Porchin it

"Porches are as synonymous with American culture as apple pie. While not unknown in colonial times, they rose to nationwide popularity in the decades before the Civil War, and remained in fashion for almost one hundred years. Ironically, the very social and technological forces that made them both popular and possible were eventually responsible for their decline."
-- from Kahn, Preserving Porches

Historically, "the original concept of a porch can be traced back to the overhanging rock shelters of prehistoric times"

The word "porch" originally derives from "the latin word porticus, or the greek word portico, both of which signify the columned entry to a Classical temple"

By the 1840's technology and industrialization had created a "substantial leisure class, free from the endless survival chores of the Colonial era"

Furthermore, new technological advances made building porches less expensive and easier.

"a porch strengthens or conveys expression of purpose, because, instead of leaving the entrance door bare, as in manufactories and buildings of inferior description it serves both as a note of preparation, and an effectual shelter and protection to the entrance."(Downing

it may be seen that the American front porch demonstrated Americans' simultaneous ideals of nature and its control

The porch further fostered a sense of community and neighborliness

Nobody thought much about the front porch when most Americans had them and used them. "The great American front porch was just there, open and sociable, an unassigned part of the house that belonged to everyone and no one, a place for family and friends to pass the time."

"Where's my 40?"

Lovely

Everything was set. The candlelight danced off the velvet sofa where I had unfurled an exotic silken throw blanket from Persia. This would be the initial starting point before slinking down to the bearskin rug (polar bear actually) where the fire would create too much heat to keep clothes on for long. This was matched by the internal heat of passion and from the cordial of brandy kept on the drink cart. Only the finest vintage swirled around in the snifter to release the oaken bouquet that had just traces of nutmeg and cigar. A Turkish clove cigarette could be lit and dragged on but for an instant. One forlorn rose petal lay discarded. I looked down at my partner. So tender yet strong. I poured a little of the Chateau d'Blanc wine into my hand and held it to my eyes while beginning a forbidden tango...

Cup holders

My friend designs cars at a major car company (the world's largest) here in Korea. When I found this out I made suggestions for design features I would like to see in a car. Among my gems was to increase the number of cupholders. Apparantly my friend took this advice to heart. He went to his office and came up with a design for a car with a whopping 8 cupholders, including some large enough to hold a Big Gulp. He had a big meeting (actually his first after a recent promotion) with the company execs. He pitched the idea to the bigwigs. The reaction was less than glowing to say the least. Actually one of his bosses asked him if he had lost his mind. My friend was stunned. No one spoke. He said later he actually thought he might lose his job. (I pictured myself as Homer in the episode where he ruins his brother's car business with his car design.) Then one of the North American consultants piped up and vouched that this was a desirable feature in a car. The day was saved. So if you see a car cruising around with 8 cupholders (apparantly an industry first) hoist one of your 8 Big Gulps up for cyberdiarrhea and a visionary friend.

My night with Mohamor "Mad Dog" Khadaffi

So, I'm sitting around the other night and I get a ring from my homeboy "Mad Dog". He says he wants to get his party on. I'm like, "bet M.D. Just no RPG's tonight." He's all like, "Man sucka-fools be trying to get my knot." I'm like, "Don't even sweat that, money. Our shit's tight. You just get down to the club."

Yes, that's a bucket of beer...with tequila in it... with sprite. Somehow it all worked out. Notice the 4 straws? Only 1 was used- by moi.

You'd best not even think 'bout tryin to front.

Schruted it

You might think that in a fight between a jaguar and an anaconda that the 300 pound primordial squeezing power of the reptile might prevail, especiall when the snake lures the jaguar into the water. You might also be an idiot. Despite one moment when the jaguar looks like it might get suffocated, chalk one up for team mammal.

Or how about the three-way grudge match of buffalo, crocodile, lion? Lion, crocodile? God, I can't believe I'm wasting my time with you amateurs. The united alliance of the buffalo shall prevail.

Zebra v. lion? You would think it would be lion wouldn't you. Shows how much you know.

Badminton anyone?

If you got it, flaunt it.