Adios to Austin

I flew down to Austin for business last Friday, staying for the weekend.

Austin is one of my favorite places. Not necessarily for the food, the live music, the attractive UT coeds, or the scenic landscape.

Austin Texas is where I spent too much of my first 3 years of college. Because I went to school in College Station, going to Austin was a convenient diversion from what I was supposed to be doing, namely, getting an education.

I learned a lot about myself from this experience. I learned that I was too immature to fall in love, I learned that no matter what shithole I put myself into, only I have the capablility to extract myself from said shithole, and that I really enjoyed new experiences, and should not be afraid to jump into the deep end of the pool.

When I first left Austin for the last time, it was 1983, and as I drove north on IH-35 toward Illinois, I thought it would take some doing to get me back there.

In the early 1990's, however, I was back, at the time scouting for a place to live, as my friend Artist James and his wife, Kathy, were going to move to Austin, and my wife was going to transfer to Austin with Motorola. My hopes were dashed when we could not make the move. The Austin of the early 90's was similar to the Austin of the mid '80's. I found that I still loved the city, the Capital, the food, the nightlife, etc. It could do no wrong.

After James and Kathy settled in Austin, my wife and would make annual trips to see them, just a 2 1/2 hour plane ride and I could be back in Utopia. We'd always go in the Spring during Bluebonnet time. We still made regular trips after our daughter was born. I felt it was important to return as often as possible so I could retain my Texas 'citizenship'.

Sadly, after our son was born, we only made one more trip down. I guess our family decided to make future vacations more destination driven, and Austin sort of fell off our screen. I'd make the suggestion to go, but it was shot down. My wife seemed to think that my love of Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes was a bit provincial, saying that they really weren't any different from the yellow dandelions and other 'weeds' that grew along Illinois roadsides. I continue to love my wife even though she doesn't understand.

By some great collision of fortune and ability, James and Kathy (and Emma and Murray) are leaving Austin soon to spend a year in New York City. After that year, they have no idea where they will go. Probably not back to Austin. And now, suddenly, any excuse I have to visit Austin is gone.

That thought occured to me Sunday morning as I left my hotel and drove down Guadalope one last time, remembering the dragworms, the BK Lounge, all the sights, sounds and smells of a magical time long ago. A wave of great emotion overtook me, and I found myself wanting to call the old girlfriend who lured me to Austin over 25 years ago. I didn't call her, of course, I really wasn't sure what to say or how to say it. I just thought that in some ways, my greatest joy was experienced in those blocks between 15th street and 30th street. Despite the turmoil my hopelessly romantic heart experienced back then, I know that in some ways I was never happier.

Austin in 2008 has changed a lot since 1983. More high-rise buildings compete with the view of the Capital, Sixth Street parties a little too hearty, although the UT Coeds going to the football game in their short denim skirts and cowgirl boots remind me of my youth, poorly spent.

An older, perhaps wiser, 45 year-old man left Austin yesterday, eagerly returning to the family that he loves in Illinois. I really don't know if I'll ever find myself in Austin again, but until then, adios, dear friend.

Plakovic's "The Live Music Capital of the World" adorns this post. Visit www.plakovic.com to purchase.

September 12

Now that my son is 8, he is very interested in history and science.

I had the History Channel on last night, with it's various September 11 programs. My son was very interested in them, as he was just 1 and a half back in 2001. So we watched a show about the evacuation of the World Trade Centers, and the heroic sacrifice of one of the security chiefs who had been anticipated a terrorist attack since the bombing in 1993.

At some point, watching the planes crash and the buildings fall became too much for me. As I watch the famous footage of the second jet collide with the tower, the fact that 300 lives ended at that moment hits me very hard. To know that as the buildings fall (in the span it takes to write this sentence), thousands of regular, innocent people will die overcomes me.

While I was fortunate enough not to have known anyone personally who died that day, I do have a friend who was across the river watching it happen, fearful of what was coming next. The husband of a good friend of mine was working in the pentagon that day. Just regular people, doing regular jobs.

Along with the sense of loss, it was the fear of not knowing when the planes would stop crashing that I still carry with me. I live 30 miles due east of a nuclear power plant, and yes, our family has an 'escape plan' if it is ever attacked.

September 11, 2008.

Intellectual Property

Those darn Republicans!

First the use Jackson Browne's Running on Empty "without permission", then they use a Bon Jovi or Mellencamp song "without permission", and, by golly, they've used Heart's Barracuda for VP candidate Sarah Palin, again, without asking the recording artists permission to do so.

If it were only so easy.

Do you think that a radio station has to ask permission to play a record?

As long as the music publisher and composer's rights organization are paid, anyone can usually use a recorded work for whatever reason. That's why music publishers and organizations such as ASCAP and BMI exist.

The most an artist can do is complain, and if they still own the rights to the song, collect the royalty check. If the offending organization, in this instance the Republicans, are using the song without paying (pirating), then the artist can be outraged.

Certainly, Browne does not want one of his greatest hits (and one of my favorite songs) associated with the McCain Campaign. But a lawsuit? Sort of a waste of money, if you ask me.

A recent AP story states "Despite the Wilson sisters' objections, one of the song's co-writers said he was "thrilled" that the song was used.

In an e-mail to Reuters, the band's former guitarist, Roger Fisher, said it was a win-win situation. Heart gets publicity and royalties, while the Republicans benefit from "the ingenious placement of a kick-ass song," Fisher said.

But in a subsequent email, Fisher said he strongly endorsed the Democratic ticket, and would donate a portion of royalties he receives from the Republicans' airing of "Barracuda" to the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama.

I think this is the best way to handle the situation.

By the way, any song in the Hansen/Plakovic catalog is available to either presidential nominee. For a fee, of course.

We're all about airplay.

Sarah big and tall

Yes, I had heard of Sarah Palin before last Friday. As anyone who knows me understands: I'm all about attractive women over 40.

However, as a "Dennis Miller Republican", I have to confess that I am not on board with her selection as running mate. Sure, I can see VP hopeful Joe Biden get terrorist brains on his Ivy League suit (Godfather reference), but I can't get past Sarah needing to hand the baby over to the au pair just to reach in her purse to pull out her Glock.

I have reached the age where important leaders are older than me. But I just don't know about Sarah yet.

She gave a swell speech last night, but I don't think the disenfranchised Hillary supporters are buying it.

I'm not sure I can watch McCain give his speech (speechifying is not his strong suit) tonight, but I sure hope it is full of IDEAS and SOLUTIONS and not the same old crap.

We'll see.

Michelle, my bell(e)

I enjoyed Michelle Obama's speech last night. I think she accomplished what she set out to do, which was to show that she is not a 'bitch with attitude', and that intelligent African-American women are not a threat to whitebread America.

We were watching on CBS (I root for the underdog), and they spent a lot of time showing reaction shots from the audience.

While I was moved by the speech, I was not moved to tears, like several of the audience members were. I think perhaps they were a little over-invested in the moment.

Anyway, tonight Hillary will outline her diabolical plan to subvert the convention and wrest the nomination away from Obama. Well, if I were writing the screenplay, that is what she would do.

I was reading a story off the Huffington Post about Bill Clinton not being happy with his role in the convention. An interesting read, to be sure, but what was more informing were the comments posted by the Hillary supporters taking Obama to task for stealing the nomination.

Stealing the nomination? When did that happen?

Obama picks Biden

So much for change.

"Meet the new boss, just the same as the old boss."

McCain and the Cone of Silence

I see that much is being made today of John McCain's ability to give short, concise answers during the 'Saddleback' debate.

For goodness sakes, McCain's been active in politics since before Obama could vote.

Do you really think that any of the questions poses to either candidate was new, unique, thought-provoking, or otherwise ground-breaking.

Obama like to go for the deep, long-winded answer. I don't think he should get points off for that, but when McCain can spit out his well-practiced campaign-approved policy sound bite off the top of his head, I don't think that means there is a conspiracy to cheat.

For gosh sakes, focus on something IMPORTANT!!

The next Bobby Knight

I began my soccer coaching career this morning.

Despite my behavior with my own kids, I do have a lot a patience, and my coaching philosophy is modeled on Bill Murray's character, Tripper Harrison, in the movie Meatballs.



My wife would say my romantic technique is from the same movie. "Is that a bra you're wearing, or are you expecting an assassination?"

Elvis fans ignore rain for graveside vigil

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080816/ap_en_mu/elvis_vigil


Yet, after 31 years, the King remains dead.

Worst MLB Manager

Ned Yost of the Milwaukee Brewers is the worst manager in the Major Leagues.

I was watching the Brewer/Cub game last night, and Ben Sheets was getting rocked in the 6th inning (maybe the 5th). Anyway, if one of your aces is getting shelled (7 hits before the first out), you need to get off your ass and go settle him down.

Ben Sheets is a gamer, a tough kid, but really, a mound visit is almost mandatory after the 3rd hit over the left fielder's head (and you may want your left fielder to play a little deeper). If anything, it would disrupt the Cubs' hitting parade a little bit.

Yost finally pulled Sheets after I was called at home to grab a bat and drive to Milwaukee for an at-bat.

I like the Brewers. I'm glad that they are becoming a good team. Now that they've pulled the trigger to sign or trade for some great players, it's time now to get a Major League manager. A real one, not a retread.

Compassion, Forgiveness, Vengeance, and Justice

Susan Atkins is a sixty year-old woman who has 3 months to live. She is dying form brain cancer. She suffers from paralysis, and has had a leg amputated. Her husband and other relatives wish she could spend her remaining days near them.

In 1971, Susan Atkins was convicted for her participation in the murders of Abigail Folger, Voytek Frykowski, Jay Sebring, Steven Parent, Leno La Bianca, and Rosemary La Bianca. Yes, and actress Sharon Tate and her unborn son.

Susan Atkins was sentenced to death for these crimes, specifically the murder of Sharon Tate, who she admittedly stabbed over and over and over again. She admitted to tasting Sharon Tate’s blood, and using it to write graffiti on the walls of Sharon Tate’s home.

In 1972, the California Supreme Court determined that the death penalty was not constitutional, so Susan Atkins sentence was commuted to life imprisonment with parole. Susan Atkins had been denied parole on 12 separate occasions.

For many years, Susan Atkins did not show remorse for these crimes. She did express remorse at some point, as had the other female participants, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten. Susan Atkins did have a religeous conversion and awakening, and even has been married while enduring her sentence.

Susan Atkins is no longer a threat to anyone. In fact Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecutor in the murder case, has stated that Susan should be released under California’s “Compassionate Release” policy. His quote "just because Susan Atkins showed no mercy to her victims, we therefore are duty-bound to follow her inhumanity and show no mercy to her" shows a great deal of compassion

At first blush, I agreed with Bugliosi. Wouldn’t the release of Susan Atkins show real compassion? Isn’t compassion and forgiveness a hallmark of our pervasive Christian faith? Her release would not inspire other would-be killers, and after 37 years in prison, can’t she be let out so she can pass away with loving family around her?

What is compassion if Susan Atkins can’t be released?

However, perhaps Susan Atkins has been shown enough compassion.

The California Supreme Court showed compassion when it stopped capitol punishment.

The State of California showed compassion when it commuted Susan Atkins’ sentence to life with the chance of parole.

The Prison System showed compassion by allowing Susan Atkins twelve opportunities to be paroled.

The State of California has showed compassion by spending over $1.4 million dollars to care for Susan Atkins over the last few months.

Life in prison is life in prison.

Justice tells us that Susan Atkins must die in prison. It is sad. No more sad, however, than a pregnant woman being stabbed to death as she pleads for the life of her unborn child, as Sharon Tate did the night Susan Atkins murdered her. “Woman, I have no mercy for you" is what Susan Atkins admits she told Sharon Tate. Perhaps those words could be played back now for Susan Atkins.

Justice is for the survivors. Justice is for the families of the victim.

Perhaps Sharon Tate’s mother and father, now long dead, wanted Susan Atkins to die in the gas chamber. I don’t know if that is justice or vengeance. I do know that because they attended every parole hearing of each of the convicted killers, they saw justice being served by parole not being granted.

Justice is for the survivors. Justice is for the families of the victim.

Part of me wishes that Susan Atkins family could have their wish. But part of me also wants Sharon Tate’s family to have theirs.

Weird Dreams

We just got our investment account(s) statement the other day, and after seeing that we lost over $8,000, I told my wife to stop whining, this black hole our retirement money is going down is all imaginary.

Phil Graham says so.

Let the Aggie jokes begin, I guess.

McCain needs to get some NEW BLOOD in his campaign, or he will become the next Bob Dole.

Yes, the fundamental base of our economy is good. But the impending recession is not in our minds. Old Republicans like to tell us to just buck up, put your head down, and things will get better on the other side.

The problem is that I don't think the 'getting better' part is going to happen until our government starts to lead. We need a comprehensive energy policy, a comprehensive medical care policy, and a comprenhisive defense/foreign policy. Putting my head down and waiting for a sunny day isn't going to get it done.

Now if only Obama would reveal just how he's going to save the country (other than just change things)....

In Memoriam : George Carlin

This one hurts a bit.

When I was 14, our family moved from Ft Wayne Indiana to Houston Texas. To say I was a social outcast during my first year in Houston would be understating the point. I had no friends. I had no prospect for friends. It was a tough time to be 14.

I did have a paper route, however, so I had (what I considered to be) a lot of disposal nickles, dimes and quarters. I would ride my bicycle up to the nearest record store (antiquated reference #1) and buy albums (antiquated refernce #2). I have no idea why, but I purchased Carlin's Class Clown, which contained the classic bit "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television*" (antiquated reference #3).

Carlin's humor appealed to me for several reasons: 1) He himself was an outcast due to his "imaginitive use of language"; 2) His "imaginative use of language" showed me that rules really didn't exist. Understanding the rules and the manipulation of rules to one's amusement is one of the greatest joys one could have; 3) His outside the box perspective on rules and life made me a smarter person.

To make a short story even longer, I ended up buying lots of George Carlin albums. I probably owned everything he did up to 1980. Like Rock n Roll albums, his records would have liner notes, including the 'lyrics' to each bit. I confess to peppering a lot of my day to day comedy act with Carlinisms.

In those days, I used humor as my shield and armor from the shithole of my early adolesence. Since I couldn't out-fight the bullies, I made sure that I humiliated them as I received my beatings. By the end of my high school career, I had lots of friends, great friends to this day, probably because of my sense of humor.

No, I don't owe it all to George Carlin. But as I mourn his passing today, I need to tip my hat to him, for showing me the power of words, the power of faith, and the power of intellect.

Well, played, George.

* Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

In Memoriam : Tim Russert

I'm a week late on this.

More than just a talking head, Tim Russert had the intellectual muscle to get the facts and the intellectual accessibility to relate the facts.

His everyday appearance and demeanor helped guys like us get down to the nuts and bolts of any story, empowering not only denizens of Flyover, but all parts of the country.

He was staunch in his faith, yet was not afraid to bring an atheistic and Episcipal bishop on his show to duke it out (respectibly, of course).

We won't see another like him for a long time.

Fifty-eight is too young to die. His wife, Maureen, and son Luke; know this all too well.

Well played, Mr. Russert.

City of Big Shoulders

I had to make a jobsite visit today in downtown Chicago. 200 W Jackson, to be exact. Instead of fighting traffic and wasting gas, I took the L from Cumberland, and after 16 stops, emerged from the underground (because the Blue Line L becomes a subway inside the loop) to a perfect Chicago Summer day:



I love downtowns, especially big city downtowns. I haven't been to NYC or Boston yet, mind you, but I have it on good authority that Chicago's downtown is the best. Yes, I'm biased, and I'll probably like Boston and Philly as much anyway. But there is something wonderful about walking down the sidewalks in a big city, thinking you've got the world by the ass.

I don't have the world by the ass, but I thought I did for about 15 minutes today.

Despite what others may think...

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Hot Political Commentary...and Religion, too!

It is a shame that Obama has felt the need to 'resign' from his church. With the media hounding the neighborhood and church-goers, I guess he had no other choice.

The latest 'scandal', when Obama was a million miles away from the church, involved activist priest Michael "I'm much better than the other priests" Pfleger, who does a terrible Hillary Clinton impersonation.

Pfleger, a white priest, is much beloved at his mostly African-American St Sabina parish, where he has championed causes like anti-racism, anti-violence, and pro-getting his mug on television.

While he seems to be a Catholic Priest, Father Pfleger enjoys having the spotlight shining brightly upon him. He has been at St Sabina for years, mainly because he has had the last two Cardinals buffaloed into not re-assigning him elsewhere.

It's time that Cardinal Francis George stood up to this blowhard and send him on an extended assignment where he may re-learn priestly humility. Activist Priests do not resonate with me. I think that a priest can be most effective when activating church members to action. Sermonizing at a Methodist Church and engaging in a racist bashing of Hillary Clinton is not a good way to lead.

And Obama doesn't need this kind of 'help' right now. He is busy trying to figure out how the Clintons are going to steal the nomination out from under him.

DONE !

Senator Clinton is done.

Now that she says that she is staying in the race just in case someone murders Obama before the convention, I'm no longer interested in anything she has to say.

John Edwards who?

John Edwards emerged from hiding this week to endorse Obama for president. The endorsement would have meant something, say, 2 months ago, but with 18 committed delegates, it means less than nothing now.

Curiously absent was Elizabeth Edwards. Pundits speculated that she doesn't support Obama. I suspect that she has more important things on her mind these days.

She has more character and brains that the candidates themselves.

Nothing of substance

Stopping home for a quick bite to eat and a podcast update. Today is a very windy Spring-like day here in the Midwest. And since it is 'garbage day', there are lots of empty soda cans and newspapers blowing around the neighborhood. We're tyring to get lids for the recycling bins, but nothing is free.

Whatever allergy I suffer from in the Spring makes me feel like I've been crying all day. My eyes feel puffy, and I'm very tired.

Well, I feel tired all the time, but more so this week.