Not like Frosted Flakes, but still...
So, I'm almost over the election of 2004. Make no mistake, I'm still bummed by Kerry's defeat, but I still have hope that we can and will get through this. Nevertheless, the gloating attitude of some conservatives just gets to me. It's not a mandate; 51% is not a clear signal to gay-bash and make everybody worship Christ "or else".
Anyway, I was listening to the radio the other day, and I turned over to Bill O'Reilly (why? I don't know; just a masochist, I guess.) Someone was calling in, and he said there was something that had been bothering him in the last few weeks. Iraq? Political mud-slinging? Osama bin Laden? No.
"Why is it that all these actors and musicians, who never worked a day in their lives, can speak out on blablablablabla?" To be honest, I kinda forgot exactly what he said after this, but I believe it was about "celebrities" expressing their opinions in public.
Well, the thing about famous people expressing their political views would have raised my hackles enough, but when I head the above comment about actors and musicians "never working a day in their lives", I lost it. I turned off the radio, and proceeded to give a long and impassioned rebuttal in my car.
Having been an actor, and having married a musician, I can tell this person that indeed people in both professions have to work for a living before reaching any sort of notoriety. I have many friends who live in Los Angeles and New York City and several other major cities who are seeking careers in the performing arts, and to a man (or woman), they have all had to work an "outside job", sometimes two or three, in order to survive while they tried to make it in their chosen profession. They've had to survive on ramen noodles and 79-cent frozen pizzas in order to work their way up the ladder.
I know that not all actors/rock stars/rappers have had to face hardships in their rise to the top, but it is a rare one who doesn't. Not everyone goes the lana Turner/"American Idol" route to stardom.
Also, if anyone thinks that acting or playing music is an easy profession, give it a whirl sometime. Put the minimal amount of effort that you obviously think these artists put into their work, and see how "famous" you become. These people whom you slag as being "lazy" work just as hard for their money as anyone.
If anyone wants to see how "easy" it is to act, direct, sing or dance for a living, just get in touch with me. I guaran-damn-tee you I will open your eyes.
Thank you; I'll get off my soapbox now.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Long Distance Dedication
This one's for Dick Cheney...
Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain
You fasten the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead
Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music
Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain
You fasten the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead
Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Monday, August 23, 2004
Swift Boat Liars for "Truth"
Over the past few months I have seen and heard this group of jackasses calling themselves "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" run down John Kerry and try to cast seeds of doubt in the American public's mind regarding his leadership ability and his capacity for telling the truth.
When they released their first TV ad a few weeks ago, it was rather quickly and effectively refuted by people who actually were there, and by those who managed to do a modicum of research.
Now they are about to unleash an ad showing a very brief clip of then-Vietnam veteran Kerry testifying before a Senate committee in 1971 regarding conditions in Vietnam. It takes a sentence from his testimony and makes it sound as if Kerry was anti-American.
However, Atrios has posted the full transcript of Kerry's testimony on his blog. Go there and read it in full.
When they released their first TV ad a few weeks ago, it was rather quickly and effectively refuted by people who actually were there, and by those who managed to do a modicum of research.
Now they are about to unleash an ad showing a very brief clip of then-Vietnam veteran Kerry testifying before a Senate committee in 1971 regarding conditions in Vietnam. It takes a sentence from his testimony and makes it sound as if Kerry was anti-American.
However, Atrios has posted the full transcript of Kerry's testimony on his blog. Go there and read it in full.
Sunday, August 8, 2004
Gonna Sip Bacardi Like It's My Birfday...
... and whaddaya know, it really was my birthday yesterday!!!
It all started when I woke up at 5 this morning to change Ian's diaper. As I was changing him out and wiping him down, I thought to myself, "you know, this is absolutely fantastic!" I can't really describe it, but it was such a wonderful feeling, just me and my son, awake before dawn on my XXth birthday.
A couple of days earlier, I had found out that Fahrenheit 911 was going to be playing at our local cinema, and I was bound and determined to see it. Kathy wanted to see it too, but when she heard that there were some graphic imagery, she opted out. I asked one of my coworkers if she and her husband would like to see the movie, and she said "Sure." So, my birthday plans were set.
Kathy and I spent the better part of the day getting the house ready for company. I ende3d up cooking dinner for all of us. When Mary and Tim came to the house, they bore an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen for me. We had dinner, and Mary, Tim and I went to see F911. The movie was very interesting and thought-provoking, but not exactly one that you exit sipping and singing "Tra-la-laaaa".
We got home and had ice-cream cake and coffee as we swapped stories about babies, cats and work. All in all it was a rather quiet evening with friends, family and pets. And it was the best birthday I've ever had. ! :)
A couple of piccies from today:
It all started when I woke up at 5 this morning to change Ian's diaper. As I was changing him out and wiping him down, I thought to myself, "you know, this is absolutely fantastic!" I can't really describe it, but it was such a wonderful feeling, just me and my son, awake before dawn on my XXth birthday.
A couple of days earlier, I had found out that Fahrenheit 911 was going to be playing at our local cinema, and I was bound and determined to see it. Kathy wanted to see it too, but when she heard that there were some graphic imagery, she opted out. I asked one of my coworkers if she and her husband would like to see the movie, and she said "Sure." So, my birthday plans were set.
Kathy and I spent the better part of the day getting the house ready for company. I ende3d up cooking dinner for all of us. When Mary and Tim came to the house, they bore an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen for me. We had dinner, and Mary, Tim and I went to see F911. The movie was very interesting and thought-provoking, but not exactly one that you exit sipping and singing "Tra-la-laaaa".
We got home and had ice-cream cake and coffee as we swapped stories about babies, cats and work. All in all it was a rather quiet evening with friends, family and pets. And it was the best birthday I've ever had. ! :)
A couple of piccies from today:
Thursday, July 29, 2004
New Baby Blues
No, I don't really have the "baby blues", but I couldn't think of a better title.
OK, I'm gonna try to maintain this blog a little more regularly than I have in the past. We'll see if I can't keep things going here.
I have to say off the bat that Ian has definitely changed my life (and Kathy's as well). When I go to work in the morning, I can't leave without picking him up and giving him a big hug. The look in his eyes when I feed him makes me feel so grand, and yet so small at the same time. I can't imagine how I ever got through this life without Ian.
In other aspects of my life, I'm feeling really confident about John Kerry and John Edwards' chances in the election this November. The part of Virginia we're living in is a pretty conservative area, and yet when I ride through town I see so many Kerry bumper stickers on cars, and so few for Bush/Cheney. Maybe it's not the most accurate indicator of people's feelings on the election, but I think it's pretty damn significant.
That's all for the moment. More later on this CBS station.
OK, I'm gonna try to maintain this blog a little more regularly than I have in the past. We'll see if I can't keep things going here.
I have to say off the bat that Ian has definitely changed my life (and Kathy's as well). When I go to work in the morning, I can't leave without picking him up and giving him a big hug. The look in his eyes when I feed him makes me feel so grand, and yet so small at the same time. I can't imagine how I ever got through this life without Ian.
In other aspects of my life, I'm feeling really confident about John Kerry and John Edwards' chances in the election this November. The part of Virginia we're living in is a pretty conservative area, and yet when I ride through town I see so many Kerry bumper stickers on cars, and so few for Bush/Cheney. Maybe it's not the most accurate indicator of people's feelings on the election, but I think it's pretty damn significant.
That's all for the moment. More later on this CBS station.
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Presenting...
Ian Thomas McGuire, in his world premiere
Weighs in at 6 lb. 14 oz.
Stands (okay, LAYS) at 22 in.
Born June 8, 2004 at 10:57 pm
Proud papa: Clint McGuire
Exhausted (after 16 hrs. of labor, can you blame her?)
mama: Kathy McGuire
Photos and stories to come!!!
Weighs in at 6 lb. 14 oz.
Stands (okay, LAYS) at 22 in.
Born June 8, 2004 at 10:57 pm
Proud papa: Clint McGuire
Exhausted (after 16 hrs. of labor, can you blame her?)
mama: Kathy McGuire
Photos and stories to come!!!
Monday, May 31, 2004
Falling Down
I know that it's been a while, but between the impending blessed event and dealing with family issues, I haven't really felt inspired to blog much.
So much to write about, but I'll just kinda touch the stones and let you figure out where they lay:
*Dad, I know you're not reading this, but I just wanted to let you know I loved you once and may find it in my heart to love you again. At this moment, however, I just hope you get what you deserve.
*"War is all Hell", or so William Sherman once said. If this administration becomes remembered for anything, it will most likely be for the can of worms it opened up in the Fertile Crescent.
*I miss my friends. I miss the late nights, the trips to Waffle House, the inebriated dancing, the sober philosophy; I miss it all.
*Dammitaltahell, Jennifer or LaToya should have won. I'm glad for Fantasia, though.
*I find myself occasionally thinking of the Big Talks I will be having with Ian in the next two decades, and what it is I'll say to him. Other times, I try to think back to imagine what my parents were going through as I was about to make my debut in the world.
*The highway is alive tonight
But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes
I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light
Searchin' for the ghost of Tom Joad
So much to write about, but I'll just kinda touch the stones and let you figure out where they lay:
*Dad, I know you're not reading this, but I just wanted to let you know I loved you once and may find it in my heart to love you again. At this moment, however, I just hope you get what you deserve.
*"War is all Hell", or so William Sherman once said. If this administration becomes remembered for anything, it will most likely be for the can of worms it opened up in the Fertile Crescent.
*I miss my friends. I miss the late nights, the trips to Waffle House, the inebriated dancing, the sober philosophy; I miss it all.
*Dammitaltahell, Jennifer or LaToya should have won. I'm glad for Fantasia, though.
*I find myself occasionally thinking of the Big Talks I will be having with Ian in the next two decades, and what it is I'll say to him. Other times, I try to think back to imagine what my parents were going through as I was about to make my debut in the world.
*The highway is alive tonight
But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes
I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light
Searchin' for the ghost of Tom Joad
Monday, May 10, 2004
Rock n Roll McDonald's!! Rock n Roll McDonalds!!!
I just noticed this morning that Blogger has done some interface improvements. Goody-goody-gumdrops! Well, lemme give you a Clintster update and see how this thang works, 'kay?
So, things are continuing to develop with our pregnancy. Kathy's hormones have kicked in and I've been trying to keep up with her moods and encourage her when she feels down and tired. I finally got the baby's stroller put together, so there's one more thing off the list.
It looks as if I will have to cut down the number of visits I make to my therapist. I've been going every week, but with our financial worries, I've decided to make it every other week. Another factor in my decision is the fact that I feel better as I've been going through therapy, and I actually felt myself struggling to find something to talk about at my last session.
Oh, and by the way... Wesley Willis whips Batman's, Superman's, and Saddam Hussein's ass! Believe that!
So, things are continuing to develop with our pregnancy. Kathy's hormones have kicked in and I've been trying to keep up with her moods and encourage her when she feels down and tired. I finally got the baby's stroller put together, so there's one more thing off the list.
It looks as if I will have to cut down the number of visits I make to my therapist. I've been going every week, but with our financial worries, I've decided to make it every other week. Another factor in my decision is the fact that I feel better as I've been going through therapy, and I actually felt myself struggling to find something to talk about at my last session.
Oh, and by the way... Wesley Willis whips Batman's, Superman's, and Saddam Hussein's ass! Believe that!
Friday, April 30, 2004
Mars, bitches!
Sorry, I've been watching Chappelle's Show a lot lately.
OK, long delayed update: things are relatively quieted down on the bad-news front. I'm taking Zoloft and feeling better, but I still wish things were different.
The baby is developing quite nicely, and has even developed a case of the hiccups (see The Married Life for details). I'll write more later on stuff, but for right now, consider this a friendly wave to the blogosphere. :)
OK, long delayed update: things are relatively quieted down on the bad-news front. I'm taking Zoloft and feeling better, but I still wish things were different.
The baby is developing quite nicely, and has even developed a case of the hiccups (see The Married Life for details). I'll write more later on stuff, but for right now, consider this a friendly wave to the blogosphere. :)
Friday, April 9, 2004
Cheering Up
I'm feeling a little better since my relatively recent posts. Things are still kinda crappy, but I'm at least not having screaming panic attacks in the middle of the night now.
This is a meme from Kathy's blog. Here ya go:
1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says:
"2. In the Image menu, go to Rotate Canvas/Arbi-"
2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?
My printer.
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
CNN, talking about Iraq.
4. WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is.
About 4:45 pm
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
4:48! HA!
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Well, I can hear a printer in the next room, and people talking.
7. When did you last step outside? what were you doing?
About 1 1/2 hr. ago, to move my car.
8. Before you came to this website, what did you look at?
My college theatre group's message board/site.
9. What are you wearing?
Yellow T-shirt, black jeans, docksiders, and a Braves cap.
10. Did you dream last night?
Not last night, but given my dreams as of late, maybe that's for the best.
11. When did you last laugh?
A couple of hours ago. See Kathy's blog for the story.
12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A bulletin board, and that's it. *sigh* I really need to decorate some more in here.
13. Seen anything weird lately?
A white dog chasing cows around.
14. Last movie you saw?
In theatres? I believe that was "Cold Mountain".
15. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?
A nice house.
16. Tell me something about you that I don't know.
I didn't learn how to blow a gum bubble until I was 12.
17. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
I'd bring peace to the world.
18. Do you like to dance?
I do, though I don't dance often enough.
19. George Bush: is he a power-crazy nutcase or someone who is finally doing something that has needed to be done for years?
Pssshhhhheeeeeeyet. What do you think?
20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Siobhan.
21. [Same question for a boy].
Ian.
22. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Until recently, no; now, I think it would be fun.
This is a meme from Kathy's blog. Here ya go:
1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says:
"2. In the Image menu, go to Rotate Canvas/Arbi-"
2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?
My printer.
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
CNN, talking about Iraq.
4. WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is.
About 4:45 pm
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
4:48! HA!
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Well, I can hear a printer in the next room, and people talking.
7. When did you last step outside? what were you doing?
About 1 1/2 hr. ago, to move my car.
8. Before you came to this website, what did you look at?
My college theatre group's message board/site.
9. What are you wearing?
Yellow T-shirt, black jeans, docksiders, and a Braves cap.
10. Did you dream last night?
Not last night, but given my dreams as of late, maybe that's for the best.
11. When did you last laugh?
A couple of hours ago. See Kathy's blog for the story.
12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A bulletin board, and that's it. *sigh* I really need to decorate some more in here.
13. Seen anything weird lately?
A white dog chasing cows around.
14. Last movie you saw?
In theatres? I believe that was "Cold Mountain".
15. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?
A nice house.
16. Tell me something about you that I don't know.
I didn't learn how to blow a gum bubble until I was 12.
17. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
I'd bring peace to the world.
18. Do you like to dance?
I do, though I don't dance often enough.
19. George Bush: is he a power-crazy nutcase or someone who is finally doing something that has needed to be done for years?
Pssshhhhheeeeeeyet. What do you think?
20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Siobhan.
21. [Same question for a boy].
Ian.
22. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Until recently, no; now, I think it would be fun.
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