Wmcmanus

Happy birthday, Dan!

I thought this was a nice piece by NPR. http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2014/02/21/280715487/the-good-listener-for-bands-and-fans-the-no-fault-divorce?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook The Neil Young example is actually a good one, but he still produces some good work every now and then, it's just not anything that even resembles his top form work. Johnny Cash and Dylan are exceptions in the sense that they both did (and Dylan still does) some of their best work in the later stages of their careers. But as far as adding purchased music to my collection, I'm just happy that there are so many ways to preview an album these days. Even if all I can do is listen to the 30 second sound bites for each track at Amazon, it gives me a pretty good idea of whether to give an album further consideration, and this is especially true of the MANY old timers that I once loved who are still putting out albums... just because... they have nothing better to do! Guys like Neil Young, Van Morrison (who actually titled a recent album "Born to Sing: No Plan B" and he really should develop one), Paul McCartney (sacrelige to say so or not, most of his past 20 years of production is sheit), John Fogerty, and dare I say Elvis Costello? The list goes on and on. But of course, that said, I just bought a new Boz Skaggs album called "Memphis" even though he hasn't been relevant since the 70s (to the extent he was relevant then). There is a desire, though, to want to keep loving bands and solo artists that you once were really into, and most of them don't ever completely lose it, so there is almost always at least a couple of tracks that will draw you in. Still, there is so much else out there...

Interesting and commendable, assuming it's non toxic and so forth. Also, I'm happy to report that Rudolph was exempted based on his preexisting condition. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/20/280220511/these-reindeer-really-do-glow-and-its-for-their-own-good?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

Don't try this at home. Obviously, they are professionals. Their fingers wouldn't last long otherwise. ...and now for some "things men do" photos.

That's what got me to thinking about it again. The reviews left by people suggest that it's a good deal if you're 5'5" or shorter, and that has always been my biggest pet peeve about most hammocks I've lounged on at random over the years. That and the big butt, big belly suck down in the middle effect, which is why the chase lounge looking thing is interesting, if it were not so expensive.

Classic! I remember watching this when it first aired like it was yesterday. My dad fell off the couch laughing and nearly peed himself. You had to know Jim's character to truly appreciate it (a reformed drug addict with a fried brain who didn't remember much about his past). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvn-tBeLpCk&feature=share

I've been thinking about getting one for my back porch, which would probably stay there all year long. Would be anchored in to cement columns so no need for something with a built in stand. The porch isn't screened in, so it would attract bugs and dust, and would probably collect water as well. Thus I'm leaning towards simple rope hammock. No particular price point, just wondered if anyone has a hammock that they like to lounge in and would recommend. Some rather interesting products out there, ranging all over the place in terms of price: http://gearpatrol.com/2013/07/19/big-swingers-five-best-hammocks-2/ http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/outdoor-living/great-hammocks-00000000018041/ I do like that chase lounge hammock (Outback Urban Balance Wave), but not sure I want to spend $540 so I guess I do have a budget, like something much less than that, maybe $200 or so. Was going to call this Hammock-Fi but then said fuck it, too many Fi threads, that shit is getting lame.

Amazon deal of the day, about $50 off the normal price. http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=pe_36900_112766240_dotd_h_t I'll have to look around the place, but I suspect that I have about half of them on BluRay already (mostly the oldies).)

Happy birthday, red. I lift my Diet Mountain Dew in toast to you.

Fun way to abuse newbies here who don't read their welcome (but not really all that welcome just quite yet) message:

Happy birthday, Steve! Hope you're settling in well and finding your groove again.

Beck's new album Morning Phase, supposedly a sequel to Sea Changes... and I can hear it in the very first notes. Thanks for the full album preview, NPR. http://www.npr.org/2014/02/16/274773496/first-listen-beck-morning-phase?utm_source=music&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20140217

Seems like good advice to me.

A gang of people I know and respect beat me over the head with the merits of Headcase one night in Los Angeles. Soon afterwards I discovered that what they were saying was true.

Happy birthday, Stephen!

My thinking exactly.

Dyson DC41 for $339 Amazon deal of the day. About $100 off of the normal price. Have a similar model, and enjoy it. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B61PUT8/ref=gbsl_tit_c-2_9702_76ef6011?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=05ZNS4X5ZWPVE68AQ368&pf_rd_i=21&pf_rd_p=1696409702

You know it's bad when they call off a Duke vs. North Carolina basketball game. That's what people in that neck of the woods LIVE for.

Potent little bugger. Sort of $55-ish. Debating whether to replace it when I work my way to the bottom, but there are so many more to try.

I just saw that too. RIP. http://www.thewrap.com/sid-caesar-pioneer-american-comedy-dead-91/ Perhaps this skit was a precursor to Hogan's Heros?

I think, like anyone, you'll be Ok so long as you don't get your panties all caught up in a bunch when we're somewhat less than kind at times. It's not really meant in a bad way, probably more of a hazing ritual that anything else (or just something to entertain ourselves). But there is also a certain gatekeeper function that is important to maintain such that this place doesn't become just as overrun and completely fucked up as the other place with all sorts of posing and inane chit chat from people who really don't have a clue. We prefer, instead, to provide our own brand of inane chit chat and headphones don't always have a lot to do with it. That was merely the common ground that allowed many of us to get to know each other initially. It's more of a social thing here, like the neighborhood bar that Dan describes in his "welcome, but please shut the fuck up for a while" thread. There's no magic recipe to it, people just blend in over time as they get a sense of the ebb and flow. Pretty simple. Don't be a douche and you're cool. Some of these smart fuckers might even give you a hug one day, if you're into that kind of thing.

Well played, sir.

Happy birthday, Jeff!