Wednesday's WTF? WTF Won't Anyone Obey The Traffic Laws?

Come on Cletus!
I honestly hate to single out this "county-mountie" but he just had the misfortune of being in front of me this morning and not pulling up to the big white stripe on the blacktop-see photo-after I beeped my horn twice, waiting a few moments and then beeped again (twice). Had he done so, then I would have been able to use the turn lane but instead he just parked his cruiser right there in the middle of the lane-oblivious to what was going on in the world; and to think, I could have not been eight minutes late to work if he would have just pulled up just short of two feet. Then again, these hopeful thoughts are all for naught as once the light turned green the deputy decided to turn right anyway and I was caught by the West Ashley bridge (malfunctioning?) for 45-minutes as we had to let a sailboat get out into the harbor.

A Growing Trend
Charlestonians have often lamented about tourists needing to "go back to Ohio"-heck they even started a web-site-because the growing sentiment is that tourists cause traffic problems. I don't buy it; a majority of the "yahoos" I see causing T-total cluster-f's have South Carolina tags on the back of their cars and either a Clemson sticker or (sadly) a Citadel sticker somewhere on the window or bumper. Which while I am on topic, wtf wouldn't you know to merge into the right lane on the down ramp (heading towards town) by the round Holiday Inn (especially if you went to school here for 4 years)? I hate to generalize Citadel grads and their driving ability but after years of making this trek at least once a day, five days a week, for quite a few years now, I can say about eighty percent of the time, there's a Citadel sticker on the back of the car who ends up stuck in the 10 feet of caution area awaiting to merge.

Make the Connection
There's also a lot of hub-bub and hand-wringing (read: opposition) about the proposed (more than a decade ago-see big mound at the end of the James Island Connector across the street from Harris Teeter) extension of 526, which would finally connect the City with the surrounding greater-Charleston Metro area. I say make the connection. Anyone who travels Savannah Highway will tell you that it is a nightmare: stop and go traffic due to bad timing on the traffic lights, drivers won't travel 45 mph near the auto mile (the speed limit doesn't lower to 35 until you hit Ashley River Baptist Church) and all of this cow-herding of cars bottle-necks to a bridge that may or may not be standing upright allowing a sailboat to travel beneath. Simple economics say that if there is one sailboat leaving port (not spending any more money) and about a hundred cars waiting to get Downtown to make money or spend money then the cars should take precedent.

Sorry for the rant but this is my first post using the Blackberry and I have a sh_crap ton of time on my hands.

Sent via JET's BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Wednesday's WTF? WTF Do I Have This Song Stuck In My Head?

I am not trying to hate on the Pet Shop Boys here, but this song has been stuck in my head for the past week. WTF???

Wednesday's WTF? Jersey Girl's WTF?

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Wednesday's WTF? There's No Crying In Football-Clemson Fan Gets Emotional!

Despite my total apathetic nature to the idea, a friend of the Bushido Bucarook had to let me watch this video clip of a Clemson fan calling in to our local news here in the Holy City and of course it is “funny” as all get out, so of course, it had to go on the Bushido.

I know, technically it is not funny when another human reaches out in a time of need and shows their emotions, but WTF man? Did the coach’s plane crash? Did the team bus flip off a bridge, crash and burn leaving no survivors? You are setting a bad example for young men across this great state. Which brings me to a conversation I had with “Sweets” the other night: my boy, Cash, was whining and whimpering about something, (probably because Daddy was on the phone and not paying him any attention) and I told him, to stop, “Traberts don’t cry”. To which, “Sweets” said, “Cash, it’s OK to cry”. Which baffles me, because I think there is something to be said for men to keep a stiff upper lip, keep things close to their chests and not leave the faucets on when they are talking about a coach being fired from their beloved Clemson Tigers football team. (Full disclosure: the Bushido does allow men to cry at funerals and if having a nose hair plucked—both are totally acceptable times to let loose, but just a bit).

Wednesday's WTF? WTF is everyone riding the Duch?

David Duchovny announced on August 29th that he was entering a rehab-clinic for sexual addiction. If you watch the show, Californication (which Duchovny stars) you might have some idea why he may or may not be addicted (or at least inclined to) sex; the show is stocked full of smart dialogue, great story-lines and lots of sexuality. Or if you've seen his wife Tea Leoni, you might also understand the reason he could need some time off. I'm not judging (see closing) and as I told my friends when Michael Douglas entered rehab for sex-addiction, "That's a pretty sweet reason to go to rehab".

Now here I am throwing the tv show and the wife in the mix, but after Googling (holy sh_crap that doesn't get red-lined by my spell-check any longer) Duchovny and rehab, the first link I came to (MTV) "reported" that we should have seen the clues: Fox Mulder had an addiction to porn, etc. To which I thought WTF people those are characters! Run the hot wife-good looking people young and rocking, and now the man is a bit tired with all of this extra sex-story lines going in his new show, not a character he played on the Gary Shandling Show or Sex In The City.

In closing, David, we've got one thing to say:the Bushido will be seeing you at the meetings!

Wednesday's WTF? WTF Do We Care So Much About Politicans Personal Lives?

Now that's how you kick off a Convention!

Gov. Sarah Palin announced yesterday morning that her 17-year old daughter, Bristol, was 5-months pregnant. (Link to article from the NY Times) Well at least this can put a stop to the rumors going around that Bristol (Gov. Palin’s now pregnant daughter) had given birth to Trig (the Governor’s infant son) and not the Governor herself. Which also answers the question of why Bristol is always holding the baby-practice! Obama had it right when he said today that "Gov. Palin's daughter is off limits". Which to the Bushido means he gets it. (Photo of Todd Palin, with Piper, Willow & Bristol holding Trig and Meghan McCain in Ohio credits: Jim Wilson/NY Times)

WTF don't we care about politicians professional lives as much as we care about their personal lives?
Liberal bloggers and far-right bloggers let Bristol be, who are we to judge? Does it really say something about Gov. Palin's parenting ability? Bristol is for all intensive purposes an adult, able to make her own "mistakes" and accept the responsibilities for those actions. But therein lies the problem with American politics and media: we (Americans) for some reason believe that our politicians should have a special moral gravitas when it comes to their personal life and if they don't the media hangs their laundry out for everyone to see. Sadly, this keeps numerous well qualified Americans (who want to serve, but don't because their family has a member whose subjective aspirations of life have gone off track). Ironically, the flip side of the coin is that Americans are quite forgiving for mis-steps in office and won't hold politicans rears to the fire for their mistakes but for some reason, we're not so understanding when it comes to politicians in personal lives. For example, former North Carolina Senator, John Edwards a populist voice for the "poor" was left off of the speaker list for the Democratic National Convention, due to an affair he had. Yet, with all of this emphasis on Palin's daughter, we seem to forget that (in a professional capacity) Governor Palin was involved with a group of fellow Alaskans who wanted to succeed from the Union. And now this is the American, John McCain has chosen as his running-mate? WTF?

The Hunters become the hunted
It's a very interesting movement going on with Republicans as they move from a negative-smear campaign Rovian-styled politics to a victimized style of politics. (It doesn't seem fitting that the party of God and Guns should be lying down and taking whatever doses of their own medicine in the Palin-pregnancy). So, the Bushido offers these suggestions to the P.R. person for Gov. Palin: If you truly want the WT vote, you should say, “Bristol is named after the race-car track instead of some salmon fishery (Bristol Bay) in Alaska of which no one has ever heard." When the media pokes their head into the scandal of abuse of power for trying to fire her former brother-in-law (an Alaska State Trooper) to add pressure to his divorce-custody battle. You answer: "That's right we have just as big of beatch on the right as you do with Hillary." When they question her experience, you answer: "She made a $1,000 bet with her hair-dresser that she could have everyone in the US knowing where Wissilla, Alaska is by the end of the week." And when they ask, why would a woman with a new-born child that has down-syndrome would want to take one of the most time consuming and stressful jobs in the world? You say, nevermind, I don't have an answer for that one. That's a tough question, which makes me question why Gov. Palin would want to even consider the position due to the timing of it all. No wait, here you go: You say, have you seen how attractive Meghan McCain is? Boo-yah!

I caught the CNBC "Street Fight" yesterday and they made some astute points considering the nomination of Gov. Palin. I'll buy in to the idea that perhaps her lack of experience is due to the glass-ceiling that all women face in business and politics. And perhaps this recent unveiling of events with her teenage daughter is a humanizing event; but Erin Burnett (love her by the way) made an excellent point, if one of the Obama's daughter was a teenager and pregnant would the media be dealing with Obama the same way?

Wednesday's WTF? WTF is President Bush's Pardoy Funny?

President Bush entertaining at his final Gridiron Dinner (consisting of cabinet members and members of the press) with a parody of Johnny Cash's "Green, Green, Grass of Home". Instead of "down the lane I walked with my sweet Mary, pair of golden lips like cherries" you get "Down the lane I look and here comes Scooter (Libby) finally free of the prosecutor." WTF is this even funny?

Here is the same video with commentary from Keith Olbermann as well as subtitles for those who missed Bush's words.

Posted by The Bushido

Wednesday's WTF? WTF is going on in Sia's "Buttons" video?

WTF is going on in this video? Now, you all know, I am pretty liberal, but even this made me scratch my head. If you haven't heard of Sia then you are missing out, granted her video "Buttons" earned this week's Wednesday's WTF? But I really dig her song (as well as performance at Boston's the Paradise) "Electric Bird" from her new album Some People Have Real Problems; enjoy!


Posted by The Bushido

Wednesday's WTF? Sh** The Bed Fred And His God Givin Rights!

Honestly, I almost sh_crapped my pants when I heard the Fred Thompson say the line, “Remember friends our rights come from God and not the Government”. WTF Fred? Now, I know that he wasn’t this in touch with his “church” side whilst in Congress and I am sure this commercial is only airing in the South (read: “Bible Belt”) but WTF Fred? Have you forgotten the Age of Enlightenment when our fore-fathers involved themselves with separating Church and State? The point where most new of a higher being, but believed in Science and the Metaphysical Nature of Man? Good grief, Thompson’s campaign becomes more of a joke to me each and every day!

Wednesday's WTF? WTF Did Rob Fowler Shave The 'Stach?

I don't know what it is, but I just can't get used to local weather-csar Rob Fowler shaving his 'stash. Grow it back Rob, you're scaring the kids and freaking me out too. Dang, WTF Rob?

WTF happened to Jenna Jamison?

I know the talk of the town was that she flashed her derriere whilst on the runway--at a New York-oh my!~a fashion show where designers display plastic-wrap clothing on occasion, say it isn’t so. Forget that, I want to know why Jenna went all Kate Moss on me. Actually to Kate’s credit she added a few lbs. and looks pretty good.

Jenna WTF? What’s with the hanger-banger waif look? Whatever happened to our voluptuous specimen of talent on the small screen? Crap, I am so busted because I know Mamma Bushido will be checking out the blog to see the videos of her grands and you know I can’t lie to Mamma Bushido. Hopefully, she too will be so turned off by this look that she will want leave it to her normal desire to feed a skinny person and not ask what films Ms. Jamison has to her credit.
(Photo credits: TMZ.com)

Wednesday's WTF? Why is everyone busting on Britney Spears?

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Uploaded by TstarV

Sure she has been out of the game for a while but I thought Brit looked great! WTF is everyone giving her such a hard time about her body, gurl you look good to the Bushido!

Wednesday's WTF? A Bizarre Lesson From Mastodon...

WTF is going on in this video, “Sleeping Giant” by Mastodon?I am assuming this is some form of bizarre, artistic lecture of the abusive nature of the evil of mankind and the effects on our planet and the cosmos, as the two what would be Obi-Wan Kenobi-esque students, taught by, a guy dressed as Dr. Doom from the Fantastic Four (WTF? Obi-Wan Kenobi is in my spell-check?) I digress; the students watch as the life given provides a very primitive group of organisms, incubation occurs and now man is on the micro-planet-building huts, killing dinosaurs etc; incubate again for a growing city-let the pollution begin, incubate one more time, add two-tablespoons of nuclear power, three missiles, a nasty guitar rift, stir and watch as the planet is turned to ash. "Get it people? Quit f'in up the planet or this is what will happen", seems to be the message from Mastodon-now watch this nasty guitar rift, byaah!

After watching this video, après WTF? I got their massage as wacky as the video was and came to appreciate the band’s creativity. I'll even go as far as to wish the band members were high school science teachers; wait they would never make the cut--too much “Evolution” going on in this video. Sorry guys.
Posted by The Bushido

Wednesday's WTF? President Bush makes a dire comparison

As you know the President loves the taste of leather, that is why of course, he should probably fire a speech writer today. Why? Because in his speach to a VFW group in Kansas City, MO, the President made the comparison of the pull-out in Southeast Asia to the growing call for a pull-out in Iraq, stating:

"Will today's generation of Americans resist the deceptive
allure of retreat and do in the Middle East what veterans in this room did in
Asia?"

Further more the President made the wrong inference that Pol Pot was able to enforce a genocide on his own people in Cambodia on the Khmer Rouge, because the United States pulled-out to early, not that we stayed too late. I know, sure he doesn't know his history and that of course, President Bush (through GHW Bush's sting-pulling) never served in Vietnam, but many people of his generation did. It seems like a lot of Monday-morning-arm-chair-quarterbacking to make this parallel, especially when Bush was too busy protecting the Rio Grande from a V.C. flank in the Texas Air National Guard (read: Yuppie/Child of Entitlement wasn't there and shouldn't open his mouth, except to obviously insert foot.)

If Ann Coulter wants to label Clinton as a draft-dodger, then George W Bush should get the man-of-privilege badge of dishonor as well. It's sad really that it has come to this kind of grasping at straws by the Administration. There's no excuse really for even making this parallel, especially when so many men still have still have the fear and loathing from this era and most men (ask your Dad, if he was lucky enough to not go) know their Draft Card Number. WTF Mr. President? WTF indeed?

Wednesday's WTF? Lindsay Lohan is busted-again

WTF is Lindsay Lohan doing driving a car with a suspended license, whilst hopped up on alcohol-earning her second DUI in 60-days and with enough Cocaine to warrant a felony charge against her? (Read: Reloaded-just like Herbie the Love Bug) WTF do I even care? Wait, I do care because there are innocent people on the road that she could have hit and injured. So can we pass a law that if you are a wealthy celebrity with a suspended-license (not but 11-days out of re-hab) that you must have a driver transport you (especially on your vehicular chases of the mother of your assistant who just quit)?

I must admit, I was a bit "surprised" to see Lindsay Lohan as #1 on the Maxim's Hot 100 list, but as Lindsay gets just a bit more crazy, my attraction grows stronger and I am beginning to understand Maxim's line of thinking. You go girl!

(Photo credits: The SuperFicial.)

Wednesday's WTF? Musings at the Charleston International Airport (CHAS)

Blackie got back from his trip to Boston last Wednesday and I went to pick him up, but unfortunately his bags didn't make it. Evidently, when you fly US Airways from Boston's Logan Airport, you are suggested to tip the counter guy (on top of their hourly wage). Not that tipping is a requirement, but it is strongly suggested, as Blackie found out, along with all of the other non-tippers from his flight. Not only did his luggage not arrive, but US Airways told him that it wasn't tagged at Logan International. Personally, I have never done it. I've tipped the baggage guy outside, but never the person working the counter. For the record, Craig said there wasn't a sign or a tip jar and no one else in line was tipping.

Message is full
I digress; Blackie and I went to our softball game since the next connecting flight out of Charlotte would not arrive for another 2 hours. After the game, Blackie called US Airways' baggage claims, but no one picked up the call. The voice messaging system picked up and asked for a name, phone-number and flight number, but the message center was full-"Please try your call again at a later time.

Carpe Luggage
I drove Blackie back to the airport to get his luggage. I pulled up to the baggage claim doors, dropped off Craig and waited in the car. One of the airport security guards gave me the "God's flashlight" beam in the eyes. (Thanks buddy). And then cracked on the window with the butt of his mag-light. (Evidently, his knuckles couldn't knock.)

We had a nice conversation (see below), but WTF is with the luggage being lost in the first place? Craig had a 2-hour lay-over in Charlotte and they couldn't get the luggage to his plane in 2-hours? Why don't airlines use the same system that UPS or FED-EX uses? WTF does your luggage get lost if you don't tip? And WTF can't you park in front of the baggage claim at 11:30 at night when no one else is around, if you are waiting in your car? I know, 9-11 changed everything, but personally, I enjoy the laissez-faire approach that Savannah International Airport has: if you are waiting in the car and not blocking traffic you are fine.
(Full disclosure: Blackie's luggage was delivered the next evening. And airlines wonder why people don't fly.)

Our conversation
Officer: The sign says, no leaving vehicles unattended.
JET: Yes Sir, I saw that. That's why I am waiting here in the car.
Officer: Well, it also says no parking.
JET: I am sorry, my friend just stepped inside to get his luggage and he should be right out. It's been quite a frustrating experience, I'd like to wait for him if you don't mind.
Officer: I do mind. You are disobeying the sign and breaking the law by parking here.
JET: Oh My, what do you suggest I do to not break the law? Should I just circle the wagons in the loop around the airport?
Officer: Yeah, circle the wagons. If you don't, you don't want to know what would the consequences would be.
JET's inner-voice: Actually, I would like to know. Hmm, I wonder if this guy can spell consequences. I think you are an idiot and I just made you say, circle the wagons. I don't see you running off the lady in the Range Rover behind me. I must admit, you just made my night-thanks buddy.
JET: (In my best a** kissing, Citadel respecting the authoriti (sic) of signs and rent a cops) Yes Sir, thank you Sir.
Officer: Get it moving.
JET's inner-voice: Hmmm, I think I should film a video to keep my sanity. Should I sing that "Signs" song or "Rawhide" to keep w/ the "circling the wagons" theme?

Sanity kept alive by "Rawhide"

Wednesday's WTF? Why don't people warn those with too much Mulletude?

Photos compliments of the Bushido, taken June 9, 2007 outside of Morganton, N.C. @ West Caldwell High School. WHY??? WHY??? WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS PERSON?

Question: What was the last thing that Yoda said (to Obi Wan) as Luke climbed into his fighter in The Empire Strikes Back?

Answer: "There is another" (see: "Hunting the Gray-Fox")

Hunting the elusive Gray-Fox of the North Carolina foothills

Graduation is a rite of passage for many, but for some, graduating to a new hair-do (errr, don't) never seems to be in their grasp. As you know, the Bushido attended my sister's graduation this past weekend, not knowing that I would have the opportunity to go hunting-the elusive and majestic Gray-Fox of the North Carolina foothills-look there he is. (Photos compliments of the Bushido).

I approach the majestic creature from behind as not too startle it-look at that glorious mane of hair!









A twig snaps as I inch closer, the Gray-Fox is startled; so elusive, this stag runs to the safety of mulletude in numbers. A chance encounter, but a memorable one. I shall always remember this day, hunting the Gray-Fox.

Perhaps I will send these pictures to Mullets-Galore.com and see if there is some kind of reward for capturing the Gray-Fox on film.

A Million Dollar Parking Lot-Charleston City Municipal Parking Lot

Today's Wednesday's WTF? is how in the world did the City Council approve and the Mayor budget a parking lot with a million dollar price tag? I took these photos yesterday under great risk to life and limb as I was pulled by one of Charleston's Finest, after snapping a couple of shots with my cell-phone camera, as I pulled onto Lockwood Blvd.

From our brief conversation: (Officer in blue-Jet in red, my thoughts in orange)
Officer: Mr. Trabert is there a reason you were taking pictures of the City Building and Police Station today?
Bushido: Sir, I was simply taking pictures of the parking lot.
Officer: Sir, why were you taking pictures of the parking lot?
Bushido: Sir, I happened to read in the (2004-2005) City Budget that we (taxpayers) spent a million-dollars on the parking lot and I wanted to take pictures of it and send it to my friends as a joke.
Officer: Well, Mr. Trabert you do know that we are in the middle of a War on Terrorism and sharing the schematics (of the City's Police Station) could be used by terrorists. This is no joke-nothing to laugh at.
Bushido: (In my mind: Did this guy just finish filling out his "1D-10-T" form and miss the day in English class when ending sentences with prepositions was referred to as a no-no? Schematics? This guy couldn't even spell the "schematics", let alone realize he misused the word because it is an adjective. Good grief). Thank you Sir, the thought didn't even cross my mind, you are right it is not funny.
License back in wallet, Insurance back in glove box, foot back on petal, exit stage-nevermind-just make notes of conversation while it is fresh and rush to post.

Wednesday's WTF? Pac-10 Officials

Not only do I and every other non-Gator fan in America know that the knee was down and that wasn't a touchdown, but WTF? Then again, I guess, we can't beat the Pac-10 officials up too much for totally sucking Monday night. They gave Florida every call, every line of graditude and every extra yard they could muster. But what should you expect from officials who come from the same region that ruled, OJ was innocent?

(Picture of OJ and Dr. Brian from FOB Anna)