“Fans entering the playing field will be arrested and prosecuted under the full extent of the law. Enjoy your afternoon / evening at Fenway Park.”
That’s the announcement that roughly 40,000 people hear 81 times per year, not counting the playoffs. Yet there’s always one asshole (yeah I know, Boston is full of ‘em, including this author), that has to get some attention and charge the field. What they all fail to realize is that the grounds crew / security, especially here in Boston, would love the opportunity to eff you up. I hope this guy remembers his court date despite the concussion. Dick.
That’s right, Red Square, with frontman Mr. Jimmy Hoffa, will be performing tomorrow evening at the Skellig in Waltham, MA. Per the usual scenario, they’ll take the stage around 9ish and play ’til close.
CNN dot com reports:
…we managed to catch up with Red Square frontman Jim Hoffa just before he boarded a flight out of Burma on the last stop of their world tour.
“Yeah, it’s been a long tour, but a memorable one no doubt. I mean, when your drummer contracts Typhoid Fever in New Guinea and still plays a 3 hour set, you know you’ve got something special. We’re really looking forward to getting back to MA and rockin out at the Skellig. There’s just a more personal feeling to a show in a small place like that rather than playing the 80,000 capacity arenas that we’ve been selling out globally.” Hoffa went on to say that his voice was back to 100% and he’ll definitely be able to cover that Kelly Clarkson song, as well as one by Pink. Check these guys out, they’re bigger than Spinal Tap.
Yup, you heard it here on THF first. We got the CNN scoop because Barry and Wolf Blitzer are old frat buddies and ‘Ol Wolfie’ (as Barry fondly calls him) buys Barry’s cat numerous monkey trinkets from his world travels.
This is when it’s a great time to be a Bostonian. Late May - summer is just a phone call away, people are shaking the dust off their grills, motorcycles, mandals, sunroofs, drop-tops, halter tops, ray-bans and coppertone, and plopping shiteating grins on their faces and trying not to say “So, how ’bout this weathah, hah!?”
Truly, truly outrageous.
Speaking of grills, it’s time to pay tribute to Alton Brown. His brand of applied science in the kitchen and at the charcoal is making it possible for rubes like us to enjoy some pretty amazing food. Who else will teach you how to properly and elegantly butcher an entire tenderloin in one episode, and inspire a DIY electric smoker made out of a trash can in another? The man’s a genius, and there’s a reason why he’s judging all those ludicrous Food Network grab-ass shows. (By the way we’re totally making one of those)
Driving a motorcycle rules. However, I have begun to notice my tendency to want to talk about it to everyone I know, thus rendering me a tool. I have made every effort to battle this tendency, stifling my “oh-my-god-riding-is-so-cool” comments whenever and wherever possible. Clearly, here I have failed. But I am allowing myself an indulgence on this, the smallest of all soapboxes. Judge me if you wish.
The Celtics are the most Jeckyll-and-Hyde team I’ve ever seen, and that includes the 1999 Red Sox. One night they show up and shove your face into the yellow snow like an 8th grade bully drunk on power. The next night they’re Johnny Dixon getting pushed down by Eddie Tompke and having his deerstalker hat stolen.
The Sex and the City movie is, apparently to really freaking lame chicks, what the new Star Wars movies were to really freaking lame dudes. Peoples: dressing up as characters of movies to attend movies is not acceptable. Please take the time to read and circulate this memo. memo-re-costumes.jpg
Pandora.com is one of a handful of websites that are truly beneficial and useful to mankind. No, this website is not one. Neither is your silly, self-important blog. If you haven’t taken the time, support the Internet Radio Act now.
You can buy half-used bottles of shampoo on Craigslist. Almost everyone knows that. I’m not sure which of those two sentences makes me more sad.
The MBTA (Mostly Bankrupt Transit Authority) really has its hands full with their latest disaster. A 24-year old girl, the conductor of one of the green line trains, died driving her trolley straight into the back of another trolley in broad daylight. I refuse to believe that anyone could crash a trolley car due to operator error. What, you didn’t see the enormous train car stopped on the tracks in front of you, and ignored what should be clear and unmistakable instruction to that effect? The MBTA is posting record revenue losses every year, the entire system is in a shocking state of disrepair, and the union that runs it is choking what pathetic life still slushes through it’s arteriosclerotic blood vessels. I’d like to believe this could wake people up to the absolute disgrace that is our public transit system, but I’ve lived here for a while.
Remember Gino Castignoli? He’s the construction worker who buried the Ortiz jersey in the new Yank-mee Stadium. Well, guess he didn’t stop there. Apparently while working at the stadium for one day, he just went around burying shit in the wet cement! Awesome. Suck it, Yanks. Keith Olberman reports from his Countdown show. Thanks to Fitzy at Townie News and Deadspin
Yeah, yeah, yeah…, everyone bitches about Starbucks but still goes there. I won’t even enter one, even if I desperately need coffee. Fortunately, in my neighborhood we have a nice normal priced coffee shop where you can actually order a “medium” coffee, and don’t need to take a pretentious pill before ordering.
Last night, Jon Lester brought a tear to the collective eye of Red Sox nation with a no-hitter, thrown on about 128 pitches, to the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. The moment after the game between him and skipper Terry Francona was about as close to man-love as anyone really wants to get. Except maybe Magglio of Apples & Mustaches who lovingly informs us that he believes Boston pitchers are “gay”, Mags, if that’s the case, then Barry Zito is into brown showers. With horses.
Anyway. A couple of other observations.
Commuting to work on the bus (yeah, this one I agree with you on, Magglio) sucks, and so does the train. Today, however, began a new dawn for ol’ Hoffa - commuting to work on a motorcycle. However, I have learned a few things.
- Don’t try to pay with cash at a toll booth. Get a speedpass. If you lose a twenty under someone’s car, you’re kinda screwed.
- Open grid bridges are a bit frightening.
- Do not try to bring lunch in your pocket. Get a backpack.
I’m sure there’ll be others, but for now, that’s all I got. More from the basket later.
My interest in all the shiny new web services, betas, and networks is obviously not representative of the masses. Most people will not jump at the opportunity to check out anything that has the words “invite-only beta†in the description. I understand that.
Today I saw a forum post from a Hoffa, and he asked the following:
how much of the blogosphere/web 2.0/social networking/dynamic multi media/crisp edge web-based app technology is *actually* important in an objective sense, and how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
I think there’s a threshold of how much content the average person is going to consume in the course of their lifetime, and I see a ceiling fast approaching on how much the world in general is going to give a shit about. Yet, the more I read about the cutting edge of web-based technology, it’s becoming more and more advanced, more integrated and more about pushing all this content, and I wonder - who’s consuming it all?
Is it all a colossal waste of time?
How much of our new technology is being driven by need or desire, and how much by “vision�
So, I offered my take. I’d love to hear yours. My reply:
Well, my friend, I think you may have reached a “when I was a kid we only had three TV channels†moment. I have a lot of those. I have moments like that when I see commercials selling ringtones. It makes no sense to me, but it’s an entire sub-industry. And that’s the common thread- the majority of these things being built, researched, and launched aren’t aimed at us. They’re aimed at the next generation of kids that simply do not know what life would be like without these technologies.
One quick example: Music- The iPod is a perfect example of an innovative product that was conceived out of “vision†rather than any need whatsoever. And the iPod didn’t just change the way people listen to music, it changed the entire distribution model of the music industry. Though you may still shop for music at a record store, I bet it would be nearly impossible to find a teenager who doesn’t buy their music through the iTunes store alone.
But let me back up and try to answer your question by breaking down what you’re actually saying:
how much of the blogosphere/web 2.0/social networking/dynamic multi media/crisp edge web-based app technology is *actually* important in an objective sense, and how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
So, you’re basically asking if all of the following are actually important in an objective sense. That’s kind of a tough question to answer, as you’d need to define what qualifies as being “important.†How do you judge something as “objectively important� Regardless, let’s just move on assuming that there’s something called objective importance that exists, and it can be seen as a worthwhile and satisfying activity for human beings to take part in. So here goes:
Blogosphere- I think blogs can be seen as important under this definition, as they’re basically a source of information. Given the idea that learning is a worthwhile human experience, I’d argue that blogs are important.
Web 2.0- Since web 2.0 is just a completely worthless term, I don’t know how to go into this one. There is absolutely no meaning behind the term whatsoever. It’s basically a blanket term applied to web sites, services, and tools that all fall under one umbrella: they exist. I’ll give you this one: web 2.0 is not important because it doesn’t map to anything in reality.
Social Networking- Social Networking- to me- is a term used to describe a set of tools allowing human beings to communicate with each other remotely through a model that is based on their own interpersonal relationships in physical reality. Being able to communicate with friends in a convenient way from disparate locations has value to me. Social networking sites allow people to have discussions, share content items, and reinforce interpersonal connections when presence-based physical interactions are impossible. I think that’s a good thing.
Crisp edge web-based app technology- I’m guessing this is yet another buzzword-laden phrase without meaning. And since it means nothing, I’d agree that it isn’t important.
The second part of your question is this:
how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
So, you’re asking whether those that are enthusiastic about these services believe that they are more important than they actually are to the masses? I’m not sure that’s really a question. Isn’t this true with anything? If you’re a person that is extremely into video games, wouldn’t you believe that video games are far more important than the value placed on video games by non-gamers? I think the same could be said for any activity, hobby, or “favoriteâ€.
You then say:
I think there’s a threshold of how much content the average person is going to consume in the course of their lifetime, and I see a ceiling fast approaching on how much the world in general is going to give a shit about.
So you’re saying that we’re at a point where content consumption is about to max out, and that people are going to be overburdened by content. I think you have a point in some ways here. First, there is a glut of available content out there, and there’s no way a person could consume it all even if they wanted to. However, it’s not like this information is constantly coming at us. It’s out there to be consumed by those that choose to consume it.
And I think that’s the point of all this new cutting-edge stuff: There’s an enormous disconnect between content and people. There’s absolutely worthless garbage out there, and there’s great stuff out there. The question is how to get to the good stuff while filtering out the junk. If you really look at it, you’ll see that all the social networks and web tools aren’t really about slamming people with more content to waste time on. Instead, they’re trying to build connections and filters. Connecting people to what they deem “objectively important†while trying to shield people from what they deem “a colossal waste of time.â€
Your final question is this:
How much of our new technology is being driven by need or desire, and how much by “vision�
I’d agree that very little innovation is driven by actual need. I can think only of vaccines, new methods of food production, and technologies aimed at trying to provide for life’s necessities. Almost all innovations are guided by vision. We didn’t need to go to the moon. We didn’t need to invent the automobile. Look at everything you own, and tell me how many of these things are actually vital to your existence here on earth.
Summing It Up
Again, I know I’m not representative, and I could be overly defensive. Who knows. But I’d love to hear what people think about the question.
A lot of people shit on Boston’s beloved Manny for not hustling, goofing off, and being an elusive douchebag to the media. Well, what do you have to say about this play? Of course, this is a contract year for Manny, so he’s got a little more spring in his step out in left field.
A couple notes on this video:
-notice how loud the crowd (in Baltimore) cheers when he makes this play. No Red Sox Nation? Go fly a kite, Steinbrenner.
-Arm strength. He barely ever uses his body to throw. He just whips that arm and throws a strike. Every time.
-The child-like grin on his face after the play. This is a guy who plays a game for a living, and it shows. He’s just having a good time.
EDIT: I’ve had to remove the video because Firefox deems it necessary to automatically play the video any time the THF homepage is accessed. If you wanna see the video, Click to download here
We here at THF spend a fair amount of time hanging out together, including our other friends that frequent the Tell Him Fred Forums. In a thread titled “This Weekend, What are You Doing?” we bounce ideas back and forth during the week and eventually come up w/ a plan.
This being a rare weekend that myself and Mrs_Opposite are around, I posted asking if anyone was up for hanging out on Saturday. ms_connections was the first to reply, and the conversation goes like this:
opposite_prime: “Then” is Saturday. My brothers and I aren’t working on the tree farm this weekend, so we’ll be around. Who else will be around this weekend?
ms_connections: Sorry Lads, but R and I (roommate) are heading to Flo-ride-a. Otherwise I/we would definitely be in.
opposite_prime: Have a good time! What part of florida, out of curiousity?
ms_connections: Orlando…we are going to Epcot to do an around the world…hoping to have a beer at each country. I’m also hoping it cools off and rains a little before we get there, my grand father lives in Daytona Beach and they actually had to evacuate a section of town because of brush fires.
opposite_prime: Too bad they stopped alcohol sales Disney World-wide. They cited some BS that they wanted a more “family-friendly” environment and that alcohol does not fit into the new Disney World philosophy.
ms_connections: If this is true, I have made a grave error in vacation planning…
jimmy hoffa: Yeah, there’s a series of articles in several beer magazines talking about how they don’t have the “around the world” beer trip anymore - which used to be a really popular thing.
opposite_prime: An attorney we work with took his sons (and wife) down there and was bullshit that he was staying, for a week, at a place that didn’t have beer anywhere except in the hotel lounge/bar.
ms_connections: Hmmm…if you guys are pulling my leg you are in for a world of hurt.
opposite_prime: I’m not! Here, I found the old Newsweek article / blurb:
ms_connections: Ok…as long as its just MK…Epcot still serves alcohol and that’s the only park we are going to. Thank God.
Cutty: Well, if you actually read the article, it says that it has stopped selling alcohol in “All Disney theme park locations.” That would include epcot.
opposite_prime: Here’s the rest of the text from the article. It’s all Parks.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – In a move designed to bolster the image of their zero-tolerance stand on drug abuse, the Disney Company has issued a press release announcing the cessation of sales of alcohol at all Disney theme park locations. Priscilla James, press secretary to Robert Iger, Disney Company CEO, said yesterday: “The Disney brand is all about children, and we want children to know that drugs and alcohol have no place in our parks, and hopefully, in their lives.†The decision to “go dry†came amid much controversy internally at Disney; the company will be losing an estimated $28 million in alcohol sales, but James says that despite what the public may think, Disney is not concerned with that revenue loss “To us it’s about the image we want children to perceive. We want them to know that this is a wholesome place free of drugs and alcohol.†Neither the press release nor James indicated when the move was to take place, but officials reached for comment at Orlando’s EPCOT Center indicated that they had already received instructions for shipping back stocks of beer and wine.
Barry Freed: Hey, when am I taking you guys to the airport again?
——————————————————————————————–
Ms_Connections, if you’ve read this far, you’re likely pretty effing pissed right now. Hook. Line. Sinker. this is the part where Jimmy and I divulge that this was just a prank.
What part of florida, out of curiousity?
