twodoebs

Well, I realize it's more than a week later (WOAH!--it's ALMOST as if I had to wait for them to come back from the PhotoHut--remember the PhotoHut . . . how wierd was that little thing out there in the middle of a parking lot?) and they're not very interesting. But Sweet Kati DID look great for her first night with U2!

 

 

A few months ago, online search behemoth Google announced plans to scan EVERY book at four major libraries and make the FULL text of these books searchable and available to anyone with an internet connection. The project was dubbed Google Print and--for my money--is the best thing to come to the internet since . . . well, since Google.

My thought? Information wants to be free. You can add it to a list of my mantras (note to self: a list of mantras would be a good blog posting). We have, here, the possibility to set the framework for every person on the planet to have reasonable access to mankind's collective intelligence. I realize that the model of Sweet Kati and I sitting around surfing the web as we sip coffee, each of us on our own laptops that are connected to the web via wireless networks, is far from villagers in Africa logging on to check in on new methods of crop rotation. But it's a START at the type of global information sharing that was pioneered by Gutenberg with his printing press (ah YES, the printing press . . . EVERY comparison of new internet technologies ALWAYS seems to come back to the printing press, doesn't it?).

Google Print, of course, only works if the publishers of the books that will be included cooperate. Trouble is, where they initially agreed that the project would represent a significant step forward in information communication, they've recently changed their tune. Their beef?--what else: copyrights. More specifically the economic damage Google Print will cause to their model of business that has heretofore been protected by copyrights.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm an entertainment lawyer (well, I guess up until two days ago, I WAS an entertainment lawyer . . . now I'm just unemployed) and I understand the importance of the Copyright Act. But how MANY media industries need to get socked before they start to realize that the Copyright Act is an artifact of a bygone era? It's fundamental that the PURPOSE of the Copyright Act--as dictated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1 Section 8)--is "To PROMOTE the PROGRESS of . . . [the] Arts." Expecting the copyright scheme to prevent old technologies from being superseded by new ones is just plain crazy. All these industries worry about the Napsterization of their business models? Guess what?--"napsterization" is just a synonym for PROGRESSIVE development. Information WANTS to be free!

Somebody convince me otherwise!

Publishers balk at Google book copy plan

Well, in a week dominated by SMALL amounts of--nevertheless--GOOD news, there's more of the same on the weight loss front today. I went back down that single pound I gained a few weeks ago. Kinda surprising, given that my weekends have been chock FULL of high calorie meals, I've been VERY sporadic about going to the gym, and Chinese Night last night included a return visit from the Spring Roll. But STILL!--I'm psyched and I'll take what I can get.

Anything that has ANYTHING to do with alcohol, cigars, or cards is AUTOMATICALLY disqualified. I would say the budget is anywhere from $50 to $95 each.

#1
CUSTOM STEAK BRANDERS
They're not the same-old-engraved-beer-mug type thing grooms USUALLY give their groomsmen. But they're STILL kinda manish, they're FUN (I'd like to brand MY steak!), and they're NOT something you see every day!

#2
STEELERS SUPER BOWL XL CHAMPIONS FLAG
Here again, it's something *I* would appreciate getting. Trouble with this one is that it probably wouldn't mean too much to JR and it would probably mean very little to G. Mike would probably use it to wipe his Browns-lovin' ass.

#3
ENGRAVED SILVERPLATED COMPUTER MOUSE
You know, it's STUPID. I KNOW it's stupid. But I kinda like it. Everyone uses a mouse. It represents my "technology wave," and if I'm GONNA get something engraved, it would be something DIFFERENT!

Last night's U2 concert?--WOW! I guess I can't speak for Sweet Kati, but I had SO much fun. And everything worked out PERFECTLY!

Many thanks right off the bat to G for helping us buy these tickets way back when and putting up with the problems of the pre-sale. You're the man, bud!

Also, before I start going on and on, let me encourage everyone to take 60 seconds and point their browsers real quickly to the website for the One Campaign. The One Campaign is Bono's newest pet project and it is a truly noble effort for us to take very seriously the idea that we could very realistically end extreme poverty in the world. Bob and Paula, I'm looking in your direction, here, because the efforts are mostly pointed at relief to Africa and I know how deeply these people touched your lives when you were there. So, as I say, mosey on over there--the man's not looking for your money, or even your time . . . he just wants you to add your name to a petition saying that you children should not be dying of mosquito bites in 2005, no matter where they live.

SO, my commitments to Bono out of the way, let me get to it . . .

The night got off to a good start early in the day when my spirits were buoyed by good news from one of my potential employers. So I went to the show "higher than a kite!"

Kati and I decided to take a cab out to the Continental Airlines Arena, rather than drive ourselves. Which turned out to be a very good idea, not only to avoid any problems with drinking and driving, but because we didn't have to putz with traffic, parking, or getting lost (relatively assured with me driving).

We got to the arena to hear the opening act playing. I didn't hear much of them and didn't care for what I did hear. We spent a short while shopping around at the merchandise stands (I walked away with a t-shirt and a baseball cap and Sweet Kati scored her very first U2 concert t-shirt!).

We found our seats, which WERE pretty much at the back of the arena. But we were there, we could see everything (the band was really small, but we could see them), and--most importantly--we could HEAR everything!

As for the show, I'll leave a nuts-and-bolts review up to someone else (you can check out the set list for last night or read the New York Times' review of the show). Musically and from a production standpoint, these people have much better things to say than I do.

I had just a couple of thoughts. First, it was just a touch unsettling to see how old everyone there was. I mean, I guess one wouldn't expect anything DIFFERENT from the followers of a band whose lead singer just turned 45 years old (that means he's closer to my parent's age than to my age! . . . ). I DO, however, enjoy the thought of following a band that's still young and hip, but--the best band it the world they may still be--that's apparently no longer U2.

Second, there was this really peculiar happening where they stopped serving beer fifteen minutes into the show. And much like the New York City smoking ban, the effect was super pleasant. Instead of having drunk assholes puking all over my shoes in the bathroom by the end of the night, everyone stayed put together all night long. Very nice; very U2.

I've talked before about the distinction I draw between religion and spirituality. To me (and yes, I'm very well aware that this is not a commonly accepted understanding) religion is the habitual repetition of words and actions that guide one towards greater spiritual well-being. Religion is not NECESSARILY associated with God, although the resultant requirement that it enhance one's spirituality typically DOES have the net effect of associating religion with God. But one could exercise religiously, one could fish religiously, and one could meditate religiously.

And enjoying myself at that concert last night made it abundantly clear (and brace yourself Sweet Kati, 'cause here's where I'm about to sound like the rampant U2 fan that you initially said annoyed you) that U2 is religion to me . . . going to that concert and singing those songs--truly--at the top of my lungs and from the bottom of my heart made me realize just how much of an influence that music and lyrics has had in shaping my spirituality as a Gen X American Christian.

And--as ALWAYS--I find NO shame in this. Once again, being a U2 fan made/makes me proud.

So last night, I made up my mind that as a tribute and thanks to U2, I would put together a list of the quotes that have most stuck out at me over the years. It's not exhaustive by any means. But I do believe it'll portray a sense of what I've gotten from the years that I spent with U2.

- "Uncertainty can be a guiding light." (Zooropa)

- "It's a beautiful day." (Beautiful Day)

- "Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel . . . luckily!" (City of Blinding Lights)

- "I can't sing, but I've got soul." (Elevation)

- "Oh, Lord, if I had anything, anything at all, I'd give it to You." (Gloria)

- "I don't know which way the wind will blow." (Kite)

- "I don’t know if I can take it, I’m not easy on my knees." (Love And Peace Or Else)

- "There is no failure here, sweetheart, just when you quit." (Miracle Drug)

- "Lookin' for to save my, save my soul." (Mofo)

- "If you wanna kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel (on your knees, boy!)." (Mysterious Ways)

- "You've got an unquenchable thirst for New York." (New York)

- "Don't worry, everything's just fine." (Numb)

- "We get to carry each other." (One)

- "The end is not as fun as the start." (Orignal Of The Species)

- "Jesus could you take the time to throw a drowning man a line--peace on Earth." (Peace On Earth)

- "You can't escape if you're running from yourself." (Red Light)

- "You gotta cry without weeping, talk without speaking, scream without raising your voice." (Running To Stand Still)

- "Some days take less, but most days take more." (Some Days Are Better Than Others)

- "You don’t have to go it alone!" (Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own)

- "Oh, the city's desire to take me for more and more." (Surrender)

- "It's no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest." (The Fly)

- "Sun shine, sun shine on me!" (The Three Sunrises)

- "Jesus, don't you wait up, Jesus I'll be home soon." (The Wanderer)

- "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." (Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World)

- "You miss too much these days if you stop to think." (Until The End Of The World)

- "I wanna feel sunlight on my face." (Where The Streets Have No Name)

- "You're dangerous, 'cos you're honest." (Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses)

- "I'm ready--ready for what's next!" (Zoo Station)

- "I waited patiently for the Lord--He inclined and heard my cry." (40)

posted at 10:29 AM 2 comments

Obviously, I can't say anything bad about eHarmony (and--I'm SURE--neither can doebtown's most loyal contributor! . . . ).

But on a recent trip to New York City, my Big Sister accused the online matchmaking service of being a front for Focus on the Family. Which is why I found this article in today's Pittsburgh Tribune Review (originally published in the Los Angeles Times) so interesting.

So what's the thought? Is Dr. Neil Clark Warren a reformed Christian Evangelist? Does meHarmony--er . . . *e*Harmony--just do the bidding of the conservative right? Does it MATTER if it brings good people, such as me and Kati, together?

On my last weekend in Sea Bright, Kati and I made good on our determination to enjoy a cookout in the Runaway Beach picnic grounds--Mele Kalikimaka! 

 

 

 

I STARTED to write this post by saying "as with all the OTHER bad news this week, I guess I shouldn't be SURPRISED by the results of today's weigh in." But THEN, I realized that today's weigh in results weren't BAD news. To be sure, they weren't GOOD news, either (if it's not clear by this point, I broke even), but--as Yak and his Marworthisms would say--let's not catastrophize and call something bad that's REALLY not.

Still haven't been back to the gym in a while. Doing alright with my diet. I had ONE extra high calorie meal this week than normal, but that's not THAT bad! Hopefully, next week'll be better (but let's ALSO hope it's no WORSE! . . . ).

I'm really excited!

At the same time, I'm going through a daily struggle to practice what I preach--that everything happens for a reason. I've been going over it all in my head the last two days: everything I've read and told myself during tough times in my life in the past. There's the simple, yet powerful Prayer Of Jabez (ongoing thanks to Yak for that one!), there's my personal favorite, Matthew 6:25-34 (I'm ESPECIALLY fond of verse 34, there), the Prayer For Choosing A State Of Life (it's there, just kinda in the middle of the page) and--of course--there's the old, tried-and-true Lord's Prayer.

And these DO all have a religious bent to them. I don't think I'm unusual, here, that when times are tough or when I'm most in need of guidance, I turn back to religion. In fact, that's EXACTLY why I hold religion in such high esteem, despite it's obvious downfalls in today's society. Religion is practiced, so when confusion and personal chaos sets in, one falls back on religion. Religion, in turn, points the way to spirituality.

THAT'S off the subject. . . . Anyway, all of these passages feature the same idea: faith is the ability to do what God has in store for us. To truly live a life of faith, we must forgo our own agendas, goals, expectations, prides, and desires. Giving up control over what will come of us is the cornerstone to strong faith.

I KNOW all this stuff. I've READ all these passages before and leaned on them in tough times in the past. This is all part of the reason that I don't like to pray for particular things to happen (not, "God, please help me pass this test," but "God, guide me while I take this test so that I can help fulfill Your will"), why I don't like to say "I'm sorry" to people (not "I'm sorry I didn't get the contact signed," but "it's MY fault the contract didn't get signed, I'm upset about it, and I'll do everything I can to correct it"), and HOW I try to get myself through tough times.

But when times ARE tough, I typically find myself asking impossible questions: why does it have to be this way? maybe this is all rationalization. And all these faith based passages--BECAUSE they're grounded in God--take an extra spoonful of sugar to go down.

Which is why--come full circle!--I was SO pleased to see this analysis of "How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" by U2. It tells the story of Bono going through questions of faith on his own. And it helped--it really did. I was especially fond of the passage from "Love and Peace Or Else" (which, even before reading this article, was my most favoritest song on the album) where the author pulls out the lyrics:

As you enter this life
I pray you depart
With a wrinkled face
And a brand new heart

I don’t know if I can take it
I’m not easy on my knees
Here’s my heart you can break it . . .

It's all there! It's got the themes of faith, surrender, and trust . . . all without the God references that make mantra so hard to swallow when things aren't going my way. Really, U2 does me proud. They make my heart swell up and put a smile on my face. And--in an ironic show of fate--they give me something to look forward to: them!

I think I've read them in one of Kati's Cosmos, something tells me I've seen them before on the "Today" show; I KNOW I've read them beofre in "Maxim" . . . if they were only as easy to IMPLEMENT as they are to read!

45 Of The Smartest Diet Tips Ever

I've always liked Senator Voinovich. He's from Ohio and is a Phi Kappa Tau alum'. I'm not sure how I feel about Bolton (well, that's not true . . . I don't like him), but I find it VERY refreshing that Senator Voinovich is breaking ranks from his party to voice a concern over Bolton's confirmation.

Key Senator Criticizes Bolton but Agrees to Full Senate Vote

Woah! If weather manipulation is a serious undertaking, who SAYS we won't have chips in our brains?

Can the Russians Control the Weather?

OK, 'nough said.

The Young and the Jobless

Woah! Can it BE . . . COULD it be?--is the problem that has always kept me from carrying a wallet FINALLY a thing of the past (and does this mean that my wad-o'-cash-'n'-plastic will be gone before we get chips in our brains)?

I would typically regard this ALL-ETT® Billfold thing as just an internet scam, IF it weren't so favorably reviewed by The New York Times.

I donno . . .

ALL-ETT® Billfold

SOMEBODY recently expressed confusion as to the implications of Pfc. Lynndie England's mistrial. The withdrawn plea, this person insisted, was a GOOD thing for America's finest example of white trash in the 21st century. I did a pretty lousy job of explaining why the mistrial was actually a BAD thing (a bad thing, that is, for Lynndie England--but one might argue that a bad thing for Lynndie England is a GOOD thing for the rest of America . . . ). This article--from Slate Magazine, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite online publications--however, does a very GOOD job of explaining what's going on, there.

Why Can't Lynndie Plead Guilty?

I recall once having a conversation with a certain unnamed Frenchman where the topic of federally issued ID cards came up and I said that I thought all Americans would be required to cary such a card and they would not be allowed to travel, work, or collect revenue without one. The response? (sing it with me now, Sweet Kati)--"But NO . . . Matthew!--you're crazy!"

I don't mean to say I told you so, but enter the Real ID Act. 2008--I actually beleive that's about three years BEFORE my anticipated guess of ten years (which would have been 'round about 2011). Now if we can just get to wokin' on those chips in our brains, please . . .

FAQ: How Real ID will affect you

Damn! MORE waiting for new episodes of "Chappelle's Show."

Why Is Chappelle's Show at a Halt? Not Because of Drugs, an Aide Says

Kati and I saw this movie called "Up for Grabs" as part of a film festival a coupla weeks ago. It was great and anyone who's looking for something to see should check it out. Today it was reviewed by "The New York Times" (with nowhere NEAR the respect that it SHOULD have received).

Going, Going, Gone . . . All the Way to Court

Well . . . not the best week. After not exercising at ALL this week, eating a TON at the Cinco de mayo party last night, and having Chinese Night on Wednesday instead of its regularly scheduled Thursday, I gained one pound this week. What's worse, the other members of the Weight Loss Competitiion do not seem to have had the same problems.

But not to dispair. I saw a sign on a church a coupla days ago that said "Sucess is getting up one more time." So let's hope that getting back on my regimented eating plan will bring those big weight loss numbers right back. Here's to next Friday!

Well, here's my FIRST idea of what to get Abby for her birthday:



It's a Paint Your Own Butterfly Chair . I know it's not a "Pool Toy," but it looks as if all the pool toys are internet only. I'll have to see when I get there.

Yeaaaaah! This is the BEST news of the day (and believe me, I've NEEDED some good news today)--I LOVE Stephen Colbert!

'Daily Show' Funnyman Colbert Gets Show

Check out this list of posters to replace the corporate motivational posters that make us all puke--Here's the link.

I think my favorite is "If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."

Abu Ghraib pisses me off. I'm pissed off that it happened, I'm pissed off at the way it made us look to the rest of the world, and I'm pissed off that no one--of any importance--was blamed for it. So, anyhow . . . Lynndie England entered a guilty plea today.

Iraq War Veteran Pleads Guilty in Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal

Is there REALLY enought room in the world for a DIFFERENT Sweet Kati?

Kati trying to find her friends . . . how DID we manage this process before cell phones? 

Kati and Alli browsing for jewlery at the Hoboken Art and Music Festival. 

*Somebody* would rather the score be hidden from the world . . .  

Steeeee-rike! 

So Sweet Kati and I went bowling last night. Final score: Matt 3, Kati 1. While Kati DID get into her groove later in the evening and she DID come pretty close to breaking her personal high score (126), something tells me that she should have given me stiffer competition, considering that I may or may not have been wearing women's pants.