Puppies & Ripples


Puppies & Ripples
Originally uploaded by rustedrobot.

Here’s something I don’t understand. We recently purchased this 12-pack of toilet paper because, well, everybody poops, right? Right (nodding my head). Now that that’s out of the way, I was examining the package and I can’t for the life of me figure out a) the benefit of rippled toilet paper and b) why there’s a puppy on package.

Anyone want to take a, uh, crack at that?

Subterranean Snowsick Blues

You know what I hate most about winter? Not the snow. Not the ice. Not the cold temperatures. Not the treacherous driving. Not even shoveling, although that comes in a very close second. I hate clearing snow and ice off of cars. Hate it. I can’t figure out why, because it’s not that difficult of a task, but it just drives me nuts.

I’m nearing the expiration of my 2-year Verizon contract which means that a) I get to shop for a new phone and b) I doubt I’ll do a 2-year contract again. Originally I was thinking that I would hold onto my current phone (Treo) for another couple of months and just get the Apple IPhone, but now I’m not so sure. First off, Cingular/AT&T is the only company offering the phone, which is not encouraging. I used that service previous to my current provider, Verizon, and I was not happy at all with the coverage or the service. Second, it’s like $500-600. For a phone. We’ll see if AT&T does any discounting, but those are two fairly big strikes.

Does anyone know why Will Ferrell is sportin’ that kick-ass afro, by the way?

Why Blogs Are Good…..Most Of The Time

A pretty good read in this morning’s Boston Globe about politics, blogs and how the blogosphere runs the risk of a little mud on the face by the time the 2008 elections wrap up. One can assume that a lot of people out there aren’t aware of the fact that PR agencies create fake bloggers and fake commenters to try and influence opinions. Simply looking at a blog and its comments and then taking it all as full truth is dramatic naivete. Much like the offline world, hucksterism will never be lacking on Earth. As usual, caveat emptor.

Another interesting blog-related story from this morning details the recent writings of Paul Levy, who runs the very large and busy Beth Isreal hospital in Boston. The story is about the infection rates from IV insertion, but I’m posting this because it’s actually refreshing to see someone in a high seat at a hospital writing a blog. If you’ve visited a hospital in the last 5 years, I’m sure you know that the complexities are mind-numbing and the communication is horrific. I’ve never felt differently, no matter what hospital I’m in. I’ll be subscribing to Levy’s blog in my Bloglines.

Podding:
Palace – The Brute Choir
Ringo Starr – Photograph
Mark Lanegan – Borracho
Palace – We All, Us Three, Will Ride
Healthy White Baby – Soul
The Byrds – What’s Happening?!
Pavement – Two States
The Pernice Brothers – Baby In Two
AC/DC – Problem Child
Ben Kweller – Penny On The Train Track

Housecleaning

  • So, XM and Sirius, the only two satellite radio firms, have agreed to a merger. The news is already being tempered by analysts who say the powers-that-be will most likely strike it down as being monopolistic. I can’t really agree there. While there will indeed be only one satellite company if it the merger goes through, there will still be regular radio (on life support, granted), HD Radio and the big monster – IPods/MP3 Players. You think that’s enough competition? I sure do. Let the tree fall in the woods……er, I mean let them merge.
  • One the best movies I’ve seen in this young year was SherryBaby, a gritty film about drug addicition, recovery, strength, weakness and parenting that was slightly depressing, but moving. Maggie Gyllenhall’s performance was spectacular. I would have simply enjoyed movies like this prior to my wife’s pregnancy and then moved onto the next movie. This one’s got me thinking, though, about how many people I know whose childhoods weren’t exactly normal. Certainly part of the psychological changes I’ve felt in the last 5-6 months.
  • I never really realize how good we have it with NESN until I watch a hockey or baseball game on the other networks – Versus, TBS, etc. I studied TV & Radio Production in college and typically, these regional sports networks are breeding grounds for kids just out college who are learning how to twiddle knobs, direct, produce, etc. The broadcasters (especially on Versus) always seem to mangle names and the production values just aren’t up to snuff. We’re spolied here in New England.
  • Jim Carrey was pretty funny on Letterman last night, doing impressions of David Caruso on CSI Miami. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just watch this hilarious video.
  • I have 28 people subscribed to my website feed via RSS. Pretty small in the big picture, but more than I ever imagined would subscribe to little ‘ol me…..hey, thanks.