A little Frank Caliendo, anyone?

The first time I heard the famous Frank Caliendo 'John Madden' impersonation I couldn't believe it wasn't really John making fun of himself. But, incredibly, this spoof isn't Frank Caliendo's only dead on impersonation, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Check out this clip from Frank's upcoming TBS show this fall; the characters from 'Seinfeld', even in 2027, have never looked or heard better.

An Era, Ended

Prime Minster Tony Blair's time at the helm of the UK has come to an end; while many here might not much exposure to his body of work I am in awe of Mr. Blair's accomplishments over the past ten years. The Blair Doctrine is the one that means the most to me.

Link from the NY Times

Epcot's 25th - Communicore

As much as I love the Magic Kingdom, I deeply appreciate Epcot Center. It's true that my late conversion to worshiping at the feet of the mouse meant I missed quite a bit of the early Epcot years but I remain nostalgic for what Epcot used to be and remain optimistic it could be much more than it currently is.

Perhaps one the most cleverly hidden gems of early Epcot would be Communicore. For those of you who are familiar with the current layout of this park this area is now known as Innoventions. Toady, Innoventions is mostly nothing more than a speed bump between Future World East and West. In contrast, Communicore was tightly integrated with the early park. As noted by Lou Mongello and Jeff Pepper in the 24 June WDW Radio Show podcast Communicore was a valid attraction; one that enthralled children and adults alike. It's hard for many of us to remember but in 1982 computers were still new and fresh. Guests must have appreciated the ability to take a peek into the rows and banks of computers that ran many of the attractions and communication systems for Epcot Central: wouldn't you?

The customer service in and around Communicore was also fantastic. Where else could guests use touchscreen systems to make dining reservations? The item most sorely missed by my family would be the Epcot Outreach and Teacher Center; I would dearly love to have a dedicated research center to address my many questions.

I've included some Communicore links below and a fun video clip. Enjoy!

Link courtesy of startedbyamouse.com
Link courtesy of solarius.com
Link courtesy of waltdatedworld.com
Link courtesy of aatvideo.com and their Lost Epcot pages

By comparison, here's what we have now.

Link courtesy of allears.net

Thatcher Golf Tournament

Japanese Beetle Sex

Ugh - Japanese Beetle season. Currently, they are everywhere in my yard; a bit too early for my taste but I'm sure it's due to the very high average temperature in June and the overall lack of rain. Against the sage advice of my father I've put in place beetle bags (the overall lack of detailed landscaping in our new community means all of them are already in my yard) and the frenzy has begun. For those of you in Indiana, here's the scoop from the Purdue University extension. (Go Boilers!)

Link Purdue University Extension

Croupier

A hidden gem from the turn of the last century would be 'Croupier'. I think Josh turned me onto this film and, after watching it again after a few years (enough to forget certain key plot twists) it's still a very good film. I caught Clive Owen in 'Children of Men' and it was fun to do a compare/contrast; let's just say Clive still has a deft touch but has put on a couple of pounds. I think the writer's aspect in 'Croupier' was a bit more intriguing for me this time; I recommend the film to those who don't care to gamble.

New Movies, New York Magazine

Hmm. Brad Bird and Michael Moore. 'Sicko' and 'Ratatouille'. I'm not sure which I'll see first but I guarantee you I'll see them both. And, without sounding too wild, I think both will receive academy nominations next January.

Link New York Magazine

Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo

Perhaps my favorite Clint Eastwood film and, by far, my favorite Sergio Leone epic, 'The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly' is without a doubt a western masterpiece. The score, by Ennio Morricone, is one of the best examples of how music truly interacts and enhances a film. In a world not so long ago I had the theme (who-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo; wah-wah-wah) as a ring tone on my mobile; in fact, I think it's still there. Anyway, it was on Encore Western last night; what a treat!

Proof Google's "Human" After All

An update on Google's lobbying activities. While I have no problem engaging lobbyists it does make me think Google's not as idealistic at certain levels of the company as they are in others. Such is life!

Link from slashdot

First the Bees and now the Birds?

A Times opinion piece on the disappearance of birds in the US. I have anxiously followed stories related to the sudden population decline of honey bees over the past two growing seasons and the doomsday part of me wonders what part of the chain is next to suffer. Will it be the birds?

Link from NY Times

Rate businesses through Google maps

For those of you who depend on Google maps here's a new feature: rate businesses. Previously provided through a third-party, Google now allows you to provide ratings for the shops, restaurants, service providers, and pretty much anything else. I had a blast rating my local restaurants and this provides me another avenue to prosecute my fight with the dry cleaners.

Link from googlespot.blogspot.com

Google Raises the Carbon Emissions Bar (or Lowers it, Actually)

If some of us happen to harbor an irrational fear that Google is planning to take over the world at least they want to be a benevolent dictator. This news item might seem like fluff to many but I'm pretty sure they're on the right track and they've definitely raised the bar for others.

Link from the official Googleblog

Who it Paul Potts? (With apologies to Josh)

For those of us who've had the (dis)pleasure of watching Simon Cowell on 'American Idol' here's something more representative of his work. It's a bit hard to separate the UK vs. US versions of these shows nowadays and can imagine it won't be long before an international version hits the airwaves. However, for the time being, here's a story that most will find heartwarming. And, for my money, I think Simon's more interested in signing an artist like Paul much more than Jordan Sparks.

Lastly, when it comes to placing bets, always put your money on the Welsh guy who sings opera. 'Nuff said.

How much is too much?

I always wonder how my two BsIL have thought about this issue. Neither are in this field or plan to be (pain specialists) but I'd like to know what they think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/magazine/17pain-t.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1182207329-EVJ4ZA/pw1FlF6v/HWHACQ&pagewanted=all

Relief

If you heard that, it was the first deep breath taken in quite a while. Now if I could just get my back to stop hurting. . .

A Little Weekend Work

For Josh.