Thursday, February 28, 2008
More Paul and Storm
OK, the title of this post is just a joke, but here's a link to a song from Paul and Storm about, believe it or not, the demise of a urinal cake.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Why are there so few closed-down Wendy's?
This is an interesting question, I think; one I have pondered occasionally for a year and a half.
I was driving down Preston Highway in the sprawling metropolis of Louisville, Ky., and I saw a Wendy's location that was no longer a Wendy's. I didn't think then and I still don't think now I have seen an empty Wendy's restaurant that failed at a given location.
I have seen McDonald's that have been turned into Mexican restaurants, Chinese restaurants and auto parts stores. I have seen Burger Kings that became lots of similar things. I have seen Bob Evans' distinctive building re-used after closure, like a home-cooking eatery and a Chinese restaurant.
But, how often do you see a Wendy's building sitting empty that closed its doors or took off for for a new location? How often do you see what obviously used to be a Wendy's being used for something else? As far as I can think, almost never.
I can think of a few explanations for this, but I have no idea which is true:
1. Wendy's picks good locations.
2. Wendy's food may be better than other fast food franchises.
3. Wendy's may have quality control measures that keep one location from going bad.
4. Wendy's may somehow transform a closed location so it is unrecognizable as a former Wendy's.
There may be more reasons I haven't thought of yet. For that matter, the real answer also may be some combination of the above
(A related, but tangential side-note: The "combination of factors" answer always strikes me as a possible cop-out, like saying there were more home runs hit in baseball during the 1990s because of a combination of factors, like smaller ballparks, better training measures for players, unseasonable weather, the dilution of pitching because of expansion and oh yeah, a few players taking nutritional supplements. Sometimes it's the real explanation, but usually that means the person asking the question couldn't find the real answer.)
Back to the point: Why aren't there more empty former Wendy's scattered around the country? Or, have I just miscounted?
I was driving down Preston Highway in the sprawling metropolis of Louisville, Ky., and I saw a Wendy's location that was no longer a Wendy's. I didn't think then and I still don't think now I have seen an empty Wendy's restaurant that failed at a given location.
I have seen McDonald's that have been turned into Mexican restaurants, Chinese restaurants and auto parts stores. I have seen Burger Kings that became lots of similar things. I have seen Bob Evans' distinctive building re-used after closure, like a home-cooking eatery and a Chinese restaurant.
But, how often do you see a Wendy's building sitting empty that closed its doors or took off for for a new location? How often do you see what obviously used to be a Wendy's being used for something else? As far as I can think, almost never.
I can think of a few explanations for this, but I have no idea which is true:
1. Wendy's picks good locations.
2. Wendy's food may be better than other fast food franchises.
3. Wendy's may have quality control measures that keep one location from going bad.
4. Wendy's may somehow transform a closed location so it is unrecognizable as a former Wendy's.
There may be more reasons I haven't thought of yet. For that matter, the real answer also may be some combination of the above
(A related, but tangential side-note: The "combination of factors" answer always strikes me as a possible cop-out, like saying there were more home runs hit in baseball during the 1990s because of a combination of factors, like smaller ballparks, better training measures for players, unseasonable weather, the dilution of pitching because of expansion and oh yeah, a few players taking nutritional supplements. Sometimes it's the real explanation, but usually that means the person asking the question couldn't find the real answer.)
Back to the point: Why aren't there more empty former Wendy's scattered around the country? Or, have I just miscounted?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Serial cereal blogging
I just finished a box of regular Fruity Pebbles. I think they are my favorite cereal, historically speaking. I loved them as a child, and I still do. I think next I shall try "Frosted Mini Wheats." I am taking suggestions for my next next cereal.
Paul and Storm are funny
There once was a comedy band called DaVinci's Notebook, but, alas as many good things do, it went the way of the dodo. (No, not hunted to extinction, but you get the idea.)
From the remains of this four-man group came the duo Paul and Storm, who sing very funny songs like, "Barry Bonds Press Conference -- The Musical," "Other Places Jimmy Hoffa Isn't" and "If They Might Be Giants Were The Ice Cream Man." (If you can find "George Mason," or "Epitets," these are funny, but contain some coarse language, which of course will make some people scurry to hear them first.)
They feature various songs on their Web site, and appear occasionally on "The Bob And Tom Show."
I shall not start a poll, because there's no doubt in my mind that they are funny. And, unlike many other bands these days they a. Can sing, and b. write very clever lyrics. Here's a listing, for the curious.
What I shall try to do is make a note of anything Paul And Storm related I can find and post it here. Maybe one of these days, I'll be able to see them live.
From the remains of this four-man group came the duo Paul and Storm, who sing very funny songs like, "Barry Bonds Press Conference -- The Musical," "Other Places Jimmy Hoffa Isn't" and "If They Might Be Giants Were The Ice Cream Man." (If you can find "George Mason," or "Epitets," these are funny, but contain some coarse language, which of course will make some people scurry to hear them first.)
They feature various songs on their Web site, and appear occasionally on "The Bob And Tom Show."
I shall not start a poll, because there's no doubt in my mind that they are funny. And, unlike many other bands these days they a. Can sing, and b. write very clever lyrics. Here's a listing, for the curious.
What I shall try to do is make a note of anything Paul And Storm related I can find and post it here. Maybe one of these days, I'll be able to see them live.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Is Red Green funny?
This almost should have been one of those "I hate to admit this, but .." posts, but I don't hate to admit that I like watching "The Red Green Show," weekends on PBS. I have enjoyed watching that show for years, but it appears to appeal to a certain demographic, namely men.
I know of no women who like it. In fact, since I got married some three and a half years ago, I have not been able to watch it very much. I usually find it in mid-stream because I have no idea when it comes on. Just as I settle in to watch, my lovely and talented wife comes into the room and says, "Can we NOT watch this?"
This conversation has been repeated a number of times during our marriage, and I have learned that the only time I can watch the show is when she is either a. gone or b. doing something completely consuming in another room so she won't notice it's on.
A woman with whom I used to work years ago apparently had the same repeated conversation with her husband. She hated "Red Green," and could not understand why he found it funny. She ultimately decided it was "a man thing."
I have to admit that duct tape jokes and skits about building engines out of rubber bands or something aren't everyone's cup of tea. But that show has a lot of funny characters and recurring skits that make me laugh even though I can see the punch lines turning left and coming down Broadway.
At any rate, I have created a special poll to measure the show's popularity among my hundreds of ... well, OK, dozens of ... OK, well, among the few people who read this blog. Please vote, and feel free to add comments here. I am interested.
(Sunday night addendum: I just discovered the show lasted for 15 seasons on the air. Somebody must have liked it besides me.)
I know of no women who like it. In fact, since I got married some three and a half years ago, I have not been able to watch it very much. I usually find it in mid-stream because I have no idea when it comes on. Just as I settle in to watch, my lovely and talented wife comes into the room and says, "Can we NOT watch this?"
This conversation has been repeated a number of times during our marriage, and I have learned that the only time I can watch the show is when she is either a. gone or b. doing something completely consuming in another room so she won't notice it's on.
A woman with whom I used to work years ago apparently had the same repeated conversation with her husband. She hated "Red Green," and could not understand why he found it funny. She ultimately decided it was "a man thing."
I have to admit that duct tape jokes and skits about building engines out of rubber bands or something aren't everyone's cup of tea. But that show has a lot of funny characters and recurring skits that make me laugh even though I can see the punch lines turning left and coming down Broadway.
At any rate, I have created a special poll to measure the show's popularity among my hundreds of ... well, OK, dozens of ... OK, well, among the few people who read this blog. Please vote, and feel free to add comments here. I am interested.
(Sunday night addendum: I just discovered the show lasted for 15 seasons on the air. Somebody must have liked it besides me.)
Friday, February 22, 2008
More proof ...
... that criminals, although sometimes clever, are not often the brightest lights on the string.
Cleveland Indians: threat or menace?
(That's a cheap knockoff of a "Daily Bugle" headline. Substitute "Spider-Man" for "Cleveland Indians.")
So, did the Tigers really improve themselves to get better than the Indians? Will the White Sox turn back the clock to 2005? Can the Twins sell their souls to the devil for a World Series berth?
Well, I'd say the Tigers are better than last year, but maybe not as much as everyone thinks. Dontrelle Willis hasn't been as dominant as in years past, and even though the Tigers' lineup looks awesome, Gary Sheffield will probably get hurt and somebody else will probably slump unexpectedly. The Tigers' rotation wasn;t that great last year and they have had a lot of injuries to their relief pitchers, too. I suspect the bullpen will be OK by mid-season , though. Jim Leyland always seems to be able to put together a good bullpen somehow. I bet they are better than last year, but their pitching can't keep up with the Indians.
The White Sox are still a good team and could sneak up on the American League Central. The Orlando Cabrera trade was a good one, and they have some other good young players, notably at third base and in center field. Nick Swisher is a good player, but not so far a great one. My guess is they still suffer from a weak pitching staff and can't keep up with the Indians.
If the Twins tried to sell their souls to the devil for a World Series title, he'd probably insist they throw in some cash to make the deal even out.
The Indians have a really good pitching staff, and a coaching staff that has done a great job of keeping their arms healthy for the last few years. My guess is they will probably dump Joe Borowski from the closer's spot at some point and switch to someone with a power arm who doesn't make the fans go through a couple of rolls of Tums in the ninth inning.
It's interesting to note: Since Hank Peters was hired as Indians General Manager in 1988, the Indians are the logical heir to the old Baltimore Orioles teams from the 1960s and 1970s. Much moreso than the current Orioles are, anyway. Peters, a former Orioles GM, begat John Hart who begat Mark Shapiro. The Indians approach has, since Peters, generally remained one focused on developing its own talent. The team even has consistently used a home-grown coaching staff.
Hart, during his tenure, favored the Earl Weaver three-run home run type of power hitters. Shapiro seems to favor power arms in the mold of a Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Mike Cuellar et al. rotation.
It might be interesting to compare the old Orioles to the Indians since 1988 in more depth. It's more of a similar philosophy than similar results. But, like the Orioles, since their initial rise in 1994, the Indians have generally been a good team with home grown players. (From 2002-2004, they weren't very good, because they were developing a new core for the team. However, even the 2004 team was better than people might give it credit for. If the bullpen hadn't been so downright awful, they'd have been a lot closer to first place all year long.)
(Here's some more Hank Peters stuff by me from October, in case you missed it or have forgotten it.)
So, did the Tigers really improve themselves to get better than the Indians? Will the White Sox turn back the clock to 2005? Can the Twins sell their souls to the devil for a World Series berth?
Well, I'd say the Tigers are better than last year, but maybe not as much as everyone thinks. Dontrelle Willis hasn't been as dominant as in years past, and even though the Tigers' lineup looks awesome, Gary Sheffield will probably get hurt and somebody else will probably slump unexpectedly. The Tigers' rotation wasn;t that great last year and they have had a lot of injuries to their relief pitchers, too. I suspect the bullpen will be OK by mid-season , though. Jim Leyland always seems to be able to put together a good bullpen somehow. I bet they are better than last year, but their pitching can't keep up with the Indians.
The White Sox are still a good team and could sneak up on the American League Central. The Orlando Cabrera trade was a good one, and they have some other good young players, notably at third base and in center field. Nick Swisher is a good player, but not so far a great one. My guess is they still suffer from a weak pitching staff and can't keep up with the Indians.
If the Twins tried to sell their souls to the devil for a World Series title, he'd probably insist they throw in some cash to make the deal even out.
The Indians have a really good pitching staff, and a coaching staff that has done a great job of keeping their arms healthy for the last few years. My guess is they will probably dump Joe Borowski from the closer's spot at some point and switch to someone with a power arm who doesn't make the fans go through a couple of rolls of Tums in the ninth inning.
It's interesting to note: Since Hank Peters was hired as Indians General Manager in 1988, the Indians are the logical heir to the old Baltimore Orioles teams from the 1960s and 1970s. Much moreso than the current Orioles are, anyway. Peters, a former Orioles GM, begat John Hart who begat Mark Shapiro. The Indians approach has, since Peters, generally remained one focused on developing its own talent. The team even has consistently used a home-grown coaching staff.
Hart, during his tenure, favored the Earl Weaver three-run home run type of power hitters. Shapiro seems to favor power arms in the mold of a Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Mike Cuellar et al. rotation.
It might be interesting to compare the old Orioles to the Indians since 1988 in more depth. It's more of a similar philosophy than similar results. But, like the Orioles, since their initial rise in 1994, the Indians have generally been a good team with home grown players. (From 2002-2004, they weren't very good, because they were developing a new core for the team. However, even the 2004 team was better than people might give it credit for. If the bullpen hadn't been so downright awful, they'd have been a lot closer to first place all year long.)
(Here's some more Hank Peters stuff by me from October, in case you missed it or have forgotten it.)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Random comic book stuff
I think ...
1. That "Modern Masters: Mark Schultz" is awesome. He's the writer/artist who created "Xenozoic Tales." The book has lots of beautiful art and interviews with Schultz, who I met at the 1997 (I think) Mid-Ohio Con and found to be a wonderfully nice person.
2. That I got two other "Modern Masters" books, one about John Byrne and another about Bruce Timm (of the animated Batman show) and they are both really awesome as well. I am assuming that this whole series of books is worth looking into, especially if one of the volumes is about an artist you like.
3. That the Sergio Aragones/Mark Evanier written issues of "The Spirit" from DC have begun. The first issue came out today. The artist is Mark Ploog, and although I have not read it, it looks great.
3. That "Glister" by Andi Watson (of "Skeleton Key" fame) is really charming. When the next issue comes out, maybe I'll do something in more detail. It's about a little girl who lives in a very magically charged England. The art looks a little like Harvey Kurtzman, one of the all-time greats of comic book art.
4. That "Age of Bronze," the re-telling of the Trojan War by Eric Shanower is really, really great. I got the first volume at a comic shop last week in San Diego (oddly enough, Shanower's home town, although I did not know this at the time). It's researched carefully and very thoroughly and drawn in a clean style that tells the story really well. The old Greek legends get awfully complicated, but Shanower manages to create a narrative. So far, I have only the first volume, but I shall be looking for more. I really appreciated the pronunciation guide in the back of the volume. Now I know how all those complicated Greek names are supposed to sound.
5. That it's time for me to go to bed. Good night!
1. That "Modern Masters: Mark Schultz" is awesome. He's the writer/artist who created "Xenozoic Tales." The book has lots of beautiful art and interviews with Schultz, who I met at the 1997 (I think) Mid-Ohio Con and found to be a wonderfully nice person.
2. That I got two other "Modern Masters" books, one about John Byrne and another about Bruce Timm (of the animated Batman show) and they are both really awesome as well. I am assuming that this whole series of books is worth looking into, especially if one of the volumes is about an artist you like.
3. That the Sergio Aragones/Mark Evanier written issues of "The Spirit" from DC have begun. The first issue came out today. The artist is Mark Ploog, and although I have not read it, it looks great.
3. That "Glister" by Andi Watson (of "Skeleton Key" fame) is really charming. When the next issue comes out, maybe I'll do something in more detail. It's about a little girl who lives in a very magically charged England. The art looks a little like Harvey Kurtzman, one of the all-time greats of comic book art.
4. That "Age of Bronze," the re-telling of the Trojan War by Eric Shanower is really, really great. I got the first volume at a comic shop last week in San Diego (oddly enough, Shanower's home town, although I did not know this at the time). It's researched carefully and very thoroughly and drawn in a clean style that tells the story really well. The old Greek legends get awfully complicated, but Shanower manages to create a narrative. So far, I have only the first volume, but I shall be looking for more. I really appreciated the pronunciation guide in the back of the volume. Now I know how all those complicated Greek names are supposed to sound.
5. That it's time for me to go to bed. Good night!
More weird cat blogging
Monday, February 18, 2008
"Dark Horse Presents" isn't gone
It's just on MySpace, believe it or not. The anthology comic that spawned the original serialized "Sin City," premiered "Next Men," and launched the careers of a lot of young cartoonists, is now a Web comic.
The print version was canceled years ago, but I read almost every issue, right up until the bitter end. Because it was an anthology, I didn't like everything in it, but there sure was more good than bad.
The print version was canceled years ago, but I read almost every issue, right up until the bitter end. Because it was an anthology, I didn't like everything in it, but there sure was more good than bad.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sorry about the delay
I was gone for a few days, then I didn't get back to the blog as fast as I should have. I had one great idea, then I forgot it. Que sera sera.
Here's something to tide you over till I think of something really new and inventive. Ever wonder what happened to the merchandise that would have been available had a Super Bowl turned out the other way? That link is one example.
Here's something to tide you over till I think of something really new and inventive. Ever wonder what happened to the merchandise that would have been available had a Super Bowl turned out the other way? That link is one example.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Serial cereal blogging
I love Berry Berry Kix, but they seem to have disappeared from stories. I wondered why, and here's an answer I found.
That site says you can buy them from Amazon.com (Cereal at Amazon.com? What's next? Breast implants?)
Here's the link that will take you to this wonderful breakfast treat. I can't guarantee how long they will stay in stock, though.
That site says you can buy them from Amazon.com (Cereal at Amazon.com? What's next? Breast implants?)
Here's the link that will take you to this wonderful breakfast treat. I can't guarantee how long they will stay in stock, though.
Two things about Lent
1. Is it fair to give up giving up things for Lent?
2. If I am not allowed to eat meat on Fridays, can I still eat McDonald's hamburgers?
2. If I am not allowed to eat meat on Fridays, can I still eat McDonald's hamburgers?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Previewing the previews
I don't like to know anything about a movie going in. Nothing Nada. Zip. The less I know, the happier I am.
I expect the movie to take me off to places I have never been, and make me see things I have never seen and make me think about ideas I have never considered. If I have already been exposed to all that stuff before I even sit down and my feet stick to the floor, why bother?
I don't want to know about the plot -- you only get one chance for it to surprise you.
I don't want to know what other people think about it. I'm a sheep hopelessly following the flock sometimes. I am so easily influenced that if I read a negative review, it will play in my mind while I am watching the movie, and that's all I'll think about. In fact, I have been to known to go into a movie based solely on the fact that I know nothing about it.
Some movies are judged by the studios to be so awful, they don't let the press in to review them. I'd almost rather go see one of these awful movies than to pay money to see what I know is coming.
I don't even like to watch previews very much. If it's a movie I want to see, I immediately want to close my eyes and plug my ears. I'd appreciate it if previews in movie theaters were able to tease me enough to make me want to see future movies without letting me know the whole story, or, for that matter, giving me enough information to guess the rest.
(I also hate comedy previews that show all the funny parts, but that's a whole 'nuther story.)
I was so excited about Spider-Man 3 this past summer. Then, I saw the preview something like 12 times, and by the time I watched the movie, I already knew what was going to happen.
I wasn't even that cranked up about the Harry Potter movies, because I had read all the books. The only saving grace is that the books all run together, so I had no clue what happened in book three by the time book five came out.
The bottom line: I don't want to see the previews for "The Dark Knight," the new Indiana Jones movie or the new Star Trek movie. I'll probably be subjected to them anyway.
(Just for the record, all the stuff I have been forced to see accidentally and then looked at anyway makes all three of those movies look really cool. As a result, I don't want to know anything else about them until i have a chance to see them!)
I expect the movie to take me off to places I have never been, and make me see things I have never seen and make me think about ideas I have never considered. If I have already been exposed to all that stuff before I even sit down and my feet stick to the floor, why bother?
I don't want to know about the plot -- you only get one chance for it to surprise you.
I don't want to know what other people think about it. I'm a sheep hopelessly following the flock sometimes. I am so easily influenced that if I read a negative review, it will play in my mind while I am watching the movie, and that's all I'll think about. In fact, I have been to known to go into a movie based solely on the fact that I know nothing about it.
Some movies are judged by the studios to be so awful, they don't let the press in to review them. I'd almost rather go see one of these awful movies than to pay money to see what I know is coming.
I don't even like to watch previews very much. If it's a movie I want to see, I immediately want to close my eyes and plug my ears. I'd appreciate it if previews in movie theaters were able to tease me enough to make me want to see future movies without letting me know the whole story, or, for that matter, giving me enough information to guess the rest.
(I also hate comedy previews that show all the funny parts, but that's a whole 'nuther story.)
I was so excited about Spider-Man 3 this past summer. Then, I saw the preview something like 12 times, and by the time I watched the movie, I already knew what was going to happen.
I wasn't even that cranked up about the Harry Potter movies, because I had read all the books. The only saving grace is that the books all run together, so I had no clue what happened in book three by the time book five came out.
The bottom line: I don't want to see the previews for "The Dark Knight," the new Indiana Jones movie or the new Star Trek movie. I'll probably be subjected to them anyway.
(Just for the record, all the stuff I have been forced to see accidentally and then looked at anyway makes all three of those movies look really cool. As a result, I don't want to know anything else about them until i have a chance to see them!)
Serial cereal blogging (First in a series)
Bamm Bamm's Berry Pebbles aren't as good as the original, but they are edible. Just thought you'd like to know.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
There you have it!
Four out of four voters were wrong about the Super Bowl, with the fifth probably wangling something of a correct but not terribly germane answer.
The Giants completely shut down the Pats by keeping up the pressure on Tom Brady. As a Cleveland Browns fan, I am happy the Giants won. This way, we don't have to hear what a genius Bill Belachick is for the rest of the off season.
(Just for the record, my mom called the Giants win mere moments before kickoff. She surprised me with her pick, but not as much as the Giants did in winning the game.)
The Giants completely shut down the Pats by keeping up the pressure on Tom Brady. As a Cleveland Browns fan, I am happy the Giants won. This way, we don't have to hear what a genius Bill Belachick is for the rest of the off season.
(Just for the record, my mom called the Giants win mere moments before kickoff. She surprised me with her pick, but not as much as the Giants did in winning the game.)
How will the poll fare?
It's an hour to kickoff. The poll gave no votes to the Giants. The final tally remained Patriots 4, pizza places 1.
I guess we'll see.
I guess we'll see.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
For all you Bob Dylan fans ...
Here is his special 60th Birthday album, as presented by MAD Magazine!
(Along with some other silly stuff, most of which is pretty funny.)
(Along with some other silly stuff, most of which is pretty funny.)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Why not just admit you don't know?
The dumbest ever quiz answers
LONDON (Reuters) - Question: What was Gandhi's first name? Contestant's answer: Goosey Goosey.
Warning to all those know-alls who shout at the television screen when contestants offer dumb answers to blindingly obvious questions -- one day that could be you.
Well, I guess I don't feel bad about some of my Quiz Bowl answers.
LONDON (Reuters) - Question: What was Gandhi's first name? Contestant's answer: Goosey Goosey.
Warning to all those know-alls who shout at the television screen when contestants offer dumb answers to blindingly obvious questions -- one day that could be you.
Well, I guess I don't feel bad about some of my Quiz Bowl answers.
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