Posted in Rock Gear, tagged Drum Heads, Drum refurbish, Drum Rewrapping, Drum Wrap, Ludwic Accent, Ludwig, Ludwig Accent, Matching Snare, Silver Sparkle, Snare, Throwoff on February 29, 2008 | 5 Comments »
I always like a project. Just that kind of guy I guess. So, here is the idea behind my latest undertaking…
If you read the post, then you know I have an old 1970’s Ludwig four-piece kit which I re-wrapped in silver sparkle. I love the kit. It looks and sounds great. The kick, tom and floor tom are the drums that I re-did, not the snare.
Posted in Lost, tagged lost reviews season 4 episode 5, lost television, thoughts and predictions, tv lost series 4 on February 29, 2008 | 6 Comments »
Plot:
Turbulence hits the helicopter (with Sayid, Desmond and Frank) and we’re back with Desmond in his Royal Scots boot camp. And back again in the present where Desmond seems like he wants to jump out of the helicopter and doesn’t recognize anyone he’s with. Uh-Oh.
On the beach, Jack and Juliet are with Daniel and Charlotte. Jack and Juliet are suspicious that the others don’t seem to be worried that the helicopter has been missing for a whole day (rather than 20 minutes). Dan fesses up. “Your perception of time on the island is not the same off the island. But not to worry, your buddies should be fine as long as Frank stays on course.” “And if he doesn’t?” “There could be side effects.” (more…)
Posted in Holidays, tagged folk practices, leap day, leap year, traditions on February 29, 2008 | 2 Comments »
It’s like the Olympics of holidays!
(That is, back when all the Olympics were held in a year and they actually occurred once every four years but, well, you get the gist).
In the English speaking world, on a leap day it was permitted for women to propose marriage to men.
Supposedly there was a 1288 law that required a fine be levied if a man refused a woman’s proposal. Because men felt they were at risk, women were then only allowed to propose once in a blue moon (Leap Day).
Although Greeks traditionally saw it a a bad omen to get married on any day in a leap year.
So, women seize the opportunity to propose to your man, or any man at all for that matter because if he says no, you can at least get some cash or a new dress out of it!
Posted in Rock Gear, tagged amp school, amps, building your own amp, tube amps on February 28, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Since I graduated from Michigan State University back in 1990, I’ve not really considered additional education or advanced degrees. First off, how much smarter can I get? I may have peaked around my sophomore year. But also, I have never been interested. Simply put, not in to it. Until now!
Yep, I’m going to go back to school.
Tuition is pretty steep, but I think it’s worth it.
Amp School, here I come!
Two days of intensive training on how to build a classic tube guitar amplifier. You actually build your own custom tube amp during the class. How cool is that? You learn all about how tube amps work, and why they sound the way they sound. You’re taught how to assemble the amp, including soldering. You even get schooled on mods. I’m so down with this class.
So, maybe for my birthday, if I’m good, I might get this class as a gift. $1,600 may be kinda expensive, but you do come home with a boutique tube head that is your own creation. And you just can’t put a price on that. (Well, I guess you can. They put it at $1600 bucks).
Who’s with me? Check it out here.
Posted in Holidays, tagged feb 28, this day in history on February 28, 2008 | 4 Comments »
February 28. That date seems familiar but, I can’t think of why…
Some February 28 birthdays include:
I just can’t seem to figure why this date rings a bell. Any thoughts?
Posted in Television, tagged CSI, desperate housewives, Humor, Lost, silly, tv, two and a half men on February 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
In some sort of brilliant marketing idea, two head writers for CBS shows are switching roles and writing for the others’ show. Sounds kinda neat, right?
Some opportunities to open up creatively. Stretch your legs, get out of your rut. But the two shows?
CSI and Two and a Half Men. Huh? Those two shows couldn’t be more different.
We think that you’ll be able to tell when you see the episodes. Expect to see Grissom bedding Catherine Willows. Grissom teasing Nick relentlessly about being a loser that no woman would have, about being broke, about loosing women to other women. It’s going to be wall-to-wall laugh tracks on CSI!
We also know that Two and Half Men will have to start with an opening song from The Who. I predict it’ll be “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” (or possibly “Pinball Wizard”). Also, predicting that Charlie will wake up with a dead body in his bed. Charlie and Alan will proceed to figure out what happened using tackle-boxes filled with flashlights and Q-tips. Expect many beautiful overhead vista shots from helicopters everytime we come back from commercial. Maybe the Miniature Killer makes a pitstop in Malibu? Little diorama left on the doorstep of our favorite two and one half men.
NBC will be up next. Expect Marc Cherry and Carlton Cuse to change places and the we”ll see a polar bear chained in the basement of the newest neighbors on Wisteria Lane. No more gossip between the ladies of Desperate Housewives, now they’ll learn useful information that could help their friends, but they won’t share the tiniest morsel, just like on Lost! No talking to each other. But we the viewers will learn all about the H-wives via flashbacks and flashforwards. Maybe another neighborhood will come in to play (The Others)?
Meanwhile on the beaches of Lost, Kate gets locked out of her tent completely naked (“She’s so klutzy and kooky!”). Sun’s baby is really Sayid’s, not Jin’s. Hurley’s coming out of the closet. The Voice Over woman will probably parachute into the neighborhood. And Bernard and Rose? Their secret is going to rock you to your core…
Posted in Advertising, Wow! Ad Wednesday, tagged advertising reviews, clothing, funny ads, Humor, old ads on February 27, 2008 | 3 Comments »
Who doesn’t want to look good and loose weight?
The theory behind these is solid. For years wrestlers and boxers have run around in garbage bags trying to loose a little extra to make weight, so the sweat out pounds while your body is encased in plastic, is not breaking any new ground. But these do certainly make a statement. I can see myself doing a little light gardening in these babies. Going for a bike ride, washing the car, making dinner or just watching tv – these can go anywhere!
They’re so cute, I know I wouldn’t be surprised to see myself and others cruising the mall in them.
Wonder Sauna Long Hot Pants: Reduces Waist, Tummy, Hips and Thighs.
You’re gonna look good and have that killer hour glass figure. Only the hour glass refers to your now disproportionately fat shoulders and calves. (Wah-wah).
Posted in Television, tagged big brother 9, moment of truth, outrageous television, reality television, Reviews, tv, worst of tv on February 26, 2008 | 4 Comments »
“People don’t think I’m smart when they meet me. So then when they find out I’m smart, they’re kind of intimidated. Cause I’ll blow you away with my looks and then turn around and blow you away with my brains.” So, she’s gonna blow you a couple of different ways. (Spoiler: She’s not actually too smart).
This was one of the profiles of a Big Brother 9 contestant. I am not going to pretend like I know their names because I don’t. They seem to be of the under-26, vapidly ubiquitous set. So why do you care?
Because this season is bonkers.
There have been two hospitalizations so far (airing tonight! Yay). There is a “straight” guy who’s been in gay porn, there have been strip shows (started by a stripper who loves Jesus but doesn’t see the disconnect there), a naked pool party and the only one over 30? Oh yeah, she’s a former Penthouse pet who lived with Bob Guccione for a decade or so.
The best thing about this group of media-whores? They wait until 9pm when Showtime begins their live coverage to bother with any of their antics. (Almost?) Staging fights (with blows so low – making fun of a girl’s father and his suicide? Are you kidding me? – All of this having known each other for 4 days.) And yet all is forgiven immediately. They’re hyper-aware of being on television, constantly saying “I’m only doing this for Showtime.” Well, bully for Showtime. It’s nice to know that you wouldn’t otherwise degrade yourself, but…for Showtime? Anything!
Savvy? Subtle? Sublime?
Hey, if this doesn’t appeal to you then turn into FOX’s smash hit lie detector game show, “Moment of Truth.” Watch people admit things like, “I feel like I should actually be married to my ex-boyfriend and not this clown sitting with me” or “Yes, I’ve avoided having children with my wife because I have doubts as to whether I’ll be with her in a year” Good times. Now that you’ve admitted that, answer just three more outrageous statements and you might win $100,000 (half of which will be your wife’s in the divorce). Awww, FOX television, ruining the moral fiber of America since 1991.
Posted in Happiness Is, Raleigh, tagged celebrate life, the little things that matter on February 26, 2008 | 3 Comments »
A freshly washed car.
You forget what a difference it makes. It looks all shiny and brand spankin’ again!
All of a sudden you’re a spoiled princess.
(PS – Raleigh, you probably don’t remember this feeling. That’s okay, I’m sure you will be allowed to wash cars and/or bathe in the next couple of years).
Posted in Man I Don't Know My Presidents, tagged 4th president, brief history, founding fathers, james madison, us presidents on February 25, 2008 | 1 Comment »
James Madison (served 1809-1817)
James’ wife Dolly Madison apparently had a sweet tooth and therefore has her own line of cookies and snack cakes which continue today.*
Posted in Internets, tagged ben affleck video, funny, Humor, jimmy kimmel, silly on February 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
On the Jimmy Kimmel show following the Oscars, Jimmy answered the Sarah Silverman/Matt Damon video with a little video of his own with…Ben Affleck, of course!
The only startling thing about this video is who Jimmy got to be in it. Some of these people probably haven’t even been on his show! But we have Brad Pitt fulfilling every woman’s fantasy and showing up as a delivery guy and Harrison Ford pulling up next to the happy couple in his convertible to blow kisses (vaguely reminiscent of American Graffiti).
And then the song breaks into a ‘We Are the World’ type anthem complete with Joan Jett, Robin Williams, Don Cheadle, Perry Ferrell, Macy Grey, Benji and Joel Madden, Josh Groban, Huey Lewis, Lance Bass, Pete Wentz, Cameron Diaz, McLovin (backed by a gospel choir), and Rebecca Romijn.
Posted in Internets, tagged computer science, Humor, laugh, programers, video fun on February 23, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Watch and Enjoy
Posted in Lost, tagged 2/21/08, 2008, 4.4 season 4 episode 4, Eggtown, Entertainment, Humor, lost 4. 04, television reviews, tv on February 22, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Okay. Kate-scentric. We already knew she was one of the Oceanic 6 so, will we find out another?
Oooooh, next week – Desmond-centric. Yay.
I really liked this episode, What’d you think?
I am also really liking Jeremy Davies as Daniel Farady. Did anyone else see him in Rescue Dawn? Craaaazy.
Also wanted to add that everyone has said that “Eggtown” refers to pregnancy and the last of the eggs from the last of the chickens but don’t forget that an Eggtown was shorthand for a town with no money. Meaning that traveling salesmen would refer to it that way, “Oh, don’t bother with Williamsburg, it’s an eggtown” – they didn’t have money or anything of real value to barter with. An egg is the worst thing; it has a short shelf life, doesn’t travel well – so fairly useless to the salesman.
Posted in Knews?, tagged news of the week, summary on February 21, 2008 | 2 Comments »
It’s not even Friday, so going back 5 days – Sheesh, There have been a ton of world events, Right?
Posted in Holidays, tagged cartoons, fun, History, Humor on February 21, 2008 | 2 Comments »
It’s a bit late (although Washington’s birthday is Feb 22) but, with Presidents Day still fresh in your mind, and our on-going series of “Man, I-Don’t-Know-My-Presidents Monday,” we thought we’d like to make sure you were aware of the tall tale, historically non-accurate cartoons of Brad Neely.
Unfortunately, like a lot of things here at the Tussle, there is some strong language.
Sometimes you wonder where other people’s minds live. Sheesh.
Sing it with me now, “He’ll save children, but not the British children.”
Enjoy
Posted in Culture, Lists of Fury, tagged best team mascots in sports, college mascots, funniest, Humor on February 21, 2008 | 4 Comments »
In case you think I am mocking these schools, I am not. Celebrate what sets you apart. Why your school is unique.
Full Disclosure: I went to a high school whose mascot was a capitol. The building. We were located in the capital city but, all in all, a pretty lame mascot. Will someone wear a costume of a dome shaped building and try and champion a little spirit? Doesn’t matter. My heart’s still with ‘em. Go Caps!
See Top Ten List of Mascots here.
Posted in Wow! Ad Wednesday, tagged funny dandruff, silly old ads on February 20, 2008 | 5 Comments »
Here’s the thing… Dandruff? It’s contagious.
See, I didn’t even know that.
Thanks, Advertising!
Who knows what other germs lurk within if your scalp is telling tales out of school!
Germs, Flakes, SCALES! The madness.
Ladies aren’t stupid. You might have grown up being told dandruff was just dry skin but women know it’s pure germitude! You have filthy, dirty microorganisms living in your scalp. This is disgusting. And this lovely lady doesn’t want any part of it. (This particular lovely lady also happens to have some sort of magnifying x-ray vision so, you’re probably better off without her, lest she desiccate your very soul).
Take your communicable bacteria and scram, Mister!
Posted in Man Accoutrements on February 20, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Compared to Austin, Texas, or Raleigh, North Carolina, New Jersey is very cold. I put on my suit this morning along with a overcoat, and I asked the front desk geniuses if the shuttle could take me to my clients office, to which they replied: “sure, just wait outside and the shuttle will be right there.” Sucker.
So I stand out in the sub-arctic conditions and proceed to get really, really cold. This is fur weather. Where is my Sherpa and bottled oxygen? That dang shuttle took 20 minutes to show up. Brrrrrr.
Ok, so it’s not really sub-arctic. But cold. It would have been fine with some boots, some layers and a good wool sweater, but this “tropical wool” suit ain’t cutting it.
On the positive side, everyone here thinks I am super tanned.
Posted in Holidays, tagged old dead christmas trees, what can you do with them? on February 19, 2008 | 3 Comments »
If you put your Christmas tree out by the curb near the end of February, they will not pick it up.
Just thought I should clear that up.
(We’ve reached an impasse. – It’s now a mexican standoff between me and the garbage folks. I’m not taking my tree from the curb and they’re apparently not taking it to the dump I think I’ll let nature take its course).
PS – It’s now more of a Halloween tree, in all its bright orange glory. So, at least I can re-purpose it when the time comes!
Posted in Best Of, Lists of Fury, tagged ACC, Alabama, Bama, BIG 10, Big 12, big ten, Big Twelve, Buckeyes, college football, Crimson Tide, Fighting Irish, Longhorns, MICHIGAN, most winningest teams, NCAA FOOTBALL, ND, Nebraska, Nittany Lions, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ohio State University, Oklahoma, OSU, Pac 10, Pac Ten, Penn State, PSU, SEC, Southern Cal, Tennessee, texas, Trojans, U of A, U of M, U of O, Univerisity of Oklahoma, University of Alabama, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, University of Nebraska, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee, University of Texas, USC, UT, Vols, WOLVERINES on February 19, 2008 | 31 Comments »
I live in Texas, and they love them some football down here. But you know what? I grew up in Michigan, and we sure-as-shit love some football too! We’re the Big Ten, we don’t mess about when it comes to the gridiron. So I ask you, which team has the best all-time winning record? Basically, you could argue that the winningest program is the best college program of all time – the number one winner when it comes to football?
I asked some folks I work with, and the answers were pretty consistent:
· Texas
· Oklahoma
· USC
· Florida State
· Alabama
· UCLA
· Florida
· Miami (Florida, not Ohio)
These are all great football schools, no doubt. Very funny to me, not a single Big Ten school listed. Should I be upset? No, I’m sure folks in the Midwest would have all 11 Big Ten schools on the list. (Well, not Northwestern).
So, not to leaving you hanging, here is the definitive list. Going back 140 years (through 2009), and using the NCAA as the source, here are the top 10 schools and the percentage of winning games:
1. Michigan 73.982%
2. Notre Dame 73.639%
3. Texas 71.785%
4. Oklahoma 71.648%
5. Ohio State 71.508%
6. Alabama 70.855%
7. Southern Cal 70.614%
8. Nebraska 70.101%
9. Tennessee 69.420%
10. Penn State 68.934%
Three of the top 10 are Big Ten schools. I like that.
The University of Michigan is number one. I hate that.
I’m a Michigan State University grad, and always hated Michigan football growing up. For the record, my MSU Spartans came in 31 at 58.993%.
If you want to see the big list, click here.
Posted in Advertising, tagged Humor, it's a federal holiday, stamps on February 18, 2008 | 5 Comments »
Wait! Was there nothing else left to honor?
No other Supreme Court justices, big name musicians, Olympians or other athletes? No National monuments or parks? Ran out of flora and fauna and Audubon birds? We’ve been through every Looney Tunes charecter and Marvel superhero? Already?
I do like the “SERVE WITH PRIDE” line, but how about one of these…
JURY DUTY: STOP TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT
JURY DUTY: THEY’RE ALWAYS GUILTY
JURY DUTY: THOSE SWIVEL CHAIRS ARE THE BEST IN THE COURTROOM
JURY DUTY: IT’S BETTER THAN WORKING ($12 A DAY!)
JURY DUTY: MAKES LAW & ORDER MORE RELEVANT
JURY DUTY: NO SNOOZING
Next in the series…”In line at the Post Office: You Risked Your Life For This Stamp” and “DMV Our Nation’s Doorway to Old Age” “IRS Paying Taxes is Your Civic Duty!”
Posted in Man I Don't Know My Presidents, tagged third president, thomas jefferson, United States history on February 18, 2008 | 10 Comments »
Thomas Jefferson
Where to begin? I mean, you could write a book about this guy.
President: Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
Vice-President: Aaron Burr (1801-1805)
George Clinton (1805-1809) - (Uh, Not the one in Parliament Funkadelic)
These weekly features aim to focus on the men and their time as president of the United States; Jefferson, however was so displeased with his time in office that he deliberately left it off his epitaph. So, um….What can you say?
Jefferson was the First US Secretary of State, Second Vice President, Third President and Principle author of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson came into office believing that his election was a semi-revolution, a call to get the government back on track from the wayward direction it was going under the Federalists. He was a Democratic Republican who believed in smaller federal government and a laissez faire attitude towards government’s involvement in the economy. Jefferson was of the school of thought as the old adage, “that government is best when governed least.”
Posted in Lost, tagged lost predictions, Reviews, tv on February 15, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Am I the only one who’s not going to be surprised if someone on the Freighter is named Nikki Tesla at this point? Or if we have some grand allusions to the Philadelphia Experiment (wherein it’s supposedly possibly to bend light around an object making it unobservable to the naked eye)?
We know the guy on the Freighter is named George Minkowski (Hermann Minkowski the mathematician who realized Einstein’s theory of relativity could best be understood in four dimensional space or what has since been known as Minkowski spacetime)!
Posted in Lost on February 15, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Who’s RG -as inscribed on Naomi’s bracelet?
FutureSayid would rather shoot you than pay off on a bet on a golf shot. (Which brings our total of the known Oceanic 6 up to 4, with Hurley, Jack and Kate).
Do you believe Miles Straume (maelstrom) when he said they weren’t told anything other than the OtherOthers are supposed to find Ben Linus?
They’ve definitely solidified the glitch in the time/space continuum theories with Daniel’s little experiment (31 minutes – huh?).
Ben has money and passports at the ready to travel anywhere, anytime.
Sayid does sketchy, mercenary type-crap in the future.
Desmond technically gets off the island too. But he can’t be one of the Oceanic 6. Also, I have my doubts that the helicopter ride will be smooth sailing.
And on that bombshell – Sayid’s FutureBoss is…Ben Linus!
Yep, Ben has yet another list, and Sayid seems to be blindly following it, eliminating the names one by one. He’s doing all this to “protect his friends.” What does that mean exactly? You be the judge. People still on the island? The few that also got off?
Locke never found Jacob’s cabin, we still don’t know who Ben’s inside man is, we still don’t know anything about Walt, we still don’t know why Hurley will get off the island and Locke seems to be going more nutsy and we don’t know why his group continues to let him be the leader.
From next weeks previews, we know that Kate and Sawyer have a romp and we find out another one of the Oceanic 6. I know who it is. Ugh.
Posted in Happiness Is on February 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
I work in an office. A very typical, dull office. Everyday I sit at a computer and do boring grown up work things, but today a faint glimmer of my childhood appeared in my office during a drab day. I attended a meeting in conference room, on the conference table lay markers. And not just any markers, but the silly scented markers of childhood. The ones that everyone fought to be able to use in kindergarten, because they were cooler than crayons. The joy of coloring combined with the crazy scent of cherry, grape and licorice. The wonder of childhood flooding back by taking the cap off a marker and finding that the cherry scent is still delightful, while listening to people drone on about schedules and time lines still isn’t. A moment of delight found in an otherwise colorless office-day.
Posted in Internets, Raleigh on February 14, 2008 | 4 Comments »
Raleigh now has the street views on Google maps and I just think it is the coolest thing.
Tell me your address so I can WebStalk you. I won’t. I promise. I’m not like that. You can tell me. I won’t tell anyone. You can trust me. I’m good with secrets. Just tell me where you live.
Posted in Advertising, Culture on February 14, 2008 | 1 Comment »
The Disappearing Car Door. It just rolls down like my car window. Only it’s my door panel! And where did my B pillar go? It’s kinda like some creepy magic trick. But I do like how futuristic it is! ‘Strap on your jet pack and meet be my doorless car. Oh, what you don’t have a doorless car? What, do you still open the damn thing yourself?’
The “Come On” starts out with, “Automobiles today still use the same door principles as Nineteenth century cars.” Foolish humans!
And the body copy has big and cool sounding words like, ”Our vehicle architecture offers an attractive rethink for car design.” So, you know they know what they’re talking about. And the VO work is done by a Brit so it’s obviously oozing with class. Geesh!
It wasn’t until the elimination of door dings or getting parked in that I understood how this was better by even one degree. And, my philosophy is that there is a set number of times this thing works, and on number 119,784, you’re trapped in!
Posted in Rock Gear, tagged Oatley's Garage, telecaster on February 14, 2008 | 2 Comments »
I know how concerned EVERYONE is on the status of my new Tele, and the good news is that it’s back from Oatley’s Guitar Garage, and I must say that Tom Oatley really outdid himself. The guitar is a peach. Love it. It plays great and feels great too. Cheers Tom.
The set-up required removing the bridge to flip it around, and that flip required all of the saddles to be removed and re-installed in the proper position. Tom raised the bridge a bit and then was able to lower the saddles so that everything was working properly. When I first got it, the bridge was all the way down, so the saddles were raised up so high that the intonation screw was actually rubbing on the guitar string. Tom sorted it out skillfully.
Posted in Holidays on February 14, 2008 | 1 Comment »
What do you do for Valentine’s Day?
My dad used to make me a valentine every year. And he would “hide” a box of chocolates, or some such, under my breakfast’s placemat. These days? Bupkiss.
Meatloaf would do anything for love (but he won’t do that!).
Some things Mr. Loaf would do:
I think in the end what he won’t do, is forget you. Or else it’s that he won’t forgive himself if you won’t be with him tonight. (eek). Truthfully, in the lyrics, there seem to be a few things Mr. Meat Loaf will not do.
In all honesty, I’d rather this guy didn’t bother to to anything for me.
Regardless, Happy Valentine’s Day to you! to England where my heart lies
