Dan Gould

Something to consider if you choose to approach the DVD player as also taking over CD audio responsibilities: We received a home theater system for Christmas, and so my trusty CD changer first went into the closet and then, after we bought our townhome, into the music room. However, I am less than thrilled with the audio playback capability of the DVD player. For one, there's no programming ability, so if I want to hear a few songs while I do the dishes, I'm SOL. Also, the time display is worthless-it either toggles time elapsed on the disc or time remaining on the disc, there is no track time capability. Of course, I am generalizing from the home theater we got, whose brand escapes me at the moment, but I do suspect that since their purpose is home theater DVD, music capability is the last thing that gets consideration. Basically, I do far more listening in the music room than the living room now-though I guess that's the point of havng the listening room ...

I couldn't guess, but I can tell you that I switched back to the bouncing boobies this morning without a problem.

Well since the test is an All-American thing I think spitting and grabbing your crotch tipped the hat to Manny... I guess we're luck Roseanne wasn't taking the test-she'd have skunked all of 'em on that measure! 7/4 is of course correct. I always thought it was ironic that immigrants have to pass a test that I'd bet most Americans would flunk.

Its basic knowledge of the governmental system-how many branches of government, things like that. Basic civics. If you've seen the film Moscow on the Hudson, Maria Conchito Alonzo's character shares a bath with Robin Williams while he helps her study for it.

Both became new citizens this week-who do you think scored higher on the citizenship test? BTW, I challenge anyone to come up with a less important poll subject than this. (Uh oh, I think I just opened the gate ...)

So did I! I was going to post a picture from the Globe of Manny running out to left field with a small US flag, but apparently the Globe doesn't leave pics in the archives. Manny also got serenaded with "Proud to be an American" when he stepped up to the plate his first time back. What surprised me was that after moving here when he was a teen, he hadn't gotten this done sooner. Hey, who do you think got the higher score on the citizenship test? I smell a poll ....

I'd be interested to see any suggestions here, too, because I offered our old DVD player (gotten free with a DSL signup a year or two ago) to my brother but he said he was thinking about a DVD/VHS combo unit, but I don't think he ever made a decision. Edited for clarity (D'oh!)

I'm pretty sure they are, Bertrand, but I would have to check at home.

Haven't you noticed, Ray? That girl cries at the drop of a hat, she didn't need Simon's accurate assessment to open up the ducts! She's cute and all, but I pity any future boyfriend/husband, dealing with that ...

I don't think that's the purpose of voting, Lon. If someone has one bad performance-does that mean they aren't deserving anymore? Maybe Helen is part of the cadre that kept Howdy Doody in as long as he was-didn't he have a good night here or there? If people vote on that basis, I can see how the less talented might hang around much longer than they ought to. I think the idea is to vote for the best Idol, not the best weekly performance. But don't quote me, its not like I actually voted. I swear! Now, as to this week's results, I am completely stupefied and speachless. LaToya showed herself an exceptionally talented singer with great stage presence. To get booted, while the girls stick around? Give me a f-ing break. As Sinatra said to the hooker, I say to American Idol: "I'm through with you"

I saw the article, too. Amazing that the word "baseball" made it into a public document in 1791. I can just imagine the excitement the researchers felt when they saw that page ...

Thanks Brad. I traded for the Japanese issues of these, back in the day. Good stuff.

Does anyone know the titles of the two Mance trio LPs coming out on his two-fer? It only says they were his first and LPs on Jazzland.

Misc. Non-Political-20%.

You underestimate the anal-retentiveness of some of your fellow board members, my friend Undoubtedly.

That would take a great deal of discographical knowledge, doncha think?

dan, fix your avatar! What's the problem with my avatar? I know Deus can see it ...

For me, its LaToya and then everyone else. But I must say I must be hooked, to actually watch the Disco show.

In honor of your pain, Deus, I've resurrected my last AAJ avatar (its kind of slow, so wait for it ...)

Maybe you should try it again with my approach: Do it during certain dedicated hours, like the work day, or if you can't listen at home, commit to it for automobile listening time. Of course, the listening isn't as close, but I never had a problem wanting to hear something else-that's what the car, home, and weekend were for! (PLus, if I only took the next alphabetical CDs, it wasn't like I could satisfy a craving easily).

Speaking of weird shit, the smilie code just stopped working for me. Couw's thumbs up is coming up ""

Welcome "back", Jim! Now, could you sit down with Evan and discuss the joys of not confusing your fellow nut-house members with frequent name changes?

Funny you should mention this, Tom. For quite a while now, I have been shuffling CDs to and from work, and in fact I am now at the very end of my second time through the alphabet. Both times, I went through my discs alphabetically, but I picked what I wanted to hear, tried to pick things I hadn't listened to in a while, but now I've decided that its time to simply go one-by-one. 2500 discs, ten discs per day, five days a week-it should only take about 50 weeks, so let's compare notes in a year. I've already found one advantage: Its not the gems you've forgotten, its the dogs you finally decide to get rid of!

Pssssst.....Dan....... she knows.... "Like, no way!" "Way."

Can you at least tell us (here and now) which track number it is on the BFT you're putting together?? I could, but then I'd have to kill you.