Apparently, the Red Sox threatened to not get on the plane to Japan until a dispute about payment for coaches and other uniformed personnel. Three cheers for them-it would have been extremely embarassing to have MLB promoting a game without players in it. Nice that they stuck up for the little guy.
Leo Laporte had an excellent point on The Tech Guy about Hasbro and Mattel and their fight over Scrabbulous, a unofficial Facebook version of Scrabble that is widely popular. John C. Dvorak made a similar point on Tech5, noting about newspapers and magazines react to plunging circulation by firing writers, thus making the product worse.
THE OLD WAY OF DOING BUSINESS IS OVER.
Giving the people what they want is the only way to succeed going forward. What do people want? What they want, where they want, when they want it. Don't quash online Scrabble, don't cut the content when circulation goes down, and don't cut staff if you need to improve customer service.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Dennis Quaid for President
March 18, 2008
There was a great story on 60 Minutes this weekend about the near tragedy of the Quaid twins due to a medication error. When they had a representative from Baxter, the company who made the product, on, I wish they had asked them the killer question. They asked her why they didn’t recall the product, which everyone in health care knew was an error prone product and whose label fed right into the confusion, and she said that the product was being used safely all over the world every day. I would have followed that up with, “It would have cost you money, wouldn’t it?”
They probably would have replied, “Oh, no, when we determine a product should be recalled, we just recall it. Cost never enters into it.” That would have been a lie, but it would have been nice to hear.
The dirty little secret about health care is that it is all about profits. Health care is no longer a profession, it is a business. Period. The sooner we all appreciate that, the better off we will all be.
There was an article in Conde Nast Portfolio about another medication error in Nevada that resulted in the death of a baby. And once again, a for profit corporation chose profit over safety.
Very good “Justice Talking” about health care reform. Of course, they got a right winger on there whining about how health care is a “choice” and how mandating health care would devastate small business.
First of all, HEALTH CARE IS NOT A CHOICE. Never was. Isn’t. Never will be. Just ask anyone who’s sick.
And second of all, the business lobby ALWAYS says this. Seat belts, clean air laws, family leave…ANYTHING that may cost businesses anything are decried from pillar to post as the sheer ruin of the American economy. And you know what? They’re always, always, always wrong.
So if health care costs too much? Go the hell out of business, then. Stop whining to Congress everytime you might not get your way. I thought entrepreneurs were supposed to be self reliant?
There was a great story on 60 Minutes this weekend about the near tragedy of the Quaid twins due to a medication error. When they had a representative from Baxter, the company who made the product, on, I wish they had asked them the killer question. They asked her why they didn’t recall the product, which everyone in health care knew was an error prone product and whose label fed right into the confusion, and she said that the product was being used safely all over the world every day. I would have followed that up with, “It would have cost you money, wouldn’t it?”
They probably would have replied, “Oh, no, when we determine a product should be recalled, we just recall it. Cost never enters into it.” That would have been a lie, but it would have been nice to hear.
The dirty little secret about health care is that it is all about profits. Health care is no longer a profession, it is a business. Period. The sooner we all appreciate that, the better off we will all be.
There was an article in Conde Nast Portfolio about another medication error in Nevada that resulted in the death of a baby. And once again, a for profit corporation chose profit over safety.
Very good “Justice Talking” about health care reform. Of course, they got a right winger on there whining about how health care is a “choice” and how mandating health care would devastate small business.
First of all, HEALTH CARE IS NOT A CHOICE. Never was. Isn’t. Never will be. Just ask anyone who’s sick.
And second of all, the business lobby ALWAYS says this. Seat belts, clean air laws, family leave…ANYTHING that may cost businesses anything are decried from pillar to post as the sheer ruin of the American economy. And you know what? They’re always, always, always wrong.
So if health care costs too much? Go the hell out of business, then. Stop whining to Congress everytime you might not get your way. I thought entrepreneurs were supposed to be self reliant?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Working?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq18mar18,1,3193189.story
But I thought the surge was working?
But I thought the surge was working?
Pistol Pete
It's Pistol Pete Reiser's birthday. Sort of the modern day Rocco Baldelli or Trot Nixon, Reiser had boatloads of talent but kept getting hurt.
Potential wasted. Story of my life.
Potential wasted. Story of my life.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Intelligence
Abigail Adams tells John to "conceal" his "distaste for those less intelligent". That one hits a little close to home for me.
Liveblogging John Adams
I'm pretty psyched about this.
Previews for a couple of other cool ones, of course-"Recount", primarily.
Boston, 1770. They say it starts with the Boston Massacre. Not the one with the Yankees at Fenway, 1978.
It is tremendous. Very realistic and compelling. It's hard to think of Paul Giamatti as anything other than Paul Giamatti, but it's working well.
Previews for a couple of other cool ones, of course-"Recount", primarily.
Boston, 1770. They say it starts with the Boston Massacre. Not the one with the Yankees at Fenway, 1978.
It is tremendous. Very realistic and compelling. It's hard to think of Paul Giamatti as anything other than Paul Giamatti, but it's working well.
All for Leyna
March 16, 2008
According to the Writer’s Almanac, yesterday was the Ides of March, and Andrew Jackson’s birthday. Happy birthday to Old Hickory.
Interesting talk on Globe 10.0, featuring the immortal Charles P. Pierce, about the Yanks-Rays fracas. A Rays rookie crashed into a rookie Yanks catcher, and the catcher is out with a broken wrist. A few days later, Yank Shelley Duncan, who I will now call “Punk Ass”, spiked the starting second baseman for the Rays, Akinori Iwamura. Typical Yankee justice. You take out our fifth string catcher, we take out your starting second baseman.
A larger point is, why do the umpires continue to allow catchers to block the plate? It’s not in the rule book. As Charlie says, if it’s not written down, it’s not a rule.
More trouble in the rotation-according to another Globe 10.0, Wakefield has labrum trouble. So if he can’t go either, we start the year probably DiceK-Clay-Colon-Lester-Tavarez. Can’t say I feel good about that.
Now listening, “Steve McQueen”, Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow gets rock and roll like no woman I know of.
The Beatles, “Don’t Pass Me By”
“The Beatles were so high they let Ringo sing a couple of songs.”-Bill Hicks
God, I miss Bill Hicks.
Billy Joel, “All Shook Up”
I watched Billy introduce John Mellencamp at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on VH1. Mellencamp seemed pretty cool, but Billy seemed really bitter towards the music business. Now, I can understand that, because with the Family Productions mess, he really got violated and lost tens of millions he’ll never see again.
REM, “Crush with Eyeliner”
But at the same time, you can sit there and whine about it, or you can be like REM and adapt to it. I have their next album on preorder, which is like money in their pocket. Why can’t Billy throw out some more live tracks and alternate takes on ITunes? I’d sure as heck buy them. I’ve bought everything he’s ever done, much of it on tape and CD both.
Billy Joel, “You’re My Home”
There’s something indisputably romantic about a broke guy writing a song for his beloved for Valentine’s Day because he can’t afford to buy her anything. This song was from that period for him. Even though it’s almost 40 years old, and certainly 20 since the first time I heard it, it has always meant something to me.
Van Morrison, “Whenever God Shines His Light”
Van The Man. Reportedly a difficult bloke to get along with, but the motherfucker can sing.
Elton John, “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”
Elton opened with this when I saw him on Face to Face in 1994. Phenomenal song.
Led Zeppelin, “Over the Hills and Far Away”(Live)
They were on VH1 Classic’s In Concert last Friday night. Sometimes called the ultimate flaccid over the top 1970s supergroup, they could bring the noise when they wanted to.
The Who, “5:15”
Another group that got called a lot of names by punk rockers in the 1970s but could kick ass when necessary.
Chess Broadway Soundtrack, “No Contest”
This will make a great movie someday.
Pavement, “Two States”
I bought this because it was on sale on ITunes. I guess you had to be there, because I don’t get it.
Billy Joel, “All for Leyna(Live)”
I listened to this a lot one summer, nursing a crush on a girl named Shawna. Sigh.
According to the Writer’s Almanac, yesterday was the Ides of March, and Andrew Jackson’s birthday. Happy birthday to Old Hickory.
Interesting talk on Globe 10.0, featuring the immortal Charles P. Pierce, about the Yanks-Rays fracas. A Rays rookie crashed into a rookie Yanks catcher, and the catcher is out with a broken wrist. A few days later, Yank Shelley Duncan, who I will now call “Punk Ass”, spiked the starting second baseman for the Rays, Akinori Iwamura. Typical Yankee justice. You take out our fifth string catcher, we take out your starting second baseman.
A larger point is, why do the umpires continue to allow catchers to block the plate? It’s not in the rule book. As Charlie says, if it’s not written down, it’s not a rule.
More trouble in the rotation-according to another Globe 10.0, Wakefield has labrum trouble. So if he can’t go either, we start the year probably DiceK-Clay-Colon-Lester-Tavarez. Can’t say I feel good about that.
Now listening, “Steve McQueen”, Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow gets rock and roll like no woman I know of.
The Beatles, “Don’t Pass Me By”
“The Beatles were so high they let Ringo sing a couple of songs.”-Bill Hicks
God, I miss Bill Hicks.
Billy Joel, “All Shook Up”
I watched Billy introduce John Mellencamp at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on VH1. Mellencamp seemed pretty cool, but Billy seemed really bitter towards the music business. Now, I can understand that, because with the Family Productions mess, he really got violated and lost tens of millions he’ll never see again.
REM, “Crush with Eyeliner”
But at the same time, you can sit there and whine about it, or you can be like REM and adapt to it. I have their next album on preorder, which is like money in their pocket. Why can’t Billy throw out some more live tracks and alternate takes on ITunes? I’d sure as heck buy them. I’ve bought everything he’s ever done, much of it on tape and CD both.
Billy Joel, “You’re My Home”
There’s something indisputably romantic about a broke guy writing a song for his beloved for Valentine’s Day because he can’t afford to buy her anything. This song was from that period for him. Even though it’s almost 40 years old, and certainly 20 since the first time I heard it, it has always meant something to me.
Van Morrison, “Whenever God Shines His Light”
Van The Man. Reportedly a difficult bloke to get along with, but the motherfucker can sing.
Elton John, “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”
Elton opened with this when I saw him on Face to Face in 1994. Phenomenal song.
Led Zeppelin, “Over the Hills and Far Away”(Live)
They were on VH1 Classic’s In Concert last Friday night. Sometimes called the ultimate flaccid over the top 1970s supergroup, they could bring the noise when they wanted to.
The Who, “5:15”
Another group that got called a lot of names by punk rockers in the 1970s but could kick ass when necessary.
Chess Broadway Soundtrack, “No Contest”
This will make a great movie someday.
Pavement, “Two States”
I bought this because it was on sale on ITunes. I guess you had to be there, because I don’t get it.
Billy Joel, “All for Leyna(Live)”
I listened to this a lot one summer, nursing a crush on a girl named Shawna. Sigh.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Whole Freakin World is Out of Order
March 15, 2008
It was Einstein’s birthday yesterday. Happy birthday to the Good Doctor.
I have felt for literally decades now that everyone else is reading from a script, but I spend all my time furiously improvising.
I wish I had something Irish to write about, so I could mention County (Ohmygodyou) Kilkenny.
(You bastard!)
It’s St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. Or, as they call it in Boston, Evacuation Day, or, “Excuse we use for getting St. Patrick’s Day Off Day”
Christiane Amanpour on NPR’s Word for Word-Excellent interview. One of her points is that journalism is about giving both sides a fair hearing-not about simply setting up equivalencies where none exist.
I definitely plan to watch “John Adams” on Sunday. It sounds absolutely awesome.
Fantasy Baseball Questions from CBSSportsline.com-Player vs. Player
Kazmir vs. Sheets? Kazmir. Healthy, Sheets may be a bit better, but Sheets is never healthy.
McCann vs. Posada? McCann, by a mile. You can’t expect Posada to repeat 2007 at his age.
Fielder vs. Howard? The first tough one. Howard, maybe, because he gets more RBI chances and protection from Rollins and Utley.
Kinsler vs. Weeks? Kinsler maybe. Too close to call. Weeks is probably going to blow up this year, though.
Reyes vs. Ramirez? Reyes. I’m worried about Hanley’s shoulder issues.
Cabrera vs. Wright? I like Cabrera fine, but Wright is nearly perfect.
Ramirez vs. Lee? Manny’s a Bad Man, but I’d take Lee.
Upton vs. Granderson? Granderson.
They don’t seem to have done a right fielder.
I wonder why, if the free market is the solution to all our problems, companies like Bear Stearns are coming hat in hand to the Federal Government asking for help?
Typical Bush government priorities-we’ll bail out big banks, but if you’re just a poor schmuck who owns a home, fuck you.
Left Right and Center’s Tony Blankley tries to compare Bush’s visit to Bob Jones University to the controversy about Obama’s pastor. Sorry, Tony. Bob Jones University had a rule about interracial dating, for pity’s sake. Obama’s pastor is said to be anti-American. Well, African Americans have good reason to be-50 years ago it was acceptable in parts of this country to hang black people from trees if they annoyed you.
KCRW’s “Left Right and Center”, as much as Tony Blankley annoys me, is probably the most consistently enjoyable podcast, save maybe “Car Talk” and “Wait Wait”, I have subscribed to.
An excellent “To The Best of Our Knowledge” about language-talking about the famous “Bite The Wax Tadpole” story from Coke being introduced to China. I have always loved stories like this, about cross pollinations of language and culture and thought.
“Only by learning another language can you understand your own.”-Goethe
Also covered the six word memoir story again, which I have heard about and blogged about before, but still love hearing about. Supposedly, the idea came from a challenge supposedly given to Hemingway, to write a story in six words. His answer: “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.”
I haven’t come up with a good one yet, other than my crib from Kurt Cobain: “Angst Served Well: Now Bored, Old”
Other possibilities:
“Not saving money: die at work”
“Didn’t plan anything: then God decided.”
“Always hiding something: icebergs of thought.”
“So many people-can’t help all.”
“Left her then: Still ache now”
Just saw someone with a T shirt that says, “If You See Da Police, Warn A Brother.” Now I have made no secret of how I feel about the historical treatment of African Americans in this country. But come on-not everyone being pursued by the police is innocent.
I think it was a scene from The Practice, a law drama I watched during its first season. A lawyer is leaving a conference with a client, and as he passes along a passage beside a holding cell, he cries out, “Anybody else in here innocent?” The place erupts, and he says, “I thought so.”
It was Einstein’s birthday yesterday. Happy birthday to the Good Doctor.
I have felt for literally decades now that everyone else is reading from a script, but I spend all my time furiously improvising.
I wish I had something Irish to write about, so I could mention County (Ohmygodyou) Kilkenny.
(You bastard!)
It’s St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. Or, as they call it in Boston, Evacuation Day, or, “Excuse we use for getting St. Patrick’s Day Off Day”
Christiane Amanpour on NPR’s Word for Word-Excellent interview. One of her points is that journalism is about giving both sides a fair hearing-not about simply setting up equivalencies where none exist.
I definitely plan to watch “John Adams” on Sunday. It sounds absolutely awesome.
Fantasy Baseball Questions from CBSSportsline.com-Player vs. Player
Kazmir vs. Sheets? Kazmir. Healthy, Sheets may be a bit better, but Sheets is never healthy.
McCann vs. Posada? McCann, by a mile. You can’t expect Posada to repeat 2007 at his age.
Fielder vs. Howard? The first tough one. Howard, maybe, because he gets more RBI chances and protection from Rollins and Utley.
Kinsler vs. Weeks? Kinsler maybe. Too close to call. Weeks is probably going to blow up this year, though.
Reyes vs. Ramirez? Reyes. I’m worried about Hanley’s shoulder issues.
Cabrera vs. Wright? I like Cabrera fine, but Wright is nearly perfect.
Ramirez vs. Lee? Manny’s a Bad Man, but I’d take Lee.
Upton vs. Granderson? Granderson.
They don’t seem to have done a right fielder.
I wonder why, if the free market is the solution to all our problems, companies like Bear Stearns are coming hat in hand to the Federal Government asking for help?
Typical Bush government priorities-we’ll bail out big banks, but if you’re just a poor schmuck who owns a home, fuck you.
Left Right and Center’s Tony Blankley tries to compare Bush’s visit to Bob Jones University to the controversy about Obama’s pastor. Sorry, Tony. Bob Jones University had a rule about interracial dating, for pity’s sake. Obama’s pastor is said to be anti-American. Well, African Americans have good reason to be-50 years ago it was acceptable in parts of this country to hang black people from trees if they annoyed you.
KCRW’s “Left Right and Center”, as much as Tony Blankley annoys me, is probably the most consistently enjoyable podcast, save maybe “Car Talk” and “Wait Wait”, I have subscribed to.
An excellent “To The Best of Our Knowledge” about language-talking about the famous “Bite The Wax Tadpole” story from Coke being introduced to China. I have always loved stories like this, about cross pollinations of language and culture and thought.
“Only by learning another language can you understand your own.”-Goethe
Also covered the six word memoir story again, which I have heard about and blogged about before, but still love hearing about. Supposedly, the idea came from a challenge supposedly given to Hemingway, to write a story in six words. His answer: “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.”
I haven’t come up with a good one yet, other than my crib from Kurt Cobain: “Angst Served Well: Now Bored, Old”
Other possibilities:
“Not saving money: die at work”
“Didn’t plan anything: then God decided.”
“Always hiding something: icebergs of thought.”
“So many people-can’t help all.”
“Left her then: Still ache now”
Just saw someone with a T shirt that says, “If You See Da Police, Warn A Brother.” Now I have made no secret of how I feel about the historical treatment of African Americans in this country. But come on-not everyone being pursued by the police is innocent.
I think it was a scene from The Practice, a law drama I watched during its first season. A lawyer is leaving a conference with a client, and as he passes along a passage beside a holding cell, he cries out, “Anybody else in here innocent?” The place erupts, and he says, “I thought so.”
Friday, March 14, 2008
Iggy Pop rules
March 14, 2008
Excellent “Speaking of Faith” this week, about the real religious beliefs of the Founders. HINT: Not Christianity, at least not as we know it today. I was on the verge of breaking up with the podcast, but we’re back together now.
The main thesis is that we cannot depend on the Founders for support uncritically. These men lived more than 200 years ago. We must continue the arguments that they began, using our intellect to interpret their words. The same idea applies to the Bible, and its 2000 year old wisdom. The mind, Jefferson said, is the only oracle God gave us. How sad that so many of us refuse to use it.
Now watching: 2008 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Iggy Pop rules.
Excellent “Speaking of Faith” this week, about the real religious beliefs of the Founders. HINT: Not Christianity, at least not as we know it today. I was on the verge of breaking up with the podcast, but we’re back together now.
The main thesis is that we cannot depend on the Founders for support uncritically. These men lived more than 200 years ago. We must continue the arguments that they began, using our intellect to interpret their words. The same idea applies to the Bible, and its 2000 year old wisdom. The mind, Jefferson said, is the only oracle God gave us. How sad that so many of us refuse to use it.
Now watching: 2008 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Iggy Pop rules.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Fear and Loathing
March 13, 2008
Yesterday was a good day to be born-Dave Eggers’ and Jack Kerouac’s birthday.
I read “On The Road”, predictably, while On The Road, traveling to a conference in 1999. Loved it, of course. Didn’t dig too deep, though-let the words wash over me. Did the same thing with “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”.
Marketplace is in Dubai all week, and I couldn’t be less interested. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. One less podcast to listen to, I guess.
Another brilliant, if negative, Dan Carlin's Common Sense. He constantly says things I'd like to challenge, but can't. Excellent, clearthinking talk.
Yesterday was a good day to be born-Dave Eggers’ and Jack Kerouac’s birthday.
I read “On The Road”, predictably, while On The Road, traveling to a conference in 1999. Loved it, of course. Didn’t dig too deep, though-let the words wash over me. Did the same thing with “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”.
Marketplace is in Dubai all week, and I couldn’t be less interested. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. One less podcast to listen to, I guess.
Another brilliant, if negative, Dan Carlin's Common Sense. He constantly says things I'd like to challenge, but can't. Excellent, clearthinking talk.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Kibosh on Josh?
Apparently, Josh Beckett has some back issues.
Most sources are indicating it's nothing, but then again, they are also saying that he may not make the opening day start.
Whistling past the graveyard? We'll see.
Most sources are indicating it's nothing, but then again, they are also saying that he may not make the opening day start.
Whistling past the graveyard? We'll see.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nugget
Nugget from "Bill James Gold Mine 2008":
Losses when team scores 6 or more runs, 2007:
Boston Red Sox 3
New York Yankees 14
Wow.
Losses when team scores 6 or more runs, 2007:
Boston Red Sox 3
New York Yankees 14
Wow.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Gary Gygax
Gary Gygax, the creator of Dungeons and Dragons, which meant a whole lot to me back in the day, died this week.
Not in the mood
Just finished Tom Adelman's "Black and Blue", an account of the Orioles' 1966 World Series win. I tried to read Adelman's "The Long Ball" once, but I never cared for it. But "Black and Blue" was excellent, so I should give "Long Ball" another shot, I think.
Also just reread "Rob Neyer's Baseball Blunders" book, and loved it, of course. Rob has a new book coming soon, I believe.
"Bill James Gold Mine" just arrived, and I am poring through it. Also just got "Facing Clemens", which is brand new.
I'm not sure when this baseball fever is going to wear off-usually I go through a phase of obsession with a subject, before moving on to another. I have a couple of excellent fiction books to work on, plus a couple of Revolutionary War ones to get to as well. I just wish I didnt have to work so damn much.
Also just reread "Rob Neyer's Baseball Blunders" book, and loved it, of course. Rob has a new book coming soon, I believe.
"Bill James Gold Mine" just arrived, and I am poring through it. Also just got "Facing Clemens", which is brand new.
I'm not sure when this baseball fever is going to wear off-usually I go through a phase of obsession with a subject, before moving on to another. I have a couple of excellent fiction books to work on, plus a couple of Revolutionary War ones to get to as well. I just wish I didnt have to work so damn much.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
Power outage here, from about 7pm last night until a few minutes ago.
As usual, makes you think of how much you depend on little things. Got cold, and others got bored, but we all survived.
Listened to several excellent podcasts-Episode Two of the Biography Show, King Hammurabi of Babylon, and a panel discussion between two of my fave raves, Katha Pollitt and Anna Quindlen.
Katha said something, though, that would have made me jump right on here and start whining. She alluded to the fact that feminism "didn't affect men".
I don't agree with that. Everything affects men-the fact that unrealistic expectations placed on women make the love of my life crazy certainly affects me.
As usual, makes you think of how much you depend on little things. Got cold, and others got bored, but we all survived.
Listened to several excellent podcasts-Episode Two of the Biography Show, King Hammurabi of Babylon, and a panel discussion between two of my fave raves, Katha Pollitt and Anna Quindlen.
Katha said something, though, that would have made me jump right on here and start whining. She alluded to the fact that feminism "didn't affect men".
I don't agree with that. Everything affects men-the fact that unrealistic expectations placed on women make the love of my life crazy certainly affects me.
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