John A. Seafisk Knows Nothing!

Posted 12:20 PM by John A. Seafisk

Karaokemon

To follow up my previous blog entry, here's a few more karaoke performances I can remember offhand:

-"Revolution", by the Beatles
This is my karaoke standard, as I have sung this melody the greatest number of times. 3, I think. I enjoy it because of the loud, voracious scream at the beginning of the song...which never fails to wake up the audience, or frighten, for that matter.

-"Bungle In the Jungle", by Jethro Tull
This was my first-ever song at a karaoke bar. Needless to say, it was terrible. Not the song itself, but my performance of it. I was off-key by about 80 or so keys. All in all, it was an unenjoyable evening. The same 5-6 people got to keep going up, while I had to wait a full hour after signing up. All because the hosts wanted tips. Tips for what? For keeping the microphones warm? For letting me sit & grow even more nervous? And the wait staff never came by to get us drinks. It certainly was a bungle of a night out.

-"Do Ya Think I'm Sexy", by Rod Stewart
This has to be my favorite performance up to date. It was at an establishment which was made up entirely of karaoke rooms. About 20 or so of us squeezed into a room designed for about 10 people. And to add to an already pressure-packed situation, each karaoke machine would grade your performance after the song is over. The grading was on a scale from 0-99...99 being the best score, obivously.

Well, soon it was my turn to belt out some melodies. I selected Rod Stewart's amorous ode, "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?". And if that wasn't enough to drive the ladies crazy, I sung it in a Scottish accent....rolling the r's, 'doon' instead of 'done', the whole bit. After I was done, we watched the machine spins it's numbers for my score......

99! Slighly after my performance, someone told me that was the funniest thing she'd ever seen. I'm sure Rod would have been proud.

Posted 10:53 PM by John A. Seafisk

Karaoke-dokey

A fun activity to do with friends & easily embarrass yourself is to sing karaoke. "Karaoke" is Japanese for "empty orchestra". I'm sure you all know the dril....you grab a microphone & sing along to the melody to a popular song, aided by a video screen presenting the lyrics (although there can be some amusing typos). You warble off-key, and your friends & other audience members laugh at your expense but give you a nice round of applause at the end of your performance. Some may think that the applause is in relief that you're finally finished...but I rather not think so low about my entertainment abilities.

I went with a few friends last weekend at a karaoke bar. Well, technically, it was a karaoke machine set up in the bar section of a franchised mexican restaurant. The crowd was small, which is good if you feel nervous about singing in front of your friends, let alone complete strangers. Here is what I offered to the semi-drunk, sem-appreciative audience:

"Paranoid:, by Black Sabbath
"I'm So Excited", by The Pointer Sisters (by request)
"Baby Got Back", by Sir Mix-A-Lot (duet)
"Incense & Peppermints", by Strawberry Alarm Clock

By far, the best was 'Baby Got Back'. I had the rhythm down well, and even did some record-scratching moves. Later on, as I was walking to the restroom, a small crowd at a table asked if I could go up & do it again. They wanted an encore! How cool is that!

Posted 7:14 PM by John A. Seafisk

You Smell Gas, Or Is It Me?

While my car was being poked & prodded during a scheduled oil change, I decided to frequent a nearby Taco Bell establishment for lunch. When I placed my Grilled Stuft Chicken Fajita Combo order and sat down, I thought I smelt something. Something like gas.

But it wasn't the gas usually associated with Taco Bell consumption...it was a gasoline smell. Plenty of thoughts were transporting through my head:

-Was the smell coming from me?
-Was I the only one who noticed the odor?
-Was it from someone else on a lunch break from the local Chevron?
-Did a disgruntled ex-Taco Bell employee recently purposely spill some flammable liquid all over the place so he/she could set us all on fire in some bizarre act of revenge?
-Is gasoline the secret ingredient in their chipolte sauce?
-Those 3 girls sitting over there are kind of cute....hope they're not just high school age.
-I'm out of Dr. Pepper.

But, my olfactory alarm sensations were no match for my hunger pangs, so when my meal was ready, it was a Homer Simpson-eque "Can't think about gas danger...eating" situation. As someone who is not a big fan of red & green peepers, thus not a big fan of normal fajita plates, I did enjoy my grilled stuft burrito. (Yes, 'stuft', not 'stuffed'.)

After my quick gorging, and one more Dr. Pepper for the road, I left...not noticing any more gasoline odors. Did I just imagine it? Was it some kind of psychic link from my car, giving me a reminder of what it was going through while I was enjoying Mexican food? Was it from the leaking cigarette lighter of one of the cute 3 girls who neither one of them looked like they smoke, but maybe they all had a secret 2-pack-a-day habit? Was I going mad?

I soon returned to my vehicle & we hit the road. Turned up the Frank Zappa on my CD player as we merge onto the interstate. Maybe the whole gasoline incident was really nothing. Just to be sure, I listened intenty to Frank.....and heard no gasoline songs.

Posted 11:40 AM by John A. Seafisk

Notable Quotables

"Accountability is Un-American!"
-Opus, Bloom County

"I'm losing my mind, and nobody cares!!"
-Sally, Peanuts

Woman in graveyard: "Do you dig graves?"
Neil: "Yeah...yeah, they're all right, yeah."
-from The Young Ones

"I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane, with all the other rich people...and I want him brought right here with a big ribbon on his head. And, I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no good, rotten, floor-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey sh** he is! Hallelujah! Holy Sh**! Where's the Tylenol?"
-Clark W. Griswold, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

"You're all a bunch of f---ing idiots!"
-Jim Morrison, to the audience during a Doors concert in Miami

Posted 3:43 PM by John A. Seafisk

Red, White & Blue Jeans

There is this TV ad for Wrangler Jeans that has me perplexed. It's a partiotic-themed spot showing the American flag, loading heavy stuff onto pick-ups, shoveling dirt, walking....all sorts of rugged stuff.

During these scenes, a '70s rock song with guitars wailing plays throughout. The only lyric you hear is "Some folks were born made to wave the flag...ooh, they're red, white & blue." This All-American song, of course, is "Fortunate Son", by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

So, what's so perplexing? Well, this song isn't necessarily "good ol' US of A" propaganda...it's actually a protest song. "Fortunate Son" is railing against those hypocritical 'patriots' who, when things get bad, shift the responsibility to those not as rich or powerful or lucky, i.e. fortunate. Here's the whole song, to show you what I'm talking about:

Fortunate Son
Some folks are born made to wave the flag,
Ooh, they're red, white and blue.
And when the band plays "Hail to the chief",
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no,

Yeah!
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh.
But when the taxman comes to the door,
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes,

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no.
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no.

Some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer More! more! more! yoh,

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no no no,
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no no no,

--

Yes, it ain't me. I ain't no Wrangler-wearing son.

Posted 12:22 PM by John A. Seafisk

Favorites

Ben & Jerry flavor: Phish Food
English Premier League football (soccer) team: Sheffield Wednesday
Monty Python member: Terry Jones
'Young Ones' character: Neil
Hockey jersey I own (NHL): Minnesota Wild
Hockey jersey I own (minors): Grand Rapids Griffins
Hockey jersey I'd like to own (NHL): Ottawa Senators
Hockey jersey I'd like to own (minors): Manitoba Moose
Soft drink beverage: A&W Cream Soda
Soft drink beverage (limited distribution): Faygo Orange
Alcoholic beverage (beer): Corona (w/lime)
Alcoholic beverage (mixed): Brandy Alexander
Satirical news site: The Onion

(Subject to change without notice)

Posted 5:09 PM by John A. Seafisk

What To Do?

I don't feel safe in the world. Let's bomb Iraq.

More layoffs to come in all sorts of companies as the CEOs fatten their coffers while the rest of ours shrink. Let's bomb Iraq.

There is a small reform movement in Iran that is being crushed by the hard-line, ultra-conservative Islamic rulers. Let's bomb Iraq.

Tornadoes in Ohio have killed people & caused a lot of damage. Let's bomb Iraq.

'The Santa Clause 2' is currently playing. Let's bomb Iraq.

My fantasy football team is losing. Let's bomb Iraq.

I have a headache. Let's bomb Iraq.

Posted 11:06 AM by John A. Seafisk

I voted.

Did you?

Well, once the country goes completely to hell in a handbasket, don't blame me.

And I got free cookies, too.

Posted 5:41 PM by John A. Seafisk

Late Night Plagiarism

From the home office in Pascagoula, Mississippi:

TOP TEN REASONS WHY MY BLOGGING HASN'T BEEN UPDATED

10. Caught up in Rally Monkey Fever.

9. Boss won't let me.

8. I have nothing to say at the moment.

7. Free Cinemax for a year.

6. Busy surfing the Internet, coming across such sites as David Letterman's Top Ten Archives.

5. Trying to win fantasy football league.

4. I still have nothing to say at the moment.

3. Environmentalists are getting on my case about upsetting the spotted owl habitat. (Oh, I'm sorry....that's a reason why my LOGGING hasn't been updated.)

2. She won't let me get past first base. (Oh, I'm sorry....that's a reason my SNOGGING hasn't been updated.)

1. Stephanie Losi's blog hasn't been updated, either, so, get off my back!

Posted 5:34 PM by John A. Seafisk

Ok, I admit it....I don't have any regularly-scheduled blogging.

It's not always easy to think of stuff to write down.

Posted 10:21 AM by John A. Seafisk

I interrupt my regularly scheduled blogging with this breaking news.

Posted 1:54 PM by John A. Seafisk

I actually woke up early on a Saturday...10:30 a.m. Anytime I awake before noon on a weekend, it's early for me. So I flipped on the TV to ESPN2, which was broadcasting a collegiate football contest between my alma mater, Northwestern, and fellow Big Ten foe Penn State. As the set glowed brighter, I could see a Penn State running back galloping into the end zone. With about 2 minutes left in the 1st half -- Penn State 35, Northwestern 0. I repeat, in the FIRST HALF!

I decided to flip around to the gaggle of other collegiate games on my cable system. I was treated to Washington-USC, Alabama-Mississippi, Notre Dame-Air Force, Auburn-Florida, Applachian State-Georgia Southern...and many more. By the time I saw the finishing touches on Hawaii's 37-10 victory over Tulsa, I realized I spent all day inside, watching football.

What a great weekend!

Posted 11:01 AM by John A. Seafisk

Over the weekend, I had one of those epic dreams where one event leads to another...and so on and so on, not unlike a NBC miniseries....if NBC still does miniseries.

Anyway, it was the result of an evening of beer consumption among peers, which I counteracted with a late-night meal courtesy of Taco Bell. I find that the greasiness of a Big Beef Burrtio Supreme and Chicken Quesadilla offsets the alcohol accumulated in my stomach. It doesn't cure my drunkeness, but I don't wake up the next morning with a headache....just a stomachache which is quickly taken care of.

So, I dreamt I was in Las Vegas. Not at a casino, mind you, but in a retirement community. For some reason, I was living in an apartment at this senior citizens complex...yet I was in my current age (mid-to-late 20s). And the apartment I had was much bigger & nicer than my current non-dream accommodations.

The owner of the complex discovered this, and she told me she was under the impression that I was just visiting, not living there. So she tells me I must vacate immediately....else I'll be in big trouble. So I start carrying out boxes....in the middle of the night...and driving to Los Angeles, taking only one box at a time. I wake up, and tell a friend about the weird dream I just had, and the friend just laughs.

But here's the weird part: When I talk to the friend, I'M STILL DREAMING! I dreamt that I told someone about a weird dream I had, when in fact the weird dream I just had was just an eariler part of the same dream I was currently dreaming. Wow, talk about a multi-layered subconscious. Guess it just shows what a complex individual I am.

Unfortunately, I forget the naughtier parts of the dream, if there were any. Would have made for a more interesting entry.

Posted 4:12 PM by John A. Seafisk

The order in which I am rooting for the MLB playoff teams to win the World Series:

1. Minnesota Twins
2. Anaheim Angels
3. Oakland Athletics
4. St. Louis Cardinals
5&6. Arizona Diamondbacks/San Francisco Giants (tie)
7. Atlanta Braves
8. New York Yankees

Posted 4:42 PM by John A. Seafisk

I was out for an evening constitutional a few nights ago...which makes sense, since I wouldn't be out for an evening constitutional in the middle of the day. Anyway, as I was walking through the neighborhood past houses & yards, I saw a dog crossing the street. He (or she) walked into the yard where I was walking past. I looked at him (I could tell now) and he looked back.

When I looked at him, I realized it wasn't a dog....It was a coyote. He was gray, not brown, and he wasn't chasing any roadrunners or ordering any supplies from Acme. He sniffed the ground for a bit and looked up at me again. I kept walking, but looking back at him. There was no sense of fear on my part, just curiosity. And I could see no threatening behavior from him. He just glanced at me...and I at him....giving each other a sense of acknowledgement. He soon went journeying into the other yards, and I kept on my route.

It was strange to see a coyote, but I had an idea why he was around. There have been scores of brush fires in the surrounding hills and mountains of Los Angeles. The night before my coyote encounter, I could see the Verdugo Mountains that rise in the near distance glowing in the dark. Earlier, the day had an orange tint about it....from the massive smoke cloud rising in the sky. The fires must have driven the wildlife away from their habitat into the jungles of civilization.

On my way home from my walk, I kept looking around to see if I would meet the coyote again. But I did not. The next evening, I again took an evening stroll, wondering if the coyote would return. As I turned a corner, I approached another yard. There were no coyotes.

But there were deer. 3 females and a male...the male with massive antlers. They were just standing in someone's yard. It was midnight, and I was the only person around...like I was when I saw the coyote the night before. They looked at me, and I looked back...wondering if the male felt threatened enough to charge me and skewer me onto his huge antlers. I could hear hooves clop-clopping on the street pavement as a 4th female was walking toward the yard. I glanced back, but kept walking. As I reached the end of the street, I could still make out the silhouettes of the deer in the yard...just standing there.

I suppose I could have told people the next day. But that would have resulted in coyote & deer searches...police & animal control folks cruising the streets, looking for fugitive fauna. Uppity residents threatening to take the matter into their own hands.

OK, maybe not. But it's best not to let that possibility happen. Overall, it was just neat to see some nature that wasn't caged up or lying dead on the roadside.

Posted 12:17 PM by John A. Seafisk

Maybe I'm not bored...just tired.

Or tired of being bored.

Or bored of being tired.

Or, I just drove in from Boston, and boy, are Goodyear Tires! (joke attributed to Jeremy Morse).

Posted 10:58 PM by John A. Seafisk

I'm bored.

Guess it's my own fault for not leading an interesting life.

Or it's your fault for not entertaining me enough.

Posted 10:57 AM by John A. Seafisk

Potato chips for breakfast is not always a good idea.

Posted 3:27 PM by John A. Seafisk

Ballparks I've Visited

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL - Chicago Cubs
Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL - Chicago White Sox
Milwaukee County Stadium, Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Brewers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Dodgers
Edison International Field, Anaheim, CA - Anaheim Angels
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA - San Diego Padres
Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium, Geneva, IL - Kane County Cougars
Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, South Bend, IN - South Bend Silver Hawks
Fox Cities Stadium, Appleton, WI - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Pohlman Field, Beloit, WI - Beloit Snappers
Lancaster Municipal Stadium a.k.a. "The Hangar", Lancaster, CA - Lancaster JetHawks
Rancho Cucamonga Stadium a.k.a. "The Epicenter", Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
San Bernardino Stadium, San Bernardino, CA - San Bernardino Stampede
Lake Elsinore Diamond, Lake Elsinore, CA - Lake Elsinore Storm
Mavericks Stadium, Adelanto, CA - High Desert Mavericks
Blair Field, Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Breakers
Rocky Miller Park, Evanston, IL - Northwestern University Wildcats

If I had a digital camera, and I brought it with me, I could have shown you some photos. Oh, well.

Posted 11:32 AM by John A. Seafisk

Can't think of anything to say at the moment. Sorry.

Posted 4:50 PM by John A. Seafisk

I think I had a dream once very similar to what's envisioned in this photo.

Posted 1:04 PM by John A. Seafisk

Diet Vanilla Coke?

I just heard that the Coca-Cola corporation will soon be coming out with a diet version of their recent introduction - Vanilla Coke. I don't know when, since I didn't bother to read the whole article.

I am not a big Coke fan. Part of it my have been spending four years on a Pepsi-dominated collegiate campus. The other part is that the taste is too strong & sweet...the carbonation too destructive to my insides. However, I do enjoy a good Cherry Coke now and then....the extra flavorings have a calming effect on my palate.

I do remember going on a mad hunt for Vanilla Coke when it first came out. I consider myself a soda pop semi-connoisseur, who is always up for trying new sweetened carbonated beverages...the types of unfamilair beverages you can find in places like this. I spent days, frisking every local supermarket, every other mid-range market, even checking friends' fridges for it. Finally, I saw it in a cooler near one of the numerous checkout stands in my local drug store. I gave my $1.39 plus tax (yeah, a bit pricey, but hey, who knows when I'd find it again) and stepped out of the store, taking my first swig.

It was ok. Could use a little more vanilla.

So now the time has come for a diet version. I wonder if the they'll be enough vanilla in the aftertaste? But I'm too scared to find out. I'm all for trying new things....but DIET cola?

I wonder when they'll come out with Diet Jolt.

Posted 4:46 PM by John A. Seafisk

I Won't Back Down

One song I've been listening to an awful lot lately is Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down". To clarify, this is not a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers song, as it is from the Heartbreakers-less Petty album "Full Moon Fever", even though Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell appears on it. The song & the album is produced by Jeff Lynne, former leader of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), and George Harrison appears on "I Won't Back Down", as well. This is a pre-cursor to the Traveling Wilburys period, the supergroup made up of Petty, Lynne, Harrison, Bob Dylan & Roy Orbison.

"Full Moon Fever" definitely has a Wilbury sound, thanks to Lynne, who also produced Harrison's "Cloud Nine". In return, both Petty & Harrison made appearance on Lynne's solo album "Armchair Theatre", a very-underrated effort. All of this came about in the late '80s-early '90s.

Why am I listening to a song that's at least 10 years old? It's called rediscovery of music. We all get in certain musical moods...one week, I feel like Pink Floyd; the next, I need some Beck; the following, it's the Beastie Boys. I'm currently helping a friend get further into the Beatles, especially after a recent performance by The Fab Four, a very good Beatles cover band. Of course, I'm only into the later Beatles, from "Revolver" onwards, right about when they started doing more drugs. I in no way advocate drug use, but "Sgt. Pepper" and The White Album are definitely more musically interesting than "Twist & Shout". And I really don't think it was all because of amphetamines, barbituates & hallucinogens.

Anyway, here's what I've been singing to myself when I need to unwind, as opposed to taking my frustrations out on any walls:

Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down.

Well I know what's right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground and I won't back down

Hey baby there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
No, I won't back down

If I knew how to do wav. files or mp3s, I could link it here. But I don't. And although I enjoy Mr. Petty's musical contributions, I am in no financial state to pay any royalties. In fact, I may be violating copyrights by positng the lyrics.

Eh, stick it to the man, I say! Power to the People!

Posted 5:03 PM by John A. Seafisk

Really Random Music Trivia

-The lead vocal in the Rolling Stones' song "Happy" is sung by Keith Richards, NOT Mick Jagger.

-Ringo Starr is the only member of the Beatles to appear on solo albums by all 4 members.

-Chevy Chase was drummer for the band that would eventually become Steely Dan.

-Led Zeppelin's original name was The New Yardbirds.

-David Robert Jones changed his name to David Bowie so as not to be confused with Davy Jones of the Monkees.

-"Headquarters" was the first album the Monkees played their own instruments on. Previous albums were performed by studio musicians, with the Monkees only offering vocals.

-Frank Sinatra's vote for the most beautiful song ever written: "Something" by George Harrison.

-Nick Mason is the only member of Pink Floyd to appear on all the band's albums.

-Jimi Hendrix was a former member of the 101st Airborne paratroopers.

Posted 12:15 PM by John A. Seafisk

Viva Las Vegas

So I spent the weekend in the largest city in Clark County, Nevada. (No, not Henderson.) It was fun, enjoyable, relaxing, slightly profitable.

My drive began right after work Thursday evening. Drive? Yes, I happen to like the drive from the Los Angeles area to the Las Vegas area. I have never been a big fan of flying....It's not that I'm afraid of it, I just get annoyed with the whole process. Also, since I am using my car to get to Vegas, I can go where I please in Sin City without trying to get cabs, or worse yet, get rides from relatives.
So I head north on the 5. Out in L.A., the lexicon for speaking about the freeways is to always inclued the article "the" in front of the number (ex: The 405, The 134, The 101, etc.) It's quite warm as I head out. Surprisingly, there isn't much in the way of slowed or stopped traffic.

When I gets hot, I turn on the A.C. It then gets too cold, so I switch it off. Then it gets hot, so back on it comes. I do this for the whole 5-hour trip. Guess I'm just too hard to please.

A tip for those who drive from LA to LV: Most folks take the 10 to the 15...while it may be nice to visit all the Foothill communities along the way, you'll likely be seeing them from the 10 at 20-25 mph. The route I usually take is as follows. And I offer this to you dear readers as a gesture of appreciation for sitting and trying to read all this drivel, er, personal introspection:

-5 North to 14 North (Lancaster/Palmdale exit)
-14 North to the town of Mojave, right turn at 58 East (Bakersfield)
-58 East (partial freeway, partial divided highway, partial 2-lane road) to 15 North (Las Vegas)
-15 North to The Strip, choose among your own vices to explore.

Simple, isn't it?

There nothing quite like driving through the Mojave Desert in the middle of the night....the only lights on the horizon coming from the white dots of headlights from the other direction & the dimmer red backlights stretching out in the lanes in front of you...complete
darkness on either side, save for some mountains outlined in the moonlight.

Of course, it also helps having cool air blasting you from the panels, as the Beatles & Tom Petty blare from your CD player. "Running Down A Dream" is excellent auto fare.

I hit the town of Baker at 10:50, 10 minutes before the Del Taco closes. If I was 15 minutes late, I'd be out of luck, since Baker is the only sign of civilization within the next 80 miles or so...halfway between Barstow & the Nevada state line. I glance at the World's Tallest Thermometer standing outside the Bun Boy Restaurant. 99 degrees. I thought to myself, "Wow. I need to eat there at some point."
After a quesadilla or two, I'm back on the 15. I was slightly disappointed with my meal, since this particular Del Taco did not have Mr. Pibb at its soda fountain. But, being in the middle of nowhere, thirsty beggars can't be choosers.

As I climb over the mountain pass known as Mountain Pass (no services this exit), I see in the distance the neon glory that is Primm, Nevada. This town, or actually, collection of large casinos, sits right at the Nevada-California border. It's a welcome sight to those travellers who have tired of seeing nothing for the last hour or 2. And I mean it's right at the border...the casino parking lots start immediately at the border. Only 45 miles to go.

Actually, it ends up only 12 miles to go. I stop at Jean, similar to Primm in that it is just a place on the Interstate to hold a couple of casinos. Unlike Primm, there is no stateline running along the edge of its parking lots. I bask in the glow of its jumbotron screens announcing that they now comp gas. I view the lines & lines & lines of slot machines, ready to slurp up all your quarters or nickels or whatever denominations you choose to pump in. But I view these quickly, since the only reason I stopped is to use the restroom.
Back on the road, after 20 miles...thar she glows: The Las Vegas Strip.

But I bypass the strip and end up at my relatives' house.

More later.

Posted 11:27 AM by John A. Seafisk

I'm So Tired

...I haven't slept a wink.
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink.
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink?
no, no, no.

I'm so tired, I don't know what to do,
I'm so tired, my mind is set on you
I wonder should I call you,
but I know what you would do...

You'd say, I'm putting you on,
But it's no joke - it's doing me harm.
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain,
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane!
You know I'd give you everything I've got for a little piece of mind.

I'm so tired, I'm feeling so upset,
Although I'm so tired, I'll have another cigarette.
And curse Sir Walter Raleigh,
He was such a stupid git!

You'd say, I'm putting you on,
But it's no joke - it's doing me harm.
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain,
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane!
You know I'd give you everything I've got for a little piece of mind.

I'd give you everything I've got for a little piece of mind.

I'd give you everything I've got for a little piece of mind.

Monsieur, Monsieur, Monsieur, how about another one?

Posted 3:08 PM by John A. Seafisk

Achoo!

Bless me.

Posted 11:53 AM by John A. Seafisk

The Mechanics of Beach Ball Bouncing

Whenever I attend an outdoor event with a large seated crowd, say at a Dodgers game or a concert by a Beatles tribute band, there is something I can always count on:

Beach balls.

After an hour or so, during intermissions or between innings, the inevitable beach ball makes its appearance...resulting in a spontaneous mass volleyball game. The ball gets battered around and around, off people's hands, their heads, their faces, their shoulders, their butts, and so forth.

But before you start banging your balls around, there are some tips you should take to further your enjoyment & lessen the aggravation of other concertgoers/sports fans/drunks:

Lesson 1:
When seated in the front-row sections, always hit the ball to the back seat of the stadium/arena/bowl. Hitting it forward will only result in the ball falling to the lower sections or onto the field/stage, causing delays in the game/performance and inviting the scorn of fellow attendees. They'll point and boo at you, and your self-esteem will be knocked a few pegs down by the ridicule. Or they'll yell at you.

By hitting it to the back, more folks will get the chance to touch & handle the sacred beach ball, generating a sense of community participation...bringing us altogether as one big happy global family. Also, it'll keep the ball moving, distracting those from a game/show that has waned in exciting or interesting moments.

Lesson 2:
Hit the ball in any direction, as long as it's up. The ideal angle of trajectory should be 60 degrees to provide enough distance for ball travel. Hitting the ball straight up will result in the ball coming back down to hit you or those around you, which may make an uncomfortable ride home with your date/significant other, and likely the last ride you'll have for a while. Hitting it at a low angle, say 10 degrees, will result in the ball slamming against a fellow attendee's face....who will likely be your date/significant other or a very large short-tempered gentleman who may take appropriate action later in the parking lot. Also, security won't be happy, and we don't want to upset security now, do we?

And again for added emphasis: if you're in the front rows, HIT IT TO THE BACK! Some of us want to get in on this action, too, you know! Don't be such a greedy, stupid bastard.

Lesson 3:
If sitting near young children when the beach ball comes your way, catch it and give it to them. This will make you appear like a nice person and improve your social standing, especially with the hot chicks who go for the sensitive male thing. Too bad they're there with their boyfriends.

But anyway, giving it to the kids is just a nice thing to do. It also deflects all boos to them when they hit it all wrong. Just beware of the ball heading right back at you, most likely toward your crotch.

Keep these lessons in mind, and your next festival outing should be more enjoyable then ever before. Or you can just forget it and stay at home.

Posted 11:01 AM by John A. Seafisk

Beware American Idols & Graven Bobblehead Images

Last night was Sean Green Bobblehead Doll Night at Dodger Stadium. Oh, and there was a Dodgers-Padres game, too.

As we sat in the $6 Upper Upper Upper Deck, I realized it wasn't such a bad view. We were right behind home plate, albeit about 100 feet up, but we could see the whole field, and the players looked no smaller than sitting on either edge of the reserved section seats.

After soaking in the environment for a short while, it was time for the National Anthem. And who would be doing the honors of singing said anthem, but the finalists of the Fox show "American Idol".

I have not seen "American Idol" and have no plans whatsoever to do so. But based on the ads I've seen and the discussions I've heard from others who have seen it, I don't think I'm missing much. Just another annoying 'reality' show. If you're into that sort of thing, more power to you. But catching very small glimpses of other similar TV fare (i.e. "The Real World", "The Mole", "Big Brother", etc.), I don't believe real reality has that many attractive people.

So I let out a small groan, thinking I would be the only one unexcited about "American Idol" folks having me as their captive audience. But a strange thing happened instead. As soon as the word "Idol" left the PA Announcer's mouth, the rest of the crowd started booing. It wasn't a vicious or mailicious boo, but more like a disinterested & slightly annoyed boo...sort of a collective "feh".

There were about 8 or 10 singers altogether; I couldn't really tell since they all looked the same on their Jumbotron close-ups. Each one took a verse, and did their damnedest to draw it out for as long as possible. Example: "Oh say can you seeee" became "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay caaaaaaaaaaaaan youuuuuuuuuuuuu, caaaaaaaaaan youuuuuuuuu seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEE".

It reminded me of an early 'Simpsons' episode where Homer becomes Dancin' Homer, the mascot for the Springfield Isotopes minor league baseball team. One of the gags early in the show is when Bleedin' Gums Murphy sings the Star Spangled Banner. He begins while standing behind the stadium clock that reads '7:30'. Of course, he's drawing out each verse very similar to the description in this log's previous paragraph. The shot keeps dissolving between verses, and when he's finally finished, the clock reads 7:57. Cut to the crowd standing at attention, finally collapsing in a sigh of exhaustion, save for Lisa, who stood wide-eyed & unflinching throughout.

When the real-life cartoon characters finally finished their rendition, I applauded politely....not for the singers, but for the song they sung.

The game was an official sellout. I could tell because every single concession line at Dodger Stadium was 5 lines wide & at least 10 people deep. My evening meal was chosen from the only stand that didn't have a line: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. I can think of plenty of worse dinners than 4 glazed donuts & a chug of milk.

But it was a quick game. Dodgers lost 4-1. They are now 1-6 when I'm in attendance. So they should do OK until the next time I plan on seeing them: Hideo Nomo Bobblehead Night.

Posted 5:15 PM by John A. Seafisk

Talk Amongst Yourselves

I had dinner with a few friends last night. It was sort of a birthday dinner for one of my friends (i.e. Happy Birthday, Katie Smith!). I say "sort of" because although Tuesday was the official celebration of her existence, we had a larger get-together over the weekend at a place called Killer Shrimp. Normally, I'm not a big fan of shrimp or unfried seafood, but the food here was gooooood. It's like a noveau Cajun-esque place where you can only get 3 items:

Shrimp in sauce
Shrimp with rice
Shrimp with pasta

But each one is a culinary delight. The spices & seasonings they use certainly give it a flavorful kick. Best of all, they serve the entrees with slices of mini french bread, so you can mop up every last drop of juices for you taste buds to enjoy.

So, since the big bruhaha happened on Saturday, last night was celebrated at The Great Steak & Potato Company. As far as food court eateries go, this is one in the upper eschelon, along with Hot Dog On A Stick. Interestingly enough, this Steak & Potato place was not inside a mall, but rather as part of a new development on the grounds of the old Lockheed plant. It includes a Best Buy, Target, Krispy Kreme, Wendy's, Jamba Juice, Hometown Buffet, Shoe Pavilion....need I say more?

The evening meal itself was pleasant & relaxing. And the presence of a baby (courtesy of the baby's parents) livened things up, giving the rest of us valid excuses to make funny noises & faces in the sake of infant entertainment. As the conversations shifted from work to comic books to films to sports to HBO's Real Sex, there were noticeable instances when someone would get left out of that conversational section. When work was discussed, the person who did not work at the same place had nothing to say. When movies were discussed, the person who doesn't visit the cinema had nothing to say. When sports was discussed, the person who doesn't follow anything athletic had nothing to say. When Real Sex was discussed, we all had plenty to say.

This exclusionary occurence must be part of natural conversational habit, like the 20-minute pause of silence. No matter what discussion or talking-to is involved, after 20 minutes into said conversation, everyone stops talking. Silence....everyone looks at each other. This silence doesn't end until someone says, "Hey, must be that 20-minute lull in the conversation!", then everyone chuckles politely & leaves the area.

Then I go find another beer.

Posted 1:03 PM by John A. Seafisk

Indian Name Generator

A while back, I came upon this website that would provide to you your American Indian name. Basically, you type in your name, and the generator looks deep within your soul & mind, processes all your deepest and darkest info, and spits out what you would be called if you were born in a teepee. It was a fun little exercise in wasting time, except maybe to those who already were christened with American Indian names.

I was reminiscing about it, and decided to share some generated names of people I know & know of:

John Seafisk - Thornton Vital Canary
Stephanie Losi - Delia Suede Morningstar
Jim Ellwanger - Douglas Geodisic Jumper
Gerry Holtz - Thomas Flying Chickadee
James Dalby - Randolph Wavy Larva
Anna Siri - Sandra Singular Scallion
Mitch Bugajsky - Michael Overhead Rooster
Greg Schwartz - Lesley Dignified Llama
Halle Aten - Marion Subatomic Lizard
Katie Smith - Laura Percolating Toes
Todd Carney - Raymond Supine Fireweed
Jennifer Carney - Annabelle Melodramatic Radical
Aidan Carney - Tomson Snakeskin Lionheart
Reggie Scott - Romeo Pivoting Osprey
Jason Kaifesh - Grant Swift Mink
Jeremy Morse - Geoffrey Clairvoyant Buffalo
Breen Frazier - Martin Wobbling Thrush
Cathryn Humphris - Mabel Clairvoyant Eagle
David Ramirez - Donald Gothic Bull
Kathy Bugajsky - Renata Camouflaged Toad

Isn't this fun? Feel free to drop a line to tell me what Indian name was generated for you...or to have your name removed from this hilarious list, killjoy.

Posted 12:00 PM by John A. Seafisk

One of the best feelings in the world is waking up early on a Saturday on your own accord. With such an early start, you have the whole weekend to take advantage of. You have the great feeling of anticipation, similar to the moment before you start opening Christmas or birthday presents.

What to do, what to do? For a start, you can get all you weekend errands done before noon, when the shops and stores haven't been filled with competiting customers as of yet. Then the rest is up to you: You can follow the plans you made eariler in the week while waiting for this day to come...or do it all on the fly, not necessarily knowing what decision will lead you on what wacky adventure to come. Why not....you have the time!

It also makes you feel less guilty about sleeping in on Sunday.

Posted 7:38 PM by John A. Seafisk

I think I'm losing my mind this time, this time I think I'm losing my mind.

'Cause you can't, you won't, and you don't....stop!
'Cause you can't, you won't, and you don't....stop!
'Cause you can't, you won't, and you don't....stop!
Just like rockin' a sure shot!

(or something to that effect)

Posted 12:19 AM by John A. Seafisk

Guess It Was An All-Snore Game

Apparently, last evening's 2002 MLB All-Star Game was one of the lowest-rated baseball all-star games ever. Me and my 980,000 Nielsen household points were withheld from this spectacle. Instead, I watched a DVD of the first season of a BBC sitcom called Father Ted. It was very clever and amusing...all without any molestation jokes!

Was it unpatriotic of me to shun a celebration of America's pastime in favor of a British sitcom? I do not think so. First of all, Father Ted takes place on an island off the coast of Ireland, not Britain. Second, it looks as though the baseball players and owners will eventually be shunning me and any other fans yet again, with all this here strike talk & gloomy economic situation. Besides, one of the Father Ted episodes featured the Monsignor on vacation in California. And another episode featured the starring priests dressing up like Elvis. If that isn't Americana, I don't know what is!

And to reaffirm my faith & pride in the good ol' U.S. of A., I watched 'Ferris Buehler's Day Off'...on a big screen outside with my fellow Americans, no less! What's more American than playing hooky from school? (Although, this may explain the low test scores from our educated younger ones.) And before the film was shown, there was a Twist & Shout contest held by the radio station sponsoring the movie event. What's more American than doing funny dances? In other less freedom-loving places, you could be beheaded for doing something as innocent as the hokey-pokey or bonie-maronie. Also, the contest winners & non-winners all won t-shirts and tickets to the circus! What's more American than acting like a goofball for free stuff?

This land is still my country 'tis of thee. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Blackadder episodes to watch.

Posted 5:59 PM by John A. Seafisk

All-Snore

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is being held tonight. And I don't really care.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the sport of baseball. What better way to spend a lazy afternoon or pleasant evening than at the ol' ballpark, chomping down on red hots & trying to snag some foul tips. Well, maybe there are better ways to spend such time, including such activities that should not be discussed on a public weblog. But still, 'tis a fun time to go. Just look at some of my previous posts.

However, I have become turned-off (even more so than before) of the current hijinks in pro baseball of the major league variety: Skyrocketing salaries, which lead to skyrocketing ticket prices & concessions; admission & unadmission of steroid abuse; constant talks about yet another possible strike; the Damn Yankees appear in the World Series each year.

Why should I care about seeing some overpaid, underappreciative, drug-popping jerks stand around in a game that has no real meaning whatsoever in the standings? I can't think of any reasons.

If you choose to tune in & get involved in the All-Star activities, more power to you. Just color my alternate road uniforms unimpressed.

And $5 says they play Smash Mouth's song "All Star" before & after each commercial break.

Posted 2:38 PM by John A. Seafisk

Why I Like Minor League Baseball

Nobody Night, hosted by the Charleston RiverDogs.
Arthur Andersen Appreciation Night, hosted by the Portland Beavers.

Posted 11:11 PM by John A. Seafisk

Collections

Everyone collects something. Some folks collects stamps, some folks collect cars, some folks collect knitting magazines, some folks collect train schedules, some folks collect drug habits....well, you get the idea. I, myself, collect collegiate and minor league apparel.

Why? Well, why not? Perhaps it gives me the sense of being a man about the world without having to go to too many places. Perhaps it's to further assert my feelings of noncomformity and independence....anyone can wear a Lakers jersey or Yankess hat, but how many people dare wear a Quebec Rafales jersey and Beloit Snappers hat? Not many, ladies & gentlemen...except in the Quebec and Beloit regions. But I doubt it.

Over the years, I've tried to keep track of how many different teams & schools I inadverted advertised for (or against) by wearing such clothing on the top of my head and across my chest. Here's as many as I can figure:

Collidge
Northwestern
DePaul
Notre Dame
Indiana
Purdue
Michigan
Michigan State
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Wisconsin-Green Bay
Michigan Tech
Northern Michigan
Lake Superior State
Rutgers
Valparaiso
Air Force
Washington State
Stanford
Florida State
Cal State Northridge
UC-Santa Cruz
Akron
Toledo
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Brigham Young
South Florida
Middle Tennessee
Cal State Fullerton
CalTech
Northern Illinois
Penn State
Pittsburgh
Temple
Boston College
Georgia
South Dakota State
Youngstown State

Professional Teams
Cape Fear Crocs
Chicago Bears
Chicago Wolves
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Chicago Bulls
Quebec Rafales
Vancouver Canucks
Missoula Osprey
Pittsburgh Penguins
New Jersey Devils
Orlando Solar Bears
Pittsburgh Pipers
Carolina Cougars
Duluth-Superior Dukes
Lincoln Saltdogs
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Stars
Winston-Salem Warthogs
Montreal Expos
Chicago Blackhawks
Florida Marlins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kane County Cougars
Lancaster JetHawks
Long Beach Breakers
Long Beach IceDogs
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Kansas City Monarchs

That's all I can think of at the moment. This post may be updated, so stay tuned! (If you really care)

Posted 4:27 PM by John A. Seafisk

It's 4 o'clock on a Saturday, but I'm not in a bar room, nor am I drinking gin. I'm at work, drinking a Dr. Pepper. Oh, and working. Somewhat.

But it's not that bad. For one, I should be getting some extra income for this. And my office area has a lot of amenities that are lacking at my living quarters....namely: central air, high-speed internet access, and cable TV. Also, I am currently the only occupant here at the moment. So, I needn't worry about any interruptions from co-workers. And I can watch VH1's 'Greatest One-Hit Wonders', hosted by William Shatner. Oh, and I can get more work done.

Besides, I wasted the free day I had yesterday. At least I'm accomplishing something, even though I may be missing out on some fun outdoor activites.

Eh, probably not.

Now 'One-Hit Wonders' up to Sir Mix-A-Lot's 'Baby Got Back'. Even white boys got to shout!

Posted 12:35 AM by John A. Seafisk

Nada

Did nothing today. Not a sausage. Felt a real strong sense of non-accomplishment. Oh, I was invited to go see The Powerpuff Girls Movie, but then that would have been doing something. If it was a Dexter's Laboratory Movie, then I may have reconsidered.

Even this blog entry is nothing. Maybe it's just general apathy, man. Maybe it's writer's block. Maybe my brain is running on low wattage. Maybe it's just a funk, and I don't mean the George Clinton Parliament kind.

Just one of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer....with 'smog' for 'hazy' and 'insanely bored into uninterest in anything' for 'crazy'. But it was definitely lazy, I gar-on-tee!

Posted 3:46 AM by John A. Seafisk

July 4

Went to a BBQ. Brought along a bag of ketchup-flavored potato chips (only 6 bags left!). Ate lots of charcoal-seared red meat. Drank Newcastle Ale & Dr. Pepper. Threw darts. Talked with an owner of an online aquarium equipment company, a girl trying to get a job with the Boston Red Sox, three people moving to Australia, and a British guy, among others. Saw fireworks along the oceanfront. Got hassled by the cops for ligthing sparklers in a park. Drank a Vanilla Coke, having it almost explode all over me. Drove home listening to The Doors' "Morrison Hotel". Watched a WW2 movie while eating chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream.

Now it is 3:30 a.m. July 5. The congealing grease from the red meat I gorged on & the pint of ice cream i went through quicker than I thought sit in my stomach....probably the reason why I'm still up. Or maybe that Vanilla Coke...which needs a little more vanilla.

How was your day?

Posted 4:00 PM by John A. Seafisk

Being Unconstitutional

I pledge allegience to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Posted 3:08 PM by John A. Seafisk

A New Taste Sensation

I received a large box in the mail today. It contained 12 bags of ketchup-flavored potato chips.

Yes, ketchup-flavored potato chips.

How? Why? Well, it all goes back a few weeks ago...(insert dissove effects here)

I had retured to the office from an errand, when I saw a collection of co-workers gathered around the kitchen table. They were gathered around a collection of bags of potato chips, made by the good folks at Golden Flake. There were all sorts of flavors: original, sour cream & onion, barbecue, hot, rippled, sweet hot barbecue, and so on. I, like everyone else, sampled from the bags. They were fine, but one flavor captivated all of us: dill pickle.

It may sound unpleasant, but it quickly became addictive. A tart & tangy taste...kind of like sweet relish. Not surprisingly, the dill pickle bags were the first to be completely gone. Even now, there are unconfirmed reports of dill pickle chip hoarding around the office. I must investigate.

Anyway, this culinary experience got me thinking about other flavored chips. My friend Todd told me about ketchup-flavored chips, which are apparently a big snack hit in Canada. Being a curious fellow with a curious palate, and being obessed with all things Canadian, I went on a search to find this unique snack delicacy. My tour took me to a very helpful chip site. After reading up on the tomato-powdery subject, I went for the gusto and ordered some chips, made by the good folks at Herr's of Nottingham, PA.

Unfortunately, the smallest unit I could order was a box of 12 5.5-oz bags. So I did it. Two to three weeks later, the box finally arrived. Fortunately, the first chip was tasty. Even more fortunately, the proceeding chips were good, as well. The taste is kind of similar to dipping french fries into ketchup, or like a very very mild barbecue sauce. What made the chips taste even better was the use of Heinz ketchup flavoring, instead of a generic or industrial brand. I'm not usually a one-brand consumer when it comes to foodstuffs, but it's either Heinz ketchup for me, or no tomato-based condiments at all...save for BBQ sauce.

Overall, this was one wacky online purchase that made the grade. And thanks to some help, only 7 bags left to go.

Posted 3:11 PM by John A. Seafisk

Good Day, Canada!

Happy Birthday, Canada! To learn more about our plucky neighbors to the north, check out the following helpful sites, eh?:

Travel Canada
Canadian Football League
Second City TV
Canadian Beer
Indigenous Cuisine
Indigenous Fauna
More Canadian Beer
Cute Figure Skaters
Even More Canadian Beer

Posted 1:34 PM by John A. Seafisk

Copa Mundial Finis

Before I forget, congrats to the Brazilian national soccer/football team for winning the 2002 World Cup. Oh, to be in Rio enjoying the victory celebrations. Then again...oh, to be in Rio, period.

In honor of the team's achievement, here are some photos of the Brazilian team. At least, I think it's the right team, give or take the correct gender.

Posted 12:45 PM by John A. Seafisk

Minor League Ball, Major League Fun!

I went to see a Jet Hawks game over the weekend. Originally, I had written a very descriptive and wonderfully-prosed post about the experience. Unfortunately, as soon as I tried posting it, the Blogger web site wouldn't reload. All those words, lost forever. *sigh*

And I don't really feel like typing the whole thing again, which is fine, since I forgot what I wrote. Instead, here are edited highlights of my unpublished post:

Chili Cheese Fries

Autographed bat won by friend

Home Run Fireworks

Randy Johnson bobbleheads

Cute ushers

Off by 60 in Jellybean Counting Contest

All in all, it was a fun & affordable time.

Posted 3:05 PM by John A. Seafisk

Credit Where Credit Isn't Due

After coming home from a long day in the salt mines, and after picking all the salt out of my golden locks of chestnut brown hair, I eagerly stroll to my mailbox to see what new surprises the United States Postal Service has delivered to me. And usually, it's the same thing: credit card bills & credit card offers.

Each day, I receive at least 3 "Important! Repsond Immediately!" letters from First National Global US CitiBanCorp USA Bank and other financial institutions, wanting me to fall further down into the bottomless pit of debt...already pre-approved! And of the financial bastards, er, banks, I do foolishly still have cards with, they keep sending me checks to use in lieu of my plastic, so I can get further into debt with them, instead.

Of course, this should make me feel better about myself. Since these financiers have such a keen fancy in getting or continuting to get my indebtedness, I must have a pretty good or at least fair credit rating. This means I can buy a house or boat or houseboat with a little more ease. These banks like me!

And these snail-mail requests do not annoy me as much as the e-mail offers for new credit cards. I do not like electronic solicitaion. Mostly. These people don't even know me personally. I'm just another 'at' sign to these cold, uncaring spammers. Where's the love?

All in all, I guess it's debt that makes the capitalist world go 'round. And opening, then ripping up, these envelopes gives my hands something to do. I just wish my contriubtion to the capitalist world 'round-going wasn't so big.

Now if you excuse me, I need to make some purchases at Amazon. Mr. Show DVD, here I come!

Posted 8:52 PM by John A. Seafisk

John Entwhistle, I Hardly Knew Ye

John Entwhistle passed away today. He was the bassist for The Who. Even though the band retired in 1982, they still kept touring.

I liked The Who. I liked John's unemotional, stone-faced bass-playing. One of my favorite Who songs is the John-written & John-vocaled "Boris The Spider". I like because I haven't heard it in any car commercials...nor any Raid or other insect-killing chemical adverts.

I also enjoyed his vocals in the The Who's version of "Summertime Blues". He's the low, gruff voice you hear saying "I'd like to help ya, son, but you're too young to vote." I'd place mp3 links here, if I had the technical tools & know-how, and a lot of money to dole out for the songs' Internet royalties.

It's too bad. It was also bad when George Harrison died. With the recent passings of such admirable rock & roll greats, it worries me if there are any current musical performers or groups that can match the skill AND deserve the long-term worship these past stars have received..."long-term" meaning more than one music generation. Britney? N'SYNC? Limp Bizkit? That guy who sung "I must've been high"?

Oh, please. Today's popular music is crap. And it will only get more under-talented & more over-produced....meaning it'll get a whole lots worse.

And you can stick that up your ya.

Posted 12:41 AM by John A. Seafisk

Don't look at it, Marian! Well, If you must...

I recently returned from watching 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'...on a big outdoor screen...for free...in an IKEA courtyard area...who supplied us with free Swedish Meatballs...which were actually pretty good...when washed down with some free samples of Muscle Beach Lemonade courtesy of Hot Dog On A Stick. But enough product placements.

It was a fun time --- seeing a good flick, sitting with friends, seeing another set of friends sitting in close approximity and exchanging witty remarks and bon mots. However, there were 2 matters that concerned me:

Numero Uno - The locations of Nazi operations in the "Raiders" time period. At the beginning of the film, a credit reads 'South America 1936'. Thus, we are to believe the action takes place in 1936. Later in the film, we are taken to a massive archeological dig on the outskirts of Cairo...led by a whole bunch of Nazis. First of all, Egypt was still a British protectorate at this time. Even though Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain did his darnest to appease Hitler 2 years later in the annexation of the Sudetenland to Germany at Czechoslovakia's expense, I doubt that the British Empire would appreciate a large number of Germans -- heavily armed Germans, for that matter -- deep within their colonial territory. In addition, 1936 was the year Germany finally remilitarized the demilitarized Rhineland. The concern of trying to establish armies in your own country may cause a nation to delay in sending mass troops elsewhere. There just weren't any German forces in Africa yet. There were Italians in neighboring Libya and Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), so using Mussolini's men instead of Adolf's might have been more historically believeable. But using Nazis as bad guys instead of Italians was likely for the best, especially anyone of Italian decent who might have been watching.

Numero Dos - My legs hurt. It's hard to get comfortable sitting on a concrete patio for 2 to 3 hours.

But these concerns were minor, and a great time was had by me. Oh, and California Pizza Kitchen was giving away free slices. Dinner and a show - not bad!

And now back to my insomnia.

Posted 3:15 AM by John A. Seafisk

An Apology

I must apologize for my first post. It certainly is undeserving of any special recognition of a first post, except the fact that it was the 1st thing I had written. I really should have tried harder to come up with something more captivating & exhilirating....something that would make a First Post & First Poster proud. But alas, when the time came to introduce myself to international bloggery, I could not offer a substantial introduction, as seen in the previous post below.

Hopefully, I will be able to regroup after this shaky start and eventually weave a tapestry of words & opinions to get the whole Blogger Nation talking. Or at least noticing.

Thank you for your cooperation.

And now, back to downloading XXX Porn Web Sites, already in progress....