Dave James

I'm in. Pysche convinced me. Besides, where else are you going to get a signed, limited edition CD for this kind of money?

Two words: Loss leader.

When I worked on the railroad during the summers I was in college, the regulars had an expression they used to describe cold weather. They'd say it was "colder than a wedge." Well if a wedge can be cold right here in Portland, Oregon, it would be this week. Last night it was down to 15 degrees. Same thing tonight. For this neck of the woods, that's about as cold as it ever gets.

A genuine card carrying one off. I was watching the film Imagine last night on the tube. It's a stark reminder of the intensity of the late '60's. Say what you will about Lennon, but he definitely walked the walk. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard that he was gone. I took a lot of flack from my straight business associates over the effect this had on me, but there's still no doubt in my mind all these years later that they didn't get it and I did. RIP JWL.

They have some sound samples on the La La website. TK has described it very accurately. Les Baxter, who would have thought? Also, its fun just to peruse their catalog. Some stuff you're not going to see at WalMart, that's for sure. Speaking of soundtracks, what's up with Chinatown? You can still get the original issue, but its rare as hen's teeth and very expensive. So, why hasn't it been reissued? It's primo Jerry Goldsmith. Of course, the fact that Chinatown is my all-time favorite movie colors my judgement, but good music is good music.

Brad, Where did you hear this was a done? I've rounded up all the usual suspects and checked the Freep and the Detroit News but all anyone is saying is that the three teams involved are getting close to a deal. I don't like the Yankees giving up their #1 prospect or Phil Coke, but it's pretty clear what Granderson can do at the major league level, and he's only 28, so that's tempering my concern.

You don't want too too much do you Actually, this is reasonably doable. The M's had $50 million come off their payroll this year, so they have money to spend. Hovering over all this, though, is the specter of King Felix who's looking for nine figure deal. Given his age and potential, Seattle has to figure out a way to make that happen.

If you have the DVD, all these guys play at one point or another. I don't recall Harold Ashby performing, but I suppose that doesn't preclude his being there.

Call me irresponsible, but I've always like that solo. It's on a compilation called "The Greatest Jazz Films Ever". I mean, I'm no musician, but it seems to me it's a solo with the kind of space Jamal is famous for incorporating in his music. I also dig the insouciant cool of Vernel Fournier on the drums. The whole thing has this huge '50's jazz vibe going, e.g. the guy in the audience with the pipe and his exotic looking girlfriend, that I find pretty entertaining.

I'm enjoying this set, but I must say I would have preferred it without the roller rink organ. Lush Life - Just one man's opinion, but if you didn't like the Peggy Lee / June Christie, I don't think the Crosby set is for you.

Rivera for Felix Fermin. Wow. Kudos to whomever was the Yankee GM at the time. Gene Michael? That would have been right up there with the Mariners trading Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek for Heathcliff Slocumb.

You must have someone take your picture at the corner of Haight and Ashbury. Also, the Steinhart Aquarium is pretty neat if your into that sort of thing. I also enjoyed the few hours I spent a number of years ago at the Berkeley Art Museum.

M's fans rejoice. ESPN says Chone Figgins and Seattle are getting close to a deal. That certainly will be an upgrade in many different ways.

Dave--are you saying Toronto wants all four players? No, I should have been clearer on that. When the Yanks were in the running for Johann Santana, one of the things that killed the deal was the Yankees unwillingness to include Chamberlain and/or Hughes in the discussions. I wonder now if that's still the case. I've said this before, but I really think the Yankees have permanently screwed up Joba by yo yo-ing him back and forth when his best spot was as a set up guy and then as the closer when Rivera finally hangs up his spikes. Hughes was lights out during the last half of the regular season, but lost his touch completely in the playoffs and the Series. Does this mean both could go for Roy? Don't know. What I do know is that I would not want either Montero or Jackson on the block. Also, if you do land Halladay, you sure don't need Hughes or Chamberlain as a starter.

Boy I'm really tempted to go the Buy-It-Now route to keep anyone from snatching this out from under me. What's an extra $50,000 among friends?

As much as I hate to see this, it looks like the Roy Halladay sweepstakes may become a contest between, guess who, the Yankees and the Red Sox. The only other teams that could conceivably be in he mix would be the Angels and the Phillies, but Halliday wants to go to a team that trains in Florida, so that takes care of the Angels. The Phillies might have the financial ability to sign Halliday, but they need to worry about Cliff Lee first. Toronto has already had preliminary talks with New York and the four guys they mentioned were Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Austin Jackson and Jesus Montero, the latter two the brightest lights in the Yankee farm system. The Jays may also insist that any team trading for Halladay also take Vernon Wells all-time bad contract off their hands. That's a lot of money even for the Yankees although, according to reports, they made so much money last year that they're not willing to talk about it. Those in the know expect something to happen soon if its going to happen at all.

Tiger's new nickname? Woodie. Actually, there's something oddly reassuring about all this, i.e. finding that Mr. Perfect ain't so perfect after all. He has feet of clay just like the rest of us. They're just made out of more expensive clay.

I think the Duncan company is missing a bet. They could release an upscale edition of their signature product called the Yo Yo Yo Yo. It could have Mr. Ma's image on both sides of the contraption or, if they really wanted to push the envelope, his face on one side and the back of his head on the other. Another million dollar idea courtesy of Lonesome Dave. No applause is necessary.

Ummmmmm. No, let me rephrase that. Ummmmmm. OK, thanks for playing. And, we do have some lovely parting gifts for you. Johnny Olson, can you let Jim know what he's won?

As a fan of Captain Beefheart, I prefer the low Yo Yo. Low Yo Yo Stuff. Don Van Vleit. El Capitano. Yes!

ESPN is reporting that the Yankees have not offered salary arbitration to Matsui, Damon or Pettitte. What that means in terms of the CBA is that if any of the three sign with another team, they will not receive any compensatory draft picks. I should know more about this than I do, but I don't think I understand why this is in the Yankee's best interests. Any ideas?

Paps, Glad you're feeling better. Remember, regardless of the cost, it pales in comparison to good health.

I caved on The Doors New York box a few days ago. FWIW, I have to disagree with the reviewer's characterization of Val Kilmer's Morrison as being "fey". It struck me as reasonably solid especially when you consider that he did his own vocals.

Or Saint Patrick's Day, or Cinco De Mayo, or Secretary's Day, or Bosses' Day or any other day made up by either the alcohol or the greeting card industry.

I'm pretty good at controlling my purchasing impulses. Whenever I see something on sale, I remind myself that even with the discount, I'm still spending what I would not have spent otherwise for something I probably don't need. BTW, I've tried getting my significant other to buy into this, without results. Women see things differently. For them, it's not about the money you spend, it's about the money you save. Like the man says, Venus and Mars.