tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81649532012-01-11T09:52:30.988-05:00Garfield Ridge has relocated to Typepad: come visit http://www.garfield-ridge.comDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.comBlogger12401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110780288674967512005-03-14T00:59:00.000-05:002005-03-14T01:04:48.676-05:00

My new address is http://www.garfield-ridge.com.Or, if you'd like to visit directly, http://garfieldridge.typepad.com.Either way, you'll visit a new and improved Garfield Ridge, one with working comments, Trackbacks, extended posts, and a whole slew of goodies that Blogger never provided me.That all said, I'm very thankful to Blogger for what it's done for me. I learned how to blog here, and

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110641439485463402005-03-12T10:11:00.000-05:002005-03-12T10:37:32.413-05:00

I spent most of Friday night building a Typepad template.It looks like a blind 3-year old painting Vermeer.I really don't understand why they make template design so hard. Unless I'm missing something, it's either "Use one of our *FOUR* boring pre-fabricated templates with minimal abilities to modify them!" or "Dive into the most horrifying CSS hell you can possibly imagine."I bash Blogger, but

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110602556275549822005-03-11T23:39:00.000-05:002005-03-11T23:42:36.276-05:00

I've spent the past few hours "shopping" new blogging software.As problematic as Blogger is, I do envy its simplicity. After a couple of hours messing around with Typepad, I have no idea why more blogging software isn't dumbed down to a manageable level.Anyways, checking out the Blogger help pages is like reading the New York Times Op-Ed page the day after the Rapture-- everything seems to be

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110580604587270102005-03-11T17:26:00.000-05:002005-03-11T17:36:44.590-05:00

You know Blogger is bad when the Pentagon generals start saying this.As many of you are aware, my comments are not working. Why this is, I have no idea. I feed off comments like ticks feed off legs-- I miss them dearly.If I were to venture a reason why, I think it's because the Indonesian tribesmen brutally enslaved by Blogger tech support have finally risen up, cast off their shackles, and

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110559516152479182005-03-11T11:43:00.000-05:002005-03-11T11:45:16.153-05:00

Good Opinion Journal piece today on the search for life on Mars.I wholeheartedly agree with at least one thing the article says: the next astronauts to set foot on the Moon, or Mars, better bring an IMAX camera with them.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110514275243881272005-03-11T01:10:00.000-05:002005-03-11T10:05:43.083-05:00

Until something cleaner comes along, you can find a download link here. I strongly suggest a right click, and don't even bother if you have dial-up.Yeah, baby.---UPDATE: Here's a link that works. Just scroll down, click "Free," and wait for the timer to expire. Then right click and save as on the file entitled "Trailer."

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110513822095296582005-03-11T00:28:00.000-05:002005-03-10T23:03:42.096-05:00

Alas, the tale of Dave Matthews and his shitriverdumping is coming to a close.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110512139385083092005-03-11T00:06:00.000-05:002005-03-10T22:38:38.166-05:00

Like Rodney Dangerfield used to say, I'm a lover, not a fighter.Alright, I'm not too much of a lover, either.Ahem. Moving on. . .After work Thursday night I had to run a few errands. While out and about, I stopped behind an interminable line of traffic at a light.Tapping my fingers on the wheel, I looked up into the mirror, staring at my rugged, "Fred Ward in Remo Williams-The-Adventure Begins"

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110510344868385952005-03-10T22:04:00.000-05:002005-03-10T22:05:44.870-05:00

Still, it's very cool.Click through the pages of photos to see just how tall this thing gets.Impressive.Most impressive.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110508893363234732005-03-10T21:21:00.000-05:002005-03-10T21:46:35.876-05:00

Hell, this just may be the video of the year.This cop uses his Ronnie Lott powers to keep on talking when he probably should just cut his losses and go home. Go home, via the hospital, that is.---UPDATE: Another link here, in case the one above won't work for you.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110507688028324602005-03-10T21:13:00.000-05:002005-03-10T21:21:28.030-05:00

Didya see that trailer on Fox tonight? Man, I really hope there's a J-Lo movie opening against it.Worst. Trailer. Ever.I mean, c'mon-- who wants to see lightsabers? Or wookies? Or epic space battles?Yawn.The thing looks like an effin' fan film. I keep waiting to see the Star Wars kid show up and start jumping around like he's on PCP.I think I'll stay home. I'll stay home and watch Lifetime

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110427249840746672005-03-09T22:58:00.000-05:002005-03-09T23:00:49.840-05:00

Story here.____

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110424034635547582005-03-09T22:01:00.000-05:002005-03-09T22:07:14.646-05:00

A lot of practical suggestions here, like this one:The StandThis is a powerful classic. Sometimes you've just got to get someone out of your office/cubicle so you can resume your solitare game. When other tactics fail, turn to The Stand. It's simple to implement. Just stand up. Take it easy, though. Too fast and you look like you're about to rush to the restroom. Too slow and you look like you're

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110423387148054862005-03-09T21:53:00.001-05:002005-03-09T22:00:41.000-05:00

Hans Bricks finds an animated .GIF that has two of my favorite things of all time.Simply spectacular.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110422127074555542005-03-09T21:44:00.000-05:002005-03-09T21:41:39.626-05:00

While on the Hill today, just outside the Capitol South Metro stop, everybody's favorite political whack-jobs were out in force.Yup, you guessed it: LaRouche cultists.These guys (and gals!) have always been personal favorites of mine. Stalking bookstores, food courts and Metro stops everywhere, the loyal laypeople of Lyndon LaRouche are politics' version of Scientologists. Any time you run across

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110418900701776662005-03-09T20:31:00.000-05:002005-03-09T20:41:40.703-05:00

Today's work-generated hell was a congressional hearing late in the day.The hearing was scheduled for 3:00-5:00 pm. However, about an hour into it the Chairman announced they had to adjourn for a series of votes, and rather than keep everyone waiting for an hour or more until the members returned (don't laugh, it happens), they called it a day.While on paper this sounds like a good thing, I just

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110418073035353872005-03-09T20:13:00.000-05:002005-03-09T20:31:12.256-05:00

Yeah, I know-- every reader of Garfield Ridge that cares already read this New York Times story today. Sorry, I wish I could've posted earlier.WASHINGTON, March 8 - A commission due to report to President Bush this month will describe American intelligence on Iran as inadequate to allow firm judgments about Iran's weapons programs, according to people who have been briefed on the panel's work.The

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110380406647977212005-03-09T09:57:00.000-05:002005-03-09T10:08:03.423-05:00

Latest Brushback:WASHINGTON , DC --Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, detailed today his strategy for getting the team back into contention next year. As in years past, the team will utilize the free agent market where they will sign a whole bunch of shitheads. Once the team is assembled, Snyder and his staff plan to start hoping for the best.“As soon as our roster is put together,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110380234971511982005-03-09T09:53:00.000-05:002005-03-09T09:57:14.973-05:00

That's *one* way to motivate your players, I guess. Story here.HALSEY -- A state panel is expected to investigate a high school football coach who acknowledged licking one of his player's cuts.The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission decided to look at the case after a parent complained that Central Linn High School coach of Scott Reed's "repeated inappropriate behavior."The 34-

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110338474655249982005-03-08T22:07:00.000-05:002005-03-08T22:21:14.656-05:00

Obviously, you can tell I'm just dumping links right now.Again.Sorry, another late night at work, and another early day tomorrow.A couple more weeks. . . a couple more weeks. . .___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110337613680948082005-03-08T22:03:00.000-05:002005-03-08T22:06:53.680-05:00

Thankfully, some helpful foreigner has collected a vast number of revealing quotes from the legendary characters Mr. Seagal has played over the years.Read the list here. . . if you dare.I have *all* his songs running through my head right now.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110337375959557012005-03-08T22:02:00.000-05:002005-03-08T22:02:55.960-05:00

This guy is one of them.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110336607884606322005-03-08T21:46:00.000-05:002005-03-08T21:50:07.886-05:00

Knowing this would've saved me mucho embarrassment.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110336367903891532005-03-08T21:38:00.000-05:002005-03-08T21:46:07.903-05:00

I post a long thought out contemplation on the matters of life, death, and religion, and I get two replies-- one comment, one email. (BTW, thanks for those thoughts!)However, I post about an industrial chicken vaccuum, and I get six comments.I guess I should reconsider what you, the readers, want to read.In the spirit of this reconisderation, I give you. . . ALF BEATINGS.Garfield Ridge. Your #1

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110258961985908602005-03-08T01:11:00.000-05:002005-03-08T00:16:01.986-05:00

I have no qualms about eating meat.I have no qualms about how our meat is prepared. Hell, at times, I've even been tempted to urge that the veal be prepared in utero, if it means more tender flesh.That said, I just don't know if something like the E-Z Catch Harvester is, well, kosher. Be sure to watch the video of the Harvester in action to get the full effect.I don't need my chicken free-range,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110258232201668462005-03-08T00:51:00.000-05:002005-03-08T00:03:52.203-05:00

Readers, I want to move off of Blogger.I'd like to get onto something a bit more. . . stable. Yet still easy to use, from both a blogger and reader perspective.Monday was the last straw-- it took me forever to get access to my page to make an entry. I actually had plenty of time to post on Monday, but because of technical difficulties, I just couldn't get anything done.What I'm looking for from

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110255752376078762005-03-08T00:04:00.000-05:002005-03-07T23:23:40.016-05:00

Continuing from my earlier post, I'd like to consider the Edge's latest question, "What do you believe is true, even though you can not prove it?" some more.I've given it some thought throughout the course of the day. What I find interesting is that the beliefs that enter my mind share many things in common with the scientists quoted in the article.In no particular order-- and hardly

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110246332496395102005-03-07T20:41:00.000-05:002005-03-07T20:48:18.103-05:00

Gunner Palace tells the story of the 2/3 Field Artillery, 1st Armored Division, assigned to patrol the Adhamiya district in Baghdad from 2003 until 2004.The "characters" are all real-live soldiers doing their tour of duty. From the cool and collected battalion commander straight out of central casting down to the budding gangsta rap privates, we meet many of the 2/3's soldiers both on duty and

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110218547250246332005-03-07T12:59:00.000-05:002005-03-07T13:02:27.253-05:00

That was the question posed to over a hundred scientists, doctors, and philosophers by The Edge Foundation, hosts to the always-fascinating Edge webpage.Visit here for the latest entry into their "World Question Center," and read the many intriguing responses to the question (Scroll down to start, and then click forward through the multiple pages).As for *my* answer to the question, I'll have to

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110212962809455932005-03-07T11:26:00.000-05:002005-03-07T11:29:22.810-05:00

A lot of stuff in The Corner today on that chimpanzee attack. You can start from Jonah Goldberg's post here, and work your way up.A really good article on the attack is located here.Well, if by "good" I mean "SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!!"Let's just say that was one very bad ape.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110169985360361582005-03-06T23:25:00.000-05:002005-03-06T23:40:00.830-05:00

Stupid comic book covers.Speaking of comics, Spiderman Is Lord.BTW, I think we just found our cast for Super Troopers 2.Finally, you know how much I just love these stories.That's one lucky Pollack.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110168869693493642005-03-06T23:07:00.000-05:002005-03-06T23:14:29.696-05:00

Yup, I know. . . a whole day off, and no postings. Hey, there *is* a real world out there, ya know.Anyways, I didn't do much of anything today. Slept in, caught up on reading, relaxed. Then, this afternoon I went and saw Gunner Palace, a new documentary film about an American unit in Baghdad. The film isn't perfect-- I'll have a full review up tomorrow-- but I definitely recommend it, if only

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110085121815895932005-03-06T00:19:00.000-05:002005-03-05T23:58:41.816-05:00

Old clip, making the rounds again.The incoming sounds, well, creepy.The outgoing, however, sounds like. . . victory.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110084314312570952005-03-06T00:15:00.000-05:002005-03-05T23:45:14.313-05:00

One of Conan's classic series of bits.Clip one.Clip two.And clip three.Enjoy!___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110082065957520512005-03-05T22:54:00.000-05:002005-03-05T23:07:45.960-05:00

It's been a while since I took a stab at cleaning up the blogroll. Here are a few changes:-- The Unabrewer has a new address: http://unabrewer.com/. He's in China, and apparently China doesn't allow Blogger.Ostensibly, it's because of some "anti-freedom" government censorship, but I think it's probably just a dose of common sense. Because, after all, Blogger really, really sucks.-- The College

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110079890011624172005-03-05T21:54:00.000-05:002005-03-05T22:31:30.013-05:00

NEW YORK - Laveranues Coles finally got his wish. The disgruntled Redskins receiver is headed back to the New York Jets after asking out of Washington.Coles was traded Saturday for the speedy Santana Moss, a deal that was in the works for over a week. Moss' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said in a phone interview the deal was contingent on both players passing physicals. Moss had his physical scheduled

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110077377743423252005-03-05T21:08:00.000-05:002005-03-05T21:49:37.746-05:00

. . . for Washington baseball, that is.Absent the most ridiculous World Series ever, the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles won't play a game that counts until next season at the earliest. Thus, today's spring training game was their first, and probably biggest, matchup for the forseeable future.And it was another spring win for the Nats.In the second inning, new Orioles outfielder

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110068188896284002005-03-05T19:12:00.000-05:002005-03-05T19:16:28.896-05:00

My brother sent me this link, via Engadget:SSI Industrial Shredding Machine Demonstration Videos.Paper? No problem. Aluminum cans? Pshaw.Try entire computers. Steel drums. Boats.Awesome.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110064923587666612005-03-05T17:26:00.000-05:002005-03-05T19:05:51.736-05:00

Took a day trip out with my buddy Angus and a few others to see the United States Army Ordnance Museum at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, north of Baltimore.I've wanted to go there for some time, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. If you live in this area, and you like tanks, I recommend stopping by to visit. It's free, and it's easy to get on the base (especially so if you

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110061596079567472005-03-05T17:24:00.000-05:002005-03-05T17:26:36.080-05:00

The chair Philip Seymour Hoffman was glued to in Red Dragon, before he was sent rolling down the street on fire.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1110034069518512842005-03-05T09:41:00.000-05:002005-03-05T09:47:49.520-05:00

Those are the only words to describe cartoonist/editorialist/major-league douchebag Ted Rall.The latest justification: this comic from February.What was Rall going for here? Humor? Irony?Or just really awful taste?Hey Ted, here's another reason why Bush isn't like Hitler: because of this comic you haven't been rounded up in the middle of the night, marched off to a train, sent to a camp,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109997032111365232005-03-04T23:26:00.000-05:002005-03-04T23:33:24.733-05:00

NEW YORK - The right to name a new species of monkey sold Thursday for $650,000 in an online auction, with the funds going to protect the Bolivian habitat where the species lives, the Web site that handled the sale said.The winning bidder, who outbid Ellen DeGeneres, chose to remain anonymous for now, said Kelly Fiore, director of business development for the New York-based auction venue, Charity

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109990992261740172005-03-04T21:43:00.000-05:002005-03-04T21:49:52.263-05:00

An apology to all my readers.Yes, I mean you thirty or so people.You've probably noticed a marked decline in original content lately on Garfield Ridge.While many bloggers experience periods of malaise from time to time-- it's difficult to always come up with new and interesting things to write about-- I'm reluctant to blame all of my recent blogging sloth (bloth?) on a lack of interest alone.The

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109990371811520792005-03-04T21:37:00.000-05:002005-03-04T21:39:31.813-05:00

This movie doesn't look all that great for anyone over the age of ten, but something tells me I have to see it.One, it's got Will Ferrell.Two, it's got MIKE DITKA.In a non-cameo role.Opening night, baby.(H/T Jen at Demure Thoughts)___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109990157705770912005-03-04T21:12:00.000-05:002005-03-04T21:35:57.710-05:00

Jen has a good list up of her favorites-- movies like Blade Runner, Legends of the Fall, and Saving Private Ryan-- all of which are favorites of mine as well in this category.If I may, I would suggest a few additional films for inclusion in this category:-- The Empire Strikes Back. Yup, most of the cinematography is actually fake. But to this day, this is still not only the best Star Wars film,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109988323338480442005-03-04T20:50:00.000-05:002005-03-04T21:05:23.343-05:00

Let me state for the record that I have absolutely no love for Dr. Who. I never could get into it.One, it was British. Two, it was usually in black & white (yes, I'm dating myself). Three, the effects made Thunderbirds look like Team America. Four, every plotline took something like 33 episodes to resolve-- this was well before 24 made it cool to like serialized programming. Five, the most

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109987284004382942005-03-04T20:31:00.000-05:002005-03-04T20:48:04.003-05:00

For the longest time, I thought that was Wilson and Washington Boulevards in Arlington, Virginia.Turns out, I wasn't even close.Chris over at Dangerous Logic shows us yet another reason why the Brits are effing nuts.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109985782241806082005-03-04T20:09:00.000-05:002005-03-04T20:23:02.243-05:00

Work weeks like this make me wonder why I didn't join the effin' Peace Corps.And today just took the cake.As I mentioned previously, I didn't expect to have to go in early.Once there, I had to get ready for a day-long series of briefings to congressional staff. Well, not day-long: they were supposed to end by 3:00 pm. Alas, they didn't, running until 6:30 pm.Ever get that odd feeling, that itch

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109935400246094342005-03-04T06:21:00.000-05:002005-03-04T06:23:20.246-05:00

A lot of easy ones, some hard ones. Hours of fun and frustration, like giving a Rubik's Cube to a thalidomide baby. Or, something like that.Enjoy!___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109904249263162142005-03-04T00:36:00.000-05:002005-03-03T22:05:05.050-05:00

I don't know how long this has been true-- it's probably pretty recent-- but when you search Google for Garfield Ridge, I am now the first link that appears.Sheesh, finally. It only took 54,000 visits, six months, and a few dozen links by National Review, Ace of Spades, Allahpundit, and other high-powered blogging friends of the family.Anyways, many of my readers may have wondered where, exactly,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109903601269371672005-03-03T21:10:00.000-05:002005-03-03T21:33:21.273-05:00

People come up to me all the time and ask, "Dave, what's it like, being a minor cog in America's warbureaucracy?"I'll tell you what it's like: it sucks, at least in the winter.Government pay is good. Government benefits are good. Government holidays are plentiful.Outside of that, things go downhill pretty quick. Like tonight.After working until 8 p.m. the night before, I had to be at my desk at

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109894202603727222005-03-03T18:33:00.000-05:002005-03-03T19:28:30.736-05:00

This is just too much fun. Sad, but fun. From Boston. com:An investigation at Milton Academy has turned up a third oral-sex session between a 15-year-old sophomore girl and varsity ice hockey players at the prestigious prep school, according to a school letter to be sent to parents today.In the newly discovered episode, two hockey players and another 15-year-old male student requested and

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109857095278254522005-03-03T08:36:00.000-05:002005-03-03T08:38:53.430-05:00

Funny WaPo article today ("free" registration required; schmucks) on the recent Supreme Courty decision determining that foreign agents recruited by American intelligence agencies do not have the right to sue in American courts, because the interest of keeping the espionage activity secret is more compelling than the interest of the parties to the lawsuit.I say funny, if only because you have to

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109855862062704732005-03-03T08:14:00.000-05:002005-03-03T08:17:42.063-05:00

The Washington Nationals played their first spring training game Wednesday, defeating the New York Mets by a score of 5 to 3.I forgot to highlight this last night, probably because I didn't get a chance to watch much of the game yesterday. I had the MLB.com feed up at work, and from what I saw, all I can say is that the uniforms are borrr-ing.But so what? Washington has baseball again. And

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109848732885194102005-03-03T06:15:00.000-05:002005-03-03T06:18:52.886-05:00

USA Today: U.S. troop deaths fall in Feb.Associated Press: U.S. Troop Deaths in Iraq Rise to 1,500.How do you like your glass? Half-full, or half-empty?___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109819270897934292005-03-02T22:06:00.000-05:002005-03-02T22:07:50.896-05:00

Yeah, I could get used to something like this.Real used to it.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109816990945256292005-03-02T21:27:00.000-05:002005-03-02T21:29:50.946-05:00

Sounds about right, alas.Too bad Sobek knows about the super-monkeys. He shouldn't have admitted it.As for the requested post concerning the Peekaboo Pole Dancing Kit, visit here. It makes the perfect gift. Well, perfect for strippers. And kindergarten graduations.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109816451122742102005-03-02T21:19:00.000-05:002005-03-02T21:20:51.123-05:00

Uh, gee. . . thanks Jen.Nightmares for the rest of my life. . . __

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109816358096115882005-03-02T20:39:00.000-05:002005-03-02T21:35:34.073-05:00

Seems that pisses some people at Harvard off.After some students were offended by Jada Pinkett Smith’s comments at Saturday’s Cultural Rhythms show, the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Supporters Alliance (BGLTSA) and the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations have begun working together to increase sensitivity toward issues of sexuality at Harvard. Students said that

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109733776460534582005-03-01T22:21:00.000-05:002005-03-01T22:22:56.460-05:00

Remember: whenever you are in a high-speed chase, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT.Safety first, folks.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109724867890140442005-03-01T19:53:00.000-05:002005-03-01T19:54:27.890-05:00

Jen has a point on the first picture, but it's the second picture that's terrifying.Wow.Just wow.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109724346192376142005-03-01T19:35:00.000-05:002005-03-01T19:45:46.196-05:00

Works for me, I guess.However-- who here wants to take bets that it wouldn't work for Howard Dean?But the Hiebert crowd got a little more red meat than the Liberty Hall attendees.On abortion specifically, he said, the party must commit to making abortions "safe, legal and rare" while maintaining women's rights to choose."The issue is not abortion," Dean told the closed-door fund-raiser. "The

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109723262370696842005-03-01T19:10:00.000-05:002005-03-01T22:18:57.313-05:00

Probably light blogging tonight, just because I've been in a day-long briefing, and I feel that if I look at a computer screen for more than thirty seconds at a time, my eyes will cave in faster than you can say "Chinese coal mine."Since I didn't get to surf around at all today, I dunno what's all that interesting out there, but here's what struck my fancy in the past few minutes:-- The full

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109646607413655072005-02-28T22:05:00.000-05:002005-02-28T22:10:07.413-05:00

Alas, I've got lots of stuff to do tomorrow.Tuesday is our first "staffer day" of the year, when we present our budget details in a marathon session with congressional staff. Tomorrow, my office hosts our House and Senate Armed Services Committee staffers all day long.All my work for the past few months has built up to this point. The next few weeks set the tone for the rest of my year--

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109642364872242052005-02-28T20:55:00.000-05:002005-02-28T20:59:24.873-05:00

Ain't It Cool News' Harry Knowles is such an uneducated insufferable little-- okay, huge-- twit that I find myself shocked whenever I (rarely) agree with him.So, consider me shocked: his Five Things For Oscar To Remember Next Year For The Show column perfectly captures my greatest complaints about last night's ceremony.Even a broken clock is right twice a day, right?__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109635899643922402005-02-28T19:09:00.000-05:002005-02-28T19:11:39.643-05:00

This video has made the rounds before, but I'm an environmentalist, I like to recycle.My *brother* owned a K car. . .BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109572363292545892005-02-28T01:19:00.001-05:002005-02-28T01:32:43.296-05:00

(Kate Winslet comes on stage)Mike: (Sigh) I love her.Me: *I* love her.. . . awkward silence. . .Me: I would fight you for her.Mike: You would lose.. . . awkward silence continued. . .Me: Not if I used a trident.(CUE BEST FRIEND FIGHTING MUSIC)___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109570312424404202005-02-28T00:59:00.000-05:002005-02-28T01:02:18.140-05:00

Frank Pearson, the President of the Motion Picture Academy of America, came out tonight and offered his praise of American military personnel serving worldwide.It was nice to hear him praise the troops, but I must take issue with the generic "pray for the swift and safe return of our soldiers" line. Not because it's incorrect; everyone (well, *almost* everyone) can agree with it. It's just that

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109568207443992592005-02-28T00:58:00.000-05:002005-02-28T00:44:58.066-05:00

It's late, I have work in the morning, and there are wolves after me, so this'll be stream-of-conciousness:-- I did okay. I knew the Best Picture/Director tandem would be a toss-up, I was 50-50, I bet wrong. Oh well.Also, recording my picks with Mike before the show I switched Original Screenplay to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, so I got that one as well.The one pick I'm absolutely

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com102tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109527096898331592005-02-27T12:55:00.000-05:002005-02-27T12:58:16.896-05:00

Warning: the video loops endlessly, just like my love life.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109525167950419912005-02-27T12:20:00.000-05:002005-02-27T12:26:07.953-05:00

For those of you who don't know about Red Vs. Blue, it has to be the funniest running animation series on the internet.At first, it was funny because some guys took the Xbox game Halo and used it to map out a cartoon. The novelty of it all was priceless.However, the writing is what's kept everyone coming back for more-- it's just incredibly funny stuff.Anyways, here's a classic sketch from last

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109524400123127012005-02-27T11:53:00.000-05:002005-02-27T12:13:20.123-05:00

Very cool pictures taken of Mars by the European Space Agency (ha, laugh, chortle, chortle) probe Mars Express.Enjoy.I can't see Val Kilmer anywhere. . .__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109482297124805502005-02-27T00:18:00.000-05:002005-02-27T00:31:37.126-05:00

A college friend of mine and his wife got married a few weeks back in a private ceremony. Saturday night out in Fairfax, they threw a post-wedding party for all of their friends. 'Twas a good time. My ex-roommate, my ex-housemates, and a bunch of other college buddies, all decked out in shirts and ties. Strange sight to see, what with everyone looking responsible and whatnot.Anyways, on my way

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109439836313314972005-02-26T14:29:00.000-05:002005-02-26T14:38:58.520-05:00

On the phone this morning with my friend Lori we discussed the concept of "flypaper movies."Everybody knows flypaper movies. These are movies that, irrespective of their objective quality (or lack thereof), immediately suck you in anytime they're on TV. Flipping the channels, the moment you come across a flypaper movie, you're doomed-- you have no choice but to watch the rest of the movie,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109444356118846122005-02-26T13:58:00.000-05:002005-02-26T14:37:22.836-05:00

I've already posted my thoughts on the best and worst movies of 2004 in a series of posts that can be found starting here.But since the big night's Sunday, I figure it's time for me to run down my predictions.I'm not going to hit every category here, just some of the big ones. Yeah, when my buddy Mike and I watch the Oscars we bet on every award, but a lot of them you probably don't have an

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109443826379336852005-02-26T13:27:00.000-05:002005-02-26T13:58:07.673-05:00

Just about effin' fantastic.Why do I say this?I just did my taxes this morning, my first filing after the first full year of owning a home.Let's just say that I've discovered the formula for a great day:Twelve months of nearly-all-interest ridiculous mortgage payments / one exemption = CHA-CHING!What's shocking is how off I was on my predictions. Like, by a "factor of three"-off. I'm pessimistic

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109396913041656502005-02-26T01:58:00.000-05:002005-02-26T00:48:33.043-05:00

In my day, I was a huge Jackass fan.Not because I'd do any of the stuff they showed; I just found it hilarious that some people *would* do that. And plus, groin pain is comedy, as long as it's not your groin in pain.I own a few "Best of" DVDs of the show, but I've never been able to find the edition that had my absolute favorite Jackass sketch ever. Well, perhaps my *second* favorite sketch,

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109394817895306772005-02-26T01:45:00.000-05:002005-02-26T00:27:55.693-05:00

Today I was discussing with my buddy Angus his ongoing irrational desire to build a real-life version of a Cobra H.I.S.S. tank, potentially from scratch, or perhaps out of a used Caterpillar construction vehicle.Although I repeatedly do my best to disabuse him of the notion ("You don't have a large enough garage;" "You don't know how to weld;" "You have a wife"), I figure that the best suggestion

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109392288755361152005-02-26T01:23:00.000-05:002005-02-26T00:25:48.666-05:00

Before I get to the point, I'd like to showcase how my Googlefied (Googlefried?) brain works.As longtime readers of Garfield Ridge are aware by now, my sense of humor skews. . . random.I appreciate the non-sequitur as the highest form of humor, higher than farting in public, higher even than "what's grosser than gross?" jokes.I don't know how my penchant for this style of humor developed, but it

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109391435343951572005-02-26T00:12:00.000-05:002005-02-25T23:17:15.343-05:00

Of course, I've had the same idea since I was like, twelve.But I never had an advertising budget to bring my vision to the screen.Enjoy.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109385050668862362005-02-25T21:27:00.000-05:002005-02-25T21:30:50.670-05:00

. . . and then, only if you lived in Chicago from the 1960s to the 1980s. Although by the 1980s it's possible folks around the country might have learned what it meant.No more hints than that.First person to guess what this photo means wins a Garfield Ridge No-Prize.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109379002863870612005-02-25T19:36:00.000-05:002005-02-25T19:52:02.043-05:00

Or something like that.Chris over at Dangerous Logic has the scoop.Now, really folks; if all it took to issue a bomb threat was bad service at Mickey D's, wouldn't we *all* be terrorists now?No salt on the fries? Crash a plane.No ketchup on the Quarter Pounder? Hijack a schoolbus.Nine McNuggets instead of ten? Bust out the hacksaw, we're chopping heads.Seriously folks-- I know a lot of moonbats

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109378195907751752005-02-25T19:27:00.000-05:002005-02-25T19:36:35.906-05:00

Ace retracts, so I retract. Read Ace for the details.Hey, I trust Ace. I trust him with my links, and my life. It wasn't easy being a black Marine in 1969, but back in the shit, Ace was always there to pull my chestnuts from the fire-- whether he was telling me to how avoid the punji stakes, or how to avoid catching the ooze from the local sucky-sucky.Without Ace's wisdom, I shudder to think

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109368461189280172005-02-25T16:52:00.000-05:002005-02-25T16:54:21.190-05:00

Via Jason Van Steenwyk, photoshopped romance novel covers.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109353590841192872005-02-25T12:44:00.000-05:002005-02-25T12:46:30.843-05:00

That's the stupid MSNBC click poll of the day.Man, I wish this question was multiple choice, so I could choose among these answers:-- No.-- Yes.-- Yes; he'll make jokes about white people.-- Yes; he'll make jokes about black people.-- Yes; he'll make jokes about Michael Jackson.-- Yes; he'll urinate on a picture of the Pope.-- Yes; he'll set fire to a poodle.-- Yes; he'll set fire to Joan Rivers.

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109345735458970062005-02-25T10:31:00.000-05:002005-02-25T10:35:35.460-05:00

Funny moving sale advertised here, and continued here.19" RCA Color Television $50 A magical box in which lives an entire race of miniature people made from electricity and light. Also, all of these people are stupid. Hmmm. . . just what I need!___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109304864326286532005-02-25T01:11:00.000-05:002005-02-24T23:43:07.366-05:00

I'm not talking about Metallica's lyrical ode to the One True God-- that's The Thing That Should Not Be.No, I'm talking about the thing that will not die, a.k.a the Garfield Ridge Bozoputer 2000.Longtime readers may recall the technical meltdown I had back in December. For some unknown reason, my computer had more blue screens than Lucasfilm.Thankfully, my backup software still worked, and I was

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109303394018868792005-02-25T00:37:00.000-05:002005-02-24T22:49:54.020-05:00

To be honest, I haven't followed her case that closely. Most of what I know comes from the conservative press, which obviously has an anti-euthanasia bias. So, right off the bat, I won't claim any factual justification for an opinion. Thus, I won't offer one.However, until recently I had absolutely no idea that Schiavo's condition wasn't that of an unconcious, unresponsive brain-dead

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109302272382439492005-02-25T00:16:00.000-05:002005-02-24T22:34:55.146-05:00

Great link here.Unfortunately, yet another website doesn't recognize that I composed the theme to The Streets of San Francisco.I don't agree with some of his inclusions (Sledge Hammer?!?), but he's got plenty to chew over. He's only got #100 through #20. The theme to The Incredible Hulk *better* be in the Top 20. Because if it's not, that would make me angry. And you wouldn't like me when I'm

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109301285454850532005-02-25T00:12:00.000-05:002005-02-24T22:16:35.676-05:00

If you're a famous celebrity, and you own a famous celebrity dog, do not, under any circumstances, choose you password reminder question to be "What is your favorite pet's name?"I really can't believe it was this easy. It HAS to be a joke. Nobody is THAT stupid, right?Hmmm. __

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109300274792460572005-02-25T00:11:00.000-05:002005-02-24T21:59:35.426-05:00

Ergo, Slate's Fred Kaplan has to be shoveling again.Thursday's column focused on President Bush's comments in Europe concerning nuclear negotiations with Iran. While in Europe, Bush seemed to leave the door open to joining the current UK/France/Germany talks with Iran. Kaplan simultaneously praises this idea, and than pooh-poohs the prospects of a Bush conversion.Way to show confidence in our

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109284302148890052005-02-24T17:25:00.000-05:002005-02-24T17:31:42.150-05:00

Condi Rice auditioning for the sequel to Equilibrium.I guess we know the new State Department strategy for dealing with rogue states: Gunkata.Love the boots, darling. Let's see Hillary try *that* look.Uh. . . on second thought, no. Please God no.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109282186494035792005-02-24T16:26:00.000-05:002005-02-24T16:56:26.500-05:00

Today's Opinion Journal has a fairly glowing piece about Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley:Rich Daley appears to have no theory of government, but merely a boundless appetite for governing. He is a fix-it, a problem-solving, man, treating the city of Chicago as if it were an unending episode of "This Old House"--and he seems to be turning the old heap into a damn stately mansion. Daley-- who will

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109205618310050762005-02-23T19:35:00.000-05:002005-02-23T19:40:18.310-05:00

Nearly half of the dead of 9/11 can't be identified. The New York City Medical Examiner has chosen to end the identification process until, perhaps one day, better technology comes along.It may not mean much to some, but my guess is, the lack of closure will be painful for the family members of those victims still unidentified.How terribly sad.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109205199205829632005-02-23T19:18:00.000-05:002005-02-23T19:35:25.760-05:00

Author Regrets Secretly Taping Bush Talks.I'm a bit ambivalent about this. Personally, I'm actually less disturbed by the act of taping than the act of releasing the tapes to the media.The President is a historical figure; tapes like these could one day be invaluable in understanding who George W. Bush was, and what his motivations were.Of course, it's still a party foul to tape the man without

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109203452275706972005-02-23T19:01:00.000-05:002005-02-23T19:04:12.276-05:00

No blacks in the courtroom, either.Yeah? I said it. Whatchya gonna do about it?I thought so.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109203054419838062005-02-23T18:33:00.000-05:002005-02-23T19:00:50.440-05:00

In the spirit of Ward Churchill's admission that he's not an Indian, I feel compelled to reveal a few deep dark secrets of my own.Just to clear the air, you see.I expect this to be incredibly painful, but. . . I. . . I must.-- Contrary to my endless protestations, Garfield Ridge is, indeed, named after America's favorite cartoon feline.-- I do not work for the Pentagon. Instead, I pump gas at an

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109195543248547432005-02-23T16:50:00.000-05:002005-02-23T16:52:23.250-05:00

Ace has the goods.Somewhere in Heaven, another fake Indian is crying.You have disgraced my people, pale face. Yes Ward, I mean white people.__

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109191183451147202005-02-23T15:38:00.000-05:002005-02-23T15:39:43.453-05:00

John over at WuzzaDem takes my post on 24 cliches and runs with it-- and he runs hard.Priceless.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164953.post-1109185767938613472005-02-23T14:08:00.000-05:002005-02-23T14:09:27.940-05:00

Story here.___

Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18239043394690812538noreply@blogger.com3