BAD321... it's good for you!2006--0-9-T29: 1:5:-08:00Sailing, and when there's no wind, waiting for the sun to go over the yardarm so the partying can begin. Some say that I'm a ne'er-do-well, an idler, a loafer, and a professional wastrel, but I do actually work. There's a serious side, too, but I'm not going there right now.
Agnostic, but not an athiest. Don't like Intelligent Design fanatics, and do believe in Darwinism. And thanks, Lexidiem, for the help and guidance on this.
"So long, and thanks for all the fish!"buzznet:user:id:264700http://www.buzznet.com/Copyright (c) 2005, Buzznet, Inc.bad321In the News...Featured ItemsDouble EntendreSigns, Directions and such...Art GalleryBurqas and MoreNewport, RILockerPrivateSunrise in Grindelwaldbuzznet:user:entry:id:293037412008--0-2-T10: 1:0:-08:002008--0-2-T10: 1:0:-08:002008--0-2-T10: 1:0:-08:00bad321 The village of Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern in Switzerland, offers a breathtaking view of the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau and Wetterhorn mountains. It's said to be the perfect Alpine vacation destination four seasons of the year. Grindelwald belongs to the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Besides German, most locals also speak English and French.
It has been famed as a winter tourist destination, with ski slopes for beginners, intermediates and the Eiger glacier offers some interesting challenges for the very experienced skiier. The village is the usual starting point for ascents of the Wetterhorn and the Eiger, and is also a popular summer resort with many miles of hiking trails across the Alps, along with wonderful opportunities for the scenic photographer.
It was the perfect place for a five-day break from a hectic and compressed work schedule that had taken me to Northern Italy. Can't wait to go back in the summer as well.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-120266864595.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-120266864595.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-120266864595.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-120266864595.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-120266864595.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-120266864595.jpgFlying Highbuzznet:user:entry:id:196999412007--1-0-T11: 0:3:-08:002007--1-0-T11: 0:3:-08:002007--1-0-T11: 0:3:-08:00bad321 Seagulls flying over the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and always on the lookout for something else to eat.
Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119210002377.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119210002377.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119210002377.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119210002377.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119210002377.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119210002377.jpgSunburstbuzznet:user:entry:id:196720312007--1-0-T10: 1:7:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:7:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:7:-08:00bad321 Dawn in Rhode Island.
This was a very lucky shot taken while taking an early morning hike along Newport's famed Cliff Walk, an easy 3.5 mile National Historic Walking Trail that runs along the eastern shore of Newport, RI. It's a unique and often breezy stroll between the manicured lawns of Newport mansions and the unfettered Atlantic.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119206234752.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119206234752.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119206234752.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119206234752.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119206234752.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119206234752.jpgThe Elmsbuzznet:user:entry:id:196694012007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:00bad321 The Elms is a Newport "cottage" (mansion) based on the Chateau d'Asniere near Paris. It once was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York.
Mr. Berwind had made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry, and was called a Captain of Industry by some. Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million, and the interior was the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades.
The sculpture above is in the elaborate gardens on the grounds, that were developed between 1907 and 1914. They include terraces displaying marble and bronze sculpture, a park of fine specimen trees and a lavish lower garden featuring marble pavilions, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house and garage.
The Newport "summer cottages" go back to a time when the so-called Robber Barons (some say Captains of Industry) of the 19th century dominated their respective industries in the US, and they spent their summers here. They amassed huge personal fortunes, typically as a direct result of pursuing various allegedly anti-competitive or unfair business practices. Take a look at the Cliff Walk photo here, then read the amazing Cliff Walk Dedication plaque.
Newport, RI]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119206042041.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119206042041.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119206042041.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119206042041.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119206042041.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119206042041.jpgCliff Walkbuzznet:user:entry:id:196687712007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:00bad321 The Cliff Walk runs for over three miles along the eastern shore of Newport, RI. About two-thirds of the walk is in easy walking condition, and wildflowers, birds and local geology add to its interest.
It combines the natural beauty of the Newport shore line with the architectural history of Newport's gilded age, passing between the Atlantic Ocean and Newport's Mansion Row. One ventures past the manicured lawns of such Newport summer "cottages" as The Breakers, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1895, and Beechwood, where Mrs. Astor once entertained. Further on is the famous shape of Rosecliff, the mansion used in the movie "The Great Gatsby." The pagoda-like Chinese Tea House built here by Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt as part of the Marble House estate seems remarkable in this setting.
Then there's Clarendon Court, with its own infamous story, but you might want to read the Cliff Walk Dedication plaque first.
Above all there's always the splendid view of the Atlantic. But watch for the Poison Ivy that thrives in rainy summer weather along some areas of the path.
Newport, RI]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119205972708.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119205972708.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119205972708.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119205972708.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119205972708.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119205972708.jpgCliff Walk Plaquebuzznet:user:entry:id:196683512007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:00bad321 The Cliff Walk runs for about 3.5 miles along the eastern shore of Newport, RI. It's a unique and often breezy stroll between the manicured lawns of Newport mansions and the unfettered Atlantic.
Looking at the plaque you can see that it was designated as a National Historic Walking Trail in 1976. Look closely and you can also see that the Cliff Walk Committee was headed by a then very civic minded individual known as Claus von Bulow.
The name Claus von Bulow may seem familiar. He and his then-wife Sunny once resided at the nearby Newport mansion known as Clarendon Court. There's a bit more information on this infamous individual on the Clarendon Court photo posted here.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119205924881.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119205924881.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119205924881.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119205924881.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119205924881.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119205924881.jpgClarendon Courtbuzznet:user:entry:id:196681912007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:002007--1-0-T10: 1:6:-08:00bad321 This twenty-room Newport "cottage" was built in 1904 and was named Claradon for Clara Knight, the wife of Edward R. Knight, the Pennsylvania Railroad executive who commissioned the house. A subsequent owner changed the name of the house to Clarendon Court. In 1956 it served as a set for High Society, the musical version of The Philadelphia Story that starred Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly (in her last film).
In 1970 a new family took possession of the house and performed extensive renovations. But just before Christmas of 1980, Clarendon Court and the new family were thrust into the spotlight when socialite Martha "Sunny" von Bulow was discovered lying on the bathroom floor of her Newport home. She had slipped into a deep, irreversible coma. Soon Sunny's children Ala and Alexander (from a previous marriage) were pointing the finger at their stepfather, Claus von Bulow. They claimed he had tried to kill his wife with an overdose of insulin.
Claus was charged with attempted murder, and the trial resulted in a sentence of 30 years behind bars, but he got a new trial on appeal in 1985. The defense was led by Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, and this time the jury acquitted Claus of all charges. Claus no longer felt comfortable in the US, and in 1987 he returned to Europe.
Claus lives in London and writes art and theater reviews. His ex-wife Sunny is still in a coma in Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Alan Dershowitz wrote a book about the case, which later was made into a film, Reversal of Fortune (1990), starring Jeremy Irons as Claus, Glenn Close as Sunny, and Ron Silver as attorney Dershowitz.
The part of Clarendon Court was played by a movie set.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/thumb-msg-119205906203.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/synd-msg-119205906203.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/mob-msg-119205906203.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/gallery-msg-119205906203.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/large-msg-119205906203.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/bad321/default/feat-msg-119205906203.jpgHappy New Year 2007buzznet:user:entry:id:40079752006--1-2-T31: 0:3:-08:002006--1-2-T31: 0:3:-08:002006--1-2-T31: 0:3:-08:00bad321 To All Our Buzznet Friends...
Express it any way you wish, and celebrate in your own fashion!
.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/thumb-msg-116756496666.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/synd-msg-116756496666.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/mob-msg-116756496666.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/gallery-msg-116756496666.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/large-msg-116756496666.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/feat-msg-116756496666.jpgChristmas Is All Aroundbuzznet:user:entry:id:39325902006--1-2-T17: 2:1:-08:002006--1-2-T17: 2:1:-08:002006--1-2-T17: 2:1:-08:00bad321 In the 2003 film Love Actually, Billy Mack (Bill Nighy), an aging rock and roll legend records a Christmas single based on The Troggs' classic hit "Love is All Around". Billy 'promotes' his new single throughout the film despite his honest admission that it is a "festering turd of a record." During his publicity tour, Billy promises to perform the song naked on television should the single become number one. Billy's single manages to win the Christmas number one single contest. He ends up performing naked on TV, albeit with boots and a strategically placed guitar.
You can click here for my uploaded video of this song, perhaps the funniest parody song in the film.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/thumb-msg-116642081168.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/synd-msg-116642081168.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/mob-msg-116642081168.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/gallery-msg-116642081168.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/large-msg-116642081168.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/bad321/default/feat-msg-116642081168.jpgNECCO Wafersbuzznet:user:entry:id:35394572006--1-0-T13: 0:2:-08:002006--1-0-T13: 0:2:-08:002006--1-0-T13: 0:2:-08:00bad321 ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/thumb-msg-116073104573.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/synd-msg-116073104573.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/mob-msg-116073104573.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/gallery-msg-116073104573.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/large-msg-116073104573.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/feat-msg-116073104573.jpgBuzz-o-maticbuzznet:user:entry:id:35345262006--1-0-T12: 0:4:-08:002006--1-0-T12: 0:4:-08:002006--1-0-T12: 0:4:-08:00bad321 It's the all-new, improved, turbochargedBuzz-o-matic!
It's coming your way again, and soon... but you'll never know when to expect it!]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/thumb-msg-116065119691.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/synd-msg-116065119691.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/mob-msg-116065119691.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/gallery-msg-116065119691.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/large-msg-116065119691.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/bad321/default/feat-msg-116065119691.jpg
