"Rockwell" hit it big with this one back in the 80s. (not that recent) I thought it fitting giving the state's pending "Big Brother" legislation.
This one's got all the 80's trappings: heavy on the synthesizers and interesting video with over-the-top dramatics from performer. And yes, that is Micheal Jackson (and Jermaine) singing backup and in the chorus. At the peak of Micheal's popularity, too. It helps when your dad is Motown founder Berry Gordy (Rockwell's real name is Kenny William Gordy), your sister is married to Jermaine and your half-sister is the "love child" of Diana Ross. Info courtesy of wiki.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
This is garbage!!
Massachusetts is considering passing a law that gives state law enforcement similar powers that the feds grabbed as part of the Patriot Act and recently renewed.
They can demand any records about you from phone and internet companies with just a letter. No judges, no warrants, no checks or balances. Nice and neat, eh? And any of the companies are immune from recourse if they just give it all up on you.
Oh, as an interesting sidenote, the ENTIRE Massachusetts Congressional Delegation just voted AGAINST giving the feds these powers.
This is when I'm happy that the ACLU has some money and influence to make some noise. This is bad stuff...
I'm sure there will be a much higher level of restraint at the state level, where professionalism rates a few notches higher. (/sarcasm)
I think I'll look up the addresses of my representatives and send them a note asking for their positions on this. Maybe you could, too. Representatives here. Senators here.
They can demand any records about you from phone and internet companies with just a letter. No judges, no warrants, no checks or balances. Nice and neat, eh? And any of the companies are immune from recourse if they just give it all up on you.
Oh, as an interesting sidenote, the ENTIRE Massachusetts Congressional Delegation just voted AGAINST giving the feds these powers.
This is when I'm happy that the ACLU has some money and influence to make some noise. This is bad stuff...
One thing we do know is that the people being targeted for such spying are not just the "bad guys." Recent targets of government spying have included journalists reporting on stories skeptical of the administration, whistle-blowers critical of the government, peace activists, elected officials, and others whom prosecutors determine - without oversight by a court - to be worth "investigating."
Once prosecutors get this kind of power, they will use it. Since the Patriot Act expanded the power of the FBI to issue secret national security letters - another form of administrative subpoena - the government has used the power more than 200,000 times. It's hard to know the exact number, since this government snooping is done in secret, without judicial oversight and with a gag order attached. But two Inspector General reports have revealed widespread abuse and mismanagement of this federal subpoena power.
I'm sure there will be a much higher level of restraint at the state level, where professionalism rates a few notches higher. (/sarcasm)
I think I'll look up the addresses of my representatives and send them a note asking for their positions on this. Maybe you could, too. Representatives here. Senators here.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
That's funny
Yankee Stadium cheering a Red Sox home run!
UPDATE: And he's the MVP of the game! Goodbye Yankee Stadium. We'll miss that funky smell.
UPDATE: And he's the MVP of the game! Goodbye Yankee Stadium. We'll miss that funky smell.
Commercials: Some good, some bad
It's love, it's love, it's love
It's la la la la la
People passing on beer is a good concept, but the song drives me nuts.
On the other hand, Dish Network has Frank Caliendo, the guy who does the great Bush impression. He mimics Bush going over the remote control and noting the French word "Pie-ooo-say." I laugh every time. Reminds me of the commerical in which a kid reads an address as "Pa-ho-nix" instead of Phoenix. That's my chosen pronunciation for the Arizona city for the rest of my life.
Outback Steakhouse's commercials irritate me so much I won't eat there. I'll still drink Heinekin if someone puts it front of me.
It's la la la la la
People passing on beer is a good concept, but the song drives me nuts.
On the other hand, Dish Network has Frank Caliendo, the guy who does the great Bush impression. He mimics Bush going over the remote control and noting the French word "Pie-ooo-say." I laugh every time. Reminds me of the commerical in which a kid reads an address as "Pa-ho-nix" instead of Phoenix. That's my chosen pronunciation for the Arizona city for the rest of my life.
Outback Steakhouse's commercials irritate me so much I won't eat there. I'll still drink Heinekin if someone puts it front of me.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Confession
I haven't seen The Departed. Haven't seen Mystic River.
I tivo-ed Mystic River tonight while the home run derby was one. I read the book and loved it.
The Bourne movies are on the list to be watched, too.
There are many others. I don't see nearly as many movies as I'd like.
I tivo-ed Mystic River tonight while the home run derby was one. I read the book and loved it.
The Bourne movies are on the list to be watched, too.
There are many others. I don't see nearly as many movies as I'd like.
Song of the Day: Last Dance With Mary Jane
Tom Petty's another one of those guys--like a Bob Segar--that has soooo many good tunes. Here's one of the more recent ones.
boomp3.com
boomp3.com
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Looking for a basketball hoop
I'd like to find a basketball hoop. Don't want to spend $300+ buying a new one, especially since this seems like the kind of thing that people might be looking to unload.
I've been watching craigslist and now I'm enlisting you to help me. If you know someone that is looking to get rid of a basketball hoop that's in decent condition, let me know. Or, if you know of web sites other than craigs list that are good for finding this kind of stuff, let me know.
I think a portable one would be better than one that gets sunk in the ground.
I've been watching craigslist and now I'm enlisting you to help me. If you know someone that is looking to get rid of a basketball hoop that's in decent condition, let me know. Or, if you know of web sites other than craigs list that are good for finding this kind of stuff, let me know.
I think a portable one would be better than one that gets sunk in the ground.
67
The magic number is back! It's now 67.
I won't say the fact that I was at today's game had anything to do with the win. Mostly because I don't want credit for Dice " walking 36 hitters and throwing a major lague record 5,362 pitches in his outing. And there's no way I want any responsibility for "China Doll" Youkilis' latest career threatening bruise.
I won't say the fact that I was at today's game had anything to do with the win. Mostly because I don't want credit for Dice " walking 36 hitters and throwing a major lague record 5,362 pitches in his outing. And there's no way I want any responsibility for "China Doll" Youkilis' latest career threatening bruise.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
That's impressive
A 12-1 win that took about 2:30?
Tampa drops another--that's 6 straight--and the Sox are now within a half game of first place.
Tampa drops another--that's 6 straight--and the Sox are now within a half game of first place.
Lugo hurt? So what
Julio Lugo has a bad quad and will be out 4-6 weeks. Will anyone miss him? Not me. I was wishing Jed Lowrie would be able to stick around longer when he was up earlier this year. Glad to see him back and for a good long stint.
BTW: Going to Sunday's game. Let's hope Dice can keep a decent pace and lay off the walks.
BTW: Going to Sunday's game. Let's hope Dice can keep a decent pace and lay off the walks.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Song of the Day: In the Dark
For my sister. Not the one who got Barry Manilow, though I think I could've done either song for either sister and they both would've been satisfied.
boomp3.com
boomp3.com
He's baaaaaaaaaack
My boy, Clay Buchholz returns to the Fenway mound tonight to face the Orioles.
He's most likely not going to throw another no hitter against the Orioles. Chances are, he won't throw another no hitter against anyone for the rest of his career.
But Jason Varitek still thinks he's going to be pretty good:
He's most likely not going to throw another no hitter against the Orioles. Chances are, he won't throw another no hitter against anyone for the rest of his career.
But Jason Varitek still thinks he's going to be pretty good:
"He's going to be good. He's going to be really good. Just like [Jon Lester]. He's going to take lumps, he's going to go backwards, going to go forward, going to go back a little bit until they hit a complete level of experience and knowing themselves."
Red Tape @ Blue Mass Group
After several years of participating through comments and posts at [Blue Mass Group http://www.bluemassgroup.com] and almost a year of regularly contributing to my own blog here, the proprietors there have finally seen fit to list me in their blogroll.
It's about time, isn't it? I've had them listed over there on the right on my list of sites to visit since I started my page here! You'd think they'd just do me the favor of listing my site, don't you? I mean, it's not thaaaaaat exclusive a list. Republican sites have their own group in the BMG blogroll!
The great delay in getting listed was due to the enormous bureaucracy and red tape involved in the process. Here's how it works: I asked.
OK, so maybe it's not that cumbersome.
Thanks for the listing, BMG. Truth is I didn't ask a long time ago because I wanted to get my site going and make sure I'd keep it going with regular posting.
It's about time, isn't it? I've had them listed over there on the right on my list of sites to visit since I started my page here! You'd think they'd just do me the favor of listing my site, don't you? I mean, it's not thaaaaaat exclusive a list. Republican sites have their own group in the BMG blogroll!
The great delay in getting listed was due to the enormous bureaucracy and red tape involved in the process. Here's how it works: I asked.
OK, so maybe it's not that cumbersome.
Thanks for the listing, BMG. Truth is I didn't ask a long time ago because I wanted to get my site going and make sure I'd keep it going with regular posting.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sad news (previously only drafted)
A co-worker was in a car accident last night (6/27). Not many details to be had right now. We know that she's got some bleeding in her brain, that she's in an induced coma and that they're trying to stabilize her. She was brought to Boston Medical Center, which, by all accounts is a top of the line trauma center.
I don't know how the accident happened or the condition of the friend who was apparently a passenger in the car.
She has two daughters, both around the 12-year old range. I feel for them and the rest of her family. I don't believe in religion or prayer. So I just have to hope that circumstances turn in such a way that she comes out alright.
UPDATE: The accident was on 6/27. She was alone in the car.
I don't know how the accident happened or the condition of the friend who was apparently a passenger in the car.
She has two daughters, both around the 12-year old range. I feel for them and the rest of her family. I don't believe in religion or prayer. So I just have to hope that circumstances turn in such a way that she comes out alright.
UPDATE: The accident was on 6/27. She was alone in the car.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Barry Bonds
In case there are any doubts, I am NOT in favor of the Red Sox signing Barry Bonds.
1--He's a jerk.
2--He's old.
3--He hasn't been playing.
4--He's really a jerk.
5--He hasn't played "naturally" in a looong time.
6--He may be busy defending himself in court.
7--He has never played in the American League.
8--He's had quite a few injury problems later in his career.
9--Afraid Boston media wouldn't be interested and give him enough coverage. Lack of attention might lead to him underperforming.
10--They should be more concerned with pitching.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
1--He's a jerk.
2--He's old.
3--He hasn't been playing.
4--He's really a jerk.
5--He hasn't played "naturally" in a looong time.
6--He may be busy defending himself in court.
7--He has never played in the American League.
8--He's had quite a few injury problems later in his career.
9--Afraid Boston media wouldn't be interested and give him enough coverage. Lack of attention might lead to him underperforming.
10--They should be more concerned with pitching.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Song of the Day: Could it be magic
For my sister. A lesser-known Manilow tune these days. Unless the record player was often loaded for the ironing of plaid shirts with pearl snaps or string/nail art of an indian on a horse.
boomp3.com
boomp3.com
Monday, July 7, 2008
Fireworks
Can we get fireworks displays added to more celebrations than just July 4 and January 1?
I don't know about you, but I'd like to see a good fireworks display 4-6 times a year, at least.
Let's make this happen.
I don't know about you, but I'd like to see a good fireworks display 4-6 times a year, at least.
Let's make this happen.
Tuna update
The paper towel strain didn't work. Thanks for the suggestion, Quriltai.
Wife reported having the same problem. Vexing. I may look for one of those tuna straining devices I've seen at the grocery store. I think they fit in or over the can.
Wife reported having the same problem. Vexing. I may look for one of those tuna straining devices I've seen at the grocery store. I think they fit in or over the can.
Pearl Jam. I don't get it.
Pearl Jam was there at the birth of the grunge movement. You might say they were in the delivery room helping to breath and push, along with Nirvana. The later was the more successful outfit, pushed by the timeless pounder "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which was one of those "you had to be there to understand the popularity of that song" songs.
But Pearl Jam hit big with several other songs, the most notable probably being Jeremy, in which it looks like things went terribly wrong for the kid from REMs "End of the World..." video.
Then something seemed to happen. Cobain died and the world transitioned from grunge to hip-hop and candy pop. And though they continued to be very popular, Pearl Jam seemed to largely disappear from view. I think there was a run-in with concert promoters over tickets or a problem with a record company or something. Not sure.
I was a fan of some of their stuff, but then I checked out. Vedder seemed just a bit too self-involved and pretentious, a modern day Jim Morrison. And I didn't hear anything I really liked. Maybe I just stopped listening.
All of this is being mentioned because the band is on tour and was playing in the area. What a review they get for their show in the Globe, too.
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/06/30/once_again_pearl_jam_packs_them_in_then_packs_a_wallop/
But Pearl Jam hit big with several other songs, the most notable probably being Jeremy, in which it looks like things went terribly wrong for the kid from REMs "End of the World..." video.
Then something seemed to happen. Cobain died and the world transitioned from grunge to hip-hop and candy pop. And though they continued to be very popular, Pearl Jam seemed to largely disappear from view. I think there was a run-in with concert promoters over tickets or a problem with a record company or something. Not sure.
I was a fan of some of their stuff, but then I checked out. Vedder seemed just a bit too self-involved and pretentious, a modern day Jim Morrison. And I didn't hear anything I really liked. Maybe I just stopped listening.
All of this is being mentioned because the band is on tour and was playing in the area. What a review they get for their show in the Globe, too.
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/06/30/once_again_pearl_jam_packs_them_in_then_packs_a_wallop/
Thursday, July 3, 2008
At the risk of sounding disloyal
I hope Scott Boras isn't hanging around pushing too hard for a Jason Varitek contract extension right now.
Yeah, the guy's great at handling the staff. But his steady decline at the plate in recent years has been troubling. He's down to .216 right now and he'll be 37 in September. His career average is only .265 and his last two years were well below that.
Great player. One of the All Time most valualbe Sox. But the clock is winding down, I'm afraid. I'd be leery about any talk of extensions beyond maybe a year at a time.
Yeah, the guy's great at handling the staff. But his steady decline at the plate in recent years has been troubling. He's down to .216 right now and he'll be 37 in September. His career average is only .265 and his last two years were well below that.
Great player. One of the All Time most valualbe Sox. But the clock is winding down, I'm afraid. I'd be leery about any talk of extensions beyond maybe a year at a time.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
did you see?
Look over on the right hand side of the page, where the archives are listed. Notice that there are twelve months listed. I haven't yet been blogging here for a full year, but I'm damn close.
I worried that I wouldn't keep this up. In real life I'm not known for long, sustained periods of interest. My two older sisters used to hate to have to include me in a board game or other activity because they knew that, not long after starting, I'd want to quit. Seriously.
I've had my job for a long time. But ironically, that might be due to a lack of sustained interest in finding another one.
I've been married for a while now, but that's not really an interest. Wait. Wait. It's not an interest because it's more of a passion and lifestyle than an interest. Actually marriage isn't my passion or my lifestyle. My wife is my passion and my lifestyle. (see? pretty good, huh?)
So I was worried my interest would wane. But it hasn't. Maybe because I can post on any number of different things. It's not that I'm not curious or have opinions. No. No. No.
But I've made it into my twelfth month and I'm going stronger than ever. The total number of posts has gone up and so has the number of readers. I'm not going to overtake cnn.com or espn.com anytime soon, but I don't get extra money for additional readers, so I'm not overly concerned.
Thanks for reading. I hope I can continue to maintain a decent pace and with postings that you enjoy reading enough to return.
I worried that I wouldn't keep this up. In real life I'm not known for long, sustained periods of interest. My two older sisters used to hate to have to include me in a board game or other activity because they knew that, not long after starting, I'd want to quit. Seriously.
I've had my job for a long time. But ironically, that might be due to a lack of sustained interest in finding another one.
I've been married for a while now, but that's not really an interest. Wait. Wait. It's not an interest because it's more of a passion and lifestyle than an interest. Actually marriage isn't my passion or my lifestyle. My wife is my passion and my lifestyle. (see? pretty good, huh?)
So I was worried my interest would wane. But it hasn't. Maybe because I can post on any number of different things. It's not that I'm not curious or have opinions. No. No. No.
But I've made it into my twelfth month and I'm going stronger than ever. The total number of posts has gone up and so has the number of readers. I'm not going to overtake cnn.com or espn.com anytime soon, but I don't get extra money for additional readers, so I'm not overly concerned.
Thanks for reading. I hope I can continue to maintain a decent pace and with postings that you enjoy reading enough to return.
I want my 7 minutes back!!
Jay jumps on the bandwagon of Sox fan bashers. I think he's headed toward self-hating territory. I worry about him.
A drunk fan that likes baseball fights—which almost don’t qualify as fights as there are few blows thrown and even fewer landed—posts a video on YouTube and this is evidence of…what?
Goes without saying, but also rendersthis discussion meaningless that…
--One fan does not represent the entire fanbase.
--This Red Sox fan is unique among fans of other franchises? There aren’t drunken fans cheering for fights in other cities?
-- PEOPLE HATE RED SOX FANS BECAUSE THE RED SOX ARE SUCCESSFUL. End of story. I’m a Red Sox fan. My fellow fans were no more or less obnoxious when the team was losing. t was just easier for everyone to ignore that fact and call us “lovable losers.”
I really thought there would be something more there in the video. An entire section of fans throwing beer on an old lady rooting for the Orioles. Maybe another Eisenrich incident in the bleachers. But I didn’t find anything of interest. I’m disappointed that I held on for almost 7 minutes waiting for something, anything.
A drunk fan that likes baseball fights—which almost don’t qualify as fights as there are few blows thrown and even fewer landed—posts a video on YouTube and this is evidence of…what?
Goes without saying, but also rendersthis discussion meaningless that…
--One fan does not represent the entire fanbase.
--This Red Sox fan is unique among fans of other franchises? There aren’t drunken fans cheering for fights in other cities?
-- PEOPLE HATE RED SOX FANS BECAUSE THE RED SOX ARE SUCCESSFUL. End of story. I’m a Red Sox fan. My fellow fans were no more or less obnoxious when the team was losing. t was just easier for everyone to ignore that fact and call us “lovable losers.”
I really thought there would be something more there in the video. An entire section of fans throwing beer on an old lady rooting for the Orioles. Maybe another Eisenrich incident in the bleachers. But I didn’t find anything of interest. I’m disappointed that I held on for almost 7 minutes waiting for something, anything.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Busy week at work
I haven't found much time to post this week, which might be a good thing. I shudder to think what I might write about the Red Sox right now.
Varitek is about as close as you can come to an automatic out right now. I'll say that.
And the best attribute of Francona's Red Sox teams is also the most maddening; there is never a sense of urgency. That means that they never seem to show that extra push to get over a tough hump. But it also means they don't collapse in a heap of frustration and helplessness when things go south...like some of their fans.
It doesn't mean they will win in the end, but it gives me confidence that they are less likely to spiral toward the bottom of the division than others.
I'm happy for Tampa's fans that are getting a taste of success, but I have to words for them: Milwaukee Brewers.
Varitek is about as close as you can come to an automatic out right now. I'll say that.
And the best attribute of Francona's Red Sox teams is also the most maddening; there is never a sense of urgency. That means that they never seem to show that extra push to get over a tough hump. But it also means they don't collapse in a heap of frustration and helplessness when things go south...like some of their fans.
It doesn't mean they will win in the end, but it gives me confidence that they are less likely to spiral toward the bottom of the division than others.
I'm happy for Tampa's fans that are getting a taste of success, but I have to words for them: Milwaukee Brewers.
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