Steve Jobs, a giraffe and a biker chick walk into a bar. It’s not the setup to a joke, it’s a Halloween bar crawl!
Saturday we went out in the pouring rain to a bar crawl around Faneuil Hall. We started at The Place which was absolutely packed. I saw a couple Indiana Jones’ (which was my costume last year), 3 different groups of Legends of the Hidden Temple players and a surprising number of Santas. We met up with our friends Michael Jackson and ramen noodles for some beers and jungle juice.
Our next stop was to everyone’s favorite spot, Hong Kong. They weren’t doing karaoke so we went upstairs to the dance floor. I ended up running into an old friend from high school as well as a group of former coworkers (Frogger, '20s gangster, flapper). We grabbed some scorpion bowls and went to town. Then my girlfriend’s friend showed up (construction worker) and we decided to head next door to Trinity.
Trinity is a bar that I have never seen really busy. It’s on a corner with Hong Kong, Sissy K’s and The Black Rose and it is definitely the black sheep of the group. Even on Saturday, as an official member of the bar crawl, it was not even close to capacity. We did a shot and went upstairs where most of the people were congregating. We danced for a little bit, took a picture of 3 blind mice and decided to leave the crawl to head to a house party.
Steve Jobs, a giraffe, a biker chick, Michael Jackson, ramen noodles and a construction worker try to hail a cab. Well it wasn’t hailing but the rain had turned into snow, which is never as fun as it was when you were a kid. Anyway, we got 2 cabs and ended up in Allston/Brighton. We pretty much doubled the amount of people who were there and literally brought the party. We were there maybe 5 minutes and my girlfriend was already putting together a signup sheet for beer pong. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us, her construction worker friend drank a little beyond his means and was not doing any favors to our host’s bathroom. He came out and it was clear that he had to go home. That and if anyone saw that he had vomited in the sink we probably would have been asked to leave anyway. So four of us turned right around and got another cab.* We managed to get home with only minor issues – not more puke thankfully but those damn taxi credit card machines.
All in all, it was a relatively successful and undeniably memorable Halloween.
*It was MJ and ramen noodles’ friend’s place so they stayed and dealt with the consequences.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
A Friday Treat
Neutral Milk Hotel's Jeff Mangum performing "Engine" live at Jittery Joe's.
"This is a happy song I wrote. It's a children's song. I was living in Seattle at the time and my life was pretty much in the shitter. So I was pretty depressed. Well, it was a long story. I had just gotten back off the train from Denver where I had moved but 2 weeks later went back. Because I was really confused about this girl. She was in Florida at the time. Well, she lived in Seattle but then she left Seattle cuz I left and she was all bummed out. Guess you had to be there. But I came back and told her to come back cuz I loved her. And in my depression I wrote this song and was happy about 5 minutes and then went back in the shitter. But out of it I get a little children's song. So, you know, things happen in funny ways."
"This is a happy song I wrote. It's a children's song. I was living in Seattle at the time and my life was pretty much in the shitter. So I was pretty depressed. Well, it was a long story. I had just gotten back off the train from Denver where I had moved but 2 weeks later went back. Because I was really confused about this girl. She was in Florida at the time. Well, she lived in Seattle but then she left Seattle cuz I left and she was all bummed out. Guess you had to be there. But I came back and told her to come back cuz I loved her. And in my depression I wrote this song and was happy about 5 minutes and then went back in the shitter. But out of it I get a little children's song. So, you know, things happen in funny ways."
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ripley's Believe It or Not: Global Warming
It is supposed to snow today here in Boston. It is October 27. The only time I remember snow earlier was on October 18, 2009.* Now seems like a good time to talk about global warming and why some people refuse to believe it.
This post has nothing to do with politics – it has to do with ignorance. How do I know that? First, we have the greatest scientific minds telling us this is happening. They are showing us pictures of the ozone layer and it is clearly shrinking. Second, every time there is an unusually warm day in winter there are thousands of people who start sarcastically spouting off about how that definitively proves there is global warming. They just don’t get it.
An Inconvenient Truth was a huge step forward for the global community to understand what was happening. I’m sure many people didn’t like that Al Gore was attached to it (making it a political issue) but it was impossible to deny the facts. Gore didn’t do the research; he was just the face of the project. He had professional climatologists putting together legitimate figures and he simply presented them to the public. To call that political is to ignore the whole point.
There is no need to classify the type of people who fall into this category. It can be anyone, anywhere. I am just not sure why these people don’t believe it. I suppose it can be frightening to not have control over something but that doesn’t mean you pretend it’s not there. (Whether people believe in Heaven or not they still believe in death.) Maybe they just don’t like people telling them what to think or do. A Big Brother-type government giving them false information to control and change how they live (restrict gas/oil emissions to lessen carbon footprint).
The thing is there are multiple signs found in nature pointing to an ongoing, Earth-altering change:
• False-color images of the ozone shrinking over time
• The global temperature rising over the past few decades
• Huge ice sheets falling off icebergs and the Antarctica shelf into the ocean
• Numerous species of animals migrating further and further north each year
I guess what this really comes down to is whether you believe this is happening or not everyone needs to make an effort to slow down the process and hopefully turn it around. We are all in the same boat and even if you don’t believe it is sinking, you probably don’t want to toss any water inside.
*Why would I remember that date? Because the Patriots were massacring the Titans 59-0.
This post has nothing to do with politics – it has to do with ignorance. How do I know that? First, we have the greatest scientific minds telling us this is happening. They are showing us pictures of the ozone layer and it is clearly shrinking. Second, every time there is an unusually warm day in winter there are thousands of people who start sarcastically spouting off about how that definitively proves there is global warming. They just don’t get it.
An Inconvenient Truth was a huge step forward for the global community to understand what was happening. I’m sure many people didn’t like that Al Gore was attached to it (making it a political issue) but it was impossible to deny the facts. Gore didn’t do the research; he was just the face of the project. He had professional climatologists putting together legitimate figures and he simply presented them to the public. To call that political is to ignore the whole point.
There is no need to classify the type of people who fall into this category. It can be anyone, anywhere. I am just not sure why these people don’t believe it. I suppose it can be frightening to not have control over something but that doesn’t mean you pretend it’s not there. (Whether people believe in Heaven or not they still believe in death.) Maybe they just don’t like people telling them what to think or do. A Big Brother-type government giving them false information to control and change how they live (restrict gas/oil emissions to lessen carbon footprint).
The thing is there are multiple signs found in nature pointing to an ongoing, Earth-altering change:
• False-color images of the ozone shrinking over time
• The global temperature rising over the past few decades
• Huge ice sheets falling off icebergs and the Antarctica shelf into the ocean
• Numerous species of animals migrating further and further north each year
I guess what this really comes down to is whether you believe this is happening or not everyone needs to make an effort to slow down the process and hopefully turn it around. We are all in the same boat and even if you don’t believe it is sinking, you probably don’t want to toss any water inside.
*Why would I remember that date? Because the Patriots were massacring the Titans 59-0.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A Revolution in New England
The New England Revolution have parted ways with the longest-tenured and most successful coach in their franchise’s history. Steve Nicol departs after 10 years on the job with a resume including 4 MLS Cup appearances but missing out on the championship each time.
This was a long season for the former Coach of the Year recipient. Nicol’s contract was up at the end of the year and there was uncertainty if team owner Robert Kraft was interested in bringing him back. Much like what we have been hearing from the Red Sox the past 3 weeks, there does appear to be a certain shelf life for head coaches. Additionally, Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph was playing out the final year of his deal and got into some preseason trouble along with third year defenseman Kevin Alston. (I know one of the Rev Girls and apparently the incident involved drugs and a physical altercation with a woman.)
Though the season started on a high note – managing a draw with an LA Galaxy squad featuring Landon Donovan and David Beckham, followed by a win over DC United (and my old classmate Charlie Davies) – it was all downhill from there. With only 4 more wins the rest of the season (against 16 losses and 12 draws) the Revolution missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year leading to Nicol’s departure. It’s impossible to deny the comparisons here to Terry Francona’s situation with the Red Sox. He was in the final year of his contract and missed the playoffs the past 2 seasons.
What we have seen this past decade with Boston sports teams is consistency. Steve Nicol (2002), Terry Francona (2004), Bill Belichick (2000) and Doc Rivers (2004) have all held their roles, successfully, for 7+ years. That patience goes back to the franchise owners understanding that they have the right man in charge and giving him room to work. Especially notable is the Nicol/Belichick connection as both the Revolution and Patriots are owned by Robert Kraft. He is one of the premier owners in sports and it's clear he knows how to manage people the right way.
Whatever his future holds, Nicol will be looked on fondly by Revolution fans for many years to come. He took the team from being an afterthought to a championship contender and will not be easily replaced.
This was a long season for the former Coach of the Year recipient. Nicol’s contract was up at the end of the year and there was uncertainty if team owner Robert Kraft was interested in bringing him back. Much like what we have been hearing from the Red Sox the past 3 weeks, there does appear to be a certain shelf life for head coaches. Additionally, Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph was playing out the final year of his deal and got into some preseason trouble along with third year defenseman Kevin Alston. (I know one of the Rev Girls and apparently the incident involved drugs and a physical altercation with a woman.)
Though the season started on a high note – managing a draw with an LA Galaxy squad featuring Landon Donovan and David Beckham, followed by a win over DC United (and my old classmate Charlie Davies) – it was all downhill from there. With only 4 more wins the rest of the season (against 16 losses and 12 draws) the Revolution missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year leading to Nicol’s departure. It’s impossible to deny the comparisons here to Terry Francona’s situation with the Red Sox. He was in the final year of his contract and missed the playoffs the past 2 seasons.
What we have seen this past decade with Boston sports teams is consistency. Steve Nicol (2002), Terry Francona (2004), Bill Belichick (2000) and Doc Rivers (2004) have all held their roles, successfully, for 7+ years. That patience goes back to the franchise owners understanding that they have the right man in charge and giving him room to work. Especially notable is the Nicol/Belichick connection as both the Revolution and Patriots are owned by Robert Kraft. He is one of the premier owners in sports and it's clear he knows how to manage people the right way.
Whatever his future holds, Nicol will be looked on fondly by Revolution fans for many years to come. He took the team from being an afterthought to a championship contender and will not be easily replaced.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Book Review: Happy Accidents
by: Jane Lynch
I am not a Gleek. Far from it. So why, you may be asking, did I read this book? The 40 Year Old Virgin, Role Models, Party Down, Talladega Nights...
Jane Lynch is hilarious and I thought her memoir would provide an ample opportunity for laughs. Sorry to say it did not. It was interesting but didn't really catch my interest all that often. I'm sure it would be great for someone dealing with their own homosexuality or someone who has been to AA but I fit in neither category.
I suppose what I was expecting was a book similar to Tina Fey's Bossypants. Yet that is an unfair comparison because Tina Fey is a comedy writer and Jane Lynch acts out the jokes that are written for her. I'm not trying to take anything away from her because acting is a great talent, but it takes a sharp mind to write and especially to write jokes.
This is more of a straightforward memoir than any sort of comedy book. Consider yourself warned.
I am not a Gleek. Far from it. So why, you may be asking, did I read this book? The 40 Year Old Virgin, Role Models, Party Down, Talladega Nights...
Jane Lynch is hilarious and I thought her memoir would provide an ample opportunity for laughs. Sorry to say it did not. It was interesting but didn't really catch my interest all that often. I'm sure it would be great for someone dealing with their own homosexuality or someone who has been to AA but I fit in neither category.
I suppose what I was expecting was a book similar to Tina Fey's Bossypants. Yet that is an unfair comparison because Tina Fey is a comedy writer and Jane Lynch acts out the jokes that are written for her. I'm not trying to take anything away from her because acting is a great talent, but it takes a sharp mind to write and especially to write jokes.
This is more of a straightforward memoir than any sort of comedy book. Consider yourself warned.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Good Eats: Redbones
I had my inaugural trip to Redbones this weekend and it was fantastic. For those not in the know, Redbones is a BBQ joint in Somerville’s Davis Square neighborhood that was recently voted Best Barbecue in Boston.
We went at 6 pm on Saturday and there was a line well out the door. It’s not a hidden gem… everyone knows about it. We decided to wait in the bar which was packed with (what else?) more people waiting to be seated. We had a couple beers before a server came around and asked for a party of 2 willing to sit at the counter. We jumped at the chance. It was actually a great spot because we were able to watch the cooks working right in front of us. It was amazing how quickly they finished plates and how only one of them spoke and was in control of the whole kitchen situation. It was as if he were conducting a symphony orchestra.
When seated, we each received a piece of cornbread. Additionally, we ordered 3 appetizers: steamed broccoli, mac & cheese and hushpuppies. Per the menu, hushpuppies are described as “fried cornbread flavored w/ scallions & garlic, served w/ vinegar sauce.” I guess it’s true that everything is better fried because they alone were worth the price of admission. The sauce added a nice bite too.
For our entrée we both ordered pulled pork sandwiches which came topped with pickles, onions and coleslaw, and with beans and potato salad as sides. The sweet sauce that we asked for was the perfect complement to the pulled pork. Ours came piping hot (again, we were seated right there) but once it cooled down enough it was absolutely delicious. I’m not a big potato salad guy but even that was well done.
I recommend Redbones to anyone with a hankering for some good BBQ at competitive prices and I can’t wait to make a return trip.
We went at 6 pm on Saturday and there was a line well out the door. It’s not a hidden gem… everyone knows about it. We decided to wait in the bar which was packed with (what else?) more people waiting to be seated. We had a couple beers before a server came around and asked for a party of 2 willing to sit at the counter. We jumped at the chance. It was actually a great spot because we were able to watch the cooks working right in front of us. It was amazing how quickly they finished plates and how only one of them spoke and was in control of the whole kitchen situation. It was as if he were conducting a symphony orchestra.
When seated, we each received a piece of cornbread. Additionally, we ordered 3 appetizers: steamed broccoli, mac & cheese and hushpuppies. Per the menu, hushpuppies are described as “fried cornbread flavored w/ scallions & garlic, served w/ vinegar sauce.” I guess it’s true that everything is better fried because they alone were worth the price of admission. The sauce added a nice bite too.
For our entrée we both ordered pulled pork sandwiches which came topped with pickles, onions and coleslaw, and with beans and potato salad as sides. The sweet sauce that we asked for was the perfect complement to the pulled pork. Ours came piping hot (again, we were seated right there) but once it cooled down enough it was absolutely delicious. I’m not a big potato salad guy but even that was well done.
I recommend Redbones to anyone with a hankering for some good BBQ at competitive prices and I can’t wait to make a return trip.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Support Your Soccer!
I was talking to my girlfriend today about Fox winning the broadcast rights to the 2018 & 2022 World Cups over ESPN (who’ve held the rights to every World Cup since 1994). She caught me off guard when she said she didn’t care about the World Cup and found it annoying last year when people were sucked into the excitement. I chalked it up to her general non-interest in sports but enough people claim to not like soccer that I wanted to better understand why.
Yes, I grew up playing soccer and played it through high school; Yes, I was at the perfect youthful age to be heavily invested in the 1994 World Cup that was played right here on US soil; And, yes, I did win a free workout with the New England Revolution when I was a kid. But I feel like I have a pretty good handle on most people’s complaints about the sport: it’s too slow, there aren’t enough goals, MLS sucks and the foreign leagues are too difficult to follow due to TV rights and cable packages. Fine, if that’s the case then these people should also be uninterested in baseball (slow) and hockey (not enough goals). Yet baseball is America’s pastime and hockey is a popular niche sport that certainly doesn’t get ragged on like soccer does. So, why the hate?
To Americans, soccer is a European sport. Football and baseball are pure Americana; Basketball is urban; Hockey is Canadian. Americans haven’t cared much for European things since 1776. And the biggest thing that has carried over that distaste is flopping. Soccer players are known for flopping, which is a terrible but true distinction. But even all the European basketball players in the NBA flop constantly. It’s just what they do. So the manly American men chop it up to soccer players being weak – “It’s not as physical as football” – as their reason not to watch. Of course, that feeling has become so pervasive that people will just use it as an explanation without ever actually giving soccer a chance.
The World Cup is different though. It’s more like the Olympics; a must-see event that captures the world’s attention and cultivates national pride. Is there a better chant than “U-S-A!” “U-S-A!”? I ended up sending my girlfriend the reaction video to Landon Donovan’s goal heard ‘round the world against Algeria. I rest my case.
Yes, I grew up playing soccer and played it through high school; Yes, I was at the perfect youthful age to be heavily invested in the 1994 World Cup that was played right here on US soil; And, yes, I did win a free workout with the New England Revolution when I was a kid. But I feel like I have a pretty good handle on most people’s complaints about the sport: it’s too slow, there aren’t enough goals, MLS sucks and the foreign leagues are too difficult to follow due to TV rights and cable packages. Fine, if that’s the case then these people should also be uninterested in baseball (slow) and hockey (not enough goals). Yet baseball is America’s pastime and hockey is a popular niche sport that certainly doesn’t get ragged on like soccer does. So, why the hate?
To Americans, soccer is a European sport. Football and baseball are pure Americana; Basketball is urban; Hockey is Canadian. Americans haven’t cared much for European things since 1776. And the biggest thing that has carried over that distaste is flopping. Soccer players are known for flopping, which is a terrible but true distinction. But even all the European basketball players in the NBA flop constantly. It’s just what they do. So the manly American men chop it up to soccer players being weak – “It’s not as physical as football” – as their reason not to watch. Of course, that feeling has become so pervasive that people will just use it as an explanation without ever actually giving soccer a chance.
The World Cup is different though. It’s more like the Olympics; a must-see event that captures the world’s attention and cultivates national pride. Is there a better chant than “U-S-A!” “U-S-A!”? I ended up sending my girlfriend the reaction video to Landon Donovan’s goal heard ‘round the world against Algeria. I rest my case.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Art of Selling Out
If you haven’t heard, Death Cab for Cutie is putting out a remix album called Keys and Codes Remix EP. It consists of songs off their most recent release, Codes and Keys, remixed by the likes of Cut Copy and The 2 Bears. Death Cab has been doing a lot of that the past few years; putting out additional releases to coincide with their proper albums. Narrow Stairs had The Open Door 5 song EP, Plans had the Directions music video album and they also released a tour documentary, Drive Well, Sleep Carefully. Death Cab even provided the lead single to the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack.
It’s this remix album, though, that really threw me for a loop. It seemed so unlike Death Cab that I had to take another look at their recent releases and that’s when it hit me: All of that additional shit listed above came out after they signed with Atlantic. Ding Ding Ding!
The curse of the major label. For all the good they do as far as providing money, high production quality and promotion, they also go way overboard spending unnecessarily, overproducing albums and causing a backlash due to advertising saturation. They believe that fans of a band want to hear and see everything possible that band has created. But sometimes it’s too much. There’s a reason only 12 or so songs are released on albums… the others just aren’t as good. Releasing everything just brings the quality down and skews their body of work.
Of course, I don’t feel this way about Death Cab because they are my favorite band. However, this remix album is different. Codes and Keys didn’t perform as well as expected, meaning Atlantic wants to recoup as much money as possible with as little expense as possible. How about reaching out to a bunch of little known (i.e. inexpensive) up and comers to create their own takes on these songs? They’re Atlantic’s property so it doesn’t cost them to license anything. It’s the perfect plan and yet it’s so ridiculously unnecessary and unlike Death Cab that it sucks having their name attached to such an obvious and transparent moneymaking venture.
It’s this remix album, though, that really threw me for a loop. It seemed so unlike Death Cab that I had to take another look at their recent releases and that’s when it hit me: All of that additional shit listed above came out after they signed with Atlantic. Ding Ding Ding!
The curse of the major label. For all the good they do as far as providing money, high production quality and promotion, they also go way overboard spending unnecessarily, overproducing albums and causing a backlash due to advertising saturation. They believe that fans of a band want to hear and see everything possible that band has created. But sometimes it’s too much. There’s a reason only 12 or so songs are released on albums… the others just aren’t as good. Releasing everything just brings the quality down and skews their body of work.
Of course, I don’t feel this way about Death Cab because they are my favorite band. However, this remix album is different. Codes and Keys didn’t perform as well as expected, meaning Atlantic wants to recoup as much money as possible with as little expense as possible. How about reaching out to a bunch of little known (i.e. inexpensive) up and comers to create their own takes on these songs? They’re Atlantic’s property so it doesn’t cost them to license anything. It’s the perfect plan and yet it’s so ridiculously unnecessary and unlike Death Cab that it sucks having their name attached to such an obvious and transparent moneymaking venture.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Belichick + Brady = Best Ever
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are certain Hall of Famers. This weekend they added another accolade to their already storied partnership: Belichick & Brady have tied Don Shula & Dan Marino for the most career wins for a Coach/QB combo. Shula & Marino ended with 116 wins, 68 losses and zero championships. Belichick & Brady are still plying their trade and have 116 wins, 33 losses and 3 championships. Impressively, they have accomplished this feat in 35 less games, which also gives them the best Coach/QB winning percentage of all time. Also keep in mind that Brady missed the entire 2008 season. Who knows where they would have been by now. Hell, where will they be when they decide to call it quits?
Take a look at this bar graph from a couple weeks ago. I was surprised not to see Lombardi/Starr, Landry/Staubach, Walsh/Montana, Seifert/Young, Holmgren/Favre, Shanahan/Elway or Dungy/Manning on this list. (And the fifth pair is a complete shocker.)
What’s most fascinating is that the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts; it’s equal to the sum of its parts. They have both succeeded with each other, of course, but interestingly they have also done it alone. Belichick is a defensive coach. That’s where he’s made his mark since his Giants days with LT. He doesn’t mess with the offense. People forget now but this team used to be defensive minded. The early part of this decade the Patriots were predicated on defense. 2001 doesn’t happen without the defense shutting down the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Plus, let’s not forget that Brady-less season in 2008 when Belichick still managed to get the team to 11 wins.
Brady has been likewise. Belichick doesn’t tweak his performance because he works on the other side of the ball. Brady threw 50 touchdowns in a season (NFL record) and is currently on pace for well over 5,000 passing yards this year (would be another record). These aren’t marks that are matched by any QB in any offensive system. Only all time greats can touch these records and Brady is in that class.
Regardless of which one you argue is deserving of more credit, remember that it is a joint accolade. Football more than any other is a team sport and Belichick & Brady have turned the Patriots into one of the top teams in the league year after year. It is that consistency and the continued practice, studying and hardwork that has cemented their legacy as the best Coach/QB duo ever.
Take a look at this bar graph from a couple weeks ago. I was surprised not to see Lombardi/Starr, Landry/Staubach, Walsh/Montana, Seifert/Young, Holmgren/Favre, Shanahan/Elway or Dungy/Manning on this list. (And the fifth pair is a complete shocker.)
What’s most fascinating is that the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts; it’s equal to the sum of its parts. They have both succeeded with each other, of course, but interestingly they have also done it alone. Belichick is a defensive coach. That’s where he’s made his mark since his Giants days with LT. He doesn’t mess with the offense. People forget now but this team used to be defensive minded. The early part of this decade the Patriots were predicated on defense. 2001 doesn’t happen without the defense shutting down the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Plus, let’s not forget that Brady-less season in 2008 when Belichick still managed to get the team to 11 wins.
Brady has been likewise. Belichick doesn’t tweak his performance because he works on the other side of the ball. Brady threw 50 touchdowns in a season (NFL record) and is currently on pace for well over 5,000 passing yards this year (would be another record). These aren’t marks that are matched by any QB in any offensive system. Only all time greats can touch these records and Brady is in that class.
Regardless of which one you argue is deserving of more credit, remember that it is a joint accolade. Football more than any other is a team sport and Belichick & Brady have turned the Patriots into one of the top teams in the league year after year. It is that consistency and the continued practice, studying and hardwork that has cemented their legacy as the best Coach/QB duo ever.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Book Review: Sex on the Moon
by: Ben Mezrich
Sex on the Moon is a new book by Ben Mezrich and his first since the hugely successful The Accidental Billionaires, which was popularized in the Oscar-nominated film The Social Network.
This book tells the real-life story of Thad Roberts, an up-and-coming NASA intern who decides to steal and sell Moon rocks. We learn that the samples are priceless and – even more important to his colleagues at NASA – the most precious substance on Earth.
Thad is one of the top minds in NASA’s internship program but uneasiness lies underneath. Whether due to his Mormon upbringing, issues with his wife, or the outgoing persona he created at NASA, things aren’t going exactly the way he had planned.
Written as a work of stylized non-fiction, Mezrich communicated directly with Roberts to get the intimate details of the coup. Some conversations were filled in and thoughts fleshed out but otherwise this is the truest account of the events available. It’s an interesting story but unless the reader has a fascination with space it may be lost on them.
Sex on the Moon is a new book by Ben Mezrich and his first since the hugely successful The Accidental Billionaires, which was popularized in the Oscar-nominated film The Social Network.
This book tells the real-life story of Thad Roberts, an up-and-coming NASA intern who decides to steal and sell Moon rocks. We learn that the samples are priceless and – even more important to his colleagues at NASA – the most precious substance on Earth.
Thad is one of the top minds in NASA’s internship program but uneasiness lies underneath. Whether due to his Mormon upbringing, issues with his wife, or the outgoing persona he created at NASA, things aren’t going exactly the way he had planned.
Written as a work of stylized non-fiction, Mezrich communicated directly with Roberts to get the intimate details of the coup. Some conversations were filled in and thoughts fleshed out but otherwise this is the truest account of the events available. It’s an interesting story but unless the reader has a fascination with space it may be lost on them.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The NBA has balls
The NBA has done it. They crossed a line that even the NFL didn’t dare. They cancelled games and placed themselves in the crosshairs of fans’ scorn.
Weren’t they paying attention earlier this year when the NFL was in the midst of a lockout? There was an extremely negative reaction by fans that these two groups of extremely wealthy constituents could not come to an agreement as to how to split their billions in revenue. The NFL is the most popular sports league in America and not even they could avoid the fans’ wrath. Thanks to the fortitude of Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft they were able to work out a deal and not miss any games. But apparently the NBA missed the headlines. They missed how quickly fans turned on everyone involved. And now they have done it to themselves, completely unnecessarily.
The question remains who will be the NBA’s Bob Kraft? The problem is that NBA owners lack the iridescence of NFL owners. Kraft, Jerry Jones, the late Al Davis, even Dan Snyder are well known and garner some respect. In the NBA… not so much. Mark Cuban is certainly a beacon but if he’s not up to the task you’re left with Jerry Buss and maybe Michael Jordan, who is a second-year owner. Not exactly guys you can rally behind to get an agreement in place.
Everybody should get ready for a long season. Hockey season that is, since they will likely capitalize the most from the wandering sports fans who no longer have basketball to enjoy. And the NHL is a prime example of what happens when you cancel games. Their lockout wiped out the entire 2004-2005 season and they’ve only recently started recovering some of their attendance and viewership numbers. The NBA kicked the hornets’ nest -- as Stieg Larsson might say -- now they must prepare to get stung.
Weren’t they paying attention earlier this year when the NFL was in the midst of a lockout? There was an extremely negative reaction by fans that these two groups of extremely wealthy constituents could not come to an agreement as to how to split their billions in revenue. The NFL is the most popular sports league in America and not even they could avoid the fans’ wrath. Thanks to the fortitude of Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft they were able to work out a deal and not miss any games. But apparently the NBA missed the headlines. They missed how quickly fans turned on everyone involved. And now they have done it to themselves, completely unnecessarily.
The question remains who will be the NBA’s Bob Kraft? The problem is that NBA owners lack the iridescence of NFL owners. Kraft, Jerry Jones, the late Al Davis, even Dan Snyder are well known and garner some respect. In the NBA… not so much. Mark Cuban is certainly a beacon but if he’s not up to the task you’re left with Jerry Buss and maybe Michael Jordan, who is a second-year owner. Not exactly guys you can rally behind to get an agreement in place.
Everybody should get ready for a long season. Hockey season that is, since they will likely capitalize the most from the wandering sports fans who no longer have basketball to enjoy. And the NHL is a prime example of what happens when you cancel games. Their lockout wiped out the entire 2004-2005 season and they’ve only recently started recovering some of their attendance and viewership numbers. The NBA kicked the hornets’ nest -- as Stieg Larsson might say -- now they must prepare to get stung.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wedding Season
As a guy in his mid-20’s the past couple years have been packed full of weddings. They’re supposed to be fun, joyous occasions but they can be quite an expensive proposition for guests to undertake. Gifts, travel & hotel expenses and a dress/tux if you are in the wedding itself. And forget it if there’s a cash bar.
I’ll be going to my fifth wedding in the past 2 years this weekend (I was invited to a sixth but couldn’t make it) and I have 2 more scheduled for next year. I am exhausted and my wallet is barren but it’s simply not something that can be missed. Of the 8 weddings I’ve been invited to recently have been 3 family members, 3 college friends, 1 high school friend and 1 work colleague. Unless there is a legitimate scheduling conflict, how can you say no?
They’re all the same, more or less, which I think is what’s most annoying. Every girl has her “dream wedding” with the perfect flowers and cake and whatever else but they all follow the same ritualistic pattern. The actual ceremony is what it is (as expected) but the reception should be a game changer and yet the only things that seem to vary are the party favors. The entrance, the first dance, the parent-bride/groom dance, mediocre food, cake/dessert, bouquet throw, dancing. Did I miss anything?
I’m not ignorant to the fact that it’s an important event in 2 people’s lives. Receiving an invite is special and it’s nice to be thought of that way. But I think it will be even more fascinating to look back at the wedding album in 20 years and see which people you’ve stayed close with over the years.
My gifts, money and presence are an investment in their relationship; a sign that I care about them and believe in them. Congratulations.
I’ll be going to my fifth wedding in the past 2 years this weekend (I was invited to a sixth but couldn’t make it) and I have 2 more scheduled for next year. I am exhausted and my wallet is barren but it’s simply not something that can be missed. Of the 8 weddings I’ve been invited to recently have been 3 family members, 3 college friends, 1 high school friend and 1 work colleague. Unless there is a legitimate scheduling conflict, how can you say no?
They’re all the same, more or less, which I think is what’s most annoying. Every girl has her “dream wedding” with the perfect flowers and cake and whatever else but they all follow the same ritualistic pattern. The actual ceremony is what it is (as expected) but the reception should be a game changer and yet the only things that seem to vary are the party favors. The entrance, the first dance, the parent-bride/groom dance, mediocre food, cake/dessert, bouquet throw, dancing. Did I miss anything?
I’m not ignorant to the fact that it’s an important event in 2 people’s lives. Receiving an invite is special and it’s nice to be thought of that way. But I think it will be even more fascinating to look back at the wedding album in 20 years and see which people you’ve stayed close with over the years.
My gifts, money and presence are an investment in their relationship; a sign that I care about them and believe in them. Congratulations.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
City of Champions
Now that the Bruins have officially raised the championship banner it seems like a good time to take a look back at the past decade in Boston sports. How fortunate are we to have witnessed 7 world championships across the 4 major sports? Especially considering those teams hadn’t won any titles since 1986 (Celtics), 1972 (Bruins), 1918 (Red Sox), EVER (Patriots).
2001 – Patriots
2002
2003 – Patriots
2004 – Red Sox, Patriots
2005
2006
2007 – Red Sox
2008 – Celtics
2009
2010
2011 – Bruins
Most cities would be happy just seeing their teams make a deep run in the playoffs. Let’s not forget that the 2003 Red Sox lost in Game 7 of the ALCS, the 2007 Patriots lost in Super Bowl XVII, the 2008 Red Sox lost in Game 7 of the ALCS, the 2010 Celtics lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and the 2002/2005/2006/2007 New England Revolution lost in the MLS Cup final. See, it isn’t all champagne wishes and caviar dreams. The Revolution became the Buffalo Bills of Major League Soccer.
Remember when our teams were underdogs? The Patriots defeating the Greatest Show on Turf; the Sox coming back from a 3-0 deficit to mount the greatest comeback in history; the Celtics assembling the new Big 3 to bring their first title since the old Big 3; and the Bruins rebounding from their own 3-0 collapse the year before. Nowadays you can’t even discuss championship hopefuls without mentioning a Boston-based team.
TANGENT: The Pittsburgh Pirates are terrible. I’m sorry but it’s true.* However, this year they actually led their division at the All Star Break and it was extremely riveting. I was excited and I have no rooting interest in them. MLB was excited and voted 3 Pirates to play in the All Star Game. Of course, they faded in the second half and finished way out of contention but it was enthralling to see that the possibility for greatness was there, however short that time was. That’s what I miss in Boston: being the surprise team, the buzz team, the fun team.
Winning is great but suspense and surprise are what make sports truly fun.
*The Pirates set a record with 19 consecutive (and counting) losing seasons.
2001 – Patriots
2002
2003 – Patriots
2004 – Red Sox, Patriots
2005
2006
2007 – Red Sox
2008 – Celtics
2009
2010
2011 – Bruins
Most cities would be happy just seeing their teams make a deep run in the playoffs. Let’s not forget that the 2003 Red Sox lost in Game 7 of the ALCS, the 2007 Patriots lost in Super Bowl XVII, the 2008 Red Sox lost in Game 7 of the ALCS, the 2010 Celtics lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and the 2002/2005/2006/2007 New England Revolution lost in the MLS Cup final. See, it isn’t all champagne wishes and caviar dreams. The Revolution became the Buffalo Bills of Major League Soccer.
Remember when our teams were underdogs? The Patriots defeating the Greatest Show on Turf; the Sox coming back from a 3-0 deficit to mount the greatest comeback in history; the Celtics assembling the new Big 3 to bring their first title since the old Big 3; and the Bruins rebounding from their own 3-0 collapse the year before. Nowadays you can’t even discuss championship hopefuls without mentioning a Boston-based team.
TANGENT: The Pittsburgh Pirates are terrible. I’m sorry but it’s true.* However, this year they actually led their division at the All Star Break and it was extremely riveting. I was excited and I have no rooting interest in them. MLB was excited and voted 3 Pirates to play in the All Star Game. Of course, they faded in the second half and finished way out of contention but it was enthralling to see that the possibility for greatness was there, however short that time was. That’s what I miss in Boston: being the surprise team, the buzz team, the fun team.
Winning is great but suspense and surprise are what make sports truly fun.
*The Pirates set a record with 19 consecutive (and counting) losing seasons.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I got 99 problems and Wall Street is #1
GUEST BLOGGER: @brigibaby
Unless you live under a rock (or in a small, uber-conservative city where your news might be censored), by now you’ve heard of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Started back in September, when protesters began to literally occupy Wall Street by camping out on the street, the movement has spread to multiple cities across America. It’s garnered quite a following in Boston, and whether this is because Massachusetts is known for its’ liberal views, or from the masses of young college students eager to be a part of something bigger than they are, I couldn’t tell you. But I can tell you that I’m actually interested in what’s going on, and that is worth noting.
I’m not apathetic; I’m just not political. Politics have never interested me, and I don’t pretend to think otherwise. But “Occupy Wall Street” has been increasingly hard to ignore, especially since my office is in one of the buildings that looms over Dewey Square, where protesters have been camping out for the last few weeks (they’re protesting the Boston Federal Reserve building, not mine, I swear!) So I started reading the signs from the protesters and clicking on the articles about the movement, and I realized something: I’m one of the 99%!
This movement is for everyone who feels that they are underappreciated and overworked. For the single parent who works three jobs just to put food on the table for their kids. For the “traditional” family whose patriarch was laid-up in a work-related injury and can’t pay the medical bills and the mortgage. For the student who worked their ass off to get through college, only to find that the only places hiring offer minimum wage and no shot of making a dent in the mountain of student loan debt they have. Seriously, read this blog and tell me it doesn’t infuriate you.
As someone who served in AmeriCorps for two years, I know a thing or two about struggling to make ends meet. You don’t become a VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) because you want to make the big bucks (did you notice how the title even has the word “volunteer” in it? that should tell you a little bit about the salary). I’ve been on food stamps, applied for heating assistance, and most of my wardrobe is from thrift stores. I don’t live an ostentatious life by any means, and have no problem paying taxes, contributing to my health insurance, or any other of the number of things that come with being considered an “adult” in this country. What I do have a problem with is this “American Dream” that is deteriorating right before my eyes, and the eyes of everyone else in my generation. Of the countless poignant protesters’ signs that have sprung up in this movement, one that resonates with me the most is: “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
It’s no secret that this country needs some reform. Don’t think so? Watch any one of Michael Moore’s documentaries and get back to me. I love this country, and am proud to be an American, but we can’t ignore the fact that the past few years have been rough. Somewhere, somehow, we’ve veered off course. Corporations are more concerned with making a quick buck than with defending the rights of their customers. Politicians are more concerned about hiding their sex scandal than getting around to the issues they promised. Employers are more concerned with increasing their bottom line than maintaining morale or creating new jobs. These issues are what sparked the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, and judging from the past few weeks, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of things to protest.
I don’t pretend to know the solution to this mess. Instead of being one of the pioneers in this movement, I’m one of the ones who can only offer help by way of a smile or an encouraging word as I trudge by on my way to work (I have a job; I truly am one of the lucky ones). So I try to do what I can do: read up on it. As corny as it sounded when you were little, the old adage “knowledge is power” has proven true time after time as an adult, so I’m doing my part by being informed. When visitors come into the office and look out the window at the collage of tents below, I launch into my daily update of their progress. It’s comforting to know that Americans haven’t lost their backbone; that the protests of the 60’s and 70’s aren’t just memories of a time when we believed in something. I believe in this movement and these people. And having Suze Orman on my side doesn’t hurt, either.
Unless you live under a rock (or in a small, uber-conservative city where your news might be censored), by now you’ve heard of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Started back in September, when protesters began to literally occupy Wall Street by camping out on the street, the movement has spread to multiple cities across America. It’s garnered quite a following in Boston, and whether this is because Massachusetts is known for its’ liberal views, or from the masses of young college students eager to be a part of something bigger than they are, I couldn’t tell you. But I can tell you that I’m actually interested in what’s going on, and that is worth noting.
I’m not apathetic; I’m just not political. Politics have never interested me, and I don’t pretend to think otherwise. But “Occupy Wall Street” has been increasingly hard to ignore, especially since my office is in one of the buildings that looms over Dewey Square, where protesters have been camping out for the last few weeks (they’re protesting the Boston Federal Reserve building, not mine, I swear!) So I started reading the signs from the protesters and clicking on the articles about the movement, and I realized something: I’m one of the 99%!
This movement is for everyone who feels that they are underappreciated and overworked. For the single parent who works three jobs just to put food on the table for their kids. For the “traditional” family whose patriarch was laid-up in a work-related injury and can’t pay the medical bills and the mortgage. For the student who worked their ass off to get through college, only to find that the only places hiring offer minimum wage and no shot of making a dent in the mountain of student loan debt they have. Seriously, read this blog and tell me it doesn’t infuriate you.
As someone who served in AmeriCorps for two years, I know a thing or two about struggling to make ends meet. You don’t become a VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) because you want to make the big bucks (did you notice how the title even has the word “volunteer” in it? that should tell you a little bit about the salary). I’ve been on food stamps, applied for heating assistance, and most of my wardrobe is from thrift stores. I don’t live an ostentatious life by any means, and have no problem paying taxes, contributing to my health insurance, or any other of the number of things that come with being considered an “adult” in this country. What I do have a problem with is this “American Dream” that is deteriorating right before my eyes, and the eyes of everyone else in my generation. Of the countless poignant protesters’ signs that have sprung up in this movement, one that resonates with me the most is: “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
It’s no secret that this country needs some reform. Don’t think so? Watch any one of Michael Moore’s documentaries and get back to me. I love this country, and am proud to be an American, but we can’t ignore the fact that the past few years have been rough. Somewhere, somehow, we’ve veered off course. Corporations are more concerned with making a quick buck than with defending the rights of their customers. Politicians are more concerned about hiding their sex scandal than getting around to the issues they promised. Employers are more concerned with increasing their bottom line than maintaining morale or creating new jobs. These issues are what sparked the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, and judging from the past few weeks, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of things to protest.
I don’t pretend to know the solution to this mess. Instead of being one of the pioneers in this movement, I’m one of the ones who can only offer help by way of a smile or an encouraging word as I trudge by on my way to work (I have a job; I truly am one of the lucky ones). So I try to do what I can do: read up on it. As corny as it sounded when you were little, the old adage “knowledge is power” has proven true time after time as an adult, so I’m doing my part by being informed. When visitors come into the office and look out the window at the collage of tents below, I launch into my daily update of their progress. It’s comforting to know that Americans haven’t lost their backbone; that the protests of the 60’s and 70’s aren’t just memories of a time when we believed in something. I believe in this movement and these people. And having Suze Orman on my side doesn’t hurt, either.
Book Review: Go The Fuck To Sleep
by: Adam Mansbach
I don't have any kids but it has been impossible to ignore the buzz behind this book. Every parent is saying "It's so true!" "Hilariously honest!" "That's exactly how we feel!" etc., etc. So I figured I would take the time to read this. Besides, I enjoy cursing and rhyming so I thought there would still be something in it for me.
It took about 2 minutes. The book is 30 pages cover to cover and there's only 4 lines of text per every 2 pages. It is, in essence, a children's book with full page illustrations. I liked the concept but in practice it was kind of a letdown. The cursing felt forced and was clearly just a schtick. Still, it was funny how the parent/narrator got more and more desperate towards the end and began doubting his parenting abilities.
The real icing on the cake is Samuel L. Jackson narrating the audiobook version:
I don't have any kids but it has been impossible to ignore the buzz behind this book. Every parent is saying "It's so true!" "Hilariously honest!" "That's exactly how we feel!" etc., etc. So I figured I would take the time to read this. Besides, I enjoy cursing and rhyming so I thought there would still be something in it for me.
It took about 2 minutes. The book is 30 pages cover to cover and there's only 4 lines of text per every 2 pages. It is, in essence, a children's book with full page illustrations. I liked the concept but in practice it was kind of a letdown. The cursing felt forced and was clearly just a schtick. Still, it was funny how the parent/narrator got more and more desperate towards the end and began doubting his parenting abilities.
The real icing on the cake is Samuel L. Jackson narrating the audiobook version:
Monday, October 10, 2011
ESPN – The E is for Entertainment
Entertainment & Sports Programming Network. Sometimes I forget that fact because unlike MTV, which no longer plays music*, ESPN still shows sporting events. But they are also in the entertainment business. Perhaps that is why their ESPN ScoreCenter app sent me breaking alerts regarding the death of Steve Jobs and the killing of Osama bin Laden. Things I would never expect to be reported on by ESPN I am first hearing about via their app. I'm not complaining -- I think it's awesome, albeit weird. How do they decide which non-sports stories are momentous enough to be pinged?
ESPN is clearly trying to broaden their appeal by becoming a go-to resource for more than just sports, but they're not there yet.** For example, when I received those alerts and went to the app for more information there was nothing to be found. No story, no details, nothing. I had to Google it and check Twitter to find out what was going on. And that is where the problem lies. Yes, ESPN is breaking the news but there's no follow up on their end. I have to go to other resources to get any information about what happened. If they are serious about taking that next step into the mainstream consciousness for anything other than sports then they need to go in 100%. Otherwise, they will continue landing the first punch but getting pummeled for the rest of the round.
*That '70s Show? Really?
**This sentence includes there, their and they're. *Bows*
ESPN is clearly trying to broaden their appeal by becoming a go-to resource for more than just sports, but they're not there yet.** For example, when I received those alerts and went to the app for more information there was nothing to be found. No story, no details, nothing. I had to Google it and check Twitter to find out what was going on. And that is where the problem lies. Yes, ESPN is breaking the news but there's no follow up on their end. I have to go to other resources to get any information about what happened. If they are serious about taking that next step into the mainstream consciousness for anything other than sports then they need to go in 100%. Otherwise, they will continue landing the first punch but getting pummeled for the rest of the round.
*That '70s Show? Really?
**This sentence includes there, their and they're. *Bows*
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Perception: Person vs User
Hi, my name is Brent and I am a person.
Hi, my name is Yeewuz and I am a user.
Our generation has an interesting duplicity; we have ourselves and we have our online selves. Some people log in and become characters completely unlike themselves. Some people are just who they are in real life but under a pseudonym (user name).
I have been wondering how people would be able to find information about me. Of course, the first thing someone would do is to Google my name. What does that bring up? My Facebook page, LinkedIn & work-related items, and some other people with my name. Nothing too enlightening there since I don't use Facebook as my online HQ. Plus, with multiple people popping up, how can someone be sure which information is for the right Brent?
Now if you try this exercise but type in my user name instead, the floodgates open. There are way more hits that pop up in a variety of places and you can be assured that they are all mine. No multiple Yeewuz's out there. This search gives a much clearer picture of who I am and what my interests are.
Let's face it, family members or bosses or whomever else may be trying to track you down are going to search for your name. That's why I don't put anything on Facebook that isn't public knowledge. I am who I am (We R Who We R?) but it feels good having an outlet for my innermost thoughts and off the cuff remarks that I won't have to answer to in real life. It's nobody's business except who I want to share it with and only my good friends and complete internet strangers know the name Yeewuz. It's funny how much more comfortable that can make you feel.
Hi, my name is Yeewuz and I am a user.
Our generation has an interesting duplicity; we have ourselves and we have our online selves. Some people log in and become characters completely unlike themselves. Some people are just who they are in real life but under a pseudonym (user name).
I have been wondering how people would be able to find information about me. Of course, the first thing someone would do is to Google my name. What does that bring up? My Facebook page, LinkedIn & work-related items, and some other people with my name. Nothing too enlightening there since I don't use Facebook as my online HQ. Plus, with multiple people popping up, how can someone be sure which information is for the right Brent?
Now if you try this exercise but type in my user name instead, the floodgates open. There are way more hits that pop up in a variety of places and you can be assured that they are all mine. No multiple Yeewuz's out there. This search gives a much clearer picture of who I am and what my interests are.
Let's face it, family members or bosses or whomever else may be trying to track you down are going to search for your name. That's why I don't put anything on Facebook that isn't public knowledge. I am who I am (We R Who We R?) but it feels good having an outlet for my innermost thoughts and off the cuff remarks that I won't have to answer to in real life. It's nobody's business except who I want to share it with and only my good friends and complete internet strangers know the name Yeewuz. It's funny how much more comfortable that can make you feel.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
iPhone 5! Wait, no…
Get ready for Apple’s newest release the "S"! That’s right, much like the old iPhone 3G, the iPhone 4 was found worthy of an "S" update. WOW!!!!
Speed? Sass? Not quite. The "S" stands for Siri. Much like those hands free sync systems they have in cars now ("Call Home", "Play Radiohead", etc.) Apple managed to shrink the technology to fit inside an iPhone. But not an iPhone 5.
I’m kidding of course. Yes, everyone is disappointed that Apple didn’t release a new phone but there’s no way Steve Jobs would have left his post before a huge announcement like that. Anyway, Siri appears to be quite a tool. Through voice commands you can have her read your messages, check the weather, do online searches, add calendar appointments, set reminders, and more.
My big question is unless you’re driving, when would it be useful? The iPhone is already so simplistic that this just seems unnecessary in most situations. Am I missing something or is that exactly why Apple stock dropped 0.6% after the announcement? Let me know in the comments.
Speed? Sass? Not quite. The "S" stands for Siri. Much like those hands free sync systems they have in cars now ("Call Home", "Play Radiohead", etc.) Apple managed to shrink the technology to fit inside an iPhone. But not an iPhone 5.
I’m kidding of course. Yes, everyone is disappointed that Apple didn’t release a new phone but there’s no way Steve Jobs would have left his post before a huge announcement like that. Anyway, Siri appears to be quite a tool. Through voice commands you can have her read your messages, check the weather, do online searches, add calendar appointments, set reminders, and more.
My big question is unless you’re driving, when would it be useful? The iPhone is already so simplistic that this just seems unnecessary in most situations. Am I missing something or is that exactly why Apple stock dropped 0.6% after the announcement? Let me know in the comments.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
25th Birthday Bash
On Saturday we had an early birthday celebration for my girlfriend, Brigid. All her sisters came into town and a couple old friends from New York. We got a room at the Hotel Buckminster not far from Fenway (Talk about a depressing place to be right now). There was a plaque in the lobby signifying that a meeting took place in 1919 between a Chicago White Sox player and a businessman about throwing the World Series. Yes, apparently the Black Sox scandal has roots in Boston.
We brought a bunch of beers, sparkling vodka and some hard liquor. Things got a little loud, a little crazy and Brigid’s voice went up about 2 octaves. The plan was for us to start the party at 9pm at The Pour House and have everyone else meet us there. We got to the hotel at 6, thinking we’d have plenty of time to get ready, pre-game and go. Well, that didn’t end up happening. What did happen was we left at 11 and we went to Bleacher Bar. There were quite a few texts going back and forth to rearrange everything. Needless to say, we had so much fun in the hotel that some people were in favor of inviting everyone else to join us there. Instead, we went out but decided to stay close by.
It was raining lightly and there was some conversation about taking umbrellas from the front desk. We ended up taking one (for 8 people) and then kept trying to avoid having to hold it. We made it to Bleacher Bar and joined 4 friends who had already arrived. We quickly ordered a round of shots for everyone so they could catch up to us. We pretty much got to own the place because no self-respecting Sox fan would be in there right now. But it was a lot of fun and we got to take a few pictures.
Fast forward an hour and Brigid had the urge to go dancing. We ended up down the street at Landsdowne Pub, but not before a stop at the sausage cart for some food. In the bar there was a rock band playing songs from the 80s and 90s. They were actually pretty talented. We headed out back to the DJ pit for a little while and really got our dance on. By the end of the night we had lost 3 people and saw a fourth make a bad decision if you catch my drift.
After they turned the lights on at 2am we made our way back to the hotel, stopping at a 7/11 on the way. We picked up the weirdest array of food: Cheetos, Diet Pepsi, water, a burrito, a DiGiorno pizza and microwave popcorn. I don’t even remember what else. Maybe a chocolate bar. We spent the next hour playing Empire and laughing hysterically before passing out at 3.
I’ll see if I can find any pics to post later.
We brought a bunch of beers, sparkling vodka and some hard liquor. Things got a little loud, a little crazy and Brigid’s voice went up about 2 octaves. The plan was for us to start the party at 9pm at The Pour House and have everyone else meet us there. We got to the hotel at 6, thinking we’d have plenty of time to get ready, pre-game and go. Well, that didn’t end up happening. What did happen was we left at 11 and we went to Bleacher Bar. There were quite a few texts going back and forth to rearrange everything. Needless to say, we had so much fun in the hotel that some people were in favor of inviting everyone else to join us there. Instead, we went out but decided to stay close by.
It was raining lightly and there was some conversation about taking umbrellas from the front desk. We ended up taking one (for 8 people) and then kept trying to avoid having to hold it. We made it to Bleacher Bar and joined 4 friends who had already arrived. We quickly ordered a round of shots for everyone so they could catch up to us. We pretty much got to own the place because no self-respecting Sox fan would be in there right now. But it was a lot of fun and we got to take a few pictures.
Fast forward an hour and Brigid had the urge to go dancing. We ended up down the street at Landsdowne Pub, but not before a stop at the sausage cart for some food. In the bar there was a rock band playing songs from the 80s and 90s. They were actually pretty talented. We headed out back to the DJ pit for a little while and really got our dance on. By the end of the night we had lost 3 people and saw a fourth make a bad decision if you catch my drift.
After they turned the lights on at 2am we made our way back to the hotel, stopping at a 7/11 on the way. We picked up the weirdest array of food: Cheetos, Diet Pepsi, water, a burrito, a DiGiorno pizza and microwave popcorn. I don’t even remember what else. Maybe a chocolate bar. We spent the next hour playing Empire and laughing hysterically before passing out at 3.
I’ll see if I can find any pics to post later.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Book Review: Bossypants
by: Tina Fey
Just reading the book jacket I knew picking this up was a great choice:
"I hope that's not really the cover. That's really going to hurt sales."
-Don Fey, Father of Tina Fey
"Absolutely delicious!"
-A Guy Who Eats Books
"Totally worth it."
-Trees
"Do not print this glowing recommendation of Tina Fey's book until I've been dead a hundred years."
-Mark Twain
Bossypants is a hilarious look back at the life of comedienne Tina Fey through her own words. We get all her thoughts and reflections along the way, which with the help of time, can now find the humor in so many things.
As head writer of Saturday Night Live, Fey was able to craft the art of the ridiculous and this book is a testament to that. It doesn’t feel forced; the laughs are real and you can sense that she is laughing -- at herself -- right there with you.
This book is a genuinely good time although it definitely skews to the female perspective. It is still enjoyable for the male population (as I can attest) but during certain anecdotes there is a sense of detachment.
Just reading the book jacket I knew picking this up was a great choice:
"I hope that's not really the cover. That's really going to hurt sales."
-Don Fey, Father of Tina Fey
"Absolutely delicious!"
-A Guy Who Eats Books
"Totally worth it."
-Trees
"Do not print this glowing recommendation of Tina Fey's book until I've been dead a hundred years."
-Mark Twain
Bossypants is a hilarious look back at the life of comedienne Tina Fey through her own words. We get all her thoughts and reflections along the way, which with the help of time, can now find the humor in so many things.
As head writer of Saturday Night Live, Fey was able to craft the art of the ridiculous and this book is a testament to that. It doesn’t feel forced; the laughs are real and you can sense that she is laughing -- at herself -- right there with you.
This book is a genuinely good time although it definitely skews to the female perspective. It is still enjoyable for the male population (as I can attest) but during certain anecdotes there is a sense of detachment.
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