Loudon Wainwright III-Presidents'Day recorded in 2004 for that election but finally its last lines have to come true!We got through Christmas and Thanksgiving too
Halloween wasn't hard - you don't have to be you
But it's there on the calendar just a few days away
The date I dread in Feb. is Presidents' Day
Sent out some Valentines - and I got back a few
This month has 29 days "whoopdeedoo!"
I'm not even religious but I'm gonna pray
That this year we make it through Presidents' Day
George was the first one - Abe was the best
Libraries and airports named after the rest
But this year I'm queasy about Presidents' Day
For there's been more than one George I'm sorry to say
In the paper it says there's a sale and you know
It's "10% off" so we all oughta go
Get us a good deal the American way
But my country's a mystery on Presidents' Day
You sure gotta wonder what these guys are for
With their tax cuts and their budgets... how they took us to war
Gotta love a long weekend - sure that's safe to say
But for me it's Blue Monday on Presidents' Day
George was the father - Abe set 'em free
That's the reason that he got shot obviously
And November is coming and the 2nd's the day
Please no more of George is all I have to say
And Christmas is coming and Thanksgiving too
And I'll be 58 - yeah it's sad but it's true
And next year at this time I sure hope I can say
I feel a lot better about Presidents' Day
(with no George in the White House - Oh Happy Day!)
No George in the White House next President's Day!!!
Loudon Wainwright III- Presidents' Day [download]
Showing posts with label fake national holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fake national holidays. Show all posts
Monday, February 18, 2008
Happy President's Day!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Point of Valentines Day For A Lot of Guys
after all the chocolate, flowers dinners and other Valentines Day cliches
I’m not even sure how I came upon this video but two young men seek to answer a question of utmost importance regarding oral sex or intercourse
From the youtube description
Me and Mike ask Katie why do some females treat oral sex more special than intercourse
(the relevant part of this video is within the first 5 minutes- the rest is even more boring, and that insult to Kurt Cobain was uncalled for)
I guess it’s different for everyone but I really don’t get where girls who view intercourse as less “special” than oral, coming from- for me and (a few of) my friends it’s the complete opposite. Especially when you’re not with a boyfriend. Don’t mean to be so whorish but I’d much quicker go down on a guy then go to bed with him, I don’t know maybe its because I’m lazy, it seems safer and far less intimate/non committal or I just have an oral fetish. Sometimes when I’m out and drunk it’s so much simpler and I don’t mind it. Sometimes I think of it as a challenge… but I’d think my ratio is at like 4 to 1. Though I totally get that it can be thought of as demeaning or degrading and I’ve felt that way too, that it’s like a chore
But I am certain that I haven’t reached 37 yet
A True Love
This is such a lovely and "awww" story for any day really but especially on this Holiday to Love. I've italicized things i loved
from the BBC
Couple counts 80 Valentine's days
Britain's longest living married couple, celebrating their 80th Valentine's Day, say a kiss every night is the secret of keeping love alive.
Frank and Anita Milford met in 1926 and married two years later. They live together in a care home in Plymouth.
Frank, who was 100 at the end of January, said: "We don't go in for big Valentine's Day gestures, being in love is something you do every day.
"At our age that's all you need, just us together, no big fuss," he said.
Anita, who is 98, says they still have little disagreements on a daily basis.
She said: "Not big rows, just the odd cross word. As far as I'm concerned, it's healthy."
The couple have two children, Marie and Frank, who are now in their 70s, and are grandparents and great grandparents several times over.
Married at Torpoint in Cornwall, they lived in a three-bedroomed bungalow in Plymouth for over 70 years before they decided to move into their care home in 2005.
One of their secrets for a long and happy marriage is to "share a little kiss" every night before bed.
Anita said: "It's our golden rule."
Frank said: "To win over your sweetheart you need a dose of old-fashioned chivalry and don't let your standards slip.
"We do everything together even after nearly 80 years."
Anita added: "Couples these days don't last long because they often don't take enough time for each other.
"There just isn't enough respect, love is about give and take.
"Our advice to young couples would be to make time for a little romance every day."
On 26 May, the couple will have equalled the record for the longest British marriage, held by Percy and Florence Arrowsmith, from Hereford, who were married for 80 years.
Stories like that really are so beautiful and give me hope that perhaps there is someone out there for each of us. It's a wonderful thought...a love like that...
Btw those pictures are Anita and Frank then and now
Sphere: Related Content
How F*cking Romantic- The Bitter Valentines Day MixTape
In case you didn’t realize it there are a mountain range worth of songs that mention love so I’ve rethought my valentine’s day playlist plan.
So here’s Part 3 of a Tri Part Journey (part 1 "What is Love" here and here is part 2) where it all falls apart
`Watch this, Lis. You can actually pinpoint the second when his heart rips in half"
- The Magnetic Fields- How Fucking Romantic [download]
- The Flaming Lips -Maybe I'm Not The One [download]
- Kaiser Chiefs -Everyday I Love You Less And Less [download]
- Mary Gauthier - Falling Out Of Love [download]
- Led Zeppelin -Heartbreaker [download]
- Travis - The Humpty Dumpty Love Song [download]
- Elvis Presley -Heartbreak Hotel [download]
- Jens Lekman -I'm Leaving You Because I Don't Love You [download]
- Toni Braxton -Un-Break My Heart [download]
- Fleetwood Mac -Go Your Own Way [download]
- The Carter Family -I Never Will Marry [download]
- Jimmy Scott -I'm Through With Love [download]
how fucking romantic
all the stars are out
twinkling twinkling twinkling
and fluttering about
what a tacky sunset
what a vulgar moon
play another charming
rogers and hart tune
how fucking romantic
must we really waltz?
drag another cliche
howling from the vaults
love you obviously
like you really care
even though you treat me
like a dancing bear
toss your bear a goldfish
as he cycles by
don't forget to feed your
bear or it'll die
Sphere: Related Content
ABC's of Love
A Valentines Day love song.
(Via Best Week Ever )
(from the New York Times)
You Choo-Choo-Choose Me? A Valentines MixTape
In case you didn’t realize it there are a mountain range worth of songs that mention love so I’ve rethought my valentine’s day playlist plan.
So here’s Part 2 of a Tri Part Journey (part 1 "What is Love" here) about the cloying sickness of being in love
- Andre 3000-Happy Valentine's Day [download]
- Etta James-My Funny Valentine [download]
- Frank Sinatra-My Funny Valentine [download]
- Elton John- Can You Feel the Love Tonight? [download]
- John Lennon- Love [download]
- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-Everybody I Love You [download]
- Eva Cassidy - Hallelujah, I Love Him [download]
- Imogen Heap - I Am in Love with You [download]
- Joss Stone -I've Fallen In Love With You [download]
- Frou Frou- It's Good To Be In Love [download]
- Tristan Prettyman- Love, Love, Love [download]
- Eleni Mandel- Meant To Be In Love [download]
but as always heartbreak is just around the corner...
Sphere: Related Content
Love Really Is Strange
Atom Films has a collection of short films that they categorized as “Twisted Love Stories”
Their description is unique and sums up what this is all about quite well so there will be no attempt to improve on it, plus copy/paste is a lot easier than creativity
I may not know what love is, but I'm pretty sure you don't express it by giving someone a teddy bear. When a guy gives his girlfriend a teddy bear for Valentine's Day, that's a warning sign on par with finding frozen body parts in his fridge, or a Jack Johnson mix on his iPod.
Romantic partners prone to cutesy gifts are masking a deep hurt -- a pain so dark and insidious that it's only a matter of time before it drags you down with it. So get out while you can! And may God help you if you're ever given a stuffed animal wearing sunglasses.
While we're on the topic of twisted love, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite twisted love stories here on AtomFilms. Enjoy...
Little Farm directed by Calvin Reeder
Measuring Up directed by Jesse Scaturo
It's perfectly natural to be curious about how you measure up against every man your wife has ever been with, right?
Our Very First Sex Tape directed by Amy Talkington
Intent on spicing up their relationship, a couple decides to film their very own sex tape in a seedy hotel. As the camera rolls, the erotic sparks flame a seemingly vicious battle between the two lovers. Of course, like any battle, it ain't over until it's over. Catch Alex Michel, the original star of ABC's hit reality series, The Bachelor, in his film debut
I Heart Billy directed by Michael Mohan
A teenage girl confesses on-camera about her true love, Billy. Her relationship isn't quite like the other kids' in school, to put it mildly. You'll almost believe their love is pure...
Scrapple directed by Jay & Mark Duplass
How many points is the word f-i-g-h-t? If you love someone — we mean really love someone — do not play word games with them. It'll just turn into a big (and mean) mind game. And then you'll fight. At least, that's what happens with this couple
The One O’Clock directed by Kelsey Kleiman
Bob and Susan have marital problems. He's an unemployed loser; and she, well… she desperately needs some bedroom lovin'. Will their one o'clock therapy session be the cure for what ails them?
(a personal note- teddy bears if given with care and creativity are always a great gift)
Sphere: Related Content
Happy Valentine's Day from the RNC
And they want you tocelebrate with some of these oh so witty cards. Who says Republicans have no hearts or humor?
(I think my favorite is the first one)
The Pit Breakup
In honor of Valentine’s Day here’s a pretty elaborate and entertaining break up, because breaking up is the pits
That stills holds up even after a year- that really was huge especially in the Triangle. Yeah it turned out to be fake but even if you knew that it’s still really cool and funny, which is a rare compliment for me concerning Carolina Kids, but what can I say UNC grads can perpetrate frauds pretty darn well
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
More Exciting Than My Valentine's Day Plans
Good luck, honey!
26 Year old girl wants to date 300 guys (in one day- it's okay she's not a slut, she's trying to set records)
Talk about making the most of your Valentine's Day. Francesca Salcido, a 26-year-old student at San Jose State, plans to do a 24-hour dating marathon on SpeedDate.com. The online video dating service sets users up on as many three-minute first dates as they can stomach, slamming another nail in the coffin of the good old-fashioned in-person blind date. But, like, is anyone going to miss it?
“I love Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate than to be dating all day,” Salcido said in a news release. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll find that special someone so next year I can celebrate in a more traditional way.”
The site's co-founder thinks Salcido can rack up as many as 300 dates in one 24-hour period (her current record is 100). But hold on, 300 dates x three minutes is only 15 hours -- what's she going to be doing for the other nine hours? Eating? Sleeping? Please, what kind of record attempt is this? According to Guinness online, there is not yet a world record for number of dates in a one-day period. So someone's definitely going to break it with all that extra time....
One the other hand, maybe she's budgeting some rest time in there to make sure her 300 dates are actually quality dates. Which is probably smart.
Could you imagine if, out of that 300 she actually found "her one"? That really would be one great story- though if he was like guy 183 and she felt that instantenous spark would she still go on to reach her goal or actually try to get to know him. Love or glory? Such a decision...
and I seriously doubt that falls into this category but this attempt and the efficency of "dating" 300 guys in one day remined me of the most recent ONN news broadcast
Online Dating Helping Pathetic Women Get Their Hopes Crushed More Efficiently
(and it also reminded me of my favorite reality gay couple Rob & Big and their quest to set, I think it was a total of 23 world records in one day and how, not easy but strange and specific and obscure some of these records can be)
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Happy New Year
Wow year 4705 just flew by, didn’t it?
Well welcome to 4706, the Year of The Rat.
I must admit I didn’t know it was this time of year until I noticed the Google logo, but 
now we know and knowing is half the battle.
Let's know some more:
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking
William Shakespeare, and Mozart were all born in the year of the rat.
Fireworks and Family Feasts
At Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.
The Lantern Festival
In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve. In the United States, however, many early Chinese immigrants arrived without their families, and found a sense of community through neighborhood associations instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events.
Chinese New Year ends with the lantern festival on the fifteenth day of the month. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.
In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon—which might stretch a hundred feet long—is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo. Traditionally the dragon is held aloft by young men who dance as they guide the colorful beast through the streets. In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance always takes place on a weekend. In addition, many Chinese-American communities have added American parade elements such as marching bands and floats.
(infoplease)
Some other attributes about The Year of The Rat
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.
According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.
Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen.
Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology.
(don’t ask me what the following necessarily means because I have no clue at all)
| Zodiac Location | 1st |
| Ruling hours | 11pm-1am |
| Direction | North |
| Season and month | Winter, December |
| Chinese Lunar Month For The Rat | December 7 to January 5 |
| Gemstone | Garnet |
| Colors | Black, red, white |
| Lucky Number | 11 |
| Roughly equivalent western sign | Sagittarius[] |
| Polarity | Yang |
| Element | Water |
| Food | Pork, peas, cabbage |
| Positive Traits | Meticulous, intelligent, shrewd, compassionate, charismatic, charming, ambitious, practical, industrious, honest, eloquent, versatile, familial, creative, hard-working, neat, organized, lovers of music, loving. |
| Negative Traits | Controlling, obstinate, resentful, lacks-a-sense-of-humor, manipulative, cruel, vengeful, power-driven, critical, possessive, stingy, bossy, fickle, defensive |
and here is some information about New Year’s Cuisine that is really interesting
like Buddha’s Delight
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
* 4 dried Shiitake or Chinese black mushrooms
* 1/2 cup dried lily buds
* 4 dried bean curd sticks
* 8 ounces bamboo shoots
* 6 fresh water chestnuts
* 2 large carrots
* 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage
* 4 ounces snow peas
* 1/4 cup canned gingko nuts
* 1 knuckle of ginger, crushed
* Sauce:
* 4 tablespoons reserved mushroom soaking liquid or vegetable stock
* 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
* 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* Other:
* Vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying, as needed
* Salt, Accent or MSG to taste
Preparation:
1. In separate bowls, soak the mushrooms, dried lily buds, and dried bean curd sticks in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften. Squeeze out any excess liquid. Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid, straining it if necessary to remove any grit. Remove the stems and cut the mushroom tops in half if desired.
2. Slice the bamboo shoots. Peel and finely chop the water chestnuts. Peel the carrots, cut in half, and cut lengthwise into thin strips. Shred the Napa cabbage. String the snow peas and cut in half. Drain the gingko nuts. Crush the ginger.
3. Combine the reserved mushroom soaking liquid or vegetarian stock with the Chinese rice wine or sherry, dark soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Set aside.
4. Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to the heated wok.
5. When the oil is hot, add the carrots. Stir-fry for 1 minute, and add the dried mushrooms and lily buds. Stir-fry for 1 minute, and add the water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, snow peas and ginger. Stir in the shredded cabbage and gingko nuts. Add the bean curd sticks.
6. Add the sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, turn down the heat and let the vegetables simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and add salt or other seasonings as desired. Serve hot.
And
Nian Gao
Ingredients:
1. 250 g glutinous rice flour, sieved
2. 250 ml water
3. 280 g brown sugar
4. A few bamboo or banana Leaves, run over flame to drive out the moisture (but not burnt)
5. 4-5 10 cm-width round baking tins
6. Some hemp strings
7. Few layers of muslin cloths
Preparation:
1. Mix glutinous rice flour and water into a smooth paste. Add in brown sugar and mix well till sugar is diluted. Leave aside while preparing the containers.
2. Line tins with bamboo or banana leaves (make sure it is cut to a size that has excess on the top and can be folded down to wrap around the edge of the tin). Secure the lining with the hemp strings.
3. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Turn heat to low.
4. Pour the paste mixture into the tins, and steam over the boiling water in the pot on low heat for about 8 hours. Securely warp the lid with muslin cloths so that the water condensation will not drip into the cakes.
5. The New Year Cake will turn into reddish brown colour when cooked. Roll a little ball with a chopstick or fork, coat with some grated coconut, and enjoy it while it's hot. Alternatively, wait till it is cool to get it out of the tins.
Versatility Note:
1. To secure the muslin cloths around the lid, wrap the cloths upward so the corners meet at the top handle. Tie these corners tightly around the handle, and secure them with string if necessary.
2. My aunt used to place a china spoon in the boiling water through the steaming process, so she can tell that the water has not dried up (the spoon in the boiling water knocks against the inside of the pot and make continuous noise). But there was also superstitious saying about the spoon being an agent that drives away evil spirits that may cause the cake a failure.
New Year’s Superstition
Good Luck
- Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
- Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to 'scare away' ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
- Sweets are eaten to ensure the consumer a "sweet" year.
- It is important to have the house completely clean from top to bottom before New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year. (however, as explained below, cleaning the house after New Year's Day is frowned upon)
- Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Asians will often gamble at the beginning of the year, hoping to get luck and prosperity.
- Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
- The night before the new year, bathe yourself in pomelo leaves and some say that you will be healthy for the rest of the new year.
Bad luck
- Buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck amongst some Chinese. The word "shoes" is a homophone for the word for "rough" in Cantonese, or "evil" in Mandarin.
- Buying a pair of pants is considered bad luck. The word "pants” is a homophone for the word for "bitter" in Cantonese. (Although some perceive it to be positive, as the word 'pants'(fu) in Cantonese is also a homophone for the word for "wealth".)
- Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one's own luck (although modern hygienic concerns take precedence over this tradition)
- Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year.
- Talking about death is inappropriate for the first few days of Chinese New Year, as it is considered inauspicious as well.
- Buying books is bad luck because the word for "book" is a homonym to the word "lose".
- Avoid clothes in black and white, as black is a symbol of bad luck, and white is a traditional funeral colour.
"Congratulations and be prosperous"
p.s. Slate has a really good slide show of The New Year.
(and coincidentally with this Italian/American Mafia bust I’m sure a few rats were or will be involved. dov'e l'onore?) Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
It’s Kind of a Big Deal
It’s Carolina Day the first of the two most important scheduled days of a Dukie’s year, it's almost a sacred day consecrated with the hate of generations so you have to excuse me for being a little (obsessed) focused.
DBR
Christian Laettner used to say that the Duke-UNC game day had a different feel than any other. He’s right. Waking up and knowing that game is today is a lot like the feeling kids get on Easter Sunday.
It’s not that you’re going to get a bunch of candy, although an Easter basket is a fine way to start a new spring day. There’s just a special feeling about the day, and you don’t have to be particularly religious to feel it.
So for those of us in the Triangle, we wake up a bit giddy, and it doesn’t take long to get out of bed, and we watch the clock drag around in circles until the appointed time arrives.
It’s still kind of amazing to think that it’s such a big deal nationally. We sort of know this, but for us here, it’s a local thing.
Barry Jacobs
Carolina-Duke Rivalry Defines Us
For those joining our communal life already in progress, this is a pinnacle moment during winter in North Carolina. We are ready for Duke and North Carolina to play a basketball game.
This is the event, or more accurately the first of two annually scheduled games, that kindles the greatest wealth of memories and fuels the greatest passions and interest among residents in our neck of the woods. Other contests come and go, but this is the game we count on to be played fiercely, well, and without notable diminution of concentration or effort for as many minutes as the action lasts.
This is the clash that causes old-timers to reminisce most avidly, rattling off names, situations, plays, and results with the fervor of parents bragging on their children.
This is the game we savor, measure seasons by, analyze endlessly before and after the fact. Only the final score is not subject to reinterpretation.
The fine women’s programs at Chapel Hill and Durham actually have performed at a higher level than the men in recent seasons. Yet few people in North Carolina gave Monday’s meeting of ranked women’s squads at Cameron Indoor Stadium more than a passing thought. It was a Duke-Carolina game, but not THE Duke-Carolina game.
Tar Heel coach Sylvia Hatchell reportedly felt it necessary to manufacture a celebration after her squad won handily on national television. She directed the team bus to downtown Chapel Hill, then led a few of her players in throwing toilet paper into two trees. That’s a bit like nominating yourself for an award; the only recognition Hatchell received was a police warning for littering and an admonition to clean up.
Back at Cameron, humbled (well, OK, unhappy) Duke students endured a large contingent of UNC fans whooping it up after the poised Tar Heel women dismantled the Blue Devils. The Crazies replied by chanting, “Wait ‘Til Wednesday!”
That being the day of the first men’s clash. So, there!
Last March a bit of real blood was added to the proverbial bad blood such rivalries generate -- at least among fans – when Gerald Henderson felled North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough with 14.5 seconds remaining in a decisive Tar Heel victory at Chapel Hill.
Hansbrough’s nose was broken by Henderson’s apparently inadvertent blow, requiring the UNC star to wear an uncomfortable protective mask for a handful of games. Video of the foul was replayed endlessly on TV and the Web, and post-game comments were scrutinized like courtroom testimony.
Newcomers may have heard or read something about this incident.
The foul, and feeling about it, elevated the level of anticipation for this year’s initial meeting a few notches above normal.
Normal being a controlled frenzy.
This is big stuff. This is so big, TV’s Dick Vitale aimed his on-air return from throat surgery to coincide with a game he has helped hype to the heavens. This is so big, even Vitale cannot overblow the stature of the rivalry.
Now, to his credit, Vitale may be, oh, shall we say, a bit bombastic, but he does his homework. The man knows an argument can be made that no rivalry in American sports equal this one in terms of talented players and coaches, extensive history, depth of fan interest, and consistent quality of competition.
In fact, the high level of competition in UNC-Duke men’s games could serve as a definition of consistent excellence. Since the advent of the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 1953-54 season, Duke and UNC have met in men’s basketball 143 times. Of those contests, only 3 saw neither team ranked in the top 20 in the AP poll.
That’s one in every 48 games, or 2.1 percent of the time, in which neither team was considered among the nation's best. The last such meeting occurred on February 27, 1960. That is five weeks after N.C. State head coach Sidney Lowe was born, and preceding the birth of three other ACC men’s coaches.
By contrast, in 25 of 143 games (about one in every six), either Duke or Carolina was ranked first in the country. Included was the opener of the Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center in January 1986, won by the top-ranked Tar Heels over No. 3 Duke.
Prior to this season, both squads ranked in the top 10 when they met on 37 occasions, a little better than one game in every four. In such circumstances, the higher-ranked team wins about half the time. Duke is currently #2, North Carolina #3.
Wednesday’s game has the usual tangle of subplots.
Opponents repeatedly try to pound the slighter, perimeter-oriented Blue Devils, who have taken to counting the stitches needed to close their respective wounds. Can Mike Krzyzewski’s aggressive, denial man-to-man defense keep the Tar Heels from getting good looks at the post, where Hansbrough lurks as an often-dominant presence?
North Carolina has been impressive, but not consistently. Will Roy Williams’ Heels be able to prosecute their usual offensive onslaught, best in the ACC, if an ankle injury limits playmaker Ty Lawson’s surpassing quickness with the ball? If Lawson can't play, will a compensatory hero emerge?
And did we mention something about an incident involving Hansbrough and Henderson?
UNC’s Wayne Ellington was Henderson’s high school teammate at The Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, and vouches for his friend’s good nature. The Tar Heel sophomore helped facilitate a few informal games this summer at the Smith Center involving players from the respective squads. Hansbrough and Henderson played in one of them.
“I feel like we have a good enough relationship where we can play pickup,” Hansbrough said recently. The junior insisted the collision of nose and elbow was a matter relegated to the past.
Not for fans, however.
Given the likelihood of ambient hostility, it would be a surpassing act of sportsmanship, and a welcome one, if Hansbrough made a point of publicly shaking hands with Henderson prior to the game. The competition will be sufficiently heated without the taint of hatred.
Then again, harboring grudges, nurturing past slights, aching to get even, is also integral to a rivalry. Wednesday’s loser is sure to begin looking forward to March 8 as soon as the blood, er, perspiration dries. That’s when North Carolina travels to Durham for round two.
Duke-UNC, Round 1
From Duke Blue Planet
A warm, sunny day in Durham welcomes the 224th meeting between Duke and UNC. All of the coverage and hype has focused primarily on Gerald Henderson, Ty Lawson, style of play, and the return of Dick Vitale, overlooking the most important storyline of the game -- the ACC regular-season implications. Duke and UNC have jumped ahead of the pack as we approach today's eight-game midway point in the league. The Blue Devils and Tar Heels have combined for just one ACC loss while every other conference squad has at least three losses in the league. Duke or UNC has won or shared 14 of the past 17 ACC regular-season titles and today's game will have a significant impact on the continuation of that trend.
Duke/UNC in the Polls
- Since the ACC made its debut in 1953, Duke and UNC have met in men’s basketball 143 times. Just three of those 143 games (2.1 percent) saw neither team ranked in the top 20 of the AP Poll. The last such meeting occurred on February 27, 1960.
- In 25 of the 143 games (about one in every six), either Duke or UNC was ranked first in the country.
- Prior to this season, both teams ranked in the top 10 when they met on 37 occasions (26 percent of the time).
- For the sixth time since 1986, Duke and UNC and will meet with both teams ranked among the top three in the country.
Go to Hell Carolina.
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Duke-Carolina: It’s Kind Of Like This
It’s Carolina Day the first of the two most important scheduled days of a Dukie’s year, it's almost a sacred day consecrated with the hate of generations so you have to excuse me for being a little (obsessed) focused.
We’re the good guys (obviously)
Tombstone
Once Upon a Time in the West
Kill Bill 1: The Bride vs O'Ren Ishii
Dumbledore vs. Voldemort
(A personal battle between G-Love and Wayne Hellington)
Ripley vs the Alien Queen
The Bride v. Elle Driver
For a Few Dollars More
Yeah it’s just like that
(p.s. does anyone know of any other good showdowns/duels?)
Teammates/Rivals
It’s Carolina Day the first of the two most important scheduled days of a Dukie’s year, it's almost a sacred day consecrated with the hate of generations so you have to excuse me for being a little (obsessed) focused.
From ESPN’s First Take Dana Jacobsen interviews Shelden Williams (Duke Immortal #23) and Marvin Williams (another transitory Carolina sub) of the Hawks about The Game tonight
I’ll never forget that Marvin Williams shot from 2005 and I will never forgive him for it. Hate.
And even including Shelden’s jersey retirement ceremony I’ve never heard him say so much.
But he said enough on the court. He'll always be The Landlord.
One Man's Opinion
It’s Carolina Day the first of the two most important scheduled days of a Dukie’s year, it's almost a sacred day consecrated with the hate of generations so you have to excuse me for being a little (obsessed) focused.
This is Seth Davis’ column from SI on The Game and…I really don’t like people picking us. I enjoy when Duke flies under the radar (well as much as Duke ever can especially when ranked #2 in the country) but all the talk today seems to be about Shaq going to the Suns (please!) and “National Signing Day” which is apparently a big deal.
Anyway here is Seth’s take
Any time you have bitter rivals squaring off while they are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the nation, you're going to get a must-see game. But make no mistake: This season's first Duke-Carolina showdown is a much, much different contest if Tar Heels point guard Ty Lawson is unable to play. Lawson, who sprained his ankle on Sunday, is questionable for the game. If Lawson is unable to play he may not totally eliminate North Carolina's chances of winning, but it seriously reduces them.
One ACC coach whose team has played both Duke and North Carolina this season put it thusly: "I don't believe Carolina can beat Duke without Lawson. Duke defends you every single possession, and their pressure will cause all kinds of problems for a team that is headless."
To make things worse, North Carolina is also missing its backup point guard. Bobby Frasor, the 6-foot-3 junior from Blue Island, Ill., suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Dec. 27. That leaves the third option, 6-3 senior Quentin Thomas, as the starter. Thomas played a season-high 36 minutes after Lawson went down on Sunday, and while Thomas did have six assists to two turnovers, the Heels needed overtime to beat the 11th-place team in the ACC. "Thomas has shown a penchant for turning the ball over," the unnamed coach says. "Not only does he have to penetrate, he has to deliver. There's just a huge difference between him and Lawson."
So what can Carolina do to win without Lawson? Four things:
1. Run a crisp halfcourt offense. We all know the Heels are deadly on the break, but they need to withstand Duke's halfcourt pressure. That will enable them to get the ball to Tyler Hansbrough inside, where Duke is at a severe disadvantage. "Duke has only one big body in [6-9 freshman] Kyle Singler, and he's not that big," the coach says. "Carolina's got three big bodies, but most important they have the best one in the country in Hansbrough."
2. Pound the glass. Despite Duke's lack of size, the Devils are only sixth in the ACC in rebound margin during league play. North Carolina, however, is first at +11.9. Since the Blue Devils have adopted the warrior's mentality to rebound over bigger teams, the Heels cannot take this advantage for granted. If North Carolina does not win the rebounding battle by at least 10 boards, it will have a hard time winning the game.
3. Take away Duke's three-point shooting. This is easier said than done -- but it's possible if the Heels prioritize. "You need to get up on Duke's shoetops and make them either score inside or by driving because, guess what -- threes are worth more than twos," the ACC coach said. To the extent that it is impossible to prevent Duke from getting open looks, the Heels have to hope the Blue Devils are having an off night.
4. Get some production off the bench. Roy Williams lit a spark under his team in the first half against Boston College last week when he pulled the old Blue Team stunt and ordered a five-man substitution. The tactic worked, but there are only so many times a coach an reach into his bag of tricks. Duke will try to wear down North Carolina with its depth. If the Tar Heels' reserves -- namely Alex Stepheson, Will Graves and Mike Copeland -- don't answer it could be a tough night.
All this aside, I still think the Blue Devils are playing too well for the Tar Heels to handle at this point. I might have been tempted to pick Duke even with Lawson healthy. But with Lawson injured, the Blue Devils should emerge from the Dean Dome with a victory.
Final prediction: Duke 79, North Carolina 74
gthc,gth
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Friday, February 1, 2008
Black History Month
Can you remember a time when this city was
A great place for architects and dilettantes
A nice place for midwives and crossing guards
And on, and on...
Hold on, Hold on...children..
Your mother, your father are leaving
Do you remember a time when this pool was
A great place for waterwings and cannonballs
A nice place for astrologists and blow up dolls
And on, and on...
Hold on, Hold on...children...
Your mother, your father are leaving
Hold on, Hold on...children...
Your best friend's parents are leaving
Hold on, Hold on...children...
Your mother, your father are leaving
Hold on, Hold on...children...
Your best friend's parents are leaving, are leaving
Hold on, Hold on...children...
Your best friend's parents are leaving
Death From Above 1979- Black History Month [download]
Friday, December 21, 2007
The Candidates' Christmas Commercials
because 'tis the season. And this will be the only time on this site where I give Equal Time, so enjoy...
Mike Huckabee (the waay too overanalyzed "subliminal cross" ad)
Rudy's “Holiday Wishes”
Rudy's "Same Gift"
Barack's "exploting my family" I mean "Friendship" (he would)
John McCain “ My Christmas Story"
Hillary's “Presents”
and
John Edward's Season
funny, they've all ended up being arranged in an ascending order of my candidate preference. It's a holiday miracle
(and on an almost related note, Wonkette has a list of the 10 Best Campaign Ads ever and it's pretty sweet)
The 5th Pillar
I think it started when I saw Malcom X but ever since then, ever since I've known about it I wanted to go on Hajj.
I'm not Muslim, though people used to think I was and a part of me feels like I would be executed in an Islamic country but I've dreamed about going on Hajj just once. Maybe it is that obsession with secret and forbidden knowledge that I have, maybe its the overt surrender to faith and belief, maybe its the oneness and brotherhood that everyone share, maybe it's because in most religions, besides Hinduism there is no proscribed ritual pilgrimage or maybe it's just because I'm not supposed to (and no one puts Baby in a corner) but the whole thing holds a great mystery and appeal to me. Who knows, maybe I'll put on a hijab and learn basic Arabis and take a trip...
But since "today" is the last day of this year's Hajj and because (I have readers in Afghanistan(!)] I can do this I wanted to do some kind of post about it.
So here it is...
from Wikipedia
The Hajj (the holy matrimony of faith and guidance of Islam) is associated with the life of Muhammad, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca predates Islam, and was considered ancient even during his lifetime in the 7th century. Many Muslims believe that it goes back to the time of Abraham in 2000 BC. Pilgrims would join processions of tens of thousands of people, who would simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals. Each person would walk counter-clockwise seven times about the Kaaba, the cubical building towards which all Muslims pray, kiss the sacred Black Stone on its corner, run back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drink from the Zamzam Well, go to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, then proceed to Muzdalifah to gather pebbles, which they would throw at a rock in Mina to perform the ritual of the Stoning of the Devil. The pilgrims would then shave their heads, perform an animal sacrifice, and celebrate the four day global festival of Eid ul-Adha
The Hajj was based on a pilgrimage that was ancient even in the time of Muhammad in the 7th Century. According to Hadith, elements of the Hajj trace back to the time of Abraham, around 2000 BC, and it is believed that the angel Gabriel, who revealed the location of the Zamzam Well, taught the rites of the pilgrimage to Abraham's son, Ishmael.
Each year, tribes from all around the Arabian peninsula would converge on Mecca, as part of the pilgrimage. The exact faith of the tribes was not important at that time, and Christian Arabs were as likely to make the pilgrimage as the pagans. Muslim historians refer to the time before Muhammad as al-Jahiliyah, the "Days of Ignorance", during which the Kaaba contained hundreds of idols representing totems of each of the tribes of the Arabian peninsula. The idols represented multiple faiths, from pagan gods to symbols of Jesus, Mary, Hubal and Allah.
Muhammad was known to regularly perform the Umrah, even before he began receiving revelations. Historically, Muslims would gather at various meeting points in other great cities, and then proceed en masse towards Mecca, in groups that could comprise tens of thousands of pilgrims. Two of the most famous meeting points were in Cairo and Damascus. In Cairo, the Sultan would stand atop a platform of the famous gate Bab Zuwayla, to officially watch the beginning of the annual pilgrimage.
In 632, when Muhammad led his followers from Medina to Mecca, it was the first Hajj to be performed by Muslims alone, and it was at this point that the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Kaaba had been cleansed of the previous idols, and Muhammad ordained it as the house of God
During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress only in a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. Women are simply required to maintain their hijab - normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face.
The Ihram clothing is intended to show the equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of Allah, symbolizing the idea that there is no difference between a prince and a pauper when everyone is dressed equally. The Ihram also symbolizes purity and absolution of sins. A place designated for changing into Ihram is called a miqat.
While the pilgrim is wearing the Ihram, they cannot shave, cut their nails, wear deodorant or perfume. They may not swear or quarrel, kill any living thing (even an insect) or engage in sexual intercourse.
On the first day of the Hajj, the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah {the 12th month}, the pilgrims perform their first Tawaf, which involves all of the pilgrims entering The Sacred Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), and walking seven times in a counter-clockwise direction around the Kaaba, kissing the Black Stone (Hajr Al Aswad) on each circuit. If that is not possible due to the crowds, they may simply align themselves with it and point to the stone. Each complete circuit constitutes a "Shout" with 7 circuits constituting a complete tawaf. The place where pilgrims walk is known as "Mutaaf". Only the first three Shouts are compulsory and the rest optional, but invariably almost all perform it seven times.
Eating is not allowed and the tawaf is normally performed all at once, the only exception being the drinking of water. Men are encouraged to perform the first three circuits at a hurried pace, followed by four times, more closely, at a leisurely pace.
After the completion of Tawaf, all the pilgrims have to offer two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Abraham (Muqaam E Ibrahim), a site near the Kaaba. However, again due to large crowds during the days of Hajj, they can instead pray anywhere in the whole mosque.
After Tawaf, the pilgrims perform sa`i, running or walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This is a re-enactment of Ibriham's wife, Hajar, frantic search for water for her son, before the Zamzam Well was revealed to her by an angel sent by God. The circuit used to be in the open air, but is now entirely enclosed by the Masjid al-Haram mosque, and can be accessed via air-conditioned tunnels. Pilgrims are advised to walk the circuit, though two green pillars mark a short section of the path where they are allowed to run, along with an 'express lane' for the disabled. The safety procedures are in place because previous incidents in this ritual have resulted in stampedes which ended in the deaths of hundreds of people.
As part of this ritual, the pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam Well,
The next morning, on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims leave Mina for Mount Arafat. This is considered the highlight of the Hajj, as they stand in contemplative vigil, near a hill from which Muhammad gave his last sermon. Pilgrims must spend the afternoon within a defined area on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at Arafat, although many pilgrims spend time praying, talking to God, and thinking about the course of their lives. If a pilgrim does not spend the afternoon on Arafat then their pilgrimage is considered invalid
As soon as the sun sets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where 49 pebbles are gathered for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Devil (Shaitan). Many pilgrims spend the night sleeping on the ground at Muzdalifah, before returning to Mina
At Mina, the pilgrims perform Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing stones to signify their defiance of the Devil. This symbolizes the trials experienced by Abraham, as he wrestled with whether or not to sacrifice his son per God's demand. The Devil challenged him three times, and three times Abraham refused. Each pillar marks the location of one of these refusals. Each pilgrim must hit each pillar at least seven times.[4] Because of the crowds, in 2004 the pillars were changed to long walls. Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-leveled Jamarat Bridge, from which they can throw their stones at the three jamarat.
After the Stoning of the Devil, an animal is sacrificed. This symbolizes God having mercy on Abraham, and replacing his son with a ram, which Abraham then sacrificed.
Traditionally the pilgrim slaughtered the animal himself or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins; this allows an animal to be slaughtered in their name on the 10th without the pilgrim being physically present. Centralized butcher houses will sacrifice a single sheep for each pilgrim, or a cow can represent the sacrifice of seven people. The meat is then packaged and given to charity, shipped to poor people around the world. At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a four day global festival called Eid ul-Adha.
On this or the following day the pilgrims re-visit the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca for a tawaf called the Tawaf az-Ziyarah (or Tawaf al-Ifadah) which is an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
On the afternoon of the 11th, pilgrims must again stone all three jamarat in Mina (seven pebbles per jamarat). The same ritual must be performed on the following day.
Pilgrims must leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th. If they are unable to leave Mina before sunset, they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to Mecca.
"Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors.
"I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca, I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'ba, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad, I drank water from the well of the Zam Zam. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat."
"There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white."
"America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color."
"You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth."
"During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana."
"We were truly all the same (brothers) - because their belief in one God had removed the white from their minds, the white from their behavior, and the white from their attitude."
"I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man - and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their 'differences' in color."
"With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called 'Christian' white American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be in time to save America from imminent disaster - the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves."
"Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial animosities - he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites. But as racism leads America up the suicide path, I do believe, from the experiences that I have had with them, that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and universities, will see the handwriting on the walls and many of them will turn to the spiritual path of truth - the only way left to America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably must lead to."
"Never have I been so highly honored. Never have I been made to feel more humble and unworthy. Who would believe the blessings that have been heaped upon an American Negro? A few nights ago, a man who would be called in America a white man, a United Nations diplomat, an ambassador, a companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his bed. Never would I have even thought of dreaming that I would ever be a recipient of such honors - honors that in America would be bestowed upon a King - not a Negro."
"All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds.
Sincerely,
Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X)
inshallah
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Friday, December 14, 2007
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere- National Bouillabaisse Day Edition
I had nothing in mind to do for a "drink of the week" and so I decided to see if anything cool happened today that I could leech onto for an idea and on Wikipedia I discovered that an awful lot of important or famous things occurred on December 14th, though of course I'm sure over the entire extent of history something cool and exciting has probably happened on every day even if it wasn't recognized as such at the time.
Anyway I said all that to say here are a few recipes relating to things that have happened on December 14th
Today in 1542 Princess Mary Stuart becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland or Mary, Queen of Scots
Queen of Scots
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp water
1 tsp lemon juice
2 oz Scotch whisky
1/2 tsp Green Chartreuse®
1/2 tsp Blue Curacao liqueur
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Mary, Queen of Scots
1 Lemon Quarter
Caster Sugar
2-3 Ice Cubes
30ml/1fl.oz. Scotch Whisky
15ml/1/2fl.oz./1 tbsp Drambuie
15ml/1/2fl.oz./1 tbsp Green Chartreuse
1 Cocktail Cherry
Instructions
1. Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lemon then dip the rim into caster sugar to coat. Allow the frosting to dry.
2. Crack the ice (but don't crush it into too small pieces) and place in a shaker together with the Scotch, Drambuie and Chartreuse.
3. Shake well and strain into the frosted cocktail glass. Spear the cherry onto a cocktail stick and use to decorate.
On this day in 1819 Alabama becomes the 22nd U.S. state
Alabama Cocktail
11/2 oz brandy
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 tsp powdered sugar
splash Curacao
Mix ingredients with cracked ice in shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Alabama Slammer
1 Shot Disaronno Amaretto
1 Dash Soda
Top up Cranberry Juice
0.25 Shot Lime Juice
and in 1959 The Motown record label is founded in Detroit, Michigan by Berry Gordy.
MoTown Recipe
2.0 oz Diet Coke Cola
1.0 oz Bacardi Limon Rum
Low-ball glass with plenty of ice. Pour Limon, then add Diet Coke
Other cool things that happened today:
- 1702 (according to the old calendar; January 30, 1703 by the new calendar) - The Forty-seven Ronin, under the command of œishi Kuranosuke, avenge the death of their master.
- 1825 - Advocates of Liberalism in Russia rise up against Tsar Nicholas I and are put down in the Decembrist Revolt in St. Petersburg.
- 1959 - The Motown record label is founded in Detroit, Michigan by Berry Gordy.
- 1979 - Punk rock group The Clash release London Calling in the UK, a landmark album in rock music.
Famous people born on this day:
- 1503 - Nostradamus
- 1546 - Tycho Brahe
- 1895 - King George VI of the United Kingdom
- 1896 - Jimmy Doolittle,
- 1908 - Morey Amsterdam
- 1946 - Jane Birkin,
- 1946 - Patty Duke,
- 1946 - Michael Ovitz
- 1948-Lester Bangs
- 1949 - Bill Buckner,
- 1953 - Vijay Amritraj, (my friend’s dad)
- 1962 - Ginger Lynn (Ginger Lynn Allen)
- 1963 - Cynthia Gibb
- 1965 - Craig Biggio,
- 1970 Beth Orton, English
- 1971 - Natascha McElhone
- 1920 - George Gipp,
- 1985 - Roger Maris,
- 1993 - Myrna Loy
- 2006 - Ahmet Ertegün (only reason I recognize that name is because Zeppelin put on a show for him)
oh I forgot one momentous event, I slacked off and came up with this. So inspired Sphere: Related Content
The Star Wars Holiday Special!
Over the years I had heard so much about the Star Wars Holiday Special and about how it was just so awful that it was locked away someplace and so in my mind a shallow mythology began to form.
So I must admit that I was shocked to find it so easily online (I hadn't really ever cared enough to search before) but it is just as bad as anything you may have heard. But awfulness does of course make it funny in a bad way. It is still so much better than Episode I.Plus I do really like the idea of a Love Day. Anyway here is a mid day movie break brought to you by the horribleness of the 70s; The Star Wars Holiday Special
Happy Love Day everyone~
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