Author Archives: TGBII

Behind or: A Piggyback

15 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I forgot to say — because I was writing other things on Monday — that we did The Man Who Ate the Town and The Beer Dads this week (and The Less Desirables). But, on The Beer Dads this episode, we talked about teaching the kid about budgeting. Cl1JVyyWYAAbovF

I found it funny that 3B came home today during his “travel period” between Career Center and high school and needed gas. After a long discussion about his First Quarter grades not being “too hot” as he called it, he had to get back to school. I took money by school for him a little bit later.

First of all, yes, he has a large SUV that sucks the gas like fish suck water. And, he has started living here at his grandmother’s house (Ma Mère’s) during the week because his mother for whatever reason decided to buy a house in a small town 45 minutes away. So, it is a little better now as he only has to fill up weekly, not $50 worth every three days. But, he hasn’t even gotten his “after 9s” yet. Wait until he starts going places and doing things. Yeah, I’m waiting. I won’t be able to help all that much.

Some think its better that he concentrate on school and not get a job while others think he should get a job. I see both sides and have overall mixed feelings about it. He’s finally found something that really interests him and I want him to concentrate on that. However, he’s not doing “jack” in the rest of his classes that don’t contain the words “weight” and “lifting.” Money is tight and he’s going to want to do things. So, I don’t know what to do about it.

Anywhat, I digress.

Follow the link if you want to hear the episode for:

The Man Who Ate the Town
The Beer Dads
The Less Desirables

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Dad, I need gas…” – 3B

 

Livin’ Dangerously or: Fargin’ Bastiches

14 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by in Movie Review

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Salutations™!!

Per usual, on a Wednesday night, as I do social media stuff for The Less Desirables, I watch either a crappy sci-fi/fantasy film from the 70s/80s or something nostalgic for me. It was the latter for me, tonight.

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©Twentieth Century Fox

It was 1984’s Johnny Dangerously starring Michael Keaton, Joe Piscopo, Griffin Dunne, Marilu Henner and Maureen Stapleton.

I remember watching it any and every time I could find it on HBO when I was growing up. There were many one-liners that I loved as a kid. And, for whatever reason, I never got the over-the-top absurdity of it all. I got that he was trying to appeal to the best side of the kid, but I never got how incredibly implausible it was. I mean, snow in July, the $49.95 for pancreas surgery, and so on.

There are a lot of coincidences, too. Danny DeVito and Marilu Henner were both in Taxi. Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton were both in Batman Returns a few years later. Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo were in Wise Guys in 1986. When Johnny was talking about going “legit,” he said one of the benefits of doing so was that he could “say hi to his neighbor, Fred.” That neighbor was a reference to Fred Rogers, whom Keaton worked for as a stagehand in Pittsburgh. There are more things, too.

I loved the over exaggeration of the English language by Italian mob boss, Roman Moroni. Farggin’ Ice-holes. Having “your bells in a sling.” Bastiches. Cork-Soakers. You can figure out what each of those really is.

All the “you shouldn’t have done that, Johnny. My mother did that once… once,” lines. The fact that “Weird Al” Yankovic did the theme song (and it’s one of my favorite “Weird Al” tunes). The fact that Alan Hale, Jr. is the desk sergeant. The fact that Ray Walston is the newspaper vendor that goes from blind to deaf to an amnesiac. All those things make me love this movie more. There are little nuances all throughout and really, over half I never noticed until tonight. I don’t know how.

Rotten Tomatoes didn’t like it. They have it as only 44% Rotten. But the audience score was 63%. So, I guess pftpftpftpft (raspberry sound) to the critics for that one. Yeah, it wasn’t that good, but it was fun.

If you find it and get a chance to watch it, you need to. It may not be your cup of tea and you may think it’s stupid, but that’s okay. I like silly and stupid. It all works for me. So, that’s my love of this film, too. Yay, me!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Dominus vobiscum, Nabisco. Espiritu sanctu. They gasthebus. We gasthebus. You gasthebus. We missed the bus. They missed the bus. When’s the next bus? Summa cum laude. Magna cum laude. The radio’s too laude. Adeste fidelis. Semper fidelis. High fidelis. Post Meridian. Ante Meridian. Uncle Meridian. All the little Meridians. The Magna Carta. MasterCharge it. Dum procellas. Lotsa Vitalis.” – Charlie

Who? or: Exit Steeltown

13 Tuesday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, today was the day that Le’Veon Bell faced as the deadline for signing his franchise tag and with that gaining the ability to play this season. If he didn’t sign, then he doesn’t play and he forfeits the entire year’s salary of $14M+. Well, he didn’t sign. He’s most likely no longer a Steeler.

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©unknown (not mine)

The Steelers could slap the franchise tag on him again, but through a loophole in the system, that would bypass the Year Two franchise tag (probably around $15M) and go straight to Year Three (over $23M). That would require the Steelers to pay that, but it would also get them guaranteed two 1st Round draft picks. There’s no way they’re going to pay that. It could be the transition tag that they use, which means that the Steelers would not have to pay a guaranteed contract and would get to match any offers that were made to Bell when free agency starts March 13 at 4pm.

The chances of that are a little more realistic but still not likely. There are teams that will have plenty of room under the salary cap with a clear need for Bell’s services by then. I can name a few, now: Colts, Bills, Texans, Raiders, Redskins (possibly), Bucs, and a few more. Then there are those that would just snatch him up to have him. I would hate to see him in a Patriots or Ravens uniform, those worse than most.

I am quite happy with James Connor’s performance this year. He’s really burst onto the scene, but that’s not really surprising. He’s destined for greatness, I believe. As long as he stays healthy and stays out of trouble, that is. Then again, Bell was always an injury waiting to happen. I think Connor is the Steelers’ future, now.

Bell gave up the salary for this whole year. He held out last year for a bit, too. But, before this, he had given up over $8M. $855k+ a week. James Connor makes less than $500k for the entire year. I know the Steelers are one of two teams that don’t put up big guarantees (the other is the Packers) but I hope that they pay Connor what he’s worth when the time comes.

I am okay with Bell gone. If he can afford to do without his $14M he doesn’t need (or deserve) more money.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So be it…” – Mike Tomlin

Excelsior! or: Goodbye to Our Legend

12 Monday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

3B sent me a text earlier today that said “RIP Stan Lee.” It had just been announced. I stood and stared at the text for many seconds, not believing what I was reading. Yes, he was about a month shy of 96, but I think many comic book fans figured he’d just be around for another 96.

Stan-Lee-Recovery

(copyright unknown but not owned by me)

Stan Lee was very important in my life, not only my formative years but after and still to this day.

I was heavily into comics, more specifically, superheroes since I knew how to read. Heck, even before that. I would sit and watch Electric Company every day, just on the chance that I’d get to see the cheesy, silent, lanky, lurky Spider-Man that they sometimes included. The mystery, the magic, the uncanniness (if you will). Superheroes were what turned me on.

Don’t get me wrong, I went through my Star Wars phase, too. And, I’m still in that, kind of, but I am never not nostalgic or interested in comics of today. Even when I wasn’t collecting comics, I was into the aspects of them. I watched The Super Friends reruns every day after school, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends on Saturday, X-Men, and so on. I loved it all. I related more to DC comics, but Spider-Man was always my guy (well as a kid, now, he’s second).

Peter Parker along with Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Matt Murdoch, all the other characters in the Marvel Universe with a name alliteration, as well as Professor X, Jean Gray, Cyclops, Thor, Hulk, Tony Stark, T’Challa, and just about everyone in Marvel Comics in the 60s and 70s, they all lost their real “dad” today. Stan Lee meant so much to me growing up. Hearing his voice on Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends was always cool. Whether you’re a comic book fan or not, you knew who Stan Lee was, or at least what he’d contributed to pop culture from the 60s on.

I once co-owned a comic book store. I was fascinated with these characters as a kid, they made me (very little) money as an adult and after a long break from them — to get the bad taste out of my mouth — I have recently jumped back into the stories. I’ll admit most of what I’m reading now is DC stuff, but I have re-found my love of the characters. As much as I love DC, with the exception of a few, their movies leave a lot to be desired. Marvel’s movies, however, are better-made, better-scripted and are just better translated on the big screen. It doesn’t hurt that Disney helps with that, now.

This post may seem a bit discombobulated but, it’s because I have a lot to say but don’t know where or how to fit it all in. I apologize for that. All I can get out is that I’m sad you’re gone, Stan Lee. You are probably the most important person in comic book history. Thank you immensely for most of my childhood memories. Thank you for the timeless personalities of pop culture that you left us for our lifetime. Sleep well, Mr. Lee and, as always, Excelsior!!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“With great power comes great responsibility.” – Uncle Ben

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/10/18

11 Sunday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were up and out early yesterday, but, we got to Underdog Records and purchased a pretty good-sized haul. Here’s what we got:

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©Atlantic  Records

  • Various – The Wall (Redux) — So, this is quite interesting. It’s Pink Floyd’s The Wall reimagined by a number of stoner/doom rock bands. It’s heavy, jazzy, light, dark, it’s a bit of everything. The Wall is my favorite Floyd album and it was cool to hear. New.
  • The Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead — #264 on the RS list. I haven’t ever been a fan of the Dead but this album is pretty good. The Dead were friends with CSN and those guys taught the Dead harmonies. Good stuff. New.
  • Eric Bachmann – No Recover — Our second album from the former frontman for Archers of Loaf. Laid back indie rock at its finest. This was an easy listen. Bachmann has a great voice. New.
  • Ratt – Invasion Of Your Privacy — One of my favorite hard rock albums of the 80s and has what I consider the best song intro ever, “Lay It Down.” I reviewed this album on the Eugeology list last year. It is in VG condition but plays quite nicely.
  • Mozart, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire Dir. Hans Rosbaud – Don Giovanni (Excerpts-Extraits-Auszüge) — VG++.
  • The Marshall Tucker Band – Carolina Dreams — I’m not a fan of southern rock but I’ve liked a few MTB songs that I’ve heard and they’re from South Carolina. The rest of the albums (along with this one) that I’m going to list were $1 bin finds. VG.
  • Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze — I got three Seals & Crofts albums. All were at least VG but could actually be slightly better.
  • Seals & Crofts – Diamond Girl — Ditto.
  • Seals & Crofts – Get Closer — Ditto again.
  • Emmylou Harris – Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town — Emmylou Harris has such an amazing voice. I’m not much on the country aspect but her voice makes up for the twangy country overtones. VG.
  • The Rolling Stones – Black And Blue — The funky/disco vibe on this album is weird for the Stones, at least at this time. Some Girls which came out after this (and my favorite Stones album) was firmly in that mode. But, at the time this was freaking some folks out. I didn’t really care for it, but it is a notch in my collection. That’s a plus. VG.
  • Boz Scaggs – Silk Degrees — I like Boz Scaggs more than I thought I would. I haven’t heard this yet, but I know I like “Lido Shuffle” which is on here. VG.
  • Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — I love EJ and this album is one of my faves. I thought I was getting it from a Discogs Marketplace seller but I kind of got screwed on that. It wasn’t Discogs’ fault, though. The whole transaction was screwed up because it was supposed to be for another album but after I paid for it, he didn’t have it so I picked this one. He says he shipped it and it never showed up. I had accidentally rated this before I got it (I found the one I ordered through another seller) and now I can’t complain about it. The seller says there’s nothing either of us can do, as it’s a shipping thing. Oh well, this was $1. But, we have to try to find another copy as this is very scratchy. It’s listenable but it could be cleaner. VG.
  • Paul Young – The Secret Of Association — His breakout album, it’s the one that had Daryl Hall’s “Everytime You Go Away” on it. The rest of the album is pretty good. Not great, but good. VG.

So, it was a big haul yesterday. We got to listen to a lot of it during our listening session, but we have more to hear. Some folks don’t get the vinyl thing, but that’s okay. I just find I can immerse myself in the medium and I don’t mind changing sides. Underdog Records recovered from their anniversary. Jonathan is gearing up for the Black Friday Record Store Day event on the day after Thanksgiving. PLUS!!! If you have loved ones that are either looking for something to get their favorite record collector, or you know someone that is a record collector, Jonathan is doing gift “certificates” right now for the holidays. Be sure to listen to The Less Desirables every week because you’ll get the exclusive TLD/UDR special of the week. It’s good savings for you. But, you have to mention hearing that ad (and know what it is!)…

I use Discogs for cataloging and purchasing.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Driving that train, high on cocaine, Casey Jones you better watch your speed. Trouble ahead, trouble behind. And you know that notion just crossed my mind.” – “Casey Jones” (Garcia/Hunter)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Amy Lee

10 Saturday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

This past Thursday was the 47th anniversary of Led Zeppelin IV (Zoso) which I believe is still my favorite Zep album. In honor, I went to find a good cover and Amy Lee (of Evanescence) did a great job of this tune. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Seems that the wrath of the Gods got a punch on the nose and it started to flow; I think I might be sinking. Throw me a line if I reach it in timeI’ll meet you up there where the path runs straight and high.” – “Going to California” (Page/Plant)

Hanging In There or: Much Better Than Expected

09 Friday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

I told you on Wednesday that I figured my doctor’s visit would end up being bad. Well… I was wrong. When I went there yesterday, I had lost 6 lbs since my appointment six months ago and my blood pressure was 124/80 which is the lowest I ever remember seeing it. Wow… okay, well what about the levels?Depositphotos_132925148_l-2015-1100x734

Well, everything other than my triglycerides was normal and even those were just slightly over standard. The LDL was at 100 and the standard range they say is 99 or less. So, that’s not too bad, either. The doctor told me that being slightly over isn’t significant enough to warrant worry. That I should keep up my meds, what I’m eating but be mindful of the carb intake. Also, if I must have a cheeseburger, park in the farthest space away so I at least get some exercise.

All-in-all, I feel that it was a very good visit to the doc. So, I’m going to go enjoy stuff and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Until then…
Scorp out!

—
“It is a scientific fact that your body will not absorb cholesterol if you take it from another person’s plate.” – Dave Barry

Black and Yellow or: Here We Go!

08 Thursday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!black-fanmats-sports-rugs-17972-64_1000

Love when my Steelers play on national television and they run all over the opposition. I’ve made no bones about that I don’t care much about our home team. I don’t dislike them, I just don’t care. So, when the Steelers play and it’s against the home team, it’s kind of fun watching the locals squirm. It’s sadistic, I know. I mean it in fun and with no malice. It helps that I have Roethlisberger and A.B. on both of my fantasy teams. I do wish The BCPF would have played the Steelers defense.

You know what, though? The game is still going on, so I’m not going to go on about it. I’m going to watch it. You should, too! Here we go, Steelers… Here we go!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m a Steeler for life.” – Antonio Brown

Blah Blah Blah or: I Love My Job

07 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I love my job. I get to write blog posts, record podcasts, talk into a microphone, meet and/or spend time with cool folks. That’s what I did today. Most of my day was spent editing, creating, recording podcasts, doing voice-overs and enjoying myself. 08c6c-tld

I had a friend of mine on The Less Desirables tonight and she brought a co-worker/friend of hers and we talked about real estate – something that isn’t the most riveting thing in the world, but we had fun with it. It was a fun show to record.

I hope my co-host, Bethany gets better, soon. She was out tonight because she had surgery yesterday and it took a little more work than what they thought the problem was. I hope for better and for this to fix her headaches.

I myself have a doctor’s appointment in the morning. I hate fasting and I hate getting my blood taken. I know that my blood work is going to be bad because I’ve not been eating as well as I should have been over the last few weeks. Oh well. That’s at 7:45a and dang! That’s early. Oh, well.

Is it just me or has this post been a bit disjointed? I kid, I know it has. It’s been a long day but again, I love my job. Hear how much and listen to this week’s episode, which you can hear HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I would love to be doing more voice-over work. It’s such a fun and free playground to take risks, play around, and get sort of ridiculous.” – Ari Graynor

Knock Knock or: Oh, Bucky

06 Tuesday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

Tonight, we recorded Apartment 5B and it was a fun episode. In addition to Jeff’s and Rory’s Throat Punch of the Week, for the first time, I threw in my own throat punch. I went off on some drivers, you’d have to listen to hear what it was about.A5BLogoTestCrop

We also talked about a Scottish, um, “gentleman” who slathered peanut butter over his junk and allowed his dog to help clean it up. But, the dog didn’t stop at cleaning it up… You’d have to listen to hear more.

All three Residents reviewed the film Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star after it was named to the bottom of Rotten Tomatoes’ ratings with a “0” rating (along with others). You’d have to listen to hear what we said.

The show ran about an hour and 16 minutes or so. It’s worth the listen as we went over “this day in history,” as well. So, to hear this episode you can go HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Everyone keeps talking about my accent, but I’m from America!” – Bucky Larson