Friday, October 30, 2009
Song of the Day: The Gunner's Dream
Mesmerizing. Absolutely. Pink Floyd has done a lot of visual work to accompany their music, from videos to movies to their concerts. As good as all of that is, my favorite way to enjoy Pink Floyd is in a quiet, dark room or with headphones on. This tune's from the Final Cut, but the Wall and Dark Side of the Moon (the first disk I bought when my mom bought me a Pioneer six disk cd player) and Wish You Were Here are massive favorites as well. And even though it's a bit of cheating, I'll take the double live Delicate Sound of Thunder in my all time collection, as well.
The Final Cut came to me on a tape, actually. This was on one side and I think the Waterboys were on the other side. My sister's then-boyfriend (and father of my nephew) made it for me. Such was the eclectic nature of his musical tastes. I loved it the very first time I listened to it and love it just as much now: "Possible Pasts", "Paranoid Eyes", "The Fletcher Memorial Home" and "Southampton Dock" are sublime. "When the Tigers Broke Free" is an emotional tour de force. Roger Waters was a master.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Song of the Day: Busy Child
In honor of the stunning news here's a recognizable tune by The Crystal Method, off of their Vegas album.
Have you driven a Ford lately?
"...several models from Ford Motor Co. are now consistently scoring above Honda and Toyota, the perennial leaders."
"...Of the 51 Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury models in the survey, 46 were ranked average or better in reliability."
Some of the stories might lead with "foreign cars still tops," but that's only partially true. Depending on what kind of car you're looking to buy, a Ford might be your best bet in terms of reliability and performance. Seriously. Even the two most cited examples--the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry--are not your best bet in that class. Two Fords--the Milan and the Fusion--are a better buy. And that's just one very compelling example that you should consider when you go shopping for a new vehicle.
Says who? Consumer Reports, that's who. Besides a gas crisis in the late 80s that pushed people from the Detroit behemoths to the efficient Japanese cars, Consumer Reports has played no small role in the decline of the American auto industry. I'm not blaming them. It's just that I have vivid memories of people justifying their switch from American made to import cars by pointing to all those red donuts in Consumer Reports. HOw, I was asked, can you expect me to buy a (domestic) vehicle with all those empty or half black circles instead of all these imports at the top of the list with all the half red or donut red circles? It was hard to argue.
So, responsible and honest car-buying consumer, take a good look before you default to an import lot for your shopping. Ford might just be a better choice.
Note: GM and Chrysler haven't done as well as Ford.
"...Of the 51 Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury models in the survey, 46 were ranked average or better in reliability."
Some of the stories might lead with "foreign cars still tops," but that's only partially true. Depending on what kind of car you're looking to buy, a Ford might be your best bet in terms of reliability and performance. Seriously. Even the two most cited examples--the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry--are not your best bet in that class. Two Fords--the Milan and the Fusion--are a better buy. And that's just one very compelling example that you should consider when you go shopping for a new vehicle.
Says who? Consumer Reports, that's who. Besides a gas crisis in the late 80s that pushed people from the Detroit behemoths to the efficient Japanese cars, Consumer Reports has played no small role in the decline of the American auto industry. I'm not blaming them. It's just that I have vivid memories of people justifying their switch from American made to import cars by pointing to all those red donuts in Consumer Reports. HOw, I was asked, can you expect me to buy a (domestic) vehicle with all those empty or half black circles instead of all these imports at the top of the list with all the half red or donut red circles? It was hard to argue.
So, responsible and honest car-buying consumer, take a good look before you default to an import lot for your shopping. Ford might just be a better choice.
Note: GM and Chrysler haven't done as well as Ford.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
You may not have heard of "him"
But you can't go a day without hearing the phrase he popularized. Ray Browne, the godfather of "pop culture" has died.
Read the obit. Interesting, thought-provoking stuff.
Read the obit. Interesting, thought-provoking stuff.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Song of the Day: Call and answer
substance? Maybe not much. But fun? Sure. What's not fun about Barenaked Ladies or this band?
Friday, October 23, 2009
If you can find an honest Yankee fan...
If you can find an honest Yankee fan, ask them this: After the game ended last night, did you think at all about 2004?
Your "honest" Yankee fan might have to be recategorized if they say no. Every single one of them did. And that makes me smile. It also makes me smile knowing they lie about it.
By the way, does anyone know an actual, living, breathing Angels fan? Not someone that's rooting for them because they like monkeys or hate the MFYankees, but actually roots for the Angles full time? Has a hat, a shirt, etc? Because I'm starting research on a theory that would posit that Angels fans are a nonexistent species. Further research would be required to determine whether the species did, at one time, exist and has simply gone extinct or whether, like Batman, Bigfoot and Buddha they've simply been made up for entertainment or behavioral control.
Your "honest" Yankee fan might have to be recategorized if they say no. Every single one of them did. And that makes me smile. It also makes me smile knowing they lie about it.
By the way, does anyone know an actual, living, breathing Angels fan? Not someone that's rooting for them because they like monkeys or hate the MFYankees, but actually roots for the Angles full time? Has a hat, a shirt, etc? Because I'm starting research on a theory that would posit that Angels fans are a nonexistent species. Further research would be required to determine whether the species did, at one time, exist and has simply gone extinct or whether, like Batman, Bigfoot and Buddha they've simply been made up for entertainment or behavioral control.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Would you believe this?
I'm a regular viewer if Channel 5 news in the morning, at least for now. Bianca is a real dingy broad who may just get a stiff left cross from JC Monahan in the near future. And Randy Price seems a rather shallow sort. Gail Huff is not at all a favorite of mine and one who I would most simply describe as "matronly." There's little doubt in my mind she's a major pain in the ass off camera (though I have nothing to go on besides what I see on camera).
But lookie what we have here. Seems Gail was a bit more of a looker in the old days. And willing to show off her stuff a bit, too. Quite a bit, actually. Check out the video and read the story.
But lookie what we have here. Seems Gail was a bit more of a looker in the old days. And willing to show off her stuff a bit, too. Quite a bit, actually. Check out the video and read the story.
Song of the Day: Follow Through
Gavin DeGraw has a message for some folks out there. Listen up, people!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Song of the Day: Every Breath You Take
If there were a theme song from Fatal Attraction readily available, I'd use it today. Steve Phillps, who has had some problems with infidelity in the past, has stepped in a real pile with his latest paramour.
Make sure you follow the links to read her letter to Phillips' wife.
Make sure you follow the links to read her letter to Phillips' wife.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Song of the Day: I shot the sherriff
I'm not sure this is the best version of this song I've heard Clapton do. But it's worth a listen. Maybe you can start at the 4:50 mark, where the solo gears up. I"m not a big fan of the start of the song. So many parts on stage and in the ear. Sort of typical of what happens to some of the old folks who have the money for the production and want things to sound good on stage. Maybe they're told the audience age and ticket price require such a high level of production. To me, it strangles the life out of the music. Leave most of the backup singers backstage, reduce the keyboards and rhythm guitars. Just let them get out there and blast the shit out of it, like they did when they were young and hungry.
Clapton's up there, frankly, looking like a guy walking the halls at a retirement community.
But when it gets to 4:50 it's all worthwhile. I've said in the past that you could give me a four or five hour boxed set of Clapton or Stevie Ray playing instrumental pieces jamming away and I'd be happy for a long, long time. Minus the last three songs, the soundtrack from the movie "Rush" that Clapton did is one of my all time favorites. You all remember that movie? Gregg Allman was the big drug dealer. Jennifer Jason Leigh and (Jason?) Patrick were the undercover cops trying to bust him.
Clapton's up there, frankly, looking like a guy walking the halls at a retirement community.
But when it gets to 4:50 it's all worthwhile. I've said in the past that you could give me a four or five hour boxed set of Clapton or Stevie Ray playing instrumental pieces jamming away and I'd be happy for a long, long time. Minus the last three songs, the soundtrack from the movie "Rush" that Clapton did is one of my all time favorites. You all remember that movie? Gregg Allman was the big drug dealer. Jennifer Jason Leigh and (Jason?) Patrick were the undercover cops trying to bust him.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Goodbye, Al Martino
"You could act like a man!!!"
That blubbering mess in the Godfather was played by Al Martino. He's dead.
You'll recall that he was the motivation for putting that horse's head in Woltz' bed. Here's the tune he sang at Connie's wedding...on the day of your daughter's wedding. He had some other hits, too. Read the article linked and google if you'd like to know more about them.
That blubbering mess in the Godfather was played by Al Martino. He's dead.
You'll recall that he was the motivation for putting that horse's head in Woltz' bed. Here's the tune he sang at Connie's wedding...on the day of your daughter's wedding. He had some other hits, too. Read the article linked and google if you'd like to know more about them.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
If you haven't, you WILL forward this
Story:
"The video of a youth hockey player from Maine scoring a shootout-style goal at the Garden is making the rounds.
According to the Bruins' web site, the player's name is Oliver Wahlstrom. NESN reports he plays for the Portland Junior Pirates in Maine.
The video was shot during taping for the TD Bank Mini 1-on-1, a promotion that begins Oct. 29 at the Bruins game vs. New Jersey."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Song of the Day: She Bop, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Goodbye, Captain Lou Albano. For my money the greatest manager the wrestling business ever had, with no offense meant to Classy Freddy Blassie, the Lovely Elizabeth or Jimmy Hart. This guy was the ultimate heel.
From the WWE site:
From the WWE site:
In 1996, Albano claimed his rightful place in the pantheon of the elite, the WWE Hall of Fame. Inducted by legendary New York media personality Joe Franklin, Albano was finally truly recognized as one of sports-entertainment’s elite. He was often imitated but never duplicated, and he certainly will never be forgotten either.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Song of the Day: The Best of Times
Yeah, Baby!!!! Styx!!!
It's funny, watching this video I find it hard not to think of the Village People. I mean, look at these guys and their getups. The drummer in the Navy shirt is so stiff he could also pass as the drummer from Def Leppard post amputation.
Maybe I'll find a jumpsuit to wear this weekend. I could say I'm Tommy Shaw from this video or a guy from the Dire Straits video.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Not to make this religion day, but...
Sbutai/Quiralti has a good "Daily Quote for Freethinkers" on his site.
The God of the Old testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent, bully.
Richard Dawkins
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Names don't make opinions valid.
I'd like to second sabutai's entry on annonymous blogging/online commenting.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Song of the Day: Oh Sherrie
This one's for Jay, Sherry, Brenda, Alicia, Sean and Jim.
Ahem, me me me me me me meeee.
Do ray me fa so la te do.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Song of the Day: Break Your Heart
More from Brit radio. This one's the Top of the Pops, they say. Right, then. Fairly annoying maybe when you give a listen, but grows on you straight away. Give it a listen, then, would you?
Break, Break your
Break Break your heart
Break, Break your
Break Break your heart
Hat season is here
Decent chill in the air this morning, initiating the first hat wearing of the season. I've got a nice selection of hats that I wear throughout the winter. Couple knit ski types and a pile of colored and patterned caps ("scally" or "Kangol 504" depending on your language preference), most inherited from mrs. noternie's late grandpa.
I'm a total hat guy in the winter. Feels odd to me now if I go out without one.
I'm a total hat guy in the winter. Feels odd to me now if I go out without one.
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