Here’s my latest column in the Metro, this one about visiting the Liberty Bell with my parents.
Month: April 2007
Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007
Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday. The only book I read of his was Slaughterhouse Five. I was entranced by the book, but it got a little too kooky for me and I still haven’t really come to grips with whether I liked it or not. Did you guys like his stuff?
RPS Season starting
Local RPS legend C. Urbanus, the leader of the Philadelphia scene, has dropped his press release concerning the upoming season. Of course, I am the defending champion of the city league. I have not announced whether or not I will be returning. I retired from competition after winning last years title and have not played since. Here’s the 411:
The Philadelphia Rock Paper Scissors Championship Series Planning Committee is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Pabst Blue Ribbon Philadelphia Rock Paper Scissors City League Championship Series (PBRPRPSCLCS) will begin play on April 15, 2007. The PBRPRPSCLCS is looking to build upon the success of its’ inaugural season, in which over 700 competitors attended nightly events in the hope of becoming City League Champion, a title ultimately claimed by local celebrity Johnny Goodtimes. This event is fully endorsed by the World Rock Paper Scissors Society (http://www.worldrps.com/), recognized as the governing body of the sport throughout the world. The PBRPRPSCLCS is pleased to welcome back Pabst Blue Ribbon, who will be returning as the Title Sponsor.
Pabst Blue Ribbon has become a strong supporter of local and regional RPS action throughout the country, sponsoring local events in several markets. Pabst strongly believes in allowing RPS enthusiasts to coordinate their own events, and the 2007 PBRPRPSCLCS will be presided over by well-known U.S. player, referee, and organizer Mr. C. Urbanus.
What’s Good For the Goose
Al Sharpton earlier demanded that Don Imus apologize for his idiotic statements, which Imus almost immediately did. Sharpton still is calling for his ouster. This is interesting because in 1987, Al Sharpton went to the media to let the world know that New York Assistant DA Steven Pagones had raped 15 year old Tawana Brawley. Not many accusations hurt worse than being accused of being a child molester. Of course, he wasn’t. Tawana Brawley had made the story up, but the damage had been done. And Sharpton has never apologized to Steven Pagones.
How is it that this clown gets to tell the media which race stories are a big deal, and the media follows his every word like a puppy dog? It is pathetic, and I can’t understand it, especially after they got burned the first time.
Cheesesteaks with the folks
Well, my peeps began their journey home today. They’re gonna stop in DC and see some cherry blossoms first. We tried to see some the other day at the Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park, but I think it’s gonna be a couple more weeks before they are really spectacular here. Still, it was my first time to the Horticultural Center. Pretty kool, and I’ll definitely return to see the Japanese House when it opens in May.
My mom hosted round two at O’Neals last night, much to her delight. It’s pretty obvious which side of the family I get my showmanship (or, if you prefer, glory hog) tendencies from. Then we had the usual send off-a steak at Jim’s. And my mom thinks Craig Laban is way off with his 2 bells for Fogo de Chao. She thinks it’s the best restaurant she’s ever been to.
Local rapper reacts
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I said I really liked a local rapper named Reef the Lost Cauze? Well, he’s got an interesting take on the Imus situation as well, one I think is a little more thought out than Snoop Dog’s (though I think the “he looks like a racist” argument doesn’t hold much water). I like this guy. I gotta see if I can score an interview with him.
RELATED: Reef the Lost Cauze on MySpace. He performs at the Troc on the 21st.
Triumph! Ladies Beer Club Accepting Men (1 Night Only)
Ginger has decided to let men in the door, though only for one night to meet with the ladies of In Pursuit of Ale. Because she wants members of both sexes to enjoy the new Triumph Brewpub. Here’s a short note from Ginger:
Come join me at our city’s newest brewpub, Triumph. I am sure some of you have been to their New Hope and Princeton locations. They brew great beer and provide a pretty snazzy atmosphere and they have great food (I’ve tried almost the whole menu). They’re even nice-They are giving us $3 drafts all night! So come on out. Ladies AND gents.
New bar, $3 drafts, hanging out with women who like beer. Hmmm, this sounds pretty good.
RELATED: Join IPA at MySpace
Just when you thought that this thing couldn’t get any more ridiculous…
…apparently Snoop Dogg is outraged by Don Imus’s comments. Let’s read now, if we shall, some of Snoop Dogg’s lyrics.
Can you control your ho? (You got a bitch that won’t do what you say)
You can’t control your ho? (She hardheaded, she just won’t obey)
Can you control your ho? (You’ve got to know what to do, and what to say)
You’ve got to put that bitch in her place, even if it’s slapping her in her face.
Ya got to control your ho. Can you control your hoe?This is what you forced me to do, I really didn’t want to put hands on you, but bitch you playin’ with fire.
And, to be honest, those are some of his tamer lyrics on the topic of bitches and hos. Oh, and keep in mind that MTV had a cartoon last year that featured Snoop leading leashed women on all fours. Seriously Snoop, when the topic is humiliating women, you might not wanna try to get all self-righteous. It’s like Robert Mugabe putting down Kim Jong Il for being a bad leader.
Good Book
Working on The Final Days by Woodward and Bernstein. I like it a lot better than All the Presidents Men, b/c it’s not as complicated. Reading that book felt like I was taking a freaking algebra exam. “If this guy is connected to this guy, then this other guy must be x.” This book is more about Nixon, Haig, and Kissinger, and how they dealt with the fact that Nixon was going down. You guys read anything good lately?
Just When you thought the Phils couldn’t piss you off any more…
…they get rid of the only player who hit with runners in scoring position last year. Of course, that’s not a problem this year, as they are betting well over .140 with runners in scoring position.