boomp3.com
If you Google the name of this blog, the links given most commonly have something to do with this song.
I'm going to refrain from using the posting of a Britney Spears song as an opportunity to give an update on the latest in her child custody battles or any bizarre behavior.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
For the record
Anyone that gets worked up over bandwagon fans or the color of someone's team hat is really misappropriating their time and energy.
As you no doubt know, Major League Baseball and professional sports in general sell a lot of team hats, jerseys and other logo stuff. They make lots of money. But a while back, they realized that if they didn't limit themselves to the actual colors and patterns that the teams wear while in play, they can multiply sales.
I think it started with "throwbacks." Rather than just getting the home or road jersey for the Red Sox, you could buy the version of the jersey and hat the team wore in 1975.
Then came the idea of the "alternate" jersey. On very limited, special days, the team might wear a different pattern uniform. The most obvious of these is the Red jersey the Sox wear now on occasion.
Then it moved onto hats. You can buy a Red Sox hat with the well-known "B" on the front in about 3,492 different colors. All yellow. All black. All green. All pink.
It's this last one that has become an issue. People associate the pink hat with "bandwagon fans." The kind that only started following the team when it became fashionable. Their "fandom" isn't worth as much, because they didn't suffer through the heartbreaking loses and near misses.
"Pink hats" has actually become slang for a subpar fan.
Really it's about girls. Men think girls couldn't possibly be "real" fans, which is ridiculous. But there it is. Read the article. Silly, really. They all act as if the problem they have with pink hats is just that they represent "new" fans. Suuuuure.
But the story links to an interesting site called Girl Sox Nation. Do girl Sox fans need their own site? I dunno. The story says the site disproves the notion that girl fans can't be good, expert fans. Judge for yourself.
Do you really care if someone is a "new" fan or a fan that just doesn't have the depty of knowledge and interest that you do? Are you really bothered by someone that wears a different color hat? Does that ruin your enjoyment of the sport in some way?
As you no doubt know, Major League Baseball and professional sports in general sell a lot of team hats, jerseys and other logo stuff. They make lots of money. But a while back, they realized that if they didn't limit themselves to the actual colors and patterns that the teams wear while in play, they can multiply sales.
I think it started with "throwbacks." Rather than just getting the home or road jersey for the Red Sox, you could buy the version of the jersey and hat the team wore in 1975.
Then came the idea of the "alternate" jersey. On very limited, special days, the team might wear a different pattern uniform. The most obvious of these is the Red jersey the Sox wear now on occasion.
Then it moved onto hats. You can buy a Red Sox hat with the well-known "B" on the front in about 3,492 different colors. All yellow. All black. All green. All pink.
It's this last one that has become an issue. People associate the pink hat with "bandwagon fans." The kind that only started following the team when it became fashionable. Their "fandom" isn't worth as much, because they didn't suffer through the heartbreaking loses and near misses.
"Pink hats" has actually become slang for a subpar fan.
Really it's about girls. Men think girls couldn't possibly be "real" fans, which is ridiculous. But there it is. Read the article. Silly, really. They all act as if the problem they have with pink hats is just that they represent "new" fans. Suuuuure.
But the story links to an interesting site called Girl Sox Nation. Do girl Sox fans need their own site? I dunno. The story says the site disproves the notion that girl fans can't be good, expert fans. Judge for yourself.
Do you really care if someone is a "new" fan or a fan that just doesn't have the depty of knowledge and interest that you do? Are you really bothered by someone that wears a different color hat? Does that ruin your enjoyment of the sport in some way?
skools and stuff
Quiralti has an interesting review of the Patrick administration's education "maifesto."
The observation he made that stood out to me the most--in a bad way--was this:
"Almost nothing on family involvement, the biggest challenge to public education today."
I guess it's easy to say parents should just be more involved, but shouldn't there be an effort to help it happen? I'm guessing the teachers would be all for this one and it would make a huuuuge difference.
The observation he made that stood out to me the most--in a bad way--was this:
"Almost nothing on family involvement, the biggest challenge to public education today."
I guess it's easy to say parents should just be more involved, but shouldn't there be an effort to help it happen? I'm guessing the teachers would be all for this one and it would make a huuuuge difference.
Song of the Day: Burnin' Up
Are you a teenage girl? Spend time with one? If so, you know the Jonas Brothers. If not, you probably don't.
The appear to be the latest greatest teen heartthrobs. I did you the favor of finding out they are actually brothers and there are three of them. They are from New Jersey. If you want to know more, go to this wikipedia page. I'm sure they also have a myspace page and that there are any number of fan pages dedicated to them.
Here's a video. Watching it doesn't make you cool, but it let's you know what is cool right now.
The appear to be the latest greatest teen heartthrobs. I did you the favor of finding out they are actually brothers and there are three of them. They are from New Jersey. If you want to know more, go to this wikipedia page. I'm sure they also have a myspace page and that there are any number of fan pages dedicated to them.
Here's a video. Watching it doesn't make you cool, but it let's you know what is cool right now.
I've got a tuna problem
I know what you're thinking but no, it's not an addiction.
My tuna is too wet. It's only a recent problem, but it's become far too regular. It used to be I could make a great tuna sandwich. Mixed up the tuna with a fork to break it up and then added just the right amount of mayo. I even had a pretty good rythm going with the bread; nice and ligthly toasted to give a bit of resistance, but not a full fledged crunch.
When it all went wrong, I can not say. But my tuna is too wet.
When I open the can it's difficult to squeeze the water out without tuna spurting out with it. Is the can opener different, making a wider gap between the can and the detached lid? Is tuna being manufactured differently such that more squeezing is required to get the water out? Maybe I've just lost my tuna groove.
I really enjoy tuna sandwiches. But I don't like soggy tuna. It makes the mayo watery and just ruins the entire experience in general.
I am in dispair. I've got a tuna problem.
My tuna is too wet. It's only a recent problem, but it's become far too regular. It used to be I could make a great tuna sandwich. Mixed up the tuna with a fork to break it up and then added just the right amount of mayo. I even had a pretty good rythm going with the bread; nice and ligthly toasted to give a bit of resistance, but not a full fledged crunch.
When it all went wrong, I can not say. But my tuna is too wet.
When I open the can it's difficult to squeeze the water out without tuna spurting out with it. Is the can opener different, making a wider gap between the can and the detached lid? Is tuna being manufactured differently such that more squeezing is required to get the water out? Maybe I've just lost my tuna groove.
I really enjoy tuna sandwiches. But I don't like soggy tuna. It makes the mayo watery and just ruins the entire experience in general.
I am in dispair. I've got a tuna problem.
Removing a link
I'm taking down the link for Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign web site.
I'm not adding Barack Obama. At least not yet. Maybe one for the Democratic Party.
I'm not adding Barack Obama. At least not yet. Maybe one for the Democratic Party.
83
Sox win! Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Sox Win!
Off today. In Houston to play the Astros tomorrow. The Astros are six games under .500, 13 games behind the Cubbies in the division and 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Ortiz reports he's "weeks away" from coming back after 25 light swings at a ball on a tee. I'm not sure if that's sooner or later than I was supposed to expect him to come back. Whatever. We'll see him when we see him. And I'm not expecting great things when he comes back.
Off today. In Houston to play the Astros tomorrow. The Astros are six games under .500, 13 games behind the Cubbies in the division and 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Ortiz reports he's "weeks away" from coming back after 25 light swings at a ball on a tee. I'm not sure if that's sooner or later than I was supposed to expect him to come back. Whatever. We'll see him when we see him. And I'm not expecting great things when he comes back.
Wanna bet?
New Bedford is lining up to make another run at a casino.
I think it would be a great kickstart for the city. They have tremendous potential for a waterfront location to rival any in New England. The cobblestone streets are already there. There's unused or underused land right on the water that could support new growth. Maybe they don't have the mansions and big yachts, but they've got some good history and could easily build up a Newport-like shopping experience to back up the casino. They could draw Cape vacationers, Boston tourists, and all those people from West Seekonk (aka eastern Rhode Island).
I think it would be a great kickstart for the city. They have tremendous potential for a waterfront location to rival any in New England. The cobblestone streets are already there. There's unused or underused land right on the water that could support new growth. Maybe they don't have the mansions and big yachts, but they've got some good history and could easily build up a Newport-like shopping experience to back up the casino. They could draw Cape vacationers, Boston tourists, and all those people from West Seekonk (aka eastern Rhode Island).
Death and Sesame Street
Last week a featured Song of the Day was "What's the name of that song" from Sesame Street, featured here via YouTube video.
Earlier this week, George Carlin died. He was featured here via YouTube video.
Now comes the death of Kermit Love. Huh? Kermit Love designed costumes and puppets. He designed the Big Bird costume for Sesame Street with Jim Henson. Also Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and Mr. Snuffleupagus. Remember the teddy bear from the fabric softener commercial? That was his, too, apparently. He was 91 and looked a bit like Santa Claus in the picture accompanying the linked article.
The article also says he appeared on the show as the neighborhood hot dog vendor. Funny, that. In the video clip of "What's the name..." there appears a white haired man pushing a fruit cart. Makes me wonder if it was Mr. Love.
The article makes the claim that Kermit the Frog was NOT named after Kermit Love. Weird coincidence? Not as weird as this: a man named Kermit Scott, a childhood friend of Jim Henson who was the actual inspiration for Kermit the Frog, died last month! It was reported last week by the Associated Press.
Earlier this week, George Carlin died. He was featured here via YouTube video.
Now comes the death of Kermit Love. Huh? Kermit Love designed costumes and puppets. He designed the Big Bird costume for Sesame Street with Jim Henson. Also Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and Mr. Snuffleupagus. Remember the teddy bear from the fabric softener commercial? That was his, too, apparently. He was 91 and looked a bit like Santa Claus in the picture accompanying the linked article.
The article also says he appeared on the show as the neighborhood hot dog vendor. Funny, that. In the video clip of "What's the name..." there appears a white haired man pushing a fruit cart. Makes me wonder if it was Mr. Love.
The article makes the claim that Kermit the Frog was NOT named after Kermit Love. Weird coincidence? Not as weird as this: a man named Kermit Scott, a childhood friend of Jim Henson who was the actual inspiration for Kermit the Frog, died last month! It was reported last week by the Associated Press.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
84
Good and necessary come from behind win last night.
Does everyone realize Varitek's average is Lugoistic right now? And that's after he had a really strong start at the plate.
Sox record continues to hover just above and below the .600 mark, whis would lead to 97 wins by year's end.
Does everyone realize Varitek's average is Lugoistic right now? And that's after he had a really strong start at the plate.
Sox record continues to hover just above and below the .600 mark, whis would lead to 97 wins by year's end.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Good luck, Jay
Like the Globe before it, the Herald is planning on making some significant staff cuts this year. They will also start to print their daily Boston commuter paper in...Chicopee.
The story isn't clear on where the staff cuts will take place. Could they all be on the printing end since they will outsource that function? If not, how many will be on the reporting and editing end of things?
The Globe had to buy out a number of experienced, quality writers and editors.
Jay Fitzgerald, a Business Reporter over there and author of the Someday I Will-friendly "Hub Blog," may have time to write more of his high quality posts, unfortuantely. Let's hope not. But, if he can get a tasty severance package and move onto a more rewarding and safe gig, here's to that.
The story isn't clear on where the staff cuts will take place. Could they all be on the printing end since they will outsource that function? If not, how many will be on the reporting and editing end of things?
The Globe had to buy out a number of experienced, quality writers and editors.
Jay Fitzgerald, a Business Reporter over there and author of the Someday I Will-friendly "Hub Blog," may have time to write more of his high quality posts, unfortuantely. Let's hope not. But, if he can get a tasty severance package and move onto a more rewarding and safe gig, here's to that.
RIP George Carlin
Smart, funny guy that George Carlin was. Loved his style and attitude.
Here's an example of his skill as he skewers one of my favorite targets: religion.
Here's an example of his skill as he skewers one of my favorite targets: religion.
Second rate fans? Worse?
It’s widely acknowledged that fans in Philadelphia are the most obnoxious, rude fans in professional sports. I don’t know if it’s ever seriously doubted. But with that, I’ve always assumed they’ve been—like their baseball team’s mascot—fanatics. Maybe not.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend an entire day at a busy public place in Pennsylvania, about 25 miles from Philadelphia. Someone with us wore a Red Sox hat. Another—from Philly—wore his Phillies hat, mainly, I think to counter the fact that he’d be with a group of mostly Red Sox fans. There was another in our group with a Yankee visor on. She’s married to the Red Sox hat wearer.
Among the people our group saw that day, Yankee gear was the most common, by far. Then maybe New York Giants stuff. The third most common sports team shown off was probably the Red Sox, with Met hats and shirts close behind that.
Outside the people in our group, I spotted exactly one Phillies hat. One. In a crowded public place on a sunny day 25 miles from Philly. Also one hat for the 76ers. Nobody I saw wore anything supporting the Eagles or Flyers.
I’ve taken into consideration the fact that this was a place that would draw people from outside the area. We weren’t in the public schools, after all. But I don’t think you’d see a lack of Red Sox hats and shirts in Faneuil Hall. Or Yankee stuff in line at the Empire State Building.
Disappointing showing, Philly fans.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend an entire day at a busy public place in Pennsylvania, about 25 miles from Philadelphia. Someone with us wore a Red Sox hat. Another—from Philly—wore his Phillies hat, mainly, I think to counter the fact that he’d be with a group of mostly Red Sox fans. There was another in our group with a Yankee visor on. She’s married to the Red Sox hat wearer.
Among the people our group saw that day, Yankee gear was the most common, by far. Then maybe New York Giants stuff. The third most common sports team shown off was probably the Red Sox, with Met hats and shirts close behind that.
Outside the people in our group, I spotted exactly one Phillies hat. One. In a crowded public place on a sunny day 25 miles from Philly. Also one hat for the 76ers. Nobody I saw wore anything supporting the Eagles or Flyers.
I’ve taken into consideration the fact that this was a place that would draw people from outside the area. We weren’t in the public schools, after all. But I don’t think you’d see a lack of Red Sox hats and shirts in Faneuil Hall. Or Yankee stuff in line at the Empire State Building.
Disappointing showing, Philly fans.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Song of the Day: What's the name of that song?
No really, that's the name of today's song of the day.
Like me, you may end up humming this all weekend. Catchy tune.
How about that old school cast, too? There's a glimpse of Mr. Hooper in the background, minding the store, and then he gets the last line of the song.
Like me, you may end up humming this all weekend. Catchy tune.
How about that old school cast, too? There's a glimpse of Mr. Hooper in the background, minding the store, and then he gets the last line of the song.
Schilling finished, maybe for good
From weei, through boston.com...
Is anyone suprised? It sounded like they took a long shot to try to get him on the mound this year and that hasn't worked out. From the beginning it also seemed like this year would be his last year to try to get back out there.
Emotionally, I pretty much left him behind when they announced he wouldn't be ready to go in spring training.
Sorry to see his career end this way. But he had a good long run and capped it off with a great last few years. If he has any regrets or disappointments, I bet they have more to do with how he handled himself and his career at the beginning, not the end.
Farewell Curt. And thanks.
Curt Schilling revealed this morning that he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Monday, saying there was a "pretty decent chance that I've thrown my last pitch forever."
The Red Sox righthander made the disclosure during his weekly interview on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan show, sounding very much like a player whose career could be over. He said the major procedure (he wasn't sure exactly what type of surgery it would be) would be performed in Philadelphia by Dr. Craig Morgan, who thought Schilling should have chosen surgery in the offseason rather than the rehab program recommended by the Red Sox. When asked if this meant that Dr. Morgan's initial analysis of the injury and rehab was correct, Schilling replied, "I don't know ... and I don't care.
Is anyone suprised? It sounded like they took a long shot to try to get him on the mound this year and that hasn't worked out. From the beginning it also seemed like this year would be his last year to try to get back out there.
Emotionally, I pretty much left him behind when they announced he wouldn't be ready to go in spring training.
Sorry to see his career end this way. But he had a good long run and capped it off with a great last few years. If he has any regrets or disappointments, I bet they have more to do with how he handled himself and his career at the beginning, not the end.
Farewell Curt. And thanks.
Just cuz
Want to drop a plug for Universal Hub. If you want to know what's going on in neighborhoods and train lines of Boston, this is the best place. They comb the news and other blogs to bring you a wiiiiiiide variety of good stuff from good places. Sometimes they get better breaking news stuff than the major newsies.
Try the front page, then use the menu bar right under the masthead to break it down by interests. Commuters can go through the T link and then narrow down by their individual line.
You wanna feel Boston? Go rub up against Universal Hub for a little while.
Try the front page, then use the menu bar right under the masthead to break it down by interests. Commuters can go through the T link and then narrow down by their individual line.
You wanna feel Boston? Go rub up against Universal Hub for a little while.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Song of the Day: Celtic Rain
Look what I got!
Landscapers came to do some work at the house last week. They moved some dirt around and hydro seeded some Wednesday and then moved some more dirt and hydro seeded the rest Thursday. This picture was taken on Tuesday morning.
If you haven't been happy with the rain, blame me. I've been doing rain dances to offset the potential cost of watering twice a day. And it's worked. I had to water twice on Friday and Saturday, but rain has taken care of it since then. I watered about half of it last night before the rain started and I ran out and shut it off.
So be mad at me for the rain: I don't care. Water--and the sewage cost they tack on even if the water doesn't go through the sewage process--is expensive.
I'm very pleasantly surprised that some grass started sprouting so soon. I'd heard 7 to 14 days from planting. This picture was taken on the morning of Day 5. It was thicker still last night. We're not ready to putt, but we had at least a 2 o'clock shadow going. I think it got thicker during the evening and there was definitely much more by this morning.
Today's song of the day is obviously doubly appropriate. The rain has been explained, mainly without disdain. I think you probably understand the Celtic angle.
boomp3.com
Landscapers came to do some work at the house last week. They moved some dirt around and hydro seeded some Wednesday and then moved some more dirt and hydro seeded the rest Thursday. This picture was taken on Tuesday morning.
If you haven't been happy with the rain, blame me. I've been doing rain dances to offset the potential cost of watering twice a day. And it's worked. I had to water twice on Friday and Saturday, but rain has taken care of it since then. I watered about half of it last night before the rain started and I ran out and shut it off.
So be mad at me for the rain: I don't care. Water--and the sewage cost they tack on even if the water doesn't go through the sewage process--is expensive.
I'm very pleasantly surprised that some grass started sprouting so soon. I'd heard 7 to 14 days from planting. This picture was taken on the morning of Day 5. It was thicker still last night. We're not ready to putt, but we had at least a 2 o'clock shadow going. I think it got thicker during the evening and there was definitely much more by this morning.
Today's song of the day is obviously doubly appropriate. The rain has been explained, mainly without disdain. I think you probably understand the Celtic angle.
boomp3.com
88
Sox win another one over the NL East leaders. And for those of you who were concerned about the Sox record on the road, that's starting to come around, too.
Day off, then the Cardinals come in for a thrashing.
Day off, then the Cardinals come in for a thrashing.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
JD Drew
Take it back. Take it all back.
Everything you said about JD Drew last year. If the playoff run didn't negate it, this season should.
Another bomb by Drew (3 run job) gets the Sox off to a fast start. Lowell follows it up with a solo shot. Every Sox hitter has scored, putting the team up 4-0 with no outs recorded.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Everything you said about JD Drew last year. If the playoff run didn't negate it, this season should.
Another bomb by Drew (3 run job) gets the Sox off to a fast start. Lowell follows it up with a solo shot. Every Sox hitter has scored, putting the team up 4-0 with no outs recorded.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Song of the Day: Lose Yourself
For the Celtics, this eminem tune.
boomp3.com
Actually, with the word "lose" in the title, maybe it should be dedicated to Kobe and Phil...
boomp3.com
Actually, with the word "lose" in the title, maybe it should be dedicated to Kobe and Phil...
89
You might've known the Red Sox played last night, if only because they started their game 2 hours before the Celtics started theirs. Did you know they won? Good.
Impressive start by Lester. Could he be finding his stride? He's been very strong in his last four or five starts.
The magic number is down to 89. Any combination of Red Sox wins and Tampa losses that totals 89 will clinch the division for the Red Sox.
Toronto, who was supposed to contend, has sputtered recently. They are 9 back, they have lost 3 straight and are 3-7 in their last 10. Not good, eh?
Matinee today, so tune into 680 AM if you're in the Boston area. Game starts at 1:05. Justin Masterson is on the hill.
Impressive start by Lester. Could he be finding his stride? He's been very strong in his last four or five starts.
The magic number is down to 89. Any combination of Red Sox wins and Tampa losses that totals 89 will clinch the division for the Red Sox.
Toronto, who was supposed to contend, has sputtered recently. They are 9 back, they have lost 3 straight and are 3-7 in their last 10. Not good, eh?
Matinee today, so tune into 680 AM if you're in the Boston area. Game starts at 1:05. Justin Masterson is on the hill.
Congratulations Celtics!
Banner #17 will hang from the rafters before we turn the calendar.
Pierce is the centerpiece of the team. Garnett is the motor driving the machine. Allen is the quiet, steady veteran.
Doc and Ainge deserve major kudos for bringing the team together and moving the pieces into the right places.
I think Kobe was half shut down and half laid down. The Micheal Jordan comparisons are off the table for a while. And Phil Jackson comes down a half a point for not being able to effectively counter anything the Celtics did.
Remember, the Lakers were favored by at least 75% of the national sports media to win the series handily, in 6 or less. Yet the Celtics thoroughly dominated whenever they wanted.
What a run we're on here with our Boston sports teams!
Pierce is the centerpiece of the team. Garnett is the motor driving the machine. Allen is the quiet, steady veteran.
Doc and Ainge deserve major kudos for bringing the team together and moving the pieces into the right places.
I think Kobe was half shut down and half laid down. The Micheal Jordan comparisons are off the table for a while. And Phil Jackson comes down a half a point for not being able to effectively counter anything the Celtics did.
Remember, the Lakers were favored by at least 75% of the national sports media to win the series handily, in 6 or less. Yet the Celtics thoroughly dominated whenever they wanted.
What a run we're on here with our Boston sports teams!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
More on the issue...
This really has been gay week, I think. Maybe coincidence, maybe not.
--Gay marriage beginning in California.
--Lesbian experimentation song "I kissed a girl" most downloaded on iTunes.
--Study on gay brains
--Gay Pride celebrations in Boston last weekend. Is it a national event that everyone celebrates at the same time?
--Governor Deval Patrick's daughter comes out
The last is very interesting. Katherine Patrick came out in an interview with "Bay Windows," a gblt newspaper here in New England. She did an interview with her mother and father, talking about her coming out to them and the issue in general. If you haven't read it, please do. It's quite touching. Link to article.
Hats off to Laura Kiristy, Editor-in-chief of Bay Windows, who conducted the interview and wrote the article. With the words of her subjects and words of her own, she makes very clear the warmth and love the Patrick family has for each other. Here's how the article starts...
Go read it. It's worth your time.
--Gay marriage beginning in California.
--Lesbian experimentation song "I kissed a girl" most downloaded on iTunes.
--Study on gay brains
--Gay Pride celebrations in Boston last weekend. Is it a national event that everyone celebrates at the same time?
--Governor Deval Patrick's daughter comes out
The last is very interesting. Katherine Patrick came out in an interview with "Bay Windows," a gblt newspaper here in New England. She did an interview with her mother and father, talking about her coming out to them and the issue in general. If you haven't read it, please do. It's quite touching. Link to article.
Hats off to Laura Kiristy, Editor-in-chief of Bay Windows, who conducted the interview and wrote the article. With the words of her subjects and words of her own, she makes very clear the warmth and love the Patrick family has for each other. Here's how the article starts...
On June 14, 2007, the day that lawmakers finally voted down an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution, Katherine Patrick stood outside the State House and looked up at her father. Gov. Deval Patrick was standing on the front steps, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of hundreds that mobbed the brick sidewalk and spilled halfway across Beacon Street. As they cheered the defeat of the amendment - an effort led by the governor, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi - Katherine had never before felt more proud of her father.
"Because, of course, he didn’t know that I was gay then," the 18-year-old recalls. "So, for someone so publicly to fight for something that doesn’t even affect him was just like, ’That’s my dad,’ you know?" she says with a laugh. "That’s all I could think. I was very, very proud to be part of this family, and this state in general."
"It was great. I’m very glad," she adds, looking at her father. "Don’t cry, Dad." Patrick’s eyes are brimming with tears, prompting some good-natured teasing from his daughter. "He’s done some good things," she says with a laugh, patting his arm. "I appreciate it. Want a tissue? Oh, God. He’s a crier."
Go read it. It's worth your time.
Song of the Day: I Kissed a Girl and I Kissed a Girl
Let's talk about nature and nurture vs homophobia, shall we?
Gay people can get married in California as of this week. One of the hottest songs on the radio is a Katy Perry song titled “I Kissed a Girl.”
boomp3.com
If people are happy together and good to each other, good for them. That includes gay marriage and gay parenting. I’m still trying to figure out what damage was done to the institution of my heterosexual marriage since gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts.
Frankly (pardon the pun) I don’t think the world has changed that much at all since gay marriage became legal here. Did you know it’s been almost 5 years since the Goodridge decision?!?! I’m proud that my home state is looked upon favorably by the gay community and frowned upon by some of the intolerants.
The intolerants, by the way, often come from states with much higher rates of divorce than the liberal states which they say contribute to the moral decay of our society. “…born-again Christians have among the highest divorce rates.” Maybe too much church is bad for the institution of marriage. Sorry Jesus.
A study was just released that found the brains of gay men to be similar in some ways to straight women and the brains of gay women to be similar in some ways to straight men. The article cited claims many scientists believe homosexuality is the result of both nature and nurture.
Interesting. I wonder how gay men and women feel about the nature v nurture thing. The nature argument—that people are born gay, they do not choose to be gay—seems to cut out opposition from people who think the behavior is simply deviant and can be stopped. Does it lead to greater acceptance? I dunno. Churchy folks haven’t really responded well to even the best scientific arguments against their far fetched beliefs. (see Darwin, Charles; Galilei, Galileo; and Copernicus, Nicolaus)
The nurture angle—that people choose to engage in homosexual activity—at first seems to hurt acceptance. But I think it may actually help, too. When people “dabble” in homosexuality and songs like Katy Perry’s are popular, it seems a clear sign that homosexuality is not as big a deal as it used to be.
Consider the other “I Kissed a Girl” song, the differently-lyriced 1995 release by Jill Sobule (video embeded below). It was a controversial topic and one that was handled in a campy way, to minimize the uproar, I’d guess. Sobule, as compared to Perry, is more in line with what might be characterized as a “traditional” lesbian. She “looks” like a lesbian, not a “normal” girl that could easily get herself a man, not a girl who has no reason to “do that.” I’d guess Sobule would be easier for intolerants to ridicule and dismiss as a deviant than Perry. No? Perry video here.
Anyway, both “I Kissed a Girl” songs have catchy beats. And though they share a title and themes, they probably couldn’t be more different. Things have changed a lot in the 13 year period between their releases. Good good, I say.
When the "I Kissed a Boy" songs start hitting the charts, we'll really be making progress.
Gay people can get married in California as of this week. One of the hottest songs on the radio is a Katy Perry song titled “I Kissed a Girl.”
boomp3.com
If people are happy together and good to each other, good for them. That includes gay marriage and gay parenting. I’m still trying to figure out what damage was done to the institution of my heterosexual marriage since gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts.
Frankly (pardon the pun) I don’t think the world has changed that much at all since gay marriage became legal here. Did you know it’s been almost 5 years since the Goodridge decision?!?! I’m proud that my home state is looked upon favorably by the gay community and frowned upon by some of the intolerants.
The intolerants, by the way, often come from states with much higher rates of divorce than the liberal states which they say contribute to the moral decay of our society. “…born-again Christians have among the highest divorce rates.” Maybe too much church is bad for the institution of marriage. Sorry Jesus.
A study was just released that found the brains of gay men to be similar in some ways to straight women and the brains of gay women to be similar in some ways to straight men. The article cited claims many scientists believe homosexuality is the result of both nature and nurture.
Interesting. I wonder how gay men and women feel about the nature v nurture thing. The nature argument—that people are born gay, they do not choose to be gay—seems to cut out opposition from people who think the behavior is simply deviant and can be stopped. Does it lead to greater acceptance? I dunno. Churchy folks haven’t really responded well to even the best scientific arguments against their far fetched beliefs. (see Darwin, Charles; Galilei, Galileo; and Copernicus, Nicolaus)
The nurture angle—that people choose to engage in homosexual activity—at first seems to hurt acceptance. But I think it may actually help, too. When people “dabble” in homosexuality and songs like Katy Perry’s are popular, it seems a clear sign that homosexuality is not as big a deal as it used to be.
Consider the other “I Kissed a Girl” song, the differently-lyriced 1995 release by Jill Sobule (video embeded below). It was a controversial topic and one that was handled in a campy way, to minimize the uproar, I’d guess. Sobule, as compared to Perry, is more in line with what might be characterized as a “traditional” lesbian. She “looks” like a lesbian, not a “normal” girl that could easily get herself a man, not a girl who has no reason to “do that.” I’d guess Sobule would be easier for intolerants to ridicule and dismiss as a deviant than Perry. No? Perry video here.
Anyway, both “I Kissed a Girl” songs have catchy beats. And though they share a title and themes, they probably couldn’t be more different. Things have changed a lot in the 13 year period between their releases. Good good, I say.
When the "I Kissed a Boy" songs start hitting the charts, we'll really be making progress.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tim Russert
I liked him. He was a warm, friendly news guy. Level headed, mature and serious without being stodgy.
When I listened to Imus years back, Russert was a regular and he was always very likable.
If I have anything new, creative or different to add to the coverage beging given elsewhere I'll add it, but I don't see much value in just repeating what you find elsewhere.
When I listened to Imus years back, Russert was a regular and he was always very likable.
If I have anything new, creative or different to add to the coverage beging given elsewhere I'll add it, but I don't see much value in just repeating what you find elsewhere.
Song of the Day: Somebody to Love
Late one night this weekend I was falling asleep with the TV on. It was one of those PBS fundraising shows. You know, they show the best thing they've shown all year, but they interrupt it with pleas for money. And if you pledge money, they pledge to show stuff one level down in quality, but without the interruptions for begging.
Anyway, what they were showing was a Queen concert in Montreal from 1981 or somewhere thereabouts.
Freddie Mercury really was a great rock frontman. A great showman and even while bouncing around on stage his voice sounds great. And they're doing some songs that require a good voice.
Here's the first best Queen song I could find on boomp3.com. Always been one of my favorite Queen songs. Great piano, great vocals, great everything.
It's also featured in the penguin filled movie "Happy Feet", which is fun.
boomp3.com
Did I ever mention that the first full length album I ever bought was Queen's News of the World? It had that creepy cover of a giant cartoon robot/creature picking up cartoon members of the band. It had We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions on it. I had had some 45s before that and some kids albums that parents had bought, but this was my first full length album that I got to choose. I think I must've been 5 or 6.
Anyway, what they were showing was a Queen concert in Montreal from 1981 or somewhere thereabouts.
Freddie Mercury really was a great rock frontman. A great showman and even while bouncing around on stage his voice sounds great. And they're doing some songs that require a good voice.
Here's the first best Queen song I could find on boomp3.com. Always been one of my favorite Queen songs. Great piano, great vocals, great everything.
It's also featured in the penguin filled movie "Happy Feet", which is fun.
boomp3.com
Did I ever mention that the first full length album I ever bought was Queen's News of the World? It had that creepy cover of a giant cartoon robot/creature picking up cartoon members of the band. It had We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions on it. I had had some 45s before that and some kids albums that parents had bought, but this was my first full length album that I got to choose. I think I must've been 5 or 6.
90
Sox take 2 of 3 in Ohio. Did you know that’s the first time the Sox have visited the Reds since the 1975 World Series? You might not have heard the 20,394 mentions of that fact over the weekend.
The magic number has dropped to 90 with Tampa’s loss.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Great Celtics moment
The series was on its way to being tied. I was already hearing in my head the Laker lovers talking about the series being tied but the Lakers having all the momentum. Those two Celtics wins, they'd say, were a long time ago. They'd say the Celtics couldn't finish the blowout they had going, but the Lakers could.
Then the SS Kobe hit the iceberg. And the Zen master is being outdone by Doc Rivers. The Celtics have outscored the Lakers in every third quarter of the series by AT LEAST 8 points. AT LEAST 8 points in a single quarter in every game, coming out the most intense period of in game coaching is significant.
Doc should get MAJOR props for the way he's using his talent perfectly. The three superstars are a no-brainer, but the way he's out coached Jackson with the matchups is the key to the series. He's pushing all the right buttons and pulling all the right levers. And his consistency in dealing with the team, in both mood and coaching messages, has been pitch perfect.
And I don't want to too my own horn, or anything, but during his runnig diary last night, espn's Bill Simmons made the following observation:
You might remember noternie making this comparison THREE WEEKS AGO:
"From the Good News/Bad News category: Yesterday I suggested that Ray Allen would become the JD Drew of the Celtics. Granted, it's not a perfect comparison as Drew struggled mightily all season last year before hitting the playoff grand slam while Ray has struggled only a few weeks. Anyway, I hoped Allen was watching yesterday's game and that Drew's latest grand slam would trigger the memory of his more dramatic one last year and get Allen off the schnide. It worked as Allen finally started knocking down jump shots and looked much more confident."
Look for Simmons to discover Andrea Bocelli, the newest female singing sensation, sometime in July. I'm not accusing him of plagarism, but I'm clearly an influence.
Then the SS Kobe hit the iceberg. And the Zen master is being outdone by Doc Rivers. The Celtics have outscored the Lakers in every third quarter of the series by AT LEAST 8 points. AT LEAST 8 points in a single quarter in every game, coming out the most intense period of in game coaching is significant.
Doc should get MAJOR props for the way he's using his talent perfectly. The three superstars are a no-brainer, but the way he's out coached Jackson with the matchups is the key to the series. He's pushing all the right buttons and pulling all the right levers. And his consistency in dealing with the team, in both mood and coaching messages, has been pitch perfect.
And I don't want to too my own horn, or anything, but during his runnig diary last night, espn's Bill Simmons made the following observation:
8:46: Capital letters coming ...
RAY ALLEN!
RAY ALLEN!
RAY ALLEN!
After a Lakers basket, Allen whittled the next 20 seconds off the clock before completely abusing Vujacic for a back-breaking layup. (Special thanks to Gasol for not helping in time -- I'm starting to think Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and two draft picks was a fair trade.) Boston by five, 17 seconds left. I'm not kidding, Ray-Ray is in "I'm destroying Papa Shuttlesworth and I'm not signing that letter of intent!!!" mode right now. This seems like a good time to mention he has played the entire game. Amazing. This was like J.D. Drew's $14 Million Grand Slam in October, only for two solid hours. I'm stunned and continue to be stunned.
You might remember noternie making this comparison THREE WEEKS AGO:
"From the Good News/Bad News category: Yesterday I suggested that Ray Allen would become the JD Drew of the Celtics. Granted, it's not a perfect comparison as Drew struggled mightily all season last year before hitting the playoff grand slam while Ray has struggled only a few weeks. Anyway, I hoped Allen was watching yesterday's game and that Drew's latest grand slam would trigger the memory of his more dramatic one last year and get Allen off the schnide. It worked as Allen finally started knocking down jump shots and looked much more confident."
Look for Simmons to discover Andrea Bocelli, the newest female singing sensation, sometime in July. I'm not accusing him of plagarism, but I'm clearly an influence.
93
Didn't see the game, only saw some of the highlights. But there was a Red Sox win in the scores from last night. So let's pull a number off the tote board, shall we?
And can we get a few fans for JD Drew? .324 with 10 HR, plays a very good RF and has really stepped up to fill some of the void left by Ortiz.
BTW: I love Ortiz and all, but the obnoxious sunglasses while getting sworn in as a citizen was...tacky?...disrepectful?...too Hollywood? Yes, all of that, I think.
And can we get a few fans for JD Drew? .324 with 10 HR, plays a very good RF and has really stepped up to fill some of the void left by Ortiz.
BTW: I love Ortiz and all, but the obnoxious sunglasses while getting sworn in as a citizen was...tacky?...disrepectful?...too Hollywood? Yes, all of that, I think.
Song of the Day: Time to Say Goodbye
Sara Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. These gals really can sing, though the one has quite a deep voice for a woman.
boomp3.com
boomp3.com
Song of the Day: Knives from Bavaria
Wandering through someone else's computer yesterday, I came upon this song. To be fair to him, it was really a multi-user computer on a network that also gets used by clients. So if you don't like this song, don't blame him.
I'm not sure I like it, but I blame him. And no, I don't have to explain that.
boomp3.com
I'm not sure I like it, but I blame him. And no, I don't have to explain that.
boomp3.com
Thursday, June 12, 2008
94
Back on track with the win over Baltimore last night. Tampa Bay's loss also puts them two games back.
Beyond that, it's a three way tie seven games out. Interesting that Toronto, New York and Baltimore are all seven games out, are all .500 and all have different records. Wins equal loses at 34, 33, and 32, respectively. So the magic numbers to eliminate them from the division win is 88, 89, and 90 respectively. Any explination beyond this would require math that would make my head hurt.
Beyond that, it's a three way tie seven games out. Interesting that Toronto, New York and Baltimore are all seven games out, are all .500 and all have different records. Wins equal loses at 34, 33, and 32, respectively. So the magic numbers to eliminate them from the division win is 88, 89, and 90 respectively. Any explination beyond this would require math that would make my head hurt.
Good luck to them
Time, through cnn.com reports that the Obama campaign has decided to dedicate some cyberspace to, specifically and in detailed fashion, rebutting some of the more ridiculous rumors about him.
Though Time questions whether the effort will do more to debunk or promote awareness of the rumors, they say Obama's motive is clear: "Obama knows that—notwithstanding John McCain's pledge that his own campaign will not engage in smears—more rumors can be expected in a general-election campaign. Trying to kill them with oxygen and openness is a risky approach. But Obama is attempting to find the humor—and the votes—by taking the rumors head-on."
Though Time questions whether the effort will do more to debunk or promote awareness of the rumors, they say Obama's motive is clear: "Obama knows that—notwithstanding John McCain's pledge that his own campaign will not engage in smears—more rumors can be expected in a general-election campaign. Trying to kill them with oxygen and openness is a risky approach. But Obama is attempting to find the humor—and the votes—by taking the rumors head-on."
Thank you, readers
I want to post a note of thanks to all the readers of Someday I Will who came out to Baker Books in Dartmouth last night for the Hardcore Hardboiled event. Congratualtions to Todd as well as authors Jordan Harper and Sam Edwards, who read from their included stories.
It's a good read, all. Pick up a copy at the link above. Or go to Todd's website thuglit.com and read some of the 23 back issues of the email distributed collection of short stories that led to the book.
And if you're near Burlington, Mass tonight around 7, stop into the Barnes and Noble, where Todd and his gang will be doing another appearence.
It's a good read, all. Pick up a copy at the link above. Or go to Todd's website thuglit.com and read some of the 23 back issues of the email distributed collection of short stories that led to the book.
And if you're near Burlington, Mass tonight around 7, stop into the Barnes and Noble, where Todd and his gang will be doing another appearence.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
For my Indian readers
नोतेर्निए
विल विल
नइ
நொடெர்நிஎ
सोमेदय
The above lines are my identity--noternie-- in Indian languages. The first line is Hindi, the second is Kannada, the third is Malayalam, the fourth is Tamil and the last line is Telugu.
Maybe it would attract more readers if I did an entire post in one of these languages.
सोमेदय इ विल।
(Someday I will.)
विल विल
नइ
நொடெர்நிஎ
सोमेदय
The above lines are my identity--noternie-- in Indian languages. The first line is Hindi, the second is Kannada, the third is Malayalam, the fourth is Tamil and the last line is Telugu.
Maybe it would attract more readers if I did an entire post in one of these languages.
सोमेदय इ विल।
(Someday I will.)
Song of the Day: Mercy
By Duffy, whoever that is. Good voice, enjoyable tune. Bouncy and a little retro. Another from my effort to find newer music.
You think it's easy? And don't you older folks give me that crap about how music was better in your day. I had the 50s channel on last week for a little while and heard 3 or 4 song templates done in 35 versions each. And no, the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s were NOT any better.
I'd say 75% of music at any given point in history is horrible. Now, then and forever. 10% is pretty good, 10% is really good and 5% is all time great. Yes, I did a scientific study on this. Have you heard some of Mozart's b-sides? That's not music.
boomp3.com
You think it's easy? And don't you older folks give me that crap about how music was better in your day. I had the 50s channel on last week for a little while and heard 3 or 4 song templates done in 35 versions each. And no, the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s were NOT any better.
I'd say 75% of music at any given point in history is horrible. Now, then and forever. 10% is pretty good, 10% is really good and 5% is all time great. Yes, I did a scientific study on this. Have you heard some of Mozart's b-sides? That's not music.
boomp3.com
Meet noternie!!!
noternie will be appearing at Baker Books in Dartmouth tonight after 7pm.
Actually, noternie will be visiting Baker Books to support Big Daddy Thug's appearence there. His book, Hardcore Hardboiled is a collection of stuff you have to read. Buy it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
Or just show up at Baker Books tonight, buy a copy and have it signed. Meet Big Daddy Thug. Meet noternie.
Yes, that earlier sentence was right, you have to read it. As in, not optional, but mandatory.
Actually, noternie will be visiting Baker Books to support Big Daddy Thug's appearence there. His book, Hardcore Hardboiled is a collection of stuff you have to read. Buy it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
Or just show up at Baker Books tonight, buy a copy and have it signed. Meet Big Daddy Thug. Meet noternie.
Yes, that earlier sentence was right, you have to read it. As in, not optional, but mandatory.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Song of the Day: Sittin' in a Bar
Warning: Adult language, adult scenarios, talk of violence.
You gotta just listen to stations that play new music sometimes. With iPods and local and national sports radio, I have to push myself to do this sometimes. Even when I have Sirius on, often it's tuned to Howard 100, Margaritaville or Coffee House. Not a lot of new music there.
But I do try to flip through to find new stuff to enjoy and found this one, by a band called Rehab. I know nothing about them. Haven't even looked at wiki. For all I know it's not even a new song. Or the band has broken up. Real nice flow here, though. Sounds like it could be a Kid Rock tune.
boomp3.com
You gotta just listen to stations that play new music sometimes. With iPods and local and national sports radio, I have to push myself to do this sometimes. Even when I have Sirius on, often it's tuned to Howard 100, Margaritaville or Coffee House. Not a lot of new music there.
But I do try to flip through to find new stuff to enjoy and found this one, by a band called Rehab. I know nothing about them. Haven't even looked at wiki. For all I know it's not even a new song. Or the band has broken up. Real nice flow here, though. Sounds like it could be a Kid Rock tune.
boomp3.com
97
Nice weekend series by the Red Sox. Friday night’s game was horrible, but if you’re going to drop one of three, you might as well make it a real stinker. I might not say that if they weren’t 8-2 in their last 10.
The Yankees might be on their way to living up to some of their potential. They’ve gotten to a game over .500, but I’m not sure their pitching will hold up.
Onto Baltimore this week, where reality has hit the Orioles. They’re down to .500, in last place and all of the early season hope has gone down the drain.
Were you one of them? You know, one of the ones who thought the Sox should find a dark hole in which to deposit JD Drew? He was really bad for long stretches last year, but he’s one of their best players this year. Don’t think so? Among regulars, he has the highest batting average and on-base percentage on the team. Did you know he’s all the way up to a .318 average? I think he hovered around .218 at times last year. There’s some power there, too. The home runs are coming and so are the RBI. He got hot at the right time, with Ortiz going on the shelf for a while (at least).
The magic number to clinch the division is 97.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Magic Wand: Moot/Mute
I'm waving the wand for my wife. She specifically requested this one. She would like people to properly use the words moot and mute: they are not interchangable.
Moot
Function: noun
1: a deliberative assembly primarily for the administration of justice; especially : one held by the freemen of an Anglo-Saxon community
2obsolete : argument, discussion
Moot
Function: adjective
1 a: open to question : debatable b: subjected to discussion : disputed
2: deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic
Mute
Function: adjective
1: unable to speak : lacking the power of speech
2: characterized by absence of speech: as a: felt or experienced but not expressedb: refusing to plead directly or stand trial
3: remaining silent, undiscovered, or unrecognized
4 a: contributing nothing to the pronunciation of a wordb: contributing to the pronunciation of a word but not representing the nucleus of a syllable
Mute
Function: noun
1 : stop 9
2 : a person who cannot or does not speak
3 : a device attached to or inserted into a musical instrument to soften or alter its tone
Mute
Function: transitive verb
1 : to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
2 : to tone down : soften, subdue
Moot
Function: noun
1: a deliberative assembly primarily for the administration of justice; especially : one held by the freemen of an Anglo-Saxon community
2obsolete : argument, discussion
Moot
Function: adjective
1 a: open to question : debatable b: subjected to discussion : disputed
2: deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic
Mute
Function: adjective
1: unable to speak : lacking the power of speech
2: characterized by absence of speech: as a: felt or experienced but not expressed
3: remaining silent, undiscovered, or unrecognized
4 a: contributing nothing to the pronunciation of a word
Mute
Function: noun
1 : stop 9
2 : a person who cannot or does not speak
3 : a device attached to or inserted into a musical instrument to soften or alter its tone
Mute
Function: transitive verb
1 : to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
2 : to tone down : soften, subdue
Song of the Day: Cobacabana
A Manilow classic and the Karaoke song of choice for the birthday girl when she was in college.
boomp3.com
boomp3.com
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday to her.
Happy Birthday to her.
Happy Birthday to the love of my life.
Happy Birthday to her.
XXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOOO
Happy Birthday to her.
Happy Birthday to the love of my life.
Happy Birthday to her.
XXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOOO
1-0, Celtics
Dramatic game last night. Pierce deserves to be the story and is being discussed in all the appropriate ways (except the very few loonies suggesting the injury was exaggerated). Garrnet, too. So I'll try to find topics that I think are being undercovered.
Rondo. Despite a long stretch on the bench in the second half while Cassell played very well and then very poorly, Rondo did very well. Looked a little more confident hoisting shots than he has in previous series. Stayed out of traps and other situations that required nail biting passes. The guy can get almost anywhere he wants to go on the court. When he learns to finish once he's there, look out. Also very good defense and valuable help on the boards.
Allen. His defense, his shooting and his rebounding. I think he's still returning to form and could get better as the series goes on, attacking the hoop more, etc.
Posey and Brown. Neither of them can score in any kind of traffic, which is frustrating. But they both defend pretty well. Brown grabs valuable rebounds and Posey can knock down valuable threes when the defense rotates away.
Gasol. His easy scores while moving through the lane worried me early. They seemed to eliminate that as the game went on. Maybe Doc was right when he said they simply didn't play enough defense in the first half. He's one of those guys that I watch and can't believe what he's able to accomplish. Everyone says he's really good, but I can't bring myself to believe it. Even as I watch it.
Rondo. Despite a long stretch on the bench in the second half while Cassell played very well and then very poorly, Rondo did very well. Looked a little more confident hoisting shots than he has in previous series. Stayed out of traps and other situations that required nail biting passes. The guy can get almost anywhere he wants to go on the court. When he learns to finish once he's there, look out. Also very good defense and valuable help on the boards.
Allen. His defense, his shooting and his rebounding. I think he's still returning to form and could get better as the series goes on, attacking the hoop more, etc.
Posey and Brown. Neither of them can score in any kind of traffic, which is frustrating. But they both defend pretty well. Brown grabs valuable rebounds and Posey can knock down valuable threes when the defense rotates away.
Gasol. His easy scores while moving through the lane worried me early. They seemed to eliminate that as the game went on. Maybe Doc was right when he said they simply didn't play enough defense in the first half. He's one of those guys that I watch and can't believe what he's able to accomplish. Everyone says he's really good, but I can't bring myself to believe it. Even as I watch it.
100
Getting swept at Fenway might be a dose of reality for the Rays.
But I think the brawl and suspensions that will come for Sheilds and likely Gomes and Crawford might help them in the long run. They can view the Red Sox as a grudge match and the fight as one of those team building unifying moments. Sure, it works better when Bill Mueller hits a walk off home run in a dramatic come from behind win, but his could work, too.
I'm not saying the Rays can parlay this into a division title. Not by a long shot. But it's not a bad thing for that many young players to have both a taste of success and a reason to be mad.
But I think the brawl and suspensions that will come for Sheilds and likely Gomes and Crawford might help them in the long run. They can view the Red Sox as a grudge match and the fight as one of those team building unifying moments. Sure, it works better when Bill Mueller hits a walk off home run in a dramatic come from behind win, but his could work, too.
I'm not saying the Rays can parlay this into a division title. Not by a long shot. But it's not a bad thing for that many young players to have both a taste of success and a reason to be mad.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
102
The Red Sox are back in first place in the American League East Division after two straight wins over the Rays. Their magic number to clinch the division is 102.
They have the second best record in the American League and the third best in MLB.
Justin Masterson’s three strong performances this year with Boston are very encouraging. They say he has a real head for the major league level; never too up or down, very mature approach to everything.
Haven’t decided how much of an impact the Ortiz situation will have. If Manny has more of a Manny year than last year and JD Drew continues to play the way he is capable rather than the way he did for most of last season, the loss could be tempered.
One of the happiest developments of the season for me has been Hansen. He could be ready to challenge Delcarmen and the struggling Okajima for the 8th inning setup role. His stuff is back to being real nasty.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
BTW: kids returned
I saw a note on cnn.com that those kids that were taken from the "cult" in Texas have been returned.
Wasn't it always a little much that they took 400 kids out of their homes--no matter how odd you suspect those homes might be--based on an annonymous phone call?
I guess they just don't have enough backing from a powerful central administrative office that could solve world hunger by selling .00001% of the artifacts they have buried in the catacombs.
Wasn't it always a little much that they took 400 kids out of their homes--no matter how odd you suspect those homes might be--based on an annonymous phone call?
I guess they just don't have enough backing from a powerful central administrative office that could solve world hunger by selling .00001% of the artifacts they have buried in the catacombs.
Song of the Day: Viva la Vida
It's a Coldplay day. If you don't like Coldplay, this really doesn't make up for missing Song of the Day the last few days. If you like them, it makes today worth the wait.
The album release date is June 17, btw.
Hillary dropping out?
I haven't fully formulated my thoughts on future scenarios. Should she be offered VP? Should she take it? Would that be good? And for whom?
These questions and more I will ponder and attempt to answer in the near future. But a return trip to Manchester is in order tomorrow. And I have to visit my dad tonight. He just had a kidney stone surgically removed. He's passed dozens, perhaps hundreds of them on his own, so the fact that surgery was required this time around is notable. But he was released within hours and pain has been replaced by soreness and weary. Hopefully the visit will lift his spirits more than wear him out.
The lack of posts in the previous few days is due to a first trip to Manchester and another trip to Portland, ME. Good things to tell about each. Maybe tomorrow night.
These questions and more I will ponder and attempt to answer in the near future. But a return trip to Manchester is in order tomorrow. And I have to visit my dad tonight. He just had a kidney stone surgically removed. He's passed dozens, perhaps hundreds of them on his own, so the fact that surgery was required this time around is notable. But he was released within hours and pain has been replaced by soreness and weary. Hopefully the visit will lift his spirits more than wear him out.
The lack of posts in the previous few days is due to a first trip to Manchester and another trip to Portland, ME. Good things to tell about each. Maybe tomorrow night.
Song of the Day: What If
boomp3.com
Making up for lost days. Here's another favorite Coldplay tune, from their XY release.
It's called "What if." To me, this song contains some of the scariest lyrics in the world.
Emphasis mine. Maybe it's past experience that makes this such a fear. Maybe it's current conditions. The former maybe puts the fear in mind, the later makes it go from the equivalent to someone saying "boo" to the equivalent of imagining being a character in the Blair Witch Project.
Making up for lost days. Here's another favorite Coldplay tune, from their XY release.
It's called "What if." To me, this song contains some of the scariest lyrics in the world.
What if there was no light.
Nothing wrong, nothing right.
What if there was no time?
And no reason or rhyme?
What if you should decide
That you don't want me there by your side.
That you don't want me there in your life.
What if I got it wrong?
And no poem or song..
Could put right what I got wrong,
Or make you feel I belong
What if you should decide
That you don't want me there by your side
That you don't want me there in your life.
Emphasis mine. Maybe it's past experience that makes this such a fear. Maybe it's current conditions. The former maybe puts the fear in mind, the later makes it go from the equivalent to someone saying "boo" to the equivalent of imagining being a character in the Blair Witch Project.
Song of the Day: Violet Hill
Coldplay has a new album coming out in the next week or so. If you watch TV, you've probably seen the iTunes commercial pumping Viva La Vida, the title track. Tough to escape, really.
Here's one that was available for free download for a limited time. A little heavier than some Coldplay stuff, but not to be confused with Megadeath. As lead singer Chris Martin (Mr. Gwyneth Paltrow) says, their stuff is always going to be of a style that can "be sung to the rafters." Which is one of the reasons I like Coldplay; I'm a sucker for the melodramatic or hyperbolic.
boomp3.com
Lyrics here.
PS: Gwyneth Paltrow is another one that will proabbly come knocking on my door someday. And while I might have fallen over myself to answer at one point, like Shania, she's just too little, too late.
Here's one that was available for free download for a limited time. A little heavier than some Coldplay stuff, but not to be confused with Megadeath. As lead singer Chris Martin (Mr. Gwyneth Paltrow) says, their stuff is always going to be of a style that can "be sung to the rafters." Which is one of the reasons I like Coldplay; I'm a sucker for the melodramatic or hyperbolic.
boomp3.com
Lyrics here.
PS: Gwyneth Paltrow is another one that will proabbly come knocking on my door someday. And while I might have fallen over myself to answer at one point, like Shania, she's just too little, too late.
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