Richard Avedon RIP

Richard Avedon, the famed fashion photographer, has died at age 81 while on assignment for the New Yorker in San Antonio.

He is most famous, at least to me, for these definitive, world-famous 1967 portraits of the Beatles.

I'm no photography expert, but I know he was a respected artist and will be sorely missed.

Faces Of Frustration

Being an unwavering Kerry supporter, this is great (click on the "Faces Of Frustration" link).

Republicans, prepare to cringe. Letterman and Leno need to beat this into the ground.

See ya.

Bush v. Kerry: The Awakening

First of all, I think Bush did a little bit better than I expected, although it was a canned and repetitious commentary presented from his end. Not that it's entirely bad from his standpoint; he wanted to drill home in Joe Q. Public's head that NOT re-electing "the W" will jeopardize our safety.

To Kerry's credit, he too sounded "resolved", as Bush put it (rather than resolute) in his answers and was definitely the more articulate debater, although that isn't a surprise to anyone. The only person I find more uncomfortable to listen to for two minutes is Bob Newhart, but that's meant to be funny.

Bush's biggest moment: His Yale joke. Kerry's? Explaining the difference between being steadfast and wrong and being steadfast but recognizing, acknowledging, and correcting mistakes when necessary. I think that will hit home with a lot of Americans.

While it was a terse debate, it was pretty civil and no "You're No Jack Kennedy" moments were to be found.

My scorecard would be Kerry 65% Bush 35%. Let's wait 'til Monday and see if any polls change.

P.S. Cheney better watch his ankles 'cause Edwards just chewed through his leash......

Guilty Pleasure

I don't know if anyone out there has seen this show yet, but the Blue Collar TV show on Comedy Central is suprisingly funny. Check it out if you get the chance.

My favorite line, from Larry The Cable Guy:

Man, you looked more confused than a deaf mute playing bingo, getting bingo, and trying to yell out bingo.

Now that, my friends, is fine comedy.

Forget Two Things

First off, the goatee (or Van Dyke, as it were) is safe. The Lions, predictably, got thumped by the Eagles AND lost their starting rookie running back, Kevin Jones, to a high ankle sprain. First Charles Rogers, then Dre Bly, now Kevin Jones. This is getting old.

Secondly, I saw The Forgotten on Sunday night, and IT REALLY STUNK. I mean, like moldy cheese on a butt sandwich. The script, acting, and plot were truly memorable in their inherent stupidity. My God. I think my $8 would've been better spent paying a homeless guy to kick me in the nuts.

Why didn't I see Silver City? WHY? I love all of John Sayles' films, like Lone Star or Sunshine State. This should be a good one. DO NOT SEE THE AFOREMENTIONED FILM. Please, I beg you, think of the children!!!!!!!!!!!

Top Of New Jersey

I took a minor road trip today with my buddy Mike. For those who don't live in or explored the Garden State, you probably have no idea how rural most of the state is; if you so choose, you can really get lost. Today, we drove up Route 206 to the very northwest corner of the state on the NY border to a town called Montague, which goes by the moniker "The Top Of New Jersey." We drove up Route 513 and we might as well have been on Mars. The apex of our drive was High Point State Park (all of a whopping 1803 feet). Still, the view was great, the weather couldn't have been better, and the cigarettes tasted extra good. I managed to get back in time to catch a fair amount of Michigan's project beating of the Iowa Hawkeyes. After two straight humiliations at the hands of those bastards, today's triumph felt special. On to Bloomington and the comparatively pedestrian Indiana Hoosiers (as in Hoosier Daddy???)

Peace.

N.B. - I promised my friends if the Lions somehow beat the Eagles tomorrow, I'm shaving my goatee, but keeping the moustache, in honor of Andy Reid. Moustaches without the beard look really funny and I'm living proof - I made this bet before....and lost. Except this time, I have to go to work looking like a scrub. Hey that reminds me, I have to finish that whole scrubbest state thing. I keep burping up Miller Lite, I gotsta find me some Tums.

Peace. Again. Go Lions. Pray for me.