My Eyes Fastened To The Ground

A little surprised to see KCobain at the peak of the list for Forbes Magazine’s Top Earning Dead Celebrities.    He hasn’t been on the list in five years but knocked off Elvis from the top spot with earnings of 50M last year.  All of it from CLove selling 25% ownership of his music to a marketing company.   The first time his music will be used commercially will be on an upcoming episode of CSI.    

I’ve been purging my collection on (and off) ebay to pay for the porch and other debt.  Lots of singles, LP’s and (surprisingly) some JMangum sketches have brought in real good change.   Now, if I could only get rid of my tinyshowcase crap.  

Another stunning turn of events in the nasty Casino debate.   RI’s only newspaper, the ProJo, has shifted it’s editorial stance ( after 12 years of being anti-casino) and now has switched sides and promoting the mystery benefits two weeks before the election.    No explanation for the change.   But it has been learned the private company that offered to buy Harrah’s has an office across the street from Belo headquarters in Texas.    

How much do you think it took for the newspaper to sell out?  

There was a great Letter To The Editor in the local paper in response to an opinion article by ACote, the local sports beat guy, about his recent trip west.   Mr. KSmith, of Kansas City, hits full stride about halfway thru and brings it home with a resounding cheer.   Don’t just read it, speak it out loud to a friend, it’s even funnier that way.  I could not contain myself from a few good belly laughs.    

I know ACote from softball and he’s a good guy but I will never read any of his opinion pieces.   [If you want to see the article in question, go to www.eastbayri.com search the archives for the Oct. 5th opinion.]   Any writer who has to wear his Skankee hat for his photo (or RSox for that matter) is immediately discredited.   I never get any further.    But the responses are what keep me rolling.    Last year people wrote complaining about his defending of Hooters as a great place for a snack after a Little League game.  Those letters and speak out opinions were good, but the one above is the best yet.  

Insound is offering a limited pre-sale package for Pavement’s Wowee Zowee re-issue on cd.   For $17 (including shipping) you get the 2x cd set, get to download a rare live show, a very limited 7” single and ridiculously cool poster.   Don’t wait on this deal.  

I caught Jim Miller with Chris Mathews the other night and have to say his blog is a very interesting read every day.   Recommended.  

Jack White’s new band, The Raconteurs, are offering live cd’s limited to 1K copies.  

Nice to see some Americans showing a little spirit and see thru the “gift” that the Venezuela dictator is offering.    Too bad the stupid Kennedy's can see anything thru their alcoholic / drug addicted, socialist glasses.    If it means so much, and because they will "never work a day in their life", they should pony up themselves.   Otherwise, stuff it.  

Rhode Island is unique and it will be interesting to see how pathetic we really are this November.   There is a good fight being fought to not give away a Casino license (Question 1) worth more than 500M to the local Indians (who have been bamboozled by Harrah’s) and reduce the tax rate on gambling from 60% to less then 25%.  

The brilliantly corrupt General Assembly is also offering to allow convicted Felon’s to vote (Question 2) and free housing for people who don’t want to work (Question 9).    Informed voters will reject them all.  

Where is the question about Voter ID?  

If there is anything better than reading about the Skankee demise, I’ve yet to see it.    And they will have the same team next year as everyone is under contract (with options on Mussina and Sheffield).    The curse of Pay-Rod lives.   This decade is almost as fun as the ‘80’s when they sucked, except now the bandwagon fans who re-emerged in ’94 get the taste of defeat.  

I made some great headway on the porch this weekend.    All of the interior finishes are now up and primed while the exterior has one coat of solid stain.    Finally had a chance to clean the red trex with compass and clean up the space.  Thank you again to MSwift and JFortin for helping and inspiring me.  

New 7” single from Detroit’s The Go available from Cass Records.

Yes, again it’s been non-stop around here.   This is the best time of year with cold nights and warm, shorter days.   Also trying to resurrect Rock ‘n Bowl next month.  Let’s try to recap the last couple of weeks.  

First our over-30 softball team swept thru the Barrington League playoffs to secure our fourth title in five years.   Despite struggling early in the tourney, I put together a good night to cap off the year.   My friend, MSwift had a great year and here is his sweet swing and he was the turnstile of our three double plays in five innings.  

Then Swifty encouraged me to hang the ceiling on the porch and we were able to get it done in a few hours.   That act inspired me to finish the porch and it’s real close to being ready for paint.   Also JFortin, yea the guy who made the last out in Bristol, came by and hooked me up big time with a new electrical box and completed the porch work.   Thanks Joe, you rule.!!!

Are you ready for 48 year-old Julio Franco in the MLB playoffs?   This guy is in incredible shape and was born in 1958!!!   Freak of nature.    DJeter and RCano became the first double-play combination EVER to both hit over .340 in the same season.   Doesn’t matter, Skankees still suck.  

My favorite band, Of Montreal has a second song featured on a new NASDAQ commercial.   The new album is incredible and of the six songs I have found, none suck.