Today is a rare Friday off from work for me, and when I woke up this morning I groaned, as is the custom. Then I realized: you’re free, pudgy! Wow, what a great feeling. I highly recommend it.
Tonight we’re going to dinner at the Red Olive, or the Octopus’s Garden or one of those places — on the company’s dime. They show their appreciation for all the hours I’m working, via gift certificates to chain restaurants. Oh, they know how to win me over.
Plus, we have a Samuel Adams sampler cooling in the downstairs fridge. Ahhh… This is so much better than the regular Friday, it really is.
One downer: I ordered a couple of books from Amazon a few days ago, and have been following their journey across the continent, via USPS tracking. Do you do this? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Anyway, they were scanned in Allentown yesterday at 12:21 in the afternoon. But did they deliver today? No, they did not. Allentown is just down the turnpike from here. Grrr… The books traveled 1500 miles in twelve hours somehow, but they can’t get them to me from freaking Allentown in a day? I’m getting all whipped-up about it.
I bet that hippy-dippy mailman had something to do with it. I have no proof, but blame him nonetheless. …Maybe days off aren’t the best thing for me, after all?
Earlier in the week, on one of the snow days, Toney called our cable company, to see if we’re still getting the best deal available. They’re constantly changing things, adjusting their prices, and offering various promotions — without telling existing customers. So, Toney just calls them periodically, and checks on it.
The result? We’re now paying ten dollars less per month, but have ALL of the premium movie channels. All of them. For less money! And it’s something that would have never been offered to us, in a million years.
Of course, when I go to watch something it’ll just be Joe vs. the Volcano on every channel. But it’s still a moral victory, dammit.
And during the Atlanta years Toney and I were good friends with another couple. We spent a lot of time with them, and got into many excellent adventures. For whatever reason, crazy stuff would happen when the four of us were together. Of course, alcohol was almost always involved…
One night we were at the Vortex, a bar in mid-town, and somehow ended up playing the game of Life with a street person who was wandering past. We bought him beer, and he joined us for the evening. He turned out to be pretty cool, actually. And played a mean board game.
We traveled together (including several crazy trips to Jekyll Island), and were always at each others’ houses… We seemed to be on parallel courses. We were married at roughly the same time, made approximately the same amount of money, and our kids are about the same age.
But we grew apart after Toney and I left Atlanta. They eventually ended up in Washington, DC, and it went from monthly emails to semi-annual emails to nothing. And Toney found out earlier in the week that they’re… divorced(!).
I know that’s nothing shocking, really, but it’s shocking to me. I think of those two as one, if you know what I mean. They met in college, and have been together most of their lives. They have two boys, like we do. What the hell, man? It bothers me.
Oh well. Another divorced couple isn’t exactly earth-shattering, I know. But they are approximately the last people I would have predicted to split-up. I hate it.
In any case… For a Question of the Day, I’d like to know about the most embarrassing concerts you’ve ever attended. I went to a few to please an ex-girlfriend, which are pretty embarrassing. They include Rick Springfield and the Commodores.
I also saw the Statler Bros. with my parents when I was about fifteen, because my folks played their albums around our house, and I liked them. Pretty embarrassing, huh?
A couple of memories from the Rick Springfield show…
At one point he was pacing back and forth across the stage, telling a story into the mic. He said, “You know, sometimes it gets hard up here on stage. Oh wait, maybe I should rephrase that — sometimes it gets difficult up here on stage.” And a thousand thirteen-year old girls squealed in ecstasy.
Also, Sparks was the opening band. Sparks! If any of you know them, you’ll understand what a bizarre pairing that was. Weird shit, man.
So, there you go. Do you feel like confessing your embarrassing concerts? If so, use the comments link below.
And I’ll see you guys again next time. If you’re interested, there’s also a new post at CrossroadsRoad. Do with it what you will.
And have a great day!
The bunker cam has historical significance in that the man you see has recreated, in a crude but heartfelt attempt, an ages old tradition of self humiliation in order to display extream protest. It is akin to donning a dunce’c cap on purpose as if saying, “Do you take me for a fool?”. In this photo the man’s emotions have been pushed to the extream and while he and the crowd shouts, ” We will not wear your shit”, he proudly displays a Turd Turbin.
Or…he could just be a dumbass that carries his lunch on his head.
HA!….I’m going to be a hit when I show up at work today!
Thanks!!
or maybe all of his towels were in the laundry?
The first wife and I were fans of the NC State Fair (it brought out our inner redneck), and I saw there, in no particular order:
The Commodores minus Lionel Ritchie (better than I expected, honestly)
The Grass Roots (terrible)
and
worst of all, Marie Osmond, who was filling in for Tammy Wynette who had fallen ill the day before. I am a big Tammy fan (again the inner redneck appears, I like George Jones, too, go figger).
I was doubly devastated to not see her (she died about a year and a half later, so that train has sailed), AND I had to sit through 45 minutes of MO, who brought her 10 year old son out for a duet at one point, which was hideous. I suppose the saving grace is that it was only one half of Donny and Marie – at least that’s the mantra I kept repeating to myself until it was over…
We saw Cyndi Lauper open for Tina Turner at Walnut Creek in the mid-1990’s. Cyndi came out on stage VERY pregnant wearing a tube top and hot pants. Unless you have the preggie fetish this is pretty weird to watch – she belted out 35 minutes of “hits” and pranced around with a pot belly like it was perfectly normal.
On the other hand, Tina was awesome – this was the “Goldeneye” tour – we scored 15th row seats on a walkup to box office 15 minutes before showtime. Apparently some guests of the band failed to show and they released the tickets just as we arrived. That woman rocks, and is sexy in spite of the wigs and makeup. Hot legs indeed.
LOVE George n Tammy ! Tina is one of the best live show’s I have ever seen. She is stellar.
I saw Tina Turner open for the Stones. talk about a double pleasure.
Indeed, Mick Jagger appeared on SNL and sang a duet with Tina (this was pre-comeback), and that performance may well have been the beginning of her career’s resurrection – the Stones were big fans of her.
Hoping to get some concert of shame: Jackal
nothing like the smell of a 2 stroke chainsaw to get the ladies excited! never did get some and looking back on it I’m kinda glad. The things we do for pussy…
Bunker-cam: Iraqi ESPN – I keek a toochdown. Home run!!!
Further evidence: You would have to be damn near commode-huggin’ drunk to watch even 10 seconds of this, this…Grrrrr.
The first concert I ever went to was The Osmonds. With my entire family, of course.
Beyond that, I refuse to be embarrassed about any concert I’ve ever attended. I will even boldly say that I enjoyed the heck out of seeing Night Ranger at a local fair just a couple of years ago. So there.
Night Ranger = is that the “eye of the tiger” band from Rocky XLV?
No , that is Survivor , and I saw them on the West Virginia Belle a local paddle wheel boat , now that was embarrassing . Seen Night Ranger too , just as embarrassing. I own a Night Ranger CD very embarrassing.
Come on, Night Ranger was THE shit back in the day. I still play Sister Christian to embarass my secrets.
OK, maybe somebody can beat this one. I saw the Stooges (nope, not Iggy…Three) in about 1964 at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse, an old wooden structure about a mile from my house (both the house and the field house are still in use).
Moe and Larry were in fine form, and Joe DeRita did fine as “Curley Joe” (after the deaths of Curley and Shemp Howard).
They essentially did their Vaudeville act from the late 1920s, and it was a scream. My Dad took my sister and me (this was no place for mothers) and the Stooges rocked a nearly sold-out building. My God, I remember where I was sitting, I remember the souvenir photo I got, and I how good the popcorn tasted.
My sister kept her hand in Stooge salute position (vertical, between the eyes) all the way home because I was pretty fired up. I treat her better now.
The Stooges, having survived and prospered in Vaudeville, knew how to make an audience keep wanting more. Rest in peace, guys, and thanks.
jtb
I have no particular rooting interest in the Superbowl this year. Someday Big Ben’s lack of ability to consistently throw a spiral will catch up with him. If that day is tomorrow, it could be a long day for the Steeler boys. I’m guessing 0-1 sack for G.B., two or three hurries, lots of nickel+ strong side slide zone packages with a read call for the strongside OLB. So let Ben throw it and hide the single coverage. Final score:
Green Bay 27, Pittsburgh 17
I know there are many Steeler fans out here and I can assure you it’s nothing personal. The Packers are just one man better on defense and that gives them more options. Obviously, if the turnover net tilts -2 or more in the Steelers favor, it’s a different game. At that point it’s a tie and maybe OT.
Hope everybody has a great Superbowl day.
jtb
Tomorrow will be 2 minutes and 13 seconds longer than today. Spring is coming.
That should have been 2 minutes and 13 seconds more of daylight. It is late and I am tired.
Thanks Chuck for the info. I knew something was up when the cock started crowing a little earlier than usual. Sometimes I feel like choking the thing but think better of it. I might need him for later.
Can’t really think of a particularly bad show, lineup-wise, that I have attended because I have always been a picky sonofabitch when it comes to live music. Saw a lot of good shows over the years.
Embarrassing for me: I went to see Green Day open up for Bad Religion in about ’93, before they were big rockstars. I got hurt during the opening band and got shuffled backstage by the bouncers because they thought I had broken my back. Ended up drinking beer with Mike from Green Day until they went onstage. Nice guy. As they were going on, I was finishing up my beer — did I mention I was underage? — and got kicked out the side door by the promoter dickhead for drinking underage. He waited until the band was gone to do it, whatta douche. Went home pretty pissed off that night.
To all the yinzers on here: Go Steelers!
Guy on the bunker cam looks like he has a Giant Eagle Get Go pepperoni roll on each side of his head, and possibly a giant falafel patty on his forehead. Held together with Saran Wrap.
Perhaps it’s a sign that the Steelers will win. It’s distinctly not a cheesehead.
GO STEELERS!!</b<
Most embarrassing concert?… I was part of the band. Played a two night package show at the Trop. 2nd floor banguet room no less. The acts were four walling I’m sure but my pay was the same. Mary Wells, Lou Christy, Sam & Dave ( or was it just Sam?) and two others my mind has blanked out. Folding chairs, musty carpet, an air conditioner set on economy and two make shift bars at the back of the room that had a VFW wedding reception feel to them. The band was so-so. Lou Christy’s charts were over written I guess to create some semblience of music going on. Mary was cool but “You Beat Me to the Punch” made me want to punch the trombone player who called me for the gig. Sam & Dave (or was it just Dave) were cool but still…everything was so wrong. I think there was even some sort of raffle for a fruit basket or something. Some of us guys in the band got together on the break between shows on the second night, had a small guests only party and vowed to burn our tux in a pagen offering to the god…Gig.
Spice Girls. Took my 9 year old nieces when I was 8 months pregnant. Lawn seats, I kid you not. Told the girls that there was no way I could stand in the huge line to get in, so we hung out near the box office. As the were letting all the people in wheelchairs and such in a special door, I stuck out my enormous belly, and asked if they considered pregnancy a handicap. We got in.
I’d probably pay good money to see The Fingerlings from last night’s SNL. Embarrassing, but true. Gary Numan has brought about my musical ruination.
And what the hell has happened to William Gibson? Is he the new James Patterson? Someone else writing his books now? Zero History sucked.
Success. And all the mainstream nit-wits who have suddenly “discovered” him. Same goes for Chuck Palahniuk.
It’s called being wrecked by your own success. The Swells call it hubris. (I ain’t a Swell.)
Yeah, as time marches forward, his books have marched backward until they’re now set in the present. Not nearly as interesting as they used to be. I wanna go back to the ’80s so I can read Neuromancer again for the first time!
Yeah I really enjoyed the Sprawl trilogy. Since then they have just been odd.
I’ve got you all beat. It was 1974, maybe 75. My mom got free tickets from somewhere, and I was compelled to take my ten-year-old sister to the Nassau Colisseum (a hockey arena), to see …
David Cassidy.
From the worst possible seats at the top of the hall.
Behind the stage.
Two hours of a tiny prancing figure in a ubiquitous 70s white jumpsuit, shaking his shaggy mane and poking his little fist in the air, with his back to me.
Pitiful half-time show. Sad.
Even Slash couldn’t save the Black Eyed Peas. I thought they were supposed to be good? Does anyone over the age of 14 actually listen to that shite?
I think it just points up the lack of real talent in today’s pop music. If it’s not lip-sync it’s auto-tune.
This was an over the top campy rock meets pop SB halftime but I think it’s fun and it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJsaW47BOd4
I agree. The half-time show was a major disapointment.
No boobies, man-tits, nothin
Yes, the word disapointment has only one “p” in it now. I have had it’s spelling officially revised.
I love cheese. I love head. Go Packers!
Fuck.
Yea, the half-time show reminded me of the Chinese summer olympics, with the 3,000 people performing in sync. All in all, rather tacky. Where’s a good wardrobe malfunction when you need one? Whole thing: rather ho-hum. Besides the fact that The Stillers lost. What a waste of good cocktail weiners and hotwings.
I didn’t even see any really good commercials this year.
I liked the Darth Vader kid, the dude who freaks about erroneously sent e-mail, and the appreciative beaver one. And you know, it’s always good to have an appreciative beaver.
I didn’t get the SA sampler but did pick up a twelver of The Winter Lager on a suggestion.They were out of Coors 18 packs so I thought what the heck. I liked it quite a bit. Better than regular SA. Probably the bit of orange and ginger they add.
As far as Amazon and tracking…as Chauncey Gardiner said…”I like to watch”. I just do it because it’s there and I gotta say I must be the odd man out here because I always pick super-saver free and I alwasy get my stuff quick. Back home in northern NM, always three, maybe four days. One time it slipped to seven but holiday or something was in the way. While I’ve been in Cincy…FFF. Freakin’, Freakin’ Fast. Member that Smokey Joe BBQ I ordered? Ordered Sunday night, it shipped UPS Monday and I got it Tuesday. Free shipping! Came from IN. My CDs and books come from northern Ohio USPS and it’s always two or three days. Free again. I guess location? Dunno.
Pitchers and catchers report to spring training camps on the 13th.
Wow, that’s the first Jerzy Kosinski reference I’ve seen out here for weeks. Thanks for that.
jtb
Christina was horrible AND fucked it up. The halftime show was meh. Fergie slithering all up and down Slash..cue eye roll….UGH. And the Steelers loss…heartbreaking. That game could have and should have been won.
I’ll probably catch shit for this but – what was up with the reciitng of the Declaration of Independence? I want to see a game – not be reminded of my fourth grade Mrs. Costa’s history class.
Or the flyover…uh…no one at the game saw it.
Not at all will you catch shit for it from me. Don’t forget, we were watching this pageantry on the F-word network. Lots of times, those who wave the flag the most are the ones who least deserve to wave it at all.
I’ve got nothing at all against God, the Flag, apple pie and motherhood. It’s large portions of their booster club that I can’t stand.
You won’t get shit from me. That was lame.
One blogger said Fergie sounded like a dying toucan. I agree.
BChick, you are correct. They basically beat themselves. I am beyond disappointed. But, let’s give credit where credit is due, plus show some class as as members of Steeler Nation by congratulating the Green Bay Packers on their Super Bowl win. I am especially glad for Donald Driver and Charles Woodson, two future Hall Of Fame inductees, who labored for years with the Packers and never had a chance for a ring. So, good for them, anyway.
The silver lining: Rodgers exorcising the ghost of Favre. Maybe now Favre will stay retired and we won’t have to hear about him all the gawd damned time.
Congratulations Green Bay. You were the better team last night.
Unc: Yep. I agree. Congrats GB. And if you think about it…the only time they scored a TD is when we turned over the ball. I don’t think they played GREAT just better. Nevertheless, we are the AFC champs and all the other teams were watching from home.
Agreed. The best team won lastnight. We’ll be back.
“We”? I had no idea the two of you were part of the Steelers organization.
Whoa. Gary Moore died. WTF? 🙁
Sad. Same age as me, also.
I think half the state of Wisconsin took the day off today. I know I did. Thanks Pack for a great season!!!
Carry on, folks. ‘Cause I’m not going to get the update completed before I leave for work. I’ll try to post it when I get home: around 3 am. Sorry!
Sweet, so if I wait up until 3:00 or 4:00am, I can be a firster.
1. I have always been a die-hard metal head.
2. My wife refuses to spend money. Really.
So when she asked me for $100 for concert tickets, I thought, no way she’ll actually pull the trigger on this.
That’s how I wound up seeing Cher.
Who are “Mumbles and Sunshine”? From context they seem to be inlaws, but I can’t find any verification.
I have seen the Indigo Girls. Three times. I have also seen Celine Dion, and Bette Midler. The reason for this is that my wife wanted me to go.
I balance this against the fact that I’ve seen the Stones, as well as Tom Petty. I don’t really go to a lot of shows, because I just don’t think it’s worth it, unless I really, really love the band in question. (I’m actually indifferent to the Stones, but got free tickets.)
I saw the Indigo Girls, again on a college campus, and I’ll swear out of 1500 people I was the only one there with male genitalia.
The show itself wasn’t half bad – they do a nice cover of Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, and I have to admit it was fun to watch a bunch of 18-21 year old girls in booby shirts and hot pants wiggling and clapping and hugging each other with every song.
Then came the freak show: the bull dykes who have a “thing” for Amy Ray, and hang out after the show waiting for an autograph or a hug (or to try to cop a feel, it seemed like). That is one scary looking group of “ladies”. Apparently there are a bunch of them that follow the IGs around, rarely missing a show…
Somewhat off topic, but anyway… A few years ago (5-10) my mother-in-law saw a small acoustic show in a bookstore. After the show she waited around to get an autographed CD for my husband. When she met the guy she went on and on to the guy gushing about how much her son just loves him. He is her son’s favorite. Her son has all of his CDs. Her son is his biggest fan. Her son will be thrilled with the autographed CD. The autographed CD will be her son’s most prized possession. And on it went.
We went to her house for dinner one night, not knowing that she had procured the holy grail of autographed CDs, and she made a big deal of presenting it to my husband, telling him about all of the gushing and whatnot. When she handed it to him, he got the strangest look on his face, and said, “Thanks, Mom. Ummm, actually, my favorite musician isn’t John Waite. It’s Tom Waits. But thanks, this is really thoughtful.”
A few hours later as we were driving away, I busted out laughing and said, “HA! John Waite thinks you’re GAAAAAAAAAYYY!!”
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Don’t talk to strangers
(baby don’t you talk)
Boogie ’til you puke, y’all.
.
This is apropo of nothing, but I visit other websites and the people are a bunch of whiny babies. Thank goodness, for Surf Reporters!.
3 am
where are my damn box scores?
woke up all hypoglycemic…waiting for the oj to kick in
I obsess over tracking shipments. I have an iPhone app that tells me each time it changes status, which keeps me from checking manually as much. Thankfully, I’ve never had this happen to me: http://cache.blippitt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/fedex-fail.jpg