Quaid’s best Bush?

I glanced at Wonkette this morning to check the news and found gold. In the upcoming film Dreamz, Dennis Quaid plays the President of the United States, with Willem Dafoe as the Vice President and Marcia Gay Harden portraying the first lady. “The Prez wakes up one day, decides to read the newspaper, which sets Dafoe into damage control mode as he usually not only keeps track of what the prez says, but tells him what to say in public via an earpiece. Even though Quaid doesn't always play in stellar movies, I'm a fan--since Jerry Lee Lewis. Ah, those were the days...

As if it couldn’t get any better, Hugh Grant makes an appearance as a reality tv judge on a televisied competition. Crowell, Grant so has your number.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9916524/

For the DC peeps:

So, I didn't post this for my peeps outside of this locale to turn green or anything. I'm not even sure if I'm going to go. I guess it depends if my supervisor is going to let me take my regular day off on Friday or still ask me to attend a meeting (my bets are on meeting). But I still may go regardless. Anyway, if you're in DC-want to go, just let me know and i'll hook you up with the e-mail.



Joy

More or less fitting since my body still thinks it's in Italy today.

The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very High
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very High
Level 2 (Lustful)	Very Low
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Low
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Very Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Very Low
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	Very Low
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Low
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Very Low

Take the Dante's" Inferno Hell Test

Word Snapshot from Florence

Location Mercato Centrale Florence Italy 3 hours ago
Characters
One Guy
Second Guy
Joy
OG You own a range rover
_J No
OG I sell you one for 300 Euros
J Yeah, right
OG Right here (points to 30 year old or more very retro bike) this is range rover
SG which state from you i from south carolina.
J (laughs)
SG my name is rover this is range (points to same bike


Its been a great trip.


(sherpas wanderins and wonderins has new authors. welcome kelly left coast and kelli right coast

Just in time for Thanksgiving...I BRICK YOU!

Free LEGAL Music!!!

My blogging is a little excessive today but whatever. Hey, I entered the Mary Gauthier EP contest this morning and just got an e-mail this afternoon saying that I won a free EP. She's one of my fave artists that I "discovered" this year. If you're into the singer/songwriter with a kick of cajun thrown in...Mary G is for you. http://www.marygauthier.com/ (be sure to take the www out of the e-mail address)

I'm so stealing this from Kelly. But any excuse to salute the one and only Goldie Hawn? I'll never pass on that. My first memories of Goldie Hawn was probably Private Benjamin, but I only have vague memories of that. I used to watch Laugh in a lot on Nick at Nite when I was a kid though...and then there's Overboard.

HAPPY 60TH GOLDIE HAWN!!!!!

Updates:

I found this link off a blog I read regularly. My boy (girl?) Peter Pan...is back... Remember him? This might be more "disturbing" than the last group of photos.

http://pixyland.org/peterpan/photo_closeups_grl.htm

Life is Random...ask questions.....So, this was sent to me....and usually I woudn't post this stuff on the blog...but I'm really procastinating packing....until 6:00. So, until then...I'll play like a teenager and answer this thing..I thought they were silly and then I realized some of these questions have stories behind them.

Ocean or Lake? ocean
Pizza or Chinese? Pizza. Thanks to Trader Joe's pizza dough, I eat pizza at least once a week....and I've made three pizzas in the past two days
Mansion or Penthouse? I don't care
Have you been on a Jet Ski? nope
Are you afraid of clowns? yes
How many brothers/sisters do you have? 2 younger bros..Love them both tons
Favorite band/group? tough...Dylan, White Stripes, Cohen....Heartless Bastards, da girls
Baseball or football? BASEBALL!!!Go Yanks!!
Favorite brand of makeup? Neutrogena
Waffles or pancakes? waffles
Do you have an IPod? no... i have an mp3 player though
Bike or scooter? bike...but i've always wanted a vespa
Ever go in a hot air balloon? No
How did you celebrate turning 21? i was really sick...but I opened christmas presents that day. :)
What brand computer do you have? Sony at home, Dell at work
How many times have you been to DisneyWorld? Never
Favorite city? New York probably
Ice cream or frozen yogurt? ice cream
Ever throw up in a public place? Hmm..the restroom of a public place a few times
Do you have a pool? my parents used to have a pool table
Ever drive a car? sure
How many times a month do you go to the movies? once or twice a month probably
Last movie you saw? walk the line
Who is your hero? depends on the day. sometimes Bea Arthur, sometimes my parents, grandparents etc.
How old are your parents? my parents are 4 years apart and my dad is 30 years older than me.
What deceased person would you like to meet? my uncle Richard or my uncle Bobby
Do you chew ice? when i was little
Have you been to Las Vegas? hells yes
Last book you read? Davinci Code :(
Favorite teacher? mr Jenkins, Mrs. Chew
Do you like to go fishing? Absolutely!!!
How many boyfirends/girlfriends have you had? Hmm. more than 5 less than ten maybe..I only have 2 minutes left
How many of those do you regret? none
What is you average in school? Not in school
Favorite professional team? Yanks or Jazz
Do you like mohawks? fun!!!
How many pairs of shoes do you own? a tupperware thing full
Do you floss? i try...
you have braces? never. inherited my mom's teeth not my dads (both brothers had braces twice)
Do you bite your nails?no
What is your last thought before falling asleep? am i asleep yet?
Do you fall in love easily?My mom doesn't think I've ever been in love....I'm mum on this one.
Ever have a crush and they never knew? I'm sure.
Do you babysit?I did
Ever been shot at? b-b gun etc count?
Do you work out/exercise? Yes.
Do you consider yourself nice? For the most part, yes. I try to be pleasant and nice to everyone.
What movie character would you like to be? Carrie Fischer in Blues Brothers
Did you go to camp for the summer? girls camp---and my grandma's ranch.
Ever been bit by a snake? No
Have you been on a boat? sure. many times
Name of friend you have known the longest? Sarah. Since I was born.
Do you like jumping on a trampoline?fun for a little while
Ever break a bone? my tailbone
Name of favorite Aunt/Uncle? I like all my aunts and uncles...even david. ;)
What is your ultimate job? soccer coach.
Do you want to walk on the moon? sure
Can you name the seven dwarfs? doc, dopey, sneezy, bashful, happy, grumpy, and sleepy Favorite TV show? Arrested Development and MASH
Apples or oranges? I LOVE baking with apples....and orange juice is another staple in my diet.
Favorite model of car? '05 mustang.....or anyone that makes a small suv that gets 50 mpg
Favorite flower? daisy
Favorite color? so many....grass green and yellow maybe...or tangerine.
Besides family, ever have someone of the opp sex in your bedroom? :) I didn't go to BYU.
Ever climb out your bedroom window? yes
Do you live in an apartment or house? house
How many times in the last month have you had the hiccups? maybe once. Asthma and hiccups do not go together
Ever laugh so hard milk came out your nose? yes!!
How many cousins do you have? 13 on my mom's side....dad's side..not sure.
Do you believe in ghosts? yeah
If you were a bird, what would you be? a duck
Ever get stitches? yes. a couple of times before i was five.
If you could, would you want to know what your future was going to be? I HATE surprises, but I'd like to think no....
How many kids do you want to have? I need to find a man to put a baby in my belly first.
If you could change your name, what would it be? my name is cool.
Dogs or cats? DOGS-
Who can you tell your secrets to and know they wont tell? Kelli...I think...
Do you believe in love at first sight? I don't know.
Do you go to church? yes
Would you marry outside your religon? nope...its too difficult
Volleyball or tennis? tennis
How many people were at your last party? its been too long.
Ever ride in a limo? no...does a hearse count?
Ever drink champagne? no
Favorite dinner? oh....I have so many fave foods. from soft shell crabs to pizza, to tomato soup to curry........

Harry Potter and the Half-Crazed Bureaucracy

This is beautiful. When I was a grad student, I stumbled upon a few gems like this while studying government, but this abstract is definitely worth sharing. May 2006 however? Hmm...either its a preview or............

Harry Potter and the Half-Crazed Bureaucracy

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=830765
BENJAMIN BARTON University of Tennessee, Knoxville - College of Law
Michigan Law Review, Vol. 104, May 2006

Abstract:

This Essay examines what the Harry Potter series (and particularly the most recent book, The Half-Blood Prince) tells us about government and bureaucracy. There are two short answers. The first is that Rowling presents a government (The Ministry of Magic) that is 100% bureaucracy. There is no discernable executive or legislative branch, and no elections. There is a modified judicial function, but it appears to be completely dominated by the bureaucracy, and certainly does not serve as an independent check on governmental excess. Second, government is controlled by and for the benefit of the self-interested bureaucrat. The most cold-blooded public choice theorist could not present a bleaker portrait of a government captured by special interests and motivated solely by a desire to increase bureaucratic power and influence.

Consider this partial list of government activities: a) torturing children for lying; b) utilizing a prison designed and staffed specifically to suck all life and hope out of the inmates; c) placing citizens in that prison without a hearing; d) allows the death penalty without a trial; e) allowing the powerful, rich or famous to control policy and practice; f) selective prosecution (the powerful go unpunished and the unpopular face trumped-up charges); g) conducting criminal trials without independent defense counsel; h) using truth serum to force confessions; i) maintaining constant surveillance over all citizens; j) allowing no elections whatsoever and no democratic lawmaking process; k) controlling the press.

This partial list of activities brings home just how bleak Rowling's portrait of government is. The critique is even more devastating because the governmental actors and actions in the book look and feel so authentic and familiar. Cornelius Fudge, the original Minister of Magic, perfectly fits our notion of a bumbling politician just trying to hang onto his job. Delores Umbridge is the classic small-minded bureaucrat who only cares about rules, discipline, and her own power. Rufus Scrimgeour is a George Bush-like war leader, inspiring confidence through his steely resolve. The Ministry itself is made up of various sub-ministries with goofy names (e.g., The Goblin Liaison Office or the Ludicrous Patents Office) enforcing silly sounding regulations (e.g., The Decree for the Treatment of Non-Wizard Part-Humans or The Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery). These descriptions of government jibe with our own sarcastic views of bureaucracy and bureaucrats: bureaucrats tend to be amusing characters that propagate and enforce laws of limited utility with unwieldy names.

When you combine the light-hearted satire with the above list of government activities, however, Rowling's critique of government becomes substantially darker and more powerful. Furthermore, Rowling eliminates many of the progressive defenses of bureaucracy. The most obvious omission is the elimination of the democratic defense. The first line of attack against public choice theory is always that bureaucrats must answer to elected officials, who must in turn answer to the voters.

Rowling eliminates this defense by presenting a wholly unelected government. A second line of defense is the public-minded bureaucrat. Some theorists argue that the public choice critique ignores what government officials are really like. They are not greedy, self-interested budget-maximizers. Instead, they are decent and publicly oriented. Rowling parries this defense by her presentation of successful bureaucrats (who clearly fit the public choice model) and unsuccessful bureaucrats. Harry's best friend's Dad, Arthur Weasley is a well-meaning government employee. He is described as stuck in a dead end job, in the least respected part of the government, in the worst office in the building. In Rowling's world governmental virtue is disrespected and punished. Lastly, Rowling even eliminates the free press as a check on government power.

The wizarding newspaper, The Daily Prophet, is depicted as a puppet to the whims of Ministry of Magic. I end the piece with some speculation about how Rowling came to her bleak vision of government, and the greater societal effects it might have. Speculating about the effects of Rowling's portrait of government is obviously dangerous, but it seems likely that we will see a continuing uptick in distrust of government and libertarianism as the Harry Potter generation reaches adulthood.

Keywords: Harry Potter, libertarian, bureaucracy

Accepted Paper Series

Suggested Citation
Barton, Benjamin, "Harry Potter and the Half-Crazed Bureaucracy" . Michigan Law Review, Vol. 104, May 2006 http://ssrn.com/abstract=830765

Life is Random...ask questions.....So, this was sent to me....and usually I woudn't post this stuff on the blog...but I'm really procastinating packing....until 6:00. So, until then...I'll play like a teenager and answer this thing..I thought they were silly and then I realized some of these questions have stories behind them.

Ocean or Lake? ocean
Pizza or Chinese? Pizza. Thanks to Trader Joe's pizza dough, I eat pizza at least once a week....and I've made three pizzas in the past two days
Mansion or Penthouse? I don't care
Have you been on a Jet Ski? nope
Are you afraid of clowns? yes
How many brothers/sisters do you have? 2 younger bros..Love them both tons
Favorite band/group? tough...Dylan, White Stripes, Cohen....Heartless Bastards, da girls
Baseball or football? BASEBALL!!!Go Yanks!!
Favorite brand of makeup? Neutrogena
Waffles or pancakes? waffles
Do you have an IPod? no... i have an mp3 player though
Bike or scooter? bike...but i've always wanted a vespa
Ever go in a hot air balloon? No
How did you celebrate turning 21? i was really sick...but I opened christmas presents that day. :)
What brand computer do you have? Sony at home, Dell at work
How many times have you been to DisneyWorld? Never
Favorite city? New York probably
Ice cream or frozen yogurt? ice cream
Ever throw up in a public place? Hmm..the restroom of a public place a few times
Do you have a pool? my parents used to have a pool table
Ever drive a car? sure
How many times a month do you go to the movies? once or twice a month probably
Last movie you saw? walk the line
Who is your hero? depends on the day. sometimes Bea Arthur, sometimes my parents, grandparents etc.
How old are your parents? my parents are 4 years apart and my dad is 30 years older than me.
What deceased person would you like to meet? my uncle Richard or my uncle Bobby
Do you chew ice? when i was little
Have you been to Las Vegas? hells yes
Last book you read? Davinci Code :(
Favorite teacher? mr Jenkins, Mrs. Chew
Do you like to go fishing? Absolutely!!!
How many boyfirends/girlfriends have you had? Hmm. more than 5 less than ten maybe..I only have 2 minutes left
How many of those do you regret? none
What is you average in school? Not in school
Favorite professional team? Yanks or Jazz
Do you like mohawks? fun!!!
How many pairs of shoes do you own? a tupperware thing full
Do you floss? i try...
you have braces? never. inherited my mom's teeth not my dads (both brothers had braces twice)
Do you bite your nails?no
What is your last thought before falling asleep? am i asleep yet?
Do you fall in love easily?My mom doesn't think I've ever been in love....I'm mum on this one.
Ever have a crush and they never knew? I'm sure.
Do you babysit?I did
Ever been shot at? b-b gun etc count?
Do you work out/exercise? Yes.
Do you consider yourself nice? For the most part, yes. I try to be pleasant and nice to everyone.
What movie character would you like to be? Carrie Fischer in Blues Brothers
Did you go to camp for the summer? girls camp---and my grandma's ranch.
Ever been bit by a snake? No
Have you been on a boat? sure. many times
Name of friend you have known the longest? Sarah. Since I was born.
Do you like jumping on a trampoline?fun for a little while
Ever break a bone? my tailbone
Name of favorite Aunt/Uncle? I like all my aunts and uncles...even david. ;)
What is your ultimate job? soccer coach.
Do you want to walk on the moon? sure
Can you name the seven dwarfs? doc, dopey, sneezy, bashful, happy, grumpy, and sleepy Favorite TV show? Arrested Development and MASH
Apples or oranges? I LOVE baking with apples....and orange juice is another staple in my diet.
Favorite model of car? '05 mustang.....or anyone that makes a small suv that gets 50 mpg
Favorite flower? daisy
Favorite color? so many....grass green and yellow maybe...or tangerine.
Besides family, ever have someone of the opp sex in your bedroom? :) I didn't go to BYU.
Ever climb out your bedroom window? yes
Do you live in an apartment or house? house
How many times in the last month have you had the hiccups? maybe once. Asthma and hiccups do not go together
Ever laugh so hard milk came out your nose? yes!!
How many cousins do you have? 13 on my mom's side....dad's side..not sure.
Do you believe in ghosts? yeah
If you were a bird, what would you be? a duck
Ever get stitches? yes. a couple of times before i was five.
If you could, would you want to know what your future was going to be? I HATE surprises, but I'd like to think no....
How many kids do you want to have? I need to find a man to put a baby in my belly first.
If you could change your name, what would it be? my name is cool.
Dogs or cats? DOGS-
Who can you tell your secrets to and know they wont tell? Kelli...I think...
Do you believe in love at first sight? I don't know.
Do you go to church? yes
Would you marry outside your religon? nope...its too difficult
Volleyball or tennis? tennis
How many people were at your last party? its been too long.
Ever ride in a limo? no...does a hearse count?
Ever drink champagne? no
Favorite dinner? oh....I have so many fave foods. from soft shell crabs to pizza, to tomato soup to curry........

To Florence To Florence

We leave for Florence in four days. The tickets have been bought, they’ve been sitting in my desk drawer for at least a month. The last preparations are here and I spent the past couple of weeks going through guidebooks to decide what I want to see in Florence and the region. My list is in my book, but I thought I’d might as well share.

Florence:

Galleria dell Accademia
The Florentine School of Art houses Michelangelo’s David and Michelangelo’s four Slaves or Prisoners. Admission

Baddia Fiortino
Dante supposedly haunted this ancient church. 15th century frescoes, a tomb that isa Renaissance masterpiece and the painting, The Madonna Appearing to St. Bernard. Free

Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Contains Michaelangelos, Donatello’s David and a priceless Ivory collection. Admission.

Casa Bunoarrotti
Michaelangelo never lived in the house but it provides a valuable insight into his life and work. Admission

Casa di Dante
Dante’s house is an entirely modern restruction on a historic site, but is worth a visit to see a recreation of a 13th century house. Admission

Battissero San Giovani
This is where the three sets of bronze doors that Florence is famous for are located. I even saw a photo in a tabloid of Nick and Jessica Simpson peering at this in a cover of a tabloid a month or two ago. Admission

Orsanmichele
Church with some Donatello’s and Ghibertis. Free Admission

Santa Croce
Nine Chapels…with frescoes which are among the important medieval works of art in Florence. This is also Florence’s Pantheon. An 18th century memorial to Machiavelli is here. Admission

Cappelle Medicee
Michaelangelo’s Dawn and Dusk and some charcoals made on the wall by Michelangelo and discovered in 1975. Admission

Santo Spirito
Last major work of the architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Disappointing front but the interior is classical purity. Free Admission

Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral of Florence. ‘Nuff said.
Admission Charge

Museo Archeologico
Houses Medici’s Etruscan collection. Also Greek and and an Egyptian Room. Maybe
Admission Charge

Museo dellOpera del duomo
This museum contains the original art that was in the cathedral.

Palazzo Pitti
Important for its art collection. Although it’s the most expensive museum in Florence, this has one of the most important art collections. Admission Charge

Palazzo Vechio
Where the “imitation” of the David stands nearbye

Ponte Vecchio
Oldest of Florence’s bridge and is the most popular tourist spot in the city.

Uffizi Galeria
This is the art museum that is a must see.

Mercato Nuovo
The “new market” has a small bronze fountain called the little boar which dates to 1612. The snout is “polished” gold; the belief is that whoever throws a coin in the fountain will return to Florence.

Piazza Santo Spirito is “bohemian” with lots of little shops and and cafes.

Via dei Calzauiuoli
Where Florentines go to shop and stroll after work.

Mercato Centrale
Vast food market with numerous cafesand a tvola calda canteen where you can choose a three course meal for about 8 euros.

Piazza della Santissima Annunzaiata
Florence’s few planned Rennaisance squares.

Piazza Santa Croce
Local artists display their works for sale here.
Piazzale Michelangelo. Provides most famous view of Florence

San Miniato al Monte
One of the most splendid Romaneque churches in Tuscany

Other possible places to see:
Arteminio
Pisa
Siena
Cinque Terra (Scroll all the way down)

I glance up at the photo on the wall as I shift uncomfortably in line. The name Man Nguyen is displayed above a photo of a middle aged white woman. I glance again, this time cocking my head to the right, trying to make sense of the name with the photo, all the while wishing that the gossiping pharmacist assistants would notice me so I could be on my merry way. Finally, I start hacking and one looks up and says gruffly, “I’ll be with you in a second.” I sigh, and think back to the doctor’s office. I spent most of my time being checked out by a 1st or 2nd year medical student. He spent most of his routine interview asking questions of me that I knew were on file with the Doctor’s office. I know he was doing it partly for practice and I don’t mind telling him three times that I don’t drink, not even one little drink once in while, but when each answer caused a coughing fit, the process got a little old. I shift focus as the pharmacist’s aide comes over to fill my antibiotic prescription.

On LDS Linkup, there’s a lady from Britain who is not all there to put it nicely. She often “hijacks” boards with her beyond random comments. However, the other day, her comment on the boards was, “"people should be free do what they wanna but if anybody even look at me i throw a brick." Thank you Mary.

http://media.putfile.com/twoembarassing

Profiteering from someone else's obsession.

If you know me at all, you might know......that I really like candy. I try and limit myself but its true. This photo of my desk will either prove I love "gay" nerds, I don't eat candy very fast..or I've graduated to "candy crack"

Anywho, I was excited to see that there's a candy blog on the web.

http://www.typetive.com/candyblog/

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

Because there's only 4 days left..............

So, a friend sent the link to stream the walk the line soundtrack, and Joaquin and Reese has it. The soundtrack sounds great.

http://music.aol.com/songs/new_releases_full_cds?defaultTab=2

Go to the walk the line box on the top of the page to stream it.


Check out this gem of an image. Hmm, this almost needs a caption contest.

Not just a mechanical bull.......

The only photo I took at the punkin' chunkin' festival. But who can resist a christian mechanical bull?

Random Sherpa Thought

A friend told me the other day, "what do you say about me behind my back" It got me thinking....I don't think I engage in that much petty gossip....but a lil' bit is too much. Hmm..

The Man, The Myth, the Ma-nah Ma-nah

Hmm, with the latest commercial, a couple of friends who love singing "mah nah mah nah" at the most random times (okay, that might be me) and well......its always a good time for a lil' muppets sing a long. Thanks Hardy

http://www.pez.ca/~mashton/movies/mahnamahna.mpeg

A brief history about the muppet, Mahna Mahna. Jason, you missed your halloween costume opportunity.

Eight More Days.... It's got a 100% rating over at Rotten Tomatoes. How excited are you for this one?

I bet that Boone Co. is a great place...and I hope they got a Library or a library bond...or new books. Oh, no today is not Nov 6...but i'm voting today. We actually have a tight governor's race in the state of Virginia.

I still love you Jack, er Three Quid.

So, Jack White now wants to be known as Three Quid? Well, change your name, get married in a canoe in the amazon, but all we ask is the music to continue Three Quid.

http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/nov05/20051107_jackwhite.html


(the coolest thing about this post is that when i went on google images to find a jack white photo, i pulled this off as it looked vaguely familiar......it was on saucybetty and sherpa's dreamland blog. Awesome. We're on the first page of google Kelly!!!)

So, the Shining is one of my favorite films....but this trailer puts a whole new spin on an American Classic. Check it out.

Have a Gay Halloween

On Monday night, while the ghouls and goblins were getting their trick and treat on, Jason, Kell and I had the privilege of seeing "ok-go" and Rufus Wainwright at the 9:30. Jason and I arrived early, went over to the Ghetto fabulicious Popeye's near Howard University. I had one ticket to get rid of, and kelli arrived late because of work. When we got back, and was dissed by one person who agreed to buy my ticket (thanks chad for buying the ticket). Meanwhile, Kelli was seeing the sights at Galludet University (its tough figuring out where the 9:30 club is) and the showtime was approaching. Thanks to a nice gay mummy, I got a second ticket to sell (thanks gay mummy) and made a few extra bucks off the concert. We saw most of Ok-Go's set. Ok-Go was a lot of fun....and they ended their set with the dance. Seeing it live...well, that was awesome. Rufus came out singing "men reading fashion magazines" and both kelli and i realized...that Rufus is "sex on legs" when he moves, wow. He's sexah. Anyway, seeing Rufus at the 9:30 club was a much different experience than seeing him this summer at wolf trap. He needs a smaller venue. There were times in the set when the audience was quiet because everyone was paying attention to his words. And his voice....He's got one of the coolest voices in showbiz today. Anyway, I love his stuff, but one of the highlights was his cover of Cohen's Chelsea no. 2, Of course, nobody was going to show up Rufus Wainwright. His band did their own dance...but we saw the opening night of the tour and well...like he said, they need some practice, but it was great. Too bad we didn't get a "gay dance-off." Anyway, that was the last concert of the Fall '05 Buhler-Cahill-Kay Concert series. And it was definitely a highlight.

The Tough Decision

Back in the day, I used to watch the West Wing. Aaron Sorkin's wit and language, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, the whole cast...it was a great show. Plus, being someone whose been fascinated with government since i was a little kid well.....it had it all.

When Sorkin left two years ago, I stopped watching the show. This summer I watched an episode here and there and realized that the show was back to being good (that rarely happens), and there’s an election. Now, this election is more interesting to me than most elections because…..both candidates are cool.

Most real elections lately, and all of the presidential elections I’ve been able to vote for…I always go for the candidate that sucks the least…but I actually like both of the candidates on West Wing. On the left you have Jimmy Smits, or Congressman Santos…He’s a demo…more of a classic demo…and he’s well…..really hot.

On the right you have one of my influential actors of all time, Alan Alda. I’ve been watching Alan Alda since I was born. In fact, I still watch MASH on the weekends and evenings thanks to Kelli’s season 1-5. So anyway, I saw this picture today and realized I’m torn. Alan Alda is playing a moderate republican…who believes his stances and not just because the party tells him what to vote for. Jimmy Smits…is incredibly hot and is an idealized democrat. Hmm.. If only picking a candidate was this enjoyably difficult in the real world.

Another use for the blog

During the day, I've been finding a few articles, websites, etc etc about Florence Italy and surroundings. Rather than e-mail the websites to the other two, I'm going to put the sites on here. First one; We are going to Italy during the rainy season, but I didn't realize how close Florence is to Cinque Terra, one of those places i've wanted to go for years. I've been researching Cinque Terra- and really want to go on a daytrip there, if possible.

Facts: The famous hike is 11 kilometers, 500 meter difference of elevation. Cinque Terra links 5 towns on the Italian Coast.

The website:

http://goeurope.about.com/od/cinqueterrehiking/ss/cinque_hiking.htm