"Events"

This is more or less and excuse to get that darn side-head-shot out of view and down the page...so you're welcome.

But, when did the term "event" become such the marketing tool?

"Centex Homes Lovin' Lincoln Sales Event"
That just sounds wrong.

Every car dealer has a sales event.
And, Every car Maker has a sales event.
Every new TV mini-series (or two-part movie) is an event.
American Idol tonight is a "1 1/2 hour American Idol Event" (no, it's not)

It really bothers me and I wish "they" would stop. It sounds so much like a focus-grouped, market-researched, tested and massaged word that I ignore what is being sold, and instead wonder if anyone in these advertising (or whatever) meetings realizes how "marketed" it sounds. I can't think of another work, except "phoney" maybe, but that's too broad.

Scalpy

Scalpy...is that even a word?
I got a haircut today. Actually, got them all cut! (thank you, I'll be here all week)
Haircut may not be the best way to describe this. It's more of a "son----boot-camp-isn't-for-sissies-now-drop-and-give-me-twenty!!!" style.
I got home and looked in the mirror and "scalpy" was the first thing that popped into my (scalpy) head.
For the last 10 years, my hair has been getting easier and easier to style (if you get my drift) so I'm neither surprised nor shocked about this development. It's just really really short.

The Uniter

One of GW Bush's campaign slogans was "GW--Uniter, not a Divider"
Sure, it was funny, like "Compassionate Conservative" or "Reformer with Results"...side note, does anyone else think it's strange that you need to add "Compassionate" to seperate yourself from the normal conservatives? Oh well, it worked...twice...barely.

Ok, back to the Uniter part. We now have proof:

(from Gallup)
"Majority Dissatisfied With U.S. Position in World
Most think Bush not respected by other leaders"

There's quite a bit of good information in there. N

Mini-Restaurant Reviews

Here's a few reviews of places that I/We've been to in the last couple of weeks.

Zuni Cafe: We finally went there for lunch a couple of weeks ago. We walked right in at 11:45 and were seated immediatly, which was cool.
We both had the Caesar Salad, the Burger, and a mountain of shoestring potatoes.
It was all really good. Especially the burger. Thick, juicy, drippy, cooked right (medium rare was actually medium rare!!!) and the fries were light and crispy.
Out of 5 Unemployment Checks, Zuni rates a 4.
No website and not on Opentable.com.

The Slanted Door:
Located in the Ferry Building (as of now, it's moved twice already) this famous Vietnamese restaurant might the place that started the Vietnamese food craze.
(yes, it's a craze, don't argue with me on this)
It has great views of the bay, a lively and slick professionalism, and service that is always right there when you need them...and usually before.
The food was great. We had the Pho, 5-spiced chicken, sauteed spinach with garlic, and shrimp spring rolls.
While it's a great restaurant with a wonderful location, nice food and service, I feel that you could get close to the same food at any number of good Vietnamese places in the city, and the whole bay area.
My favorite is Ana Mandara, but like Slanted Door, the food is only part of the experience.
All in all, it's a great place to take out-of-town visitors and also for those on business meals.
Out of 5 Unemployment Checks, The Slanted Door rates a 4.


A quick description of my ratings:
1= eh, no reason to go back. (very few places will get this)
2= not bad, some items on the menu are worth having
3= decent, good, more hits than misses, but overall worth trying
4= a quality place, not perfect, but recommended for locals and out-of-towners.
5= the best of the best. Few places will get this consistantly, but individual meals may earn the 5.

Halfsies are permitted (4 1/2)


Mamacita
This is a follow-up to an earlier review, and while I couldn't remember too much about the specifics of that meal, this one will show the same attention to detail.
For example, we don't remember the appetizer that we ordered. Unfortunatly, the Mamacita website doesn't have the entire menu posted, otherwise I'd be able to tell you what we ate.
The entrees we remember. Broiled Salmon for me, and the wife had the Seared Rare Ahi.
That's the best I can describe it right now. Maybe I should take notes next time (Good idea!!!).
But here's the deal. We left the place raving about the food and we already had 3-4 dishes picked out for next time. The service is sooooo much better than the old Cafe Marimba that it replaced, so it also has that going for it.
All they need to do is start up the brunch and lunch menus and get their entire menu online so I can remember what the heck I ate.
The meal that night got 4 1/2 UE Checks. The service gave it the 1/2 point.

Big Brother (but cool)

Here's an interesting site/tool.
Zillow.com is a website that lets you look at the housing prices on a google maps-ish interface.
You can see what the houses in your neighborhood sold for, or what they are appraised at, or what the range of prices are for similar residences. (if it hasn't been sold or appraised in a while).

It also profiles the houses like a real estate listing.
I checked out my parents house and to be honest, it's quite strange to read about my childhood home like that...4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2100 square feet, blah, blah, blah...
But...it's also great to see what the prices are for homes, well, just about anywhere.

Cheney's Got A Gun

By now everyone has heard the news that the Vice President of the United States of America, shot a 78 year-old-man in the face, with a shotgun.
If you haven't heard, or are wondering what's the big deal about Dick Cheney, the US Vice President, shooting an old man of 78 years, in the face (with a shotgun), then just try to remember your reaction the last time a sitting Vice President shot someone, and compare it to now.

After waiting 5 days, Dick Cheney (the shooter and the Vice President of the United States of America) finally decided that it was ok to speak out, but only on Fox"News", which isn't surprising.
Shoot, if I'd shot someone, I'd rather be interviewed by a friend, someone who will understand and take my side in the situation...but alas, I'm just a private citizen and I doubt that FoxNews would feel the need to make nice with me since I cannot provide them with access and power.

You really have to laugh at the people complaining that the "media" are making a too big of a deal out of this...
"A Blowjob? Well, we need 24/7 coverage on every cable channel, but shooting someone in face with a shotgun? Nothing to see here, move along."

Oh well, just another day in crazyland.

Super Bowl XL

Ok...We had a big game on Sunday, lots of people were watching, lots of money riding on the outcome, and lots of hopes and dreams made and squashed. We've had everyone and (AND!!!) their mothers analyzing, opining and regurgitating the conventional wisdom and offering any contrarian angles that can fill column space. (I'm looking at you Skip Bayless)
So here's my take.

There's been a lot of talk about the refs. "The officials were terrible and wanted the Steelers to win" is one common refrain. This is actually two points, one true, one ridiculous.
The refs were terrible, but they've been terrible all year and Sunday was no different. It appeared that most of the bad calls went against Seattle, but not all.

Let's go through the ones that many of the Seattle fans are upset about.

DJax pass interference in the endzone took away a touchdown:
I've watched this play about 8 times now. It would've been called 8 times. DJax pushed off, the defender moved back after the pushoff and the ref reached for his flag the instant the push-off occurred. There was no hesitation from the ref. (he missed the flag originally, looked back to make sure he had it and then threw it.)
Only Michael Jordan gets away with this (NBA finals vs Utah).
Don't say, "he didn't really push" or "it was a ticky-tacky call".
Djax's arm reached out to the defender, and both players moved away from each other.
Again, it gets called every time.

Holding call takes away Stevens catch at the 1 yard line.
This one was tough for Seattle fans and I understand. John Madden said that he didn't see the hold on the replay but said there could've been, but "not in that picture."
You know, maybe a different angle would've shown it...but we never saw another angle. So no conclusive evidence there...either way. And then the wheels fell off for the Seahawks.

The Roethlisberger Touchdown
Another close call that could've gone either way. The ref called it a touchdown, and on replays, unless you have clear evidence that the call is incorrect, the play will stand as called. People will see what they want in this one.
I couldn't tell either way after repeated viewings, so the play has to stand as called. Iffy call...but it happens all the time.

The Hasselbeck Penalty
After the interception, Matt Hasselbeck made a nice tackle to end the interception return, but was called for a personal foul on the tackle.
This was a bad call. I don't know of anyone who feels otherwise on this one. But it didn't cost Seattle the game.

Calls for Seattle
Yes, there were breaks for the Seahawks, but that wouldn't fit into the narrative of "We got Robbed" that some people are saying. Et Tu Holmgren?
How about Jeremy Steven's "non-fumble?" Or the illegal hit on Ben Roethlisbeger after HIS interception? What I'm trying to say it that there were missed calls on both sides, but in the SuperBowl, they get magnified and dissected just way too much.

I thought it was a poorly played game and both teams had wasted many opportunities.
I was watching the game again last night and noticed that the Seahawks got the ball with 8:57 remaining, only down by 11. They needed a field goal and a touchdown.
They got nothing. And, they fell apart as the clock wound down.
That's why it ended in a loss for the 'Hawks.

Still, for Seahawks fans, it was a successful year and a nice run. Hopefully they'll get back next year and make their fans truly happy.

Oh, btw...can we stop with this "the commercials are the best part" crap? In the late 90's this may have been true. The games sucked and all the advertisers had huuuuge advertising budgets.

Friday Random Tunes plus housekeeping

Ok,
It's Friday (in 7-ish hours) and I'll probably forget to update itsjoey unless I do it now. It's been a busy week for me. I've had 2 (TWO!!) scheduled activities this week and I'm exhausted.

Here are the 10 random ITunes on my party shuffle.

Bus Stop - The Hollies
Ohh La La - The Ditty Bops
China Grove - The Doobie Brothers
Try Me! - James Brown
Nothing Can Come Between Us - Sade
You're My Best Friend - Queen
Ma 'Tit Fille - Buckwheat Zydeco
Belle - Jack Johnson (my newest purchase "In Between Dreams" CD...love it!)
Drive - REM
Voulez Vous - ABBA

Interesting subtle French theme going on there. I wonder what's up with that.

On to the housekeeping:

My flickr page has been updated to include our Antwerp pictures from 2002. Man, that seems like such a long time ago.
Also, my Virtual Tourist page has been updated with info and images about our Oaxaca trip.

Virtual Tourist
Fickr Page