January 2009 Archives

1. What is your best childhood memory?  I would say a random Christmas in the 80's.  I actually do not remember the exact year, because they all run together.  Christmas morning, my brother, sister and I open our gifts.  I don't remember theirs, but I got something good from my parents along with a Cheers board game (yes, where everyone knows your name) and fake Play-Doh.  I was 10, so neither of those gifts were quite right.  Off to the re-gift pile my parents could rifle through when needed.  But then my aunt and uncle, who lived a  block away called.  "Everyone pack a bag, we are going on a roadtrip."  Did not know what is was until we all boarded a Greyhound bus bound for Orlando to Disney World!  What a surprise gift for the three of us and their daughter.
2. Beatles or Stones?  Beatles win, no question about it.  They brought the British invasion to the US doorstep.  Now seen as "clean cut" back then they brought an edge to music that was not really found stateside.  Plus see where the moved on to even after the breakup.  John Lennon...what did we miss out on because of some obsessed a-hole.  Paul McCartney and George Harrison have/had great solo careers and new projects.  Even Ringo Starr is still a celebrity.  I'm not putting down the Stones, but Jagger and the rest just can't hold a candle.  Maybe if they branched out and did more solo or non-Stones work, I'd re-consider.  But I also have a bias as I've never really been a fan of the Stones.  Drop me on an island with only one band to listen to and I choose the Beatles.
3. Describe the worst blind date you have ever been on.  I'd have to say this is not exactly blind.  On one of those on-line dating sites, this woman contacted me.  Her picture was a bit blurry.  But I took a shot and decided to go for it.  Set up one date, she postponed.  Set up another and she called me 15 minutes before it, as I was on my way to cancel because of rain.  Yes, apparently she was the Wicked Witch of the West.  Finally a couple of weeks later, we met up at a coffee shop.  She was not my type as looks go, but I was willing to see the personality...that is if she had one.  She was boring.  She worked as a graphic designer but admitted she didn't do much work and read novels all day.  She lived with her best friend and friend's fiance who were getting married in a week.  The couple owned the house, asked her if she would move, but she had not made any plans to do so.  I always said I would never be the guy who would say "I'll call you", but she made me do it. After 15 minutes, I faked a late business meeting I forgot about, told her I'd call her and booked out of there.  But then the following weekend, I was having brunch with my family and my blind date was there.  Luckily I was walking in and wearing sunglasses as it was summer so I turned around and told my parents I forgot something in the car.  A few minutes went by and I saw her leave.  Safe for me to go in and eat.
4. If you had to eat the same thing everyday until you died, what would it be?  Just the simple things in life, but complicated if you are religious.  An apple.  Interpret how you wish, but nothing beats a good apple.
5. What's your favorite sporting moment of all time?  April 1, 2002, Maryland beats Indiana for the NCAA Basketball Championship.  It was not the best game played, but it was a significant win for my alma mater.  The program nearly died in the 80's.  For those of you not in the know, google Len Bias.  It gave notice to college sports that we were back.  I was stuck in a lousy hotel in Philadelphia and it gave me great joy to see my school win.

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1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
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• Why does Burris feel he needs to be seated today?  Another symbolic gesture?  Governor Patterson of New York has yet to appoint Caroline Kennedy or another person to the Senate yet.
• Which law/rule holds true?  Each state has their own rules regarding filling an empty seat. In most situations, federal law supersedes state law.  But there is a difference between appointment and actual seating, so both may be right.  However, there is a question of whether a Senate rule is stronger than state law.
• Beyond my first question, why does Burris feel he is the appropriate person to fill the vacancy?  He said he had nothing to do with Blagojevich's prior dealings.  Even if true, he could wait until Illinois settles the debate.  Whoever is ultimately given the power to appoint will choose Burris if he is the best person for the job.