Happy Easter

The General Accounting Office said that "the criminal investigation of former President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton has cost $70 million," CNN reports. These estimates "make the probe of the Clintons the most expensive in the history of the now-expired law under which court-appointed independent counsels investigated top political figures."

That's a damn shame, this money could have been better spent on something more important like protecting our borders.

ANDY ROONEY: A lot to worry about
"If you're worried about your own problems, one of the good ways to stop worrying about them is to start worrying about the world's problems.There are plenty of them big enough to make anyone forget worrying about money, marriage, the job, the kids, the dent in the car or a leaky faucet."
Read on

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"Global warming may be the most devastating environmental problem human beings have created, and the toughest to solve. For starters, our society is largely powered by the fossil fuels that cause global warming. What's more, fossil fuel companies have vast reserves of money to pay for lobbyists, advertising and their own studies to counter scientific evidence. And many people think of global warming as an abstract problem, not a pressing threat."
Read more

Middle East negotiations have failed, but the US can make a final deal stick A solution is possible now. All good and well but let's not ignore the recent statement made by Hamas that they want the extinction of the state of Israel. A very sad situation indeed.

Closure
"Couples need it after a fight. College seniors want it at graduation, even if they don't know it. And laid-off employees could probably do with some of it – on top of severance packages.

"It" is closure, and recently it's been on the lips of not only psychologists, but also talk-show hosts, columnists, and politicians. Victims of sexual abuse by priests, millions of Americans who have thronged ground zero, and families of victims who watched Timothy McVeigh's execution were all said to be looking for a concept that first dropped into Americans' daily discourse some 10 to 20 years ago and has been making steady gains since." Read more

Cuba Bans PC Sales to Public Individuals and nonprofits can no longer purchase personal computers in Cuba, according to a government decree. Dissidents claim it's another example of the restriction of information flow.

I spent some time at the golf range today with my co-worker Mike. The Hogan driver by the way is courtesy of Greg who couldn't be with us today because he was busy doing something more productive ... I think. Thanks gents.

Ever wonder what happens to your luggage after the airlines lose it? They sell it to this guy, who then resells your stuff from his store in Alabama (or online) for a fraction of its value. (via Bushtit)

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In other news, former Washington Mayor Marion Barry (D), "planning a city council comeback amid allegations of drug use, demanded an apology from" his successor, Mayor Anthony Williams, "for saying he might have a problem," Reuters reports. "U.S. Park Police said they found traces of cocaine and marijuana in Barry's car last week, although they said the amounts were too small for them to press charges." A Washington Post editorial urges Barry not to run.

Public housing evictions for drug use upheld
"Public housing authorities can evict an entire family when someone in the household is caught with drugs, even if the others knew nothing about the wrongdoing, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday"

I think this is good. It eliminates finger pointing and makes everyone accountable for whatever the hell goes on between their four walls. Personally, I'm a careful observer of what goes on in my household, I set the rules, I enforce them. Societal change requires everyone's involvement, and to use the old cliche, "if you're not a part of the solution, you're a part of the problem"

Lawsuits Seek Reparations for Slavery
The idea of reparations will be fiercely debated for years to come. There are no easy answers and certainly both sides make powerful arguments. I choose to stand in the middle of the road until I have reviewed more info.

I've always been of the opinion that less focus should be given to the past as we move forward. However, when I consider that this whole issue is not about individuals getting a check in their mailboxes but rather a litigation of issues and claims that as many as 1,000 unidentified corporations may have profited from slavery, that gives me a reason to pause and think.

I've also read that all "damages would be put into a fund to improve health, education and housing opportunities for blacks" (according to attorney Roger Wareham, one of a group of lawyers who prepared the lawsuits). Of course, many black Americans have made great strides in education and economic status, but millions still lag way behind. I suppose that addressing that gap makes sense. Certainly, my curiosity is peaked to the point where I'm interested in reading further on the merits of both sides. I will certainly be keeping watch as I stand in the middle of the road - risking being run over by both sides.

On being a philosopher

The search for meaning in life is an individual odyssey. Each of us is caught in a philosophical enterprise. “Sooner or later” writes Maurice Riseling, “Life makes philosophers of us all”

Every one is involved in the process of trying to make sense of his/her existence. Our experiences come pouring into us with endless variety. They do not come neatly packaged and labeled. Therefore, it is our duty to choose and assimilate, organize and arrange, value and apply.

When we think, search for and formulate ideas that help to awaken us, we are all philosophers by default.

Certainly, we can also seek guidance from others who have also searched. We can listen to those who have found answers that work for them. However, in the final analysis, true insight and meaning can only come from within.

Is this the beginning of the The Slush Age?
Scientists are concerned that the recent Rhode-Island-sized ice shelf that broke off in the Antarctica won't be the last: "We just saw how a small amount of warming that doesn't seem like a big deal can cause billions of tons of ice to fragment and disappear. Now we know there's potential for break-ups to happen rapidly."

The women of Enron ... Brought to you by Playboy
"For those who said that all the Enron scandal lacked was sex, the wait is almost over." ... I've always thought that this was the missing ingredient, I mean, Greed, financial crimes and collapse can only hold our attention for so long.

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John Wayne Bobbitt Remarries
Remember him? the guy who was thrust into the national spotlight in 1993 when his wife was charged with cutting off his penis while he slept. Getting married! wow, I bet he probably urged the wedding guests to refrain from bringing any gifts containing cutlery.

Well Done Halle. (via USnews2.com)

Enough with the best. What movie was the worst of the year? Check out the Golden Raspberry award

Hitting the Books ... And the Booze
While there has been an increase in the number of substance-free dorms, the binge-drinking numbers at colleges have remained steadily high over the last decade. There has been a significant increase in binge-drinking at all-women's colleges. Go ahead ladies! get your drink on.

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If current trends continue, New York's murder rate will be the lowest since Mickey Mantle played for the Yankees.

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Which country is the World's # 1 oil producer? The answer might surprise you.

The year: 1972. Nixon is in the White House. America is at war in Vietnam. "Superfly,'' "Hit Man'' and other blaxploitation movies are pulling in a heretofore ignored minority audience.

And Oscar, for the first time in its 45-year history, acknowledges three African American actors in the best-actor categories: Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson for their Louisiana sharecropper parents in "Sounder''; Diana Ross for her tragic, lilting Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings the Blues.''

The winners? White. Marlon Brando for "The Godfather,'' Liza Minnelli for "Cabaret.''

The year: 2002. George W. is in the Oval Office. America is at war in Afghanistan. Digital animation and Wesley Snipes as a vampire warrior are boffo at the box office. And Oscar, for the first time in 30 years, again nominates three black actors in the best-actor categories: Will Smith for "Ali,'' Halle Berry for "Monster's Ball'' and previous supporting-actor winner Denzel Washington for "Training Day.'' (via Bay Area.com)

The answer came last evening:

Halle Berry became the first African American female to receive the oscar for best actress and Denzel only the second African American male to receive an Oscar for best actor, Sidney Poitier was the first. And how awe inspiring it was for me to see Sidney Poitier receive a life time achievement Oscar also on this night.

And the winners are ... (Live reporting from my den)

I'm not feeling whoopie's outfit, but hell give her a round of applause ... she 's got it like that. (8:30PM)

The first award goes to Jennifer Connelly, predictably, for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. (8:40 PM)

Lord of the Rings takes the make up category, Hey! Where did this guy get his tux? That's hot! Rock and roll baby! ... Moulin rouge for best costume, ok. (9:05PM)


Uncle Woody Allen just did a hilarious introduction to a series of clips about the importance of New York in film. Jodie Foster introduced Best Cinematography category. What a lovely woman. (9:30PM)


What's the story with those backstage contortionists? I feel like I'm missing something here ... How about the dancing guy in the red coat that came onstage with the winner for Best Short Subject Documentary, at first I thought it was a security breach. (9:50PM)


Wow, boredom has set in, I wonder if Russel Crowe is a bored as I am, I noticed he left his seat. ... I will go sit on the couch with wifey (10:00PM)

The cirque the soleil performance was hot! I like this whole metropolis, flying trapeze, trampoline, movie back drop vibe etc. (10:30PM)

Ryan O' Neal and Ali McGraw, who co-starred in Love Story, just introduced the Humanitarian Award. They are 20 years older and they look it. (10:45PM)

I was moved by the tribute to Sidney Poitier. The man is truly an American Icon, a class act, an inspiration to many and a great human being. I must admit I got a little misty eyed. As Halle Berry said of Poitier, "He is an American Treasure" (11:05PM)

Wow, time flies when you're not having fun too ... well, kudos to Randy Newman, first oscar after 16 nominations over the years. Oh! two of my favorite people are presenting ... Sharon Stone and John Travolta. (11:45PM)

Here we go, and the winner for best actress is ....... Halle Berry WOW! History has been made Halle Berry becomes the first African American woman to win an academy award for Best Actress. This made the whole night worthwhile. So far my first prediction came true.(12:15AM Mon.)


And the winner for best actor is Denzel Washington My God, this is awesome! Looks like Julia Roberts was just as happy as I am.(12:30AM Mon.)

Another huge win Ron Howard for best director. I'm on a roll here, so far I'm 3 out of 4. (12:40AM Mon.)


Woo hooo!!!!! ... A Beautiful Mind Best picture! well deserved I'd say. 4 out of 4 on my predictions who would have thought .... Jeeezus! I should have put my money where my mouth is. Well, I'm off to bed , wifey is calling .... Coming honey!! (12:50AM Mon.)

My predictions for the 2002 Oscars

Best picture-
Should win: A Beautiful Mind

Best Actor-
Should win: Denzel Washington ( Training Day)

Best Actress-
Should win: Halle Berry (Monster Ball)

Best Director-
Should win: Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind)


But, then again, what do I know.

Goatee update: I'm not completely used to the hairy chin look yet, which probably explains why I carry an electric shaver in my briefcase in case I need an emergency shave. But, I've been drawing some goatee motivation from various sources including the great Goatee Style.com web site. It might be my imagination but I think I see a resemblance between myself and the guy on the right, either that or "I'm brian Fellow "

What's wrong with this picture

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Capitalism after death
And you thought it was the end ... Well, actually no, you can now put Advertising on your tombstone

Ken Starr To Lead Court Fight Against Campaign Finance Reform
Opponents of the recently passed campaign finance reform bill "quickly announced a 'dream team' of prominent lawyers to challenge the measure in court," the Washington Post reports. "Their lawyers include Kenneth W. Starr, who led the impeachment investigation of Bill Clinton, and First Amendment specialist Floyd Abrams." The New York Times notes "the group also includes experts in election and campaign law as well as Kathleen M. Sullivan, the dean of Stanford Law School." USA Today called it a "glittering legal team."

I cannot comment with absolute certainty--not having read the exact text of the CFR Act - but I'm leaning in the "pro" direction. I have realized that the current campaign finance system is out of control. It serves to benefit some of the people and not all of the people. I agree with Sen. John McCain that CFR will "help to restore the public's faith in government." Here is a CNN first view.