frequented by the prossies infamously sliced up in the late 1800s. Great for having a couple pints (or 6) while relaxing in a 200-year-old low-backed wooden chair and chatting about the eerie part of London you've found yourself in. Pay special attention to the newspaper clippings from the day depicting the killings in cartoonish detail.
2) The Trafford, Manchester - this is the official supporters bar for Manchester United fans and on game day you must present a match ticket for entry. I visited on the day that Manchester raised the trophy for the Premier League, and the atmosphere was the most amazing I've ever been a part of. Singing, funny hats, double-fisting pints, more singing, more pints, and the happiest clientele you can imagine. A must for MUFC fans!
3) The Rock Classic Bar, Brussels - this one makes the list because we simply had so much fun there one evening, but it's definitely a unique place. We spent the first portion of the evening in a small room adjacent to the main bar, and it is a bit more of a lounge with some darker, moody music playing; not quite goth, but plenty of velvet. After a drink, we grabbed a table in the main bar area. Not very large, and not typically our style, but the heavy rock played all night and had us head-banging and laughing the whole time. Special props to the fun bartenders who seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the patrons.
4) The Wellington, Indianapolis - the only Indy bar on my list, this place has the look and feel of a quaint English pub. It's also the place where He met She for the first time, and that has to count for something. Friendly staff, excellent beers, and it's connected to a fantastic restaurant (Corner Wine Bar). I am especially fond of the brocade couch and small iron tables.
5) Sonotheque, Chicago - giving the appearance of a small, upscale club/lounge, this gem features a wall-length bar and chromed couches. Despite how that sounds, the feel is very casual, AND you can get a Heineken for $3.50. Where else in Chicago are you going to find that? Sonotheque specializes in ever-changing nights of eclectic music, mostly hip-hop and electronic-based. We saw Diplo with A-Trak tag-teaming on the decks, standing about 10 feet from them. If I lived in Chi, I'd be there weekly.
6) Satellite Sports Cafe, Amsterdam - Located in the very active nightlife area known as the Leidseplein, the SSC holds down one corner of "Pancake Square." This is Mokum's version of a sports bar, and do they ever get it right. With TVs visible from nearly every square inch (and every square inch gets filled!), games ranging from the FA Cup to the Fiesta Bowl, outdoor seating (with huge heaters in the winter), and pretty waitstaff who apparently got dressed to go clubbing before heading to work, this is THE place to catch a game or simply grab a quick bite before visiting everything else within walking distance. And since it's open 24 hours, it's also a great place to have one last drink (or just coffee, depending on the staff!) before calling it a night.
7) Vision, Chicago - My taste for electronic music is disproportionate to my enjoyment of spending late nights in loud, thumping clubs, but I do occasionally like to see some of my favorite acts live, and this is Chicago's answer. A massive club that is actually 3 in 1, this darkly lit and very loud hotspot completely immerses your senses. If you enjoy the clubbing experience, you'd have to hit Ibiza to find a place to rival Vision.
8) Rasta Baby, Amsterdam - there is simply nothing else like it around here. One of the rare coffeeshops that also sells liquor (a rarity in A'dam, and perhaps no longer legal if some rumors are to be believed), as the name implies this is a reggae joint. Upon entering through the solarium, you find yourself immersed in the iry riddims and foggy scents that cloud this small establishment. I also tried genever here for the first time; a local liquor that tastes like whiskey/tequila with a bite. Yum! They offer fine "products" and have a very friendly staff. But careful, this is one place where it's easy to spend several hours before you even realize it!
9) The Doors Coffeeshop, Amsterdam - half bar/half coffeeshop, this is my favorite hangout in the 'Dam. The bar itself is small, but the room is spacious and the staff is very friendly. A huge variety of products, cold Heineken, and an ever-changing selection of music fills this local establishment and gives it a cozy feel. Helpful tip: DO NOT sit in the seat at the far end of the bar by the wall!
10) Chumley's, NYC - if you don't know how to get to it, you're never going to find it! But we had a great tour guide when we visited NYC a few years back (Thanks, Gurnsey!), and she took us to this historical icon. It's a cozy former speakeasy, evoking a far different era. The walls are adorned with famous writers who once shared the small wooden tables, as well as with modern-day reminders of the local heroes of 9/11. Off the beaten path, but worth an afternoon's or evening's visit to sit back and pretend you're Kerouac.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my favorite bars from my many journeys... (as with any of my opinions, this list is subject to change... at a moment's notice)
1) The Ten Bells, London - some of you may recognize this name from the Johnny Depp thriller, From Hell, based on the Jack the Ripper killings. It is indeed a real pub, and was frequented by the prossies infamously sliced up in the late 1800s. Great for having a couple pints (or 6) while relaxing in a 200-year-old low-backed wooden chair and chatting about the eerie part of London you've found yourself in. Pay special attention to the newspaper clippings from the day depicting the killings in cartoonish detail.
2) The Trafford, Manchester - this is the official supporters bar for Manchester United fans and on game day you must present a match ticket for entry. I visited on the day that Manchester raised the trophy for the Premier League, and the atmosphere was the most amazing I've ever been a part of. Singing, funny hats, double-fisting pints, more singing, more pints, and the happiest clientele you can imagine. A must for MUFC fans!
3) The Rock Classic Bar, Brussels - this one makes the list because we simply had so much fun there one evening, but it's definitely a unique place. We spent the first portion of the evening in a small room adjacent to the main bar, and it is a bit more of a lounge with some darker, moody music playing; not quite goth, but plenty of velvet. After a drink, we grabbed a table in the main bar area. Not very large, and not typically our style, but the heavy rock played all night and had us head-banging and laughing the whole time. Special props to the fun bartenders who seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the patrons.
4) The Wellington, Indianapolis - the only Indy bar on my list, this place has the look and feel of a quaint English pub. It's also the place where He met She for the first time, and that has to count for something. Friendly staff, excellent beers, and it's connected to a fantastic restaurant (Corner Wine Bar). I am especially fond of the brocade couch and small iron tables.
5) Sonotheque, Chicago - giving the appearance of a small, upscale club/lounge, this gem features a wall-length bar and chromed couches. Despite how that sounds, the feel is very casual, AND you can get a Heineken for $3.50. Where else in Chicago are you going to find that? Sonotheque specializes in ever-changing nights of eclectic music, mostly hip-hop and electronic-based. We saw Diplo with A-Trak tag-teaming on the decks, standing about 10 feet from them. If I lived in Chi, I'd be there weekly.
6) Satellite Sports Cafe, Amsterdam - Located in the very active nightlife area known as the Leidseplein, the SSC holds down one corner of "Pancake Square." This is Mokum's version of a sports bar, and do they ever get it right. With TVs visible from nearly every square inch (and every square inch gets filled!), games ranging from the FA Cup to the Fiesta Bowl, outdoor seating (with huge heaters in the winter), and pretty waitstaff who apparently got dressed to go clubbing before heading to work, this is THE place to catch a game or simply grab a quick bite before visiting everything else within walking distance. And since it's open 24 hours, it's also a great place to have one last drink (or just coffee, depending on the staff!) before calling it a night.
7) Vision, Chicago - My taste for electronic music is disproportionate to my enjoyment of spending late nights in loud, thumping clubs, but I do occasionally like to see some of my favorite acts live, and this is Chicago's answer. A massive club that is actually 3 in 1, this darkly lit and very loud hotspot completely immerses your senses. If you enjoy the clubbing experience, you'd have to hit Ibiza to find a place to rival Vision.
8) Rasta Baby, Amsterdam - there is simply nothing else like it around here. One of the rare coffeeshops that also sells liquor (a rarity in A'dam, and perhaps no longer legal if some rumors are to be believed), as the name implies this is a reggae joint. Upon entering through the solarium, you find yourself immersed in the iry riddims and foggy scents that cloud this small establishment. I also tried genever here for the first time; a local liquor that tastes like whiskey/tequila with a bite. Yum! They offer fine "products" and have a very friendly staff. But careful, this is one place where it's easy to spend several hours before you even realize it!
9) The Doors Coffeeshop, Amsterdam - half bar/half coffeeshop, this is my favorite hangout in the 'Dam. The bar itself is small, but the room is spacious and the staff is very friendly. A huge variety of products, cold Heineken, and an ever-changing selection of music fills this local establishment and gives it a cozy feel. Helpful tip: DO NOT sit in the seat at the far end of the bar by the wall!
10) Chumley's, NYC - if you don't know how to get to it, you're never going to find it! But we had a great tour guide when we visited NYC a few years back (Thanks, Gurnsey!), and she took us to this historical icon. It's a cozy former speakeasy, evoking a far different era. The walls are adorned with famous writers who once shared the small wooden tables, as well as with modern-day reminders of the local heroes of 9/11. Off the beaten path, but worth an afternoon's or evening's visit to sit back and pretend you're Kerouac.
Friday, January 18, 2008
She Said- Barack My World
The time to pick our parties #1 draft pick is quickly approaching and I'm not up on my stats! I mean, I've read the platforms of the major candidates and know who I absolutely do not support. (That means you, Fred Thompson, and your intolerant beliefs.) But most everyone(despite efforts otherwise) blends into a haze of qualified, talented, non-threatening options with very few distinctive differences to me.
Except for Barack Obama. He may not have the longest track record, he may be a bit of an untested talent, but he's definitely got the heart for the game which goes acres past a long way with me. Maybe he can't pull off a win in '08 when we sit dumbfounded and at war with a desperate need for the proven leadership we've been missing. But Barack Obama's positive yet persistant approach to the nation's problems leaves me inspired and hopeful that fresh ideas are on the horizon. And before you roll your skeptical eyes and call me naive, check out his plan for Iraq as presented to the Senate's bipartisan Iraq Study Group or his idea to reduce the influence of lobbyists over legislation. This is the way I want my President to think.
But no matter who gets the bid, a successful administration needs more than a good leader, it needs a good team. I find Obama inspiring and he's just the kind of boss I would want, but does he inspire his peers? Can he recruit the best players? I don't know. Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach said, "The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." I couldn't agree more and that leaves me wishing we could test drive each candidate for awhile...see their cabinet choices...see how they get along with a Congress...see how they are received internationally. Say...is there a Fantasy Government League?
Except for Barack Obama. He may not have the longest track record, he may be a bit of an untested talent, but he's definitely got the heart for the game which goes acres past a long way with me. Maybe he can't pull off a win in '08 when we sit dumbfounded and at war with a desperate need for the proven leadership we've been missing. But Barack Obama's positive yet persistant approach to the nation's problems leaves me inspired and hopeful that fresh ideas are on the horizon. And before you roll your skeptical eyes and call me naive, check out his plan for Iraq as presented to the Senate's bipartisan Iraq Study Group or his idea to reduce the influence of lobbyists over legislation. This is the way I want my President to think.
But no matter who gets the bid, a successful administration needs more than a good leader, it needs a good team. I find Obama inspiring and he's just the kind of boss I would want, but does he inspire his peers? Can he recruit the best players? I don't know. Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach said, "The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." I couldn't agree more and that leaves me wishing we could test drive each candidate for awhile...see their cabinet choices...see how they get along with a Congress...see how they are received internationally. Say...is there a Fantasy Government League?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
He Said: Which is worse, continuing the status quo or doing nothing?
So we are inching closer to finding out who will be our candidates for November, and I find myself as uninspired by our choices as I've ever been. On the Republican side we are provided with many big names, but very little that's new.
Rudy Giuliani, once a media darling and forever linked with his heroics after 9/11, has made it clear he really has nothing new to offer us as he intends to simply continue our war efforts in Iraq and elsewhere. He is somewhat refreshing as a Republican since he confounds his own party and the religious base that was so crucial for Dubya by being an adulterer, sometimes cross-dresser, and has previously been pro-choice.
Fred Thompson, another candidate thought to have some real power and support, has looked lethargic and disinterested during most of the debates. Fred does have lymphoma, which he says is not affecting him much, but he does not look healthy. He, too, intends to continue the war, as well as signalling a desire to implement even more conservative policies, most of which involve some level of intrusion or restricting of rights. Funny, I thought Republicans claimed to be for less government.
I don't know much about Mitt Romney other than he's Mormon and he used to be pro-choice. 2 things that will most likely alienate or at least breed suspicion among the religious right base.
I would have considered voting for John McCain a couple years ago, but his flip-flopping on certain issues and complete pandering to elements within the GOP base have really turned me off. Where's the McCain of the "Straight Talk Express" campaign?
I didn't know much about Mike Huckabee until earlier today, and then I found out all I needed to know to not vote for him. He said he believes the Constitution should be brought into line with "God's standards". I'm gonna let that one sit there by itself.
Finally, Ron Paul has spent more time fending off accusations of racism from things he wrote while running his own newsletter a few years back than campaigning. Ooops! Despite actually receving more support than Rudy and Fred in some primaries, he's been frozen out.
I used to be a Democrat, but I left them because I felt they were ineffective and lacked guts. A few years on, and I'm feeling I made a good decision. Barack Obama has impressed me at times, but just when I think I'm willing to throw my support behind him he goes and says something that reminds us he may not have enough experience for the job. Also, I'm not really sure what his intentions are. He says he intends to bring the troops home, but that's an awfully (overly?)simple response to a very complex situation. But, he's a nice guy. So was Carter.
Ah, Hillary. Or AAAAAAAAAHHHHH HILLARY!!!!!!!, depending on how much she scares you. She's got experience alright! Unfortunately, it's the Rovian mudslinging kind. I think she likes the dirty side of politics, which comes as no surprise given who she (occasionally) shares her bed with. She has flip-flopped as well, and not in the "I gave it considerable thought and changed my mind" sort, but rather the "Oh, I'm speaking to the VFW today, I better throw in some stuff about initially supporting the war" kind. I'd also like to break the stranglehold of family politics within the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Bush regime we've had for 20 years. She, too, says she intends to end the war. And she may understand the proper way to do this. She also may decide to use taxpayer dollars to buy herself an island. I just don't trust her.
John Edwards can't win. But I'd take a $400 haircut anyday. He'll make a good running mate, though.
So who will I vote for? Well, considering I left the Dems to become a Libertarian, perhaps I'll give them my presidential vote. But that guy has less chance of being elected than me right now, so I have a tough decision to make. I'm hoping one of the candidates says something soon that piques my interest. Until then, I'm undecided. Status quo or no quo?
So, who are you voting for? Maybe I'll wait to see who She decides on! ;)
Rudy Giuliani, once a media darling and forever linked with his heroics after 9/11, has made it clear he really has nothing new to offer us as he intends to simply continue our war efforts in Iraq and elsewhere. He is somewhat refreshing as a Republican since he confounds his own party and the religious base that was so crucial for Dubya by being an adulterer, sometimes cross-dresser, and has previously been pro-choice.
Fred Thompson, another candidate thought to have some real power and support, has looked lethargic and disinterested during most of the debates. Fred does have lymphoma, which he says is not affecting him much, but he does not look healthy. He, too, intends to continue the war, as well as signalling a desire to implement even more conservative policies, most of which involve some level of intrusion or restricting of rights. Funny, I thought Republicans claimed to be for less government.
I don't know much about Mitt Romney other than he's Mormon and he used to be pro-choice. 2 things that will most likely alienate or at least breed suspicion among the religious right base.
I would have considered voting for John McCain a couple years ago, but his flip-flopping on certain issues and complete pandering to elements within the GOP base have really turned me off. Where's the McCain of the "Straight Talk Express" campaign?
I didn't know much about Mike Huckabee until earlier today, and then I found out all I needed to know to not vote for him. He said he believes the Constitution should be brought into line with "God's standards". I'm gonna let that one sit there by itself.
Finally, Ron Paul has spent more time fending off accusations of racism from things he wrote while running his own newsletter a few years back than campaigning. Ooops! Despite actually receving more support than Rudy and Fred in some primaries, he's been frozen out.
I used to be a Democrat, but I left them because I felt they were ineffective and lacked guts. A few years on, and I'm feeling I made a good decision. Barack Obama has impressed me at times, but just when I think I'm willing to throw my support behind him he goes and says something that reminds us he may not have enough experience for the job. Also, I'm not really sure what his intentions are. He says he intends to bring the troops home, but that's an awfully (overly?)simple response to a very complex situation. But, he's a nice guy. So was Carter.
Ah, Hillary. Or AAAAAAAAAHHHHH HILLARY!!!!!!!, depending on how much she scares you. She's got experience alright! Unfortunately, it's the Rovian mudslinging kind. I think she likes the dirty side of politics, which comes as no surprise given who she (occasionally) shares her bed with. She has flip-flopped as well, and not in the "I gave it considerable thought and changed my mind" sort, but rather the "Oh, I'm speaking to the VFW today, I better throw in some stuff about initially supporting the war" kind. I'd also like to break the stranglehold of family politics within the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Bush regime we've had for 20 years. She, too, says she intends to end the war. And she may understand the proper way to do this. She also may decide to use taxpayer dollars to buy herself an island. I just don't trust her.
John Edwards can't win. But I'd take a $400 haircut anyday. He'll make a good running mate, though.
So who will I vote for? Well, considering I left the Dems to become a Libertarian, perhaps I'll give them my presidential vote. But that guy has less chance of being elected than me right now, so I have a tough decision to make. I'm hoping one of the candidates says something soon that piques my interest. Until then, I'm undecided. Status quo or no quo?
So, who are you voting for? Maybe I'll wait to see who She decides on! ;)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
He Said: Colts got bounced by a team in form
The Indianapolis Colts played their last game of the season over the weekend, losing their AFC Divisional Playoff against the San Diego Chargers 28-24. The Colts had the ball with a chance to win the game in the final minutes, but San Diego continued to frustrate the Colts with their defense and aggressive secondary play. Culminating in several unsuccessful passing attempts, the Colts' injury-plagued and erratic season came to a fitting end in losing to a solid team that executed their game plan to perfection and are riding a wave of momentum. It is certainly disappointing and somewhat anti-climactic to lose with such high expectations for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Indy is a good sporting town, but we don't have the collection of rabid fans seen in some other larger cities (Detroit and NYC come to mind). So it was no surprise that at the end of the game on Sunday the fans mostly just took deep breaths, paid their tabs, and then ventured back into the cold wintery air on the northside. Perhaps the fans are confident that Peyton will rebound next season with a hopefully healthy Marvin Harrison (conspicuous by his absence on the final drives) and the other pro-bowlers and supporting characters, or perhaps they all realized - as I had - that sometimes the other team is better than you on that particular day. We don't have to like it, but it's the right way to accept such a loss. Now, let's warm up some spicy cheese dip, pop the top on a cold one, and all become Chargers fans in the hopes that they can ride their big Mo past New England next weekend!
Indy is a good sporting town, but we don't have the collection of rabid fans seen in some other larger cities (Detroit and NYC come to mind). So it was no surprise that at the end of the game on Sunday the fans mostly just took deep breaths, paid their tabs, and then ventured back into the cold wintery air on the northside. Perhaps the fans are confident that Peyton will rebound next season with a hopefully healthy Marvin Harrison (conspicuous by his absence on the final drives) and the other pro-bowlers and supporting characters, or perhaps they all realized - as I had - that sometimes the other team is better than you on that particular day. We don't have to like it, but it's the right way to accept such a loss. Now, let's warm up some spicy cheese dip, pop the top on a cold one, and all become Chargers fans in the hopes that they can ride their big Mo past New England next weekend!
Welcome!
Welcome to the first post on the first day of He Said - She Said!
He Said - She Said is a fresh new take on popular culture and a variety of other topics. The format is simple. One of us (that is, He or She) will post his/her opinion on whatever pops into mind and the other will provide a response. He and She are well-matched but quirky; sometimes we will agree, sometimes we will disagree. But you can be sure that we will rarely arrive at our final destination in the same way. So join us as we take on restaurants, books, movies, politicos, celebrities, travel destinations and everything in between. Please feel free to add your comments and let us know how you receive them.
He Said - She Said is a fresh new take on popular culture and a variety of other topics. The format is simple. One of us (that is, He or She) will post his/her opinion on whatever pops into mind and the other will provide a response. He and She are well-matched but quirky; sometimes we will agree, sometimes we will disagree. But you can be sure that we will rarely arrive at our final destination in the same way. So join us as we take on restaurants, books, movies, politicos, celebrities, travel destinations and everything in between. Please feel free to add your comments and let us know how you receive them.
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