papsrus

Good point. Not sure whether it's true or not. Some arguments each way, I suspect. Words like "gosh", have lost whatever impact they ever had (except as anachronisms now). But it's forty years since some playwright, I forget who, used "fuck" on British TV, during which period there's been no ban on using the word, in appropriate contexts. But the impact seems undiminished. Maybe 40 years isn't long enough... MG Who decides what is an appropriate context? ... You can hear all the fucks you want (and see 'em as well) on cable. The broadcast networks, on the other hand, have some obligation to the public good (read: dumbing down to the lowest common denominator). Olbermann is on cable, so he should be free to use whatever language he likes, I suppose. I say, if them thar English folks are OK with "fuck," who are we to argue?

"I love the rain. It washes memories from the sidewalks of life" -- Woody Allen, "Play it Again Sam" MG's question is kind of like asking if talking is essential. Well, no, I guess not, but we'd sacrifice a complex and useful form of communication if we stopped talking. Music might not be essential for survival, but it's essential as a highly expressive and complex form of communication -- whether you are a creator of music or a listener, both share in the communication. (It wouldn't be communication otherwise).

Didn't see much of the game today as it was moving day here. Actually had forgotten that it was an afternoon start. And yes, very nice sending the Yankees home in last place. Lets hope it's a sign of things to come. ...

Man ... Chipper Jones just keeps cranking it! ... Looking on the highlight reel like he can put it anywhere he wants any time he wants. ESPN's Manny career highlights were priceless! ... Rays busted 20 grand tonight, barely. Attendance: 20,936 (50.7% full). Kaz should pack 'em in for the finale Thursday. ... I like our chances against Kennedy.

Well ... on-air people should -- and do -- know better. Anytime you're near a mic, assume it's on. Particularly when you're in the middle of a live newscast, I would think. All in all, embarrassing, but not the end of the world. ... EDIT: It would be interesting to know what the back story is on this, like what the fuck was he/she doing? What if her co-anchor started groping her or something -- ala the Weather Channel guy? That would be cause enough for an F-bomb or two.

Woo-Hoo! Looks like a pretty good crowd tonight too. ... Down 2-0 in the fifth, but hanging in there.

Thanks. We had a blast. First row, second deck, first-base line. Perfect. While I hated to see it go out, Matsui's bomb streaked right across in front of us. Pretty impressive. ... Percival said in the paper today that he made the pitch he wanted on that HR. Said he had no idea how Matsui hit it. Speaking of attendance, while it was an OK-sized crowd last night for a Tuesday I guess (16,500), and pretty noisy, but they should be packing the house now. I'll be disappointed if they don't break at least 20,000 tonight. 30,000 would be more like it. Shields-Mussina? And then Kazmir on Thursday? Baseball is the best ticket around, IMO. News conference tomorrow on the new stadium, which apparently won't require any new taxes. People here should be getting fired up about this team. I don't know how long the ride will last, but it's a great ride right now.

Be thankful it wasn't Pottery Barn. You'd be out about $800.

Went up for the game tonight. Great win. Gomes comes up huge! Again! ... Percival blows another save though. Just one pitch that Matsui jumped all over, but still troublesome. ... I was thinking the same thing when they sent Rivera in. They were playing all or nothing in the 10th and 11th. Now I'm thinking a sweep is within reach. They should be sky high tomorrow with Shields on the bump.

Another beautiful game by the Rays tonight. Efficient and smart, mixing in a little small ball every now and then and being aggressive on the bases to manufacture runs when they had opportunities. Defense was solid, turning three double plays. But Yankee bats couldn't handle Garza's fastball for the most part. I still can't help seeing the Yankees as an old, wounded animal. Comparing the Rays' outfielders to the Yankee outfield, the difference is plain as day. Crawford (now looking comfortable -- to say the least -- in left) and Upton run down fly balls routinely every night. And Upton has a gun. Damon can sometimes run 'em down, but can't throw for shit. And Abreu doesn't even try to run down fly balls. Not tonight, anyways. Pettitte looked uncomfortable after a strong first inning. He and Molina struggled to stay on the same page. Never did get it worked out. Even Pena finally got into the act, with a meaningless single late ... but still. And I'm coming around on Bartlett. The guy has really good range at shortstop and a good arm, and his bat is steadily improving. It's Wong tomorrow vs. Jackson. ... Caught snippets of the Red Sox game between innings. Buchholz was long gone by the time I started tuning in. They definitely look like they're scuffling a bit though. Fightin' it. They should get better against the O's in a hurry.

Yeah. Nice. But, they've been beating up on San Diego, Milwaukee, Washington. Up next, Cincinnati and KC. Not too tough. (I know, I know. The Rays guy is all cocky now). Still, a win is a win is a win. ... Arizona should be a good series. I like the Marlins. Nice move locking up Ramirez. Starting pitching will be the key there, right?

I will say, Pena's struggles at the plate are worrisome -- .208 and he's got that uppercut swing that makes it look like he's trying to jack it every time. How about just trying to put it in play every once in a while?

YES! Looking at the May schedule, I was thinking .500 ball would be a huge win. We're 6-4 so far. Aki's coming around at the plate. Floyd came through big time today on his first day back. If their aggressive offense would just be a little more consistent game-to-game. .... Angels looked really flat the whole series. Couldn't sustain anything (aside from one inning today). It's going to be a fun week against the Yankees. Might go up Tuesday for Wang vs. Jackson. But then they go on the road to St. Louis and Oakland. That won't be easy. The back end of the month gets a little better, with a home stretch against Baltimore, Texas and the ChiSox. ... We'll see where they are a week from now. With games at Baltimore, then home for Milwaukee and KC, the Sox should be in good shape when they head out West at the end of the month. Even a Rays sweep of the Yankees (wouldn't that be sweet) shouldn't put too much pressure on 'em. ... Looking forward to tonight's game.

Another very impressive win by the Rays ... combined 3-hitter. Kazmir gets his first win. ... Remind me again who has the stud pitching staff in the East? (Jays rocked 12-0 today.)

Very sorry to hear this news.

Another really nice win. Shields was outstanding! Just 92 pitches facing one over the minimum. Defense made some great plays behind him. Longoria comes through in the clutch, and as an added bonus (know you won't like this Dan) everyone else in the East loses! It's a beautiful day in Tampa Bay. Two games out and putting some distance between the pack. Bad loss by the Sox, I guess. Was watching it on CBS Sportsline (Sportline bumbled the live scoring in the bottom of the ninth, so it was a little hard to follow along).

Thanks for all the input. A lot to consider. Still leaning toward the Sony Bravia or the Panasonic Viera. Budget, brand and picture quality, they fit the bill. And thanks to those who pointed out the need for fine tuning at home.

That was huge. Percival did not look good at all ... a little worrisome. And how about Howell bouncing four pitches in the dirt with two guys on and the game haning by a thread! Just walk the guy!! ... The general consensus with the fellas I was watching the game with was that Jackson should have at least been given the opportunity to finish it. Here's a case of a pitcher's W-L record not reflecting his performance. And yes, no question the old Rays would have blown that one. They probably wouldn't have been able to hang in it against the Jays pitching to begin with. Kind of amazing that they are 6-1, I believe, against the mighty Toronto pitching staff this season. I don't expect that success rate to hold through the season. Steve Phillips (I think) was saying he doubted the wild card team would come out of the East because you've got four teams that are going to beat each other up all year long. I'm not sure I buy it, with the Central being much weaker, and Seattle basically tanking in the West. That would mean either the Angels or A's. ... Possible I guess. EDIT: correx: Howell, that is.

I think that's true for these 2 chains in general. I've been window-shopping for TVs at these stores (locally) and think Circuit City more than has the edge, for price and customer service. Agree. And what's the deal with the muscle at the door at Best Buy? A friendly "Thanks for coming" as he eye's your purchases while you exit. It's kind of creepy. They already have those little electronic gates that detect goods that haven't been paid for. That guy at the door could be helping me find deal on a TV! And sometimes there are 2 or 3 of those Best Buy bouncers loitering around at the doors.

The Bravia 37" and the one you have pictured were set up side-by-side at Circuit City yesterday, and these were the two I liked the best as far as bang for the buck. (BTW, the Circuit City here has a far better selection and better prices than the Best Buy here. Far better in-store customer service, too.) I think plasma sucks up more power than LCD. Thanks for the link!

Ah ... very good. I thought I was missing a link somewhere. EDIT: Switched over to Blue Lake and dropped in on some big band version of Love Supreme, it sounds like.

Damn. Looks like the Lugo error cost 'em. EDIT: At least Papelbon had sense enough to kick the crap out of the Gatoraide cooler in the dugout and didn't start punching it with his throwing hand.

Consumer reports basically likes them all, but they do recommend going 42 inch for a living room, and seem to prefer plasma for darker rooms and wider viewing angle. ... yada, yada. Does anyone have a flat panel that they really like (or don't like)? I'm leaning toward an LCD 37 inch Sony or Panasonic. Price seems to drop dramatically if you step down to a 37 inch.

I get to the archived Bill Barton playlist here from Monday, but how do I play it? ... Can't seem to bumble my way into anything that works.