Considering this is coming from a political gossip blog which got its source from a celebrity gossip blog, it probably is about as real as the Emancipation Retraction or the Hitler Diaries. However, Castro might actually be dead.
You know, Castro was about to give up a while back. Then that rich Republican, his gay assistant, and some fat oaf flew to Cuba and gave him a 1 trillion dollar bill. We've been regretting it ever since.
(Yeah, if Castro really is dead, something might show up on August Prairie. But for now, due to Simpson's goodness and general lightheartedness, it belongs here.)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Kige Ramsey, Hall of Famer?
To all loyal readers and ships at sea, this is an all points bulletin to head to Deadspin and vote for Kige Ramsey of Youtube Sports to be enshrined in their Hall of Fame. To those of you fortunate souls who have already been introduced to this southern gentleman, you know why I implore you to do your democratic duty. If you have yet to bask in Kige's glory, go here to achieve utter enlightenment.
As of this moment, heretics are conspiring to keep Kige out of the HOF, as we are slightly under the 75% mark that ensures enshrinement. This lack of respect and fealty to Kige is a gross disappointment, and must be rectified immediately.
Some see Kige as a one trick pony, undeserving of our adulation. Some even have the gall to question his sanity and mental health. However, us true believers no otherwise. In this world full of mediocrity, where sports media is more concerned with "Who's Now" than what is happening, Kige is the exception. His journalistic integrity hearkens back to the days of Edward R. Murrow, and his usage of language evokes memories of Grantland Rice.
Although he can usually be found in front of his refrigerator mounted camera, he has oftentimes chosen to change the venue of his spots. Who can forget the great update from the aisles of Walmart, or the memorable report from Titans training camp. Nobody, that's who.
Finally, we all remember where we were when he emotionally pleaded with Nicole Ritchie to get help for anorexic. There were few dry eyes in America that day, I can assure you. Nevertheless, Kige kept his head and stood up as a bulwark around which America could rebuild.
Kige Ramsey is a good broadcaster. He has much information to share with us. I think that he does an excellent job of reporting news. He is much better than ESPN or Peter King. In conclusion, he is a good reporter.
For Quo Vadimus Sports, I'm Amy Tate.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
From Start to Finish: West Wing Season 1, Eps 5-7
Season 1, Episode 5: "The Crackpots and These Women"
By now the show is in full swing, mixing the light hearted humor with the poignant drama. This episode introduces Big Block of Cheese Day, and takes us into the somewhat troubled world of Josh Lyman. We meet Zoe Bartlet (she's a girl, Charlie) and find out that Toby is not the kid anybody wants called on in class. C.J. learns about Pluie the migrant wolf, and Sam becomes worried about an unidentified object not from a different planet, but from a different time. And everyone enjoys chili and beer. This episode really sets the course for the classic episodes yet to come.
Season 1, Episode 6: "Mr. Willis of Ohio"
This episode is a personal favorite. Capraesque moments, especially when it comes to government, have a way of melting my oftentimes cynical heart, and the scenes with Mr. Willis are certainly in that vein. When the gang goes out to the bar and some asswipes start hassling Zoe, Charlie has a great moment of integrity, and Josh shows what a panic button is useful for. Towards the end, Jed scares Zoe with a nightmare scenario to convince her to take on secret service protection. This was a well done scene, and is a very accurate foreshadow of later events in the series. The show ends with another great ending, as a Congressman makes his first and likely last vote.
Season 1, Episode 7: "The State Dinner"
It's time for a state dinner at the White House, which means Abbey Bartlet makes her debut on the show. All the while a showdown is happening in Idaho, the Teamsters are preparing to strike, and a hurricane is aiming directly for a battle carrier group. Some great Jed moments here, especially when he basically forces the two sides in the labor dispute to settle. He did this, because he can't change the weather, and he can't operate on a wounded federal agent. The Batak-Portuguese-English mixup was a rather funny moment, although it did highlight the tendency for Sorkin to occasionally play C.J. and Donna off as being "silly women". It is rare for Toby to get his comeuppances, but it happens in this episode. The show ends on a down note, highlighting one of the worst parts of a President's job as he talks to a damaged naval ship in the middle of a hurricane.
By now the show is in full swing, mixing the light hearted humor with the poignant drama. This episode introduces Big Block of Cheese Day, and takes us into the somewhat troubled world of Josh Lyman. We meet Zoe Bartlet (she's a girl, Charlie) and find out that Toby is not the kid anybody wants called on in class. C.J. learns about Pluie the migrant wolf, and Sam becomes worried about an unidentified object not from a different planet, but from a different time. And everyone enjoys chili and beer. This episode really sets the course for the classic episodes yet to come.
Season 1, Episode 6: "Mr. Willis of Ohio"
This episode is a personal favorite. Capraesque moments, especially when it comes to government, have a way of melting my oftentimes cynical heart, and the scenes with Mr. Willis are certainly in that vein. When the gang goes out to the bar and some asswipes start hassling Zoe, Charlie has a great moment of integrity, and Josh shows what a panic button is useful for. Towards the end, Jed scares Zoe with a nightmare scenario to convince her to take on secret service protection. This was a well done scene, and is a very accurate foreshadow of later events in the series. The show ends with another great ending, as a Congressman makes his first and likely last vote.
Season 1, Episode 7: "The State Dinner"
It's time for a state dinner at the White House, which means Abbey Bartlet makes her debut on the show. All the while a showdown is happening in Idaho, the Teamsters are preparing to strike, and a hurricane is aiming directly for a battle carrier group. Some great Jed moments here, especially when he basically forces the two sides in the labor dispute to settle. He did this, because he can't change the weather, and he can't operate on a wounded federal agent. The Batak-Portuguese-English mixup was a rather funny moment, although it did highlight the tendency for Sorkin to occasionally play C.J. and Donna off as being "silly women". It is rare for Toby to get his comeuppances, but it happens in this episode. The show ends on a down note, highlighting one of the worst parts of a President's job as he talks to a damaged naval ship in the middle of a hurricane.
From Start to Finish: The West Wing
As I now have all seven seasons of The West Wing on DVD, I am beginning an effort to watch it from start to finish. I intend to watch one episode a day, with more possibly on weekends, until the job is finished.
As some of you readers know from the old days of my MySpace blog, I started a ranking of episodes of the West Wing. I don't believe I ever finished it, and I have no intentions of finishing it now. Instead, I will be posting some thoughts on the episodes I watched.
As I have already started the run, I will make two posts to cover the seven episodes I have already watched. The first set will be "Pilot", "Post Hoc ergo Propter Hoc", "Proportional Response" and "Five Votes Down".
The Bartlet Presidency, a retrospective
w/ bonus coverage of the 2006 Presidential Election
Season 1, Episode 1: "The Pilot"
Compared to other episodes of the show, this one is not a power-house. However, it is an excellent first episode. All of the necessary items in a pilot are here, as the characters are introduced, the stage is set, and the first running story line (Sam's friend with an interesting occupation) is going strong. There is plenty to like in this episode, from the wonderful shot following Leo through the West Wing, to the already strong chemistry between Donna and Josh.
By the time the meeting with Mary Marsh and the other right wingers takes place, the show has already shown flickers of its greatness. However, those flickers pale in comparison to the bright flames that appear when President Bartlet appears. Those last few minutes of the episode really set the tone for the show, and also demonstrate why making Jed a regular cast member was a wise idea by Aaron Sorkin and Co.
Season 1, Episode 2: "Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc"
A solid episode, although it pales in comparison to some of the great ones of the season. The Latin lesson was very helpful, and the Sam makes an ass of himself (SMAH) average stays at 1.000. Other than that, not too much to say about this one.
Season 1, Episode 3: "Proportional Response"
The second part of a two part story arc, this episode has several moments that are really great.
From the introduction of Charlie, to C.J. finding out about Sam's friend, the show really starts to flesh out the character relationships. Above all else, however, is the moment when Leo sets the President straight, explaining the role of a responsible superpower. In this day and age, I can't help but think things might have been better off if G.W. had a Leo to remind him of this.
The ending of this episode is one of the first (of many) truly uplifting conclusions. Yes, Charlie, the feeling doesn't go away.
Season 1, Episode 4: "Five Votes Down"
This episode is one of the least enjoyable episodes of the season. Not that it isn't a good episode, or that it doesn't have some good moments. The biggest downer is that it is a somewhat depressing episode, with the somewhat unsuccessful fight to get a bill passed, and the troubles at the McGarry household . Nevertheless it still has some great moments, such as President Bartlet's trip to the oval office on painkillers, and the Veeps meeting with the country fried representative from Texas. Honestly, that character either should have never existed, or should have been a recurring Blue Dog Democratic foil for the West Wing. There is no middle ground for Representative Tillinghouse.
As some of you readers know from the old days of my MySpace blog, I started a ranking of episodes of the West Wing. I don't believe I ever finished it, and I have no intentions of finishing it now. Instead, I will be posting some thoughts on the episodes I watched.
As I have already started the run, I will make two posts to cover the seven episodes I have already watched. The first set will be "Pilot", "Post Hoc ergo Propter Hoc", "Proportional Response" and "Five Votes Down".
The Bartlet Presidency, a retrospective
w/ bonus coverage of the 2006 Presidential Election
Season 1, Episode 1: "The Pilot"
Compared to other episodes of the show, this one is not a power-house. However, it is an excellent first episode. All of the necessary items in a pilot are here, as the characters are introduced, the stage is set, and the first running story line (Sam's friend with an interesting occupation) is going strong. There is plenty to like in this episode, from the wonderful shot following Leo through the West Wing, to the already strong chemistry between Donna and Josh.
By the time the meeting with Mary Marsh and the other right wingers takes place, the show has already shown flickers of its greatness. However, those flickers pale in comparison to the bright flames that appear when President Bartlet appears. Those last few minutes of the episode really set the tone for the show, and also demonstrate why making Jed a regular cast member was a wise idea by Aaron Sorkin and Co.
Season 1, Episode 2: "Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc"
A solid episode, although it pales in comparison to some of the great ones of the season. The Latin lesson was very helpful, and the Sam makes an ass of himself (SMAH) average stays at 1.000. Other than that, not too much to say about this one.
Season 1, Episode 3: "Proportional Response"
The second part of a two part story arc, this episode has several moments that are really great.
From the introduction of Charlie, to C.J. finding out about Sam's friend, the show really starts to flesh out the character relationships. Above all else, however, is the moment when Leo sets the President straight, explaining the role of a responsible superpower. In this day and age, I can't help but think things might have been better off if G.W. had a Leo to remind him of this.
The ending of this episode is one of the first (of many) truly uplifting conclusions. Yes, Charlie, the feeling doesn't go away.
Season 1, Episode 4: "Five Votes Down"
This episode is one of the least enjoyable episodes of the season. Not that it isn't a good episode, or that it doesn't have some good moments. The biggest downer is that it is a somewhat depressing episode, with the somewhat unsuccessful fight to get a bill passed, and the troubles at the McGarry household . Nevertheless it still has some great moments, such as President Bartlet's trip to the oval office on painkillers, and the Veeps meeting with the country fried representative from Texas. Honestly, that character either should have never existed, or should have been a recurring Blue Dog Democratic foil for the West Wing. There is no middle ground for Representative Tillinghouse.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Journal of the Civs: All Bow to the Apostolic Palace
NOTE: This was originally posted on August Prairie by accident. Obviously, this is a rather superficial post about a computer game I was playing, and belongs on Quo Vadimus.
Saturday, August 11 was a most historic day. The empire of India, led by Asoka the Wise, was declared the victor. The member nations of the Christian religion, gathered together at the Apostolic Palace, voted India winner of all history. Despite the abstention of the voting members representing America and Rome, India won in a landslide.
Some question the fairness of the victory, as it was one by India voting for itself. However, the victory wouldn't have been possible without the control of the former lands of Korea and the Zulu. Won in bloody wars by the conquering heroes of India, these lands tipped the voting in favor of India, and allowed them to take their spot at the forefront of the world.
Critics also site the almost predetermined incompetence of the Zulu and Korean armies, who were far behind India in both technology and skill. "Its almost as if Asoka was an emperor playing against chieftains," American military historian Shelby McPherson declared. Officials for the Asoka administration refused to comment on this criticism.
President Lincoln of America had little to comment on the matter, save for congratulating Asoka and his people on their victory. Augustus, leader of the founding nation of Taoism, said that Christianity had few followers in his empire, but that gladiatorial games would be held in Asoka's honor.
Result: AP Diplomatic Victory
Nation: India
Leader: Asoka
Era: Late Renaissance
Opponents: Korea (defeated), Zululand (defeated), America, Rome
Map: Two Continents, default climate and sea level
Speed: Epic
Difficulty: Chieftain (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I suck)
Saturday, August 11 was a most historic day. The empire of India, led by Asoka the Wise, was declared the victor. The member nations of the Christian religion, gathered together at the Apostolic Palace, voted India winner of all history. Despite the abstention of the voting members representing America and Rome, India won in a landslide.
Some question the fairness of the victory, as it was one by India voting for itself. However, the victory wouldn't have been possible without the control of the former lands of Korea and the Zulu. Won in bloody wars by the conquering heroes of India, these lands tipped the voting in favor of India, and allowed them to take their spot at the forefront of the world.
Critics also site the almost predetermined incompetence of the Zulu and Korean armies, who were far behind India in both technology and skill. "Its almost as if Asoka was an emperor playing against chieftains," American military historian Shelby McPherson declared. Officials for the Asoka administration refused to comment on this criticism.
President Lincoln of America had little to comment on the matter, save for congratulating Asoka and his people on their victory. Augustus, leader of the founding nation of Taoism, said that Christianity had few followers in his empire, but that gladiatorial games would be held in Asoka's honor.
Result: AP Diplomatic Victory
Nation: India
Leader: Asoka
Era: Late Renaissance
Opponents: Korea (defeated), Zululand (defeated), America, Rome
Map: Two Continents, default climate and sea level
Speed: Epic
Difficulty: Chieftain (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I suck)
Friday, August 3, 2007
Will you Just Get it Over With, Please?
Dear Mr. Bonds,
I am writing you today to ask you to stop messing around, and hit two home runs. Just get it over with, so we don't have to worry about you breaking Hank Aaron's record any more, and we can start watching with anticipation all of those (currently, just A-Rod) who may pass you a few years from now.
Just get it over with, so we can add another mark on the board proving this summer is quite possibly the worst sports summer ever. This story from The Onion may be a joke, but it really isn't that far from the truth. Dog fighting, dirty refs, and tragic deaths have certainly made this summer a season to forget.
Hopefully something will happen to even the score a bit. Who knows, maybe its just the set up to a run by the Cubs. I'm sure they would like to get that monkey off their backs before he hits triple digits.
I am writing you today to ask you to stop messing around, and hit two home runs. Just get it over with, so we don't have to worry about you breaking Hank Aaron's record any more, and we can start watching with anticipation all of those (currently, just A-Rod) who may pass you a few years from now.
Just get it over with, so we can add another mark on the board proving this summer is quite possibly the worst sports summer ever. This story from The Onion may be a joke, but it really isn't that far from the truth. Dog fighting, dirty refs, and tragic deaths have certainly made this summer a season to forget.
Hopefully something will happen to even the score a bit. Who knows, maybe its just the set up to a run by the Cubs. I'm sure they would like to get that monkey off their backs before he hits triple digits.
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