Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My Obama Sign
Sometime after dark on the night of June 10/11, somebody stole my Obama sign.
Swiped it right off my front lawn, probably put it in the back of a jacked up pickup truck with an American flag decal in the back window and drove off listening to Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten," hootin' and hollerin'.
"Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right."
Yeeeee-Hawwwwww!
I wish I had caught 'em. Caught them taking my Obama sign and the others that once stood tall on front lawns in this small town, harmlessly proclaiming a preference during this contentious time, as American as that American flag on the back window of the jacked up pickup truck.
I don't know what I would have said to them, had I caught them. It would have been hard for me not to beat the living hell out of them, but I suspect had I tried, I would have gotten the hell beat out of ME. And they would have been hootin' and hollerin' the same time.
Can you hear it?
The music?
It's Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten" playing from those speakers in that truck that holds my fucking Obama sign.
"Have you forgotten how if felt that day
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away?"
I haven't.
That's why I put the Obama sign in my yard.
Swiped it right off my front lawn, probably put it in the back of a jacked up pickup truck with an American flag decal in the back window and drove off listening to Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten," hootin' and hollerin'.
"Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right."
Yeeeee-Hawwwwww!
I wish I had caught 'em. Caught them taking my Obama sign and the others that once stood tall on front lawns in this small town, harmlessly proclaiming a preference during this contentious time, as American as that American flag on the back window of the jacked up pickup truck.
I don't know what I would have said to them, had I caught them. It would have been hard for me not to beat the living hell out of them, but I suspect had I tried, I would have gotten the hell beat out of ME. And they would have been hootin' and hollerin' the same time.
Can you hear it?
The music?
It's Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten" playing from those speakers in that truck that holds my fucking Obama sign.
"Have you forgotten how if felt that day
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away?"
I haven't.
That's why I put the Obama sign in my yard.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Obama Rally
These photos were taken at the Barack Obama rally in Mitchell, S.D., Sunday afternoon, June 1 with my wife's little Canon Elf 600.
You think he's good on TV, you should hear him in person.
You think he's good on TV, you should hear him in person.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Love it
This is from the Feb. 13, 1908 edition of the Freeman Courier:
An old man lately said that when we see so many young men with their hair parted in the middle and hanging down over their foreheads so as to obscure every trace of intellect and so many young women with their hair all frizzly-frowsly and flopping around over their face in fifty different directions, we are not surprised that the followers of Darwin are now positively sure that mankind descended from the monkey.
Classic.
An old man lately said that when we see so many young men with their hair parted in the middle and hanging down over their foreheads so as to obscure every trace of intellect and so many young women with their hair all frizzly-frowsly and flopping around over their face in fifty different directions, we are not surprised that the followers of Darwin are now positively sure that mankind descended from the monkey.
Classic.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Punk-Ass
Just saw a press conference with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady following the 27-24 win over Baltimore. He's a punk-ass, and I hope he breaks a leg next Sunday. Seriously.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
A Way With Words (Read This Now)
I came across the wonderful piece as I was scanning Couriers from 100 years ago. It was published Nov. 28, 1907 and appears to have been written by then-publisher J.J. Mendel, who was widely known for his way with words. This is Mendel at his best. It is humorous, entertaining, poetic and touching all at once. It's long but well worth the read. I now keep a copy in the folds of my wallet:
There are times when every thing seems to go wrong. From seven o'clock a.m. till 10 p.m. affairs are in a twist. You rise in the morning and the room is cold and a button is off and the beefsteak is tough and the stove smokes and pipes burst, and you start down the street nettled from head to foot. All day long things are adverse. The ink bottle upsets and spoils the carpet. Someone gives a wrong turn to the damper and the gas escapes. An agent comes in determined to insure your life, when it is already insured for more than it is worth, and you are afraid someone will knock you on the head to get the pride of your policy, but he sticks to you, showing you pictures of Old Time, the hour glass, and the death's scythe, making it quite certain that you will die before your time unless you take our papers in his company. Besides this you have a cold in your head, a grain of dirt in your eye and you are walking uneasy. The day is out of joint and no surgeon can set it. Be careful and not write any letters while you are in that terrible mood. You will pen some things in the way of criticism or fault findings that you will be sorry for after wards. The table would be poorly set that had on it nothing but treacle. We need little vinegar, mustard, pepper and horseradish that brings the tears even when we do not feel pathetic. If this world were all smoothness we should never be ready for emigration to a higher and better world. Blustering March and weeping April prepare us for shining May. This world is a poor hitching post; instead of trying fast on the cold, cold mountains, we had better whip up and hasten on toward the inn, where our good friends are looking out of the window watching for us to come up.
There are times when every thing seems to go wrong. From seven o'clock a.m. till 10 p.m. affairs are in a twist. You rise in the morning and the room is cold and a button is off and the beefsteak is tough and the stove smokes and pipes burst, and you start down the street nettled from head to foot. All day long things are adverse. The ink bottle upsets and spoils the carpet. Someone gives a wrong turn to the damper and the gas escapes. An agent comes in determined to insure your life, when it is already insured for more than it is worth, and you are afraid someone will knock you on the head to get the pride of your policy, but he sticks to you, showing you pictures of Old Time, the hour glass, and the death's scythe, making it quite certain that you will die before your time unless you take our papers in his company. Besides this you have a cold in your head, a grain of dirt in your eye and you are walking uneasy. The day is out of joint and no surgeon can set it. Be careful and not write any letters while you are in that terrible mood. You will pen some things in the way of criticism or fault findings that you will be sorry for after wards. The table would be poorly set that had on it nothing but treacle. We need little vinegar, mustard, pepper and horseradish that brings the tears even when we do not feel pathetic. If this world were all smoothness we should never be ready for emigration to a higher and better world. Blustering March and weeping April prepare us for shining May. This world is a poor hitching post; instead of trying fast on the cold, cold mountains, we had better whip up and hasten on toward the inn, where our good friends are looking out of the window watching for us to come up.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Things I've Learned
One of the regular features in Esquire magazine, which I will subscribe to until my earthly life ends (and hope that I can find one on a coffee table somewhere in the afterlife) is called “The Things I’ve Learned.” It’s always informative, entertaining and can be inspirational. Here’s my version … with respect to Esquire.
-
Given the choice between the dime store on the corner and the giant, discount super center down the street, I’m taking the dime store every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
The best rock ‘n roll money can buy still comes courtesy of Led Zeppelin.
As a photographer, I’ve learned that 99 percent of people look best when they’re smiling. The other 1 percent happen to be models.
The 42-inch plasma screen is a fantastic buy. But spring for the 50.
You get what you pay for — especially when it comes to cooking knives, speakers and shoes.
If everybody would just take a deep breath and slow down, imagine how many car accidents, divorces and wars could be avoided.
Don’t give up the bigger slice of the pie. Give up the whole thing. It’ll come back to you.
Stand up for your rights, because if you give ‘em an inch, they’ll take a constitution. The most important sovereignty in the history of the world is the sovereignty of the individual.
Go ahead and turn up the music. But know when it’s time to turn it down.
Baseball and golf are the greatest sports ever invented. Everything else is just background noise.
You know the men and women who work behind the meat counter at large grocery stores? Most of them love their jobs and want nothing more than to see you get exactly what you want. The least you can do is say please and thank you.
Flying sucks. It’s time for a complete re-evaluation of the railroad system; we need to find that train ticket again.
Take it easy on the jalapenos. Not everybody likes your chili as spicy as you do.
Think about the things in life that make you happy. Every day.
If you've got something you've learned, please share it with the rest of us!
-
Given the choice between the dime store on the corner and the giant, discount super center down the street, I’m taking the dime store every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
The best rock ‘n roll money can buy still comes courtesy of Led Zeppelin.
As a photographer, I’ve learned that 99 percent of people look best when they’re smiling. The other 1 percent happen to be models.
The 42-inch plasma screen is a fantastic buy. But spring for the 50.
You get what you pay for — especially when it comes to cooking knives, speakers and shoes.
If everybody would just take a deep breath and slow down, imagine how many car accidents, divorces and wars could be avoided.
Don’t give up the bigger slice of the pie. Give up the whole thing. It’ll come back to you.
Stand up for your rights, because if you give ‘em an inch, they’ll take a constitution. The most important sovereignty in the history of the world is the sovereignty of the individual.
Go ahead and turn up the music. But know when it’s time to turn it down.
Baseball and golf are the greatest sports ever invented. Everything else is just background noise.
You know the men and women who work behind the meat counter at large grocery stores? Most of them love their jobs and want nothing more than to see you get exactly what you want. The least you can do is say please and thank you.
Flying sucks. It’s time for a complete re-evaluation of the railroad system; we need to find that train ticket again.
Take it easy on the jalapenos. Not everybody likes your chili as spicy as you do.
Think about the things in life that make you happy. Every day.
If you've got something you've learned, please share it with the rest of us!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Past is Everywhere
Ran into an old, dear friend outside a small store along a busy highway in my beautiful hometown Saturday afternoon. She looked stunning and strong, just like I remember, and sounded the same. It had been years, I'm ashamed to say, since I had a meaningful conversation with her; time had gotten in the way, and there was no way around it. But here we were, after too much silence, standing in the cool fall air, her smoking her Marlboro Light, me wishing I could join in the fun. We exchanged pleasantries and asked the right questions, yet this was no by-the-book, chance encounter. This was a run-in that made me miss my old friends and think about the time that today lies between us, like dirty leaves along a quiet highway. As much as I love the way the world looks today, I loved the way it looked back then, years ago, where there was nothing stopping us from growing up in the manner we chose, and doing it like there was nothing to lose. Seeing her brought back a flood of memories that I cherish, and made me realize how fleeting life can be. Seeing her, and seeing how much she has changed, made me realize how much I have changed. Two souls reconnected one fall afternoon along a busy highway near a very small town. We shivered in the cold and retreated to our warm worlds. This evening, I drink to her, and I think about the warm worlds of another time.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
My dream
So I had this dream last night ...
I needed a weekend away so I hit the road by myself for Minneapolis to see a Twins game. But before heading to the game I stopped by your place (for some reason you and Roy Boy were living in the Twin Cities) to say hi. We talked. You showed me your new TV. Your friends who were having a bridal shower decided to stop by. I needed directions to the ballpark.
Roy decided to drive me there, but then realized his drivers license had been revoked. So we hopped on a couple of bicycles and he showed me the way. On our way back to the home to pick up my car to go back to the ballpark a gang of Indians on bikes surrounded us and started heckling Roy. They cornered him and got him into a back ally and began beating him up. I scurried back to your house and we quickly called 911.
The 911 operater told me they had already taken care of it and had Roy at the police station to file a report. Before we knew it he was at the door all bloodied and bruised but OK. We gave him a hug and, through his sobs, he said ...
"I just wish somebody would tell me where my pants are."
I swear that's true.
I needed a weekend away so I hit the road by myself for Minneapolis to see a Twins game. But before heading to the game I stopped by your place (for some reason you and Roy Boy were living in the Twin Cities) to say hi. We talked. You showed me your new TV. Your friends who were having a bridal shower decided to stop by. I needed directions to the ballpark.
Roy decided to drive me there, but then realized his drivers license had been revoked. So we hopped on a couple of bicycles and he showed me the way. On our way back to the home to pick up my car to go back to the ballpark a gang of Indians on bikes surrounded us and started heckling Roy. They cornered him and got him into a back ally and began beating him up. I scurried back to your house and we quickly called 911.
The 911 operater told me they had already taken care of it and had Roy at the police station to file a report. Before we knew it he was at the door all bloodied and bruised but OK. We gave him a hug and, through his sobs, he said ...
"I just wish somebody would tell me where my pants are."
I swear that's true.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
On the auction block
It was nestled between a rugged cedar wardrobe and an rusty electric kitchen knife, and all it took was a simple fleeting glance from the corner of my eye to know that this auction item was a must have. Like a voice from the heavens, the JVC AZI auto-return turntable in chrome casing and accompanying Akai 2-channel, 170 watt amplifier called out my name, like a Great Flood was coming and I was to build an ark. OK - that's a stretch. But this stereo system not only appeared to be extremely well-made, but in nearly mint condition. My decision to go auctioning on this particular Tuesday afternoon was a grand one, because the one thing I love more than records is record players, especially a sweet one like this. I set my spending limit and anxiously waited for the auctioneers to get to the JVC/Akai combination, and when they did I started in immediately. Fifteen seconds and $12.50 later it was mine. I practically peed my pants. I suspect Led Zeppelin will look especially good taking a spin on this sweet ride.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Daughter
"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." -Elizabeth Stone
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
756
Barry Bonds hit home run No. 756 last night. I was asleep. I did, however, catch extensive coverage of the great milestone on Sportscenter, and found myself happy for the guy. I'm not a Barry fan, and it has nothing to do with the notion that he used performance enhancing drugs. I remember hearing a story from way back when he played for the Pirates; a young fan approached Bonds after a game in which the slugger had played particularly poorly. On his way off the field Barry approached a young fan in the stands who had been yelling for him to come over and sign a baseball. Barry did, but instead of sign it, he threw it into center field before retiring to the clubhouse. Imagine how that young boy must have felt! There are numerous other stories that convey what a jerk the guy really is. Actually, I don't give a you-know-what if he used steroids. He's a bad guy regardless. Still, watching Sportscenter this morning, I found myself happy for the Barry, probably because the all-time home run record is the greatest record in all of sports. I guess my reaction has far more to do with my love of sports than it does for my respect for Barry Bonds. I just hope A-Rod catches him, and soon.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Colorado Life
The wet mountains of Colorado contrast against these sunflowers found along a gravel road near Westcliffe. Summer of 2005. PHOTO BY JEREMY WALTNER
Home Sweet Home
So Stacey and I bought a new house - a monster, 5-bedroom, 2-bath place with a large living room, larger dining room, decent sized kitchen and, full finished basement and one whopping yard. It's a sweet old place (built in 1926) with original oak floors throughout the main level and loads of character. It needs some work, but for the most part is in good shape. We close Sept. 15, but the sale is contingent on us selling our home. That process is underway. Anybody looking for a good, little home?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Lost
Today is Wednesday, which means that tonight we will have what is sure to be another extraordinary episode of television's best drama, Lost.
As a television junkie I'm thrilled we live in an age of truly great TV. Shows today are better than the mainstream shows that aired when I was growing up in the 80s, particularly network dramas. When 24 debuted in 2001 it changed the way drama was done; it was no longer just about cop and medical show. Suddenly there was real meat behind television. With the serial drama, television became more cerebral, and that's always a good thing. Without 24, we wouldn't have Lost or Heroes, and without Lost or Heroes, television drama would be dry.
Am I rambling?
All I'm saying is that TV in 2007 is awesome. And on top of everything else, we have arguably the greatest television comedy of all time - The Office - going stronger than ever.
In honor of this, here are my top 5 network dramas of all time, followed by my top 5 comedies of all time.
NOTE: Heroes is not on the list simply because I haven't been watching. But I KNOW it's worthy of the list, and plan on catching up on DVD.
DRAMAS
5. Law and Order
4. ER
3. X-Files
2. 24
1. Lost
COMEDYS
5. Friends
4. Cheers
3. Family Ties
2. Seinfeld
1. The Office
As a television junkie I'm thrilled we live in an age of truly great TV. Shows today are better than the mainstream shows that aired when I was growing up in the 80s, particularly network dramas. When 24 debuted in 2001 it changed the way drama was done; it was no longer just about cop and medical show. Suddenly there was real meat behind television. With the serial drama, television became more cerebral, and that's always a good thing. Without 24, we wouldn't have Lost or Heroes, and without Lost or Heroes, television drama would be dry.
Am I rambling?
All I'm saying is that TV in 2007 is awesome. And on top of everything else, we have arguably the greatest television comedy of all time - The Office - going stronger than ever.
In honor of this, here are my top 5 network dramas of all time, followed by my top 5 comedies of all time.
NOTE: Heroes is not on the list simply because I haven't been watching. But I KNOW it's worthy of the list, and plan on catching up on DVD.
DRAMAS
5. Law and Order
4. ER
3. X-Files
2. 24
1. Lost
COMEDYS
5. Friends
4. Cheers
3. Family Ties
2. Seinfeld
1. The Office
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Bread, wine and tornadoes
Here's what happened last night:
It had been a rainy Saturday and the forecast called for continuing rain with the possibility of severe thunderstorms through the late afternoon/evening hours and into the night. I'm lovin' in because I love storms. Sure enough; radar indicates several fast-moving cells working their way up from Nebraska into southeastern South Dakota. They're headed our way. 5:50 p.m. The alert whistle blows, just as Stacey, Ella and I are getting ready to head over to mops and pops for supper. I'm pumped. Stacey's freaked. We head over to the folks'. Power goes out. The gray lights grows darker. Mr. Weatherman says a major storm cell is headed right for Freeman. Tornado warning is in effect for our county. We go to the basement. With the power out the warning sirens can't sound. Soon we hear firetrucks driving through city streets with rescue personnel on bullhorns: "Tornado warning," they say through the dark gray air. "Take cover." Eerie! It's POURING. I'm pumped. Stacey's freaked. Dad and I head out with cameras. Get a shot. We retreat. Mom's worried about grandma. We tear over there to to check on her. Lightning is cracking all around us. It's POURING. Grandma's OK but mom tells her to get to the basement. Back to the house. BREATH ... BREATH ...
It was freakin' awesome.
In the end, no tornadoes came (not to Freeman, anyhow). The power came back on shortly thereafter, the all-clear siren sounded, and dinner was served! Grilled sausage, grilled vegies, bread and wine. Perfect. The whole experience was wonderful. Stacey would have you believe differently, of course, but she hates storms.
Press her, however, and you might just get her to admit that last night's experience was pretty cool.
It was that and more.
It had been a rainy Saturday and the forecast called for continuing rain with the possibility of severe thunderstorms through the late afternoon/evening hours and into the night. I'm lovin' in because I love storms. Sure enough; radar indicates several fast-moving cells working their way up from Nebraska into southeastern South Dakota. They're headed our way. 5:50 p.m. The alert whistle blows, just as Stacey, Ella and I are getting ready to head over to mops and pops for supper. I'm pumped. Stacey's freaked. We head over to the folks'. Power goes out. The gray lights grows darker. Mr. Weatherman says a major storm cell is headed right for Freeman. Tornado warning is in effect for our county. We go to the basement. With the power out the warning sirens can't sound. Soon we hear firetrucks driving through city streets with rescue personnel on bullhorns: "Tornado warning," they say through the dark gray air. "Take cover." Eerie! It's POURING. I'm pumped. Stacey's freaked. Dad and I head out with cameras. Get a shot. We retreat. Mom's worried about grandma. We tear over there to to check on her. Lightning is cracking all around us. It's POURING. Grandma's OK but mom tells her to get to the basement. Back to the house. BREATH ... BREATH ...
It was freakin' awesome.
In the end, no tornadoes came (not to Freeman, anyhow). The power came back on shortly thereafter, the all-clear siren sounded, and dinner was served! Grilled sausage, grilled vegies, bread and wine. Perfect. The whole experience was wonderful. Stacey would have you believe differently, of course, but she hates storms.
Press her, however, and you might just get her to admit that last night's experience was pretty cool.
It was that and more.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
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