Delayed Reactions

Some days seem too long, yet not long enough to do all I want, which is why I find myself awake at this hour watching tapes of "NCIS," reading my first Ben Perkins novel, The Harder They Hit, and not wanting to go blogless too long.

Mike Tyson turns 38 today. Once upon a time, I enjoyed watching Tyson. I enjoyed what he, with his black socks, trunks, and no-nonsense approach, seemed to represent. Tyson has since become a parody of himself.

Spider-Man 2 premiered nationwide today, and I had no way of getting to a theater. Just as well. I haven't been able to muster up excitement for many movies in the past few years. I used to think there ought to be more superhero movies. No more. That said, I'm down for this sequel first chance I get. I'm also considering the DVD of the 1967-1970 Spider-Man cartoon.

In the chill of night
at the scene of a crime,
like a streak of light
he arrives just in time...

Gretchen Wilson

I freely admit to enjoying my fair share of country music, from Waylon Jennings to Garth Brooks, The Judds to Faith Hill. Lately I'd been hearing buzz about Gretchen Wilson's song, "Redneck Woman." Returning from vacation, I got around to ordering her debut CD, Here For the Party, which arrived to today, coincidentally Wilson's 31st birthday.

Theme-wise, "Redneck Woman" reminds me of Garth Brooks's "Friends in Low Places," an unabashed proclamation of the singer's roots (in Wilson's case, the farm town of Pocahontas, Illinois).

And now for some segue-less whiplash--it's also Derek Jeter's 30th birthday. Once mired in an early slump, Jeter is back to the winning ways that made him the hands-down choice for Yankee captain.

Wish You Were Here

If I keep posting Hawaii pics, I'll wish I were still on vacation. Here are three last shots which I hope take you there:


Leading down to the beach at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas


A Maui sunset


Finally, a Maui shore at dusk