Povertybarn

Where Can I Get One?

There Go My Hereos

Last night, the Bay Area was safe from Foo thanks to the rockin' Foo Fighters. They played an amazing set last night that lasted for over two hours.

This is a photo from the trusty iPhone. Dave Grohl and company kicked ass. If you missed it, you missed a damn good show.

Memoirs of A Crazy Geisha

Is This Beaumont?

Beaumont, you ask? It is the fictional town of no fun in the movie, Footloose!

A St. Louis-area town is considering a bill that would ban swearing in bars, along with table-dancing, drinking contests and profane music.

City officials contend the bill is needed to keep rowdy crowds under control because the historic downtown area gets a little too lively on some nights.

City Councilman Richard Veit said he was prompted to propose the bill after complaints about bad bar behavior. He says it will give police some rules to enforce when things get too rowdy.

But some bar owners worry the bill is too vague and restrictive, saying it may be a violation of their civil rights.

Marc Rousseau, who owns bar R.T. Weilers, said he thinks the bill needs revision.

"We're dealing with adults here once again and I don't think it's the city's job or the government's job to determine what we can and cannot play in our restaurant," Rousseau said.

The proposal would ban indecent, profane or obscene language, songs, entertainment and literature at bars.

A meeting to discuss the proposal is set for Jan. 14.

It might be a violation of civil rights? You need to ask that question? What has the Patriot Act done to us?  Is this a plot by Fuckabee and his prayer circles?

Vote for Ralphie

Letterman on Iowa Last Night

Barack Obama speech draws thousands of Iowans who have always wanted to see an African American in person.

I Heart Michael Cera

RIP Norman Mailer

It's A Fat World Afterall, Part II

I just can't let it go, yet. Sung to the tune of "It's a Small World."

It's a world of burgers
A world of fries
It's a world of milkshakes
And it'll make you die
There's so much greasy fare
Another soda, do I dare
It's a fat world after all

There are many malls with a golden arch
And other drive-thrus that offer starch
I'll take the super-sized side
And now my hips are wide
It's a fat world after all

It's a fat world after all
It's a fat world after all
It's a fat world after all
It's a fat, fat world

It's A Fat World Afterall

Disneyland announced today that starting in January, they will shut down the flume ride "It's a Small World" to retrofatfit it. Apparently, it needs to be super-sized to accommodate the super-sized riders. The heavy loads are causing log jams, not unlike the arteries of the riders who are shoveling down freedom fries and that ilk at the snack bars.

The attraction is about 41 years old, so it needs to expand with the times. Disney has already resorted to making larger souvenirs and costumes. Adult men and women are about 25 pounds (11 kilograms) heavier than they were in 1960, and 65 percent are considered overweight, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Should we be calling them freedom fries? Or should we work toward freedom from fries?

David Sedaris, Here I Come

A Campaign to Get Behind

No butts about it, Dallas, Texas has kicked off a new campaign to get people to pull up their pants. City officials have seen this fad sink and sag a little lower over the last few years and want to belt things up. They are asking people to stop the saggin' madness.

Seriously, people cinch it, tuck it or belt it. Close the drawers. It is not a bum deal. Say no to crack. Don't be an ass, pull up your pants is my vote for the slogan.

I'll stop now. This story caught my eye from NPR.

1 Republican Out, Too Many To Go

According to the NYTimes, Senator Sam Brownback is said to be dropping out of the race to be the Republican nominee. The poll numbers show him at 2% in Iowa. At least for now, Roe v. Wade is safe from this wingnut.

Mitt Romney's number flip, just like his stance on issues like Abortion and questions about his religion. I have a few questions for him.

This is all subject to change when the candidates hit Iowa hard before the Caucus that is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2008.

On the Radar

Offensive or Freedom of the Press? Too far? What are your thoughts? Hillary is naked, what is that about? What does this say about women? Barack is naked, too. Why only the Dems? I think that this cover is a version of a past Vanity Fair cover.

Radar has more to say. Supposedly, if you look inside they have photoshopped Mitt in Mormon Underwear.

Kathy Griffin Goes Down Woz Way

1 Barry Down, 1 Barry To Go!

Oh! Happy Day! Barry Bonds will NOT be back in San Francisco next season. The other one is Barry Zito who is costing us about 2 million dollars per loss.
 

Creativity

Animator vs. Animation by *alanbecker on deviantART

Random Flickr Blogging

In absence of any real friends, Bob decided to photograph his basement shelves and then rearrange them and then repeat to fill his time. BTW, Tom Hilton explains the Flickr blogging phenom.

Social Experiment

  Sunglasses Left Behind 
  Originally uploaded by Guinnessgrrl

These sunglasses have been hanging from this gate in my neighborhood in San Francisco since last Friday night. The gate is near two major bus stops, so I am assuming that a person waiting for a bus dropped them. How long will they be there before anyone claims them? Or just flat out takes them? This is an interesting social experiment and I will keep you posted.

UPDATE: The glasses lasted about a week, but I don't who took them.

What Yer Readin?

Color me depressed, again. A new AP poll announces that one in four Americans did not read a book last year. Nope, not a single book. Ahh, we are the country of achievement and enlightenment, aren't we? This just makes my heart swell with pride.

There is some interesting breakdown of the poll, here are some tidbits:

People from the West and Midwest are more likely to have read at least one book in the past year. Southerners who do read, however, tend to read more books, mostly religious books and romance novels, than people from other regions. Whites read more than blacks and Hispanics, and those who said they never attend religious services read nearly twice as many as those who attend frequently.

There was even some political variety evident, with Democrats and liberals typically reading slightly more books than Republicans and conservatives.

The Bible and religious works were read by two-thirds in the survey, more than all other categories. Popular fiction, histories, biographies and mysteries were all cited by about half, while one in five read romance novels. Every other genre — including politics, poetry and classical literature — were named by fewer than five% of readers.

More women than men read every major category of books except for history and biography. Industry experts said that confirms their observation that men tend to prefer non-fiction.

How many books did you read last year? What are you currently reading?

This is Me

In case you live under a rock, you can Simpsonize yourself. This is a representation of me.

Get Your Krusty O's

  Mountain View Kwik-E-Mart 002 
  Originally uploaded by Matt Solnit

Unless you live under a rock, you know that The Simpson's Movie comes out on Friday. Woo hoo! There are about 12 Kwik E Marts in the US and Canada. One of them is in Mountain View, CA just South of San Francisco. We made a pilgrimage there a few weeks back, but my pictures didn't turn out too well. Here is one that I found on Flickr. Ralphie is my favorite!

Emmy Noms: Can You Feel the Snark?

Outstanding Drama Series
Boston Legal - Is this sh*t still on?
Grey's Anatomy - Over it, just kidding!

Heroes - Does anyone over the age of 20 watch this crap?
House - Is this a joke?
The Sopranos- WINNER

Outstanding Comedy Series
Entourage - Not quite yet
The Office - Second rate redux
30 Rock - Baldwin jinxed it
Two and a Half Men - Over it!
Ugly Betty - WINNER

Outstanding Lead Actor on a Drama Series
James Spader, Boston Legal - Too fug
Hugh Laurie, House - Hottie, but no
Denis Leary, Rescue Me - Seriously?
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos - WINNER
Kiefer Sutherland, 24 - Um, no.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Ricky Gervais, Extras - WINNER
Tony Shaloub, Monk - Again?
Steve Carell, The Office - EEwww
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock - Phone in a no vote
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men - Over that rug

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters - They don't really like her enough

Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer - Maybe?
Mariska Hargitay, Lay & Order: SVU - Over her
Patricia Arquette, Medium - Not with that do
Minnie Driver, The Riches - WINNER
Edie Falco, The Sopranos - ZZZZzzzzzzz

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives - Really?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine - OH, no!
Tina Fey, 30 Rock - Not quite
America Ferrara, Ugly Betty - WINNER
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds - HOT second choice

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Kevin Dillon, Entourage - It would be wrong, All Star NO SHOW
Jeremy Piven, Entourage - Maybe later
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother - WINNER
Rainn Wilson, The Office - Hell no
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men - I don't think so, duckie

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
William Shatner, Boston Leagal - Sad and Old
TR Knight, Grey's Anatomy - Have a seat
Masi Oka, Heroes - WHO? Sadly, no.
Michael Emerson, Lost - Not gonna happen
Terry O'Quinn, Lost - Nope, never.
Michael Imporioli, The Sopranos - Unibrow WINNER

Oustanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jaime Pressly, My Name is Earl - No. Oh, Snap!
Jenna Fischer, The Office - SUX
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men - I am on the floor with laughter
Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men - Hell to the no
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty - WINNER
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds - She still has a job?

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers and Sisters - Maybe next year
Katherine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy - Shut up already
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy - Runner up?
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy - NO, no, no, no!
Aida Tuturro, The Sopranos - Once the fat, crazy sister -- always the fat, crazy sister.
Lorraine Bracco, The Sopranos - WINNER

For all the rest of the nominees, go to emmys.org

What are your thoughts -- snarky or nice?

Seen in SF on Sunday

I saw a bumper sticker that read:

FRODO FAILED
BUSH HAS THE RING

LOL. Damn, not having a camera on me sucked this time.

Do'h! The Simpson Movie is almost here!

Sarah Silverman Rocks

Pale Force Meeting

I just wanted to let you know that posting will be light today as I am heading out to wait in line for my tickets for tonight's Conan O'Brien taping here in San Francisco. Since, I too am an Irish redhead, I feel a deep affection for the leader of the pale force.

Tonight:

George Lucas
Will Arnett
and Chris Isaak

Suggestions for Amsterdam?

Can all three of the readers of this blog suggest any good places to eat, drink or smoke in Amsterdam, Brussels, Brugges, Antwerp and Paris?

Thanks, I am outta here on Saturday. I will try to post and check email.

How Christian of Them

So, I must be one of the last people in America to have watched Borat this weekend on DVD. I got some great laughs and then got horrified that people from across the World saw my fellow Americans.

The scene that interests me the most is the one with the Pentecostal church. I won't even touch the service element. I just thought it was interesting that these "Christians" walked right past and over Borat as he lay out in front of their church. No one asked him if he was okay or if needed help.

How Christian.

Project Runway: WTF

First, Mags as always rocks the runway with her wrap-up report.

Does Vincent have pictures of Heidi Klum smoking crack while pregnant or something? He does NOT belong this show. He is crazy and his clothes are a disaster.

Allison and her designs are adorable. She will be missed and I cannot wait to see what she does now.

My man, Michael, kicked ass and won. Woo hoo! Jeffrey is bitter, oh snap!

I can't wait to watch Project Runway next week. Love it!

Project Runway 3: Redemption

Okay, I am a HUGE Project Runway fan have posted on it from time-to-time. Last night's episode was so good! If you missed -- stop over at You Forgot Poland! because Mags has a fab recount and I just plain adore her.

Ok, so much to tell you! First, the woman Stacey Estrella who got Das Boot on week one works at a technology company in the Bay Area. Yea! I couldn't believe it when I realized that I have met her before. There are serious rumors (unsubstantiated) that she is a lesbian (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Angela actually designed a some what normal outfit last night. She still seems sort of crazy to me and she is lucky that Laura and Michael (whom I both love) kept her in check. Seriously. Rosettes are her current signature? Um, I thought that a signature is something that is a constant, no? How she hasn't been eliminated already is beyond me.

Keith! He is a fake and he was exposed. Keith seemed very defensive when he told his fellow mates that he was booted. At least on this show, you cheat and you're out!

I really like Robert (the Barbie Guy) and was disappointed by his outfit last -- tre boring! I like Bonnie and based on past outfits I don't that she should have gotten the Auf. In my opinion, the cast off should have gone to Bradley. He can't sew, he can't create -- his dog outfit was fug.

Where Are My Wasps At?

I actually had the link emailed to me from a friend who lives in Greenwich.

Rescue Me!

Well, because some times you're in a situation when you need to be rescued or look far more important then you may be.

Give popularity dialer a try!

Dude, where was this site this past Friday? Oy, I needed it!

Stuck in a meeting? Bad date? Blind date? Trying to impress a date?

Kathy Griffin Kills Me

Okay, sorry I ran out of time and didn't post this on Friday.

Kathy Griffin mad me cry! Omigod! We laughed so freakin' hard.

So, my coworker, her husband and I went to see Kathy Griffin last Thursday night at the Warfield in San Francisco. She's here in my City and I love her, so why not go? Plus, My Life on the Dlist rocks.

While Kathy didn't dish about her divorce, she did dish a lot! She told us that her assistant, Jessica, is definitely bi and may be switching teams.

Her bit about Star Jones killed me! Rumor has it that Star said that she doesn't care who replaces her as long as it is not Rosie O'Donnell or Kathy Griffin! WTF? Kathy rocks! Damn, there is so much to cover that I am not sure that I can now.

She will be a co-host on The View this Thursday, so set your TiVos!

What's on Your Tape?

Wanna go old school? Do you want to make something special for a friend or loved one? Or do you want a new International penpal?

Do you remember spending hours making mixed tapes? Well, now you can recapture part of your high school days! That's right.

As of now, this is the only good thing that I have heard to come out of MySpace: The mixedtape project. Let's all give it our best shot!

No MANners

I know that I am a beverage snob. I like great coffee, beer, wine and even water. This truth was even more solidified when I read Amanda's post from yesterday over at Pandagon.

Miller Lite sucks no matter who you advertise it.

Who does their ads? A group of dudes who just graduated from college? I watch so few commercials these days since I have TiVo. No wonder.

If Children Are Our Future -- We're Screwed!

If you're friends are being shipped off to fight in a war half way around the world, wouldn't you be curious to know where it is?  Apparently not for most American youth.  In a new geographic literacy study released today, fewer than 4 in 10 Americans aged 18-24 in a survey could place Iraq on an unlabeled map of the Middle East.  Only 50% could find India or Japan and only 12% correctly located Afghanistan.

We seen these types of surveys in the past, but I would have hoped with the increase world news coverage after 9/11 and the two (2) wars we're fighting in the Middle East, our youth would want to know more about where Dumb-Dumb and The Grim Veeper were sending their fellow youth.  No... they are probably too preoccupied with planning their summer tan lines.

See how well you could do on a world geography test.  How do you score?

Trolling for Votes

I am not sure what to think of this one. California Governor Candidate Phil Angelides joined MySpace. Um, okay. Isn't the average MySpace user about 20?

It is an interesting way for the 52 year-old to stump for votes. Have all of his campaign staff made him a friend? Have his daughters?

No word on whether Democrat Steve Westley or the Gropenator have joined or plan to join.

TomKat Dropping Hints

While in Germany, Tom Cruise said that marriage can wait. He and Katie will marry after his movie comes out. Right, ok. Sure.

Why do I care? Ugh, this makes me loathe myself a little more. Katie, just give him the kid and come to your senses.

No Dance Partner for Dumb-Dumb

Up until today, if you had asked me who was smarter, Dumb-Dumb Bushie or Jessica Simpson, I would have had to stop and ponder that perplexing question.  But after today's announcement that Jessica, America's favorite bubble-headed blond has turned down an invitation to meet with Dumb-Dumb at a large GOP fund-raiser, I think the answer is obvious: it's Jessica.  (President Simpson? "Turkey? I know it's a country, but it's a meat too, isn't it?")

With Dumb-Dumb's limbo dance in the approval ratings going even lower today, poor Dumb-Dumb can't even get a nice, wholesome, white Republican-appearing pop star to have her picture taken with him.  Some called it "a snub that left Republicans dismayed." "What? Not every little white girl from Texas loves Dubya? Huh?!?"  (scratching their heads in dismay)

Sorry Georgie boy.  Jessica's dance card is all full-up.  Even she's not that dumb to be seen hanging around a loser like you. 

Amaing Race 9: Moscow Part 1

Well, tonight on the Amazing Race no team was eliminated. This episode is a two-parter which is good news for a few of those teams who are seriously slacking.

The roadblock had one team member diving off of a very high dive and into a pool and then dive to get the next clue. Most teams handled this task no problem. Except for one. Yea, there's always one. This time it was the mother daughter duo. Mama Wanda had to face her fears, suck it up and dive. I give her props.

Okay, so the boob girls forgot their clue fanny pack and had to go back to get it. They are definitely without a clue. Maybe if they stop flirting and starting concentrating? Nah!

My favorite line was from MoJo: The only thing that I know about Russians are that they smoke and drink a lot. Now, how is that for stereo-typing? thanks for making Americans look stupid.

The southern bickersons were at it again. My favorites to date are the SF Hippies and the old couple. X-Posted at Daily Pepper.

Chloe Sews Up a Win

Okay, I do watch a few choice television programs and one of those is Project Runway. I appreciate the fact that the challenges are actually tied to the end goal. It is refreshing, more honest than most reality series and filled with enough drama to keep me hooked!

So, my girl, Chloe won last night. She has the passion unlike some others claim. I was happy that it was not Santino. Daniel V does a have a bright future in the biz, though.

Heidi Clum looked hot last night. Rumor is that Jay (last season's winner) designed the dress. When does the next season start? I can't wait! Read what Mags says over at You Forgot Poland, too.

Crash! Go the Academy Awards

Yes, Crash won best picture. I thoroughly enjoyed it when I watched it the other night on Netflix. In fact, I had picked Matt Dillon to win best supporting actor. I should have known it would be George "Hottie" Clooney to win it!

Best dress: Keira Knightley

Best man: George Clooney (Jake Gyllenhal is a close second)

PS. I had hoped for Capote to win best picture.

Burp!

I am not exactly sure how I found this magazine, but I did. Everything is on the Internets fo' sure. Take a gander at Modern Drunkard Magazine. It hails from the fine state of Colorado. Hmmmm.

Click on over and experience these elements and you, too, will want a subscription or is it need one with our US regime in place? Nevertheless, it is work a quick work break.

The Art of the Shot

Skid Row Poetry

and the all important Booze Reviews

Cheers and TGIF!

Fat Tuesday

Happy Mardi Gras and especially, Fat Tuesday. Is anyone out there going to party like a rockstar? Tonight, in San Francisco and the Bay Area you can head out to a few places that are giving a percentage of proceeds tonight for Katrina Aid.

So, that's right drink up! Hey, this time it even has a point. That's right, shake what your momma gave you to earn some beads, bitchez!

Unsolicited Suicide

While reading the New York Times today, I came across this essay that gave me a chuckle and a few thoughts.

As with anyone who has something to say or a point-of-view, we want to express and have it heard, read or seen. However, that end goal has no easy path. Even if you are as successful as the author of the essay, Allan Katz.

It is easy to see that we all have the same struggle whether it is getting a theater to pick your play, no matter how the method or getting a bigger blogger notice you and your witty, pithy posts.

We're all just out here feeling exposed, suffering for our form of art and really -- almost willing to go any length either in jest or in actuality. I hope that Allan gets his play into a theater because it will mean that I can get my blog noticed by those who currently hold their nose in disgust at me.

Synopsis: I blog, you ignore and I might have to resort to drastic measures and blog from my grave

Don Knotts, RIP

Don Knotts passed away yesterday at the age of 81. His comedic brilliance will be missed. He was best known for his roles of Barney Fife on the Andy Griffith Show and as the buffoon apartment manager on Three's Company, Mr. Furley.

He was known for his acting, self-deprecating wit and to be a solid guy who came from humble beginnings in a small town in West Virginia. A lot of people do not realize that he was also a big parting of the writing team for AGS. Check out IMDb for more.

All I know is that a part of my childhood is gone which is just further evidence that I am an adult and that nothing stays the same -- as it should be.

Good night, Mr. Furley.

BBM Shopping

Ennis and Jack have made a list. This is one of the better jokes that I have seen.

A Sigh of Relief!

Katie and Tom are so over! Great, now can they put that movie back together? Can she take the pillow out from under her clothing?

UPDATE:

TomKat are in total denial like most celebs. How will it end? in some sort of tragic way or just that she realizes that he is a whack job or her family stages an intervention?

The Oscars Are Coming

Yes, I do watch this Awards show. Although, I do prefer the red carpet pre-shows because you can get some actual scoopage on people and other random comments from them.

You can be prepared for your party, office pool or just for the hell of it by downloading an official ballot here.

My best picture prediction: Capote

I am So Shocked

Yea, um, no I am not.

Dumb dumb has not seen Brokeback Mountain. He was asked about it in Kansas which is shocking.

The movie is based on a short story that was originally printed in The New Yorker in 1997.

Ahh, can you feel the love and tolerance?

X-posted at Daily Pepper

The Midnight Hour

Sadly, it is the final midnight hour for Wilson "Wicked Pickett." He has passed away at a very young 64. Pickett was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame back in 1991.

"A fellow Detroiter, Wilson Pickett was one of the greatest soul singers of all time." Aretha Franklin said in a statement. "He will absolutely be missed."A fellow Detroiter, Wilson Pickett was one of the greatest soul singers of all time." Aretha Franklin said in a statement. "He will absolutely be missed."

Another Reason to Hate Utah

Have you seen "Brokeback Mountain"? It is an excellent love story -- it has intense emotions -- intense passion and compelling characters. It truly captures you. The actors were superb. It is a must see.

And, oh yea. The main characters are gay.

Apparently, this is a problem for a movie theater in Utah. Of course, the management has no comment. Why won't they show the film? I don't understand.

We'll Never Find

A smooth, full voice like yours again. Goodbye Lou Rawls, I will miss you.

Thanks for all of your amazing music in the 52 albums that you made. As well as the 18 movies that you made and for your work as a humanitarian among the Black comunity. Thanks for all of the money that you raised for the United Negro College Fund in the 1960's.

You fought the good fight with cancer. Now, you can rest.

Fun with Legos

I was thinking about one of my favorite childhood toys today. So let's see what I found, shall we?

DC in Legos

Last Supper in Legos

A car

A piano

What would you make out of logos? I am thinking an espresso maker would rock.

Happy Chanukkah

I apologize for my tardiness, as today is the third day of Hanuukah. Sadly, the only two songs I know are the Dreidel song and the one by Adam Sandler.

Shalom, my friends.

Happy Holidays

For those of you who have not joined the War on Christmas, but can still appreciate some holiday cheer. This is just what this picture of my dog, Liam, and Santa hopes to deliver.

We wish you all peace, joy and love this season and beyond!

One Man's War is Another Man's...

...reason to mock and respond. I am, of course, referring to Bill O'Crappy and his ludicrious decrees, but even better is the repsonse over at Agitprop by blogenfreude and the Commandate.

You really, should to take a look and a read!

Happy Whatevah!