Errol Morris Miller High Life Commercials

I've always been a big fan of Errol Morris, from The Thin Blue Line (1988) to The Fog of War (2003). A couple years ago, after seeing one of his Miller High Life commercials, I hunted Youtube looking for more. Turns out there are over 80 and a link to them all on his site (below). I love these on so many levels: message, tempo and craftsmanship.

A link to the full discography. Enjoy!

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Nine greatest moments in Cincinnati Reds history

The nine highlights of the Cincinnati Reds history chosen by MLB Network. Number One, Pete Rose surpassing Ty Cobb's All-Time Hits Record (4,192) , I remember fondly, as my dad yelled for my brother and I to "Get in here and see this. You'll never forget it." And I never did.

Link to the MLB Prime 9 Greatest Moments in Reds History.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) in pictures

Panasonic Lumix LX3

In the fall of 2009 I was looking for a camera. I'll drop my caveat by saying that I don't know much about cameras. I took a 4x5 class in college, and while I defend my experience by saying I have a "good eye", in reality photography is too numerically confusing for me to soak up. When F Stops and ISO's rattle off left and right, my dyslexia with numbers (I swear it explains my grade school math experience if it's this) just wasn't going to have it. But whatever, I needed a camera.

Basically I wanted a SLR with detachable lenses (powerful and modular), but I wanted something small so I could have it on me (practical and inconspicuous). Digital. Good lens. After much hunting (I suggest Photography Blog as a great site to compare and contrast) it came down to the Lumix LX3, which had been out awhile but seemed to fit well in the category I was looking at and the Ricoh GR Digital Series.

I went with the LX3 (no detachable lens but...) it was rumored to take great Black and White photos, it's compact and durable, has a wide Leica lens and was less expensive than the Ricoh ($350 used).

Some samples...

Gomorrah

I had planned on seeing this film much sooner, but a hungover, wet weekend did the trick. Frightening look at Itaty's modern-day organized crime rings.

Via post...

Spring shoe purchase done. Then 6 white, 6 grey, and 6 black tshirts. Done. Go simple but succinct. Smell good or fresh but not fake. One good pair of sunglasses. There, see. How hard was that?

The Gamble: General Petraeus and The American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008

Just finished it. A hold-over from the holiday. I really like Ricks's robust research, access to his subjects, and casual writing style. Unfortunately, he fails to make me feel any better about the mess we're in. But that's not his job, I guess.

Charlie Rose interview here.



Fiasco, his previous book is also excellent. Just in case you wanted a detailed study of how this thing got kicked off in the first place. Title says it all.

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Stephen Hawking + Charlie Rose + Phantom HD Camera + great beat = Top Shelf!

The Troggs - A Girl LIke You

This one goes out to the little lady. Much love baby doll and thank you for being the beautiful girl you are. BLS

Ted "Big Klu" Kluszewski (1924-1988)

Bad. Ass. From Wikipedia:

Soon after the 6'-2", 240-pound Ted Kluszewski joined the Reds, he cut off the sleeves of his uniform, much to the chagrin of the Reds front office. He did it because the tight sleeves constricted his large biceps and shoulders and interfered with his swing. "They got pretty upset, but it was either that or change my swing — and I wasn't about to change my swing", said Kluszewski. Ted Kluszewski also became notorious for his strength. When Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher was once asked by a writer to name five of the strongest players in baseball, he complied. However, when the writer pointed out that he'd left Ted Kluszewski off the list, Durocher huffed and said: "Kluszewski? I'm talking about human beings!"

Ted Kluszewski was selected as an All-Star in four seasons, and was a career .298 hitter with 279 home runs and 1028 RBI in 1718 games.

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Charlie Rose and Jay-Z

Saw Jay-Z last night at Madison Square Gardens.
Great Show.

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Big Red Machine

Johnny Bench was my favorite when I was a kid because I was a catcher too. That's all I needed. The notables...

Cesar Geronimo

Johnny Bench #5, Catcher

Pete Rose #14, 3B

Sparky Anderson, Manager