Tonight I picked up a new-to-me 1982 Vectrex video game console. It has amazing vector graphics and a built in monitor. Don’t know what vector graphics are? Think back to Asteroids in the arcade.

The price was right and included a boxed Berzerk cartridge with video overlay. The pictures shows the Vectrex with the built in game, Mine Storm (with overlay) which is an Asteroids clone. The unit cleaned up nicely and is working 100%.

For now, the console is sitting proudly on top of my dresser. Like the Atari 2600 purchase I made last year, having this vector graphics console that I once played when I was eleven is another fantasy fulfilled. Although life is not easy for me and my family right now, this is one of life’s gifts that I appreciate.

Slater’s is a wood fire pizza and BBQ joint that is gaining momentum and adding to their curb appeal. I expect it to be popular this summer.

My wife and I just had their pork ribs which weren’t over-sauced and had a light smoke flavor. I was told the smoker is an electric variety thay uses applewood and is time released.

I wish the meat had the traditional smoke ring and more smoke flavor like the pulled pork that we had a few weeks ago. We’ll be back the BBQ another try.

…earlier today at the carnival in town

Here’s a shot of my son (with help from my wife) feeding a goat some grass earlier today. The location is Rota Spring Farm, a home made ice cream stand and farm in Sterling, MA. We passed on ice cream since we’ve been eating quite a bit at home. I’ve been on a mint and peppermint kick lately.

This is off-the-beaten-path but well worth a visit.

While we were in Sterling, we stumbled across the Sterling Greenery Community Park with awesome swings and other play equipment for kids. I’ll also admit that my wife and I “tested” some of the equipment and found it fun! This park has a nice little local story so check out the web site.

Check out this great singer as he sings and plays his order to a female fast food  drive through attendant. Guaranteed to make you smile ’til you face hurts.

Here’s the box:

The package included 2 joysticks and 2 paddle controllers. The sellers also added 45 games, most of them with manuals. They were asking $100 but without me even asking, offered $60. I thought it was very fair and jumped on it.

Back in the day, my folks didn’t buy me a 2600. Instead they bought a used Magnavox Pong system. Now I finally have my Atari!

In case you didn’t know, the Beelzebubs were the runners up in the Sing-Off’s first season. They also were the voices of the Warblers group on season 2 of Glee. And as far as I’ve learned, the Dear Abbeys are considered BU’s best a cappella group.

The show was a sellout, with people sitting in the aisles. I took these pictures from our third row balcony seats.

Boston University Dear Abbeys:

Tufts University Beelzebubs:

The rest of my photos from Men Being Manly III on Flickr

After the show, we ate at Noodle St.

You might also be interested in my post and photos of The Sing-Off season 2 winners, Committed.

Heavy D, “You’re on my mind and I wish you a peaceful journey; brother I hope you hear me.”

I remember buying this album at one of the Trans World record stores in the Copley Mall across from Back Bay station in Boston while I was attending Emerson College.

I wasn’t a huge rap fan but I had a lot of respect for certain guys like Heavy D who always seemed to be a gentleman. He seemed to stay classy throughout his career even after transitioning to a label exec and an actor.

I loved his cover of Third World’s “Now That We’ve Found Love” with it’s four on the floor house beat. I was clubbing a lot and wondered why it didn’t get much play in underground house clubs. Also loved his fun attempt at reggae with “Body & Mind” with Daddy Freddy. Teddy Riley production, Heavy D, and the great harmonies from “The Boyz” was a great combination throughout the album.

It’s going to be Heavy D in the house tonight. I’ll miss you big man.

Here’s my new vehicle, same model, ten years newer, 29k:

Thanks to one of my oldest friends, Joe Shell of Planet Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Franklin, MA for keeping a sharp eye out for a quality used car for me.