Today is my last day at the University of New Haven, so I'm busy clearing out my print & electronic files. Don't know if I'll have another chance to post today, so I wanted to let folks know what has been happening.

This past Saturday (5/22) we had a combination 'farewell/graduation' party for Kristina and Devin. It was really nice with around 25 or so friends & family in attendance. Yesterday, Kristina graduated from Pace University with a B.A. in computer science. It was held at Radio City Music Hall and we had a nice time later at an Italian place in Hell's Kitchen. (Can't for the life of me remember the restaurant's name, something like Cara Mia?)

Tomorrow the moving men are supposed to show up at around 5:00am, because we want to be out and on the road by 9:00, this way we can be moved into the Brooklyn house and spend some time with Kristina and Devin. They are headed out to California on a 7:30am flight Friday.

Top that off with a job interview Friday at 11:00am and it has made for an exciting week!

I don't know, unless I have a few minutes later today, when I'll post next. We'll probably be busy unpacking stuff and I'll hardly have enough time to check my e-mail, let alone read or publish blogs.

Hope that you'll all keep your fingers crossed that the move goes well!

Great overview of the G.O.P.'s problems and the idea of a rebellion against G.W.As Bush Collapses, Can McCain Beat Kerry? Rob Kall has quotes and links to some relevant articles on the topic.

I've added Rob Kall's OpEdNews.com over on the left. All sorts of links to editorials and writings from the Progressive/Liberal side of things.

"Pessimism at its best is watchful skepticism."

The above is from this article by
Ron Rosenbaum in this week's New York Oberver column. I loved the quote so much that I wanted to post a link to the entire article, which I found reflects my outlook quite a bit. Being a Pessimist myself, I don't think that my worldview really is totally negative. I think it's the Optimist who doesn't want to face reality.

I mean, suppose this IS the best of all possible worlds? You can have my share!

Just finished another JOE BOB BRIGGS book review, so without further comment (except to say that some of my reviews can be seen over at the Joe Bob site, if you're interested).

**************************
Target Acquired, by Joel Narlock; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Dorchester Publishing: ISBN – 0843952873

Before reading this book I had a basic understanding of what a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) was. I’d seen photographs and video of the Predator in Afghanistan, supposedly used to hunt down members of Al Quida. After finishing Narlock’s novel I think I know more about them than I wanted to.

It’s apparent that these radio-controlled planes fascinate Narlock and he certainly does his best to make the reader aware of how important they are and will be in the future. Quite possibly this type of vehicle would make it possible for the military to minimize the use of human pilots in bombing and surveillance runs, only utilizing the Top Guns in those situations where the immediate response of a human pilot would be necessary.

The major problem with the story is that Narlock throws in so many characters, some briefly introduced and then dropped, that after a while you start to lose track. There is also the author’s tendency to be writing as if he is already casting the screen version. You have the two CIA agents, straight out of the X-FILES; Denzel Washington as the head of the Secret Service and the latest cute kid from some popular television sitcom playing the President’s son. Seriously, we’ve see this all before and Narlock does have the potential to rise above it.

The story follows the development team for the TIGER, a very, high-tech UAV which would work in almost any terrain (urban, desert and jungle), utilizing not only the latest surveillance innovations but capable of carrying a number of lethal armaments as well. The team is the usual group of brilliant, individuals who are forced by circumstances to work and live together. Just like in all such situations some of the folks just do not get along. There is also the distinct possibility, hinted at early on, that one or the group has a hidden agenda. When the TIGER finally goes off on an ‘independent’ mission, the book hits high velocity, with Narlock doing a nice job of finally bringing so many threads together.

Narlock generally moves his plot along and does a great job of making a few of his major characters very appealing. Unfortunately, he seems to lose focus when he brings in such technical information that you find yourself skimming ahead. This is only Narlock’s second novel and he shows that he has the chops to become much better. He just has to ease off on his fascination with the tech.

Three stars.

*****************
Hey, I liked it!

I'm reading this article on the amount of money the two major Presidential candidates have raised.iWon - News Personally, I think they have reached the point where they should just give $1 million dollars in cash to each voter. It wouldn't necessarily buy the vote of that person, but it would cut down on the number of polical commercials we had to sit through.

I thought that folks might be interest in this piece MSNBC - Memos Reveal War Crimes Warnings. I mean we all know that this would never happen, since G.W. would offer pardons/clemency to all his underlings and the next President would be politically obligated to ensure that Bush did not even get near a courtroom. It would after all start a precedent for future administrations to actually be accountable.

I know that it's probably all over the Rec.arts groups and the Firesign Theatre Chats, but it was pretty cool to hear a FST reference on THE WEST WING last night.

For those of you who don't watch the NBC drama, Josh Lyman (played by Bradley Whitford)was meeting an unknown contact in a German bar. When the man sitting across from the table leaves, Josh says into his phone that he's beginning to get a "Nick Danger" feeling about the place. I almost jumped up when he said it.

Just a passing remark, but it is nice for this FST fan to know that there are others out there still making the 'inside jokes.'

Shoes for industry!

So okay,I'm going through my morning e-mail in my Iwon.com account and find this in the Entertainment newsletter. This is for a new 'unscripted series" called THE SWAP.

** "On this show two married women switch places with one another for 10 days, living with the other's family and taking on the other woman's household duties. At the end of the 10 days, the families get together to discuss what they experienced., I'm going through my morning e-mail in my Iwon.com account and find this in the Entertainment newsletter."**

ABC bought the U.S. rights to this British 'reality show' and hope to get it up and running for the fall season. They've changed the name from "Wife Swap", but otherwise the concept is the same. According the the newsletter and a few other articles I found online this show is extremely popular "across the pond."

Personally, I can't begin to list the number of ways in which this is WRONG! Going beyond any sexual tension which may arise (and you know that in some cases there will be some, even if the production crew has to edit it in) what kind of therapy are the children going to need?

Sadly, I'm probably curious enough to actually tune in for at least a few minutes.

Just had to make a few comments re: The Draft, since I've just read Mark Evanier's column on the topic over on his site.

Back in 1968, when I turned eighteen, I was as afraid as any of my friends about going to Vietnam. Still the idea of taking off for Canada never appealed to me, though I don't at this point of my life, deny that the thought didn't cross my mind. But who the Hell did I know in Canada?

Anyway, since I had been a kid my father (a WWII U.S. Navy vet) continually made it clear that as his son I was pretty much destined to follow in his (and his brother George's) footsteps. So a week after my eighteenth b-day I found myself walking into the Selective Service Office at the main Post Office in Norwich, CT.

Immediately after filling out my paperwork, I walked down the hall and into the office of the Navy Recruiter. He was more than happy to sign me up for 'delayed enlistment', which meant that I would have between 3-6 months before I was actually called up.

Nice surprise to get a call a month later from this same smiling First Class Petty Officer telling me that I was scheduled to report two days later to Whitehall Street in New York City, where I would be enlisted. The rest, as they say, is history!

While several of my high school friends did receive 'deferments' I never resented them for that. They were going to college or had legitimate medical reasons for not being called up. I actually received my Draft Letter while attending Navy Boot Camp at the Great Lakes, IL Recruit Training Command.

Basically, I have no problem with the draft, although I do believe that changes should be made to make it a fairer program. There should also be an option for people to do non-military related work in the public sector, allowing these folks to gain many of the same benefits which those who choose the Armed Forces receive.

It goes without saying that the women & men who are serving in uniform are underpaid, insufficiently equipped and ill-rewarded when their terms of enlistment are over. As does Evanier, I think that the members of the Armed Forces should be receiving pay equal or at least near that of people working in related areas in civilian life. If this means a few less B-1 bombers or nuclear subs (because we all know that Al Queda has a fleet of subs just waiting to slip into the coastal waters when our guard is down), well the contractors, lobbyists and Congress folks with their hands out will have to do with a bit less.

I'm sure that folks can shoot holes in my thinking and feel free to do so. It is my blog, though, and I'll rant when I want to.

Just caught an online report that actor Tony Randall has passed away. Two different articles list his age as either 83 or 84 yrs. I had read that Mr. Randall underwent some surgery last year, but there is no cause of death listed in either article.

Most of us know Randall from the brilliant job he did on the TV show THE ODD COUPLE as Felix(playing opposite Jack Klugman as Oscar). The show was based on the Neil Simon play, which was also adapted as a wonderful film with Jack Lemon and Walter Matheau in the starring roles.

Randall often came off as rather pompous, but he seemed to have a good sense of humor when he appeared frequently on the David Letterman show.

Rest in peace, Mr. Randall.

Speaking of the Center for Defense Information, just today the CDI has released a transcript of a speech given by retired Gen. Anthony Zinni to a CDI Board meeting. In the speech Gen. Zinni (former Commander of the U.S. Central Command outlined "10 Mistakes History Will Record" about the war in Iraq. These mistakes began during the early planning stages of the war and continued through the occupation.

As I said in my previous post, the CDI is not some 'left-wing think tank' which the Administration can easily dismiss. These folks know what they are talking about!

The Center for Defense Information was established by a number of retired military officers and people knowledgeable in matters of the Armed Forces. Unlike many of the folks I've linked to they are certainly not what you would call 'progressive', at least not as an organization. A look at the members of the group will show you that their main interest is that the military in this country be used properly and be equipped correctly.

As a Vietnam Era vet myself, I've never been a believer that the U.S. should simply do away with the military. I think I've read enough history and experienced enough in my fifty plus years to know that every country does indeed need a military to protect itself. On the other hand, I guess you could put me among those who lean towards a more 'hands off' attitude on foreign policy. While we should be willing to aid those countries who request military aid from us (and not for the suppression of their own people's demands for rights), the American people have for too along allowed the administrations in power (both Democrat & Republican) to use the men and women of the military as pawns in whatever power games they have decided to play.

CDI looks at the realistic needs and capabilities of the Armed Forces and allows people to make clear judgments. The link is over there, FYI, as are all the others.

Another fantastic, if disturbing article by Seymour Hersh, in this week's New Yorker. Hersh is THE journalist most on top of this situation. Probably close to Numero Uno on the Bush 'to do' list, should they survive all this into another term. I'd make sure my taxes were in order, if I was Hersh. :-)

Also see that CNN has reported the car-bombing of the current Iraqi Governing Council President. I don't know if I'd like to have my name published if I was next in line for that gig. Kind of like the current head of Hamas not wanting his name to get out to the press.

Here in Connecticut, folks are waiting to hear from the Attorney General on the legality of 'gay marriage' in the Nutmeg State. There were a few hundred pro & anti protesters in Hartford yesterday, who had to be evacuated when somebody placed an 'unknown canister' in plain sight. Somebody was apparently arrested, but what was in the canister and why he did it remains unknown at this point.

Spent part of yesterday at a wedding, drinking and eating much more than I should. We had a nice time, but those things always make me way more sentamental than I normally am. Anyway, it all got me to thinking.

About twenty years ago, I was serving my last re-enlistment onboard a ship stationed out of Earle, NJ. I was corresponding with the gal who put out the newsletter, INSIDE JOKE. In one letter she actually invited me to her place for dinner.

Long story/short, there have been a lot of ups and down in those two decades of friendship. Sickness & health and all those things in between. Still I'm happy to say that we can still call ourselves friends.

Here's to the lovely Elayne! Hope we get to spend some Food Fest time together next year. :-)

A few days ago I posted a link to an article which discussed the abuses which occured at Abu Ghraib, in the context of the famous Stanford Prison experiments. In that case, students were randomly selected to play either prison inmate or guard. The study was supposed to last about two weeks, but had to be cut short when the student 'guards' began brutalizing the 'inmates.'

In this article in Slate, Prof. Philip Zimbardo, the designer of the original experiment, states that he believes this is so, while writer William Saletan feels that it doesn't come close.

I had the morning off today and having packed away all the videos & DVDs for the upcoming move I was flipping around the channels searching for something of interest. AMC is running a tribute to Spencer Tracy and they ran a film today which I'd never seen before.

MALAYA stars Tracy and James/Jimmy Stewart in a rather odd departure for the two of them. Filmed in 1949, the movie takes place in WWII on the Japanese-held island. Stewart is a 'down-on-his-luck' reporter who actually got his one time friend Tracy sent to federal prison. When Stewart's brother is killed in the war, he conceives of this plan to smuggle much needed raw rubber to the U.S. Unfortunately, the only guy with the connections and abilities to set this up is Tracy.

Besides these two gents, we get Sydney Greenstreet as the shady (hard to believe, huh?) barowner known as The Dutchman, the always smiling and 'up for anything' Gilbert Roland (doing a great job and obviously having fun as Romano) and the lovely Valetina Cortese (doing her very best Marlene Dietrich). Hell, Lionel Barrymore even shows up for about three minutes for no apparent reason whatsoever.

The TV Guide gives the film only two stars, but I thought it was better than that. I mean, it was certainly predictable (with an ending that appears tacked on to make folks feel better, I guess) but it's nice to see some good actors doing something a little bit different. Also, some of the dialogue given to Tracy with in his scenes with Cortese is nothing but poetic. Oh, and if you get offended by the nationalistic and somewhat racist portrayal of Japanese, remember when the film was made. Steve Bob says check it out.

So Donald Rumsfeld goes over to Iraq and finally visits the prison where the photographs were taken. I guess this makes things all better. Oh, and he announces that we're going to build a new prison nearby where the same prisoners we really haven't been abusing will have better conditions. Bet that makes them feel a hell of a lot better about us,huh?

I didn't see the news conference but apparently some of the soldiers had some questions that the Secretary of Defense didn't (or wouldn't) answer. Guess those guys will be looking at K.P. for a while! Don't want to embarrass the brass, after all.

Whether you call it retaliation or escalation, the beheading in Iraq of an American citizen really shouldn't come as a surprise. That's not to say that I am not shocked by the incident, but it is further proof (if we needed any) that the Bush administration had no understanding of Arab culture. It is biblical, in the 'eye for an eye' sense.

There was a report I read the other day that there has been a call for British female soldiers to be captured and held as concubines. Where does this sort of thing stop and when does the President finally take responsibility for getting us involved.

I hope I'm not the only one who caught this article (thanks to Slate) from the Baltimore Sun. It deals with the up-coming courtmartials of some of those soldiers involved in the Abu Ghraib prison situation.

It appears that the Pentagon (pushed no doubt by the same folks circling the wagons around Rumsfeld) to hurry along the courtmartial of several of the soldiers, even turning it into a media event. Sadly, it looks like the administration is going to try and destroy the lives of various enlisted men & women in order to cover their own butts.

I spent close to ten years in the Navy, over half of that working in the ship's office of several warships. I've seen first hand how 'military justice' is metered out. The most vivid recollection is seeing a non-com being stripped of his rank (demoted) for an accident which was all but caused by the actions of a Lt. Commander. Naturally, the officers closed ranks on this and even though a sailor lost his life (not to mention thousands of dollars in damage to two naval vessels) the court martial found the enlisted man was at fault.

I expect this to happen in spades with the men and women who found themselves in those photographs. Wisely the higher ups remained both behind the camera lens and (in the case of the Secretary of Defense) 'out of the loop.'

Man,it always freaks me out when Blogger suddenly decides to change the layout of everything!!

Anyway, just read on Mark Evanier's column that Alan King has passed away. I remember watching King on Johnny Carson, Ed Sullivan and just about every other old variety show.
He always seemed angry,which i guess was his persona. I mean, he was funny but i always had the feeling that he might not be the most pleasant guy in person.


If I remember correctly Elayne and I caught King at the Toyota Comedy Festival back in '96. Am i right on that? I recall he was the MC and actually did a pretty good job, handing the show over to younger comedians.

It really is sad that so many of the legends of the comedy world seem to be passing and so few of the modern ones will have the sort of staying power the greats had.

R.I.P. funny man (to coin a phrase)

I've had a few interesting conversations this past weekends with friends and family about the situation in Iraq. Naturally, I come from a far more liberal/progressive frame of mind from just about all of them. Still it is fascinating how many folks are of the opinion that what happened to the Iraqi prisoners was justified, because of 9/11 and the attacks on American troops (and civilian contractors).

On the surface I can understand the old 'eye for an eye' mindset, but we are afterall supposed to be over there to show 'those people' what democracy and America are all about. Stooping to 'their level' doesn't really seem like type of thing that will do anyone any good.

Okay, cards on the table. I really wouldn't have a problem with the usual loud music, 24-hour bright lights sort of thing. "Keeping the prisoner off balance" stuff that just about every nation does to some extent to POWs. On the other hand, physical abuse to the point of death, humiliation and ridicule don't appear to me to serve any purpose other than making those individuals hate their jailers. You can bet that once these people are released, assisting the 'coalition' is not going to be high on their 'to do' list.

Even without the photographs we've seen so far (and even Rumsfeld says that there is worse to be seen) I can't understand why every American isn't horrified and demanding that this entire administration step down. Not going to happen, but can you imagine what the GOP and the media would have done had this occurred under Clinton?

For the second year, I'm taking part in a study on "Involuntary Autobiographical Memory." It's quite interesting and also nice to get paid a few bucks for doing what comes natural. We all have these 'flashbacks' to moments in our past, some of which can be intensely vivid. We actually relive those moments, often with emotions mirroring those we felt at the time.

Anyway, for two weeks I have been keeping a journal of when these 'autobiographical memories' occur. The hardest part is trying to figure out what the 'cue' was in each case, which of course is one of the things the study is trying to discover.

No particular reason for mentioning this at this time, but I knew that I'd probably forget to mention it all if I didn't get it down while thinking about it.

I guess it's sort of like a 'dream journal' which I've never kept, but do know folks who have done so almost religiously. A former gal pal was pretty fanatical about it, often doing drawings or comic strips based on her dreams. Then again this lady was an odd one in just about all things she did, obsessive in one way or another in her relationships and what she did.

Eighteen years ago I was working for Brown & Wood (the firm actually had a longer name which I can't recall right now, but B&W was how we all referred to the place), which was a law firm in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. About a month or so before I had an interview with Brooklyn Public Library, but had not heard back. Then sometime in May they contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in a position.

Here I am today sitting in Grand Army Plaza (BPL's central branch) and have just left the Human Resources office, where I filled in an application to return. Man, who'd have thunk it, huh?

I have to be honest and say that i really had no intention of ever returning here, but circumstances being as they are it seemed like a good idea. I don't think I burned too may bridges behind me, so fingers crossed. I could do the job of public librarian in my sleep, but it really isn't my goal at this point in my career. Still if it pays the bills and gives me some free time to play on line it can't be all bad. :-)

Over on DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND there's a fascinating article by the Plaid Adder on the situation at Abu Ghraib. I recall mentions of the Stanford Prison Experiment and the well-known Milgram study from my college Psych classes, but it is scary how both mirror what seems to have happened in Iraq.

The article does have a link to the now widely seen pictures, but if you haven't seen them yet (and I don't know how anybody could have watched television the past few days and not seem some) they are disturbing, so be warned.

I was taken aback by the author's comparison of the prison photos to pornography, but upon thinking about the situation find that he (or she, since I don't know the actual identity of the Plaid Adder) does have a valid point. What is the purpose of taking the photographs if not to share with others some disturbing 'thrill'. Brrr Best not to think too much on that!

You'll need to subscribe to read this editorial in the Washington Post but it does sum up the reasons that Congress should begin investigating just what is happening in those prisons in Iraq. It also points out, as if that needed to be done, that the Bush administration was aware of these problems months ago.

Oh, it also mentions (again, as if we didn't know) that G.W. doesn't actually read much of anything. All those damn facts just get in the way. At least Reagan was sort of charming when he'd admit to a failing like this. Bush just seems smug.

Another busy weekend, some packing and the beginning of finals, here at UNH, all combined to prevent me from taking some time to post. My apologies to the two or three folks who actually look in here.

Donna and lost a few hours of our lives the past few nights watching 10.5 on NBC. Personally, there's nothing I enjoy more than a good disaster movie. Okay, I like those 'nature takes revenge' films (which can also be disaster movies, but generally involved insects or some kind of animal taking their turn as chief predator, with mankind on the foodchain) that SCI FI always has on Saturdays. Oh, and slasher films are pretty high up on my list of favorite genres, too. I guess 'disaster movies' are among the TOP 5, but I digress.

Anyway, Irwin Allen was king of that sort of thing back in the'60s & '70s, but just about all the networks (major and minor) have found that folks love to see unemployed actors (often one-time TV or movie fixtures) getting drown, tossed into lava or killed in one way or the other. Generally, it looks like the make-up guy tossed dust on their clothes and didn't comb the star's hair, thus indicating that these poor souls have been through hell.

NBC seems to have spend hundreds of dollars on third-string celebs, minature models of various California landmarks and hairspray for one-time NYPD BLUE cutie, Kim Delaney. Delaney gets the lead (which means plenty of meaningful closeups and appears in the teasers before each commercial break), with Fred Ward (who did have a film career at one point) and the other Bridges brother, Bo (as the President of the United States, possibly regretting giving up sniffing glue on this particular day). Parts of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle all fall down go boom as the west coast slips into the sea.

I've probably spent way too much time discussing what in the end was sloppy and obvious, but as I said in the beginning. I actually enjoy this sort of thing. Pretty sad, huh?

Oh, I forgot to mention it earlier this week, but I was able to catch HELLBOY last weekend. I'll give it a Big Thumbs Up!

The entire thing certainly remained as loyal to Mike Mignola's wonderful creation as you could possibly want. If you're a fan of the character (as I am) you could not be disappointed. Ron Perlman was wonderful as HB and it was perfect voice casting to have David Hype-Pearce as Abe. As soon as I heard that Perlman was in the lead I immediately realized that he would be perfect in the role. I really hope that the success of this film will mean that we can look forward to a few sequels down the line. The movie was as good as the X-Men film and certainly superior to THE HULK. I don't know if any film, based on a comic character could be as good as either the first BATMAN or SPIDER-MAN films, but it certainly made me a happy camper.

Also, caught a teaser for another film I'm looking forward to seeing. I'd never heard of SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE until I caught the promo, but now I'm totally psyched. When the first few second of the trailer began I thought that it was either a tribute to the old Fleischer SUPERMAN cartoons (which it somewhat resembles in style, but then again the opening sequence of the animated BATMAN does much the same), or some new Japanamation film. Wow! I was totally blown away and along with a couple of other folks in the theatre actually applauded when the trailer ended. This is going to be either a major box-office hit or a huge bomb, but I'm shelling out my buck either way.

I sent an e-mail to the CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group (via Common Cause's Action network) regarding their censorship of NIGHTLINE. I was glad to see that Senator John McCain publically called them out on the issue. It's also quite likely that fewer folks would have tuned in (rather than catching Leno or Letteman) to ABC had Sinclair not made this into a political issue. Which of course, they claim is what ABC is doing.

The Washington Post has an article on the whole thing over on their site. It has comments from both sides, but Sinclair doesn't come off looking all that objective anyway. As somebody on Air America said Sinclair is looking to be the new Fox (which as you all know was about the only network which didn't publish the photographs of the U.S. coffins. Nor allow them to be printed in the New York Post (another Murdoch vehicle).

I'm going to admit something that will, I'm sure, annoy and shock some of you. My name is Steve and I'm a cigar smoker. (Hello, Steve!)

Yeah, I know..."It's a disgusting and nasty habit. Don't you know that smoking is bad for you?" All true, I suppose, but then I've never really concerned myself with what others think of me.

I personally enjoy smoking a cigar every so often, a habit I took up after stopping for years. When I first entered the Navy, back in 1969, I would occasionally smoke cigarettes, but since I was never more than a 'social smoker' it wasn't hard to drop. I took up cigar smoking and continued for several years, stopping in the early 1980s.

When I went back in the service in '84, Elayne and I began dating. As she was anti-smoking it just never became an issue, since I only smoked when I was with some of my fellow shipmates in a bar or overseas. I stopped completely once she and I started living together.

It was probably juvenile, but when she and I split I started picking up cigars again, generally buying a pack of Dutch Masters or other machine rolled cigars at the local bodega (which is what most New Yawkers, call those small, corner stores in local neighborhoods). It was only natural, I guess, that I would eventually start hitting some of the specialty stores which sold a higher brand of smokes.

Long story/short, I actually own a small humidor and carry a traveler pouch which holds three-four cigars. I don't smoke in the house, nor in the car, although Donna has never made an issue of it in the house. Even I know that the smell will begin to permeate the place and I'd rather not have it around. I restrict myself to a couple of cigars a week and always outside when the weather permits.

Anyway, I've posted a link to the Internet Cigar Group over on the left. They have tons of information and links to just about everything you could want to know about cigars (smoking, storing and manufacturing), there's even a message board so you can swap stories and hints to new finds with like minded folks.

Feel free to ignore the link, since it's all the way at the bottom. Hope nobody thinks the less of me after this confession, but it feels good to get it off my chest. :-)

Just heard that some ABC affiliates will not be broadcasting tonight's NIGHTLINE. One group, which owns several stations, has called the program 'political in nature' and 'harmful' to the American efforts in Iraq. Bob forbid we don't honor those men & women who have given their lives. What would be non-partisan about that?

Best that we forget that there are actual people behind the casualty figures and just march in step with the President who put his own life on the line back in the Vietnam era. Hey, one of those training flights could have crashed, you know?

Sorry, I haven't had much chance to post this past week. I've been very busy at work and frankly, with no job offers in hand I'm not in the writing mood. Having already given notice at work (my last day will be 5/28) and told our landlord we'll be out when the lease expires, things are getting pretty tight. Fortunately, we have enough money set aside to cover the move and bills for a couple of months, but then... I know that others are in far worse situations, so I'll try not to feel too sorry for myself.

I first saw this mentioned by Mark Evanier and then got my my TV Barn e-mail which had the story. Nightline on Friday night will consist of photos of the American military men and women who have been killed in Iraq, while Ted Koppel reads their names. Pretty powerful stuff and reminiscent of what some television stations did for those killed on 9/11.

Supporter of the war or not, I think that this is something that all the networks should do. Remind everyone just what the cost of our current foreign policy is, in human terms.

I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Carrie Nodell, wife of comics great Mart Nodel (artist and creator the Golden Age Green Lantern, and other characters). I had the opportunity to speak to both Nodel's several times while hitting the con circuit with then-wife, Elayne. We had some nice conversations and I always found Carrie to be the nicest of folks. My thoughts and wishes are with Mr. Nodel and his family, on this sad occasion. She will be well remembered by many folks in the industry.

As if I don't waste enough time, I decided to actually vote in this year's WEBBY AWARDS, which means I had to actually check out some sites I've never visited before. It really is amazing at some of the creative and informative stuff out there. I highly recommend that you give some of them a try and certainly take a few minutes to vote for you faves.

I voted for a few I was already familiar with like The Smoking Gun, Live 365 (where I'm hooked on the Old Time Radio stations, especially the episodes of Hopalong Cassidy & Gunsmoke), The Onion (which is fantastic in print & online) and, of course, Google.com (without which even we Librarians would be lost).

I also had a chance to sample a number of others, but I'll leave that up to you. The only one that I'll probably be visiting (and using frequently) is Everything2.com, where I ended up spending over an hour jumping from one thing to another. Way cool and certainly got my vote for "Technical Achievement". Steve Bob says check it out!

I've not posted a link to today's New Haven Register, because the paper requires you to get a 'subscription'. Even a free one is a hassle, but I've had one for a few years now.

Anyway, the past couple of days one of the stories (getting placed on the front page yesterday and getting a banner above the headlines today) regards the current storyline in DOONESBURY. The paper has interviewed a few people, including Mort Walker (creater of BEETLE BAILEY) about Trudeau's strip. It seems that many people are disturbed more that the phrase "Son of a bitch" appeared, than the topic of soldiers in Iraq. How sick it that?

As a lapsed Catholic, I'm disturbed by the stories I've been reading today about a Vatican cardinal, all but condemning John Kerry by name. I mean how many other Catholic, pro-choice candidates are running in elections significant enough to catch the eye of the Holy See?

Mark Evanier makes a good point over in his site that you just don't see the church coming down on pro-capital punishment politicians, do you?

Very interesting article in the New York Times about the former Japanese hostages. There is something amazing about the Japanese culture which, even though it considers itself classless, does have a strong sense of what is proper. Unlike any American hostages, who would be treated as 'heroes', or at least victims, upon their release, the Japanese government and regular citizens seem to have nothing but distaste for what they see as the 'trouble and embarrassment' these three (and two other Japanese citizens released earlier) brought on Japan.

Does this grand jury coming out with an indictment of Michael Jackson really affect the case against him? I thought these things were usually done prior to any arrest, rather than after the fact as this seems to have been done. Is this good or bad news for the defense? Also, does this really affect how folks currently stand on the subject?

I found it brilliantly coincidental that last night's SOUTH PARK dealt with MJ moving to that town and how the police were trying to entrap him. Barely a half hour before the show started NBC had a crawl reporting the grand jury decision. As usual with SP the guys push the limits, but do make some good points.

Stephen Cohen has created a fantastic log dedicated to the Library profession. He's got links to events around the country and keeps better tabs on what's going on in my chosen career than I could ever hope to do. I've added the link over on the left, if you have any interest.

I mentioned the latest storyline in DOONESBURY yesterday. There was a short piece on the local news last night talking about the Connecticut company which makes & distributes QUICK-CLOT, which is mentioned in Tuesday's strip. The guy who created it (and I sadly can't recall his name off hand) was also interviewed.

For some reason I haven't been getting my daily Doonesbury e-mail, so I took Mark Evanier's suggestion to begin reading with the Monday strip up through today. If you have ever been a fan of the strip (and I've been reading it for close to twenty years) you will probably be as shocked as I was by the final panel.

Gary Trudeau has dealt with AIDS, death and other very real concepts in his storylines and this appears to be right up there with some of his most hard-hitting. This is not a laugh-a-day plot, by any means. If you have any affection for his cast of characters you'll be as surprised as I was.

Several papers have articles reporting that both Republican and Democratic members of Congress are hearing a bit of unrest among their constituents, re: the Iraq situation. Naturally, the GOP members (for the most part) are spinning it to show that the President is still getting high marks, but that citizens are beginning to desire some actually goal be set in place. Too many of our troops are being killed and injured, and even steadfast military families are beginning to grumble about their loved ones being 'over there' for extended periods of time.

There are also a few folks in Congress once again talking about the re-instatement of a draft. As someone who was part of the last generation to go through that, I have mixed feelings. Personally, I have nothing against the concept that all American citizens should be eligible for a stint serving the federal government in some capacity. Not everyone would be, nor should be, forced into the military, but working in hospitals, schools, or in the rehabilitation of buildings wouldn't be a bad thing. IMHO, of course.

I'd also want both men and women to be equally part of this, with people allowed to opt out of the military, if they successfully completed a mandatory period working in a civilian occupation for a set period.

This probably won't make me very popular, but it wouldn't be the first time. :-)

Well, you can't always get what you want, as the saying goes. Sadly, someone else will be the Ship's Librarian for SUNY Maritime. I'm disappointed, naturally, but I think that Donna is relieved. It really would have placed a burden on her, so it is probably for the best.

I had planned on starting another blog in which to chronicle the voyage of the good ship Empire State, but I'll have to drop that. What I may do is start a webpage dealing with nautical/naval themes. We'll see how things go and what I actually get around to doing. With my brand new scanner I think I could set up a nice looking page via my AOL account. I'll keep folks posted, if/when I set things up.

I only caught a few minutes of the 60 MINUTES interview with Bob Woodward last night, but this article over at the CBS site covers the highlights. It will be interesting to see how this stuff is spun by the White House, especially the rather damning (IMHO) suggestions that secret plans dealing with the Iraq invasion were shown to the Saudi royal family.

Towards the end of the column make note of what G.W. has to say about his father. I don't want to go all Oedipal on this, but there does seem to be something Freudian about the whole thing, don't you agree?

"‘He is the wrong father to appeal to for advice. The wrong father to go to, to appeal to in terms of strength.’ And then he said, ‘There's a higher Father that I appeal to.’" " Brrr!!

I can only hope that something is made of the prospect that the Saudi's may have something up their sleeve come end of October. Given the known ties between the Bush and Saudi royal families, it give me a bad feeling and I hope that somebody in Congress has the balls to call for an investigation.

Also, I was able to hear the last half hour of John Dean's appearance on C-SPAN Book TV. Like the Woodward and Clarke books, Dean's would be pretty damning if the mainstream media actually began looking into some of the claims made.

Okay, I'm about to say something which will probrably have me labeled a 'dirty old man' or just a 'conservative old fart', but I have to say it anyway.

When did every single college-age gal find it necessary to have some kind of tribal tattoo placed on their lower spine? With warmer weather finally arriving many of the co-eds are now wearing the popular mid-drift revealing tops so it's not like I'm peeking at anything that's not meant to be revealed.

Of course, I'd also like to toss in one of those 'I'd never allow my step-daughter to have one of those!", but Donna and Kristina would just laugh at me anyway. *sigh*

Yeah, well, I'm turning into my Dad, what can I say?

Well, trying to move some boxes and assorted stuff out of our rear hallway the other day, I did something and threw out my back. I have a feeling it was when I tried to (stupidly, as it turns out) open the garage door with one hand while balancing some boxes on one hip. I felt something go and could only hope that it would pass, as it sometimes does. Sadly, I'm now resembling an "S" and can't even stand up straight.

The Good Doctor hooked me up with some anti-inflammatory and pain-killers, so I'm working in a kind of haze (which back in the 70s I probably would have paid good money for). I'm hoping that the drugs, attempting not to aggrevate anything and the new FIRMER mattress (to be delivered later today) will help me out. I have that interview at SUNY on Tuesday and don't want the search committee to think their hiring some 'old man.'

Due to popular request (my ex, Elayne) I'm going to try to explain the whole "Ship's Librarian" gig.

SUNY Maritime College is one of the few schools where those interested in joining the Merchant Marine can go for training. Each year, as do cadets in the Coast Guard Academy & Annapolis, students take part in an actual deployment, where they can put the skills and knowledge from class into use. Between the sort of On The Job training which this allows, students are also required to take class work. The ship the, T.S. Empire State VI, is actually a floating university.

This year the ship will be leaving for a nine-week 'cruise' to points in the Caribbean and Europe. Since classes are being held it's necessary for the school to supply the students with a complete library (or as complete as it is possible to be given space limitations) for their use. The library will contain print and electronic resources, as well as leisure reading material and information on the various ports to which the ship will sail. SUNY is looking for a librarian willing to take a couple of months out of their life to serve the students.

In one of those coincidences which seem to rule my life, I happen to be in the midst of re-locating to New York, so I've already given notice here at UNH. I'm also, extremely lucky, in having a wife who is willing to let her husband 'go to sea' without her. Promising, of course, to make my way back. :-)

I probably shouldn't jinx myself by talking about the job, but everytime I mention it folks seem fascinated that such a thing as a 'ship's librarian' even exists. I'll keep folks updated and, should I get the post, I have every intention of creating a separate blog/journal to report on my voyage. Hey, Darwin seemed to do alright by it!

Well, at least they didn't ask me the usual, "Why should we hire you?" question which seems to end each and every interview. I mean, what can you say at that point except some trite remark about doing your best, yadda yadda?

Anyway, I'll not know until next week at the earliest whether or not my services are needed in Long Island. In the meantime, I have another interview next Tuesday for a short-time position as Ship's Librarian. Personally, I'd love to be able to take both positions, but that remains to be seen if I'm offered either. *sigh*

I don't think there is anything that I can say about the press conference last night, especially since I was fortunate enough not to get home until it was over. I've only had to suffer through the 'highlights' on the evening and morning news programs, plus some humorous barbs tossed at it by the morning folks on Air America. I'm looking forward to hearing how the Daily Show crew handle it tonight.

Boy, when it rains it pours, huh? I was just gearing up for a job interview tomorrow, when I received a phone call a short time ago regarding another interview. To be honest, it is the second interview which has me the most excited, even though it is a temporary position.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on both, with hopes that the 'permanent' positon might be interested enough in me that they would wait until mid-July for me to start. Otherwise it really will be a difficult decision to make. (That's assuming that either or both jobs are actually offered to me. :-)

The past Easter weekend was enjoyable and we had a chance to spend it with Donna's family, in Brooklyn.

I knew about Tony Isabella years before I ever met him, or for that matter even spoke to him over the phone. Back when I was reading comics in the mid-1970s Tony was making his mark at DC and Marvel as a writer and editor. His work back then on titles like BLACK LIGHTNING (which he created), HAWKMAN, GHOST RIDER and others still holds up to re-reading after all these years. Sadly, you have to haunt the used comics boxes at cons to pick them up, since the publishers haven't done anything to keep them in print (even when the characters were once again popular).

In the '80s Tony and I were both contributors/members of the longest running comics APA, Capa-Alpha (known as K-a, to old farts like us). It was during that time that I actually got a chance to meet Tony and learn what a wonderful person he was. Tony is indeed one of the Good Guys and I think that you'll find both his columns and the activity on his message boards worth the time. He is after all THE Tony Isabella! :-)

I mentioned the testimony of Condoleezza Rice earlier and have found some great information over at the Center for American Progress site.

I have to be honest and say that I discovered the link via a posting at Tony Isabella's messageboard. I've been meaning to add a link to it over at the left, but promise to actually do so later tonight.

It really has been a week when I've had nothing to discuss that others (far wiser and better writers) haven't covered.

Frankly, I was sick of the whole Rice appearance days before she finally appeared today. I don't think there were any 'smoking guns' as the news folks have pointed out, except for one memo that may or may not have reached the good doctor's desk. Face it, the committee doesn' t truly want the 'truth' to come out, because it would indeed show that as Richard Clarke pointed out the government did indeed fail to do it's job.

Things do look grim in Iraq and I don't see anything that the current adminstration is doing that will make things better. We do seem at the point where we'll have to go to the U.N. and beg them to get us out of this situation, but I can't see them wanting to get involved at this point. Hell, who can blame them?

The Democratic Party should have a campaign ad where we have Bush talking about how the Iraqi people are better off now, meanwhile showing the destruction of houses, hospitals, schools, etc. that has occured since we invaded.

Nothing whatsoever of import to say, but did want folks to know that I'm still looking for a new position. I have an interview lined up next week at an out-of-state university and have my fingers crossed.

Donna and I attended the wedding of one of my nephews at a wonderful place in New London, CT. The Lighthouse Inn overlooks Long Island Sound, so even on an overcast day there is a nice view from the restaurant. It's always nice to get together with my family, and like many folks I really don't do that often enough.

Of the many nice memories I'll have of this day there was one that stood out. My nephew Teddy, has a son Brandon. Brandon is going on twelve and was not only the ring barer for the ceremony, but also asked to give the toast. You can imagine the reaction when he stood, lifted his water glass and asked us to join him in saluting his father and "my new mom." Yeah...We all felt that way and were glad to have something to sip due to those lumps in our throats. :-)

I think I'm getting sentimental in my old age.

Being as sickened as everyone by the horrible deaths this past week of those four American contractors, I've decided to add Lunaville to my list of links over on the left. They are doing a magnificent job of keeping tabs on those individuals being killed and maimed in Iraq. They also provide links to more newsstories on the situation over there then I could ever hope to read. Hats off to this blog for continuing to point out what the mainstream newspapers have shunted to the backpages (if anywhere at all).

Maybe it's the crummy weather, or maybe I'm coming down with a cold and it's making me depressed. Still I can't help but be convinced that G.W. will walk away with the up-coming election in November. While not as close as we would hope Kerry will still fall short of the necessary Electoral College votes, giving Bush & Co. another four years.

Sometime next spring a number of scandals and revelations will occur that will turn the American people (too late) against the administration, which will spend the next three plus years trying to prevent both the Prez and V.P. from ending up before the same type of impeachment process we saw Bill Clinton barely survive. We can also expect not only the death toll in Iraq to increase, but for U.S. troops to be sent into at least one other mid-East country for some obscure rational which will later turn out to be false.

Hang on to your hats, it's going to be a bumpy four plus years! (Yeah, I hope I'm off base on this, too.)

Go ahead and call me a fanboy, but these American Express bits with Jerry Seinfeld & SUPERMAN are amazing. Don't just watch "Uniform" which is brilliant, but take a peek at the two shorter pieces "Desert" and "Hindsight". Hat tip to Mark Evanier for being the first to bring this to my attention.

Looks like the Disney folks are going to try to hook into the Harry Potter market. What I find surprising about this announcement is that neither Harry nor the hit WB show CHARMED are mentioned, even though the series W.I.T.C.H. does have similarities to both. Aimed at 'young girls' and based on an already successful series of comics, the series deals with young students who discover they have special powers which they use to fight evil.

I think you'll have to subscribe to read this article over at the Washington Post, but you still might be interested.

I'm also curious why Disney really doesn't seem interested in pushing the actual comic title, for which the concept was created, if it has been so successful in other countries. Then of course, Disney's current power structure never promoted nor distributed their own line of comics when they were publishing them in the U.S.

You've got to check out this article over at SLATE, which presents the Pledge of allegiance in PowerPoint. Brilliant!

If you have a strong stomach, and have already digested breakfast, you might want to take a look this article. It deals with a pronouncement of an Australian lung-specialist.

Also, while at the site (which is so incredible British) you'll discover incredible facts and pictures on sheds. My fave is naturally Fred the Shed which you can find under the "Share Your Shed" link. :-)

Cerebus did indeed die alone, whether he is unmourned is another story. It seems incredible that Dave Sim really was able to complete his epic story, pretty much exactly when he said he would.

While I began reading the title back with #26, there have been times (and I know I'm not the only one who felt this way) that I was close to dropping the book. It wasn't so much the story, although there were times when there was little if any story at all. It was the other things. Sim's increasing misogyny (which he terms 'anti-feminism') and seeming homophobia (something which Sim also blames on 'feminists, in some bizarre logic that I certainly can't follow) was what really bothered me. It became more and more necessary to simply read those pages featuring Cerebus (and in the past couple years those grew less and less, especially during the "Woody Allen" (so okay, it wasn't really Woody, but who else then) sub-plot).

I don't pretend to understand Sim's religious conversion, if that is in fact what it is. He appears to have created (as did his character) his own religion, taking elements from Judaism, Christianity and Islam. If he has truly found peace and fulfillment, then more power to him, but I don't know what he hoped to prove in the end. In his final columns and the letter to his lawyer (taking up the final pages of the last issue, he admits that his audience is possibly alienated from him, yet asks their help. He seems to dare those who have stuck around to prove him wrong and come to his defense in the end.

I don't know what I'll do with my almost complete run of the book at this point. I know that I'm certainly not going to read the FOLLOWING CEREBUS magazine, which will be appearing shortly. I wish him luck and acknowledge the achievement, but I think I'll be one of those folks who do let the book simply disappear.

I have to admit that some of the books that I've reviewed for Joe Bob were actual chores to get through. I'd find myself skimming pages at a time trying to get to something interesting enough to catch my attention. Fortunately, a few of the books have actually been enjoyable and I was happy to have had the chance to read them.

THE COMPANY by Robert Littell is easily the best novel that I've had the chance to review since I started doing this over a year ago. In fact, it is probably one of the best novels I've read in a couple of years. It is a cliche at this point in his career to compare Littell to John le Carre', especially since just about every reviewer seems to get around to doing just that. The guy can write!
*********************
The Company by Robert Littell; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Overlook Press; ISBN 1585671975

Robert Littell is no Tom Clancy and I mean that in only the best sense. Littell’s style and subject matter are probably closer to that of John le Carre than to the over-the-top action/adventure novels that Clancy & Company crank out. Just as le Carre’s George Smiley bore little resemblance to fellow Englishmen James Bond, Littell’s Jack McAuliffe bears little similarity to Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Don’t take this as a knock at Clancy, whose books I happen to enjoy. It’s just that like Ian Fleming did with his most famous creation, you can’t really take any of Clancy’s novels as a serious look at what ‘real’ intelligence agencies are doing.

While Littell’s CIA may use their fair share of high tech toys in their efforts to protect the homeland, McAuliffe and his fellow veterans of “Cockroach Alley” spend most of their days sitting in dinghy little offices going through the translated radio and phone messages of their counterparts in the Soviet Union. Beginning at the very beginning of what would become known as the Cold War, Jack and his fellow recruits into the newly created Central Intelligence Agency, find themselves in the very center of events that would make headlines and history. From the construction of the Berlin Wall, through the planning of the Bay of Pigs and on to the downfall of the Soviet Union, Littell shows us the inner workings of the CIA.

Not only does Littell introduce us to these Americans, he also allows us to see what may have been going on in the opposite camp. Along with Jack, Ebby and Leo (Littell’s Three Musketeers), we also meet Yevegny Tsipin (a second-generation KGB operative) and the mysterious spymaster Starik (the Old Man), both of whom believe that it is their role to bring down the U.S. for the glory of Communism and the Soviet Union. While the CIA sends Jack and the others around the world on various assignments, Yevegny finds himself secreted into the U.S. where he assumes several identities over the years as an undercover agent.

Littell shows us two generations of Company employees as they each make their mark on some of the incidents shaped the later part of the Twentieth Century. We see Jack, Leo and Ebby marry and watch as their sons and daughters each take their turns working to ‘make America safe from its enemies.” Whether you believe Littell’s version of events is up to you, but he certainly has done an amazing amount of research, leaving the reader to feel that things should have happened this way, even if they didn’t.

Along with his own cast of characters, Littell shows us glimpses of such actual American personages as JFK and his brother Robert, William Casey and Allen Dulles. We also get to meet more notorious folks such as Sam Giancana, Kenneth Philby and Vladimir Putin. Whether fictional or factual, Littell brings to all of these characters a sense of reality showing us human beings capable of all the vices and virtues we all share. In some cases it doesn’t really matter if the person is real or not, as they all leave an impression and impact on the story.

The novels’ 800 plus pages explore the Cold War and the personalities who helped shape several generations. Littell doesn’t soft-pedal nor vilify the CIA, as much as he shows us how human beings, usually attempting to do what they thought was right (or at least prudent) to move the political, economic and social events for a ‘greater purpose.’ Whether or not we believe in that purpose, isn’t important in the end. Littell rightly uses quotes and allusions to Lewis Carrol’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND through out, as the world in which these characters move about truly is something from the far side of the looking glass.

Four stars

Well, if I've done everything correctly (and it would be amazing if I did) you should find a few things changed around here. I hope to be adding some more either later today or early next week.

As I'm sure some of you folks have seen on television (or read somewhere), the big news around this part of Connecticut is, of course, the accident and fire which has closed a portion of Route 95, near Bridgeport. This is going to cause major traffic headaches not only for locals, but for the interstate truckers who use the highway to get from New York to many portions of New England. Fortunately, Donna and I aren't immediately effected, but may have some problems in a few weeks when we have to go into the city.

There comes a point in your life, especially when you're in the midst of a job search when you figure that you might as well take a chance on something different. I've been a librarian since the mid-1980s and for most of that time I've generally enjoyed my career choice. On the other hand, since I'm only getting a few nibbles to the dozens (seems like hundreds)of resumes I've sent out I've started looking in other directions.

Anyway, yesterday while checking a library job site I spotted something I'd never seen before. It was a posting for a Ship's Librarian! I'm not going to say where, just in case there's another job seeker with an MLS lurking about, but even though the job is only a temporary position how could I NOT at least give it a try.

I'll let you know if I hear anything and if I do what happens. The job will start in about a month and one of the requirements is a current passport. Damn, but I'd love this gig!

Here's my latest review for the Joe Bob Briggs website.

****

Isolation by Christopher Belton;
Reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Leisure Books; ISBN 0843952954

In the hands of a lesser writer, or someone without the background of Belton, this book would probably be nothing more than another Robin Cook knock-off. A large corporation, trying to cover up some medical experiments gone wrong, will do anything to keep the truth from coming out. We’ve seen it so often that even prime-time television has overused the plot. Belton takes this story and actually makes it interesting, while allowing us a glimpse into the Japanese psyche.

Peter Bryant, an American expatriate, works for Hamada Seiyaku, a Tokyo-based pharmaceutical company. The company has secretly been contracted by the Japanese government to create a highly contagious, deadly virus, which would be used against foreign troops invading Japan. Unfortunately, an accident occurs allowing the virus, for which there is no vaccine, to be released to the civilian population. As first hundreds and then thousands of people begin dying the Japanese government and the executives of Hamada decide to go to any lengths, including assassination to cover-up their complicity. Byrant finds himself a target of a murder attempt when he makes the mistake of going to his superiors with questions about the virus. The recipient of information leaked to him from someone in the inner-circle of Hamada, Peter becomes important to both sides in this matter. Suddenly he finds his life turned upside down when he goes from being a translator of Japanese patents to agent for the U.S. government trying to discover just what his former employer is doing and why. The entire nation of Japan finds itself isolated from the world as the United States and other nations try to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Belton makes Bryant, his Japanese girlfriend, Michiyo and many of the other characters in this story sympathetic and believable. These are people caught in a situation for which they are not prepared and where they find themselves threatened by both the disease and forces who wish to keep their secrets. He lets us into the heads of the Japanese politicians and businessmen who brought this about to begin with. These are not evil villains, but men who have worked for years to gain the power they now have and have come to believe that it is their right to protect that power, no matter who or what gets in their way. Belton uses his own experience, living and working in Japan for several decades, to bring to life the customs and way of life of the Japanese, which casual visitors or tourists could not begin to understand.

Three and a half stars
***********

I found it interesting, last evening, that while channel surfing I found FOX News chatting up Newt Gengrich. The topic was the day's 9/11 inquest in Washington, which seemed to be the major topic on all the news shows. Appears that FOX is pushing the blame for 9/11 on the Clinton administration, quite naturally. There's enough blame to go around for sure, but the whole finger pointing thing seems shameless.

There does seem to have been some hesitation on the part of the Clinton White House, but the ball seems to have been handed off to the Bush folks, who then put it down and shifted everything into looking for some reason (any reason) to attack Iraq. Then following the tragedy in September 2001, the current White House once again wanted to use any pretense to shift the focus from the real problem to one they desired to face.

I've been listening to some Old Time Radio shows lately, mostly "westerns", and they brought to mind two websites that I wanted to pass along.

Back after Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Rueben lost his CBS Saturday morning show, the network quickly put into its place another strange little show. This was "Riders in the Sky", a half-hour show presenting the 'adventures' and expert musicianship of Ranger Doug (Idol of American Youth), Woody Paul (King of the Cowboy Fiddlers), Too Slim (Insert Title of Your Choice Here). The trio also has a fourth member, Joey "The CowPolka King", who didn't appear on the show. Being a kid who had grown up on westerns and who still had a fondness for 'cowboy songs' it wasn't difficult for me to immediately become a fan of both the show and the group. I've added a link to the Rider's website over to the left, if you're interested.

When I was a kid one of the local TV stations ran a Saturday morning kid's show called, BOOMTOWN. The show starred Rex Trailer along with a series of sidekicks. Rex not only presented the usual assortment of second string cartoons, but would entertain the kids in studio and at home with western songs. I loved this show and watched it religiously for years. Rex is still around and you can check out what he did and does over at his site.

"Howdy there, folks, we're glad to meet you, in Boom, Boom, Boomtown."

Happy Trails!

If I get the chance I may be making some changes to this blog in the next few weeks. I just think that there is probably more that I can do with it and I'm getting bored with the layout, etc.

Not much to report here on either the personal or job front. Still sending out resumes for Librarian positions in the New York City area. If you happen to be looking for someone with a Masters in Library Science, or know somebody who is, kindly drop me a line.

Oh, something happened yesterday which only reminded me that you really can't escape your past, unless you're willing to lie about it. I did some stupid things back in the 1960s-70s, some of which I now regret, however I'm not going to deny at this point that I ever did them. Even for a job!

Seems that folks are starting to look at the Administrations narrow focus on Iraq and how/why they may have let al Qeuda slip away. Now that the election is heating up, suddenly Bin Laden & Co. have become important again. How absolutely sad it all is.

Over on the left I've added Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy website. Plait, an astronomer and author, set up this site to help debunk some of the misinformation on not only astronomy but science found around the 'net. I first discovered Plait thanks to a recent article over at MSNBC discussing Richard Hoagland's efforts to promote his ideas of Mars having been once visited (if not inhabited) by intelligent life. Hoagland and others seem to be pushing the idea that NASA is purposely steering their two rovers away from anything which might prove Hoagland's pet theories.

Even if you could care less about all that you have to hand it to Plait for attempting to 'clean up' some of the nonsense that you'll find in your typical Google search for scientific information.

Thw Washington Post had this piece on a wonderful British idea, which I'm not sure that anyone not addicted to C-SPAN's BookTV would appreciate. The concept of Lit Idol is certainly simple enough and I'd love to see it attempted here in some form. I know a couple of would-be authors who might enjoy a bit of spotlight and the chance to have their 'works in progress' read (or heard in this case) by a agents and publishers.

I'm curious to see how much coverage the story of Army Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia will get in the mainstream press. Only a quick mention is made of the fact that several hundred soldiers have not reported as ordered after returning from Iraq. I know that missing movement/deployment can be a serious issue, having done so by accident once while in the service. I ended up being restricted for thirty days to the ship and forfeiting some salary. Mejia, of course, meant to stay away (even for a short period) so this is another situation all together.

I'm also curious to see if John Kerry, a man who surely knew more than a few conscientious objectors in his anti-war days, will have anything to say if confronted by reporters.

There were a few items of note in Today's Papers but rather than list several links I'm just putting in the one to Slate.

The thing that fascinates me about what TP does each day is that they often will spot a trend in the stories which do and do not receive coverage in the daily newspapers. TP rightly points out that the deaths of Americans in Iraq seem to have been dropped from the front page. While it doesn't mention it there have been reports in the past that the Pentagon does not release much (if any) information on those troops who are wounded, or the number of attacks which occur with no casualties.

Also, it's interesting to see that several federal agencies (I'm shocked!) have not been completely honest, nor have done what they were created to do in regards to health issues. Not saying that the Administration has anything to do with it, but there is that thread among the stories to make one suspect that folks are getting pressured (or at least suggestions) from above to slow the pace.

Probably there is nothing I can say that would add to this article at The Smoking Gun.com. It deals with the final resting place of John Henry Williams and goes beyond creepy, IMHO.

A good piece in the Washington Post on not only the decline in those employed in the news media, but also an increase in people to believe the media covers up (rather then admits) errors. Probably nothing new to those folks who are up on this type of thing, but still interesting how the number of folks watching and reading the news has declined, even as we find ourselves with a good half-dozen 24/7 cable news sations. A couple of items further down in the column mention that the audience for cable news has not increased since late 2001 (shortly after the 9/11 events and their aftermath) and that the audience for National Public Radio (so often attacked by the right) has been increasing almost steadily for the past 10 years.

The events in Spain are horrible to contemplate and makes one nervous to consider taking a train or subway. Sadly, it would be far too easy to similar tragedies to occur here in the U.S.

It's interesting to see how the Spanish election turnout was effected. The current government which had sent troops to Iraq was originally seen to have a lead in the polls only a few days prior to the rail explosions. Now a socialist party has surprisingly been swept into office, promising to pull their support for the coalition. With the trouble that the British government has had recently the Spanish election results may or may not be a foreshadowing of British elections down the line.

Donna and I broke down, buying a brand new computer. We bought a HP a430n, with 160GB hard drive, a DVD writer and CD writer combo drive (DVD+RW/CD-RW); CD-ROM and up-graded to a HP printer/fax/scanner/copier. Even though we picked it up on Saturday afternoon, we barely had time to unpack the thing yesterday before we had other things to take care of. The plan is to put it together tonight and see what mischief we can get into. Yeah, the thing has more stuff than the two of us will probably ever need, but with Donna considering possibly working out of the house (at least part-time) we figured we were better off getting something along these lines. I'll be keeping you folks updated on how things go and what we discover as we play around. :-)

Seems the robot race in the Mohave didn't actually work out as well as some would have hoped. The New York Times has a dispatch (for which you may have to subscribe to read) detailing the problems that caused some of the entrants to 'go off track.' Hope does spring eternal with some contestants actually looking ahead to next year and another race. Personally, I think the whole thing is way cool, but I've already mentioned that I'm fascinated by robots and have been since I was a kid.

The latest issue of Library Journal (3/1/'04) has a review of some graphic novels which may not show up in your average comic shop. These are 'wordless' and don't feature you typical super-heroes duking it out. They range from a reprint of the 'grandfather' of all such books Belgian artist Frans Masereel's 1919 "romans in beelden "(novels in pictures) , PASSIONATE JOURNEY to DC's reprints of the Japanese manga series GON (by Masashi Tanaka).

The print version of LJ also has several pages of reviews of more contemporary (and wordy) graphic novels, plus ads for severl publishers of such material. Sadly I can't seem to get this up online, so you might want to head to your local library and check it out (so to speak!). :-)

TEST>>>TEST>>> Is this thing on? Boy, I've been trying all morning to post a few things and either the network here at UNH was screwing up or Blogger just wasn't letting me in. Anyway, I've got a few things I wanted to send along to anyone interested.

Thanks to World Press Review (link over on the left) I saw this article out of Singapore and could NOT let it pass. It reads like something the folks over at THE ONION would put out, but it really does seem to be legit. I'd love for some of those Congress folks who are trying to pass the anti-gay marriage amendment to ...ahem..get their teeth into this issue. :-)

On a slightly more serious note I found this latest Jimmy Breslin column on Bush's visit to a 9/11 memorial site interesting. Wow, who wouldn't love to have folks whose job is to ensure that my shoes didn't get dirty? Even a 'compassionate conservative' needs to keep his spit shine from scuffing.

A few days ago I talked about Howard Stern being tossed from several radio stations owned by Clear Channel. This weeks New Haven Advocate has a piece on that very topic, which provides a link to yet another article (this time at Salon.com) making the case that Stern was pulled not because he got a bit raunchy, but because he made some anti-G.W. comments. Ya gotta love a conspiracy and Stern has considered himself the target of several. As they say, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean you really don't have enemies. :-)

Let's face it, nothing makes a comic fun and exciting as much as having a gorilla on the cover or somewhere in the story. Doesn't matter if the chimp is super-powered, a detective or just playing second-banana (couldn't resist) to the comic's lead. Folks over on this site (which I had pointed out to by Tony Isabella) have done a great service to simian lovers throughout fandom. Check it out!

Interesting piece in Slate on the Los Angeles Times' pattern of watching every move that Justice Antonin Scalia makes. Poor guy can't seem to be able to say anything to anybody without the LAT taking issue and seeing a conflict of interest. Apparently, the LAT has decided to spread the joy because they now have a piece on Justice Ginsberg lending her name to NOW and other 'liberal' groups. While I'm not a Scalia fan, the Slate article does point out that the Times may be trying too hard to find something.

Seems a few folks around Blogland are talking about the capture of a group of mercenaries in Zimbabwe (Take note of Talking Points). Over at Reuters there is an article which has not only the Zimbabwin government's take on the situation, but denials by the U.S. government on any involvement. Take note of the 'we're denying it but then again we wouldn't say we did if we did" comments by the British.

Also, it will be interesting to see if the mainstream media begins following up on all of this, especially when you take into consideration how they have apparently ignored the stories coming out of South Africa which imply that the U.S. and others 'kidnapped' or deceived President Jean-Bertrand Aristide into getting on a plane and leaving.

There's something about robots which are totally cool! I have to admit that I have no skill or understanding when it comes to such things, but they are fascinating to watch in action. Hell, I used to watch BATTLEBOTS almost religiously. :-)

The idea of a competition to create a robot which can race across the Mojave Desert would be interesting, even if it is being funded by the Defense Dept. for future use in warfare. Once again there's a piece in the Washington Post (subscription required) on some of the entrants in this contest. They also provide a nice video on one of the groups involved, along with pictures of some of the other competitors. It makes sense to me that more than half the groups are basically modifying trucks and SUVs for the drive, since they can start out with vehicles capable of driving in off-road conditions. I can't believe that one group is actually using a motorcycle, although I'm sure that they are going to further modify the thing for stability.

I'm disappointed that the event will not be televised, but I'm hopeful that eventually we'll get footage of the race. I can see about a half dozen movies being spun from this, even as I type. :-)

I have mixed feelings about the use of 'soft money' in the up-coming campaigns. This article in the Washington Post (for which you must subscribe) looks at both sides of the argument. It's sad that it appears to be the Democrats who are using the loopholes in the campaign laws, but as they say it is in response to the obscene amounts of cash the Bush/Cheney campaign has raised, despite the President running, for the most part, unopposed in the primaries, as well as having all the privileges of the incumbency. Which include deciding which trips are 'official' and which are 'political', as if this administration has ever separated the two before.

Was saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Pastorelli today. He was wonderful on MURPHY BROWN, portraying Eldin the housepainter. He was a talented man, having a role in the remake of SOUTH PACIFIC a couple of years ago, as well as a small bit in the up-coming sequel to GET SHORTY with John Travolta. Pastorelli had a couple of short-lived series after Murphy went off the air and I enjoyed both of them. CRACKER, was an American adaptation of a British series, with Pastorelli a professor of psychology who assisted the police. Some reports hint at a possible drug overdose, but I'm sure we'll hear more in the next few days.

I think Pastorelli's passing will probably be eclipsed by the suicide of Spalding Gray.

When I spotted this item on lowering the voting age. I couldn't help but think about the '60s classic Wild In The Streets, which featured a very young Richard Pryor among others. I can't believe the Californian senator is serious, but you never know. :-)

I realize that about a week ago I said that I was probably going to spend more time concentrating on baseball than politics, but consistency has never been my strong smoot (too steal a running gag from Howard Stern).

The New Yorker has a 'comment' piece by Hendrick Hertzberg on the possible effect this Presidential bid may have on the legacy of Ralph Nader. As I've said before I've long been an admirer of Mr. Nader, and have few regrets about voting for him in his past runs. However, I really can't understand what he feels he will gain from it this time around.

Another article, this time in the Washington Post (which you'll have to subscribe to read, sorry to say) on the Bush administration's intrusion on science. It will be interesting to see if this becomes more than a side-issue in the up-coming campaign, as most Americans probably don't care about this sort of thing. Sadly, there is a suspicion of scientists, especially among the Christian conservatives who make up much of the Republican base.

Yeah, yeah! The Yankees beat the Sox yesterday. :-( Well, it still took just about half the Yankee bullpen to pull it off, so it really doesn't look all that bright for the rest of the season. I'll take comfort from that.

Considering the whole situation with his father I wasn't the biggest fan of John Henry Williams but it still is tragic that he passed away at such a young age. Thirty-five is way to young for anyone to die. It will of course be interesting, in a morbid sense, to see what will know happen to the remains of his father, Ted Williams. One would hope that both sides of the family will come together at this time, put animosity aside and allow both men to rest in peace.

Sorry to get the week off on such a somber note.

YES! The Red Sox won and the Yankees lost. Despite the dismal weather here in West Haven, the sun is smiling somewhere. :-)

Not sure how I feel about the conviction of my fellow former Westport neighbor, but I'm sure the talk shows will be filled with folks on all sides of the issue. Personally, while not a fan of the lady, I think that her being both famous and female made her a target. I don't have a lot of sympathy for insider traders, junk bond dealers and the like, but Martha saving her self a few thousand bucks certainly didn't deserve to be brought up on charges while the likes of the ENRON & Worldcom villains are still sitting in their mansions.

I doubt Ms. Stewart will do serious jail time, but I hope she gets none. I think there are folks in the current administration who have taken part in shadier dealings and are laughing over their cocktails this afternoon.

"I am not aware of any credible allegation of White House involvement in this matter. Consequently, there has been no White House investigation or effort to determine whether anyone at the White House was aware of or involved in these activities." This is the White House counsel, Alberto R. Gonzales, discussing the 'lifting' of confidential Democratic meeting notes by GOP staffers. I expect this story to go nowhere (just like the "investigation" of whom may have given Robert Novak the information on a certain person's wife being an undercover CIA op).

Can we all pick up our copies of Huxley or CATCH-22 and see what this is all about?

Just a guickie from Reason magazine which puts the idea of an amendment baring 'homosexual marriage' into some kind of perspective. Okay, a little religion bashing is always fine in my book. :-)

Got this via a librarian mailing list and found it interesting. This Washington Post article mentions the term "Dark Web" to refer to the commercial databases we normally use here in the University library. Faculty normally requires the students to use our databases and cite them in any papers. I have to be honest and say that I've used Google more than a few times when I seemed to be coming up empty. Has anybody ever heard that "Dark Web" term before?

Sad article over in the Washington Post {for which registration is required. Sorry about that!} about the state of hospitals and medicine in Iraq. You'd have thought that one of the first things the 'coalition forces' would have done (after resupplying water, food and electricity) would be to ensure the people of Iraq had adequate medical facilities and equipment. Apparently that was not the case and things only seem to be getting worse.

A read another article this morning on how the civilian casualties in Iraq do not seem to be a factor of concern for Americans and will probably not effect Bush in the coming election. Maybe if the Democrats or someone in the media (Yeah, I know we can't count on the mainstream to say anything that might upset us, unless is can get a panic started (i.e. Mad Cow Disease)) did bring these things to the attention of the citizens it might. I mean the lack of medical care and the continuing death toll are linkable and it shouldn't be too difficult for even the talking heads to make the connection.

There's an article from Reuters which talks about the unemployment figures for February. Apparently the 'experts' are once again surprised that their estimates are off. "Boy, shouldn't we have had two hundred thousand new jobs instead of twenty? The President said we would!"

I had a pop-up ad this morning from the Republican National Committee (which, of course, doesn't endorse a specific candidate..ahem) showing a picture of Senator Kerry. The ads reads something along the lines of "The economy is improving and the Democrats don't know what to do about it." Apparently, neither do I since I don't see much improvement anywhere.

I haven't seen the Bush/Cheney ads yet, and frankly if I never do I'll be a happy camper, but I expect to catch them eventually. Seems some of the families of those who died on 9/11 are upset that the Bush campaign would use images of that event, plus scenes of firefighters carrying flag draped bodies, for 'political reasons.' If it wasn't so sad it would be laughable to think that the GOP wouldn't. Then again, the Democrats would probably do the same, if they were in the White House right now. Still you would think that somebody in the RNC would feel that it is distasteful to use the memory of the tragedy for cheap emotional effect. Call me naive. :-(

When I lived in Brooklyn I was a big Howard Stern fan, much to Elayne's dismay. It was great listening to him and the whole cast (Stuttering John (now off to be the announcer on Jay Leno), the long suffering Baba-booey, the brilliant Fred and of course the remarkable Robin Quivers) do their schtick each and every weekday morning. I also enjoyed his short-lived Channel 9 program, which pre-dated his E! show by years.

My pal Vinne B. and I actually had the opportunity to catch one of Stern's infamous public performances. Immortalized as "U.S. Open Sores" you can probably find copies of the VHS on Ebay, should you be interested. Not only was it great sitting in the Nassau Colleseum with several thousand other Stern fans, but we had the chance to see some of the Stern show 'regulars' perform. Jessica Hahn, Leslie West and Sam Kinison were all present, with Kinison & West finishing the show off with WILD THING.

Anyway, since moving to Connecticut it has been all but impossible for me to hear Howard, and I've become addicted to the local all-sports radio station The Zone. Still I'll occasionally catch a few minutes of Howard doing his standard routine on E!, but he really hasn't been in the news recently. I'm sure that he was probably delighted at the recent controversy which found him kicked off of several radio stations around the country. If you don't know you can check out this nice article over at Slate by Bryan Curtis, an obvious long-time fan himself.

For those of you looking for a nice summer read, with little social commentary, I've just finished a review for the Joe Bob site. Not exactly my cup of tea, but probably a step above the Harlequin romances.

***********************
ETERNITY’S SONG by LeeAnn Pappas; reviewed by Steve Chaput
Published by Creative Arts Book Company; ISBN 0-88739-471-X

While far from ‘my cup of tea’, I actually found myself reading the book with less distaste then I would have thought. Pappas writes in a style less stilted than some romance writers, but not as ‘over the top’ as a Jackie Collins or Danielle Steel. You could certainly see the book turned into one of those Lifetime network movies, which fill the schedule on weekends.

Beginning back in the early 1960s when Sara Stravopoulos, a Greek shipping heiress, meets and marries rock guitarist Richard Winter. While Sara’s father is not happy with his daughter’s decision he learns that Richard is not the fortune hunter, he originally believed him to be. Both men are heartbroken when Sara dies while giving birth to her own daughter, Anna. Anna grows to womanhood, finding herself the object of both affection and hatred by a varied group of characters over a period of thirty years.

Richard’s one time partner, Nigel, has made it his life’s ambition to destroy the success and happiness he himself could not have. Taking advantage of Anna’s naivety he first seduces her and then marries her. He also has some rather embarrassing photographs, which he threatens to show Anna. Richard finds himself forced to sign Nigel to a contract to keep his daughter from discovering what her husband has done. Naturally, love triumphs in the end, as it always does in this sort of thing.

Pappas creates a diverse group of characters, some likeable and others ruthless. The fact that she is able to flesh so many out is itself admirable, while actually tossing in some surprises along the way. Certainly not great literature, by any means, the book is one of those things that some readers like to toss in the beach bag or tote to take along on vacation. The story is fast-paced and moves the cast around the Greek islands, London and New York, with Pappas actually demonstrating knowledge of shipping and navigation along the way. Two and a half stars.
********************

Well, probably not the best review I've written and certainly not the highest praise, but the folks at the site seemed happy with it, so that's good enough for me.

I'm actually in the midst of reading two other books for review and I'm hoping to get those read & reviewed in the next week or so. Someday I might actually get around to picking up the half dozen books that I've bought and haven't had a chance to red yet. :-)

We had fun at the Showboat this past weekend, but left a bit poorer than we had hoped. Last few times down we'd actually hit a bit, either breaking even or coming back with some extra cash. Naturally, that streak couldn't last, could it?

Kristina & Devin got me over to the roulette tables again and I was actually a few bucks up, until I got cocky and started betting $5 dollars on the edges instead of sticking to $1 bets inside. Didnt' take long for my stack of chips to shrink and it was time to cash out. Ended up giving my last few chips to the dealer (spinner?) anyway.

Our friends Pete and Bella had a room over at the Borgota (the newest AC casino/hotel). The place is huge and on Sunday was totally packed. It took us over a half hour just to pick up our cards and there were lines for everything. The rooms were okay, but the room at the Showboat was actually larger and much cheaper (at least with our 'special rates'). In my book the place is designed to look as much like a Vegas casino as possible. Basically, Vegas for those who've never been.
I will admit that the pool area at the Borgota was nice, with a beautiful stairway entrance and plants all around. It features hot tubs at either end and doors leading out to a patio, plus his/hers showers. Much nicer than many of the other casino pools in AC.

This will probably be the last AC trip we'll be taking until after our move back to Brooklyn. We figure it might be smart to start putting some bucks aside for things like moving, fixing up the new place, etc. :-)

Well, I never had a chance to get back yesterday and I really have nothing of note to add today. Unlike some folks I guess I never really got into the daily journal habit, so I have a tendency only to jump in when I remember. Fortunately, breathing is one of those involuntary things you do or I'm sure that I'd be passing out several times a day. :-)

Anyway, congrats to John Kerry, who got my vote here in Connecticut. Not that he apparently needed it!

Weird that Bush should call the Senator congratulating him on his victory. What's that all about? Sounds like something G.W. aids came up with to 'make him seem Presidential' or whatever. Also, I've read that Bush met unannounced with some of the Washington Press Corps to speak 'unofficially and off the record.'

Personally, if I was in the media I'd probably stick to refusing to play that game, but I guess that will never be a problem. I can't see myself ever being a member of the press, nor can I imagine any politician in his/her right mind taking me into their confidence regarding anything. On the other hand, I'm sure that Bush & Co. knew that it wouldn't take long for the meeting to become public knowledge, nor for one or more of the newsfolk to leak something (just to show that they were one of those called in, if for no other reason).

Give me a second and I'll be back with a few thoughts on Atlantic City.

Okay, we have two things which should have been kept in mind this past weekend:

1) "There's a sucker born every minute." P.T. Barnum (or so they say)

2) "Why do you think they call it gambling?" (Somebody said it!)

I'll have more to say later, once I've caught up on work.

Oh, yeah...Loved the Oscar telecast! :-)