Lazy Revolution

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Capitalism: A Love Story -fantastic film!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:21:00 +0000

going to see Michael Moore's new movie - have a feeling I will be fired up afterwards!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:07:00 +0000

I am boycotting track and field events

Olympic Committee: BOOOOOOOO!!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Chicago screwed out of hosting the Olympics! I say we all boycott swimming and running! Damn you, IOC!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Just hooked up Ping! If you're not using it, check it out at www.ping.fm.

Guest Essay from Harold Brown

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:22:00 +0000

This time on the L-Rev, we have a guest columnist. Making his blogging debut, my Uncle, Mr. Harold Brown.

Last night after some deep thought, I realized that many of the problems of America and the world in the last 100 years have been caused by a conservative approach. The Great Depression was the direct result of no regulations on the stock market or the banking industry. Companies were allowed to run free and the Coolidge Administration turned a blind eye and closed ear to what was happening. Hoover did not help either, but the damage had been done. The Tea Pot Dome scandal of the Harding Administration was another issue that missed government oversight. A few years earlier, President Wilson had the US joining the League of Nations, but a conservative US Senate failed to ratify the treaty, thus the newest and greatest nation being born had no influence on other nations, thus WWII seem to happen.

Looking at examples of government oversight, during the FDR era, prior to WWII, we had people being put back to work in public projects. The CCC, WPA, TVA and other programs funded by the government to build our economy and raise up America and the world. During that era, Social Security was formed, the SEC was implemented, and various banking regulations were put in place to prevent another 1929. The programs worked. Big business may not have liked them, but the American people benefited. After WWII, we had a recession but Truman took measures to ensure it was a short one. After the Korean conflict, President Eisenhower put people to work building our interstate highway system that we now enjoy. It is now in need of repair because of age and neglect to some degree and President Obama plans on stimulus monies on repairing it.
JFK took measures during his short tenure to stimulate the economy and bring America justice. LBJ followed through on JFK’s idea and had added a few of his own. The Civil Rights Act, The Voting Act, Medicare and Medicaid. These were great pieces of legislation that a President from Texas had the vision to see and provide for America. Very few conservatives supported any of LBJ's programs. Only at the last minute, did a few moderate Republicans support the Medicare program for our senior citizens. During the 1980s we had another era of hands-off business, big tax cuts to business and the wealthy, deregulating the savings and loan banks, all under the heading Reaganomics. The result was a stock market crash in 1987, many banking executives landing in jail for fraud, and stock market executives landing in jail for fraud. Deregulation help big business and wealthy Americans make money, but the average American loses in the process. The business took the money and ran and the same with the wealthy. But the seniors had only four COLAs in eight years averaging less than 2%. Health care insurance rose dramatically and so did the cost of living. We had another housing crash in 1988 and bank foreclosures on the rise. We cut taxes!

During the 1990s, President Clinton changed many previous practices, placed tax increases on big business and wealthy Americans, and the American economy responded by having the largest growth in jobs, good paying jobs, and the standard of living rose for Americans. His wife, now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, envisioned the need for health care reform. Her ideas were good but she ran head long into opposition from the conservative movement, insurance companies, and the health care industry. Granted, her program was complicated, but as President Clinton published years later, when people had a chance to review a variety of health programs around, the Clinton program was acclaimed the best. President Clinton balanced the books and left office with a surplus in the bank, no wars waged, only police actions of surveillance in the Middle East and Balkans. Very few American lives lost in the Balkan issues. In 2000, we entered a new century with a President who dodged Vietnam by running to Alabama to hide, who allowed the Twin Towers to be attacked because he was too busy cutting trees in Texas to read the intelligence reports, and a Vice President who wanted to get us into a war in Iraq for no good reason. Bush took what money Clinton saved and squandered it, but taxes to big business and wealthy Americans were slashed, and our economy started on a downward spiral. The economy for all practical purposes collapsed in 2007, but we did not see it. Bush implemented a drug program for seniors on Medicare with no way to pay for it. Furthermore, he did not allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Drug prices are negotiated for the VA and Federal Employees but not for seniors. What a shame! The banking industry and stock markets collapsed in 2008 because no one in Washington was watching the store. The American people are now paying the price for the incompetent Bush Administration, run by conservatives who served the will of a few and neglected the many. By the way, health care insurance went out of sight for many Americans and they had to do without or accept lower services.

Now, we have President Obama who has inherited this mess. He has passed a stimulus legislation to return American economy to greatness with no conservative legislative help. He is attempting to restore a broken health care system to respectability, with no conservative help again. President Obama has had more trials going on than should be expected but he is up for the task. Now we have people questioning where he was born, which has been proven, but still is debated by right wing conservatives who want to distract the American people from the real issues at hand. The President should seek a universal health care system similar to Canada for Americans. The people who have insurance now should be able to keep it if they like. There is a way to pay for this program: by having an intelligently run system, similar to the VA, which I use, Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic. These organizations provide quality affordable health care, and the doctor-patient relationship is maintained without the government involved. That is amazing.
The stimulus program is working slowly, but working much to the dismay of conservatives. The “Cash for Clunkers” worked so well that GM and Ford have hired back over 3 thousand workers and the related industries to supply the auto industry have hired workers back. A pretty good program from the Obama Administration, but the conservatives said it would not work but now are silent as a mouse on Christmas morning. The Conservatives are the right wing of the Republican Party.

The Party of NO.

History repeats itself when we allow it. WE HAVE ALLOWED IT! Wake up America and smell the coffee! President Obama has visions for clean energy but China is beating us to the punch.(NY Times 8/25/2009). The best of America came from PROGRESSIVE ideas and actions.
We need that now.

Harold

It's not TV, it's OBAMA!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:56:00 +0000

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_school_speech

Jeebus, people, it's just a speech. Cons are in an uproar over the President telling their moron kids to put down the video games and pick up a book. Hmmm... Isn't that what THEY always say? Oh, right, but they're WHITE.

And of course the larger point: Republicans want kids in PUBLIC school to be as brain-dead and retarded as possible so they will grow up to be Walmart-shopping, Mountain Dew-swilling chuckleheads who giggle and fart when Larry the Cable Guy hacks his way through 30-year-old jokes, so they wil be so Terry Schiavo-comatose that they vote REPUBLICAN (against their own interests) because they grew up being told by RACIST, NARROW-MINDED MORONS that Pres. Obama is a terrorist, socialist, and my personal favorite, racist (Glenn Beck should have an on-screen bloody embolism). These dunderfuck school boards and the products- of-incest parents are complaining about their waterhead kids being 'indoctrinated' and wouldn't want them to hear a few words from someone who put himself through HARVARD, taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago, and became the 1st black POTUS. No, that would be socialist. America: the original reality show.

T-to-the-B

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:56:00 +0000

This has to be the WORST movie I’ve seen in years. Besides having the most convoluted plot I’ve ever experienced, the characters were just complete assholes, lame wussies, or so forgettable that I can’t believe this comic book was ever greenlighted for a major motion picture in the first place.

The plot skips across decades back and forth like Pulp Fiction on crack. So many flashbacks, flashforwards, hell, I think there might have been a few flash-sideways (a reference to the great underrated Chevy Chase film Funny Farm). The filmmaker thinks it's a great idea to introduce each character throughout the movie, showing their back story as it pertains to wherever the current plot is, which, by the way, is the early 80s, even though everyone's dressed as if it were the 40s. So stupid.

OK, let’s review these “superheroes."

For the love of Pete, this was the biggest collection of losers since Mystery Men. But at least that movie acknowledged that the “heroes” were dorks. Plus, it was entertaining. These “Watchmen” are the D-list of superheroes. Plus, they're miserable pricks.

The Comedian? Was he a good guy or a bad guy? I mean, I’m all for ambiguity, but this guy raped another superhero, apparently killed Kennedy, and I’m supposed to feel bad he’s dead? And what a stupid costume. A mask and shoulder pads. Ooooo! And of course, how un-superhero is it to use guns? Unless your name is Frank Castle, guns are for cops and the military, not comic book guys. Hell, once Neo figured out his powers in The Matrix 2: Electric Boogaloo, he stopped using guns.

Owl Man? Seriously? I kept waiting for the punchline. This is a serious character? What’s next, Eagle Man? I’ve got some-thing, for you! Dumbest superhero I’ve ever seen.

Rorschach was the closest to being cool. But the voice-over? Come on. What a cop-out. Don’t tell me the story, show me. Lame. But the worst part, once he’s unmasked, revealing a nightmare of Irishness, why in the hell would he put that filthy head sock back on? And why/how does it change shapes like that? Did his face do that? Also, the voice made Christian Bale’s Batman growl sound like Earth Kitt purring. This dude sounded like Tom Waits gargling broken glass and hot sauce.

And what is the deal with the big blue guy flopping his wang all over the place? Did he need to be naked? Really? Because when he was a giant, he suddenly had a jumbo-sized Speedo on. Any explanation of this? No. Because the only reason he had that when he was 40 feet tall was so he wouldn’t be hanging humongous brain all over the screen. No other reason. Stupid. And could this performance have been more wooden, no pun intended? Hard to believe the same actor played Russell the insecure guitar player / band leader in Almost Famous.

And his girlfriend? Lori? That’s her superhero name? Lori? No mask? Just a shiny outfit? What’s the point? At least Trinity from the aforementioned Matrix movies could beat the shit out of cops and jump off buildings and what not. That’s how you wear latex. This Lori bitch is a walking plot point. Lame again.

And the blonde surfer guy who kicks everyone’s butt and is also the smartest man in the world? He kills millions, but for what? To stop the Cold War? Economics did that in reality. But more importantly, a Red Scare is not exactly a current topic, is it? But if he was so smart, wouldn’t he have been able to predict that communism in the Soviet form, would ultimately crumble due to free market global pressure? Captain Smartypants was an annoying character, to say the least, and is only beaten by guess who? Big naked blue guy. Lame.

And of course, the worst makeup in a major motion picture since Norbit.

This is supposed to be Richard Nixon?

Wow. It would have been more believable if Morgan Freeman wore a plastic Halloween mask. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Not to mention the fact that this “action” movie put me to sleep about 7 times.

I know, I know, I don’t know all the back stories, I’m not familiar with the wonderful comic book, blah, blah, blah. I’d never read the 300 comic, and that movie was enjoyable. Not exactly Fellini, but it was fun to watch. Again, ambiguity is fine, only Superman is a clean cut boy scout. But a good rule of thumb is to make sure your protagonists don’t rape each other, and don’t look ridiculous (football pads, birds, Irish, naked, weatherman).

The DUMBEST movie I’ve ever seen. And that includes all the Jackass movies, Howard the Duck, and The Last Dragon.

A much more positive review is in the works, I promise. Quentin's gratifying WWII story Inglorious Basterds is a movie that made me smile many, many times.

Next! Stay tuned to the L-Rev!

T-to-the-B

Nice response to use

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:35:00 +0000

If you've had it up to there with someone, just send 'em this short movie.

Healthcare - Do the Wackos have an HMO?

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:48:00 +0000

These people protesting at the town hall meetings, what should we call them? How about, oh, I don't know, OLD WHITE PEOPLE. And I don't mean to include all white people in this, nor is my intention to disparage those of us who have survived a certain number of years, either.

DO I need to explain? Well, if you already get it, g'ahead and skip down: you're hip enough to know "WHITE" don't mean Caucasian. You can be 24 and black, and be considered OLD WHITE PEOPLE to me. Shit, I'm white. I'm glad I am all things being said. Refer to the brilliant Louis C. K. for a more thorough explanation...

Anyhoo, I'm talking about lameness, fear, and protected ignorance. WHITE PEOPLE as a group are empty vessels of banality. WHITE PEOPLE are the reason "Transformers 2" is a box office smash. And why FOX News exists. This particular group is scared of EVERYTHING. And this healthcare deal is just the latest excuse, and admittedly, the best so far, for the right wing assholes to stir their crazies up into a frenzy.

Does it really have much to do with actual healthcare in this country? A little, but not really. If you told people the truth, that with a truly universal health care policy, everyone would be covered, and guess what? It's not that much money! We could pay for this thing completely, and cover every single man, woman, child, and Sean Hannity in America by simply getting the fuck out of Iraq!

Where?

IRAQ! 'Member that place? Seems like we sort of forgot about that whole thing over there, huh? And for the record, fuck Afghanistan, too. Leave these people to themselves. Let's hunt down Osama bin Laden and his merry men one by one. Let's take those fuckers out the same way we did those pirates a few months ago: BANG, BANG, BANG. Dead. All of 'em.

There's no need to bring them back alive. What are we going to do, give them reality TV shows? Life with bin Laden? The Real Housewives of Tikrit?

Enough already. Find them. Kill them. And be sure to videotape it from every angle, find the bodies, videotape them, and then burn them. And BBQ some ribs and hotlinks over the fire, just to rub their pork-hating noses in it.

Of course, I opt for vitriol and vigor for comedic effect. I don't really want to burn terrorists, I just want some BBQ!
What's scary is the level of hatred in the WHITE PEOPLE these days. Good lord, they are wiggin' out! This is unprecedented! When has the conservative Right acted out like this before?

Turns out, all the fucking time.

Check out a recent story by Rick Perlstein of the Washington Post. He puts this latest batch of fruitcakes in the proper historical context. In America, Crazy is a Preexisting Condition: Birthers, Town Hall Hecklers and the Return of the Right is about the best explanation of what's going on these days. These wackjobs have been around forever and they're not going to leave, no matter how cool the President is. We could have President Mos Def, and these people would be out there, marching for their madness, protesting progress, and defying diversity (acheiving alliteration?). They are intolerant basterds. As long as they ain't scalping liberals, we should let 'em holler fer a bit. They tend to wear themsleves out after a spell, anyhow.

Actually, the most concise rendering of the healthcare protests was poetically put by comedian Patton Oswalt on his Facebook page.

It's not that I'm against health care reform. I just think that... my country...death panels...freedom...THERE'S A BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE!

WHITE PEOPLE, isn't this really what all this fuss is about? You're still scared of him? Really?

OK everyone, go through all the people in your mind who are against health care reform. Conservative, right? White? Wait, WHITE? Check. Now honestly, little bit racist? A little prejudiced? Even just a tad? Maybe more? Uh-huh. Sadly, it's still racism driving these stupid people. Do these people seriously think old man McCain and Dipsy Von Idiotshitz Palin would be doing a better job? Because they are white? If they do, then they are just not allowed to be taken seriously ever again. End of story. I group those people in with the Creationists. If you believe in Adam & Eve literally, you stupid. Real dumb. Just because John McCain knew Adam deosn't mean anything. Health Care Reform in this country has been squashed again by assholes. If you're one of 'em, I hope you catch a cold, fucker.

T-to-the-B

Next week on "American Idol"

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:50:00 +0000

American Idol comes to a close next week.

Dreams of next week…

The finale. Where the shrieking scream machine known as the Glambert 3000 will no doubt emit so shrill and so high a noise at the end of the new official Idol cheese worshipping sap ballad that he will break the lenses out of Randy Jackson’s glasses, causing the former Journey bassist to proclaim, “yo dawg, I can’t see due to the tiny shards of razor-sharp glass which have severely lacerated my eyeballs, but that was off the hook, dawg! I don’t need to see you to know you’re the winner, yo!” Then Kara will pant and drool like a St. Bernard while hailing Adam the new Messiah and talking about how hip and edgy Celine Dion is. Paula will collapse in an Oxy Cotin-induced coma after mumbling something about reaching goals higher than soccer and hockey, and Lord Simon’s head will explode due to the tremendous pressure of his ever-so-tight t-shirt, causing Ryan Seacrest to wail mournfully about love not spoken for so very long.

The show is canceled for the good of the nation by President Obama, which turns out to be the finest decision he has made so far. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan ends, as the Taliban and Al Queda realize it was Idol that was making them so mad. The economy springs back to life, as people realize there is a reason to work hard, now that no-talent hacks like Danny Gokey can’t be made into celebrities anymore just by singing badly on a game show and wearing glasses. And there is universal health care for everyone, which has nothing to do with Idol going away, but won’t that be nice?

Adam Lambert is immediately cast in the lead role for the revival of the revival of the revival of Rent.

Allison is sued by Pink, then countersues, then the two have a catfight on a red carpet, then fall in love.

Danny Gokey opens a used-car dealership in Milwaukee, where he sings about great deals on Chryslers.

Lil Rounds goes to Hollywood and makes action movies with Jennifer Lopez. The two team up for a popular film about women detectives solving crimes, fighting the man, and raising children. Oh, and they have enormous butts. (send your title for this movie to LazyRevolution@gmail.com - the winner gets a free t-shirt!)

Kris Allen goes on tour opening for Jason Mraz, and his album sells extremely well in the my wife and my sister-in-law demographic.

And this Fall, Megan Joy is given the 10pm time slot at FOX to compete with Jay Leno every night. And the crazy gorgeous wackaloon destroys “the chin” in the ratings, caw-caw-cawing her way to becoming the most successful Idol-alum ever!

Peace,

T-to-the-B

Staying Dumb as Hell, Drinkin' Mountain Dew, Bitch

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:19:00 +0000

"Culturally Constructed Ignorance"

Yesterday I received an email dismissing global warming because it's been cold outside the past 2 winters. The astounding level of willful ignorance is enough to make one give up on the human race. I'm about there. The following link is a very interesting article about how it's easy to stay ignorant in these information-rich times.

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-02/st_thompson

All it will take to really send me over the edge is more of this Republican-led backlash against, well, logic. All I've heard againa and again for the last week or so is how the Obama stimulus bill is really a spending bill. So what's wrong with that? It's called investing. And why would ANYONE actually listen to these morons? They are the party that got us into so much trouble in the first place! If tax cuts haven't worked for 8 years, why would they suddenly work now? If you got a few hundred bucks back from Uncle Sam in May, would you immediately go buy something with that money? If you're a monkey, you might go buy a big bunch of bananas, but people in this economy are more likely to pay down their debts. That doesn't help grow the economy. So why the fuss about tax cuts? Because tax cuts help RICH PEOPLE.

Why not adopt the Jon Stewart plan? Yes, the host of The Daily Show proposes that the billion-dollar bailout be distributed to Americans so they can pay off their debts. This would level the playing field, as we would all be free to buy more stuff instead of still paying for the stuff we already bought, and all of that money in payments would go right to the banks, so they'd have an influx of cash from exactly the correct place: consumers. Why wouldn't this work? I can't imagine how it would not. It's a non-violent Fight Club ending. And none of us need to shoot ourselves in the face for it to work.

Peace,

T-to-the-B

If it's illegal, what's the punishment?

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:52:00 +0000

My intrepid sister-in-law found the following YouTube video and sent it around for comment.

Take a look, I thought this was very interesting...

What a FANTASTIC point this filmmaker addresses! If abortion is murder as they say, the taking of a life, then it would be homicide. From a legal perspective, there would not be no difference, right?

So, really, this wonderful video highlights exactly what's wrong with the Pro-Life movement: they don't care about women. It's all about the unborn babies. These people have been involved in this movement for years, and never even thought of the consequences to women who have illegal abortions.

Is a fetus more important than a woman? Be careful who you ask on that one...

Aren't a high percentage of pro-lifers also big supporters of the military? Is this the fisherman's rule? Throw 'em back when they're young so they can grow up to be dead soldiers?
And aren't a lot of these fetus-loving people also in favor of the death penalty? Hahahaha! Now that's hysterical! ">
Only religion can F with your head so badly that you can rationalize such diametrically opposite positions.

I know how to solve this problem. Let's just tell the crazy Christians that the babies that have been aborted, and will be aborted were GAY. Betcha they stop complaining so much!

Save me Jeebus,

TB

Why Conservatives Suck

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:47:00 +0000

Why Tuesday Will Be So Sweet

I recently read a wonderful blog that beautifully summarizes what I've known all along: that in a historical context, conservatives are anti-American, greedy, selfish A-holes. "Oh now, come on," you say, "Obama is about to take office next week, why talk trash now?" Because it's important to see just how screwed up the conservative ideology really is. Please take a moment to read Robert Creamer's excellent article, and you'll see that wingnuts like Sean Hannity are just warmed-over Tories and Confederates. He quotes author Mike Lux from his new book The Progressive Revolution: How the Best in America Came to Be to show just how base conservatives have been historically, and how even though you hear a lot of BS from Republicans about patriotism, it is the Progressives who founded this country.

Progressives invented the American ideal and inspired the American
Revolution. Conservatives, then known as Tories, opposed it. Since then,
every major advancement in American freedom, democracy, social justice,
and economic opportunity has been fostered, fought for, and won by
progressives against conservative resistance. Now who's anti-American?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/the-one-big-thing-george_b_158092.html

I've always felt there was something wrong about conservatives. Something just fundamentally incorrect about their ideology. These are people who always think they are right, who never question themselves or reflect on the consequences of their actions. They're selfish people who have used race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, you name it, to divide this country. Here's to the Obama era: a time of healing, rebuilding, and the awakening of decency in America. And the marginalization of Fox News, right-wing radio, and that crazy dude with the long hair (take your pick: Ted Nugent or Ann Coulter).

Peace.

T-to-the-B

Steve Panella - a rare mind

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Steve was a good friend. Sadly, we had not spoken in years. Not for any particularly good reason, either, which makes me feel stupid. Steve and I were thick as thieves, hanging out, cracking each other up, drinking, smoking cigarettes, and having fantastic conversations, many late into the night at cafes, bars, Denny's. We'd talk about the lives we wanted to lead, and where we thought we might go in our futures. Over a few hundred cups of coffee, we argued, agreed, teased, and intrigued one another the way good friends do. As I said, we stopped hanging out, and I feel I missed precious time with a wonderful person.

I don't know why he took his own life. I'm not sure anyone does.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1308155,aurora-multiple-stabbing-suicide-au120108.article

I know he lived life on a deeper level than most people, and it's why he was such a fascinating force. Steve was, to me, the coolest guy in the room no matter where he was. Being his friend, and earning his approval were badges of honor for me. His was a quick wit, and I learned many a put-down from his sharp tongue. He was a kind person, and extremely intelligent. He always seemed so above the petty bullshit. In high school, he never cared about what this person or that person thought. He didn't belong to any clique or group that I was aware of. He had many, many friends, as he was the kind of guy you just wanted to be around.

God damn. Why?

Steve was always on a different plane. He had a twisted take on everything that fascinated me. I miss him. I feel really stupid for not staying in touch the past few years. I don't know why he did what he did, but I deeply regret not having him in my life lately. It makes me think about old friends and how it's so important to keep in touch. Even if it's just a beer or a cup of coffee after work on a random night, it really is important. Steve's death has shaken me. Of everyone I've known, I would not have thought that it he would have left us like this. But the point is, he's gone. And one by one, we'll all be gone. So while we're here, we need to enjoy each other.

Steve was a talented artist; he was constantly drawing, sketching, and doodling. Over those hundreds of cups of coffee, he'd alternate his pen with his hand-rolled American Spirit cigarette, casually drawing all manner of things in a big blank notebook. Leafing through it from time to time, I could trace many of our winding conversations. Looking at his recent work, I see a maturity and grace lacking in much contemporary work I've seen. I'm no expert, but Steve's stuff is good.

Visit his blogs: http://3dpoetry.blogspot.com/ and http://stevepanella.blogspot.com/.

The first blog shows a lot of his wonderful art. I'd love for his work to be shown. Maybe a benefit gallery showing could be arranged? His family has asked that "in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hesed House, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506, where Stephen volunteered." Here is the mural Steve painted there. Proceeds from a showing of Steve's work could be donated to Hesed House.

The second blog has recent poems from Steve, and a very interesting story, told in verse. I found it to be quite good, and look forward to reading it to my own children some day.

Again, why? So talented, so smart. Maybe Steve thought it was time to become the energy he portrayed in his art. Maybe it was time, in his mind, to leave the body and become the spirit.

Much of the ironic detachment and skewed view of the world I have I owe to Steve Panella. His was a rare mind, and one I am glad I knew. I just wish I knew him better now I won't be able to have a late night cup of coffee with him again.

One of the pieces of art Steve posted recently: a self portrait.

And even though we had not spoken for a long time, the pain I've felt in my stomach all day tells me how much I'll miss my old friend.

Peace.

TB

HISTORY TONIGHT!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:45:00 +0000

How long can we, who voted for President-Elect Obama (doesn;t that sound AWESOME?) gloat to neocons?

How long are we allowed to sing nah-nah-nah-na-nah-nah to Republicans?

We need to come together as one nation, but honestly, this feels GOOD!

VICTORY!

In your face, GOP!

What now?

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:15:00 +0000

I am overwhelmed. Growing up black in the deep South, I never thought I'd see the day when one of us would be President.

But this is an eye-opener. Even more so than when my Dad explained to me the difference between Shinola and Sara Palin.

YES WE DID!

VICTORY!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:44:00 +0000

WE DID IT!

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE DID!

OBAMA WINS OHIO!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:34:00 +0000

OBAMA WINS OHIO!

NO REPUBLICAN HAS EVER WON THE PRESIDENCY WITHOUT WINNING OHIO!!!

It's not over yet, but it's looking VERY VERY good!!!

Woo-hoo!

FUCK GEORGIA

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Dammit, Bob Barr! Where were you?

Atlanta! What happened?

CHANGE FOR THE WORLD!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:56:00 +0000

Great comment...

I wanted to share this: My friend from Brazil was telling us today "You have no idea how important this election is to the whole world. My country is clinging to this." She spoke with her family this morning and they were urging her to vote and chanting "O-BA-MA!" Just a reminder how this affects not only us as Americans but the world alike. This is going to change so much!

Amy Miller

Thanks Amy! Keep watching and commenting!

GO OBAMA!

EXIT POLLING RESULTS - BEACH PARK, IL

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:38:00 +0000

THIS JUST IN!

3 votes for Obama and the guy with no commentary filters

100% of males voted for Obama
100% of spoiled dogs were home alone when owners were voting for Obama
100% of gay men in household vote for Anderson Cooper! He's hot!
Bacon gives a big poop to that bitch with the square glasses!

don't have your DVR in pause!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:23:00 +0000

We just realized we weren't live on CNN! Aaaaaa!

All better now.

David and Richard have arrived, so we have a Democratic majority in the house now. We'll have Percival-Hall exit polling results shortly.

don'

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:23:00 +0000

McCain is underperforming Bush

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:21:00 +0000

Hope this continues...