"Can't swim? Hell, the fall will kill ya!"

Paul Newman (January 26, 1925 - September 26th, 2008)

Hollywood, America and the World have lost of one it's most genuine icons. Paul Newman died late yesterday at his home in Westport, Conneticut where he was surrounded by family and friends. He leaves an incredible legacy of work that goes even further than just his brilliant acting and directing credits. In 1982 he co-founded the Newman's Own brand of food products the proceeds of which go to charity. Following in 1988 was the formation of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conneticut, where children with serious illnesses are able to spend thier summers doing the normal chilhood things.

I grew up watching and studying his films closely. The Sting, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Long Hot Summer, Cool Hand Luke, Hud, The Hustler, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Harper, The Hudsucker Proxy, Nobody's Fool, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Exodus, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hombre, Absence of Malice, The Verdict, Torn Curtain, The Color of Money, Road to Perdition. Such a great body of work. I'm deeply saddeneded by his passing, but very grateful for having so many great memories of watching and enjoying these films. My prayers and thoughts go out to Paul's wife of 50 years Joanne Woodward and thier family.

Politics as usual

All of the hoopla over Senator John McCain “suspending” his campaign and threatening to not show up for tonight’s first Presidential Debate in Oxford, Mississippi because he wanted to concentrate on fixing American’s economic crisis by jetting back to Washington D.C. was a ridiculous political ploy that failed. Senator McCain will be present to give his ass handed to him by Senator Obama on the campus of Ole Miss University. I guess McCain’s old buddy ex-Senator Phil Gramm was off-target when he called America a nation of “whiners” in regards to the current economic struggles.

Yes, the debate tonight will go on as scheduled and I am looking forward to it. But there is far more disturbing news that has come to light recently in regards to McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin. Apparently while the mayor of the small Alaskan town of Wasilla; Palin began billing sexual-assault victims for the cost of rape kits and other forensic exams. WOW!

Just think about that for a moment. Republicans decry the estate tax but charging victims of sexual based crimes for investigating said crimes is OK?! WOW! And what a better way to discourage women or men who have been victims of a sexual-assault to not report the incident if they know they are going to be taking a financial hit up front as well. I wonder if these victims were ever reimbursed when the forensic testing was conclusive and helped get a conviction. Or as former Alaskan Governor put it -- “We would never bill the victim of a burglary for fingerprinting and photographing the crime scene, or for the cost of gathering other evidence.”

In 2000, the Alaskan legislature approved a bill to stop this practice in Wasilla. There is no record of Palin speaking out about the issue then or now and of course the way the campaign is keeping her so safe guarded from the press we are not likely to get any info from her anytime soon, but I think it’s certainly worth some discussion.

Ugh! John McCain and Sarah Palin. You’d think Bush/Cheney would have desensitized me, but my stomach is knots thinking about the possibility of them actually winning. Gotta keep the hope alive. America is not this fucking stupid, we’re just not. We have our moments sure, but come on.

Rick, Rhymes with.....

“I absolutely understand they want to get back to their homes … I’d like to get back to the mansion.”

Those were the words of our venerable and compassionate Governor Rick Perry in response to the worries and frustration of Texans displaced or evacuated from thier homes due to Hurricane Ike. Perry was comparing himself to those unfornate people victimized by the hurricane because he and his family have not been living in the traditonal residence of his position due to remodeling and then a fire by vandalism at the Governor's Mansion. Instead Rick Perry and his family live in a 5,000 square foot home that is owned by a contributor to Perry's re-election fund and furthermore the state(i.e. us taxpayers) is footing the $10,000 a month rent for the set-up Perry and his family enjoy in one of Austin's nicest neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, it's nice to see the NFL, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair both kicking in $500,000 each to start a fund raising money to aid in the relief and recovery efforts being done in Texas post-Hurricane Ike. The Chevron Corporation added in $25,000 and McNair has stated they are encouraging other corprations and businesses to donate to the cause. Corporations don't have to be totally evil, do they? No, I didn't think so. Mostly evil, sure, but not totally.

I've spoken with several friends in the Houston and Galveston area and they are thankfully doing well, just having to deal with minor damages and lack of power and running water in all areas. It's ridiculous how quick Governor Perry and the rest of the government were so quick to pat themselves on the back for not letting Hurricane Ike turn into a Katrina-level disaster and granted emergency preperations and response have been handled very well, but then he goes and says something stupid like the mansion comment.

Not going to turn this into a rant on how Senator John McCain is similar in trumping the success of this past year's troop surge in Iraq at the expense of remembering or even acknowledging the repeated failures of the previous 5 years in this war, not to mention the lies leading us into the war in the first place. Oops, there I go.

In honor and at the suggestion of USA Today's pop-culture and entertainment blogging goddess, one Miss Whitney Matheson of the Pop Candy blog and podcast, I am going to come up with a series of lists recommending books, movies, music, etc… for all those kids out there just starting high school and who want a pop-culture survival guide.

Today we start with my picks for the essential films for viewing and appreciating during your high school years. These titles are in no particular order.

Pulp Fiction (1994) Quentin Tarrantino's indie masterpiece is a bizarre, hip, funny, quotable and violent slice of life that can't replicated, no matter how many times they try to do it. Considering that kids born the year this movie came out are now entering high school makes it a must-see before you hit college, even if it's the only movie on the list that doesn't directly relate to high school in subject matter.

The Breakfast Club (1985) This film is pretty much standard viewing for most American kids even before high school, but it never gets old. And it has a special resonance when you are actually at the same age and point in your life that the Jock, the Brain, the Princess, the Freak and the Criminal are.

Election (1999) Far more biting than the more "feel good" nature of a John Hughes flick, this is a funny and sometimes ferocious satire of teacher-student relations at typical Omaha, Nebraska high school. Reese Witherspoon shines as overachiever Tracy Flick running for Senior Class President and Matthew Broderick plays the affable History teacher to whom Tracy's overbearing nature brings out the worst in.

Dazed and Confused (1993) The classic last day of school film from Richard Linklater perfectly captures those endless nights of partying and bonding with your high school friends. Taking in all the good, bad, embarrassing and life-changing. Headed up by cast of unknowns at the time many of whom are very familar faces now.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) Based on the Cameron Crowe novel, Amy Heckerling directs this chronicle of the ups and downs life during one school year for some early 80s adolescents. Sean Penn's legendary character Jeff Spicolli and Pheobe Cates' topless dream sequence are only a few of the highlights in this hilarious and thoughtful romp.

The Last American Virgin (1982) Long before American Pie or Superbad, there was this raunchy sex comedy about three high school buddies and their never ending pursuit of the fairer sex. Thankfully we are also treated to a sincere and honest story about the thin line between lust and love and friendship.

Clueless (1995) Another Heckerling feature, this modernization of the Jane Austen novel, Emma, sets the action in a Beverly Hills high school with Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a clever but still naive young girl who is quick to dispense advice to her friends and family, but takes a little longer in learning life's lessons herself.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004) One of the most endearing, honest and hilarious portraits of an outcast who makes good against the odds. Endlessly quotable and re-watchable, which are both important ingredients.

She's All That (1999) A guilty pleasure for sure. It's the classic ugly duckling story, only in Hollywood the ugly duckling is just some pretty girl with glasses and a fat friend. Regardless this is still a sweet and charming teenage romantic comedy that is a must-see.

Scream (1996) Slasher films are a rite of passage for teenagers and one of the most consistent genres to feature them as characters. Writer Kevin Williamson and director Wes Craven craft a clever and scary film that both plays up the genre's conventions and re-invents them at the same time.

The Last Picture Show (1971) Peter Bogdanovich's brilliant adaptation of the Larry McMurtry novel about a group of young friends in a dusty West Texas town struggling with growing up and growing apart, all while the older generations watch and crack wise about how important it all seems when you're that age.

Rebel Without A Cause (1955) The most iconic teen film of all-time that stars one of the most iconic young stars of all-time. James Dean creates the modern day teenage anti-hero, full of angst and frustration with his life at school and home. Natalie Woods as Dean's love interest and Sal Mineo as his pal Plato both also shine in this classic.

Heathers (1989) Here we have Christian Slater as a more self-aware James Dean type who woos Winona Ryder's character as she infiltrates and dismantles the titular popular girl clique. This a darker, dryer type of high school film, but no less honest or entertaining.

Boyz n the Hood (1991) John Singleton's debut is a powerful look at the struggle to live a normal teenage life when you are surrounded by elements that force you to grow-up faster than you'd like. The violence and poverty that permeates in so many inner-city neighborhoods is part of these characters' everyday life and often contributes to a feeling of helplessness that is inescapable when you're in high school.

Juno (2007) The most recent entry on the list is nonetheless worthy. Diablo Cody's Oscar winning script snaps, crackles and pops off the screen under the direction of Jason Reitman for an instant classic. Ellen Page truly shines along with a fantastic supporting cast in this tale of teen pregnancy, adoption, high school romance, friendship, family and faith.

Honorable Mention : Pump up the Volume, Mean Girls, Superbad, Sixteen Candles & Dancer,TX Pop.81

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

On this day in 1846 legendary poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning were secretly wed. Their love story is one that has remained in the hearts and imagination of so many romantics.

Already a published poet at age 13 thanks to some help from her father who organized the printing of her work Elizabeth then suffered a severe spine injury when she was 15 and retreated to her room living as an invalid into her early 30s. Writing poetry was her only release. In 1844, fellow English poet Robert Browning wrote to Elizabeth to tell her how much he admired her work. They continued to correspond through letters and the courtship began despite Elizabeth's father's disapproval. After their secret marriage in 1846, Elizabeth and Robert moved to Italy, where Elizabeth's health became far improved. In 1849 they welcomed their only child, a son named Pen. Elizabeth passed away in 1861 at which point Robert took his son back to England. Their poetry and love letters are classics to this day and give us some nice insight into a great story of passion and love.

Here are some samples:

Sonnet XLIII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Life in Love by Robert Browning

Escape me?
Never---Beloved!
While I am I, and you are you,
So long as the world contains us both,
Me the loving and you the loth
While the one eludes, must the other pursue.
My life is a fault at last, I fear: It seems too much like a fate, indeed!
Though I do my best I shall scarce succeed.
But what if I fail of my purpose here?
It is but to keep the nerves at strain, To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall,
And, baffled, get up and begin again,---

So the chace takes up one's life ' that's all.
While, look but once from your farthest bound
At me so deep in the dust and dark,
No sooner the old hope goes to ground
Than a new one, straight to the self-same mark,
I shape me---
Ever
Removed!

'Till things are brighter...

"I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, But is there because he's a victim of the times."

Yesterday we bowed our heads in remembrance of those lost during the tragic events of 9/11 and today we pick ourselves back up and remember the Man in Black who died 5 years ago on this day. Johnny Cash is an icon, a legend and a hero. So pull out your old 45 of "I Walk the Line" if you're lucky enough to have one or buy the damn song from iTunes and pay the man some respect.

Hope & Change

I knew I should have posted something immediately after the Democratic National Convention. That way I’d have something nice to write about instead of post after post of bad news, but we’ll get to that later.

As the DNC converged in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado I was swelled up with patriotism and pride and I was actually moved to tears by several of the speakers, most notably Presidential nominee Barack Obama and his wife Michelle with their fantastic speeches. Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden, Keynote speaker, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, now a senate candidate along with both former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton also brought the goods to the stage.

By weeks end it was John McCain and the Republican’s turn. First there was McCain’s out of nowhere selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to which I am not even going to get into right now. I honestly don’t know who she is and don’t imagine I will need to learn much about her and as far as the “tabloid” aspects to her family life, it really doesn’t matter.

Senator John McCain is a weak candidate and his selection of Gov. Palin does not in anyway immediately legitimize her as a player on the national scene of politics. I don’t care if it looks like a ploy to steal Hilary Clinton supporters or whatever else spinning is going on out there. Simply put, McCain is a shell of his former self and he is running a shallow and desperate campaign. It’s very sad to learn that someone I admired so much and believed was genuine has changed and adapted to the lowest common denominator like that of our current Presidential Administration.

Now there are plenty of people who like to throw that into my face saying Barack Obama will just do the same. Well that could very well happen, but I don’t think it will and until I am proved wrong I will stay optimistic and hopeful. I am only 26 years-old and this is only the third Presidential election that I have voted in; and although I am very well versed in American political history I do sincerely believe that Senator Obama is truly one of a kind. He is the first candidate that I have believed in because I believe in him and not because I don’t believe in the other guy.

I’m going to wrap this self-righteous rant up with some belated sad news. Danny Young, known to many as the “Mayor of South Austin” who owned and operated the Texicalli Grille, currently located on Oltorf just east of Congress, died at age 67 from a heart attack on August 27th. Famous for being a jubilant and friendly entrepreneur, Young was originally from Kingsville, Texas where he worked at his family’s root beer stand/pizza parlor after a stint in the Coast Guard.

He moved to Austin in the mid-70s and I was there when the original Texicalli Grille opened on South Lamar Blvd. during the summer of 1982, granted I was only a few months old, but my father’s band played the grand opening and there are plenty of pictures to prove I was there, including one that was still hanging on the walls of the restaurant when it closed down last year. I did not know Danny personally as well as I knew him by reputation and through the relationships he had with other people I am close to. You could very well play a Six Degrees of Separation game with him for Austinites, including a lot of former Kingsville residents. No more homemade root beer or Texas cheesesteaks from Danny or the Texicalli Grille.

That brings me to the mention that another Austin landmark is also closed as of August 31st. Las Manitas was owned and operated by sisters Cynthia and Lidia Perez for 27 years in downtown Austin and has now been closed down to make way for a Mariott Hotel project. It was another fantastic, beloved and intimate Mexican food restaurant that had lots of history and character. There may be a chance that the Perez sisters re-open in a nearby location, but as of late they have been understandably cynical about those prospects. Even joking they might end up just "selling tacos from underneath a tree" because relocation or not, it won't be the same. So much of the story on the closing of Las Manitas has been focused on the losing of Austin's soul or the dying out of what makes Austin Austin, but maybe that's not the best way to describe it. Austin isn't dying. There are towns and cities in America that are dying and it's looks a lot different than multi-million dollar condominum complexes and hotel chain projects. Austin is changing. And even though there a lot of people, including myself, who do not like how it's changing the truth remains that everything changes. I just don't know how long I can stay around to witness all the changing. I might be changing myself so much to the point where I really will have to move away for good, like I have been thinking about doing for so long now.