Jan 30, 2011

And now, for something completely different...

A Woman’s Perspective on Boners

With the thought that as a man, it’s always good to hear a woman’s viewpoint if only to try and understand them better.

Jan 29, 2011

Just to be sure.

Everything today has some form of legalese on it. This blog really shouldn’t be the exception and I want to protect myself so if you’re a reader of this blog I just want to make sure you understand and read bearing in mind the following disclaimers:
  1. A registered trademark.
  2. A reheated plastic tray can warp or melt... reheating of tray is not recommended.
  3. Above terms subject to change without notice.
  4. Access hole only: not intended for use in lifting box.
  5. Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized.
  6. Action figures sold separately.
  7. Actor portrayal.
  8. Actress, not a real photographer.
  9. Actual price set by retailers.
  10. Add toner.
  11. Adults only.
  12. All cups leaving this store, rather full or empty, must be paid for.
  13. All federal, state and local income and other taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.
  14. All major credit cards accepted.
  15. All materials copyrighted.
  16. All models are over 18 years of age.
  17. All orders subject to review.
  18. All research statistics are blatantly flagrant.
  19. All rights reserved.
  20. All sales final.
  21. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
  22. Alternate toy available for children under 3.
  23. Always drive on roads, not on people.
  24. Always replace sleeve before discarding any computer disk.
  25. Always wear your seatbelt.
  26. A.M. stands for morning.
  27. American Animal Humane Society: Safe for use around pets.
  28. An account with your favorite internet service provider is required to access this site.
  29. An equal opportunity employer.
  30. Any other application constitutes fraud.
  31. Any reproduction, retransmission or rebroadcast without the expressed, written consent of Major League Baseball is strictly prohibited.
  32. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and purely coincidental.
  33. Applicable taxes will be remitted.
  34. Apply brake before shifting.
  35. Apply only to affected area.
  36. Apply to infested area.
  37. Approved for veterans.
  38. Article is provided “as is” without any warranties.
  39. Articles are ribbed for your pleasure.
  40. As seen on TV.
  41. Assembled in the United States from U.S. and Japanese components.
  42. At participating locations only.
  43. Attendant does not have combination to safe.
  44. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this product.
  45. Avoid contact with eyes and food.
  46. Avoid contact with eyes and skin and avoid inhaling fumes.
  47. Avoid contact with mucous membranes.
  48. Avoid contact with skin.
  49. Avoid extreme temperatures and store in a cool dry place.
  50. Avoid magnetic fields.
  51. Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.
  52. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
  53. Batteries included.
  54. Batteries not included.
  55. Battery may explore or leak.
  56. Be sure each item is properly endorsed.
  57. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you.
  58. Beware of Akita dog.
  59. Beware of dog.
  60. BHT added to preserve freshness.
  61. Booths for two or more.
  62. Break glass in case of emergency.
  63. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of this agreement.
  64. Breaking this seal voids your warranty.
  65. Bridge freezes before highway.
  66. Buckle Up, America!
  67. By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to these terms and conditions of use.
  68. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized site personnel.
  69. Cab driver approval is required for fares to either Newark International Airport or JFK International Airport. Full fare must be paid in addition to roundtrip bridge and tunnel fares.
  70. Call before you dig.
  71. Call toll free number before digging.
  72. Calorie measurements are estimates only - Individual weight loss may vary.
  73. Cannot be made non-poisonous.
  74. Caution: Do not read while operating a motor vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft.
  75. Caution: Filling is hot.
  76. Caution: Hot coffee is hot.
  77. Caution: May cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision.
  78. Caveat emptor.
  79. Check here if tax deductible.
  80. Childproof bottle.
  81. Children may be killed.
  82. Choking hazard: This toy is a small ball.
  83. Close cover before striking.
  84. Colors may, in time, fade.
  85. Computer generated driving conditions.
  86. Connect ground wire to avoid shock.
  87. Consult your physician before use.
  88. Consult your physician if fever persists for more than 3 days of if pain continues for more than 5 days.
  89. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients.
  90. Contains phenylalanine.
  91. Contains razor and blade. Not intended for children.
  92. Contents Hot!
  93. Contents may be hot!
  94. Contents may settle during shipment.
  95. Contents of overhead bins may have shifted in flight.
  96. Contents sold by weight, not volume.
  97. Contents under pressure.
  98. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show.
  99. Cooking two packages in microwave is not recommended.
  100. Credit will be extended to those persons born before 1901, as long as they are accompanied by their parents.
  101. Current at time of printing.
  102. Danger: harmful or fatal if swallowed.
  103. Dealer prep extra.
  104. Demonstration by professional drivers on a closed course - please do not attempt.
  105. Desiccant Pack - Do Not Eat.
  106. Details inside.
  107. Discontinue use if rash develops.
  108. Do not add toner.
  109. Do not agitate or invert can while using.
  110. Do not attempt to put in pants.
  111. Do not attempt to stop the blade with your hand.
  112. Do not attempt.
  113. Do not bend, fold, mutilate, or spindle.
  114. Do not bleach.
  115. Do not climb inside this bag and zip it up.
  116. Do not dangle the mouse by its cable or throw the mouse at co-workers.
  117. Do not disturb.
  118. Do not drive car or operate machinery.
  119. Do not drive car with sun shield in place.
  120. Do not drive cars in ocean.
  121. Do not drive in fields.
  122. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while using this product.
  123. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. [on bottle of children’s cough syrup]
  124. Do not drive with ball stuck on head.
  125. Do not drop.
  126. Do not eat the urinal cakes.
  127. Do not eat toner.
  128. Do not eat.
  129. Do not eat frozen pizza.
  130. Do not ejaculate on or around.
  131. Do not expose to flame.
  132. Do not expose to heat or flame.
  133. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate.
  134. Do not give to children under 8 years of age.
  135. Do not immerse.
  136. Do not induce vomiting.
  137. Do not ingest.
  138. Do not inhale vapors.
  139. Do not iron clothes while wearing.
  140. Do not leave unattended.
  141. Do not light in face.
  142. Do not look at laser beam with remaining eye.
  143. Do not place near a flammable or magnetic source.
  144. Do not pour coffee toward people.
  145. Do not prepare in a toaster oven.
  146. Do not puncture or incinerate.
  147. Do not puncture, incinerate, or store above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  148. Do not put in mouth.
  149. Do not put lit candles on phone.
  150. Do not put top in mouth.
  151. Do not recharge, put in backwards, or use.
  152. Do not recharge.
  153. Do not remain in enclosed areas after use.
  154. Do not remove protective covering.
  155. Do not remove tag under penalty of federal law.
  156. Do not remove tag.
  157. Do not remove this disclaimer under penalty of law.
  158. Do not remove this label.
  159. Do not reuse empty container.
  160. Do not sit under coconut trees.
  161. Do not spray in eyes.
  162. Do not stamp.
  163. Do not stand behind this weapon.
  164. Do not stand on top rung.
  165. Do not step.
  166. Do not turn upside down.
  167. Do not use as ear plugs.
  168. Do not use at temperatures under 43 degrees.
  169. Do not use for drying pets.
  170. Do not use house paint on face.
  171. Do not use if seal is broken.
  172. Do not use if you have prostate problems.
  173. Do not use in shower.
  174. Do not use intimately.
  175. Do not use near fire, flame, or sparks.
  176. Do not use on eyes.
  177. Do not use orally after using rectally.
  178. Do not use orally.
  179. Do not use this product if you are currently taking a drug for depression.
  180. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment.
  181. Do not use while operating heavy machinery.
  182. Do not use while sleeping or unconscious.
  183. Do not use while sleeping.
  184. Do not warehouse glass on top of plastic.
  185. Do not write below this line.
  186. Do not X-Ray.
  187. Does not contain guar gum.
  188. Dog not included.
  189. Doing so will cause injury and death.
  190. Don’t coast downhill.
  191. Don’t even think about parking here.
  192. Don’t feed the actors.
  193. Don’t pet the dog.
  194. Don’t try this in your living room; these are trained professionals.
  195. Don’t quote me on anything.
  196. Don’t quote me on that.
  197. Dramatization.
  198. Drawings will be conducted by an independent judging organization whose decisions are final on all matters.
  199. Driver does not carry cash.
  200. Drop in any mailbox.
  201. Dry clean only.
  202. Due to the nature of the game of squash, this racket is not guaranteed.
  203. Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth.
  204. Edited for television.
  205. Elvis has left the building.
  206. Employees and their families are not eligible.
  207. Employees must wash hands before returning to work.
  208. Enter at your own risk.
  209. EPA estimate only.
  210. Excessive dust may be irritating to shin and eyes.
  211. Excessive use may lead to paper cuts.
  212. Exclusions may apply.
  213. Falling rock.
  214. Fasten seat belt while seated.
  215. Fictionalization.
  216. First pull up, then pull down.
  217. Fits one head.
  218. Flames redirected to /dev/null.
  219. Follow all traffic safety precautions.
  220. For a good time call 1-800-540-0058.
  221. For a limited time only.
  222. For best taste, drink by date on bottom of can.
  223. For comfortable and safe use, please read the Safety & Comfort Guide.
  224. For entertainment purposes only.
  225. For external use only.
  226. For great justice.
  227. For indoor or outdoor use only.
  228. For lifting purposes only.
  229. For office use only.
  230. For off-road use only.
  231. For outdoor use only.
  232. For recreational use only.
  233. For use by trained personnel only.
  234. For use on animals only.
  235. Fragile.
  236. Freshest if eaten before date on carton.
  237. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.
  238. Hand wash only, tumble dry on low heat.
  239. Handle with care.
  240. Hard hat and safety goggles are required.
  241. Hardware and instructions included.
  242. Harmful if swallowed.
  243. Has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice.
  244. Height restrictions apply.
  245. Hot beverages are hot!
  246. How's my driving?
  247. If a rash, redness, irritation, or swelling develops, discontinue use.
  248. If any defects are discovered, do not attempt to repair them yourself, but return to an authorized service center.
  249. If condition persists, consult your physician.
  250. If ingested, do not induce vomiting, and if symptoms persist, consult a physician.
  251. If ingestion occurs, induce vomiting and contact a physician immediately.
  252. If rash, irritation, redness, or swelling develops, discontinue reading.
  253. If seal is broken, discard immediately.
  254. If symptoms persist, consult your physician.
  255. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
  256. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful.
  257. If you cannot read these instructions, please notify a flight attendant.
  258. If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product.
  259. Illustrations are slightly enlarged to show detail.
  260. Imperfections in the fabric are to be considered normal.
  261. In case of accidental overdose, seek professional assistance.
  262. In case of irritation, flush eyes with cold water and consult your physician.
  263. In order to get out of car, open door, get out, lock doors, and then close doors.
  264. In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask will drop down from the compartment above your head.
  265. In the event of fire, remain calm.
  266. Individual results may vary.
  267. Information herein not to be used with alcoholic beverages.
  268. Instructions are included.
  269. Instructions: usage known.
  270. Insurance regulations prohibit recipients from entering the area without an escort.
  271. It is intended solely for the addressee.
  272. It is the Commission’s policy to conduct its inquiries on a confidential basis — so this may be the only response that you receive.
  273. Just say no.
  274. Keep away from fire or flames.
  275. Keep away from moisture, rain, snow, gloom of night, and so forth.
  276. Keep away from open flames and avoid inhaling fumes.
  277. Keep away from sunlight.
  278. Keep away from sunlight, pets, and small children.
  279. Keep cool; process promptly.
  280. Keep corners of textbooks and writing instruments away from eyes.
  281. Keep frozen until ready to use.
  282. Keep hands and feet inside the car at all times.
  283. Keep left.
  284. Keep off the grass.
  285. Keep out of reach of children and teenagers.
  286. Keep this and all products out of the reach of children.
  287. Keep your arms and legs inside the mixer at all times.
  288. Knives are sharp!
  289. Knock before entering.
  290. Lay on flat ground. Light fuse. Get away.
  291. Left handed people excluded.
  292. Lift flap to open.
  293. Like any driving directions/map you should always do a reality check and make sure the roads still exist.
  294. Limit one per family please.
  295. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery.
  296. List at least two alternate dates.
  297. List each check separately by bank number.
  298. List was current at time of printing.
  299. Live, except on West Coast.
  300. Local restrictions may apply.
  301. LOG OFF IMMEDIATELY if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.
  302. Look before driving.
  303. Lost ticket pays maximum rate.
  304. Made from 100% recycled electrons and magnetic particles.
  305. Malfunction: Too less water.
  306. Many suitcases look alike.
  307. Material on this web site may not be copied, reproduced, duplicated, spindled, mutilated, rendered, or cross-posted
  308. without the express written consent of the management.
  309. May be harmful if swallowed.
  310. May be too intense for some viewers.
  311. May be unsuitable for sensitive people.
  312. May cause any of the aforementioned effects and/or death.
  313. May cause dizziness.
  314. May cause drowsiness.
  315. May cause excitability.
  316. May contain material some readers may find objectionable; parental guidance is advised.
  317. May contain nuts.
  318. May contain peanuts.
  319. May contain small parts.
  320. May irritate eyes.
  321. Member, FDIC
  322. Mental health prohibited.
  323. Mind the doors.
  324. Mind the gap.
  325. Misuse may cause injury or death.
  326. Moisten needle before inserting.
  327. Mr. Smith is a paid endorser.
  328. Must be 18 to enter.
  329. Must be 18 years or age or older to be an adult.
  330. Must be over 17.
  331. Must be present to win.
  332. Neither the seller not the manufacture will be liable for any brain damage arising from the use of this product.
  333. Never commit arson.  Not even once. 
  334. No alcohol, dogs, or horses.
  335. No anchovies unless otherwise specified.
  336. No animals were harmed in the creation of this site.
  337. No animals were used during testing.
  338. No Canadian coins.
  339. No cash value.
  340. No COD’s.
  341. No deposit, no return.
  342. No diving.
  343. No glass bottles on beach.
  344. No internal email, except that clearly intended for public distribution (e.g. Press Releases), should be sent to any party outside the Company.
  345. No kidding.
  346. No lifeguard on duty.
  347. No measurable fat content.
  348. No minors allowed.
  349. No money down.
  350. No other warranty expressed or implied.
  351. No passes accepted for this engagement.
  352. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States.
  353. No preservatives added.
  354. No purchase necessary.
  355. No returns unless defective.
  356. No right turn on red.
  357. No salt, MSG, artificial color or flavoring added.
  358. No shirt, no shoes, no service.
  359. No shoes, no shirt, no service.
  360. No slugs.
  361. No small children.
  362. No solicitors.
  363. No stopping or standing.
  364. No substitutions allowed.
  365. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.
  366. No transfers issued until the bus comes to a complete stop.
  367. No user-serviceable parts inside.
  368. Not a real diet.
  369. Not a Republic.
  370. Not actual size.
  371. Not affiliated with any government agency.
  372. Not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
  373. Not affiliated with the University of Florida or any other institution of higher learning.
  374. Not approved for veterans.
  375. Not available in all states.
  376. Not available with other offers.
  377. Not dishwasher safe.
  378. Not for human consumption.
  379. Not for weight control.
  380. Not intended for highway use.
  381. Not intended for use by children or liberals under the age of five.
  382. Not intended for use in toaster oven.
  383. Not legal for trade.
  384. Not liable for damages arising from use or misuse.
  385. Not on people.
  386. Not our airplane.
  387. Not our yak.
  388. Not recommended for children.
  389. Not responsible for acts of God.
  390. Not responsible for damages occurring through the use, misuse, or inability to use this product.
  391. Not responsible for delayed, lost, or misdirected mail.
  392. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform.
  393. Not responsible for items left over 30 days.
  394. Not responsible for misuse or misapplication.
  395. Not responsible for personal belongings.
  396. Not responsible for typographical errors.
  397. Not responsible if you’ve fallen and can’t get up.
  398. Not street legal in some states.
  399. Not suitable for children aged 36 months or less.
  400. Not the Beatles.
  401. Not to be combined with other radioisotopes except under the advice of a physician.
  402. Not to be taken internally.
  403. Not to be used as a personal flotation device.
  404. Not to be used for the other use.
  405. Not valid in all areas.
  406. Now available without a prescription!
  407. Nutritional information available on request
  408. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
  409. Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear.
  410. Objects on mirror may appear closer than they are.
  411. Offer valid only at participating sites.
  412. Offer void where taxed or prohibited by law.
  413. One size fits all.
  414. Only at participating, local dealers
  415. Open other end.
  416. Open this side.
  417. Other restrictions may apply.
  418. Package sold by weight, not volume.
  419. Parental advisory—explicit lyrics.
  420. Parental guidance suggested.
  421. Past performance no guarantee of future results.
  422. Patent pending.
  423. Pavement ends.
  424. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
  425. Payment is due by the due date.
  426. Penalty for early withdrawl.
  427. Penalty for improper use.
  428. Penalty for private use.
  429. Place stamp here.
  430. Please allow 4-8 weeks delivery.
  431. Please do not feed the models.
  432. Please drink responsibly.
  433. Please fasten your seat belts and extinguish all smoking materials.
  434. Please include the proper portion of your bill.
  435. Please keep out of children.
  436. Please look at the materials if you believe this may be the case.
  437. Please obey park service rules.
  438. Please recycle.
  439. Please re-install the operating system if you get this error again.
  440. Please remain seated until the ride has come to a complete stop.
  441. Please remove baby before folding stroller.
  442. Please remove before driving.
  443. Please return your seats and tray tables to their locked and upright position.
  444. Please stir before serving.
  445. Please store in the cold section of the refrigerator.
  446. Please use a clean plate.
  447. Possible penalties for early withdrawal.
  448. Post office will not deliver without postage.
  449. Post office will not deliver without proper postage.
  450. Postage will be paid by addressee.
  451. Postage will be paid by you!
  452. Pre-1650 garb required by all participants.
  453. Pregnant women should not touch or handle broken tablets.
  454. Prerecorded for this time zone.
  455. Prerecorded in front of a live audience.
  456. Prescriptions cannot be filled by phone.
  457. Previous editions are obsolete.
  458. Price and participation may vary.
  459. Price based on availability.
  460. Price does not include taxes.
  461. Price plus tax, license and documentation fees subject to prior sale. One at this price.
  462. Prices are quoted in Canadian Funds if product is shipped to a Canadian address.
  463. Prices subject to change without notice.
  464. Proceed with caution.
  465. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton.
  466. Product will be hot after heating.
  467. Professional driver on closed track.
  468. Professionally Dry Clean
  469. Proof of purchase required.
  470. Protect from freezing. Rattle OK.
  471. Provided “as is” without any warranties expressed or implied.
  472. Push down while squeezing top
  473. Quantities are limited while supplies last.
  474. Read and use at your own risk.
  475. Read at your own risk.
  476. Read label before using.
  477. Read prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
  478. Ready to eat.
  479. Rebroadcast is prohibited without the express written consent of Major League Baseball. Record additional transactions on back of previous stub.
  480. Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.
  481. Refer servicing to qualified repair personnel.
  482. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.
  483. Refrigerate after opening.
  484. Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you.
  485. Remove infant before folding for storage.
  486. Remove plastic before eating.
  487. Remove the plastic wrapper.
  488. Remove wrapper, open mouth, insert muffin, eat.
  489. Replace with same type.
  490. Reproduction strictly prohibited.
  491. Reproductions will not be honored.
  492. Restaurant package, not for resale.
  493. Results not typical.
  494. Retain your receipt.
  495. Return to sender: no forwarding order on file, unable to forward.
  496. Ribbed for her pleasure.
  497. Ribbed for your pleasure.
  498. Riders of personal watercraft may suffer injury due to the forceful injection of water into body cavities either by falling into the water or while mounting the craft.
  499. Road rage is uncool.
  500. Safe for use around pets.
  501. Safety goggles may be required during use.
  502. Sales tax not included.
  503. Sanitized for your protection.
  504. Sealed for your protection.
  505. Sealed for your protection, do not use if the safety seal is broken.
  506. See bottom of package for lot No. and expiration date.
  507. See label for sequence.
  508. See listings for show times.
  509. Seek shelter and cover head.
  510. Serving suggestion.
  511. Serving suggestion: Defrost.
  512. Shading within a garment may occur.
  513. Shake well before using.
  514. Sharp!
  515. Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover.
  516. Shipping & handling extra.
  517. Should you need legal advice, please consult your lawyer.
  518. Shut off engine.
  519. Side effects include nausea.
  520. Sign here without admitting guilt.
  521. Sign waivers with your real name.
  522. Simply pour the biscuits into a bowl and allow the cat to eat when it wants.
  523. Simulated picture.
  524. Slightly enlarged to show detail.
  525. Slightly higher west of the Mississippi.
  526. Slightly higher west of the Rockies.
  527. Slippery when wet.
  528. Slow children.
  529. Slow: Alligator Crossing.
  530. Small parts, not for children under 3.
  531. Smoking may be hazardous to your health.
  532. So remember, you've been warned!
  533. Sold for industrial use only.
  534. Some additional charges may apply.
  535. Some assembly required.
  536. Some equipment shown is optional.
  537. Some humor and satire included.
  538. Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.
  539. Some material contained herein not suitable for Republicans.
  540. Some materials may irritate sensitive skin.
  541. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only.
  542. Some rectal discharge may occur.
  543. Some restrictions apply.
  544. Some settling may occur during shipping.
  545. Special receptacle end.
  546. Stack no more than 4 high.
  547. Store (bubble bath) in a dry place.
  548. Store in a cool, dry place.
  549. Store in original containers.
  550. Strike before closing cover.
  551. Subject to approval.
  552. Subject to availability.
  553. Subject to CAB approval.
  554. Subject to change without notice.
  555. Subject to FCC approval.
  556. Subject to local regulation.
  557. Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, we cannot disclose to you any information which we may gather and we cannot confirm to you the existence or non-existence of an investigation.
  558. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal.
  559. Supervise children as necessary until capable of using without supervision.
  560. Surgeon General's warning: Quitting smoking now greatly reduces risks to health, etc.
  561. Take care: new non-slip surface.
  562. Take one capsule by mouth three times daily until gone.
  563. Take with food.
  564. Tax, title and license extra.
  565. Terms are subject to change without notice.
  566. Test regularly.
  567. Text may contain explicit materials some readers may find objectionable, parental guidance is advised.
  568. Text used in these documents is made from 100% recycled electrons and magnetic particles.
  569. The appliance is switched on by setting the on/off switch to the 'on' position.
  570. The best safeguard, second only to abstinence, is the use of a condom.
  571. The best safeguard, second only to abstinence, is the use of a good laugh.
  572. The buyer assumes all risks associated with using this product.
  573. The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish.
  574. The information in this email is confidential and may be legally privileged.
  575. The little part which suffocates when the sharp part which gets hurt is swallowed is contained generously.
  576. The preceding was a paid political announcement.
  577. The slight variations in color and texture enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
  578. The Surgeon General of the United States warns that smoking by pregnant women may result in fetal injury, premature birth, and low birth weight.
  579. The truth is out there.
  580. The user takes full responsibility for everything and anything that could and/or does go wrong resulting in any kind or type of problem, difficulty, embarrassment, loss of money or goods or services or sleep or anything else whatsoever.
  581. Theft of this container is a crime.
  582. These documents do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my rabbit.
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Jan 28, 2011

An afternoon at the gallery.

Abominations_i03_p0203_Medina-Vancata

Abominations_i03_p0203_Medina-Vancata
A follow-up tale from the Incredible Hulk storylines “Ghosts of the Past” and Future Imperfect, in the past, the Abomination scolds the homeless people he protects for venturing up to the surface as Betty #6 goes into labor with her child and Char lies dying in the underground tunnels. Po, a large rebel who had been knocked unconscious during the fight with the Police, awakens and is instantly angered by the site of the Abomination of the past. He grabes a pipe and attacks the Abomination, who shrugs off the attack and flings Po across the tunnel. Meanwhile, Shulk arrives in the past in great pain. Kaspin senses something wrong with her brain, but Shulk shrugs it off and burrows underground to find Betty #6. Shulk finds the underground tunnels and is confronted by the past Abomination. Shulk and the past Abomination do battle, and she succeeds in smashing him through the tunnel. The rebels attack Shulk to protect the baby, but are quickly defeated. She is poised to kill Betty #6, who informs Shulk that the baby is not actually the Maestro's. Betty #6 tells Shulk that it was a lie simply to save herself and the rebels from the mutates. Shulk hesitates, but is still ready to kill them when she suddenly collapses. Kaspin is the cause of her collapse, as he cannot allow her to kill a helpless baby. The Abomination smashes back into the tunnel only to find Shulk near death. Shulk calls the Abomination over to her and whispers something to him that only he can hear before she dies.

These pages are a spectacular double truck (two page spread) laying out the players for the reader.

Check out my Comic Art Fans Galleries! © All scans copyright PJ Mungiole 2011 - may not be reproduced, reused, reposted without permission.
This is really amazing and you should look at it at a larger size by clicking through. Fantastic double truck (two page spread) that looks really phenomenal up close. One of the things I’ve come away with from looking at the pages I have from this series, is a real respect for the draftsmanship Angel Medina has in all his work (or at least the pages I’ve seen) and Brad Vancata does a great job inking them (and you can tell because you can see the underdrawing).

Jan 27, 2011

Talk about hype!

The big news of the moment are the demonstrations going on throughout the Arab World in places like Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen. Interesting to be sure, but I always watch these things somewhat cynically. Just because the current government isn’t responsive to the people doesn’t necessarily mean what replaces it (should there be some kind of revolution) will be any better.



A group of bourgeois idiots looking for the romance of taking up a cause and becoming ‘revolutionaries’ is also somewhat laughable at times and also a little sickening.

In this case, I saw this video of what was billed as ‘Tiananmen like courage.’

Oh, fucking please!

Comparing a lone guy staring down a tank to a guy standing in front of a truck that is using the lamest water cannon I’ve ever seen is a bit of an overstatement unless there is something about Egyptians and water I fail to grasp. Is this some kind of bathing reference? Is something like what happened to the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz going to occur?

In case you think I’m being harsh:

Jan 24, 2011

Movie Mondays!


Whether you were weaned in the 70’s on the comedy of Cheech and Chong, if you discovered Tommy Chong from his time on That 70’s Show or maybe you’ve heard his story, you will find this documentary a revelation. It perhaps illustrates perfectly how dysfunctional our system is when a 65-year-old man can be jailed on drug charges for selling glass... not drugs, not grass... glass! The film is a chronicle of the abuse of government power and waste in a wrongheaded pursuit to make an example of a person implementing their constitutional rights.

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Jan 21, 2011

An afternoon at the gallery.

Abominations_i02_p10_Medina-Vancata


Abominations_i02_p10_Medina-Vancata_OVERLAY
A follow-up tale from the Incredible Hulk storylines “Ghosts of the Past” and Future Imperfect, in the past, the Abomination scolds the homeless people he protects for venturing up to the surface as Betty #6 goes into labor with her child and Char lies dying in the underground tunnels. Po, a large rebel who had been knocked unconscious during the fight with the Police, awakens and is instantly angered by the site of the Abomination of the past. He grabes a pipe and attacks the Abomination, who shrugs off the attack and flings Po across the tunnel. Meanwhile, Shulk arrives in the past in great pain. Kaspin senses something wrong with her brain, but Shulk shrugs it off and burrows underground to find Betty #6. Shulk finds the underground tunnels and is confronted by the past Abomination. Shulk and the past Abomination do battle, and she succeeds in smashing him through the tunnel. The rebels attack Shulk to protect the baby, but are quickly defeated. She is poised to kill Betty #6, who informs Shulk that the baby is not actually the Maestro's. Betty #6 tells Shulk that it was a lie simply to save herself and the rebels from the mutates. Shulk hesitates, but is still ready to kill them when she suddenly collapses. Kaspin is the cause of her collapse, as he cannot allow her to kill a helpless baby. The Abomination smashes back into the tunnel only to find Shulk near death. Shulk calls the Abomination over to her and whispers something to him that only he can hear before she dies.
This page is the series wrapup.

Check out my Comic Art Fans Galleries! © All scans copyright PJ Mungiole 2011 - may not be reproduced, reused, reposted without permission.
I picked this up directly from Brad Vancata many years ago. One of the things that appealed to me was the fact that Angel Medina’s work reminds me so much of Jim Starlin’s and that’s not a slight against Medina who has chops in his own right. It’s a great page too and ironically enough I’ve never actually read the mini series.

Jan 20, 2011

Interesting circles.

I run in some interesting circles and consequently come across some quite talented people (really in the peripheral sense), On occasion it will be a matter of shooting some emails back and forth and that’s about it. Could be a matter of knowing some of the same people or the like.

One of those people whose orbit I’ve intersected with is COOP whose stuff I’ve enjoyed even before I knew who it was doing it. A lot of that has to do with a basic appreciation of some touchstones from a certain period in my life, in this case the art of Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth who COOP is paying homage to in the piece below.

frankenrod.jpg

COOP has put up a whole slew of his drawings in his Flickr stream and I have to say it’s really worth taking a look at. I have a great deal of respect for people who have chops when it comes to wielding a pencil, I really admire people who can really draw and have a unique style.

This too is the case with COOP and while some of his work can be racy at times (read NSFW), especially if you happen to be on the more prudish side of the line, it still is incredibly composed and drawn. Go ahead, click on the image above and take a look, you won’t be disappointed – and if you go deeper into the stream you may even see a few wonderful shots of the beautiful Skye Shelley or the amazing Kymberly Jane.

Jan 19, 2011

Since we’re between Christmas and Easter.

I got to thinking how it’s time for this:


This is a short: in 2002, Scott Leberecht directed a film adaptation of The Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special as part of the American Film Institute’s director’s studies program. Andrew Bryniarski stars as Lobo, with Tom Gibis as the Easter Bunny and Michael V. Allen as Santa Claus. The film was made with a budget of $2,400, although many professionals donated time and effort. It premiered at the AFI in May 2002.
They call this irony:
IRS agent faces 9 years for cheating on his taxes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last Updated: 9:24 AM, January 6, 2011Posted: 9:20 AM


LOS ANGELES — A California-based Internal Revenue Service agent could spend up to nine years in prison after acknowledging that he cheated on his own taxes.Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Albert Bront pleaded guilty Wednesday in Los Angeles to filing false tax returns for himself and two innocent relatives. The false tax form claims included bogus alimony and mortgage deductions.The former Santa Clarita resident told a federal judge that he filed fraudulent tax returns for himself from 2003 to 2007 by claiming excessive deductions and failing to report income. He also acknowledged filing fraudulent returns on behalf of two unknowing relatives.Bront has been on unpaid leave from the IRS since he was charged in 2009. His sentencing is set for April 13.

Guess he’ll meet the tax deadline.

Jan 17, 2011

Movie Mondays!

Baseball fans will fall in love with this great documentary detailing the struggle players endure to make it to the major leagues. For every multi-million dollar megastar there are innumerable other players who never even get a taste of “The Show.” The path to the majors is a difficult one and along the way players are continually tested not just by their play alone but also by how well their bodies are able to suffer the grind of the baseball season and whether they can hold on to the single minded determination in pursuit of their goal. Interviews with family members, team personnel and the players themselves give viewers an intimate look into the vagabond lifestyle that is being a minor league ball player. Don’t miss entertainment for any lover of the sport.

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Jan 14, 2011

Great exchange.

This is an interesting watch. A dialog between a Russian reporter and the Press Secretary with the reporter trying to ascribe the freedoms we enjoy in this country as being directly responsible for what happened in Arizona. It’s a window into how people from other societies view our nation but I still wouldn’t trade places.

Jan 13, 2011

The difference from a pretender and a true leader.

“After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event,” Palin said, before insisting individuals should be held accountable for their own actions.

Sarah Palin wants to hold herself out as a leader but she also wants to run away from her own vitriol when it suits her purposes.

The phrase, ‘feet of clay’ comes readily to mind.

No one is saying Palin is directly responsible for the tragic events of this past weekend but when you dress up your rhetoric in such a blatantly violent manner you cannot help to draw a connection between the garbage you are spewing encouraging idiots to act out.

In a word, STFU.

I’ve heard quite a few people talk about the current president in less than flattering terms and to a certain extent that’s fine because I would hardly expect a nation as diverse as ours to agree on everything but at the very least be civil. Show some respect for the office.

And you want to know something... I make no secret about being a registered Republican but there are some people out there who just sicken me.

I like the President.

I think at the end of the day, he’s a good man. I don’t agree with him on a few things and there are times I think that for a very smart man he can be very stupid but I don’t think he is malicious or deserving of some of the aspersions cast upon him by his detractors.

Maybe, just maybe after a nut goes off and kills a nine year old girl some of the more vocal morons among us will take this as a cue to reign themselves in?

Maybe?

One can only hope.

Jan 10, 2011

Movie Mondays!


Much closer in tone to the actual comic book than the first movie, War Zone is in essence a 1 hour and 40 minute gorefest. Consequently, it’s not a kid’s movie or a flick easily viewed by those turned off by violence or gore. Still, it is watchable and in some ways better than the Thomas Jane/John Travolta film. The Punisher takes on Jigsaw in the process racking up a body count easily making it into the triple figures (if not more). There are a few subplots but they’re incidental to Frank Castle (the Punisher) kicking a$$. The movie is cartoon-like in its portrayal of violence but again, it doesn’t spoil the mindless chaos. Action film lovers, just turn your brain off and enjoy. Fans of the character will consider this the Mike Zeck version of the character as opposed to the Steve Dillon/Warren Ellis take.

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Jan 9, 2011

I didn’t mention it.

One of the things that I partook of (or indulged in) over the last month (December really) was attending an event at MoCCA; Museum of Cartoon and Comic Art. Speaking of which, if they use the ‘o’ in of, why aren’t they using the ‘a’ in and? Would wind up being MoCaCA – sounds a bit vulgar, no?

Paul Levitz at MoCCA

Anyway, the event was “THE CRAFT OF COMICS WRITING:THE LONG AND SHORT OF PLOTTING” (I don’t use all caps for things but I’ll be damned to retype instead of copying and pasting). It was conducted by Paul Levitz and I had high hopes for it.

Thing was, Levitz was woefully unprepared. It‘s a bit surprising in a way, I had attended something given by Denny O’Neil and I have to say for what it was worth Denny is a damn good teacher, Unfortunately, Paul wasn’t anywhere near as good which was something of a disappointment. While I was going to approach Paul after the event and suggest some ways to tighten up things, the truth was there simply was a preponderance of fanboys in attendance.

If there is anything I grow to despise with time it’s fanboys. The last NYCC I went to was just crammed with them and I don’t know if it’s a matter of my tolerance getting lower or fanboys becoming more obnoxious, I would think it’s the latter. The first convention I went to was the MarvelCon in 1976 at the old Commodore hotel (now the Grand Hyatt). It was small, it was fun and I had a great time (along with my friend Don). I got to meet everyone from Stan Lee, John Buscema and a whole slew of other people.

Now I find if I’m going to one of these events, it’s with a very specific purpose and in this case it‘s more about finding technique that will help me move ahead with my skill set. The Levitz thing was sparse on any of that and as a result a waste of time. Considering Levitz’s lofty position within the industry, I just expected more but then again one thing that did come through was Levitz’ love of books. You really can’t fault a guy who loves to read.

Jan 8, 2011

Generally.

I look upon the house as something of an albatross. I simply don’t find myself with either the time or the energy to do the work I want to around the house and it’s a lot of work that needs getting done. I often feel like I’m in a ramshackle hut of a dwelling that is falling down around my ears and never is as orderly as I would like.

For instance... a few weeks back I came home one fine Friday evening noticing the house was a bit on the cold side. After puttering around I realized it was something I couldn’t fix myself. Being a homeowner means learning how to fix whatever you can on your own, when you can but in this instance there was no other choice but to call someone in.

Since it was on a Friday, it meant either sticking it out for a few days (because these kinds of things always happen on a weekend or a holiday) or paying a premium. I was lucky in that it was a warm weekend and with the help of space heaters I was able to soldier through a few days. As the days progressed though it did get colder and colder so when the plumber finally came to fix everything on Tuesday I was particularly glad to see him.

Yet, there was one discovery I made that was both a surprise and a pleasure – my fireplace which I hadn’t used in some time for no other reason than I just got out of the habit, is still wonderfully, fully functioning:

IMG_2967a

And really on a cold winter day or night there just is no beating sitting in front of a warm fire. :)

Jan 6, 2011

We are not playing on a level field!

The Chinese move appeared to be aimed at protecting three government-controlled phone carriers — China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile — that provide the bulk of China's telephone services.

The South China Morning Post quoted an unidentified ministry official on Thursday as saying VoIP services could only be provided by the big three Chinese operators.China has been known to play hardball with foreign businesses. After a months-long stand-off over censorship, China finally gave Google approval in July to keep operating its Chinese search page.

Skype has 20 million users in Asia Pacific, or 16 percent of the company’s total users as of the end of June, according to a U.S. regulatory filing. The filing did not break out China's user numbers and a Skype spokesman in the United States said he did not know how many Chinese users it had.

No single country other than the United States represented more than 7 percent of Skype’s average monthly user, according to the filing.
Whenever we talk about the direction of our country and what is happening in the world vis-a-vis capitalism and trade we must constantly remind ourselves that China is not an open market and the Chinese play by their own set of rules. As we move forward into this new century we have to have the vision that will allow us to open up markets in China and address the glaring trade imbalance that is sucking the life out of our economy.

This is something that affects not just our economic health and well-being but also our global security. China is an increasingly dominant player and our nation needs to take the steps necessary to allow us to sell into China or barring that take the steps needed to protect our own markets – it really winds up being the only leverage we have and if our economy is going to get better it’s something that has to happen soon!

Jan 5, 2011

Pretty, no?

P020310PS-0033

I take delight in the simplest of ways and one of the things I find I’ve been enjoying quite a bit, is the official White House stream of photos that’s up on Flickr. I think a lot of Americans feel very removed from what happens in Washington and particularly the White House but I have to say this one thing does more to open up the mechanism of government to me in a way no other outlet does.

Some really beautiful and unique peeks into life in the Obama administration.

Jan 3, 2011

Movie Mondays!


No new ground here in this gory thriller. However, it is able directed and acted to provide fans of the genre with an entertaining ride. The squeamish should stay away and definitely not for children. There are a few twists and turn plot wise but nothing a long time film fan won’t see coming. The majority of the film is shot on a set and the filmmakers did a wonderful job capturing the claustrophobia to heighten the tension of the film.

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Jan 2, 2011

Don’t say I never gave you anything.

I came across this yesterday, I’ve been trying to track down different old music and one of them was an old Paul Simon song which led me to the Wikipedia bio of Paul Simon which led me to Paul Simon’s official site where you can download the MP3 of this song for free. And I haven’t heard much of Paul Simon’s music lately but I have to say he hasn’t lost his touch:


NOW REMEMBER! You can get a copy for free! Just point your browser to: http://www.paulsimon.com/
Fuck Comics!

IMG_2932a

I’ll never buy another comic again and i stopped trudging off to the comic book store every week two (or is it three) years ago. And what’s great is I now have a lot more money in my pocket to boot!

What the hell was I thinking?

Besides, you see the pile of books above? All free! FREE! FREE, NO COST TO ME WHATSOEVER!

And all obtained through my local library. If you think any of the things are especially dense or hard to get through you have another thing coming.

Comics are dying, on their way out! The very same way newspapers are dying because they simply cannot justify the price point any longer for the monthly comic book. I know I pushed back from the table because it was getting far too pricey for my tastes and now I come to understand that the price point on a comic earlier this year scooted up to $3.99! Of course, the flip side to this is that sales this past year for comics have plummeted! As evidenced by the article I came across today:
Direct-market comics sales fell 12 percent in July versus the previous year, with only Marvel’s X-Men #1 breaking the 100,000-copy mark, thanks to incentive covers and heavy marketing behind a series relaunch. The sixth issue of DC Comics’ summer crossover, Brightest Day, came in at No. 2 with about 94,600 copies.
Why would someone spend $3.99 on a single issue of something when a graphic novel (compilation) can be had for much less than the single issue price? Further, if the high price point is necessary to turn a profit, maybe it’s time publishers go back to printing on cheaper (read newsprint) stock and more basic production to further differentiate the monthly book from the graphic novel.

I really don’t care, they priced me out of the market long ago but I have to admit to having a certain smug satisfaction about the fact I appear not to be the only fan who found comics were getting a little too rich for their blood.

Besides, from what I’ve been reading, there is a preponderance of dreck being foisted on the buying public as it is. I got a graphic novel from the library called ‘Hulked Out Heroes,’ what an absolute waste!

I only recently starting looking at comics for the first time in a few years via what I get through the library and honestly, I don’t feel I’m missing much.

Jan 1, 2011

Funny how the mind works.

The other day for whatever reason, I either heard something or came across something that made me think of original rap - rap when it made its first appearance way back around 1980 (Oh! Now I remember, I’ve been reading a book and it had a couple of music quizzes in it).

So, thinking about that made me think of Blondie and the song Rapture but also the song Rapper‘s Delight. That lead me on to thinking about another tune I remember from the time that although it wasn’t a rap song would probably make for a good one if someone decided to come along and do a little with it.

So, I sought out the song and sure enough I found it online and it’s not a true song but actually a bit by Cheech and Chong. I listened to it again (for the first time in many, many years) and it was hilariously funny.

Thing was, it was funny now for an entirely different set of reasons than it was at the time it was released and in large part that has to do with me being in the neighborhood of 20 at the time and being in the neighborhood of 50 now.

Either way, it still elicits laughs and what couldn’t be more perfect for a groggy New Year’s Day than Earache My Eye!?

Dec 29, 2010

Some art.

I came across this the other day. I’ve just been too busy these last few weeks leading into the holidays to think let alone post and thankfully the stupidity that is the holiday season is almost behind us (BAH! HUMBUG!).

Anyway, so the story behind this... back in the early nineties (or was it the late eighties) sometime around the time I was doing some work for Marvel or shortly afterward, I got an illustration job. It was for an insert (there is a series called Newspapers in Education and this was one of them) to go in the local paper on AIDs.

While I was happy to get the job it was a bit of a double edged sword because I was also a bit nervous too. I remember doing most of the work very, very quickly (overnight?) after procrastinating and making a bunch of false starts.

At the end of everything, the client was pretty happy with how everything turned out. Everything was in full color but the spot illos below weren’t accepted. As a matter of fact, a friend wound up doing that part of the job after the fact because the client wanted more realistic shots for the particular section of the insert (the shots in question looked more like life drawings). It was supposed to portray people who can have AIDs (I think) and the illos of course were keyed to the supplied copy.


I never really think about showing off my drawing or looking for praise over it. I’ve never stopped drawing and wind up doodling something every day whenever I have a moment. It winds up being more of something I do for myself rather than other people but I’ve been posting art to the comic art fans website lately and when I came across this I figured what the hell.

Dec 27, 2010

Movie Mondays!


A wonderful film for young and old alike! Adapted from the series of books of the same name, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a charming story that tells the tale of three siblings and a magical book one of them finds. The book is a doorway into a fantastical world populated by fairies, sprites, ogres and goblins but there are those who would turn it’s knowledge to evil ends. While it might be a bit scary at times for younger viewers, anyone above the age of five should find this to be a truly charming tale. Family viewing at its finest!

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Dec 20, 2010

Movie Mondays!


A lot better than I expected! A solid cast, Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman, do a stellar job in this singular take on the superhero. Hancock (Smith), a man without a past, is what might be considered a marginal superhero at best. A disgruntled loner with a drinking problem, Hancock more often than not makes matters worse when he uses his powers causing more damage and harm than if he remained uninvolved. A chance meeting with a PR flak puts him on the path to redeeming his image but is the meeting truly a matter of chance or of fate? Peter Berg ably directs this piece that received some script doctoring from Vince Gilligan of X-Files and Breaking Bad fame. Worth catching though not necessarily something for the kiddies.

I’m repurposing content by taking my NetFlix reviews and posting them here on the blog. If I could figure out a way to do it, I’d post some kind of link for people to connect and make me their friend on the service. Unfortunately, it isn’t altogether clear how one would do that - so if you know a way, pass it along. In the meantime, I’ve got steady content for at least a year.

Dec 18, 2010

I never had much use for Kathleen Turner.

I was never one of those people who fell with Kathleen Turner. There always seemed to be a lot of people who were really in love with her, her voice or what I would hear is something along the lines of her having some kind of allure or seething undercurrent of her sexuality that people would rave about.

I never got it and I was never really altogether crazy about her either.

I didn’t think Body Heat was such a great movie and although I saw the Romancing the Stone series, I wasn’t a gigantic fan of that franchise either.

I’m pretty sure she was on Friends at some point as Chandler’s father who had undergone a sex change but then since I’ve never been a rabid Friends fan I can’t be sure of that either.

However, I have been making my way through the third season of Californication and Turner has a prominent supporting role in it. And she is funny in a way that is way over the top and it’s something that works well in the role she was cast in.

While watching it though it got me to thinking about another actor’s stylings and how much I would like to see them play opposite each other because they work in the same emotional meadow, it would be a good matching and probably quite funny.

The actor I’d like to see Kathleen Turner play against?

William Shatner.

I haven’t been following Shatner’s series on CBS but if they have any smarts they should cast Turner as his ex-wife or something because I think together they would really chew the scenery.

Dec 16, 2010

Pity the moronic Yankee fan.

Maybe it was a bit of prognostication on my part but back in October I wrote:

In Cliff Lee though, there is something of a proven commodity and while I am sure Lee and his agent want the Yankee in on the bidding (if only to drive up his price), anyone who thinks his wife’s experience won’t factor in somehow in the decision of where to continue his career is really living in a state of denial.

You had to see this coming, New York was only an option inasmuch to drive the price up but as a destination, I think not and Yankee fan have only themselves to blame.

Dec 15, 2010

More Facebook for (you) dummies.

It continues to fascinate me just how ignorant people are. People who would hesitate about giving out their home phone number or their address willingly, freely give out to the world the most private of info under the guise of “social” networking.

Once more another article brings to the fore what Facebook really brings a person:

Armed with your e-mail address, data miners can hit Facebook and match it up with your user ID. That key unlocks a treasure trove of personal information.


At bare minimum, your ID provides access to your name and profile photo, no matter what privacy settings you have. Those who stick with Facebook’s recommended settings will reveal even more: their location, hometown, list of friends, lots of photos, and many of their “likes,” such as activities and interests.


That’s a goldmine for companies that are trying to target their products to you.


“Once you have an ID you can look up the person,” said Axel Schultze, CEO of Xeesm, a social media marketing software developer. That gives you access to all the information publicly available in their profile, and from that, ”you can build correlations between all sorts of other data.“


Robin Dindayal, director of product management at social marketing software company Awareness Inc., ran an experiment and plugged my Facebook ID into Facebook’s Graph API. That’s a tool Facebook makes available for programmers who want to connect to the site’s platform.


The API returned a smattering of information about me, including my gender and geographic settings. A person – or a machine – can retrieve that data after starting with nothing more than my e-mail address. (You can follow our instructions on how to run the experiment with your own Facebook ID.)