I was saddened that Harvey Korman died this week.
You see, Harvey was my first crush. I even wrote him and told him so when I was six years old, but he never wrote back. Probably he got too many fan letters back then, and maybe he had an assistant that didn't think it was worth showing him a 1st grader's letter. I would like to think he would have answered if he had seen it. I was disappointed, but still thought he was the coolest guy on the Carol Burnett show anyway. Tim Conway was great too, but just a little too weird for me.
He was the ultimate comedic straight man, and you could see that he was a joy to work with--it came through on the show and in his movies. And he was a joy to watch, especially when he would crack up at something Tim or Carol or even Lyle were doing.
I will miss him.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ode to a Minivan
O, 1995 Odyssey, thou art a member of the family
but you have grown old, so it is time to let you go
Nay, we will not be like the eskimos, sending you out on an ice flow
That would not be environmental, as no bear will eat you.
The children are crying and knashing their teeth
Thou, Odyssey are the only car they have known
Many happy hours spent in the back seats, telling stories and
Spilling food and drink, giving you that unique odor.
We thought of donating you, but were aghast
We could not claim your full Blue Book value
Cruel charity would only sell you for scrap
Unfair for an old girl with some spirit and drivability yet.
I cast about among my artist friends, asking,
"Does anyone want a van--to drive it, love it and use it?"
No one answered. I was aghast again.
Later, I found Artists are never swift of email, even if the car is donated for a write off.
We cast our eyes upon our bank account. Whoa.
Surely, it is worth putting a few for sales signs upon your windows
Price it well, if no one responds, so be it.
The old girl must be useful to someone.
Immediately, Odyssey was besieged! People were calling!
Yea, there was much interest you, O dependable old car
Even if you need new tires and a new battery
Desirous of you, even if your ABS is only intermittent!
Our next door neighbors delighted
Took you on a test drive, and
Declared their intentions of taking you
For their teen is driving, and lo, they had not enough cars.
O, Odyssey, you shall now be our neighbor
Our children are overjoyed
You will be well cared for, and in 5 years,
The kids vowed they will buy you back as their own again.
O, beloved Odyssey, may you not rust apart before then...
but you have grown old, so it is time to let you go
Nay, we will not be like the eskimos, sending you out on an ice flow
That would not be environmental, as no bear will eat you.
The children are crying and knashing their teeth
Thou, Odyssey are the only car they have known
Many happy hours spent in the back seats, telling stories and
Spilling food and drink, giving you that unique odor.
We thought of donating you, but were aghast
We could not claim your full Blue Book value
Cruel charity would only sell you for scrap
Unfair for an old girl with some spirit and drivability yet.
I cast about among my artist friends, asking,
"Does anyone want a van--to drive it, love it and use it?"
No one answered. I was aghast again.
Later, I found Artists are never swift of email, even if the car is donated for a write off.
We cast our eyes upon our bank account. Whoa.
Surely, it is worth putting a few for sales signs upon your windows
Price it well, if no one responds, so be it.
The old girl must be useful to someone.
Immediately, Odyssey was besieged! People were calling!
Yea, there was much interest you, O dependable old car
Even if you need new tires and a new battery
Desirous of you, even if your ABS is only intermittent!
Our next door neighbors delighted
Took you on a test drive, and
Declared their intentions of taking you
For their teen is driving, and lo, they had not enough cars.
O, Odyssey, you shall now be our neighbor
Our children are overjoyed
You will be well cared for, and in 5 years,
The kids vowed they will buy you back as their own again.
O, beloved Odyssey, may you not rust apart before then...
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day Parade
Today we honor those who serve our country, and those who have perished serving our country. This is the first year that one of our kids has not marched in the parade with the cub scouts. Both Dan and our kids are paraded out, having put in their time for about 12 parades since our oldest started with the scouts. You miss a lot marching, and the parade really isn't about the scouts, so sometimes they get stuck behind the horses, or a really gassy old vehicle. The glamour is gone. Time to watch instead.
Every time I watch the parades in our community, I am struck with how many groups now throw candy--in our community, going to a parade is like trick or treat. Kids arrive to the parade route with bags! Our scout leader this year decided that they would not throw candy for the Memorial Day parade because it seemed disrespectful to the spirit of the holiday. I see her point. However, the Veterans of Foreign Wars that is sponsoring the troop and going directly ahead of them is throwing gobs of candy. I think if you have fought in a war and you want to throw candy, you have a right to throw candy.
When I was a kid, the Memorial Day parade was somewhat more solemn, and not much candy was to be found. Some organization though, always passed out American Flags, and another would hand out POW/MIA buttons. My favorite was a frowning smiley face button that said "POWs never have a nice day." Back then, it was still possible to see WW1 veterans (really old) and legions of WW2 veterans. My older brother would boo the Vietnam vets. It was the times, and he didn't really understand he just did what the older kids did, but it must have hurt them anyway.
My parents would confiscate the flags as soon as the parade was over, because they always had that pointy gold wood piece at the top, perfect for poking your sibling, or gouging an eye out.
We did not know any fallen soldiers. My dad was too young for WW2 and Korea, and spent the time before Vietnam in the Army, sitting in a pineapple field in Hawaii translating Russian communications. Both of my brothers served in peaceable conditions as well between wars. We were lucky. We have two uncles that served, one of them a gentle soul who nonetheless served as a marine and was at Guadalcanal. He refused to talk about it. The other was career army from Korean to the Vietnam Wars, and was tough enough to train Green Berets.
I hope the Iraq war veterans today are getting a great welcome and recognition in our community today, whether they are throwing candy or not. They are people who believe in our country, who have suffered greatly, and who have been betrayed by a president and vice president who lied us into the war, for what seems to be only their own profit and the profit of their cronies. That doesn't make our service people any less valiant or less worthy of honor. They should be honored for their loyalty and service to country and the Bush Administration reviled for betraying them. Actually Bush and company should be prosecuted. It could happen...sigh...it makes me so angry...
Many people will go through this holiday without a thought for what it means. Many others live every day feeling the loss of a loved one that they lost in serving their country.
Every time I watch the parades in our community, I am struck with how many groups now throw candy--in our community, going to a parade is like trick or treat. Kids arrive to the parade route with bags! Our scout leader this year decided that they would not throw candy for the Memorial Day parade because it seemed disrespectful to the spirit of the holiday. I see her point. However, the Veterans of Foreign Wars that is sponsoring the troop and going directly ahead of them is throwing gobs of candy. I think if you have fought in a war and you want to throw candy, you have a right to throw candy.
When I was a kid, the Memorial Day parade was somewhat more solemn, and not much candy was to be found. Some organization though, always passed out American Flags, and another would hand out POW/MIA buttons. My favorite was a frowning smiley face button that said "POWs never have a nice day." Back then, it was still possible to see WW1 veterans (really old) and legions of WW2 veterans. My older brother would boo the Vietnam vets. It was the times, and he didn't really understand he just did what the older kids did, but it must have hurt them anyway.
My parents would confiscate the flags as soon as the parade was over, because they always had that pointy gold wood piece at the top, perfect for poking your sibling, or gouging an eye out.
We did not know any fallen soldiers. My dad was too young for WW2 and Korea, and spent the time before Vietnam in the Army, sitting in a pineapple field in Hawaii translating Russian communications. Both of my brothers served in peaceable conditions as well between wars. We were lucky. We have two uncles that served, one of them a gentle soul who nonetheless served as a marine and was at Guadalcanal. He refused to talk about it. The other was career army from Korean to the Vietnam Wars, and was tough enough to train Green Berets.
I hope the Iraq war veterans today are getting a great welcome and recognition in our community today, whether they are throwing candy or not. They are people who believe in our country, who have suffered greatly, and who have been betrayed by a president and vice president who lied us into the war, for what seems to be only their own profit and the profit of their cronies. That doesn't make our service people any less valiant or less worthy of honor. They should be honored for their loyalty and service to country and the Bush Administration reviled for betraying them. Actually Bush and company should be prosecuted. It could happen...sigh...it makes me so angry...
Many people will go through this holiday without a thought for what it means. Many others live every day feeling the loss of a loved one that they lost in serving their country.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Stupid Ordinance vote has been pulled!
According to www.savechicagoculture.org, the vote has been pulled out of consideration thanks to overwhelming public outcry. I guess the clamor at the aldermans' offices was getting deafening. W00T! But it isn't gone yet--it is only off the table for now. However, the entertainment industry will make sure they have some input on what alterations may be needed to block shifty promoters while leaving the legitimate ones to do their jobs.
Chicago's Stupidest Ordinance yet!
Chicago City Council is going to vote tomorrow on the stupidest ordinance yet, that may cripple the vibrant art, music and theatre scene in Chicago and ruin the city's economy and reputation.
The “Event Promoters” ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that’s just the start:
This was borne of the E2 stampede disaster a few years back, caused by some shifty promoters who were not in compliance with existing laws. Someone thought this would be a great way to make a few more bucks on fee, making it prohibitive to produce anything in a venue less than 500 seats.
Think of it--Chicago without innovative storefront theatres, without its music scene, without comedy, without anything but bland big box shows that are no better than what you get on cable. Chicago, what a boring town. Why spend the gas money going there to go eat and shop and catch that crap?
This would not produce a win for anyone. This is the stupidest short-sighted thing City Council has come up with yet. Speak out. Call the alderman. Make your voices heard.
The “Event Promoters” ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that’s just the start:
- The definition of “event promoter” is so loosely defined it could apply to a band that books its own shows or a theater company that’s in town for a one-week run.
- “Event Promoter” must be licensed and will pay $500 - $2000 depending on expected audience size.
- To get the license, applicant must be over 21, get fingerprinted, submit to a background check, and jump over several other hurdles.
- This ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.
- Police must be notified at least 7 days in advance of event.
This was borne of the E2 stampede disaster a few years back, caused by some shifty promoters who were not in compliance with existing laws. Someone thought this would be a great way to make a few more bucks on fee, making it prohibitive to produce anything in a venue less than 500 seats.
Think of it--Chicago without innovative storefront theatres, without its music scene, without comedy, without anything but bland big box shows that are no better than what you get on cable. Chicago, what a boring town. Why spend the gas money going there to go eat and shop and catch that crap?
This would not produce a win for anyone. This is the stupidest short-sighted thing City Council has come up with yet. Speak out. Call the alderman. Make your voices heard.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Update on Mr. Hit and Run
Today we went to court to potentially testify against Mr. Hit and Run who totaled our car and broke my ribs last summer on I90. The court time was 9:00am, which meant for us to get there and make sure we had plenty of lead time, we caught a 7:20am train. It was an early day for all of us, and the kids made it to school essentially on their own.
Mr. Hit and Run's lawyer told me earlier that Mr. Hit and Run was only going to plead guilty to an improper lane change, which makes no sense to me. We made sure to be there to make sure he didn't weasel out of anything, like leaving the scene of an accident, which could get him up to a year in jail.
Because we were there, he had to plead guilty to both counts, and he got probation, supervision, remedial driving classes, traffic school, and court costs and fines. His insurance company will be notified that he was guilty of both counts, and his insurance will go up or be canceled accordingly.
I am kind of glad that he didn't get jail time, he is just soft enough looking to have a terrible time there. And for me, it is really enough that he plead guilty and takes responsibility for his actions. It gives me closure, and now I can forgive him and be able to let it go.
Mr. Hit and Run's lawyer told me earlier that Mr. Hit and Run was only going to plead guilty to an improper lane change, which makes no sense to me. We made sure to be there to make sure he didn't weasel out of anything, like leaving the scene of an accident, which could get him up to a year in jail.
Because we were there, he had to plead guilty to both counts, and he got probation, supervision, remedial driving classes, traffic school, and court costs and fines. His insurance company will be notified that he was guilty of both counts, and his insurance will go up or be canceled accordingly.
I am kind of glad that he didn't get jail time, he is just soft enough looking to have a terrible time there. And for me, it is really enough that he plead guilty and takes responsibility for his actions. It gives me closure, and now I can forgive him and be able to let it go.
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