What Others Missed

My MLB All-Star Ballot

2013-05-21T21:38:00.007-04:00

Go ahead pick it apart. Here is my MLB All-Star Ballot for this year, as of today.

American League

1B - Davis, Chris
2B - Pedroia, Dustin
SS - Andrus, Elvis
3B - Cabrera, Miguel
C - Mauer, Joe
DH - Ortiz, David
OF - Jones, Adam
OF - Rios, Alex
OF - Trout, Mike

National League

1B - Goldschmidt, Paul
2B - Phillips, Brandon
SS - Segura, Jean
3B - Headley, Chase
C - Molina, Yadier
OF - Braun, Ryan
OF - Gonzalez, Carlos
OF - Upton, Justin

Granted there are still another two months until the game so is it a real representation of what value they present to their given team in only six weeks of employment. I mean seriously they could tank or phone it in for the rest of the year. Of course these are only the position players the pitchers and reserves will be picked by SFO Bruce Bochy and DET's Jim Leyland. Do I dare to wonder who their favorites will be?

Happy Mothers Day

2013-05-12T10:13:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother to my Mom and all of the other Moms out there. Thank You for everything :-)

Happy Earth Day!!!

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

"The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value."

Theodore Roosevelt

Help a friend out

2013-04-21T20:21:00.002-04:00

On July 14th and 15th, a good friend of mine Matthew will be joining hundreds of other individuals on a two-day, 200 mile bicycle ride to fight HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area. His goal is $2,000, and he is at $1,055 so he needs a little help to make his final goal. I think what he is doing is pretty damn amazing, so if you can give him a bump closer to his final goal that would be Awesome.

Here is the link to his donation page. I hope that you can help him out in anyway that you can. It's a worthy cause, and that ride is no small feet.

Give NOW! Fundraising Page - Matthew Swenson's Ride For AIDS Chicago, July 13-14, 2013

http://rideforaids.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1033952&lis=1&kntae1033952=B6E767B2974B4400B414FBA09D57879A&supId=350093350#givingOver

Wicked Good

2013-04-19T22:31:00.001-04:00

To all of the Law Enforcement and First Responders in Boston, Massachusett and across the United Sates, Thank You for always doing a Wicked Good Jahb (job).

If you are going to use a Boat for a get away. Make sure it is in the WATER, Not in WATERTOWN. Gotcha Mother Fucker!

I'm a Bostonian

2013-04-17T15:32:00.000-04:00

It looks like the noose of justice is closing in on the person(s) responsible for the grotesque and cowardly acts that took place on Monday at the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. I felt that I finally needed to chime in. Like everyone else I felt outrage at the cost of human blood for whatever reason. Which is still yet to be discovered but as in the Newtown killing I do NOT want to know much else about the perpetrator(s). I just do Not think they deserve any attention beside what the final verdict is once they stand trial.

Because their reason what ever that maybe is invalid. I do not care if this was because of US policy foreign or domestic. That is Not how you gain sympathy for your cause. That IS NOT how things are done here in the US.There is nothing that they have to say that contains any meaningful arguments and all statements should be silenced. They will get their day in court which is way more than they even deserve. Because these actions are NOT covered by the 1st Amendment.

If that person is a US resident they should be stripped of their citizenship and then set afloat in a rubber dingy in the middle of the Pacific ocean. Trust me when I say this the other thoughts of punishment I have had, I'm pretty sure would violate US Laws and/or UN Treaties on Human Rights, NOT that they deserve any. Fuck Them and maybe lady Justice will be kinder to them.

(Update: No arrest had been made the AP and CNN miss reported that. Though authorities are close to making an arrest. I have edited the current addition) Fingers Crossed the Get the FUCKER!

Cars

2013-04-14T21:30:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Georgia Tech Auto show. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the event.

Play Ball!!! 2013 MLB Predictions

2013-04-01T00:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter and Passover!!!

This week the 2013 baseball season opens with tonight first game between the new AL West rivals the Texas Rangers v. Houston Astros. Besides those facts there is not much of a reason to even tune unless you are a fan of one of those teams.

As I have done the past few years here are my predictions for the 2013 season. I don't know if you could call these bold by any means. Last year I was terrible, so I hope you didn't put any money on them, but I did warn you. The one thing that I have noticed this year that there has been a few power shifts. Both the NL and AL East will be very competitive as well as the West in both leagues. The Central in both leagues are still top heavy, and taper off quickly after that.

The LA Dodger is now the free spending club that will do anything to buy a title. Unlike the NY Yankees, who would target established MVP's the Dodgers have just, well taken on a bunch of bad contracts. Their only saving grace maybe the home grown talent of Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp. The NY Yankees are oddly thrifty this off season trying to get under the luxury tax. There are a few teams that I could see being dominate this year, and seems that there is more power in the NL this year.

Mariano Rivera

AL EAST

1. Orioles They almost pulled everything together last year with on of the best bullpens in the MLB, but they need take commanding leads and not just squeak by. I think they can prove last year was not all luck, but will not make it past the first round of the play offs. 2. Rays Once again at there near the top of the AL East with solid pitching even with trading James Shields for prospect Wil Myers, but I do not expect to see him this year. 3. Blue Jays picked up some of the best pieces from the Marlins combined with what they already had will have them hanging with the Ray's all the way into September. 4. Red Sox None of the off season additions will put them over the top, but still good for 85 wins. This will be a rebuilding year, and if they are not close at the end of July look for Elsbury to be moved. 5. Yankees DEAD LAST! I did not think I would ever say that, but age and injuries are taking there toll. The only thing they Yankees have going for them this year is Mariano Rivera's farewell, it will be the shining moment of their entire season.

AL CENTRAL

Terry Francona

1. Tigers Still at the top of the AL with one of the best top of the rotation combos with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. But will loose to the Angels in the end. 2. Royals Added a top of the rotation starter with James Shields, but still not enough to put them past the Tigers . The young talent is pooling here it just needs to help stream some winning streaks together. They are going to be fun to watch, and if you are GM that is in rebuilding mode you can learn from the Royals. 3. Indians Tito is the new captain at the helm, but probably a year way from being back on near the top of the Central. 4. White Sox They really did not do anything too improve the team in the off season. I just don't have high expectations for them. 5. Twins Things have not gotten any better.

AL WEST

Mike Trout

1. Angels Trout, Trout, Trout! Will prove why he should have been the MVP last year. Starting five are solid, and the line up card is dangerous. 2. Athletics Tons of young talent especially in the pen. 3. Rangers Will miss Josh Hamilton, unfortunately the managerial miss steps usually costs them again. 4. Mariners they need more than just Felix Hernandez to push them into the top. They have young talent, but none has really stepped up. 5. Astros Some things never change.

AL Wild Card A's and Rays
AL Champs Angels
AL Cy Young Justin Verlander
AL MVP Mike Trout

NL EAST

J. Heyward, BJ and Justin Upton.

1. Nationals Pitching ... Strasburg, Zimmerman, Gonzalez and Haren. Then there is a strong bullpen. Harper is the rival to trout in the NL. The Braves could be hurt by the pitching match ups. 2. Braves Pitching depth is the Braves strong point. The only question is will the hard hitters have plate discipline, they could set a league record for strikeouts with the Upton's and Jason Heyward. They are going to miss Chipper and Prado. 3.Phillies: Lee, Hamels and Halladay is showing his age. Like the Red Sox they sold off pieces last year, it's a rebuilding year. 4. Mets Can the young pitchers step it up with Johann withering away? The Marlins make everyone look good 5. Marlins Traded everyone, Fired manager, Ugly Stadium, the fans hate the ownership this team could be the worst team in all of the MLB. I wouldn't be surprised to see Giancarlo Stanton moved at the trade deadline.

Andrew McCutchen

NL CENTRAL

1. Cardinals There maybe only a 5-8 games that separate the Reds and Birds all season long. They have the right mix of youth and experience to drive them to the play offs, but will not make it past the 1st round. 2. Reds The Cardinals better not trip anyway along the way, if they do the Reds will fly past. 3. Brewers Offense is led by Braun, but the MLB has him in their crosshairs, can they find something more than just his name on a piece of paper? 4. Pirates Still lack the pitching to take them from contender to the league leader. I would look for Andrew McCutchen to have a career year, and I like him for MVP. 5. Cubs Still rebuilding, at least a couple of years off before they can compete.

NL WEST

Troy Tulowitzki

1. Giants The same core group is still there, are they still hungry for the title? 2. Dodgers I don't buy it, Just because it worked for the Yankees does not mean it will work everywhere. If things are not working out I wouldn't be surprised to see them buying in July. 3. Diamondbacks Give up to soon on everything they do. 4. Padres Every time I think they something going they shake off the sign. 5. Rockies After Troy Tulowitzki there nothing positive to say.

NL Wild Card Braves and Reds
NL Champ Nationals
NL Cy Young Stephen Strasburg
NL MVP Andrew McCutchen

World Series: Nationals vs ~~Angels~~

Who Someone Loves Should Not Be Your Political Issue

2013-03-26T08:23:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2013-03-17T09:58:00.003-04:00

May you be poor in misfortune,

Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
And quick to make friends.
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

Just remember not everyone can be Irish, someone has to drive. Have a Happy and Safe St. Patricks.

Vote Them All Out!

2013-03-10T22:31:00.000-04:00

If we only could. I have spoken to friends that stand on all sides of the political spectrum from different areas of the country. They all feel the exact same way about our political leadership, Fuck Them! I really think that in the next election if you are an incumbent politician than you really need to update your resume.

Because it doesn't seem to matter what the issue is, pick any that needs to be addressed, they have done ABSOULTLY NOTHING. I'm not going to point fingers and say "Oh it is the Left" or "Oh it is the Right" they both fucking SUCK! The only member of congress that I have even the least bit of respect for anymore is Bernie Sanders from VT. I do not respect Reed, Pelosi, Cantor, or Beohner all four of them are exactly the same, useless.

If you don't believe me then check out this study that was done by the

Congress somewhere below cockroaches, traffic jams, and Nickelback in Americans' esteem Public Policy Polling

Our newest national poll finds that Congress only has a 9% favorability rating with 85% of voters viewing it in a negative light. We've seen poll after poll after poll over the last year talking about how unpopular Congress is but really, what's the difference between an 11% or a 9% or a 7% favorability rating? So we decided to take a different approach and test Congress' popularity against 26 different things. And what we found is that Congress is less popular than cockroaches, traffic jams, and even Nickelback.

Here's what we found:
It's gross to have lice but at least they can be removed in a way that given the recent reelection rates members of Congress evidently can't: Lice 67 Congress 19
Brussel sprouts may have been disgusting as a kid, but evidently they're now a lot less disgusting than Congress: Brussel Sprouts 69 Congress 23
The NFL replacement refs may have screwed everything up, but voters think Congress is screwing everything up even worse: Replacement Refs 56 Congressmen 29 (the breakdown among Packers fans might be a little bit different).
Colonoscopies are not a terribly pleasant experience but at least they have some redeeming value that most voters aren't seeing in Congress: Colonoscopies 58 Congress 31
And you can make the same point about root canals: Root Canals 56 Congress 32
You might get a bad deal from a used car salesmen, but voters evidently think they're getting an even worse deal from Congress: Used Car Salesmen 57 Congress 32
Being stuff in traffic sucks, but voters are even less happy about being stuck with this Congress: Traffic Jams 56 Congress 34
America might have had to bail out France multiple times over the years but voters still have a more charitable opinion of it than Congress: France 46 Congress 37
Carnies may use loaded dice, but voters still think they have a better chance of winning with them than Congress: Carnies 39 Congress 31
It may be true that everyone hates Nickelback, but apparently everyone hates Congress even more: Nickelback 39 Congress 32
Genghis Khan did a lot of bad stuff but I guess it's faded from voters' minds in a way that Congress' recent misdeeds haven't: Genghis Khan 41 Congress 37
DC political pundits and Donald Trump aren't held in very high esteem by the population, but they still both manage to just barely edge Congress: DC political pundits 37 Congress 34 and Donald Trump 44 Congress 42
Cockroaches are a pretty good reason to call the exterminator but voters might be even more concerned if their homes were infested with members of Congress: Cockroaches 45 Congress 43
Now the news isn't all bad for Congress:
By relatively close margins it beats out Lindsey Lohan (45/41), playground bullies (43/38), and telemarketers (45/35). And it posts wider margins over the Kardashians (49/36), John Edwards (45/29), lobbyists (48/30), Fidel Castro (54/32), Gonorrhea (53/28), Ebola (53/25), Communism (57/23), North Korea (61/26), and meth labs (60/21)
But when you're less popular than cockroaches, Genghis Khan, traffic jams, and yes even Nickelback, well, it might be time to reevaluate. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2013/01/congress-somewhere-below-cockroaches-traffic-jams-and-nickleback-in-americans-esteem.html

They want an issue to rally behind; how about improving their image by working together for solutions to the problems that face our nation instead of being a road block for progress. So if you have a member of congress or the Senate that is up for re-election I say vote the Fucker out!

Make Perfect Sense

2013-02-23T10:52:00.001-05:00

You would think; that the Boy Scouts would be leading the way Against HATE!

Happy Valentines Day

2013-02-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

Puppy Love

Love Hurts

Just Some Flurries

2013-02-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

I hope that all of my family and friends in and around Boston area have hunkers down. Be Safe, Warm and Relax.

To be honest I kind wish I was up there even if I'd have to shovel. But let's be serious as long as the Red Sox's equipment trucks made out of Boston I'm sure everyone will come out of this just fine. It's only a little snow.

Up Town

2013-01-24T19:39:00.001-05:00

Justin Upton

That's what I'll be call the Outfield a Turner Field for the next 3 years. Braves made an excellent trade today acquiring outfielder Justin Upton and 3rd basemen Chris Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return, the Diamondbacks will receive Martin Prado, RP Randall Delgado, SS Nick Ahmed, 1B Brandon Drury and RP Zeke Spruill. Martin Prado who will be missed because of his versatility as an outfielder and infield capabilities. He also brings a consistent bat to any order when on the offense batting Avg. .295 HR 52 RIB 286 OBP .345 over his career in Atlanta.

I really like this deal for the Braves, they will have Justin Upton, BJ Upton and Jason Heyward patrolling the outfield for the next three years. From what I had read the Braves had been unable to extend Martin during the offseason. After this season he would see what he can get on the free agent market in the winter.

This is the Braves with a projected batting order of :
SS Aderton Simmons
CF BJ Upton
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
3B Chris Johnson
1B Freddy Freeman
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla

That is a pretty formable line up and should be able keep up with Dodger and Nats. It is going to be a good year to be a Braves fan this year.

The Sequel

2013-01-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

As we all know that sequels are never meet our expectations. I say this as I watch the second Presidential Inauguration. What I want to see from our government over the next four years is an end to partisan bickering. I want our elected officials to remember that they are just that, elected at the will of the people. I want to see them check their parties at the door of the White House or Capitol and get to work. I want them to solve the problems that our Nation faces to make America stronger. I know these are lofty goal, but shouldn't we have those? Why should we have to settle for mediocrity from our elected representation? Why should we allow these elected officials to procrastinate or worse watch them lay on the floor, cry and scream because they do not get their own way.
I am sick and fucking tired of these elected officials not getting shit done. Why have we become so polarized? Why can't either party find the middle and solve the Nations problems. There are issues and problems that have been put off to long and we should demand that action is taken.
In the end I want to remind all of America that no matter what your ethnicity, religion, political polarity, gender or sexual orientation is that we are Americans first and equal in the end.
Enough Said!

This is Absurd!

2013-01-11T23:33:00.000-05:00

How dare they cut the Defense Spending! Of course this is what we need to ensure safety of every red blooded America.
This would infuse the economy with good ole American Manufactoring jobs.
I'm sure that China, N. Korea, Russia and Iran are already working on thiers we can NOT be left behind.
It also will provide every US citizens with an acceptable escape from the Earth should it lets say collide with some random comet.
Everyone of us should demand your congress person to act and ensure this is iinclude in the Defense Spending bill and is spared from the Sequester cuts.

OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE RESPONSE TOSecure resources and funding, and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016.This Isn't the Petition Response You're Looking For
By Paul Shawcross
The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defense, but a Death Star isn't on the horizon. Here are a few reasons:

The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850,000,000,000,000,000. We're working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it.

The Administration does not support blowing up planets.

Why would we spend countless taxpayer dollars on a Death Star with a fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a one-man starship?

However, look carefully (here's how) and you'll notice something already floating in the sky -- that's no Moon, it's a Space Station! Yes, we already have a giant, football field-sized International Space Station in orbit around the Earth that's helping us learn how humans can live and thrive in space for long durations. The Space Station has six astronauts -- American, Russian, and Canadian -- living in it right now, conducting research, learning how to live and work in space over long periods of time, routinely welcoming visiting spacecraft and repairing onboard garbage mashers, etc. We've also got two robot science labs -- one wielding a laser -- roving around Mars, looking at whether life ever existed on the Red Planet.
Keep in mind, space is no longer just government-only. Private American companies, through NASA's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Office (C3PO), are ferrying cargo -- and soon, crew -- to space for NASA, and are pursuing human missions to the Moon this decade.
Even though the United States doesn't have anything that can do the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, we've got two spacecraft leaving the Solar System and we're building a probe that will fly to the exterior layers of the Sun. We are discovering hundreds of new planets in other star systems and building a much more powerful successor to the Hubble Space Telescope that will see back to the early days of the universe.
We don't have a Death Star, but we do have floating robot assistants on the Space Station, a President who knows his way around a light saber and advanced (marshmallow) cannon, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is supporting research on building Luke's arm, floating droids, and quadruped walkers.
We are living in the future! Enjoy it. Or better yet, help build it by pursuing a career in a science, technology, engineering or math-related field. The President has held the first-ever White Housescience fairs and Astronomy Night on the South Lawn because he knows these domains are critical to our country's future, and to ensuring the United States continues leading the world in doing big things.
If you do pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering or math-related field, the Force will be with us! Remember, the Death Star's power to destroy a planet, or even a whole star system, is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
Paul Shawcross is Chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and BudgetTell us what you think about this response and We the People.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/response/isnt-petition-response-youre-looking

2013 MLB Hall Of Fame

2013-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today at 2PM the Baseball Hall of Fame Commitee will announce the results of this years voting. This is the first time the "assumed" Performance Enhancing Drug era players will get their first chance to be on the ballot . I'm really torn about this part me say they fuck cheated and shouldn't be allowed in. But none of the players that I would vote for have actually been caught with a needle in their arm shooting up or whatever they do with. But I think I have to put that aside since other the accusations and allegations there is little proof for this group.

I will admit I personally do not like Barry Bonds. But as a player he was good no matter what you think he may have done or been on. Lets be serious these players had the talent to get this far before they started taking any magic potion. Are their players like Manny Ramirez that are trying to get back youth and they think PED's might be the way? Sure.

To be enshrined, players must be named on at least 75% of the voting members of the Baseball Writers of America Association. Each voting cycle, qualified members of the BBWAA name no more than 10 eligible players whom they consider worthy of Hall of Fame honors. If I had a ballot which I do not these are the 10 players I would vote for. (They are in no specific order)

Craig Biggio
Larry Walker
Alan Trammell
Barry Bonds
Jeff Bagwell
Rafael Palmero
Roger Clemens
Tim Raines
Kenny Lofton
Dale Murphy

**Update: No players were selected this year the first time since 1996 and Dale Murphy lost his final year on the ballot. I think his only chance is the Veterans Committee but don't quote me on that.

Chosen One

2013-01-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

Well maybe not. But almost, see I had jury duty today. Yes the most dreaded of all civic duties but is a lot harder to get out of than not voting. Like so many people just do not do for whatever reason(lazy bums). I was hoping that I would not have to report, yeah no such luck.

I found my way over to the Dekalb County Courthouse in Decatur checked in and found myself a quiet spot. The court clerk and one of the judges came in and laid out how the day would progress and what we should expect. About every 45 minutes the clerks would come in and read off a group names and then send the rest of us on a 15 minute break. Finally things were looking good there was only one more case left that they were waiting on and told he'd be back in 10 minutes to either send us to lunch or home.

He come back and reads off about 50 names, which mine was not one of and I was hoping I'd be heading home. NO such luck, I guess it was their way of playing with us or inserting some kind of sick humor into our day, they told the rest of us to hold tight. Another 20 minutes passes and he comes back and tells us all to go lunch and be back from lunch at 12:55.

Once we were back from lunch they told us that the judge was ready for us and they would be sending up to the Superior Court, Wooo. We all get upstairs and they give us all numbers and tell us to wait and we would be going in soon. They had all us waiting there in the hall for about a half hour now it's about 1:40. Then all of a sudden 4 Deputy Sheriffs going racing past us, into the courtroom where of course we were soon to be going into. Then a couple of more coming hurrying past us, then they call the court clerk into the court room and we wait some more. All of are like what the crap is going on in there and do we really want to be in that court room. I'd like to say to make a long story short but that was it the clerk came back into the hall thanked all of for our patients and we could go home. Wooo Hooo!

I have to surmise they either settled the case or because of all of the commotion we were now tainted. It would not be fair to whatever maniac they had into that courtroom to have us as jurors since we were all pasting together our own scenarios from all of the Law and Orders that we had seen over the years. In a way I was kind of intrigued to get my chance to sit on the jury since I had made it that far. I was already think about my best Henry Fonda impression from 12 Angry Men and standing up for justice.

I can say bring a book, kindle, iPod/iPhone and be patient. They did have wifi in the waiting area so you can entertain yourself. Though if you have to talk on the phone bring an ear piece, there was one asshole caring on a conversation on speaker phone, luckily the clerks nipped that in the butt quickly. Also if a stranger is reading don't try to strike up a conversation with them this not airplane there were plenty of other people sitting there doing nothing.

The Ice Melted

2013-01-06T22:32:00.002-05:00

Well the NHL solved their self-induced labor issues after 130+ days. Am I not impressed and will not be rushing back to watch even one game. I'm sure they are readying their press conferences so they can tell us how "sorry" they are or "thank you" for sticking with us? Go Fuck Yourself! No I do not want to hear their lame excuses. We all know why you haven't played a damn game this season. Every time that they have expired in the past there has been a lock out and a lost season. I'm sure this will probably happen again once this CBA expires. They lost a die-hard fan and I don't know if I'll ever be back.

Just remember 36 more days until Pitchers and Catchers report for spring training.

Four Albums

2013-01-05T23:56:00.000-05:00

Wow what a fucking shit year! I really was not impressed, it did have a few redeeming moments but over all it wasn't worth the time it took. What was good in the past year well I had a nice vacation with the Ryan and the family. We went on the 5 day cruise out of Boston to Canada. I promise I will post some photos I've been slow I know. After that I can't think of to many other high points.

So I haven't post any musical recommendations lately. I thought that this would be a fine opportunity to share Four albums that I liked and that were released in 2012. I do want to make this point these albums where I liked every song that I heard off of them. Like many of you I hen peck what songs I download, I like track 1, 6, 7, 9, and 12 or maybe it's just one track. This does beat those days where you had to buy the CD, for those three songs. They all are available on eMusic, Amazon and iTunes or directly from the artist.

Dandy Warhols -This Machine

Dandy Warhols - This Machine
It is a fun and interesting album with some catchy lyrics. It's a bit of a dark and deep music it is obvious in the Well They're Gone. In some ways it brings me back to high school and the 80's. It just kind of reminds me one of the bands from early MTV era. It is strongly represented in the 3rd track Autumn Carnival and 6th Rest Your Head. My favorite track from the whole album is the 8th I am Free I'm pretty sure it has gotten little to no air time. I considerate to be alternative but I have learned that music genres are often eschewed.

Aimee Mann - Charmer

Aimee Mann - Charmer
I was first introduced to Aimee Mann by an old room mate in San Diego that was totally infatuated by her music. I never complained it had a nice folksy beat and she continues that style in this album. It's not too mello that you'll find yourself falling asleep it has nice toetapping beat. The 5th track Soon Enough will have you tapping your toe or even singing along. My favorite track from the album is Red Flag Diver. Other tracks I really liked are Gamma Ray with it's cool guitar work and title track Charmer.
I just hope it does not make the playlist at work

Gary Clark Jr. - Blak and Blu

Gary Clark Jr. - Blak and Blu
This album is probably the hardest to contain it in one musical genre it's Jazz, Rock, Blues and R&B and none of which truly defines it. If I had to pick one album from 2012 this might be the biggest surprise. This is one of those albums you want playing at the bar as you hanging out with friends. I think the track Bright Lights defines the time you'll have. I think I can hear it playing at (insert favorite bar here). The next tracks I would listen to are Travis County and When My Train Pulls In . The track that I like the most is the next track 7 The Life, it's more on the R&B but it's catchy. There isn't a track I don't like or would skip over.

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos

Ensemble Caprice - Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
Okay before you freak out and run screaming because now you are being exposed to classical music. There are some days I just want to relax maybe contemplating how I can effectively better mankind, then I drift off to sleep. But there are those times that I want to read or think so I want something that does help me relax and block out the distractions. I know there is nothing new or edgy about this series but it's Bach so how can you go wrong. The Ensemble Caprice conducted by Matthias Maute is a nice group. In case you are wondering yes I did shorten the title which is Bach: Brandenburg Concertos - Shostakovich: Preludes Op. 87. Give it a try you might like it.

I hope you enjoy these picks I try to seek out new music that "IS NOT ON THE TOP 40".Seriously Adele is talented but I really get bored hearing the same shit over and over again (Clear Channel looking your way).
I want to give you my podcast choices in the near future. But until then have a good weekend. If you have a selection or album that you think I may enjoy just post it in the comments, I'll see it :-)

Happy New Year!!!

2012-12-31T20:42:00.003-05:00

I wish you all Happy New Year! I hope that you and yours have a Healthy, Safe and Prosperous New Year in 2013! I know I am looking for a change for the better in the New Year.

Hey 2012 don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out :-)

Merry Christmas!!!

2012-12-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

I want to wish all of you a Happy Holidays! I hope that you all have a Safe, Fun and a Prosperous New New Year!

P.S. Mele Kalikimaka, Splendid Winter Solstice, Cosy Kwanza, Festive Festivus, Cool Yule, Happy Hogswatch, Lucky Litha (southern hemisphere) and whatever else you care to celebrate this HAPPY HOLIDAY season.

Ryan and I with the cast on Santaland Diaries.

Happy Winter Solstice

2012-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

My guess is, if you are reading this then the world did not end, the tectonic plates are still intact and the poles did not shift. No surprise there. This year, 2012, is the earliest winter since 1896 arrives with the solstice at 6:12 A.M. on December 21 (EST) according to the Farmers Almanac.

The Winter Solstice is a Latin words for "sun" and "to stand still.” In the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs exactly when the earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. For most people in the high latitudes this is commonly known as the shortest day and the sun's daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest. Winter is a time for withdrawal from the world and it's demands.

This time of the year also gave birth to some festivals and to the invention of Beer :-) Here are a few of the festivals that took place in some of the cultures ...

Yule: "Yule Tide" comes from the ancient Germanic tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice. YULE NIGHT was celebrated on the night of the New Moon closest to the Solstice, because only a very DARK night would do. You can still catch the hint of it's Lunar origin in the reference to the TIDE.

Meán Geimhridh, Celtic Midwinter: "The point of roughness" is the term for the winter solstice in Wales which in ancient Welsh mythology, was when the Goddess Rhiannon gave birth to the sacred son, Pryderi. Today, among Neo-druids, Alban Arthan (Welsh tr. "light of winter" but derived from Welsh poem, Light of Arthur) is celebrated on the winter solstice with a ritualistic festival, and gift giving to the needy.

Dongzhi: Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese. The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos.

Hogmanay: (Scotland) The name derives from the old Scots name for Yule gifts of the Middle Ages. How could I pass on including this with the words "Hog-man-ay" in the title.

Sol Invictus: ("Unconquered Sun") was the official sun god of the later Roman Empire. It is commonly claimed that the date of December 25th for Christmas was selected in order to correspond with this Roman festival.

We Were Duped

2012-12-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

Well it seems that the Mayans were wrong since as I write this it's already tomorrow 21st of December 2012, across the International Date Line. I'm watching CNN and they haven't mentioned any great Tsunami or that the tecktonik plates are collapsing. Huh, kind of funny we are still here just like that rapture crap a year ago.
I think it's pretty safe to say you can come out of your bunker and come back to reality. With that being said you have 4 shopping days left until Christmas.