Disqus - Latest Comments for Michael

Re: Sketch comedy

Michael — Sun, 13 Mar 2005 22:59:59 -0000

Actually, I had not seen any clips. I merely referred to a critic's review I had read which indicated that the humor was too tame to be memorable, and therefore was doomed to cancellation.

For the record, I, the brother in question, have not seen the show. But John never listens to me anyway (jk).

=+)

Re: What I have learned

Michael — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 23:06:07 -0000

It's ok . . . I'm learning it too. As long as you have a backup of your site (or better yet, do the work ON the backup, so the main site stays undisturbed) no harm can come of it. It's just that I do this for a living, so I decided I need to indoctrinate myself into the ways of the youngsters . . . why, back in my day, way back in the 1990's, we thought taking a system used to display tabular data and turning it into a skeleton for site graphics was plum near as fancy as ye could git!
For anyone out there wanting to learn the basics and if you are good at the "this works, so let's see what happens when I add THIS" school of learning, I point you to another blog (no recommendations on the rest of the site, I just came across this page with google):

http://joshuaink.com/blog/196/a-simple-guide-to...

You need to be fluent in HTML and reasonably aware of CSS tags to use this, but it really cut through the chaff to get me started.

Re: Symphony page

Michael — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 00:36:56 -0000

If you learn PHP, you'll learn never to trust the wysiwyg again . . . or preview in browser, for that matter, since you'll need to view pages in a testing server.

Re: No, really — what would Jesus do?

Michael — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 15:50:50 -0000

To be fair, it is the very fact of my infrequent posting that keeps me from calling it a blog. How about an occasional opinion bucket?

A seldom-used screed recepticle?

Re: No, really — what would Jesus do?

Michael — Fri, 01 Apr 2005 12:19:23 -0000

Hmmm . . . maybe I should just post more often.

Re: Like father, like skipper

Michael — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 20:41:57 -0000

And let's not forget Hale's other MST3K great . . . Angels' Revenge.

Re: Yes, everyone has a blog ….

Michael — Sat, 07 May 2005 00:51:27 -0000

Twisted. Wrong. Very, very funny, this is, hmmm, yes . . .

Re: Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack

Michael — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 13:44:49 -0000

I know it's correct, but that singular "Jack" at the end of that line of "Take me out to the ball game" has always annoyed me. It seems as though you are expecting your benefactor to be so miserly as to buy you one measely kernel of sugar-coated corn, and tough luck on getting the surprise inside, btw.

Ok, I'm just cranky because the Dodgers are 4 back. So sue me.

Re: Just when you thought it was safe to turn on your computer…..

Michael — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 13:12:09 -0000

I was going to call you, but didn't want to wake you up.

Welcome back, bro.

Sorry.

Re: Bonehead editing

Michael — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 12:16:45 -0000

Just amazing, especially as explanations are so beside the point in regards to BB.

The thing I've always liked about the movie, always been charmed by, is its complete and utter refusal to explain anything, just to drop you in this world and see if you get it or want to get it. I'm certain that the voiceover did nothing to enlighten anyone -- they were either into the movie the moment Lithgow clips the memory flashback device to his tongue or they weren't.

I remember the original poster for this movie. The reason I originally wanted to see it, as I now recall, was how 80's cool Peter Weller looked with his thin tie and casual suit while a spaceship crashed through a wall behind him. Explanations or simplistic plots would have only ruined that inital vibe for me -- the only way to live up to it was to create a world and drop you into it, and you either loved it or hated it.

Re: A guitar beats a woman every time

Michael — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 15:23:01 -0000

The only thing he didn't mention was my favorite "artsy" observation, made by several people before. The moment Andy Griffith first wakes up in that drunk tank, he has a completely unguarde expression of rage on his face that shows exactly who he is and explains every last thing his character does . . . especially in contrast to the open-jawed smile of the type Lileks posts at the top of the page.

Re: Adrift

Michael — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 15:56:22 -0000

Sometimes the journey of life is quite a let-down, especially after having moved past such an engaging location. But it is just that -- a journey, and other destinations await . . . that we can't see them clearly right away does not belie their existence. Call it corny, chicken soup, or whatever, but it's true.

And going to the dentist sucks.

Re: Even more shameless self-promotion

Michael — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 14:34:53 -0000

I'm one of the lucky few who knew about this already, but officially, congrats!

Re: Novel, day one

Michael — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 00:13:46 -0000

Well, I'm interested . . . read them all last year.

Re: Mental Floss

Michael — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 17:12:57 -0000

Sure, I've heard of it.

Wait a minute. I'm the one that gave it to you.

Nevermind.

=+) Glad you're enjoying it, though.

Re: Writely

Michael — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 18:47:43 -0000

For the record, your brother's endorsement of this product does not represent an agreement with your views on Microsoft, just as my support of Microsoft does not represent any rebuff to open source.

=+)

Isn't there room for both in this life?

Re: Haley Joel Osment, enemy of orthodoxy

Michael — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 20:29:20 -0000

I have not seen "Secondhand Lions", although I hope to one day do so. From your description, however, I can see an entirely different interpretation.

How many times, as Christians, does the world present "objective evidence" that there is no God? We can't see God, many of the types of behavior most religions endorse are contrary to primal or even "gut" instincts, and one could point to any random number of "common sense" arguments against the existence of God -- or at least, a living, involved deity. Is is better to allow ourself to float along without making up your mind, or to choose for or against the existence of God (and further, the existence of your relationship with God).

Does not scripture itself warn against the "lukewarm"? In my experience, these are the people most difficult to convince of anything, because they allow everything to be decided de facto.

Perhaps "believe what you want, but believe SOMETHING" is in fact more against universalism than for it.

Just a thought to throw into the mix.

Re: Missions and the Super Bowl

Michael — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 17:58:43 -0000

What distinguishes us Steelers fans is our humanity and understanding.

Good for the Holmgren's for knowing what's important in life.

It'll be harder for the Cowher's to acheve such a balance after winning.

=+)

Re: A progress report

Michael — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 12:05:41 -0000

Very nice . . . when does a weekly harmonica podcast start?

Re: A bolt from the blue

Michael — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 11:55:19 -0000

I said it when I heard it, and I'll say it again now.

Wow.

Re: Well, I’ve done it now ….

Michael — Wed, 03 May 2006 23:09:20 -0000

"Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life"!!

Oh . . . was that not one of the choices?

Re: Â¿Habla usted EspaÃ±ol?

Michael — Thu, 11 May 2006 15:13:11 -0000

Well, it was reasonable, well thought-out, and compassionate.

SOMEONE must have hated it.

Re: Â¿Habla usted EspaÃ±ol?

Michael — Sat, 13 May 2006 11:19:14 -0000

Which brings up the point, Phisch . . . when was the last time most of us were able or inclined to say, to a latino stammering through some broken English, "Please, just speak Spanish".

Re: The Anne-Droid

Michael — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 01:10:26 -0000

Oh, man oh man oh man . . . what a GREAT ending on that one, too.

Also, I'm glad they didn't have a Regis-Bot along with the Anne-Droid.

Re: Welcome, Ila Katherine!

Michael — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 23:42:35 -0000

Let me explain . . her father, i.e., me, is sleep-addled . . .already. Been a long day. I put the wrong weight on the announcement -- it's 6 pounds 15 ounces, just one pound shy of 7 pounds.

Phisch, thanks.

We now return to our regularly scheduled blog, already in progress.

Re: Zuckerman’s famous pig

Michael — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:19:05 -0000

Of course, according to some, that might not necessarily be a good thing:

http://www.avclub.com/content/node/240/1/1

NOTE: My brother asked me to warn you that the link contains possibly-offensive language.

Re: You can’t always get what you want

Michael — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 22:54:38 -0000

Lucky for you, USA network will run it on September 15.

Re: A tomato, a cucumber and a two-faced peacock

Michael — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:19:32 -0000

Certainly this is depressing if true, but it is hardly unexpected. In my view the lying about the edits is the worst part. In this "Happy Holidays" day and age, did you really expect NBC would put a religious show in their Saturday Morning lineup and NOT want to edit the overtly religious references?

The fact that they wanted it at all is props to Mr. Vischer and crew. Larry and Bob et al are some of the best entertainment for kids out there. I have non-Christian friends who think the VeggieTales series is the best thing since sliced bread, and make sure their kids are exposed to it regularly, since it's wholesome, morally educational, and, above all, genuinely funny without being stupid.

Which, I suppose is why it is silly for NBC to be concerned about the decidedly NON-proseletyzing (pardon the spelling) Christian content of VeggieTales, but, again, it's not surprising.

No problem with the Madonna concert crucifiction, however. What's most interesting to me about this whole thing is the concern about offending non-Christians coupled with the lack of concern about offending Christians (which is, again, not surprising).

Re: Ragged

Michael — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:47:37 -0000

As a veteran of a few plays myself, I congratulate you. A rotten hell week nearly always guarantees a splendid opening night.

At least that's what you're supposed to keep telling yourself.

=+)

Re: This blog post deserves an award

Michael — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 21:29:54 -0000

Yikes! What set off this little rant?

Re: This blog post deserves an award

Michael — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 22:12:35 -0000

Oh . . .the link at the top. Got it. Sorry.

=+)

Re: Mooks and midriffs

Michael — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:14:27 -0000

I don't own a single No Doubt or Gwen Stefani album, but I'm uncomfortable with your lock-step group classification of Stefani with Stern. There are literally dozens and dozens of female role models that fall into the midriff category that are much worse than Stefani, a married woman, mother, and a singer-songwriter whose big current single is a half-tribute to that horribly oversexed and self-gratifying film "The Sound of Music".

I'm not saing her dress sense isn't tacky, just that Britney, Paris, and many, many others are much worse role models for their demographic, whereas Howard Stern is by and large the one of the worst for his.

Re: Mooks and midriffs

Michael — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:58:58 -0000

Thanks a lot. Now I have less than two weeks to return the Gwen Stefani lunchbox and find something else to get you for Christmas . . . .

=+(

Re: I miss the Grizzly River Rampage

Michael — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 13:00:04 -0000

Sorry -- didn't mean to depress you, although I suppose that was inevitable. I'm glad to know the Timber Topper is still running somewhere, though. In fact, somewhere on that same site, you can download a model of the Timber Topper if you have Roller Coaster Tycoon.

Re: FineTune

Michael — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:03:15 -0000

Once you've created your playlist, then under your "view profile" you'll see a list of all your playlists. If you go to edit the playlist, or just click on the name, then the menu at the top right will change to "PLAYLIST", and in that menu is the item "embed playlist".

Have fun!

Re: A note from a nut

Michael — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:32:00 -0000

I'm not sure, but it reminds me greatly of the Steve Taylor song "Sock Heaven" from his last album, squint, searching for spiritual meaning in the missing socks from his laundry . . .

Re: Consumer disappointment

Michael — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:58:41 -0000

My vote is for sending the letter as well.

Re: FIXED: A superstantial suspect

Michael — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:00:06 -0000

Your link here "who might have killed Captain America" goes back to the same Star Wars story . . .

Re: Isaac Air Freight

Michael — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 19:41:58 -0000

Good night, Buck Wheezer, wherever you are . . .

Oh, right. Chula Vista.

Re: Technical difficulties

Michael — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:16:36 -0000

I like this one . . . it's funky and interesting while still being usable.

Re: Dare them to move

Michael — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:29:38 -0000

PFR was a great band! I've still got my copy of "Goldie's Last Day", an album I thoroughly enjoyed. And, John, I agree with you . . . there is an element of Christian media and Christianity in general that tries to "box" people up, forgetting how much great art exists in the world that was created by Christians without having to spell the gospels out in big, preschool type every time. It reminds me of the song written about this very subject with the self-explanatory title by Leslie "Sam" Phillips: "Baby I Can't Please You".

Re: Aliens (the ‘Star Trek’ kind) and Christianity

Michael — Tue, 01 May 2007 16:04:55 -0000

Ask Madeline L'Engel, who seems to have definite (if fictional) ideas about the subject . . . and while you're at it, ask her how to spell her name properly!

Re: CD update

Michael — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:40:10 -0000

Ditto. Thanks!

Re: A Bug’s Life

Michael — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:15:56 -0000

Why not "Night at the Museum"? It's pretty squeaky-clean.

Re: Don’t Quechup

Michael — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:41:41 -0000

Ok, but what about the one where you want me to access your Swiss bank account for discount canadian meds, viagra, and stock tips? Is that one still ok?

=+)

Re: A long time ago on a Christmas far, far away

Michael — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:35:59 -0000

And yet, it's still better than Episode I . . .

=+)

Re: Don’t shoot me, Santa

Michael — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:52:58 -0000

In my defense, my surprise, if I expressed it, was due to the fact that the band was more popular than I had surmised, not knowing much about them myself. I do not in any way consider you an old fogey for your music choices, and I resent such an implication. I consider you an old fogey because of your endless, rambling stories about WW2.

Re: God spare us, every one

Michael — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:49:02 -0000

I agree with you about the Grinch, and I'm certainly not the biggest Jim Carrey fan ever, but "A Christmas Carol" has been made over and over and over and over . . . I don't think he'll ruin anything any more than Urkel did in a very special "Family Matters". And since it's Zemeckis, I'm assuming it will be Motion Capture like Beowulf and Polar Express, which could be interesting.

Re: The Magnificent Arbuckle

Michael — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:55:01 -0000

To newscoma:

Red Dwarf is the silliest, finest example of science fiction situation comedy ever to emerge from the isles . . .

Re: The snow finally reaches Shelbyville

Michael — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:48:03 -0000

And yet nobody can send distant relatives a picture, or even post one on the blog?

Re: More Walken than you can handle

Michael — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:28:26 -0000

But no "Continental" . . . .

Re: Got the call

Michael — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:09:15 -0000

Way super cool. See, you didn't need that video after all.

Re: Annual Conference

Michael — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:49:48 -0000

Congrats!

Re: The truth is out there, papal style

Michael — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:04:34 -0000

Who's been reading Madeline L'Engle? The Vatican's been reading Madeline L'Engle!

Re: Rub. A. Dub. Dub.

Michael — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:35:51 -0000

Yay!

Re: Yes, but can Chekov do Chekhov?

Michael — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:13:01 -0000

It's called "Free Enterprise"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141105/

Re: A perspective on Africa

Michael — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 22:10:54 -0000

Another interesting piece on the site is about the evangelical movement in Africa: http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs1129