So there's this band, Vampire Weekend, that I love. Their eponymous first album was great, and their second, Contra, is proving to be just as good. I saw on their website that I could embed the entire album and a flash player here, so I thought "Why not?" If you have a minute, take a listen and enjoy.

So here are a few things that have been rolling around in my head lately that I thought I would share, just to give you a little idea of what it's like to be me.

First there was the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the ban on corporate campaign spending because it was a first amendment violation. OK, I appreciate the first amendment and the maintenance of its integrity, but at what point does lobbying cross the line? Am I going to be able to vote Time-Warner-AOL for President in 2012? I heard this suggested on the radio and I think it is a great idea: from now on, all elected officials should have to wear some form of advertising for each one of his or her lobbyist's interests, a la Nascar. That could lead to a few changes in our national identity, but why not just be proud of who we are.

Now here is a short story... but first some preface. A few weeks ago I had Otto outside in the backyard without a leash. With the exception of the driveway, the entire yard is fenced and contains him, so that outside with no leash had been the SOP. On this particular day however, on the way inside he managed to slip by me in the driveway and get out into the front yard where he got into a bit of a fracas with a passing Great Dane (he is more courageous than he is smart). After that was all over, it was decided that it was time to employ the leash at least from the door to the backyard. So now we have that to deal with on a daily basis. Great.

So now fast forward to a few nights ago. Otto and I are getting ready to go out, so I slap the leash on him, throw a piece of gum* in my mouth, and open the door. At this point, Otto decides he has waited long enough and bolts for the backyard, dragging me in his wake and nearly sending me sprawling. "Whoa!" I exclaim, which gets him to stop momentarily. As I bend down to unhook his leash, I sneeze and spit my gum out onto the ground.

"You see?!" I say, as if this will somehow explain to him (a dog mind you), that in some strange cosmic way his pulling on the leash has lead to my sneezing and the subsequent loss of gum.

As he bolts off into the night, now liberated from the tyranny of his leash, I say out loud to no one in particular,

"We're like Laurel and Hardy... and I'm the dumb one."

After that I spent a few minutes laughing out loud. And I wonder why the neighbors give me strange looks. Like sands through the hourglass...

*Note that I have substituted gum here for a less socially acceptable item. If you know me, you'll know what I mean. If you don't know me, it was really gum.

With the help of a digital video camera Kris got for Christmas, the Clan Schirripa now is on YouTube. Here is the first video we've posted. Enjoy!

A recent story in a local weekly paper got me thinking -- actually, the reader comments at the end got me thinking -- about all of the Religious Right rhetoric we've been subjected to over the past decade. It's time Christian zealots are corrected.

First of all, the United States wasn't founded by Christian men based on Christian values and ideals. The founders basically were deists, and the ideals and values are basic to many religions: Empathy, cooperation, compassion, valuing human life.

For those of you in the Ridiculous Right who slept through history class, the founding fathers sought to escape the tyranny of King George III and the Church of England. The United States of America is the first democracy in world history to form under a government and constitution that DOES NOT recognize or submit to a formal god or religion or to have a national church or religion.

Second of all, the separation of church and state was not a function of political correctness or an attempt to not offend anyone. Instead, colonists wanted to be free to worship as they chose -- WHATEVER that meant to each person -- without dictation or direction from religious rulers. (What Billy Graham would have been 300 or 400 years ago.)

In modern times, the separation presents Americans with a measure of tolerance and inclusiveness. What makes our country great is its basis for welcoming anyone of any background, and the uniqueness and intrinsic value of different cultures and religions.

So, for those of you Bible thumpers who believe the Republican Party is an engine in the religious rebirth of the United States, remember where you came from. If you are indeed as loyal to the Constitution and its authors' intentions as you claim to be, put down your pistols, take off your Pslam 109:8 T-shirts and educate yourselves.

You're pissing me off.

So I have just a few notes on hockey related items...

First, Gates lost in the Semifinals tonight in a close game with the Yaks. We had a good season, and I look forward to returning for more next year (really, that's only about 3 weeks away). Go Gates!

Next, while searching the internets the other day I came across this. Be carfeul, I was trapped there for nearly an hour. It took me a little while to learn the base lexicon (plug, duster, etc.) but it was funny enough to make it worthwhile. Now I just have to try to remember some of those when I'm on the ice! Gongshow Chirps

And finally, there's this: bear hockey. I was a little reluctant to post about this since it raises equal feelings in me of both awe and sadness. Awe, because it is just plain amazing, and sadness because I have a feeling they aren't really enjoying it and the training probably wasn't the most humane. Anyway, check it out and decide for yourself!

And then there is these two, which leaves me with just one question: a Predators jersey?