What a scumbag...

Richard L. Armitage, the former deputy secretary of state has admitted that he was the one who leaked confidential information to a newspaper reporter in 2003. Armitage revealed the identity of a CIA operative to reporter Robert Novak during an informal meeting between the two men. As if that wasn’t enough, Armitage is alleged to have revealed the same information to the editor of the Washington Post two weeks prior. So what drives a person to treason, who, by all accounts is doing quite well for themselves? Why would a high level government official endanger the life of not only the CIA operative he so callously revealed, but her husband as well? The biggest question is why, in this day and age, would someone do something so harmful to this country? There is no easy answer. One should also question why newspapers would print such stories. It is unfortunate that we have come to expect this from papers such as the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and a number of other publications that have come so far from their glory days of years past. The real problem is the rampant liberalization of the media. Thankfully the majority of the media still has integrity, however the small portion that does not is creating huge problems for this country. As radical leftist ideas are slowly falling out of favor with average Americans, these "super-libs" need to continually increase their offensiveness and do ever more crass things to be noticed. The moral of the story is don’t expect much from the left and certainly don’t expect any journalistic integrity from the "usual suspects".

A little birdy told me...

What's bright yellow, a little green, and doesn’t belong in Central Park? If you said a parakeet then you are correct! I was walking my dog earlier and I saw a bright green flash amidst a flutter of brown wings. The colors were so vivid that I noticed from about 50 feet away and went over to investigate. It turns out that what I saw was some kind of tropical parakeet, who had likely flown the coop from someone's apartment. He had decided to make friends with a flock of little brown birds and was happily flying around with them like he was one of their own. My only concern is that my new friend might not make it through the winter given his tropical disposition.

Dance to the beat!

Those in the "know" know that Plumm is going to one very hot club this fall. Most of the club-going people who live in the city spend the summer out of town (Hamptons, Fire Island, etc.) so August is a nice time to relax. The lack of people also provides the opportunity to check out some of the places that are likely going to be very popular come fall, without dealing with all the crowds and riffraff. Plumm is one of those places. The club has two levels with different music on each floor. The upstairs DJ usually spins a combination of rock, dance, and hip hop while the downstairs is mostly reggae and rap. This past Saturday was my second time there this summer and I can assure you that I will be going back again soon!

Say goodbye to Pluto? ::UPDATE::

Its official: Pluto is no longer considered a planet!

As a follow up to my August 15th post, astronomers have declared that Pluto is no longer a planet. The decision was made by a group of scientist’s called the Astronomical Union. These scientists agreed that in order to be a planet, a celestial body must have an orbit around the sun, must have ``sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces,'' and should ``clear the neighborhood around its orbit''. Apparently Pluto doesn’t fit the bill and has been given the boot. Oh well, Pluto we hardly knew ya'!

TSA = Totally Sucks Ass

Has anyone else noticed how incompetent the TSA is? It's almost a miracle that there hasn’t been another terrorist incident with those people in charge of things. The pre 9-11 luggage screeners were the most moronic high school drop-outs in America, yet thankfully they were "at will" employees. After the horrific events of 9-11, I, like many others, assumed that there would be sweeping changes with regards to airport safety. I was personally overjoyed when I heard that all the "old school" baggage screeners were being let go and replaced with Federal Employees. Much to my chagrin, when I took my first post 9-11 flight I was floored when I saw that the very same idiotic high school drop-outs were still there, yet this time they had a TSA patch on their sleeve. Does anyone else have a problem with this?? Did these people somehow become MORE qualified by simply putting on a new uniform?? I am firmly of the belief that if someone can’t spell the word "bomb" then they should be in no position to try and find one hidden in someone's luggage.

Do I have a solution? OF COURSE I DO! Let’s imagine for a minute that you are a terrorist. The first line of defense in the airport is the security checkpoints manned by the TSA. Would you be scared of those people? Would those lazy, fat, uneducated "screeners" deter you from your goal of killing people? The answer is of course NO. We need to look at what the Israelis are doing. Instead of placing bumbling morons at checkpoints, we need to have SOLDIERS with GUNS stationed there. A show of force and intimidation is what will deter terrorists, not overpaid idiots talking in "street slang" to one another.

I propose we use the National Guard and the reserves to man all airports in the United States. First of all the visual deterrent is extremely powerful. Secondly, they are already being paid so we would save millions of dollars that would be going towards the salaries of the TSA. This money could then be put into further security measures such as new improved screening machines that detect explosives. It could also be put towards buying more trained dogs, given that they can cost upwards of $25,000 each! The most important reason is that a trained soldier, especially one that has seen combat, is far more likely to spot and stop a terrorist than any TSA junkie out there.

Sail Away, Sail Away....

Yesterday we did some serious boating. From the Shoreby Club it only takes approximately 15 minutes (by boat) to be in the center of downtown Cleveland. For those who have never been there, Cleveland is a city on Lake Erie and has a river that runs through its center. Boats can sail into the city and then dock at the bars/restaurants that line the river. Most of these establishments are geared towards serving boat-dwelling customers, so the experience is quite unique.

Ho Ho Ho!

We ended up extending our stay in Cleveland (Bratenahl) by one extra day. The weather was fantastic, the drinks were great, and the food was delicious. The first evening we were there was called Harbor Fest, and during this "Fest" they have a party called Christmas in August. As you would expect, the theme was Christmas and so all the boats are decorated with lights and dancing Santa’s. Overall it was an awesome time, and very relaxing to boot!

PS. The picture shown is NOT one I took in Ohio. I am having trouble uploading the real one.

Land O' Lakes

Today I am off to Cleveland for a double birthday extravaganza. Due to the nature of my travels, I will most likely not be able to update the blog until Sunday at the earliest. Fear not my faithful readers, I shall return with stories and news aplenty!

The return of TechTV?

Well......sort of. For those who don’t know, TechTV was one of the best television networks ever conceived. It was staffed by a super geeky crew who were actually EXCITED about the technology content they discussed. The network acquired a cult following during its relatively short run. Then, almost out of nowhere Comcast completely lobotomized the network and ruined it. The good shows were cut, the talent was fired/left, and the network's audience (male 18-36) was alienated. In its place, Comcast started airing mindless blather geared towards (in my opinion) kids under the age of 14. The good news? TechTV is being reborn as UndoTV.com and will be broadcast on the internet. This will enable them to keep the cost as minimal as possible while still providing the awesome content we all love and miss.

Click HERE to read more about it.

Say goodbye to Pluto?

Pluto's designation as a planet is currently under discussion in Prague. After 76 years scientists are questioning if it actually qualifies as a true planet. Apparently another recently discovered planet with the easy to remember name of 2003UB313 is attempting to steal away all of Pluto's glory. As of this moment the 2500 member committee (all astronomers) is at a stalemate, so Pluto is safe for the mean time.

Holy smokes!

For those who don’t know, Dell has just recalled 4.1 million laptop batteries. This is the largest consumer electronics recall in history, due to the batteries being prone to explode. There are some pretty dramatic video clips of this happening floating around on the internet. The risk of being burned is very real, and a faulty Dell laptop actually caused a pickup truck in Nevada to explode! It seems that this could be the beginning of a larger recall, as the batteries were built by Sony and used in a number of other laptops as well.

Better pay your rent on time!

I just uncovered a very intriguing story about a group of debt collectors in Lagos, Nigeria. The group actually uses hyena's and baboons as their "muscle" when someone hasnt paid for their goods, rent, or services. Apparently a photographer named Pieter Hugo heard about these people and went to Nigeria to meet and photograph them himself. All I can say is that if you owe money this is the LAST guy you want to see!!

I LIKE my carry on luggage....

Just when I was beginning to be able to deal with air travel, yet another incident has occurred that shakes my confidence regarding this method of travel. The Islamic extremists have now come up with a way to take down an airplane using something as innocuous as a bottle of water. The very fact that these monsters are innovating new ways to murder hundred (if not thousands) of innocent people is highly disturbing. If nothing, it should be a wake up call to those of the belief that "if we pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan the terrorists will leave us alone". That statement of ignorant bliss is what has led us to the current state of affairs. We must crush these terrorists at every chance we get. All of society must carefully watch what is happening in Europe and the Middle East and realize that the terrorists plan on bringing this carnage HERE, as soon as they have the opportunity.

Lieberman drops the Dems

Senator Joseph Lieberman officially dropped the title of "Democrat" today, according to the associated press. He is now going to be flying under the Independent banner from now on. Sources are reporting that in recent months Sen. Lieberman has increasingly been at odds with his former party and has disagreed with many core issues. This incident clearly illustrates the leftist trend of "Liberalization" within today's Democratic Party. Lieberman, who was once one of the Democrats "top guys" decided to take a stand against what he saw happening within his own party, and how it was hurting America. Congratulations Joe! Now let’s see if we can get some more of your former friends to come to their senses.

Excuse me sir, you dropped your octopus

In what was likely one of the stranger things that your average Texan encounters in a given day, the interstate turned into a zoo. A vehicle that was transporting penguins, fish, and an octopus overturned while en-route from Indianapolis to Galveston spilling the creatures onto the interstate during rush hour. Unfortunately a few of the penguins and most of the fish were killed, although the octous will live to see another day. I guess that when they say "Don't mess with Texas" they are'nt kidding!

Georgia Congresswoman McKinney gets the BOOT!!

In what is sure to be a good day for the rest of the country, the racist/offensive/moronic excuse for a politician Cynthia McKinney has lost the democratic primary. For those who don’t remember, she is the Congresswoman who assaulted a Capitol Hill police officer after being asked for ID as she ran through a checkpoint without so much as stopping or acknowledging who she was. After the incident became public, she actually had the nerve to suggest that the policeman’s actions were racially motivated (because only racist police would stop a raving lunatic that attempted to rush into congress without an ID and without stopping when asked by authorities). As if that repugnant display wasn’t enough, she has also gone on record saying that the Bush administration knew about and allowed the 9/11 attacks to happen. All I can say is GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

NYC Subway podcasts??

I noticed a poster on the subway today that advertised MTA "TransitTrax" podcasts. What exactly do they podcasts contain you ask? Well for starters, they provide you information about service advisories, MetroCard information, safety tips, etique tips (seriously), news and construction updates. It all seems a bit strange to me, but hey if it works for you go for it! Read more about it at Gizmodo (a personal favorite of mine).

Is it Friday yet?

Sometimes people get a case of the "Monday's", or at least that's what I hear. I look at Monday in a positive way, given that as soon as it's over it can't come again for another week! One Monday complaint however, HOW COME THERE IS NEVER ANYTHING ON TV, EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE 1000 CHANNELS????

Something stinks.....

Sorry I didnt update the blog yesterday, things just seemed to keep coming up! Either way, Sunday was quite uneventful. I ended up seeing two more movies since my last post; End Game (staring Cuba Gooding Jr, James Woods, and Angie Harmon) and 16 Blocks (staring Bruce Willis and Mos Def). Both movies sucked royally, and I didnt even make it through all of 16 Blocks. Other than that, the weekend wrapped itself up nicely.

EDIT: The picture refers to the quality of the "movies"

Movie Night

Staying in and watching movies tonight. Decided to watch Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Although the movie kind of sucked, it did have a cool opening sequence. I give it maybe 1.5 out of 5 stars.

*picture sent from my mobile device*

Here we go again....

Another day another hot dog. I wanted to switch it up a little today, so I went to see my friendly neighborhood hotdog vendor Sami. Sami owns a Sabret hot dog cart on the corner of 86th Street and 5th Avenue, and I usually just get an NYC pretzel from him. Back in my younger days I would eat "dirty water dogs" quite often, but I dont think I have had one in over 5 years. Today was the day to break the fast, and I went and bought one for lunch. They are pretty tasty I must admit, although you wont find anywhere near the number of topings that Papaya King has. All in all it was a great gastronomical trip back to yesteryear, and I might need to do it again soon!

*picture sent from my mobile device* 

Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm huntin' squirrels!

I guess the phrase "it's a dog's life" certainly applies here. He had a great time hunting his favorite critters in the park this afternoon; SQUIRRELS. Those frisky little rascals always seem to be just out of reach as he races around a tree or tries to sneak up on them from behind. Perhaps one day he will catch one, although I am not entirely sure what he would do with it after that. At least we dont have to worry about "wascaly wabbits" here in NYC!


*picture sent from my mobile device*

Lunch Part 2

Another day another meal. This time I invite you to feast your eyes on a delectable slice of pizza from Mimi's on Lexington and 83rd Street. This was another wonderfully balanced meal that I am proud to report went down without a hitch. I happen to enjoy Snapple a great deal, and a greasy/cheesy slice only enhances its appeal.

*picture sent from my mobile device*

Make a wish!

This is a picture I took of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. Rumor has it that if you visit the fountain it is good luck to throw in three coins and make three wishes. I only had one coin with me, so I guess I will only get one third of the luck I am entitled to receive! The good thing is that my wife DID have three coins to make her wishes, so in the end everything worked out great.

Lunch of champions...

For those who dont know, Papaya King (East 86th Street NYC) is the power food for mobile bloggers on the go. While I only had one hotdog today, it contains all the 5 food groups in one easy to eat meal: relish, fried onions, meat, mustard, and bread. Top it all off with a soda and you are good to go!

*picture sent from my mobile device*

Drinking Champagne is Eze

I took this picture from a terrace on a 1000 year old monastery on the south coast of France. The building is in a town called Eze (hence the joke in the title), and has since been converted into a luxury hotel. The road you see running along the coast connects Nice (France) to Monte-Carlo (Monaco) and has a lot of these quaint places to stop along the way.

Looks like snow.....

Did anyone notice how hot it was/is today?? The current temperature here in NYC is showing as 95 degrees, with a "feels like" reading of 106! This is certainly the warmest its been here in a while. I had the "pleasure" of seeing some chick rolling around in a fountain in Washington Square Park this afternoon; right next to a homeless guy with no shoes and a dog. While I am all for people cooling off when its hot, people need to understand that there is a REASON public (and private!) pools use chlorine. Right before I snapped this picture the girl was laying in the fountain, completely sumberged (including her head) while laying on her back. After she surfaced she had a nice chat with the super clean and delightfully smelling homeless guy you can see hovering over her. Shortly after that a dog walked on through the fountain. Unbeleivably, shortly after all of THAT a lady let her infant son run around naked in this same tepid pool of filth. Some people are a bit too crazy for me!!!