For some reason – our wedding was more than 6 months ago – TheKnot.com (doesn’t deserve a link) is still our home page on Firefox. This hasn’t really annoyed me until this week when I actually looked at some of the content on their main page.

Click here or on the image below to see a full size screenshot with a few of my cunning comments. If the image looks blurry once the page loads, left click on it once and it will become more clear.

Bottom Line: TheKnot.com is ridiculous, however, it’s seemingly the only source for brides-to-be. It sort of has the Evite syndrome – it’s sucks major a$$ but there’s nothing else out there to use.

Can’t Google (quickly) create some business unit to analyze all sites that people use often but hate and make it all better via Google Labs? Please!

Commit this to memory – Do not play racquetball under any circumstance unless you meet the following criteria:

Under 6 foot 3 or under 230 pounds.

Age does not necessarily matter. Actually, the older and sweatier you get (goggles preferred), the better. In fact, when leaving the court as an old sweaty guy, you’ll want to make sure to start up as many weird 10 second conversations with the next group of people entering the court. It makes things very comfortable for all parties involved and gives the aforementioned group something to laugh/talk about as they begin stretching before the game.

Regardless, if you’re looking to pick up the sport, you’ll want to fit either of these profiles:

Now, to the story – as the fam and some friends know, I “tweaked” my back awkwardly playing racquetball. Yes, racquetball. I’m a meat and potatoes guy and I usually stick to the normal core sports like football, basketball, baseball, etc. but I’ve been “conned” (I say that jokingly Andy, Mack, and Shawn) into playing racquetball over the last few months. On a positive note, racquetball was fun at first and actually relieved some stress.

So, my adventures on the court started with a borrowed racquet and a few weekly sessions at the Y that were enjoyable yet always led to some sort of soreness the following night and/or day. But, since I dreamt of becoming a star like Sudsy Monchik, I bought the $49 racquetball package he personally endorsed and even mailed away for the free instructional CD-Rom. I’m not sure why, but, mailing away for the CD sort of felt like Ralphie in the Christmas Story with his Little Orphan Annie Secret Society decoder pin.

A month or so ago during an “intense” game of hitting blue balls (ha, ha) against a wall and chasing it around, I thought I just pulled something and it would get better like it always does. The next day (Friday) I was really sore but by the following morning (Saturday) I was ready for some more racquetball action. After the heated match, my car got towed because I paid to get in the Y lot, it was full, so I parked in the fire lane. Yada, yada, yada….I woke up Sunday and wanted to die but at least I could walk.  A week later I couldn’t walk.

Thanks to some chiropractic, two new pairs of sneakers (east coast verbiage, what?), new ergonomic chair at work, new lumbar support roll, new physical therapist, plus a healthy dose of valium, vicodin and steroids (I’m the new Barry Bonds) I’ve thankfully returned to “normal.”

That is, if normal is being able to sit in one position for less than an hour, working on my knees for at least a few hours a day (ha, ha again), stretching every 1-2 hours, laying on the floor to eat meals, and working/blogging/watching tv in a similar position. But, I can now walk a few blocks without pain (medicine?) after stretching so that’s good.

Lesson learned though I never received Sudsy’s CD-Rom…

Not the Future (link):

The Future or Some Equivalent (link):

The residential turbine (mind you, propeller free) can currently produce only 25% of a household’s monthly energy needs. Bla, bla, bla.

See above “or some equivalent” comment within the link. Such equivalent as the soon to be outdated 42 foot residential propeller turbines requiring local zoning allowances, utility interconnection agreement, etc. but powering your entire house while allowing you to sell excess power back to the utility company. Technology, desire, and demand invent/create/improve a lot of things rapidly.

Regardless, I look forward to being part of this residential wind power energy future which includes T. Boone Pickens’ (oil tycoon hedging via wind power that “he” can charge people monthly) and GE’s commercial wind turbine graveyard. More ideally soon!

Uncle Bill, thank you for the inspiration.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/28/mccain-bush-appear-together-for-a-minute/

A $3 million event? Umm, exactly who of the 28% of Americans that support Bush gave money? Regardless, I assume Obama makes that within the next day or two and won’t have to pose for an unfortunate photo op with the idiot of the United States.

http://www.wallstreetfighter.com/2007/07/20-things-that-are-true-but-nobody.html

While undoubtedly a great list, I can “only” fully admit to the following:

#1, #3, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #12, #13, #14, #15, #17

(bold font = dead on)

I “highly” disagree with the following:

#11- now that I’m starting to interview people – aren’t I the 2nd coolest person in the world – so long as the candidate has some knowledge of our market/intentions, interview preparation, drive, defined goals, etc. it doesn’t matter how they look. suit and shower recommended?

#16 – it’s not a fraternity shirt – god, spare me – but, they’re (plural) circa 1997-2002, fcking disgusting, and as comfortable as you can get. now, I just need to find a new hiding spot before they’re found, discarded, and grossly retrieved – again.

#18 – it’s like the saying “guns don’t kill people…people kill people” – albeit, certain types of guns/gun owners obviously shouldn’t exist. nra, what? regardless, while a “normal” motorcycle accident is freak and/or fate, people doing dumb things get hurt on motorcycles.

#19 – if I was into dudes, Beckham is sooo 2000-2006. man, the hair and glasses are not you. though rather well, you kick a ball around whenever you aren’t injured. wake up. and, what is wrong with your wife? she’s weird (not in a cool way) and that’s coming from somebody that enjoys Gerry.

#20 – after wicked and the producers, I will never see another musical no matter how good it’s supposed to be.

Thoughts?

Assuming my emails over the last few months weren’t automatically deleted without being opened, the “Bcc: List” has seen these two clips. But, I figured they’d be worth revisiting again since it’s good to laugh really hard every once in awhile. That is, if your employer isn’t weird by blocking YouTube. WTF is the “corporate world” coming to?

The following is easily one of the funniest videos vs. number of views that I’ve seen in a long, long time. You may want to do yourself a favor and throw on a set of headphones or have the volume turned down a little bit. Though, the clip is probably safe enough for work if it’s on YouTube, right? Ha!

The following is a copy of a montage of “that’s what she said” clips from The Office that hit Digg awhile ago. As you probably know, once something hits Digg, the views on YouTube go completely out of control. Of course, the network realizes the spike of traffic and the original montage of clips was jerked off (that’s what she said!) by NBC…

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/05/26/cnsoros126.xml

There’s no doubting George Soros is a genius – especially a when it comes to currency speculation/selling short the pound on Black Wednesday. But, as I’ve mentioned in previous “Bcc: List” emails, I disagree with the general assessment that the gross increase in price of oil is more based on speculation (definitely an issue worth noting) than the value of the dollar and/or inflation. Why are so many people like investors (outside of Trump), politicians (outside of crazy Ron Paul), etc. scared to use the “i” word?

Furthermore, supply vs. demand “shortfalls” and/or China hoarding oil for the Olympics is a “cover” for the fact we keep dumping money into Iraq that we don’t have while cutting interest rates resulting in the value of the dollar tanking and oil prices subsequently skyrocketing.

It’s worth noting, the interest rate cuts appear to be over and the aforementioned recession requires two back to back quarters with declining GDP growth. While there was growth in Q1 – this could be eventually adjusted to negative growth – Q2 will be stronger than anticipated with positive growth since hopefully the bank write downs (note: link from 2007) have already taken enough of their toll. So, Soros’ mentioned US recession would have to be Q3 and Q4. Nostradamus, anyone? Naw. Stick with just being a Billionaire.

P.S. I’m normally not all that “bitter” towards billionaire investors – reference Icahn post – because they’re unbelievable talents and are where they are because of such ability to scout out risk vs. reward. But, everyone makes misjudgments like Warren Buffett insisting there’s money in newsprint (Berkshire Hathaway owns the Washington Post and Buffalo News) while finally undermining newsprint because newspapers don’t know how to make money anymore – cough, cough…it’s not through ineffective website advertising or an overpaid sales team of 45-60 year olds blaming a recession or insisting newsprint advertising just needs to be “tweaked.”

Classic Marvin Gaye National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. Gavin, thanks for sending.

Special shout out to Abita Brewing Company Amber courtesy of (near) New Orleans, Louisiana. Burchie, thank you for the recommendation.

And, don’t forget the staples – Three Floyd’s Brewery Pride & Joy and Gumballhead courtesy of Munster, Indiana. Chicago Beer Club, thank your for the recommendation.

A non-link half shout out to Heineken Light bottles (not as annoying/bad as the commercials make it seem to be) and Miller Lite cans (classy as usual).

Whoa – 4 am and I’m blogging about beers on a post I probably wouldn’t have sent out to the “Bcc: List.” Booyah.

While somehow stumbling across (and becoming mesmerized) by a YouTube clip of the Challenger exploding, I simultaneously saw the last 29 years of my life pass before me. So, I created a Top 10 list of things those under 35 experienced and sent them to my “Bcc: List” for review. I forgot to include a ton in my original email, but, without further ado I present the good, bad, and indifferent…

1. Challenger Explodes – pretty sure every kid in America was watching it live.
2. Princess Diana’s Death – seems like just the other day cameras were peering into a paris tunnel to get any piece of possible footage.
3. Columbine – everyone else is just a copycat.
4. Waco Nightmare – what are those tanks doing and why aren’t people leaving the building?
5. Timothy McVeigh – rents a ryder and blows up a completely random a$$ government building. michigan militia, what?
6. 9/11
7. Olympic Park Bombing – Richard Jewel, you little fatty. you just look guilty.
8. Internet Boom/Bust/Boom Again – anyone up for another bust?
9. Break up of the USSR/Fall of the Berlin Wall – the East German’s now know what bananas are so that’s good. and, we don’t have a bunch of nuclear missiles pointing at us just waiting to go off. star wars – not good.
10. Saddam Captured/Killed – why the hell not? seemed like a good idea. at least now Iraqis can have a public opinion while dodging gunfire and our troops roll through IEDs. ugh.
11. African American Man President – no, that’s not propaganda but this race is done. especially, once he picks a running mate: VA, NM, NC, PA, or PA 2. long shots – KS (now that’s how you deliver a horrible democratic response to the state of the union), the general, or the loose cannon from DE. regardless, it’s over.
12. Katrina Failure – “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” Actually, George Bush apparently doesn’t care about the entire country.
13. Baby Jessica Falls Into a Well – how and why? well, they go her out so that’s good.
14. JonBenét Ramsey – it got creepier and creepier thanks to John Karr.
15. Steve Bartman – silences Wrigley by touching a ball that Alou could have easily caught. with the momentum gone, the cubs make a few routine play mistakes and their hopes at a World Series dissipate. we (andy, molly, and I) are at the game and go from drunk/happy to sober/sad in about 90 seconds from the point that he touches the ball. I permanently give up on the cubs…the cubs have a real curse not like the boston red sox’s previous curse. UPDATE: Z was at the game with us too. my bad. I sort of blocked that day out of my mind FOREVER.
16. Oakland Earthquake During World Series Baseball Game – Al Michael’s talking over it and collapsed bridges will stick in my mind forever.
17. Exxon Valdez – the first of many oil spills but that one stands out.
18. OJ Car Chase and Subsequent Acquittal – everyone remembers where they were during both. If the glove doesn’t fit he still killed two people.
19. Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan – “My knee!”
20. LA Race Riots – Rodney King and Reginald Denny…an eye for an eye.
21. Biggie/2pac Murders – see above “an eye for an eye.”
22. Unabomber – dude was straight up creepy and I will point out a U of M alumni!
23. Magic Johnson & HIV – I guess this is what happens when you start sticking your dick in everything.
24. Bill/Monica Lewinsky – see above “I guess this is what happens when you start sticking your dick in everything.”
25. George Bush Steals 2000 and 2004 election – four/eight years later, the GOP (and Americans) finally realize and openly admit the mistake made.

I’ve obviously missed some things and it’s a shame Bartman touching the foul ball earned the most characters typed, but, my “dream” is to find clips of all of these events and turn it into a 5 minute video. Sort of like that lame Billy Joel song but a video, better, and not including annoying music.

Special thanks to Nora, Amy, Ericka, Jodi, and Conor. Feel free to add comments and I will add to the list accordingly.

If anyone is interested in an awesome Logitech Ipod AudioStation for $29*, you may want to check out the following…

http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2487787&CatId=2299

When first released, the audio station was reviewed by CNET.com as being as good (if not better) than the Bose SoundDock. The biggest downfall was it cost $300.

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/logitech-audiostation/4505-6519_7-32028080.html?tag=prod.txt.3

Then all sh!t hit the fan and everyone started complaining about the touch screen~ish panel on the audio station not working…woops. So, Logitech fixed the malfunctions and re-released it for $149. If you notice any negative reviews online- outside of those on CompUSA.com – they’re usually from 2007. Most 2008 reviews don’t mention there being problems.

Regardless, the above CompUSA.com link offers the station for $149 with a $70 instant savings and a $50 mail in rebate making $29 your total for a bitching ipod audio station. Of course, this doesn’t include a $6.25 tax or $13 shipping. Limit one rebate per address.

I received mine 20 hours after ordering it by selecting the cheapest shipping option (UPS Ground) and absolutely love this thing. I can’t believe it was so cheap. The cnet review (as always) is dead on. However, I’m waiting for it the touch screen to stop working like the 2007 models but a) CompUSA.com has a 30 day return policy b) I purchased the $2 Assurz plan that allows for returns within 90 days and c) it has a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’re freaked out about CompUSA having gone out of business, you can buy the same thing through TigerDirect.com – which I assume acquired CompUSA.com when CompUSA went out of business.

The following kind of a cool Huffington Post write-up contains a variety of pundit takes on HRC’s psychotic/irrational RFK assassination comment and “apology.” While occasionally obnoxious, Olbermann is dead on during his “special comment” video at the bottom…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/23/clinton-kennedy-assassina_n_103319.html

I sure hope Obama doesn’t die between now and the convention because I’m pretty confident the Democratic National Committee/Convention won’t be mentioning HRC’s name when looking for a replacement candidate.

Furthermore, RFK Jr’s bullsh!t and unmoved response makes you wonder – while a stretch – what benefits he has received or could receive from the Clinton’s in the future. Though not applicable, if someone brought up the assassination of my father during any political moment, I would unequivocally denounce any sort of endorsement.

I wish to type so many offensive expletives but I digress…