Beanpot, ARoid, Octuplets, MA Politics and Whitey Bulger

A few random thoughts this morning relating to a handful of stories littering the newspapers today:

Beanpot
Boston University won the Beanpot...again. Whoopie ding dong. As a Northeastern grad, I was pulling HARD for the Huskies to dethrone the hated Terriers. The Huskies came out flying around the puck in the first period. Things leveled out in the second. The game was neck and neck up until mid-way through the third when BU score two short-handed goals within a minute of each other. That was the nail in the coffin. Worst part of all this is now I owe a client and friend, @jimrattray a 12-pack of @magichat #9's. Adding salt to the wound is the fact that one of our interns at MS&L Boston is a BU student and we've been talking trash since last Monday. Needless to say, I'm ready to eat a big portion of crow.

ARoid
Out of all the juiced up players during the steroid era, I would never have suspected A-Rod to be on that list. I assumed the guy was just naturally talented. Well, he wasn't. He was un-naturally talented. The numbers really don't lie. His HRs jumped by about 15-20 when he was with the Rangers. I love his "apology" that was cooked up by some spinster:

To all those journo's who have Hall of Fame votes. Don't let him in. Treat him like McGuire, Bonds, Clemens and the rest. They juiced up. They cheated. Want to protect the integrity of the game? That's how you do it. Don't give them the votes...ever. Cheaters. (subsequently, I'm interested to see what Red Sox players are on the list - hello Nomar.) The only thing ARoid did was apologize, sorta, immediately. Any communications professional will tell you to admit wrong doing immediate and begin rebuilding your credibility. That's the only way out from under a PR nightmare. And oh yea, Obama also thinks you're A-Fraud.

Octuplets
We've all read the story about the woman who gave birth to eight kids...yes, eight kids. The kicker is that she already had six at home...yes, six. Did you happen to catch the interview on NBC with the mom and the kids? It was like she was auditioning for a movie. What I found interesting was when she was asked about how she was going to feed all those kids she basically said God will find a way to help her. Sorry honey, you mean the state and your fellow taxpayers. Why, in your right mind, would you want any other kids when you have SIX AT HOME. This is yet another reason why a test should be given to all those that want to be parents. What a moron. I feel sorry for each of those kids. The road that lies ahead is going to be a difficult one. God speed kido's.

MA Politics
A cpuple things caught my attention this morning relating to some political chess by Gov. Patrick and Mumbles Menino.

First up is Gov. Patrick and his attempt to fix our roads. The way he wants to solve MA's chronic shortages of highway and bridge money is to jack up the gas tax by $.29. Doesn't sound like a lot of money, but it would give MS the highest state gas tax in the country while apparently generating enough revenue to potentially rid the Massachusetts Turnpike of tolls. Yea, right. Heard that one before. Let's give you more of our hard earned cash so you can figure out creative ways to over spend on more state projects. Thanks, but no thanks Mr. Governor.

Secondly, Mumbles Menino has decided that he's making too much money. In fact, a lot of peeps in his circle will be expecting some pay cuts - as much as 3 percent. Additionally, Mumbles is asking about 17,000 other state workers to freeze pay raises for a year. While I applaud the effort, Mumbles is only doing this because he's starting to feel the heat a bit as other credible Bostonians are vying for his job.

Whitey Bulger
Apparently, Whitey Bulger is still a priority with the feds and they need help from those on the other side of the pond, specifically scribes. Hey guys, leave the dude alone at this point. He's a million years old and unless he's car bombing American's in Iraq, what can he be doing from his secluded hide-out in Southie that requires tax payer money to be churned like butter.

That's all the news that's fit to print. Until next time.

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We all know enough about something or other

Seth brings up a question about knowing enough. Do you know enough, he asks? That's an interesting question because I participated in a leadership conference this week and one of the things that stuck with me is that you need to make new offers every 15 minutes. Offers can be things like a media opportunity for a client, a new way of thinking about a solution or an offer to change the way you interact with someone. The opportunities for offers are limitless.

My point here is that we all know something. Whether it's how the Patriots can make the playoffs with the roster they have, what useful business apps there are for the iPhone or how to make a killer cup of coffee, we all know something. The key is, finding your sweet spots and using them to make new offers and become an expert or someone valued by others because of your point of view.

Do you know enough?

If not, what are you doing about it?

If so, who do you think you're kidding?

(Via Seths Blog.)

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Is this a sign?

My favorite coffee cup is my Pats mug. I pulled it out of the cabinet today
and the logo fell off is this a sign? Read more!

New office furniture

I get to the office this morning, getting ready for our day of community
service over at the Urban Wilds Initiative at Geneva Cliffs in Boston only
to find my office in disarray. Apparently one of the pipes leaked and
caused a mess in my office.

The new addition to my office furniture is this lovely green barrel with
all types of nastiness in it.

Great. Good Monday morning to you too.

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Note to the Mayor of Revere

The of City of Revere has been planning a massive road construction project that included paving my street. About four months ago, they finally got around to digging up my street and laying down the first level of asphalt. Fast forward four months and the street is still unfinished. Yesterday, I got a letter in the mail stating that the project will not be completed this year, and will resume in 2009.

I understand things happen. I understand that there are multiple factor as to the slowing down of public work projects.

However, this is Revere. Things are a little different here. Well, maybe not all that different. Regardless, my street isn't paved and won't be for god knows how long. I can't wait for the winter to dump snow on us so the plows can tear up the soft asphalt. That means more potholes and more chucks of material ending up in my driveway.

Why does this really bug me?

Three times a week I take the bus to work. The bus stop that I go to is right on Park Ave, which is the main drag that was included in this massive construction project. The cronies that are doing the work just finished the sidewalks. It's been since spring when they started this whole thing. Now, if you know Park Ave., it's not that big. Yea, it stretches for about 10 blocks or so, but we're talking about sidewalks here people. Dig them up. Box them off. Add in the curbing. Pour the concrete and let it dry. All done. See ya. Thank you very much.

However, on multiple occasions I have witnessed workers sitting in their trucks, hanging out, chit-chatting with the cops (another story in itself). I have witnessed more fraternizing than working. That goes for the cops too. Last week, I came to the four way stop at the top of Park Ave. (an intersection of Everett, Chelsea and Revere which has been the root of more automobile accidents than druink driving). I pulled up to the stop and there were three Revere cops on detail. They were chatting amongst themselves and doing no work whatsoever. Cars were pulling up to the blinking lights and having to navigate around themselves because the cops weren't directing traffic. At $75 a whack (or whatever it is), that really pissed me off.

Fast forward to yesterday. I get the letter in the mail from Mr. Mayor stating that the project has been delayed. He gives no reasons. So Mr. Mayor is it because the city ran out of money by paying good for nothing cops or was it mismanagement of the project by you, the moronic Mayor that no one in this city seems to like? Or maybe it was the fact that all your friends are doing the work and you want to line their pockets because they line yours when the timing is right.

Now I know I'm grossly accusing city officials of unlawful acts, but hey, I did say this was Revere, right?

At the end of the day, I just want my street paved. I don't want to deal with potholes, chucks of debris in my front yard/driveway and lastly, I don't want overpaid cops and private contractors sitting around on their ass while the should be working.

So Mr. Mayor, you can take your semi-personalized letter (signed in ink, addressed to "resident") and shove it where the sun don't shine.

Yours Truly,
The Big Guy Read more!

Funny Rick Rolling video (seriously)

If you don't know what Rick Rolling is you've been under a rock because it's SO 2007. Regardless, I was chatting with some friends on twitter today and the subject came up again. Of course I had to YouTube the subject and came across this:

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Bank of America ATM's now offering cappuccino

had my first interaction with a new Bank of America ATM today. You know, the ones that take cash and check deposits without the use of envelopes? Yea, those ones. Little did you know, they serve a good cappuccino too.

Well, maybe the cappuccino is a stretch, but the check and cash thing isn't. What impressed me was that when I inserted the check, it automatically knew how much it was for. I was quite impressed, especially with the speed and accuracy to which the transaction was recorded.

I hear the next generation of ATMs will include finger print and eye detection as well as pedicures. I'm lobbying for a dry-cleaning and a baby sitting service though. Read more!

Why Burger King is Better than McDonald's

I've never been one to go to Burger King or McDonald's frequently. It was one of those things where I'd go every six months, if that. If I'm going to get fast food, I'm going to get something that's tastier and provides me with larger portions. That's how I roll.

One day I looked up and had two darling little daughters. That's when my contributions to the Burger King and McDonald's franchises increased.

Since I've been buying chicken nugget kid meals for at least four years now (the age of my oldest), I've become keenly aware of the differences between the two establishments.

Simply put, McDonald's sucks and here's why:

Every time I go to McDonald's there is always some idiot working the window. I have to repeat my order a few times and clarify it when I get to the window.

At Burger King, the folks at the window are always on point.

When I arrive at the McDonald's window, there's no happy smiling face greeting me, thanking me for my order. It's just someone looking to grab my cash, throw the bags at me and send me on my way.

At BK, the exchange is always pleasant. There is a lot of thank you's, smiles, etc. The experience is friendly.

When I get my order at McDonald's, once out of every five times I go, they screw up the order. It has become such a problem that I diligently check the bag before I leave the window.

At BK, I couldn't tell you when the last time I had a wrong order.

At McDonald's I also have to repeatedly ask for a straw and napkins.

At BK, that stuff is included without question. They also ask you if you need anything else.

So basically, customer service is better at BK. Happy customers make repeat customers. It's that simple. So McDonald's, if you're reading, step your game up. The only reason I would go to McDonald's these days is because it's on the way home. I can't justify the gas to drive another 8 mins or so to BK.
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Hey Plaxo, you want me to take your survey? Turn on the link.

Got an email from the "Plaxo Team" this morning, asking me to take a survey about photo sharing. You see, I'm a PR guy. We love data, especially when it backs up our claims. So, whenever I come across a survey, I'll take it. I know how important the data is. When I checked my email this morning and saw the note from Plaxo about a survey, I said to myself, why not, let's help 'em out.

Here's the email:

Dear Plaxo User,

Thanks for using Plaxo. We'd like to learn more about how you share
photos.

Your input helps us make our service better for all our users. And,
completing the survey only takes about 5 minutes.

Please click the link below to begin the survey:

http://www.plaxo.com/click?key=survey_080715a&src=email_survey_080715a

Thanks for helping us make Plaxo better than ever.

The Plaxo Team

As of 8am EST the link wasn't working. Instead of the survey, I got:

This survey is currently closed. Please contact the author of this survey for further assistance.

I know this isn't breaking news nor can it ruin the reputation of Plaxo, but seriously folks, if you want user feedback make sure your survey link is working. You've basically lost one respondent because now I won't take the survey. You've already lost my attention.

And oh, I'm a semi-pro photographer so I'm guessing I would have some pretty good insight as to trends in online photo sharing.

Good luck with your survey. Read more!

How to get the community to recycle

For a while now, I've been meaning to go to city hall and get myself a couple of recycling bins. Yea, I know, I'm a bad human for not recycling. I remind myself of that after every BBQ we have because the garbage bins are filled with beer bottles.

Well today I got a letter in the mail from the city of Revere talking about the new RecycleBank Program. Get this, they are going to reward me for recycling.

I really don't buy it to be honest with you, but here's how it works.

The city is dropping off a big bin. I fill it up. When they pick it up, they weight it and give me a certain amount of points. These points I can use at various businesses, restaurants, etc.

Not a bad idea, especially because it's free.

However, who's paying for it? How long will it take before someone abuses this point system and starts getting free stuff and then selling it? How do I know when they weight stuff - if they will - if it's accurate.

I love the idea, but something just doesn't sit well with me about this. Read more!

Why morning FM radio is horrible

Two questions posed to the audience (for call-in responses) that I heard scanning the radio today confirmed that morning radio is horrible.

Question 1: Do you sneak a peak at your significant others text messages?

Lots of the call-ins said yep, they did. One chick said that she checks her hubby's all the time, but knows that he's tech illiterate and is not worried that he'll find her "sex messages" as she calls them.

Great content guys. Keep up the good work.

Question 2: What quirks does your boss have that drive you nuts?

Answers varied: picking his nose, swearing, burning popcorn, bad breath, tight cloths, stinky perfume, etc.

Again, great content. I was charging my ipod and couldn't play tunes through the radio so I was forced to listen to this garbage. Here's a brilliant idea, how about playing some music? Read more!

Know your neighbors, Pt 2

Remember this post about my neighbor? Well, I was wrong. He didn't pass away on Friday night. I was amazed when I found that out. Talk about fighting back the reaper. I give credit to his family as well. What an emotional roller coaster they've been on.

Well, it finally came to an end Sunday.

I was in the backyard playing with the girls and BBQing some veggies and chicken tips. I heard a loud scream and loud crying.

I knew that Ed has passed. It was very nerve racking, knowing what was going on next door and not being able to do anything about it. The girls were having a good time in the backyard, playing, laughing, etc. I almost felt bad that we were having such a good time as something so sad was happening next door.

Folks came out of the house, they were on their cell phones, making calls, etc. A couple hours later, as it got darker out, a mini-van pulled up in front of our house. I snuck a peak out of one of the side windows of my house and saw the stretcher at the end of the stairs. That confirmed it.

I've seen this sort of thing before as a reporter. However, that was a job. This was my neighbor. Someone I've chatted to about the Red Sox. Someone whose daughter's and grand daughter I've become friendly with. It was very sad.

I missed it when they brought Ed out of the house, but caught them strapping the bag to the stretcher. My gut twisted and I felt a sick. It was a very strange experience, seeing them wheel him to the car, put him in and drive away.

Because our houses are relatively close to eachother - probably 30-40 feet - you can see and hear everything that's happening next door. You try to block it all out but it's hard.

Death is one of those things in life that you can't avoid. Experiences like this remind you of that. Read more!

Life is too short not to know your neighbors

Life throws curveballs at you from time to time. There's really no way to determine when it's coming either. You just have to adjust and go with the flow.

My wife and I bought our house in 2003. We live in a nice neighborhood (not swanky), but nice meaning nice neighbors, good place to raise kids, etc. Society is not what it used to be where neighbors were best friends, shared sugar, shoveled each others driveways, etc. With that said, my neighborhood is sort of old school. It reminds me how my parents described their neighborhoods. Needless to say, we've gotten to know our neighbors in the five plus years we've been in the house.


For the past month, one of our neighbors has been sick. His family from around the country has been visiting and staying at the house. One day we got wind that he was on his death bed. This was about a month ago, maybe more. He has some sort of cancer as well as other complications. About two weeks ago, they read him his last rights - two weeks ago. The guy was fighting it and wasn't ready to go.

Over the past couple weeks, we've talked to the family members, asked how Ed was holding up, etc. The story always got worse, but he was still fighting it. He wasn't ready to die. As you'd talk to the family, you could see the stress in their eyes, the sadness in their words and the overall grief that they knew was eventually coming.

This leads me to last night. We had some company over the house for an impromptu BBQ (always the best kind). Company consisted of my brother, his wife, my wife's aunt and uncle. One of Ed's son's was on the back porch as my company and I were hanging out in my back yard. We cordially invited him over. One thing leads to another and he ends up coming over, with a family friend, his two nephews and their niece. All of a sudden, this starts to turn into a barn burner. The beers are flowing. The Johnny Walker black comes out. Stogies are being torched. It's a good one. However, the tone is reflective. The family members, specifically the son, talked about his dad, how wonderful he was, etc. It was really sad to see. You felt for them.

During the night, the family friend was called quickly into the house. All the family members ran in. Fifteen or so minutes later, they come back out. Ed had passed, but the family friend, who is a fire fighter, brought him back with CPR. Needless to say, the son was beside himself. "What a trip," he said (he's sort of a hippie looking dude).

The night rolls on and things are getting worse next door. One of the sisters calls the family back because they don't think Ed is going to last any longer. The hospice nurse is called and she arrives quickly. One by one, each family member goes into the house and, from what we can tell, they say their goodbyes.

Now, I can't confirm that Ed has passed away, but I'm 99% sure that he did. No one is hanging outside in the backyard. Lot's of people have been coming and going. We were in the backyard until 3 a.m. last night and didn't see any activity. It must have happened later this morning.

My point to this story is that the family seemed to have a great time with us. They were laughing, telling us stories about Ed and really enjoying themselves. I'm feel really good that I was able to provide a glimpse of relief to this family who has been struggling with the inevitable. It was a pleasure to get to know Ed's family last night/this morning. The way they handled themselves last night - in the face of what was happening right next store - is a testament to Ed and his wife (who passed 10 years ago I guess).

So folks, when you're out in the backyard, cutting the lawn, taking out the trash, picking up your mail...take the time to talk to your neighbors. Get to know them. It's the right thing to do because you never know when you might make an impact in their lives or when you might be the one they turn to for help or just to talk.

I'd like to think that if the shoe was on the other foot, someone would invite me over for a glass of Johnny Walker black.
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Dogs in cars, on laps

Heading into work this morning and some guy in a PT Convertible had a little rat dog in the car with him, leaning out the window (as dogs usually do). However, the dog was sitting on his lap. Why aren't their laws against this sort of thing? Isn't it dangerous?

Driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous. Checking emails on your blackberry or texting while driving is dangerous. Doing your make-up while driving is dangerous. You're telling me that having a dog on your lap while driving a car isn't just as distracting and dangerous? The mutt could get in the way or prohibit your arm movements while trying to maneuver the steering wheel. It's a no brainer IMHO.

Why isn't there a law against this? Read more!

One disadvantage of being "the man"

Those who know me will tell you that I like everyone. All races, creeds, religions, etc. Negatively has no place in my life. So please, whom ever is reading this, don't think this post has anything serious to do with race. With that said, here's one of the biggest disadvantages of being a half Italian/half English white guy - commonly known as "the man" in the inner circles of society.

You'll think I'm crazy, but the biggest disadvantage is getting sun burned. Yea, that's right people, getting toasty in the sun. It's sucks if you're the man.

Recently I spent some time in NH on vacation. All we did was go to the beach. I slapped on SPF 8,000 (or whatever it was) on every inch of my body exposed to the sun. The reason being is that if I don't, I get burned and turn red like a lobster. Do you think my Italian skin would turn golden brown? Nah...I have English skin. I burn, then I'm whiter than I was before.

This leads me to my point. The one area I forgot to lather up? My feet. So my size 13 dogs got blasted by sun early on in the vacation and it killed. My feet swelled up, they itched and now the skin is peeling off. I know, it's nasty. It looks nasty too. It looks like my feet are crumbling off of my body.

So white people (men and women) be warned. Please, lather up those toe toes. You'll regret it otherwise. Trust me (as I itch my feet).

Yours Truly,
The Man Read more!

Poop Powered Cars

Yea, I know, I'm late with this news and commenting on it, but I heard a snippet of it on WFNX this morning and had to post something about it. Basically, in the not so distant future, we might have cars running on this planet fueled by poop.

If the world will never run out of a natural resource, it's poop. It's created everyday, all around the world, in many shapes, sizes, quantities and odor. (yea, I know, gross humor this early in the morning probably is funny).

If this actually works, imagine the possibilities. Instead of heading to the sperm bank to get some extra $$ for beer, college kids can just head to their local poop drop off centers after a night of binge drinking and rake in the cash!

I'm all for it. Poop away America. Screw high gas prices. Just eat more fiber! Read more!

Half jersey wearing

What the hell is up with people wearing pro athletic jerseys but only putting them half on? It's absolutely retarded. This dude just so happens to be wearing a pats jersey, Lawyor Milloy to be exact. So not only is he wearing a jersey half on but he's wearing a jersey of a player who hasn't played for the pats in years! Three other people have had that number since, maybe more. Maybe I am getting old but I just don't get it. Read more!

Hating pink hats makes me a bad dad?

This whole pink hat thing has taken on a life of its own. Universal Hub picked up my rant about the topic. Since then, a couple folks have taken the liberty of throwing me under the bus for being a overbearing and dictator-ish dad.

Are you f-ing kidding me?

I love how folks try to take something as small and insignificant as my hatred for pink hats and ASSume they know me personally. Here are some snippets from the anti-big guy morons who know me so well:

"You sound like those feminists who shit a cow when their daughter falls in love with Barbie dolls. How about just letting the girl find what pleases her, and not being Dictator Dad?"

"I suppose the whole point is that it shows just how much he loves the Red Sox and, without a willingness to admit it, how overbearing he is when it comes to his children and people he does not know in matters of minuscule significance except to other pink hat-haters."

From these comments, I take away that I'm keeping my daughters down and not letting them do what they want to do. I'm a dictator and rule with an iron fist. I'm over bearing to my kids as well as to others when it comes to this small, I will admit, insignificant, opinion. These comments are far from the truth. Folks that know me, know this to be true.

This started with a fun media opp for the Boston Globe. Having folks I don't know talk about my parenting as overbearing and as a dictatorship is brutal and almost comical.

The funniest part of all this is that my wife was out shopping with the girls a day or two prior to the pink hat Globe interview. They were in a sports store and came across various Sox hats. My oldest wanted one like daddy and when presented with two hats - a pink and regular one - my youngest picked the regular hat. She's one, so I'm 100% sure that she picked the regular hat NOT because of my dislike of pink hats. It was random. I know this. Needless to say, I was happy they both "chose" a traditional colored hat. Not "original" as I stated in my very first post (I was corrected by a follower of the thread that red, white and blue aren't the "original" colors). I knew this (Google the history of the Sox franchise), but used the word "original" when I should have used traditional (which would have covered any red, white, and blue combinations). My bad, I guess.

Long story short, I was going to let all the banter just blow over me, but when you call me out as a parent, I take offense. To those of you who know me, please gander over to Universal Hub and voice your opinion. Show some support for the Big Guy as a dad, not as the pink hat hater.
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Adapting to your environment

This would be a heineken keg in a kids bucket using cold packs to keep the beer frosty. That is what I call a veteran move. Read more!

Fight the man

This sign is posted at a mom and pop grocery store in Malden called Rosebuds.

"To our valued customers. We apologize for the appearance of our store front. This is due to Travelers Insurance refusing to settle an accident claim fairly. After a car drove through the store front. They collect their premiums promptly. They fight you when there is an accident claim."

If someone from Travelers is reading this...you suck. Big insurance company typical bullsh*t.

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