Lazy Revolution

Steve Panella - a rare mind

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Steve was a good friend. Sadly, we had not spoken in years. Not for any particularly good reason, either, which makes me feel stupid. Steve and I were thick as thieves, hanging out, cracking each other up, drinking, smoking cigarettes, and having fantastic conversations, many late into the night at cafes, bars, Denny's. We'd talk about the lives we wanted to lead, and where we thought we might go in our futures. Over a few hundred cups of coffee, we argued, agreed, teased, and intrigued one another the way good friends do. As I said, we stopped hanging out, and I feel I missed precious time with a wonderful person.

I don't know why he took his own life. I'm not sure anyone does.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1308155,aurora-multiple-stabbing-suicide-au120108.article

I know he lived life on a deeper level than most people, and it's why he was such a fascinating force. Steve was, to me, the coolest guy in the room no matter where he was. Being his friend, and earning his approval were badges of honor for me. His was a quick wit, and I learned many a put-down from his sharp tongue. He was a kind person, and extremely intelligent. He always seemed so above the petty bullshit. In high school, he never cared about what this person or that person thought. He didn't belong to any clique or group that I was aware of. He had many, many friends, as he was the kind of guy you just wanted to be around.

God damn. Why?

Steve was always on a different plane. He had a twisted take on everything that fascinated me. I miss him. I feel really stupid for not staying in touch the past few years. I don't know why he did what he did, but I deeply regret not having him in my life lately. It makes me think about old friends and how it's so important to keep in touch. Even if it's just a beer or a cup of coffee after work on a random night, it really is important. Steve's death has shaken me. Of everyone I've known, I would not have thought that it he would have left us like this. But the point is, he's gone. And one by one, we'll all be gone. So while we're here, we need to enjoy each other.

Steve was a talented artist; he was constantly drawing, sketching, and doodling. Over those hundreds of cups of coffee, he'd alternate his pen with his hand-rolled American Spirit cigarette, casually drawing all manner of things in a big blank notebook. Leafing through it from time to time, I could trace many of our winding conversations. Looking at his recent work, I see a maturity and grace lacking in much contemporary work I've seen. I'm no expert, but Steve's stuff is good.

Visit his blogs: http://3dpoetry.blogspot.com/ and http://stevepanella.blogspot.com/.

The first blog shows a lot of his wonderful art. I'd love for his work to be shown. Maybe a benefit gallery showing could be arranged? His family has asked that "in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hesed House, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506, where Stephen volunteered." Here is the mural Steve painted there. Proceeds from a showing of Steve's work could be donated to Hesed House.

The second blog has recent poems from Steve, and a very interesting story, told in verse. I found it to be quite good, and look forward to reading it to my own children some day.

Again, why? So talented, so smart. Maybe Steve thought it was time to become the energy he portrayed in his art. Maybe it was time, in his mind, to leave the body and become the spirit.

Much of the ironic detachment and skewed view of the world I have I owe to Steve Panella. His was a rare mind, and one I am glad I knew. I just wish I knew him better now I won't be able to have a late night cup of coffee with him again.

One of the pieces of art Steve posted recently: a self portrait.

And even though we had not spoken for a long time, the pain I've felt in my stomach all day tells me how much I'll miss my old friend.

Peace.

TB

HISTORY TONIGHT!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:45:00 +0000

How long can we, who voted for President-Elect Obama (doesn;t that sound AWESOME?) gloat to neocons?

How long are we allowed to sing nah-nah-nah-na-nah-nah to Republicans?

We need to come together as one nation, but honestly, this feels GOOD!

VICTORY!

In your face, GOP!

What now?

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:15:00 +0000

I am overwhelmed. Growing up black in the deep South, I never thought I'd see the day when one of us would be President.

But this is an eye-opener. Even more so than when my Dad explained to me the difference between Shinola and Sara Palin.

YES WE DID!

VICTORY!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:44:00 +0000

WE DID IT!

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE DID!

OBAMA WINS OHIO!!!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:34:00 +0000

OBAMA WINS OHIO!

NO REPUBLICAN HAS EVER WON THE PRESIDENCY WITHOUT WINNING OHIO!!!

It's not over yet, but it's looking VERY VERY good!!!

Woo-hoo!

FUCK GEORGIA

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Dammit, Bob Barr! Where were you?

Atlanta! What happened?

CHANGE FOR THE WORLD!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:56:00 +0000

Great comment...

I wanted to share this: My friend from Brazil was telling us today "You have no idea how important this election is to the whole world. My country is clinging to this." She spoke with her family this morning and they were urging her to vote and chanting "O-BA-MA!" Just a reminder how this affects not only us as Americans but the world alike. This is going to change so much!

Amy Miller

Thanks Amy! Keep watching and commenting!

GO OBAMA!

EXIT POLLING RESULTS - BEACH PARK, IL

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:38:00 +0000

THIS JUST IN!

3 votes for Obama and the guy with no commentary filters

100% of males voted for Obama
100% of spoiled dogs were home alone when owners were voting for Obama
100% of gay men in household vote for Anderson Cooper! He's hot!
Bacon gives a big poop to that bitch with the square glasses!

don't have your DVR in pause!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:23:00 +0000

We just realized we weren't live on CNN! Aaaaaa!

All better now.

David and Richard have arrived, so we have a Democratic majority in the house now. We'll have Percival-Hall exit polling results shortly.

don'

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:23:00 +0000

McCain is underperforming Bush

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:21:00 +0000

Hope this continues...

Princess Leia on CNN

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:15:00 +0000

Did anyone see the hologram reporter on CNN earlier? Sooooo dumb. How much money does CNN have? Craziness.

SCOREBOARD

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:12:00 +0000

OBAMA - 77

MCCAIN - 34

HOLY CRAP!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:09:00 +0000

LOTS of states for Obama!!!

According to CNN...
Illinois, New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, Maryland, DC, Massachusetts!

Screw Oklahoma and Tennessee. Boo red!

EXIT POLLING INFO FROM KEY AREA - ST. LOUIS

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:43:00 +0000

PROBST FAMILY OFFICIAL POLLING RESULTS - MO
3 votes for Obama/Biden

1 vote for fruit snacks

1 vote for the binky
1 aloof abstention (Wrigley, of course)

100% of females voted Obama/Biden
25% of males voted Obama/Biden
75% of males voted other/abstained

Kyah Probst participated in her first ever Kids Voting at Rogers Elementary - results to be announced tomorrow. She proudly wore her Obama/Biden '08 t-shirt along with a large Obama/Biden '08 pin and confidently voted Obama/Biden because he will "help me pay for college," says Probst.

Noah is visibly upset as he "wanted to meet Obama's grandma". The Probst's also canvassed Pointe South neighborhood today, proudly donning their Obama/Biden '08 t-shirts in an effort to sway the South County conservative vote. Noah practiced his "You voted for McCain??" look as seen in the Obama/Biden '08 Probst family picture.

EXIT POLLS

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:34:00 +0000

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Check it out! Lots of positive exit polling so far. Returns coming in, drinks being poured in preparation of red states turning blue!

Keepo your eye on Indiana and Virginia!

FINGERS ARE CROSSED!

BREAKING NEWS!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:30:00 +0000

OBAMA TAKES DELAWARE!

Oh wait, we knew that would happen.

And - fuck Kentucky.

SHOCKING DEVELOPMENTS!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Lil' Adler Probst was cited for electioneering this morning in St. Louis, MO. He pleaded with voting officals that his mommy dressed him, and it wasn't his fault. In fact, Adler is a fan of Sara Palin (for the boobs) ((relax, people, he's an infant, so boobs = milk! Geesh, ya sickos.))

In a related story, males in MO and IL agree that Palin is hot, but a moron. Easy on the eyes, not so much on the country.

BREAKING NEWS!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:01:00 +0000

LAZY ACTION REPORT!

St. Louis, MO -

Rumors of voter intimidation have been circulating from the Probst Family Compound on Hilly Haven, and we have the inside scoop from our intrepid reporter Wrigley, who filed the following report moments ago...

"WOOF! BARK! PANT, PANT"

Ok, that was seriously stupid. We would never work with Wrigley Probst again, not after plagarism allegations against him arose from his piece this summer on the best places in St. Louis to poop.

We'll have more from St. Louis soon as this story develops...

Stay tuned to www.LazyRevolution.com all day and night for wacky commentary, nutty exit polls, crazy interviews, and overall zaniness as we witness history!

Peace!

ELECTION DAY!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:06:00 +0000

EARLIEST EXIT POLL RESULTS

Waukegan, IL -

The earliest exit poll today comes from 3321 Burr Oak Drive.

2 votes for Obama-Biden
1 abstained vote
1 vote for BONES!

The breakdown was 100% of women went for Obama, and only 25% of males were for Obama. Apparent third-party "BONES!" was a surprise, garnering an astonishing 25% of male voters. Reached for comment about his vote, Franklin drooled a bit, ran around in a circle, and farted.

Abstaining from voting was Monty, who is a little shit.

Stay tuned for more updates, including the ever-crucial PROBST FAMILY exit poll from St. Louis in swing state Missouri. There are reports of voter fraud, as Noah tried to take Kyah's turn. More details later...

What's Going On?

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Why are they killing our black celebrities?

Since celebrities die in groups of three, who's next? Post your guesses here, or email them to LazyRevolution@gmail.com. The winner gets a genuine, official, gourmet Lazy Revolution t-shirt, as worn by George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Miles Davis, Kim Kardashian, and Barack Obama in a very odd dream I had the other night after eating pickles past 11pm. Yes, I'm serious! A t-shirt in your choice of size with the official LR logo! Thanks to David Merk for a sweet design. We'll have more questions coming up, and each time there will be something to win, so keep reading. When, of course, there's something here to read.

Peace,

T-to-the-B

for the winner...

www.cafepress.com/LazyRev

My Candidate Came to Play!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:58:00 +0000

I want a President that can drain the 3-pointer! It's time for a Leader we can actually admire.

If John McCain treid this, he'd break his hip. Or knock over a bunch of pickle jars.

Obama '08

Peace,

T-to-the-B

Headlines!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Actual headlines on the same Yahoo News page on July 24th, 2008...

Obama urges Germans to work with US to stop terror (AP)

McCain visits German restaurant in Ohio

Poor Oldie McPastyskinbadteeth, he's just falling apart, physically and mentally.

Future headlines we may see as the campaign wears on...

Obama Unites Israelis, Palestinians in Historic Accord

McCain Unites French Fry and Ketchup in Front Seat of Accord

Obama Meets with Iranian President to Discuss Peace

McCain Meets Floor after Dizzy Spell

Obama Urges Nation to Come Together as One America

McCain Urges Nurse to Change his Adult Diaper

Inaugural Ball for Obama a Grand Event

Dinner at Denny's "Pretty Good" Says McCain

Obama '08

www.JoinJohn.us

Peace,

T-to-the-B

Bowling for Hugs

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:03:00 +0000

Can Barack Obama really be the next President?

Now come on, people, the man CAN'T BOWL!

Do we really want a President who throws gutter balls?

Answer: YES!

Personally, I'm proud of the fact that I am not very good at bowling, golf, or other meaningless white people activities. The POTUS should not have TIME to get good at any of these things. Plus, I want someone interested in policy, not socializing. That whole, "vote for the candidate you'd rather have a beer with" notion was stupid to begin with, but proved dangerously stupid when dumbasses voted for Bush as a "regular guy." Do regular people get bailed out and rescued from failed businesses by their Daddy? Do regular people get handed executive positions, a Governorship AND the Presidency when they have consistently shown they deserve none of them? Do regular people get drunk, stagger, fall, hit their head and bruise their face, then blame it on "choking on a pretzel?" You forgot about that one, didn't you?

Bush is a liar, and an extremely ignorant man. At the same time, he is improbably very arrogant. He gives everyone he meets condescending nicknames. Even people he likes. Karl Rove, who is responsible for getting Bush elected to every single position he's held (both of them), for pulling the most despicable political tricks, and as history will eventually show, rigging Florida in '00 and Ohio in '04, Bush calls him "Turdblossom."

Oh, how I wish there were more Democrats with a spine. Why this smirking, dumb, rich frat boy wasn't impeached and actually thrown out of office is beyond explanation. Nancy Pelosi deserves a red-white-and-blue ball gag as a special Republican gift for being their bitch/gimp and "taking impeachment off the table."

Once Hillary is broke and broken, and everything is set for Obama vs. McCain, you're going to hear one man's (chimp's?) name A LOT. George W. Bush. Count on it. In fact, all Senator Obama needs to do is run that picture of McCain warmly snuggling with Dubya, hugging him as only a Republican (gay) man can hug another Republican man (closet case).

Oh yeah, plus McCain is really old. Like SUPER old. He'll probably shit in his Depends during a debate.

IMPEACH!
(it's never too late)

T-to-the-B

Crazy Old White People - for President!

LazyRevolution@gmail.com (TB) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:44:00 +0000

So it looks like we have a really old guy, an old woman, and Barack Obama in contention for President of the United States. We know Oldy Olderson's had plenty of "senior moments" along the campaign trail, like when he pooped in his pants on the Straight Talk Express. But now it seems as if Hillary Clinton is showing her age, too. Methinks an age limit needs to be applied to running this country. Or at least an IQ test for crying out loud. That would've saved us from the historic Presidency of the first retarded President, Georgie Bush Junior. But anyway, on to the golden oldies.

Hillary remembers...

"I remember traveling to Istanbul with the Emperor of the Universe and Gilbert Gottfried. We parachuted in, and immediately took hovercrafts to the rendezvous point, the Prime Minister's wife's kitchen, where I was to help her pick out a new backsplash, er, I mean, plan a long term strategy for peace in the Middle East. A polar bear nearly took Chelsea's left leg off as she was teaching young Sudanese children how to breakdance. They were visiting as part of an international coalition I started called Cankles that Care. This organization of water-retaining women in government, co-chaired by Nancy Pelosi and Camilla Parker-Bowles brings attention to starving cats in Indonesia through radio jingles written by volunteer mental health patients suffering from Ronnie's Dementia. Of course this condition, famously suffered by former President (and former human being) Ronald Reagan, effects not only the continence of an individual, but the olfactory sense as well. So when these unfortunates crap themselves, they sadly have no idea how bad they smell. They can only tell, in fact, from the squishing. Oh, and I killed a dragon once, too. Obama sucks! It's my turn! It's MY turn!"

John McCain remembers...

John? Mr. McCain? Senator? Hello?!?

Apparently the Senator fell asleep while unwrapping some hard candy. He must be tired from yelling at those rotten kids to get off his lawn!

Peace.

T-to-the-B