The Appeal - John Grisham sure does write fast. It's amazing, considering the time frame, how this great writer can churn out so many good books that make sense. And he makes it seem so easy.
I wish I could be John Grisham. I wish I could produce good writing as fast as he does.
I just finished Grisham's Playing for Pizza only weeks ago. I just started The King of Torts. I wish I had waited. I don't plan to read The Appeal until I finish with Mr. J. Clay Carter II. Clay is Grisham's protagonist in the pharmaceutical tort drama. So far, The King of Torts is shaping up to be a solid read.
The Appeal hit bookstores yesterday.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Hillary's in Town - Hillary Clinton was at North Little Rock High School today at 10:30 a.m. Saw the coverage live on KARK. That was right about the time I was on the treadmill just a few miles away. I was into my second mile. I ran 3.
I might would have hauled myself over to see her speak if I had known she was going to be there. She's right there. I had the time. Why not go?
I might would have gone to see Mitt Romney, Barack Obama or John McCain. You know, because it's an event. I wouldn't go to see John Edwards since he dropped out today.
If I would have known she was at North Little Rock High, I could have said I saw Hillary Clinton and Van Halen in one day. Diamond Dave, Eddie, Eddie's brother and Eddie's son are at Alltel Arena tonight. I'm going.
Oh well, two out of three isn't bad. I'm talking about Van Halen and my 3 miles.
Now, if I could get some writing done, that would be sweet. Don't bet on it today.
I might would have hauled myself over to see her speak if I had known she was going to be there. She's right there. I had the time. Why not go?
I might would have gone to see Mitt Romney, Barack Obama or John McCain. You know, because it's an event. I wouldn't go to see John Edwards since he dropped out today.
If I would have known she was at North Little Rock High, I could have said I saw Hillary Clinton and Van Halen in one day. Diamond Dave, Eddie, Eddie's brother and Eddie's son are at Alltel Arena tonight. I'm going.
Oh well, two out of three isn't bad. I'm talking about Van Halen and my 3 miles.
Now, if I could get some writing done, that would be sweet. Don't bet on it today.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Kennedy's Back Obama - Ted Kennedy, along with Caroline and Patrick, have announced their endorsement of Barrack Obama for the Democratic nomination.
I found this surprising. I wondered during Sen. Kennedy's stump speech for Obama today if the Kennedy clan had had a falling out with Bill and Hillary Clinton. I found out that that was true.
CNN.com mentions two "angry" phones call between Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton. At issue was the former president's aggressive campaigning and alleged distortion of facts about Mr. Obama.
Any rift between Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton calls into question Mr. Kennedy's endorsement of Mr. Obama right out of the gate. If Ted Kennedy is on the outs with Bill Clinton, and perhaps Hillary as well, then how much validity can his endorsement of Obama have? This is how his endorsement looks: I'm mad at Bill Clinton so I'm endorsing Obama.
What kind of endorsement is that? What kind of reasoning is that?
Ted Kennedy's endorsement is based on things a candidate's spouse said rather than the actual candidate, Hillary Clinton. That doesn't make good sense to me.
Unfortunately, Mr. Kennedy's rabid and emotional endorsement of Mr. Obama could split the Democratic party. We have the tried and true FOBs still endorsing Bill and Hillary, and we have members of the Kennedy clan endorsing Obama.
By the way, not all of the Kennedy family is running in front of CNN's cameras to endorse Barrack Obama. Other family members are maintaining their support for Hillary.
While I like and respect Ted Kennedy, his choice to endorse Barrack Obama is disappointing. He could have stayed neutral. He probably should have stayed neutral for the good of his party. Stay above the fray.
Oh, well. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
I found this surprising. I wondered during Sen. Kennedy's stump speech for Obama today if the Kennedy clan had had a falling out with Bill and Hillary Clinton. I found out that that was true.
CNN.com mentions two "angry" phones call between Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton. At issue was the former president's aggressive campaigning and alleged distortion of facts about Mr. Obama.
Any rift between Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton calls into question Mr. Kennedy's endorsement of Mr. Obama right out of the gate. If Ted Kennedy is on the outs with Bill Clinton, and perhaps Hillary as well, then how much validity can his endorsement of Obama have? This is how his endorsement looks: I'm mad at Bill Clinton so I'm endorsing Obama.
What kind of endorsement is that? What kind of reasoning is that?
Ted Kennedy's endorsement is based on things a candidate's spouse said rather than the actual candidate, Hillary Clinton. That doesn't make good sense to me.
Unfortunately, Mr. Kennedy's rabid and emotional endorsement of Mr. Obama could split the Democratic party. We have the tried and true FOBs still endorsing Bill and Hillary, and we have members of the Kennedy clan endorsing Obama.
By the way, not all of the Kennedy family is running in front of CNN's cameras to endorse Barrack Obama. Other family members are maintaining their support for Hillary.
While I like and respect Ted Kennedy, his choice to endorse Barrack Obama is disappointing. He could have stayed neutral. He probably should have stayed neutral for the good of his party. Stay above the fray.
Oh, well. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Obama Wins South Carolina Primary - Around half of South Carolina's voters are black. Four out of 5 went with Barrack Obama.
Boy, that's gratitude for you. With all of the things Bill Clinton has done for African-Americans, you'd think they'd pay respects and vote for his wife. Obama has done hardly anything for anyone, much less people from his own race, because he's only been a senator for a year.
When will people wake up and vote for candidates who have paid their dues in a public capacity? Those poor ole silly folks in S.C. voted for Obama merely because he's black. That's the only reason. It's racist really. The main reason Oprah Winfrey supports Obama is because he is black.
That is not a good reason to support a presidential candidate. Vote for Hillary. She's paid her dues, and she is a proven doer as opposed to a proven talker. All Obama has shown us is that he can talk. What major accomplishment does he have to hang his hat on?
Boy, that's gratitude for you. With all of the things Bill Clinton has done for African-Americans, you'd think they'd pay respects and vote for his wife. Obama has done hardly anything for anyone, much less people from his own race, because he's only been a senator for a year.
When will people wake up and vote for candidates who have paid their dues in a public capacity? Those poor ole silly folks in S.C. voted for Obama merely because he's black. That's the only reason. It's racist really. The main reason Oprah Winfrey supports Obama is because he is black.
That is not a good reason to support a presidential candidate. Vote for Hillary. She's paid her dues, and she is a proven doer as opposed to a proven talker. All Obama has shown us is that he can talk. What major accomplishment does he have to hang his hat on?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ringo Walks Out on Regis - Refusing to cut his new song to under 3 minutes, Ringo Starr walked out on the crew of Live With Regis and Kelly.
Apparently, Michael Gellman thought Starr's song would sound better shorter. He's such a musical genius, this guy. I mean, who would know better? The Beatle or Gellman? As we all know, Gellman produces Live With Regis and Kelly.
He's the guy with the nerve to ask a living legend to compromise his art.
Look, you don't ask a Beatle to pare down songs. It's stupid. Why would anyone do that? How out of touch can this Gellman be? You either have Ringo Starr on your show and give him the appropriate time to grace the public with his presence, or you schedule someone else who can't fill his shoes. Those are the options. There is no work-around to that. Cutting songs isn't acceptable.
I'm glad Starr left. It amuses me somewhat. Good for him. He made the right move.
Apparently, Michael Gellman thought Starr's song would sound better shorter. He's such a musical genius, this guy. I mean, who would know better? The Beatle or Gellman? As we all know, Gellman produces Live With Regis and Kelly.
He's the guy with the nerve to ask a living legend to compromise his art.
Look, you don't ask a Beatle to pare down songs. It's stupid. Why would anyone do that? How out of touch can this Gellman be? You either have Ringo Starr on your show and give him the appropriate time to grace the public with his presence, or you schedule someone else who can't fill his shoes. Those are the options. There is no work-around to that. Cutting songs isn't acceptable.
I'm glad Starr left. It amuses me somewhat. Good for him. He made the right move.
Monday, January 21, 2008
A Letter to N.Y.C. and Beantown -
In light of the fact that the New York Giants will face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, I decided to draft the following letter.
Dear New York City and Boston,
Both of you are fine cities, two of America's best, but nobody in the rest of America really cares about your little rivalry.
Cordially,
People With Lives
In light of the fact that the New York Giants will face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, I decided to draft the following letter.
Dear New York City and Boston,
Both of you are fine cities, two of America's best, but nobody in the rest of America really cares about your little rivalry.
Cordially,
People With Lives
NFL Playoffs - Well, this is quite a pickle we have. The New York Giants certainly qualify as something I didn't want to see in the Super Bowl this season. Who wants to see some hot-handed, flavor-of-the-month underdog run through the NFC and make the Super Bowl, giving the New England Patriots an easy, melodramatic victory?
The Patriots have had things really simple this post season. They won't have to face the Cowboys or the Packers. They drew the Giants instead. They didn't have to face the Colts either. They only had to play the San Diego Chargers, a team that surged at exactly the wrong time. The Chargers did a truly masterful job of boring me to death this weekend because they lived up to expectations. They played well, but not well enough to win. Thanks, Chargers. I'm sure everyone in America was at risk of falling off the edge of their seats to see you lose in such underwhelming, unexciting fashion, so congrats. We really wanted to see that. Y'all made for some great television. Everyone will be talking about your effort for years to come because it was so compelling. Books will be written about it because it is so memorable and relevant.
It's a shame the Patriots didn't beat the Chargers by more than eight. A total blowout would have been more satisfying as punishment to the Chargers for messing up what would have been a truly great game between N.E. and Indianapolis.
Now we have the New York Giants playing their tricks. Nobody outside of New York, state or city, wants to see you either. Thanks for winning losers. Now the public is stuck with a lopsided Super Bowl. You will never beat the Pats. You will never impress anyone. You can only hope to bore us. That is your calling, to bore everyone by losing as scripted. What a cliche!
Look, the little Broadway production you will put on has already been done 18 times this year. The public doesn't need 19. We've seen it. Super Bowl XLII will be the Super Redundancy by the end. We know this. If we could fix it, we would. Nobody wants to see you lose to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Congratulations to the New York Giants for making this year's Super Bowl much less memorable than it could have been. Nice.
The Patriots have had things really simple this post season. They won't have to face the Cowboys or the Packers. They drew the Giants instead. They didn't have to face the Colts either. They only had to play the San Diego Chargers, a team that surged at exactly the wrong time. The Chargers did a truly masterful job of boring me to death this weekend because they lived up to expectations. They played well, but not well enough to win. Thanks, Chargers. I'm sure everyone in America was at risk of falling off the edge of their seats to see you lose in such underwhelming, unexciting fashion, so congrats. We really wanted to see that. Y'all made for some great television. Everyone will be talking about your effort for years to come because it was so compelling. Books will be written about it because it is so memorable and relevant.
It's a shame the Patriots didn't beat the Chargers by more than eight. A total blowout would have been more satisfying as punishment to the Chargers for messing up what would have been a truly great game between N.E. and Indianapolis.
Now we have the New York Giants playing their tricks. Nobody outside of New York, state or city, wants to see you either. Thanks for winning losers. Now the public is stuck with a lopsided Super Bowl. You will never beat the Pats. You will never impress anyone. You can only hope to bore us. That is your calling, to bore everyone by losing as scripted. What a cliche!
Look, the little Broadway production you will put on has already been done 18 times this year. The public doesn't need 19. We've seen it. Super Bowl XLII will be the Super Redundancy by the end. We know this. If we could fix it, we would. Nobody wants to see you lose to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Congratulations to the New York Giants for making this year's Super Bowl much less memorable than it could have been. Nice.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Celebrity Apprentice - Committing suicide by ego, Gene Simmons from Kiss managed to get himself fired on NBC's celebrity edition of The Apprentice. Donald Trump tried everything to help Gene, but he was too hardheaded, and Trump said "Gene, you're fired!"
This latest version of the show didn't look promising in the promos, but I have to say, it is quite entertaining in its own way.
This latest version of the show didn't look promising in the promos, but I have to say, it is quite entertaining in its own way.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Lakers in the Round - I can't believe I haven't touched on this yet. I love it that crowds are left sitting in the dark at Laker games. Whoever came up with that idea is an astute individual. That astute individual understands that some of us don't care if Dyan Cannon showed up to the game, or Toby, the guy in the Spiderman movies, or whomever else is there to see and be seen.
I don't watch NBA games to see annoying, overexposed celebrities sitting courtside in their weird clothes. It's great they're sitting in the dark these days. It's so great.
I don't watch NBA games to see annoying, overexposed celebrities sitting courtside in their weird clothes. It's great they're sitting in the dark these days. It's so great.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
McFadden, Jones Opt for Draft - Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Arkansas' dynamic running tandem, plan to jump into the NFL Draft.
Their decisions are probably wise, but it's a shame they can't stay and earn degrees. A college education is so much better than a high school diploma. They had the opportunity to go all the way, but if they stayed and played at Arkansas, they would risk a career-ending injury. They could have a bad season or a legal incident. Such incidents have a way of costing these high-flying NFL prospects big money. It's best to have bad seasons and legal incidents after your $20 million contract is signed.
Of course, if these guys want to coach football on the high school or college level, they won't have the degree that gets them that kind of job. They can always get the degree later, but it's harder to come back and do it.
Still, they can't be blamed for skipping their senior year. Let's see. Millions? Or senior year? What would you do? I would roll the dice. I would opt for the degree in their position, but I would also risk a ton of money.
What kind of world do we live in these days when pursuing a college degree is a risk?
Their decisions are probably wise, but it's a shame they can't stay and earn degrees. A college education is so much better than a high school diploma. They had the opportunity to go all the way, but if they stayed and played at Arkansas, they would risk a career-ending injury. They could have a bad season or a legal incident. Such incidents have a way of costing these high-flying NFL prospects big money. It's best to have bad seasons and legal incidents after your $20 million contract is signed.
Of course, if these guys want to coach football on the high school or college level, they won't have the degree that gets them that kind of job. They can always get the degree later, but it's harder to come back and do it.
Still, they can't be blamed for skipping their senior year. Let's see. Millions? Or senior year? What would you do? I would roll the dice. I would opt for the degree in their position, but I would also risk a ton of money.
What kind of world do we live in these days when pursuing a college degree is a risk?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Bookend NFL Games Canceled - Well, Dallas lost to New York and Indianapolis lost to San Diego. Didn't want that, but parity does factor into the post season.
Peyton Manning deserves some of the blame for his team's loss. He didn't lift his guys to victory. He played well, but he needed to play better than well to win.
Tony Romo wasn't a world beater either. After a trip to Mexico with Jessica Simpson, Romo showed up and played without major gaffes, but like Manning, he seemed a little flat. His passes weren't as crisp as in the past. He could have played better, but peaking in The Playoffs is not always a given even when prepared. Preparation never guarantees great play. Welcome to real life.
Peyton Manning deserves some of the blame for his team's loss. He didn't lift his guys to victory. He played well, but he needed to play better than well to win.
Tony Romo wasn't a world beater either. After a trip to Mexico with Jessica Simpson, Romo showed up and played without major gaffes, but like Manning, he seemed a little flat. His passes weren't as crisp as in the past. He could have played better, but peaking in The Playoffs is not always a given even when prepared. Preparation never guarantees great play. Welcome to real life.
NFC Championship/AFC Championship - I just want to say today, before Dallas plays New York and Indianapolis plays San Diego, that I hope Dallas and Indianapolis win. I want bookend conference championship games with the top four teams playing. The NFL's four best teams this season have clearly been New England, Indianapolis, Dallas and Green Bay. Since Green Bay and New England won yesterday, we're all on track for a nice combination of conference championship games. I will always root for Dallas, and I like Indianapolis too. I like all of the teams mentioned above.
Hopefully, Dallas will beat New York. Hopefully, Indianapolis will beat San Diego. We'll see. These two games are exciting match-ups. Everything has held true to form, and that is unusual for the NFL. Parity and the unexpected rule a lot of weekends in that league.
Hopefully, Dallas will beat New York. Hopefully, Indianapolis will beat San Diego. We'll see. These two games are exciting match-ups. Everything has held true to form, and that is unusual for the NFL. Parity and the unexpected rule a lot of weekends in that league.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The New Hampshire Primary - Hillary made a comeback, beating Obama to revenge Iowa. John McCain won the Republican bracket.
McCain's campaign was supposed to be on life support. So, what happened? Who forgot to yank this guy's plug?
McCain can win all the New Hampshire primaries he wants. I'll still remember eight years ago when rivals characterized him as a hothead whom was too combative to make an effective president.
He was so great eight years ago that his party nominated a younger, hipper candidate it thought was better. Why vote for him now? What has improved with him?
He is a Vietnam veteran, and that is admirable. John McCain has a lot of good qualities. Still, I don't think he is the strongest candidate.
Anyway, there is a vast difference between the results in Iowa and New Hampshire. The situation begs the question: Who's winning?
McCain's campaign was supposed to be on life support. So, what happened? Who forgot to yank this guy's plug?
McCain can win all the New Hampshire primaries he wants. I'll still remember eight years ago when rivals characterized him as a hothead whom was too combative to make an effective president.
He was so great eight years ago that his party nominated a younger, hipper candidate it thought was better. Why vote for him now? What has improved with him?
He is a Vietnam veteran, and that is admirable. John McCain has a lot of good qualities. Still, I don't think he is the strongest candidate.
Anyway, there is a vast difference between the results in Iowa and New Hampshire. The situation begs the question: Who's winning?
The XX3 Is Like, So Green - There was no such thing as a "high-performance luxury basketball shoe" before the Air Jordan. And no shoe since suits that definition better.
Nike's priciest hardwood shoe continues to break new ground. Nike's designers, people like the legendary Tinker Hatfield, have kept the Air Jordan evolving for better or for worse. Michael Jordan seems to have a penchant for experimentation because his shoe line is a perpetual experiment. Would Air Jordans be Air Jordans if some sort of experiment weren't involved?
Jordan and Nike have never released an Air Jordan that didn't have some unique design quirk. That is good and bad. Sometimes these quirks overwhelm the product with the experiments appearing contrived and gimmicky. For instance, the Air Jordan XI featured a patent leather upper coupled with white canvas. This was a first for athletic shoes. However, not everyone wants to wear athletic shoes with patent leather. I certainly didn't in 1995 when the XI debuted.
The XI was the first Air Jordan that I refused to buy. The Air Jordan line was around ten years old at the time and the experimentation had gotten old. Patent leather and white canvas seemed absurd, way too ridiculous to spend $135 on.
I've never been a fan of white canvas anyway. It gets dirty.
To this day, I won't buy athletic shoes with white canvas unless I plan to wear them at my gym exclusively. More than likely, you will not see me wearing white canvas shoes casually unless it's a vintage model I'm trying to make dingy on purpose. I've done that before with white leather, never with canvas. But that sort of project has crossed my mind more than once. That being said, I wouldn't do it with an Air Jordan XI. Dirty XIs look terrible. They don't age well. My opinion on this might change in five or ten years, but for now they simply don't age well.
Anyway, the Air Jordan has gone through a lot of experimentation. Such experimentation plays better with the younger set. They haven't figured out what they like and don't like yet, so the experimental approach is a good one for Nike. After all, the younger set plays the game.
Unfortunately, Nike's experimentation with the Air Jordan has resulted in some strange basketball shoes. Some of them are outright ugly. The Air Jordan XV might be the ugliest basketball shoe Nike has ever designed. The XV is yet another Air Jordan that I had to balk at.
Now we have the Air Jordan XX3. Urban culture websites like hypebeast.com and freshnessmag.com have posted pictures and related media regarding the XX3. Freshness has even posted specs on the shoe. They say Nike has applied techniques, philosophies and lessons learned from their Considered line to the Air Jordan xx3. In short, this means Nike precluded a lot of environmental waste to manufacture the XX3. While not completely green, the XX3 is at least the greenest high-performance luxury basketball shoe ever.
Nike deserves a high five for their effort.
The company does not deserve a high five for the XX3 I would want to wear the most, the predominantly white version. This year's "white" Jordan has His Airness' initials embroidered all over the upper. (Sigh.)
This isn't gaudy at all, not one bit.
Seriously though, why would I want someone else's initials on my basketball shoe? I understand it's Michael Jordan's signature shoe, but why can't it just say "Air Jordan" in a discreet serifed font like the originals?
The shoe itself looks gorgeous. I will not link to pictures unless I know for a fact that I am allowed to. Right now, I don't, so I won't.
The black version of the XX3 features what looks like a Native-American motif embroidered on the side. The design reminds me of a quilt. This is much better than initials, but I'm not sure I want a basketball shoe with designs that evoke thoughts of quilts, but whatever.
The "Carolina" version looks the best, but its availability is limited. The likelihood of finding a pair is remote. Plus, they're priced at an ungodly $230. The general release versions cost $185.
Anyway, I do not anticipate buying an Air Jordan XX3. I don't care to do theme shoes anymore. I feel Air Jordans should be treated as the main part of one's wardrobe. That means everything you wear must complement the shoe. It doesn't work the other way. For instance, you shouldn't do Jordans with a Lacoste. Jordans and Lacostes are incompatible. Like the Air Jordan, a Lacoste shirt is a flagship wardrobe piece, a center-of-the-universe type garment that all other articles of clothing should fall in line with. It doesn't work the other way. When you wear a Lacoste, everyone is looking at that shirt. It will dominate your appearance. It's simply that kind of shirt. The same goes for Ralph Lauren Polo, another iconic and dominant brand.
I will probably pass on the Air Jordan XX3 because the tone of the overall design does not agree with me. I would have preferred something more subdued. Since I don't play basketball anymore, I want a predominantly white shoe that goes great with a pair of premium khakis. The XX3 had a chance, but excessive embroidery depicting letters of the alphabet are too much. Had the white version looked more palatable to me, who knows. Still, I could change my mind on any given day.
Nike's priciest hardwood shoe continues to break new ground. Nike's designers, people like the legendary Tinker Hatfield, have kept the Air Jordan evolving for better or for worse. Michael Jordan seems to have a penchant for experimentation because his shoe line is a perpetual experiment. Would Air Jordans be Air Jordans if some sort of experiment weren't involved?
Jordan and Nike have never released an Air Jordan that didn't have some unique design quirk. That is good and bad. Sometimes these quirks overwhelm the product with the experiments appearing contrived and gimmicky. For instance, the Air Jordan XI featured a patent leather upper coupled with white canvas. This was a first for athletic shoes. However, not everyone wants to wear athletic shoes with patent leather. I certainly didn't in 1995 when the XI debuted.
The XI was the first Air Jordan that I refused to buy. The Air Jordan line was around ten years old at the time and the experimentation had gotten old. Patent leather and white canvas seemed absurd, way too ridiculous to spend $135 on.
I've never been a fan of white canvas anyway. It gets dirty.
To this day, I won't buy athletic shoes with white canvas unless I plan to wear them at my gym exclusively. More than likely, you will not see me wearing white canvas shoes casually unless it's a vintage model I'm trying to make dingy on purpose. I've done that before with white leather, never with canvas. But that sort of project has crossed my mind more than once. That being said, I wouldn't do it with an Air Jordan XI. Dirty XIs look terrible. They don't age well. My opinion on this might change in five or ten years, but for now they simply don't age well.
Anyway, the Air Jordan has gone through a lot of experimentation. Such experimentation plays better with the younger set. They haven't figured out what they like and don't like yet, so the experimental approach is a good one for Nike. After all, the younger set plays the game.
Unfortunately, Nike's experimentation with the Air Jordan has resulted in some strange basketball shoes. Some of them are outright ugly. The Air Jordan XV might be the ugliest basketball shoe Nike has ever designed. The XV is yet another Air Jordan that I had to balk at.
Now we have the Air Jordan XX3. Urban culture websites like hypebeast.com and freshnessmag.com have posted pictures and related media regarding the XX3. Freshness has even posted specs on the shoe. They say Nike has applied techniques, philosophies and lessons learned from their Considered line to the Air Jordan xx3. In short, this means Nike precluded a lot of environmental waste to manufacture the XX3. While not completely green, the XX3 is at least the greenest high-performance luxury basketball shoe ever.
Nike deserves a high five for their effort.
The company does not deserve a high five for the XX3 I would want to wear the most, the predominantly white version. This year's "white" Jordan has His Airness' initials embroidered all over the upper. (Sigh.)
This isn't gaudy at all, not one bit.
Seriously though, why would I want someone else's initials on my basketball shoe? I understand it's Michael Jordan's signature shoe, but why can't it just say "Air Jordan" in a discreet serifed font like the originals?
The shoe itself looks gorgeous. I will not link to pictures unless I know for a fact that I am allowed to. Right now, I don't, so I won't.
The black version of the XX3 features what looks like a Native-American motif embroidered on the side. The design reminds me of a quilt. This is much better than initials, but I'm not sure I want a basketball shoe with designs that evoke thoughts of quilts, but whatever.
The "Carolina" version looks the best, but its availability is limited. The likelihood of finding a pair is remote. Plus, they're priced at an ungodly $230. The general release versions cost $185.
Anyway, I do not anticipate buying an Air Jordan XX3. I don't care to do theme shoes anymore. I feel Air Jordans should be treated as the main part of one's wardrobe. That means everything you wear must complement the shoe. It doesn't work the other way. For instance, you shouldn't do Jordans with a Lacoste. Jordans and Lacostes are incompatible. Like the Air Jordan, a Lacoste shirt is a flagship wardrobe piece, a center-of-the-universe type garment that all other articles of clothing should fall in line with. It doesn't work the other way. When you wear a Lacoste, everyone is looking at that shirt. It will dominate your appearance. It's simply that kind of shirt. The same goes for Ralph Lauren Polo, another iconic and dominant brand.
I will probably pass on the Air Jordan XX3 because the tone of the overall design does not agree with me. I would have preferred something more subdued. Since I don't play basketball anymore, I want a predominantly white shoe that goes great with a pair of premium khakis. The XX3 had a chance, but excessive embroidery depicting letters of the alphabet are too much. Had the white version looked more palatable to me, who knows. Still, I could change my mind on any given day.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
LSU is the National Champion - I believed LSU could win. I also believed the Tigers could lose. Neither outcome would have surprised me. What did surprise me was the way Ohio State jumped out to an early 10-point lead. Then the Buckeye's gave up way too many touchdowns in the 2nd quarter. Poor ole OSU!
I thought playing in the Big Ten this year hurt the Buckeyes. I think the SEC is the tougher conference, and I believe it showed last night. The Tigers looked battle-tested. Ambushed and caught off guard, Les Miles' team fought back like an experienced winner. The 10-point deficit didn't faze them. They responded with explosive football, running off 31 unanswered points against Ohio State. As we all know, the Buckeyes never recovered, losing 38-24.
Congratulations to the LSU Tigers for a very successful season. Congratulations to Ohio State for managing second. They deserve accolades for consecutive appearances in college football's ultimate game. The State of Ohio has a great college football program that it can be proud of.
I thought playing in the Big Ten this year hurt the Buckeyes. I think the SEC is the tougher conference, and I believe it showed last night. The Tigers looked battle-tested. Ambushed and caught off guard, Les Miles' team fought back like an experienced winner. The 10-point deficit didn't faze them. They responded with explosive football, running off 31 unanswered points against Ohio State. As we all know, the Buckeyes never recovered, losing 38-24.
Congratulations to the LSU Tigers for a very successful season. Congratulations to Ohio State for managing second. They deserve accolades for consecutive appearances in college football's ultimate game. The State of Ohio has a great college football program that it can be proud of.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Clemens' Defamation Suit - Oh, yeah. Roger Clemens filed a defamation lawsuit against Brian McNamee, the personal trainer claiming to have injected Clemens with performance-enhancing material.
Personally, I believe McNamee. George Mitchell believed him too, and he's a former U.S. Senate majority leader. Mr. Mitchell believed McNamee enough that Mitchell included McNamee's allegations in the results of his investigation. I do not know George Mitchell, but as a former senator he has credibility.
On the other hand, Clemens' suit has tons of merit. If McNamee can't corroborate his claims with compelling evidence, he could wind up in trouble. If I were Clemens, I'd've gone after Mitchell too. Clemens' legal counsel likely advised him against it, and the law may protect Mitchell. Who knows. Legal experts do, and I'm not one. One would have to assume Clemens' counsel has good reasons not to pursue Mitchell for releasing a report that could be defamatory.
Still, I believe McNamee. I also think Clemens has a case.
Personally, I believe McNamee. George Mitchell believed him too, and he's a former U.S. Senate majority leader. Mr. Mitchell believed McNamee enough that Mitchell included McNamee's allegations in the results of his investigation. I do not know George Mitchell, but as a former senator he has credibility.
On the other hand, Clemens' suit has tons of merit. If McNamee can't corroborate his claims with compelling evidence, he could wind up in trouble. If I were Clemens, I'd've gone after Mitchell too. Clemens' legal counsel likely advised him against it, and the law may protect Mitchell. Who knows. Legal experts do, and I'm not one. One would have to assume Clemens' counsel has good reasons not to pursue Mitchell for releasing a report that could be defamatory.
Still, I believe McNamee. I also think Clemens has a case.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Bill Clinton a Supreme Court Justice? - That's what the legal cognoscenti are talking about. Apparently, they have contemplated this possibility for a while now.
Albeit remote, the scenario works like this: If Hillary Clinton wins the presidency, she would nominate her husband for a spot on the Supreme Court should a vacancy arise.
Some scoff at this notion. Others believe it has merit. No doubt, a Clinton serving on the High Court sounds interesting. There's just one question that needs asking. "Is this even possible?"
The answer is "Not likely." So far as I know, Bill Clinton doesn't even have a law license. The Arkansas Bar Association disbarred him for lying during the Whitewater investigation. The disbarment lasted five years. So far as I know, Clinton never applied for the license's reinstatement.
He also lost the ability to practice law on the Supreme Court level. How could he ever win a confirmation should Hillary nominate him?
The case against a Bill Clinton Supreme Court nomination has nothing to do with his ability, and a lot to do with his qualifications. So far as I know, the man simply lacks the most rudimentary qualifications. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Albeit remote, the scenario works like this: If Hillary Clinton wins the presidency, she would nominate her husband for a spot on the Supreme Court should a vacancy arise.
Some scoff at this notion. Others believe it has merit. No doubt, a Clinton serving on the High Court sounds interesting. There's just one question that needs asking. "Is this even possible?"
The answer is "Not likely." So far as I know, Bill Clinton doesn't even have a law license. The Arkansas Bar Association disbarred him for lying during the Whitewater investigation. The disbarment lasted five years. So far as I know, Clinton never applied for the license's reinstatement.
He also lost the ability to practice law on the Supreme Court level. How could he ever win a confirmation should Hillary nominate him?
The case against a Bill Clinton Supreme Court nomination has nothing to do with his ability, and a lot to do with his qualifications. So far as I know, the man simply lacks the most rudimentary qualifications. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
The Air Jordan XX3 - Michael Jordan's latest signature shoe drops this month at select retailers. More versions release to the general public in February.
Rumor has it the XX3 is the last Air Jordan. I sincerely believe this is just a rumor, a ludicrous one at that. Nike makes way too much money reissuing these shoes. Why oh why would they cease making new ones?
Furthermore, the Air Jordan is Jordan Brand's flagship product. That division would have no purpose without an actual Air Jordan. What would they anchor their clothing line with if not a new Air Jordan?
I predict a 24th edition in the luxury basketball shoe line by the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.
Rumor has it the XX3 is the last Air Jordan. I sincerely believe this is just a rumor, a ludicrous one at that. Nike makes way too much money reissuing these shoes. Why oh why would they cease making new ones?
Furthermore, the Air Jordan is Jordan Brand's flagship product. That division would have no purpose without an actual Air Jordan. What would they anchor their clothing line with if not a new Air Jordan?
I predict a 24th edition in the luxury basketball shoe line by the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
D.B. Cooper and Journeyman - The Wikipedia article on D.B. Cooper mentions a sidebar that I found noteworthy myself. The NBC time travel drama Journeyman has a story arc where the protagonist, Dan Vasser, winds up with $50,000 in 1970s-era currency. Dan recovered the money from drop zone of one Dylan McQueen. The Journeyman writers clearly modeled McQueen after D.B. Cooper. Like Cooper, McQueen hijacked a plane, made away with a lot of cash and parachuted into the night. He was never captured, and Dan ended up with $50,000, altering history.
I love watching Journeyman. At one point, this series bore striking resemblance to the Star Trek episode Mirror, Mirror. Recognizing and understanding the similarity while the episode played out was exhilarating. Mirror, Mirror is an all-time classic Trek story and an all-time classic television episode in all of television history.
Anyway, in Journeyman's twelfth episode, The Hanged Man, Dan returns to the present and discovers he has a daughter instead of a son. Everything else remained the same except that his son, Zach, was replaced with his daughter, Caroline. Dan had no previous knowledge of Caroline. He only knew Zach. Dan's present became some sort of alternate universe much like what Capt. Kirk, Dr. McCoy, Uhura and Scotty found in Mirror, Mirror.
Journeyman is turning out to be great science-fiction. The show has been solid from the first time it aired. Everyone should watch Journeyman, unless you get confused easily. You have to retain past story arcs and characters or you'll just be lost. So far, the series' writers have done a good job of keeping me on par.
I love watching Journeyman. At one point, this series bore striking resemblance to the Star Trek episode Mirror, Mirror. Recognizing and understanding the similarity while the episode played out was exhilarating. Mirror, Mirror is an all-time classic Trek story and an all-time classic television episode in all of television history.
Anyway, in Journeyman's twelfth episode, The Hanged Man, Dan returns to the present and discovers he has a daughter instead of a son. Everything else remained the same except that his son, Zach, was replaced with his daughter, Caroline. Dan had no previous knowledge of Caroline. He only knew Zach. Dan's present became some sort of alternate universe much like what Capt. Kirk, Dr. McCoy, Uhura and Scotty found in Mirror, Mirror.
Journeyman is turning out to be great science-fiction. The show has been solid from the first time it aired. Everyone should watch Journeyman, unless you get confused easily. You have to retain past story arcs and characters or you'll just be lost. So far, the series' writers have done a good job of keeping me on par.
The Kid Who Found D.B. Cooper's Ransom - Who would have thought the kid that found part of D.B. Cooper's ransom money lives in Mena, Arkansas?
CNN.com ran an AP wire story associated with America's only unsolved plane hijacking. Brian Ingram, now 36, found $5,800 in tattered $20 bills back in 1980. Ingram was eight years old at the time. On vacation with his family, Ingram found the money near the Columbia River while looking for firewood.
I can't believe the guy that found the money, that money, lives in Arkansas.
Of all places!
This writer was not aware of the D.B. Cooper hijacking until reading about it this week on CNN's website. The FBI had expressed new interest in the case lately.
You learn something all the time.
CNN.com ran an AP wire story associated with America's only unsolved plane hijacking. Brian Ingram, now 36, found $5,800 in tattered $20 bills back in 1980. Ingram was eight years old at the time. On vacation with his family, Ingram found the money near the Columbia River while looking for firewood.
I can't believe the guy that found the money, that money, lives in Arkansas.
Of all places!
This writer was not aware of the D.B. Cooper hijacking until reading about it this week on CNN's website. The FBI had expressed new interest in the case lately.
You learn something all the time.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Razorbacks Lose Cotton Bowl - The Missouri Tigers beat Arkansas 38-7 in Dallas. The Hogs put on a dreary performance, starting the game with two missed field goals from Alex Tejada. The offensive line failed to create any big holes for Darren McFadden or Felix Jones. The result is a Tiger win.
How can a team like the Hogs roll into Baton Rouge, La. and beat No.1 LSU, yet lose to Missouri in Dallas? This game was a total disaster for Arkansas fans.
Hopefully, Bobby Petrino will get things going in Fayetteville. The Hogs lose way too many Cotton Bowls.
How can a team like the Hogs roll into Baton Rouge, La. and beat No.1 LSU, yet lose to Missouri in Dallas? This game was a total disaster for Arkansas fans.
Hopefully, Bobby Petrino will get things going in Fayetteville. The Hogs lose way too many Cotton Bowls.
ABC's Sanitation Interview - For the second or two I did watch ABC, a reporter interviewed New York City sanitation workers about the New Year's cleanup. For whatever reason, Tiki Barber was standing on the right hanging out. I assume he was part of the broadcast, but I was asking myself 'Why is he there?' He wasn't holding a mike. He was just there. I suppose ABC feared he might fumble the mike away, so he didn't get one.
ABC Destroys NBC - Happy 2008 everyone! This year got off to a slammin' start, and ABC absolutely blew up the National Broadcasting Company. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve went young with their programming, I mean real young, and it worked. A newly-engaged Stacy Ferguson hosted the after party, introducing acts like The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift and Plain White T's. The programming worked, and I got an education.
While I had heard of the Jonas Brothers, I had never seen them perform. They were really good. A lot of teenagers went to the recent Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana show at Alltel Arena in nearby North Little Rock just to see the Jonas Brothers, not Hannah Montana. I was impressed with their performance. Taylor Swift was good. Sean King performed. The guy from the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, went solo and he did well. Akon performed.
Fergie was Fergie and well ... Fergie was sensational. She truly was the best performer of the night. She also did a great job as the host of the broadcast. NBC had Carson Daly and dry interviews with New York City sanitation workers while ABC looked like what MTV is supposed to be doing.
CBS aired Craig Ferguson's late night show. I did not flip back to that a second time.
The talent reminded me of five to seven years ago when 'N Sync, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were leading the way for the hottest young acts on the planet. Clearly, enough time has passed for some separation. There is a new generation of artists barking at the door, and we're going to have to make room for them.
While I had heard of the Jonas Brothers, I had never seen them perform. They were really good. A lot of teenagers went to the recent Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana show at Alltel Arena in nearby North Little Rock just to see the Jonas Brothers, not Hannah Montana. I was impressed with their performance. Taylor Swift was good. Sean King performed. The guy from the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, went solo and he did well. Akon performed.
Fergie was Fergie and well ... Fergie was sensational. She truly was the best performer of the night. She also did a great job as the host of the broadcast. NBC had Carson Daly and dry interviews with New York City sanitation workers while ABC looked like what MTV is supposed to be doing.
CBS aired Craig Ferguson's late night show. I did not flip back to that a second time.
The talent reminded me of five to seven years ago when 'N Sync, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were leading the way for the hottest young acts on the planet. Clearly, enough time has passed for some separation. There is a new generation of artists barking at the door, and we're going to have to make room for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
