Jaimoe

When I was in grade 7 back in 1981, I remember really liking songs from this new band called Def Leppard: "High 'N' Dry" and "Bringing on the Heartbreak", both from the just released High 'N Dry album. Syracuse rock radio (big influences on Kingston Ont. kids at the time) was playing the songs quite a bit and looking back, the old Leppard does sound a bit like AC/DC; no wonder I liked them. I even liked stuff off of their follow-up 1983 album, Pyromania: "Rock of Ages", "Photograph" and particularly "Foolin'". Then I quickly discovered Hendrix and Stevie Ray and never listened to them again. I can't make fun of the band because they were exciting for my young ears and those early albums were a lot better than most of the 80's junk than flooded the airwaves.

No matter what Raptors shills Rautins and Swirsky say about Raptors management not being worried about Bargnani, I can't imagine Embry and Colangelo being supportive of his consistent indifferent attitude and brutal play.

I've been to lots of games. You will have fun. The ACC plays better for basketball and the crowd is excellent and loud.

At least Bargnani doesn't have to learn defense; his indifferent coverage comes through a lack of will and effort.

If I didn't like FunkyBeats' rather "optimistic" view of Phish's return, I would use this quote as my new signature.

You can't teach tough, and Bargnani and some of his teammates will never be tough. However, it's a good thing its basketball.

This is from Harp magazine: The group is currently wrapping up the recording and mixing of their yet untitled new album, out on ATO Records June 10th. It is being produced by vocalist Jim James and multi-grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli (Shins, Brian Wilson, White Stripes, etc.). Additionally, MMJ will be playing with Yo La Tengo at the Houston Verizon Wireless Theatre on March 10th, and at the Austin Music Hall on March 13th. Jim James will also be performing solo at Austin’s St. David’s Church on March 15th. The latter two shows, of course, will be must-attend events for all SXSW attendees.

And if Bargnani wasn't so terrible this year and Ford was healthy, the Raptors would be a much better team. I think Andrea will be a good player, but will he be a better pro than #2 pick from the same draft LaMarcus Aldridge or 2006 Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy (#6)? I'm unsure. And if the Raps had picked Aldridge, they'd be a much bigger threat in the East. Oh well, at least they ain't the Heat or the hilarious mess called The Knicks.

The difficult dialogue has nothing to do with it "sounding English". Rather, the dialogue is probably more influenced by Shakespeare, so you have to pay attention thoughout, not unlike Deadwood.

It took me two episodes to get into the series since it is dense character and plot-wise. However, once I got past the language and weaving threads, I couldn't get enough. Vorenus and Pullo are the soul of the show. Keep another eye on the brat genius Octavian, Julius' nephew.

The cast across the board is excellent and the plots are fascinating. Vorenus and Pullo make a great duo, even if they appear to hate each other. Ciaran Hinds makes an excellent Julius and James Purefoy's arrogant Marc Antony is a scene stealer throughout the series. Here's a cast page link which also connects to the series home site: http://www.hbo.com/rome/cast/

One of the best series of the past 5 years, Rome starts tonight. I hope History doesn't cut the hell out of the show - and I think they won't touch it (although the first episode has some full-frontal nudity). The first season is set at the time of Julius Caesar and features all the famous people and events surrounding and interacting with Julius, however the series as a whole centres around two gladiators (real-life ones at that): Vorenus and Pullo, both great anti-heroes, especially Pullo. The dialogue and intricate plot and the large interactive cast is tricky to follow in the early episodes, but once you get used to everything, the show is incredible. Season II is marginally better than I, but both are great. Keep an eye on that coward Brutus and his manipulative mother.

Nice depth move.

The Jays infield looks really good this upcoming year both with the glove and with the bat. Johnny Mac will go back to being a utility infielder of sorts.

I can tell you that when Trinidad was in his early prime in the late 80's and early 90's - in welterweight and light-light-middleweight - there was nobody better. He was a very young champion and no one could touch him. He hung around too long and got too heavy, but when Felix was at a more natural weight, man, he was deadly.

Both of these fighters are past their prime, but boxers on the decline with everything to lose often put on incredible fights. I'm pulling for Trinidad - a natural welterweight. Should be an interesting fight nonetheless: http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2008/0119_trinidad_jones/news/announcement.html

Have a Pinkalicious Birthday.

Anyone recognize Jim James (My Morning Jacket) in the film?

No snow/sub-zero weather = a disaster for farmers and the water table. Bring on the snow, I tell you whut.

Cut strips of sirloin on a mixed-green/garden salad. It looked good.

Here's hoping the coaches select Calderon as a reserve. He deserves to be there. Wade does not since he's been injured for most of the year and Miami sucks ass.

Have a kick out the jams birthday Dave!

I went to Mill Street earlier in the week and she was eating a steak salad. She's starting to eat beef again, but only free-range/organic/naturally raised.

That so called dog is an actual picture of Dave-O.

Even Vicki found those Swiss Chalet wings evil. If it wasn't for the heat, they were pretty good.