Mini-Vacation

So, I spent an extended Memorial Day weekend visiting friends in Minneapolis. I had a pretty good time, what with the copious amounts of BBQ, heavy drinking, and completely inappropriate leering at attractive young mid-western women. I really dig the twin cities, especially during this brief period of the year when the place is habitable (after the apocalyptic freeze, but before the swarms of man-eating mosquitoes arise from the infinite number of dank, humid little ponds referred to as “lakes” by the locals). Very laid-back place, at least compared to Seattle.

The flatness of the place freaks me out a little, though, and the fact that everybody actually obeys posted speed limits. What’s up with that guys?

This was actually the first time I’ve flown since 9-11. I’d expected an irritating security procedure when arriving at SeaTac, but I had no idea. Aside from having to take off my shoes and subject my laptop to the clumsy inspection of security, I had my very personal space violated by a hand-held metal detector. It seems my zipper was a little too metallic for the walkthrough detector, and therefore my jabberwocky needed a thorough probing. I was tempted to start singing “this is my rifle, this is my gun...”, but I somehow doubt the attempted humor would have been appreciated. Very dour places those security stations.

At least the old dude examining my scrotal area didn’t seem to be enjoying himself much, but you never know. This is Seattle we’re talking about here.

On the plus side, the security at MSP on the trip back was much more reasonable. No tallywacker inspections, and I didn’t even have to take off my shoes. Very nice.

Eight Little Songs arrived the day of my departure, allowing me to enjoy it on my flights. It’s quite lovely.

It's all that stands between my baby and me.

The good Dr. Frank has released another track for all us Internet dorks to enjoy. Institutionalized Misogyny is a delightful little love song, mocking (or celebrating?) the nutty world of gender politics and the amusing romantic issues it can cause. It's like a trip back to the the amusing culture wars of the early 90's .

Ah, think of those care-free times when our biggest worries were media attacks on Clarence Thomas or Lani Guinier, or finding someone over 21 to buy you beer (well, I guess that one would only apply if you, like me, were a snot nosed teenage punk at the time, but whatever). The song even reminds my of a girl I tried, quite unsuccessfully, to date back in high school... Good times.

Frank has also made available an eight song CD for purchase, which includes Institutionalized, and his previous blogospheric megahit, Democracy, Whiskey, Sexy (among others). I've ordered my copy, and I suggest you all do likewise.

Picture = 10³ Words

Thumbnail images on newspaper sites are sometimes confusing, often misplaced, and usually unimportant. However, once in a great while there is a splendid convergence of news and image that makes reading the actual stories redundant. Take the two stories and associated images from the UK Telegraph’s site, referring to the German economies continuing recession (with a picture of German Finance Minister Hans Eichel), and positive economic forecasts from the Bank of England (featuring an image of British Chancellor Gordon Brown).

These two thumbnails are so perfectly matched to their subject matter that you don’t have to even read the story. I didn’t and I feel fully informed on both subjects now. All news stories should be like this...

It's like the best Taco Bell commercial ever

The Texas Democrat run for the border cracks my ass up.

It also fills my brain with all kinds of fantastical notions of hunting down politicians, with Boba Fett-esque bounty hunting efficiency. I could even have a jet pack and shit. It would totally rule.

C'mon folks, don't y'all relish the thought of hunting down politicians (whatever their political affiliation may be) like the vermin they are? I don't think there's a single member of my state's vile House or Senate, GOP or Dem, that I wouldn't like to see drug in by their hair screaming. Oh, what a fantasy...

Too bad the Texas House's sergeant-at-arms can't offer up interstate bounties, cause I'd be there lickity-split with a giant butterfly net, a bottle of whiskey, and a big grin on my face.

Finally, A Magazine That Fits My Busy Modern Lifestyle

Ladies and Gentlemen, Modern Drunkard Magazine...

Via Tim Blair

New Digs For Our Favorite Froggie

The Dissident Frogman has joined the Movable Type army, and is sporting a stylish new design on a new server.

Go visit, but whatever you do, don't press the big red button.

I'm Gonna Name My Dog Indiana Too

Hot damn. The pinnacle of Nazi whacking swashbuckling action and (or) adventure will finally be coming to DVD.

Now if they can only get going on that next installment, you know, before our hero needs a walker and depends...

Posing On The Flight Deck

Something tells me Naval Carrier Aviation might be getting a little something special in this year's budgetary christmas stocking...

Yeah, it was a pretty blatent PR stunt, but kinda cool none the less.

Hmm, I can't help but be reminded of ID4 for some reason...

Update:
The Poliblogger points out that Condi Rice seemed to be having a pretty good time as well.

Hell, it worked on me. Put that on the '08 ballot, and I'll vote for it...