Tina Rocks Out

Tina Turner at American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL), 30 October 2008
Set 1:
Steamy Windows
Typical Male
River Deep, Mountain High
What You Get Is What You See
Better Be Good to Me
The Acid Queen
What’s Love Got to Do with It (extended crowd participation version)
Private Dancer
We Don’t Need Another Hero
Set 2:
(15 minutes video of Tina over the years)
Help!
Undercover Agent for the Blues
Let’s Stay Together
I Can’t Stand the Rain
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll
GoldenEye
Addicted to Love
The Best
Proud Mary
Encore:
Nutbush City Limits
Be Tender with Me Baby

What a rocking show. Some people still have it, and let me tell you: she still has it. She's amazing. Not only does she look HOT from top to bottom, her voice is still amazing and flawless. She didn't dance quite as much, more sitting and singing, but that was here only concession to age. The band was almost the same, as were the backup ladies. Just a really talented group.

The show started very late, though the tickets said 730, the show was moved to 8pm. Ticketbastard wasn't kind enough to e-mail us, so we were there way too early. So, we got there around 650pm and it didn't start until around 825pm. It ran until 1045pm.

There were a few drag queens there, and I'm not sure why. But one of them was dressed up as a scarily accurate Tina Turner. He even got put up on the JumboTron. I called him "Tony Turner" :)

The set was a modified version of her last tour with just the lower level. It still has the arm that goes over the crowd for the encore and Tina runs out on it, sans railings, and really rocks into it. She's one hot mama. I was really tired coming in, and was worried I'd have trouble: I didn't. I was wide awake through the whole thing. Just a truly good time. Always recommended is any Tina show :) If you're interested, you can check out some of my previous Tina concert reviews.

Just More Stuff

A few people have asked about my jokes list. If you're not on it, it's here. I will warn you that at some point you will be offended and your complaint about it will fall on deaf ears.

My elliptical exercise machine arrived today. My exercise bike is now redundant. I will begin using it regularly starting next week. I did five minutes today. I'm going to start at 5 minutes a day for the first week, maybe 10 the second or third week. Build myself up. I must lose weight. What brought this on? My stomach. That's the story I'm giving to everyone. It's not the real reason, but it's all you get. Figure it out on your own if you're so smart :)

I went to the chiropractor today and had the usual treatment along with some acupuncture. I hope it helps. I remain doubtful. Adjustment was nice.

I also want to ridicule someone. No names, but I'll just call him "101" for short. He's on my hockey boards. He knows a bit about hockey, and while I often disagree with him, he can at least explain his answers using his "Ranger Fan" logic -- this is different than real logic, I must point out. I am not even going to ridicule him because his views are different than mine. Everyone's views are different than mine, and I don't much care. I stopped caring recently if you've been paying attention*. Some people are insufferable because they have no logic, no ability to learn, no ability to properly debate a topic. There's nothing worse than someone who makes a statement and then, when proven wrong, uses opinion to support his side. You can't use an op-ed piece to support a position. You have to use facts. When there are no facts to back up your opinion, you've lost. He's an idiot. He deserves Sarah Palin. I'd say "I hope he gets her" but that would punish me, too.

Anyone want to help me get UK or Canadian citizenship in a hurry? Just in case. I really need to figure this out and I don't want to go through the process. I am so miffed that I blew my chance at Canadian citizenship due to not understanding the rules. Half credit to Mom for at least trying on that count.

As the election gets closer, my concerns about an effort to literally steal the election grow stronger. I hope I'm wrong. Another friend accused Obama of being a socialist, and I will agree he's got some of those tendencies. But it's better than what we've got now. McCain's refusal to concede points when he's wrong and proven wrong** (such as on the war) means he shouldn't lead as does his selection of a nut-case as his running mate. She may be attractive, she may like hockey, but she's not overly bright -- nor is she a moron -- and she's dangerous.

Your right continue to be eroded in the name of national security. You have less rights and you're not any safer. Vote for Obama. Many of you don't like either candidate, and I respect that. Neither candidate I would have HAPPILY voted for is running. But if you vote for a fringe or write-in candidate, the only statement you make is "I'm a fucking idiot" because in a close election -- and this will be very close -- that's basically a vote for McCain because you take one away from Obama. Don't waste your vote. Please.

And to those who replied to that last thread via comment or e-mail, thanks for your support. Everything weighs in on a decision I make.


* I really must thank the person responsible. I'm not sure if this is sarcasm or not.
** Much like 101.

Just Stuff

Neil Diamond Set-list 1026-08, Sunrise, Florida, BankAtlantic Center:

Holly Holy
Beautiful Noise
Street Life
Love on the Rocks
Play Me
Cherry Cherry
Thank the Lord for the Night Time
Home After Dark
Don’t Go There
Pretty Amazing Grace
Crunchy Granola Suite
Done Too Soon
Brooklyn Roads
I Am, I Said
Solitary Man
Forever in Blue Jeans
Sweet Caroline (TWICE IN A ROW!)
You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
I’m a Believer (and quite the weak version I am sad to report)
Man of God
Hell Yeah

Encore:
Cracklin’ Rosie
America
Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show

The show was fun, but a slower group of songs that made it a little less fun than usual. I was surprised he left out Red-Red Wine, always a crowd pleaser. And "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" is getting tired. Without Babs it just doesn't sound as good. If course I'll go again next tour. I love Neil :)

I'm working on making a big decision in my life and it'll surprise a lot of people. Nothing good or bad. Just something whose time has come. That decision won't be announced here until after the fact.

In other news, I realized something the other day when I was at dinner with Karen. The number of friends I have that matter is very low. You know, the kind of people who actually go out of their way to be your friend and do the things friends do for each other. I'm not trying to be bitter or sound bitter. This is just a reflection of reality. I realized if I packed up and moved to another place tomorrow -- be it in the US or abroad -- precious few people would care or even notice. It'll make my decision to leave much easier because not a whole lot will change except the scenery out the window. I do realize some people will actually give a shit -- and thanks to you few -- you'll get my forwarding address. Quite a few people will say they do, but over the past year or so I've learned who really does care. Actions speak far louder than words.  But mostly there's not much keeping me where I am except my job. 

And every day I continue to be reminded, "Beep, beep, yeah." You're never going to figure this out. Ever. Stop trying. I am having paroxysms of laughter from a few of the e-mailed guesses. 

Some Thoughts

The Beatles' song is still in my head, "Beep, beep, yeah!" for reasons I shan't share, but will continue to tease you all with.

It occurred to me today that many of you enjoy my political postings, though maybe you don't agree. There's a nice thread over on my Message Board here. This area isn't visible until you register and join. So if you think you might like to argue your position with a number of intelligent people and one Rangers fan, come on over. (We have many topics besides Hockey available but the non-hockey stuff is hidden to guests which is why you must register.) If you email me when you register, you will be activated as quick as I can. If not, it can take a few days for me to notice.

I gave money to the Obama campaign recently. As some polls show the gap narrowing, I felt I had no choice. This is only the second time in my life I've donated political money, the first being to a relative so I don't believe that counts. Ron Howard, Andy Griffith, and Henry Wrinkler come out for Obama today doing a reprise of The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days. Politically relevant and so cool to see them playing their old characters.

I've finally prepared the lawyer packet. He'll get it tomorrow. Then we'll see if he takes my case. I've also printed out the appropriate blog entries from here as a historical bit. Thought he'd like that. He's also got "the rest of the story" because I have left stuff out purposely from my posts because I strongly suspect Progressive has been reading here: again, they continue to think I'm an idiot. It doesn't matter what they think because the bottom line is: their driver causes this. I was pain-free before the accident and am not afterwards.

Tomorrow, I have a Panthers game. I also try to get Liz and Johnny to join the Umbrella Hat Society and sell my MacBook. Yay.

My happily distant relative Bill Shatner made a fucking ass out of himself today. It irritated me enough to comment and replied to said comment. If you don't mind, go rate the video one star. And even better, post what a plonker he is.

The Queen visited Google today and that was very cool: excerpts are here.

I charged up my laptop and downloaded all the XP updates for my trip to Vegas so I can check email at night and respond to customers. I'm not even looking forward to this trip but I cannot cancel it.

200,000 Hits! Post 509.

Today marks a special day in my blog. We have recorded not long ago our 200,000th hit. And to be clear, my hits are specifically excluded by the tracking software :)

I want to thank my loyal readers, though few in number a lot of those are your repeated hits reading my entries. I want to thank Google for sending so many people here. There are no SEO techniques used here. Everything is organic, so if someone comes here it's honestly. No padding, screwing with keywords, and so forth. Top topics remain the same as in previous posts, so I'll skip them.

Special shout outs today to Jace and Beep, just because. Adrian for putting up with me Sunday because I was very, very unhappy. And a lot of crickets chirping for the rest of you lot.

I hurt like hell, and I'm tired of this mess. I have made contact with an attorney and am preparing documentation. I have nearly 60 pages so far, and must write the narrative to go with it. Blech.

I had the cleaning service in today because I wasn't up to it and Mom is coming in next week.

I'm tired and cranky....

... and I just don't like most people any more. Not that anyone out there in blog-land cares. But my faith in people continues to drop. I suppose I need to upgrade a few of the people I hang around with or maybe just expect less so I'm not disappointed.

I'm thinking about someone and at least that makes me smile despite my crankiness. "Beep, beep, YEAH!" comes from a lyric in a Beatles song. But I'm far too clever for my own good and that is not random.

I got an email from the Venetian/Palazzo inviting me back to spend more money. I guess they'll pay my way. I suppose times are tough because I know my level of play and in a normal economy that shouldn't get me comped room and board in Vegas at any high-end hotel. I mean I have been comped at a long string of properties: Mandalay Bay, Venetian, Paris, Harrah's (never take 'em up on it), Bellagio, but my level of play has dropped considerably and these places shouldn't invite me back. Now granted I get discount offers all the time, in fact they're coming out of my ass. I have nearly twenty (20) on my desk now. It's a sign of the economy that a player of my calibre is getting comp offers from a very high end hotel. My play does NOT warrant it. Although I gamble a lot and know how to work the system, my means simply do not allow me to run that much cash through their counting cycle. (See my many other posts about this or my Vegas website.) While I'll be in Vegas for a few days for my annual convention, there's not much gambling there and if I cycle enough for it to even register, I'll be shocked. If I ever get RTB, I'll die of shock. (RTB = Room, Travel, and Board. T is the big one.)

I'm irritated at the 'cats for their shitty performance last night. Apparently they forgot they were a hockey team for 2 of the 3 periods. I guess everyone has a bad game.

The open house at work was a bust, but I actually enjoyed it. And it made me clean my office spotless. A dirty, thankless job. The Hitachi-babe was there so my male employees were all in a very good mood.

And the stupid Progressive people called today. The guy was nice but I still hate them. I have 40 years of weekly chiropractor visits ahead of me at $150 a pop. That comes out to $312,000 plus missed time from work, travel, gas, etc. He's thinking I'll be luck to get five figured. And they wonder why I'm looking for a lawyer. I let him know I am. He wasn't surprised and then wanted to know who it was, which I declined to state.

Enough of this post. You're bored of it and so am I.

Call Me Paranoid

Call me paranoid, but I am greatly concerned about this upcoming election. I see a number of scenarios in which the Republican Party tries to steal the election. I don't believe it'll be McCain's doing because he's not an evil man, though his running mate is an evil woman.

I see possibilities for massive voter fraud. People being turned away at the polls.

I see possibilities for outright vote rigging before and during the election. The machines are unreliable and Diebold has been caught repeatedly with their pants down.

I see the possibility of an orchestrated "terrorist" attack right before the election.

I see the possibility of Bush pulling "Bin Laden" out of a hat and trying to help his party's image.

I see lots of things and I'm actually fearful of them.

Medical Update Addendum

I am in the final stages of preparing my documentation for the hiring of an attorney. I got a copy of the "Final Interpretive Results" from the hospital (not the one my doctor did). The stuff not listed seems okay. So I won't bore you with it.

• At the C3-c4 and c4-c5 juncture, there is minimal disc bulging.
• At the c5-c6 juncture, there is mild disc bulging. There is a left paracentrical focus of annular fissuring.
• MRI demonstrates disc degeneration from C4 through C6.

Yeah, that doesn't sound exciting or good but I'll go over it with Doctor Cohen on the 11th. I don't know what it means.

In other news, I'd like to throw a special shout out to Jace for talking with me last night about a certain issue and giving me a second opinion. It matches the first opinion more or less from Tim from the night before. It's good to have a few friends you can talk to about difficult stuff and get an unbiased opinion.

And a reminder to participate in Kiva because it's a good cause. If you want Stevie K has founded the "Do Gooder's Team" and I've joined.

Random Stuff of A Cluttered Mind

First,

Second, I must write a half-book review. Half-book? Year, the book was so uninteresting I didn't finish. I tried three times to wade through the muck and give it one last chance, but it just wasn't good. I wanted it to be good. But it wasn't. That book is Brisingr, the third (of four) books in the Eragon series. It's almost like someone else wrote it. The writing is stilted, the style is pedantic. It's all in good technical form but there is nothing of value to read here. I give up. I don't give up on many books. Usually I slog through until the end. I made it through page 392 of this disaster before throwing in the towel. Here's another series I hereby abandon. High Fantasy and I didn't like it. Bad news. Skip this one.

I did buy a new Mercedes Lackey book and a Terry Pratchett Book. Expect reviews of those early next month. They're plane books. That is I'll probably read them on the plane to/from my convention. Unless I finally get to be on the same plane as Murph and Vanessa. Then I'll probably terrorize the flight crew and they'll push me out over the Rocky Mountains :) They're great folks. I hope it works out. We've tried before but as a pilot/flight-attendant combination it's hard for them to book the flight they want.

Lastly, I want to plug a fantastic television show. I first watched it a few weeks ago, quite by accident, on BBC America. I had nothing to do, the above book was sucking ass, and needed to kill some time. Nothing was on TV and I figured whatever was on BBCA was what I'd watch -- it's my channel of choice for 'whatever' when I need something. The show is called Skins and is unique in that it's about high school (ugh) but the actors are all in the right age range. You don't get some 32 year old pretending to be 16 (the actors are all 18 to 20 in series 2): I hate that. The plots are detailed and overly-drama just like real high school. Yeah, it's a soap opera and I love it anyway. I am hooked. Seen four episodes so far, including the finale of the first series which has a beautiful ending. The characters do an "Almost Famous" like bit where everyone starts singing "Wild World," the Cat Stevens hit, as they go about their business. Sid has a great voice and none of the characters are lip-syncing. That's really them. It's just so well done. I've watched this episode THREE times already. I am such a girl ::laughs:: There's lots of nudity (blurred out in the US of course), swearing (whomever makes up the 'beep' rules is an idiot), and fun to be had for everyone. I'm buying it on DVD when it comes out next year. 9 out of 10 rating.

Lastly, I am soliciting opinions. I am toying with getting a small tattoo on my shoulder (the right one because it's the good one). It'd be the size of a half-dollar or smaller (actually the size of the Sacagewa dollar) and look like this without the shadowing:

So whatcha' all think? I finally saw someone with a GOOD Panther tattoo and asked where it came from and who the artist was.

Dictator for Life

A number of my friends have told me I should be President and that I'd be good at the job. I deeply appreciate the sentiment from those deluded fools friends. Actually, I accept their theory as plausible but I must reject it because:

1. Anyone who wants to president must, by definition, be an idiot
2. You have to listen to people
3. The pay sucks
4. Who wants to go through the election process? I'd rather be anally assaulted by a herd of zebras than go through what our candidates go through. (And, Jose, that is not a clue for you to plan such assault you perverted bastard)

But, if you all can arrange to have me appointed dictator for life, I will certainly fix everything that is wrong with this country in short order. However, I won't leave the position. As your benevolent dictator I will:

1. Ban the private ownership of all automatic weapons.
2. Ban pennies because they piss me off
3. English will be the official language of the United States (you know what they speak in England, not this American language we speak here)
4. All Americans will be required to speak two languages fluently to graduate from high school
5. If you do not graduate from high school, you will be required to spend a four year stint in the armed forces (a division of your choosing)
   
6. To be a citizen you have to speak the language well enough to pass the test
7. All CEO's of PUBLIC companies shall see their salaries tied to company performance. If you're a private company, do whatever you want.
8. You do NOT have a right to a Driver's License. It's a privilege. You have to pass a written test and skills test. (Administered in English.)
9. Felons do not get to vote ever again
10. Lawyers will not be allowed to advertise except in the phone book and on their website
    
11. Doctors will not be allowed to advertise except in the phone book and on their website
12. A company is more than welcome to outsource jobs. They do not get any tax breaks as long as their jobs are outsourced.
    
13. Gas prices will be regulated to the price of a barrel of oil. If the price goes up 5% then the pump price cannot go up more than 5%. If it goes down 5%, then the pump price must go down an equal amount. So once a station determines its profit margin, the price of gas will be consistent all year. Once a year they will be able to change their profit margin on gas which will remain tied for another year
14. Income tax for citizens will be mandatory if you make above the Poverty Line. If you make below, no tax. There will be a flat tax on all citizens regardless of income. There will be deductions allowed for medical and educational expenses plus taxes paid to your local taxing authority. No other deductions. Period.
15. Corporations that turn a profit have to pay tax. The end. Deductions? There will be some but they will all be tied to funds spent to better their employees. (And of course taxes paid to your local taxing authority). No other deductions. Public companies will be required to post their tax returns on their websites.
16. Gay marriage will be allowed. Get over it. If you think it's wrong, please kill yourself and make the planet a better place. There are far more important things to worry about.
    
17. Abortions will be allowed with the consent of BOTH parents (where applicable but not required in the case of rape/incest or obvious medical condition of said baby).
    
18. Car companies will be required to have each model year get 2MPG on average better than the year before. If not, they are taxed at double their normal tax rate. Same for emissions. Emission rates must improve every year.
    
19. Oil companies profits will be capped at a fixed percentage. Monies over that will be forfeit to the government.
20. There will be mandatory basic health care for all. The plan will suck much like all socialized medicine. But if you're really sick, you can get help. Private health plans will still be encouraged.
21. Every student who gets above a certain score on his/her SAT will be allowed to go to college and get a student loan to pay for it. As long as they maintain a C or better average, the loan renews. If the student stops going or flunks out, they loan is immediately due and payments must begin. (Medical excuses allowed). If you graduate, you have a 5 year grace period. (This is for undergraduate. The plan doesn't pay for graduate studies.)
22. There will be no prayer in school. A moment of silence if ine.
23. School uniforms in public schools are banned
24. School vouchers are prohibited. If you don't like it, pay your own kid's way. This will not be tax deductible.
25. If you are hurt whilst committing a crime, you don't get to sue. That's silly. Your civil rights are waived once you are convicted of a crime.
26. Jury Duty is still required. However all people on the unemployment rolls are required to serve as jurors once per month. Only after this is exhausted will employed citizens be called to duty. No citizen may be called more than once every two years. And your employer will pay you for up to two weeks after which your salary is covered by the government.
27. While there are jobs open, no matter how unpleasant, that you are qualified to do, you cannot collect. So if you find it beneath you to work at McDonalds flipping burgers, that is your choice. You are not eligible for unemployment.
28. The speed limit will be abolished in areas with a low population density and only on limited access highways. (Road safety may limit area in which this is applied.)
29. There will be a national ID card. It will serve as an ID, driver's license, voter's registration card, social security card, and so forth. No matter where you are, big brother will know all about you. It's the only thing you'll ever need except a passport. You have to get one -- you can't get a job without one.
    
30. All high school students will required to complete 50 hours of community service to graduate.
    
31. You don't have to wear a seat belt or helmet if you don't want to. But your kids do.
32. The age of majority is 18 for all things
33. Smoking will be banned except in your home or car. All regulations on cigarettes will be moved so you can kill yourself faster.
34. Your bank will pay interest on all accounts. This will be tied to the rate at which they loan money. They will be allowed a spread between the two so they can be profitable. It can be whatever they want. But once it's fixed, it's fixed. They can only change the spread once every five years.
35. Spam will be illegal (email, fax, phone, etcetera). All spammers will be put in jail. With horny fat guys who haven't seen a woman in five years. The doors will be locked, the guards will leave and go see a movie. Maybe a double feature.
36. Sales tax is not a bad thing. It's not a good thing. Because so many states get trouble because of internet sales, there will an Internet Sales Tax. A flat 5% and it will go half to the state and half to the federal government. No other sales tax will apply.
37. ATM fees will be capped at a sane and rational rate.
38. Internet access will be censorship free. All those blocks on those Usenet groups and various sites imposed by the ISP will be removed. Censorship will be at the discretion of the user and installed on their computer.
39. Bandwidth throttling is illegal. Unlimited means unlimited. Raise the rates or have multiple plans.
40. The NHL will be the official sport of the land. And the NFL will be the backup sport. NASCAR will not be banned as much as I'd like to, but I will repeatedly make fun of it and compare it unfavourably with WWE wrestling. A disclaimer will be required on all WWE matches "This shit ain't real, y'all."
41. SMS Speak will be disallowed except on telephones where it belongs. Anyone who types How RU? in an email will be deported.
42. Anyone who forwards chain emails will be mocked on the nightly news. If an email says "share me with 10 friends" your ISP will notify the authorities immediately.
    

There's more but I thought I'd start making my case so my minions can overthrow the government and install me as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support. I accept contributions via PayPal and Cash :)

Bill Belichick -- Still Classy All The Way (NOT)

In two previous blog posts I have lambasted the arsemunch Bill Belichick for his classless and cheating ways. Classless is not a crime but cheating is. And it looks like Mr. Belichick remains a scumbag, cheating, pile of festering dung.

The AP reports: Patriots coach Bill Belichick is declining comment on a tampering accusation levelled against his team by Raiders owner Al Davis. Davis said Tuesday that the Patriots tampered with Moss before they obtained him from Oakland in a trade during last year's NFL draft.

It's a very sad day when Al Davis has one up on you. Al Davis is at the bottom of most football fans' list but Bill is fighting to see if he can be scummier. Hats off to you, Bill. You must be proud.

Symantec's Norton 360: Buggy But Improving

In a recent post, I took Norton 360 to task for being crappy because it deletes other programs that have nothing to do with Norton 360. In my quest to fix everything, I first called support which was insulting, condescending, and accusatory. That got me nowhere except a "uninstall Norton 360" and try again, which of course resulted in the same thing.

I want to give great kudos to Matt B. of Symantec. I'm leaving off his full name so he's not buried with emails. He's a product engineer who I saw had posted on some beta boards regarding similar issues I was having, and I found his e-mail address. He's the one who helped with the above Ghost Process bug. It works great. That solves the system slows down every time you launch an application because it never really closes previous instances.

I saw that Matt had posted a fix for the first of three bugs. The zombie (aka ghost) process bug is easily fixed as follows:

• Start a command shell
  • Select Start menu / Run... / type "cmd" without the quotes
• Next you will change directories to
  • type cd "\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Backup" with the quotes
• Then you will unregister the dll
  • type regsvr32 /u buShell.dll
  • a dialog should be shown with the following text : "DllUnregisterServer in buShell.dll succeeded."

The firewall that won't stay disabled for more than 24 hours bug, they are working on and at some point you'll get a live update patch that fixes it. At least that is the claim. Matt also confirmed the firewall bug. So I know I'm not nuts. It's a pain because you should never have two firewalls running at the same time.

As for my bug, it still IS a bug. More importantly, there is a workaround for Procomm and Partition Magic (both are affected by this bug, though we don't use PM). You have to install them first, but in a directory that is not the default directory. That is a directory that is not in the Symantec directory at all. I suggest OldNorton as a directory name. Once you do that, you can safely upgrade to Norton 360 version 2. Anyway, why do I want to thank Matt? He didn't start off assuming I was an idiot. He listened. He asked me to try things (which I did and reported back). And he actually verified what I was reporting instead of insisting the program couldn't do what it was, quite obviously, doing.

People like him have the power to make a company shine. The problem is, at many companies, the people like him are not available to users. I don't object to offshore support as a concept but I object to the fact there is never any real process to get to someone who understands there's a real problem. I spent forever explaining this to people who just couldn't grasp what I was saying and insisted I try it over and over and over. Matt got it in ONE email. We exchanged maybe six emails verifying exactly how the product failed. And then it was done.

So, to Matt: kudos for being the kind of person all companies should hire.