tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83945922024-03-23T11:34:46.901-07:00the complaining annexhonest. soft-hitting. and utterly frustrated.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-76471080843760426452010-11-25T08:44:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:27:31.914-08:007 reasons The Sing-Off is better than GleeLast winter, I tuned in to NBC's <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span>, for the same reason I do most television shows...to ridicule it mercilessly. I was met, however, with a surprisingly good competition show that struck a chord (pun fully intended) with that high-school version of me that used to sing with my friends in the hallways of our school.<br /><br />Likewise, I am constantly told by some of those same friends that my hatred for the show <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> is just my way of covering up that part of my youth as if I am ashamed of it or something.<br /><br />So, in order to set the record straight, and do my part to promote a fun show, I present:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7 Reasons That <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> is Better Than <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrNrSIDoDOnSdcCQIRburmQxPhZfXKl111AP6Tjz7sHKQg3YID5XhB_NJbzqdOa1YTmTSRvEexWYdr__o3idw-JoHduydEaDZchzaVjgS5f1bawerdQWj0u3XS-5tA2TLPdh6/s1600/the-sing-off-nota.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrNrSIDoDOnSdcCQIRburmQxPhZfXKl111AP6Tjz7sHKQg3YID5XhB_NJbzqdOa1YTmTSRvEexWYdr__o3idw-JoHduydEaDZchzaVjgS5f1bawerdQWj0u3XS-5tA2TLPdh6/s400/the-sing-off-nota.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547677839364623058" border="0" /></a><br />1) No Over-Production - It's just vocals. Recorded live. No invisible instruments. No phantom background tracks. No "studio-produced" vocal tracks that make everything creepily and unnaturally perfect. The kids on <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> are talented. But, the contestants on <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> don't get the benefit of Taylor Swift-like post-production to make them sound great.<br /><br />2) Ben Folds - He makes everything awesome. If he ever actually did an episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span>, I would probably have to watch it in its entirety. I pray to God that never happens. Plus, he knows a thing or two about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ben-Folds-Presents-University-Cappella/dp/B001Q8FRSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291664221&sr=8-1"><u>a cappella music</u></a>.<br /><br />3) It's About The Singing - I have long maintained that <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> would be great if it were reduced to a 1/2 hour variety show. Lose the stereotypical characters. Forget about the tired and "topical" storylines (see #5 below). Just focus on the singing. 80% of the people who watch <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> will openly admit they only watch for the songs. So, why do the producers keep shilling out the other crap? Because they have to fill the gaps between songs and Jane Lynch punchlines with something. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> is just the songs. Those gaps don't exist. It is simply...what <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> should be.<br /><br />4) No Stereotypes/Gimmicks - The first season of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> celebrated diversity. Like REAL diversity. Not the "I'm free to be myself as long as 'myself' is an outcast of some sort or another" type, but real, honest to goodness, variation in humanity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDmq3kj-a9TiMzbBneuKoKXLizSil4CuGbscHk-bfjK7m9h6s0Ds3AL7UVBVLof74SyjQE7HgQaEtzqtJ5Rve7OVdedeNC54VEB5VcTkx1Ilw4aX7UrI9FVchWYcQBJcKer9B/s1600/maxx.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDmq3kj-a9TiMzbBneuKoKXLizSil4CuGbscHk-bfjK7m9h6s0Ds3AL7UVBVLof74SyjQE7HgQaEtzqtJ5Rve7OVdedeNC54VEB5VcTkx1Ilw4aX7UrI9FVchWYcQBJcKer9B/s200/maxx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547683676984413858" border="0" /></a>Honestly, I would rather pay attention to the ladies of Maxx Factor (right) or winners (and Puerto Rico natives) Nota (above) than ANY combination of blonde cheerleader, mis- understood drama queen and overly-effeminate gay kid.<br /><br />5) No Mundane/Forced Storylines - No one on <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> would ever need to dance like Beyonce to kick a football. I think that about sums it up.<br /><br />6) The Swan Song - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span> is smart enough to know when to walk away. The first season was only 4 episodes. Admittedly, that's probably because the producers had no idea if the idea would fly. This season is 8 episodes. The perfect number if you ask me. Get in. Crown a winner. Move on. Leave the audience wanting more. As opposed to, say, coming up with more and more superfluous scenarios, themed episodes and guest stars to throw at the audience to fill 22 shows a year. Come on, <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span>. Even the worst offender of all time, <span style="font-style: italic;">Will and Grace</span>, waited a couple of full seasons before it started down that long and winding <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supporting_characters_on_Will_%26_Grace#Guest_stars_playing_one-time_characters"><u>red-carpet of shame</u></a>.<br /><br />7) Sloppy Seconds - Arguably, the best part about <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> this entire season has been the introduction of a new rival school, Dalton Academy....whose background vocals are actually performed by <a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/11/10/heard_but_not_seen/"><u>the runners-up from last year's <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sing-Off</span></u></a>. So, <span style="font-style: italic;">Glee</span> owes the success of its most interesting current attraction to 4 episodes of a legit talent show from last December.<br /><br />So, there you have it. Tune in tonight on NBC to see clever arrangements, true group dynamics and, above all, great talent, the way it should be.<br /><br />Slurpees not included.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-11272421406485570732010-09-19T18:40:00.000-07:002010-09-19T18:46:50.534-07:00the joys of driving: boston editionso, tonight, i embarked on a simple driving task. all i had to do was go from beck's work in cambridge ("A" on the map below) to the marriott long wharf in boston ("B").<br /><br />in short, this is what i tried to do:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiFgniAmlqk1QvfjF_RoFgohkpM9qOt8K6LTLlBlUnmEQx58VXtFzHu9y4NYP0cEbIjPdfB-JpJBKtGgLon3TJOS5iY9PiByH3IpHgdXlRngiXgMV7vVaipC7hWkKFY7wd4on/s1600/boston1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiFgniAmlqk1QvfjF_RoFgohkpM9qOt8K6LTLlBlUnmEQx58VXtFzHu9y4NYP0cEbIjPdfB-JpJBKtGgLon3TJOS5iY9PiByH3IpHgdXlRngiXgMV7vVaipC7hWkKFY7wd4on/s400/boston1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518805268783416434" border="0" /></a>(click to see larger version)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...and...thanks to the brilliant layout of one-way roads and hidden ramps, this is the route that i actually took:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTzrRXByCV2aPdlEKAJOFWNyxAVjs35tsISOOLfDwyI5J38FtQfD5XKW7F5trQEM7DXXtkOxXD7IYP-88O82VXSCkRMh_g5Plfr21rfKZkfEO82kfohVRXIgsX28hWDK-6Hgy/s1600/boston2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTzrRXByCV2aPdlEKAJOFWNyxAVjs35tsISOOLfDwyI5J38FtQfD5XKW7F5trQEM7DXXtkOxXD7IYP-88O82VXSCkRMh_g5Plfr21rfKZkfEO82kfohVRXIgsX28hWDK-6Hgy/s400/boston2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518805821604242866" border="0" /></a><br />this is, indeed, why God invented the subway.<br /></div></div>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-85478794736792488272010-08-19T17:02:00.000-07:002010-08-24T19:09:14.484-07:00my musical childhood...as seen on youtubewhen i was growing up, music was a big part of my life. it would go on to be one of driving forces behind most everything i do and, to this day, music remains a cornerstone of my present daily life and my past, cherished memories.<br /><br />but, as much as i pride myself in the finely-tuned and varied musical tastes i have acquired and held on to over the years...the beginning was...well, frankly, embarrassing.<br /><br />inspired by a facebook gesture from my lovely wife, a recent search through everyone's favorite online depository of brilliance, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=awesome&aq=f"><u>youtube.com</u></a>, allowed me to rediscover a song i hadn't thought of in quite some time. it was a song that was a staple in my house growing up. and it got me thinking:<br /><br />"what were the top 10 songs of my childhood?"<br /><br />of course, it wouldn't be legit unless i stuck to some sort of self-deprecating criteria like "number of times listened to" as opposed to something lame like "favorite."<br /><br />so, sit back and imagine a 7-9 year-old me sitting in my basement or in my yellow shag-covered living room huddled next to either this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PkY8hhDTI_gpS73vWK7VGovW6hpsWQzMwFvRIgI598i9jfK12FWAdQpxHtHqAK0MsS_J_IEde4bZj1PJWsL7aF5_o_HYlTJ70RwpY3OL8q_mQZtVwfMVCNznaG9MKNd_e5RH/s1600/fptape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PkY8hhDTI_gpS73vWK7VGovW6hpsWQzMwFvRIgI598i9jfK12FWAdQpxHtHqAK0MsS_J_IEde4bZj1PJWsL7aF5_o_HYlTJ70RwpY3OL8q_mQZtVwfMVCNznaG9MKNd_e5RH/s400/fptape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509144563431007762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohFxmMTYrn3SDxrW4zEu5vxBzbob2TxJ0ui-F-_y24NIDjvsqP4oSdE1XJQZVTfai0aIgdx2vcFEooBwxjRxHf75EutQ0spSQmpB8ncvhgAEXh2VnbqmU7lBpoq4LjoMJP_Ec/s1600/fprecord.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohFxmMTYrn3SDxrW4zEu5vxBzbob2TxJ0ui-F-_y24NIDjvsqP4oSdE1XJQZVTfai0aIgdx2vcFEooBwxjRxHf75EutQ0spSQmpB8ncvhgAEXh2VnbqmU7lBpoq4LjoMJP_Ec/s400/fprecord.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509145085971642354" border="0" /></a>...or, depending on the level of awesomeness, this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg554nSYe6Mvxwohi1r5PLRJZsivtnzCOzN2x1m8VIh0j3oKNZ19hGGfKWthOEGWHa3so0Fd_isrN1EIrKL03bIb3PUutFcuBtJiRe0wy7Lb3f5cSSajZ-BdStAQYh7hl0r7xvh/s1600/8track.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg554nSYe6Mvxwohi1r5PLRJZsivtnzCOzN2x1m8VIh0j3oKNZ19hGGfKWthOEGWHa3so0Fd_isrN1EIrKL03bIb3PUutFcuBtJiRe0wy7Lb3f5cSSajZ-BdStAQYh7hl0r7xvh/s400/8track.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509145417840526834" border="0" /></a><br />...and enjoy the "top 10 songs, by sheer number of plays, of my childhood...as found on youtube."<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />(in no particular order and with no particular sense of dignity)</span><br /><br />10) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg6sVDcJdhk"><u>lionel richie - "you are" 1982</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZpVZAwhZK4JOy09zBUt_vqSbrEVOHD5FMKA1t6tLeOcvEMpDaIeat-R6VQSIizfVv4Rq_HqDkG-54VDy02t2kUnnZ_ORje7YNFCEUvk_A2F_SYqOfaWt0VepVAzZ5XSsr6yC/s1600/video-youare.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZpVZAwhZK4JOy09zBUt_vqSbrEVOHD5FMKA1t6tLeOcvEMpDaIeat-R6VQSIizfVv4Rq_HqDkG-54VDy02t2kUnnZ_ORje7YNFCEUvk_A2F_SYqOfaWt0VepVAzZ5XSsr6yC/s400/video-youare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147468535579090" border="0" /></a><br />the one that got me thinking about this whole thing. the song is pure, infectious pop-romance. lionel owned my childhood. he was the first concert i ever attended. that said, the only thing more embarrassing than this starting off the list...is the fact that this is only ONE of two lionel songs on the list. of course, the only thing cheesier than two lionel richie songs is...<br /><br /><br />9) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEqXtkDT9uM&feature=fvst"><u>barry manilow - "copacabana" 1978</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxWiCt0ClamTW22oqXXudmNSAwTsCnFmG9Aqy7vOJTZmAnynGeoTz2aV6kIwQGlhv_4yhvw6PDco5UmccbtpGbIIFNMDZMCtIYvk1P_eqicwIxvzCjEod0PketZGdHjLXr_yv/s1600/video-copa.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxWiCt0ClamTW22oqXXudmNSAwTsCnFmG9Aqy7vOJTZmAnynGeoTz2aV6kIwQGlhv_4yhvw6PDco5UmccbtpGbIIFNMDZMCtIYvk1P_eqicwIxvzCjEod0PketZGdHjLXr_yv/s400/video-copa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147043318153506" border="0" /></a>...two barry manilow songs. the first of which, of course, being the classic and tragic story of lola, rico and rico's diamond earring. i heard this song in a gap at the mall about 8 years ago and was horrified when i knew every word even after not hearing it for more than a decade prior.<br /><br /><br />8) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuNBVY2DvkY"><u>julian lennon - "too late for goodbyes" 1984</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3IL9fFIH-wJgLYnNEo6BxVBOx4rArB5F79sVXP_wrb0ozWO0wesI5pRWFg1tYVy3g-P-Zng8A5AOq63BFO6m9Pv4mQAizSZ43hLpYmTa2nkuDwiMmbQxby9Kb54wD-jrnK7F/s1600/video-toolate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3IL9fFIH-wJgLYnNEo6BxVBOx4rArB5F79sVXP_wrb0ozWO0wesI5pRWFg1tYVy3g-P-Zng8A5AOq63BFO6m9Pv4mQAizSZ43hLpYmTa2nkuDwiMmbQxby9Kb54wD-jrnK7F/s400/video-toolate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147456009052578" border="0" /></a>john's little boy produced the second 45 record i ever purchased. i don't know why i loved it...but i did. and i listened to it all the time.<br /><br /><br />7) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzfCgycpoqs"><u>kenny rogers - "the gambler" 1978</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyEgKlLW2OULrGOeqB3WV42zWbtbB-K07NVn65ugCmfeCciW3BOzYljfxLQbUAEqJGoeiWArTV5yTU8A_M__G_qX5xiiuzdfmaNJ_4pHLMLTsSeUTY3nbvvjFONoybNArzxH6/s1600/video-gambler.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyEgKlLW2OULrGOeqB3WV42zWbtbB-K07NVn65ugCmfeCciW3BOzYljfxLQbUAEqJGoeiWArTV5yTU8A_M__G_qX5xiiuzdfmaNJ_4pHLMLTsSeUTY3nbvvjFONoybNArzxH6/s400/video-gambler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147051394855618" border="0" /></a>dad listened to country music on the am radio. <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> country. he grew out of that shortly after i did, but some of it stuck. to this day, i can't hear "the gambler" without thinking of that 8-track cartridge and my neighbor getting annoyed while babysitting me because i wanted to listen to it again...and again...and again.<br /><br /><br />6) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWloYqmYpng"><u>jeffrey osborne - "on the wings of love" 1982</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T23f_e4aBE4CWdG4vN_bq-anma-6ua_ro-4WwomnH4FAOrWds4XaHRJhA7aHLVc10VqRZJu3j7eGJn9wa7iS-Wh_mmww5t6HPn1ach9xc-30edjZ1R9ZiEaFaw5zGZO7AEAa/s1600/video-wings.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T23f_e4aBE4CWdG4vN_bq-anma-6ua_ro-4WwomnH4FAOrWds4XaHRJhA7aHLVc10VqRZJu3j7eGJn9wa7iS-Wh_mmww5t6HPn1ach9xc-30edjZ1R9ZiEaFaw5zGZO7AEAa/s400/video-wings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147462716598290" border="0" /></a>i have no real comment about this one. it just is what it is.<br /><br /><br />5) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hf5qeO7Wgw"><u>michael jackson - "billie jean" 1982</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEwmUUn7XZLIzk5bVd-1abxDlzyJquYUVVLzLOO7qn1oGBFmQvwVmy1tk6kfnlSCPaLA8ZZPDUJnZCZgXbX1BwCWWeMO2aV0Rn7PZDsdkXyXPB1mDmOBAKPoe3H9I0jlEs0uF/s1600/video-billie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEwmUUn7XZLIzk5bVd-1abxDlzyJquYUVVLzLOO7qn1oGBFmQvwVmy1tk6kfnlSCPaLA8ZZPDUJnZCZgXbX1BwCWWeMO2aV0Rn7PZDsdkXyXPB1mDmOBAKPoe3H9I0jlEs0uF/s400/video-billie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147042196766050" border="0" /></a>honorable mention goes to the entire "thriller" album. i wore that thing out. but "billie jean" has been and always will be my favorite mj track. there were millions of white suburban kids just like me all over the country. and for good reason.<br /><br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eijOUtT0TcE"><u>alabama - "mountain music" 1982</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel0kwBE1nLeET6ghWna5KSEDgCsCJqGa2_OZqwH9dyd6usWD8tJapY0VNok6HIu3oTockQluAiCH_Kng5GgwG6fSfQaLgEOBcX5hqRMaWWpyxSnRvlfSroBE6xUOUUopc6SRU/s1600/video-mountain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel0kwBE1nLeET6ghWna5KSEDgCsCJqGa2_OZqwH9dyd6usWD8tJapY0VNok6HIu3oTockQluAiCH_Kng5GgwG6fSfQaLgEOBcX5hqRMaWWpyxSnRvlfSroBE6xUOUUopc6SRU/s400/video-mountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147448315293954" border="0" /></a>say what you will, the boys from alabama could write a catchy tune. one of the greatest little surprises of combining cd collections with my wife a few years ago was the fact that i instantly owned alabama's greatest hits...something i hadn't had since ronald reagan was in office. grandma and grandpa didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> used to play it like this...but it still holds a place in my heart.<br /><br /><br />3) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmALA8miQY8"><u>stevie wonder and paul mccartney - "ebony and ivory" 1982</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeZt-suGUZ5a0abkaoDIoC7o7765bNFnIkAbe61ZzlellD6FpbJMb9IR5jnfsJaHbjnYK_2hWgObJ5G0Sw_FH6WNOUdusElHQsLT00DXduTgc0mFlwlSIC3FCtrKPMSuAm5HX/s1600/video-ebony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeZt-suGUZ5a0abkaoDIoC7o7765bNFnIkAbe61ZzlellD6FpbJMb9IR5jnfsJaHbjnYK_2hWgObJ5G0Sw_FH6WNOUdusElHQsLT00DXduTgc0mFlwlSIC3FCtrKPMSuAm5HX/s400/video-ebony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147046829814802" border="0" /></a>i was probably too young to know how awesome this song truly was. the former beatle and motown's favorite son combining on an uber-cheestastic ode to racial harmony. how popular music continued on in the shadow of this masterpiece is beyond me.<br /><br /><br />2) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK8-gZVkYsk"><u>barry manilow - "mandy" 1974</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs5xPtHDdtuVcW8VGuddwY6xS6Toqa3svHoad7rI02bgzVnBLrSmbTjudK-zEjMOzp4cp8f6oXinEp2r8u4VswKo89_oqWbEn4ibj_w1YBYYTlULvvSkmscARDI-b9qQIMQ4D/s1600/video-mandy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs5xPtHDdtuVcW8VGuddwY6xS6Toqa3svHoad7rI02bgzVnBLrSmbTjudK-zEjMOzp4cp8f6oXinEp2r8u4VswKo89_oqWbEn4ibj_w1YBYYTlULvvSkmscARDI-b9qQIMQ4D/s400/video-mandy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509147443543128082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">i remember all my life </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">raining down as cold as ice </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">a shadow of a man </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">a face through a window </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">crying in the night </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the night goes into </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">morning, just another day </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">happy people pass my way </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">looking in their eyes </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">i see a memory </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">i never realized </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">you made me so happy, oh mandy </span><br /><br /><br />1) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiLziusKW4s"><u>lionel richie - "all night long (all night)" 1983</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U7kgsSs2mai6XUPAfjrBsAj3e881VeI9TpRtUHJE_2x6ffbqbbrMr_yMVwagjSjhanBVGmoSCpnet9CVoEtAuokcGFoDnZ5nyICrCH-gLl5tpNX4JC3kh-pgcreCR1qnnMea/s1600/video-allnight.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U7kgsSs2mai6XUPAfjrBsAj3e881VeI9TpRtUHJE_2x6ffbqbbrMr_yMVwagjSjhanBVGmoSCpnet9CVoEtAuokcGFoDnZ5nyICrCH-gLl5tpNX4JC3kh-pgcreCR1qnnMea/s400/video-allnight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509146713726711218" border="0" /></a>if you listened to this song a million times...not only would you not even come close to the number of times i listened to it, but i also guarantee that it will be impossible for you to have a miserable life. i don't throw around the word "transformative" to often...but sometimes, you just have to call it what it is.<br /><br /></div>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-66876289045496329742010-06-17T18:22:00.000-07:002010-06-17T21:15:38.879-07:00world cup feveri have to say i have really been enjoying the festivities in south africa the last 6 days. people have tried to make it a point to complain about everything from the low scores to the new design ball to, of course, the dreaded vuvuzela.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINx6ex54oSZxxupBDNJnz2uxeRs-h9neT3Tb5_w7kmbt5sJ3bHB00SHNqd1xBN609UI3CwI8i7WlC9FNGmYucycifRe572tGD7KW0Z4qSu26H2yxq9WNx5zoiwjXrb7dMNT8g/s1600/2010-logo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINx6ex54oSZxxupBDNJnz2uxeRs-h9neT3Tb5_w7kmbt5sJ3bHB00SHNqd1xBN609UI3CwI8i7WlC9FNGmYucycifRe572tGD7KW0Z4qSu26H2yxq9WNx5zoiwjXrb7dMNT8g/s400/2010-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483920457073748770" border="0" /></a>none of these things have bothered me. which i know, given the very nature of this particular blog, seems as foreign as the names on the back of the cote d'ivoire players.<br /><br />i'm not really going to spend a ton of effort breaking down the matches that have happened or highlight the upsets or the fact that my wildcard (uruguay) is kicking some butt right now. no, the entire purpose of this blog post is simply and hopefully to annoy every last one of you with the new "vuvu-roll." for those of you whose computer volume was already up, welcome to your internet nightmare for the next month or so.<br /><br />EDIT: if you missed it, go <a href="http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk/cadeland.blogspot.com">here</a>.<br /><br />Go U.S.A.! C'mon, England.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-88926105065996821712010-05-31T15:38:00.000-07:002010-06-01T17:47:15.649-07:00how i spent my memorial day weekendit's been a while. but this belonged here and not somewhere else in cyberspace.<br /><br />we have officially tackled the last untouched room on the 2nd floor of the house. see previous attacks <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/06/in-preparation_14.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/06/so-it-begins.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/06/progressitude.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/07/molson-canadian-presents-uber-project.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/07/warning-following-pictures-may-actually.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/07/one-last-progress-report.html">here</a>, <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/07/finished-ish.html">here</a> and <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/09/few-things-of-note.html">here</a>; not pictured: the painting of the dining room and kitchen.)<br /><br />clearly, this was small potatoes compared to some of the other projects, but it still took some work. the sunroom needed some love so we could turn it into the new office. the old office, of course, will become the nursery. first, i had to run power to the sunroom since it didn't have any. the easiest way to do that was to cut out a chunk of the back stairwell plaster (vomit!) and run a new line to the basement from there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7jFK0UYbWFA8GFqRPsndYVwX8mFWWD9VYl7QO5HUWiADC5sKKaX6XNS9KX-wfVxEZtd1PJmGLXU8Z0wr2ciDrufD3M-U3Vz1gJEqzJamTDgasFO1c6NFORzL2336Dy4_faBa/s1600/wall1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7jFK0UYbWFA8GFqRPsndYVwX8mFWWD9VYl7QO5HUWiADC5sKKaX6XNS9KX-wfVxEZtd1PJmGLXU8Z0wr2ciDrufD3M-U3Vz1gJEqzJamTDgasFO1c6NFORzL2336Dy4_faBa/s400/wall1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477576581030856370" border="0" /></a>a hole was cut in the old wall board of the house and an outlet box was installed and properly insulated (the subtitle of this project is "how to avoid all possible drafts"...it gets cold in the sunroom in the winter.) and two new breakers were added to the breaker panel in the basement and viola...electricity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmBdQWlU2M_y9X9oheSk9d9cYiQKIREkrne1KdyvbAQSMeuvR3p3KBAbJvc0Bf1RYivq0pIlmDwee2T7zfwxgSDxJBAuk-_dN0q04dZ-U_YB38plHYhszomizbHa9-lr-KSi4/s1600/wall2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmBdQWlU2M_y9X9oheSk9d9cYiQKIREkrne1KdyvbAQSMeuvR3p3KBAbJvc0Bf1RYivq0pIlmDwee2T7zfwxgSDxJBAuk-_dN0q04dZ-U_YB38plHYhszomizbHa9-lr-KSi4/s400/wall2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477576925376124866" border="0" /></a><br />a second outlet was run to the other side behind what will be the new baseboard.<br /><br />speaking of drafts, something needed to be done about the open seam at the top of the ceiling (at the old exterior wall of the house. it pretty much just goes straight into a crawl space on the third floor and lets anything (bugs, cold, etc.) in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgVqGjW4n5btFQkppM32On35t75kIaDeoLT72QBYFtU7z5OQSD2iRQnzH2e4pider21c6y-XADbX2bqrypia9Mb1BK9GLJAr5XK12fhyphenhyphenZPh6Vb7DPtuRpRuzgZY564ZlTgPq_/s1600/sun6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgVqGjW4n5btFQkppM32On35t75kIaDeoLT72QBYFtU7z5OQSD2iRQnzH2e4pider21c6y-XADbX2bqrypia9Mb1BK9GLJAr5XK12fhyphenhyphenZPh6Vb7DPtuRpRuzgZY564ZlTgPq_/s400/sun6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477578082144284786" border="0" /></a><br />but, we'll get to that. first, the room needed to be painted.<br /><br />before:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtjlSMVGZTSekHMcVpO5qNoM50ryNuI-8NEm3ANo2ANGZvFqLb5tdIa94yHQUaNArYzlQKHXygcKqdvD6aFlcM4TMs8Hsz5OHXYVIxf-FlJbpSbozzk2g56lCeOKpyGObOr1V/s1600/sun1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtjlSMVGZTSekHMcVpO5qNoM50ryNuI-8NEm3ANo2ANGZvFqLb5tdIa94yHQUaNArYzlQKHXygcKqdvD6aFlcM4TMs8Hsz5OHXYVIxf-FlJbpSbozzk2g56lCeOKpyGObOr1V/s400/sun1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477577559214283234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8oTV4IQv385a0lvh6suXvyveyGbq2kFivdHYz1CMDQee25MuE-uf0orqKlb1r62NWNhNSxHiPQb262fDo3CXDoct7FScwAikYw2eWMi_V71Oovxmt9iTwTw7wij7ANl-Y-QB/s1600/sun2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8oTV4IQv385a0lvh6suXvyveyGbq2kFivdHYz1CMDQee25MuE-uf0orqKlb1r62NWNhNSxHiPQb262fDo3CXDoct7FScwAikYw2eWMi_V71Oovxmt9iTwTw7wij7ANl-Y-QB/s400/sun2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477577869726109602" border="0" /></a><br />after:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEmZ_apVBkwvBMl39QIcWjGePZK6nTonlNC54PT_J4HjzMaJoUtPso8kAHbJ5zBhbljT6055kXR-MWexA_CxNNUj0_T7QtvERMlGR86jeszUzIPR4dl7W_e7imqoj465iz_uN/s1600/sun4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEmZ_apVBkwvBMl39QIcWjGePZK6nTonlNC54PT_J4HjzMaJoUtPso8kAHbJ5zBhbljT6055kXR-MWexA_CxNNUj0_T7QtvERMlGR86jeszUzIPR4dl7W_e7imqoj465iz_uN/s400/sun4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477579536342825570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLX2zqXBID8EndsipXnWQDGZwpffnRGuDjW3X_IobaRu6kFtdydzOrlvY9lo7XIscoorVZ88Nol1v2Cz70G4IszqQwpzam3t2vSPFzkvI8k4k_hLs1wUP8iMlxia0h9zerPcB/s1600/sun3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLX2zqXBID8EndsipXnWQDGZwpffnRGuDjW3X_IobaRu6kFtdydzOrlvY9lo7XIscoorVZ88Nol1v2Cz70G4IszqQwpzam3t2vSPFzkvI8k4k_hLs1wUP8iMlxia0h9zerPcB/s400/sun3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477579214667713170" border="0" /></a><br />and now, back to that ceiling seam. well, a nice sealed crown board ought to do the trick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHgHWoPXXm5XY5SC7tth_7-1esMdBkgHUKUQqt3lXlCM34UhkIi9HAild-1I-EtjaqIonrkazbVYkpmug5wAe2wRg1sq4GgUyH01QVna14_RL901HsvXXbptxKgic97ciFynV/s1600/sun5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHgHWoPXXm5XY5SC7tth_7-1esMdBkgHUKUQqt3lXlCM34UhkIi9HAild-1I-EtjaqIonrkazbVYkpmug5wAe2wRg1sq4GgUyH01QVna14_RL901HsvXXbptxKgic97ciFynV/s400/sun5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477579812742081026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />so, it was mostly just painting and some baseboard work. and the electrical.<br /><br />either way, we are going to replace the old (unused) door to the stairwell before we block it off with a new bookcase. the computer will move soon and work will begin on filling the nursery.<br /><br />that's all for now. peace.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-55120548987189513002010-02-03T05:05:00.000-08:002010-02-03T05:12:03.631-08:00RE: oscars 2010to whom it may concern,<br /><br />in a complete unwillingness to overcome the fact that i a) can't bring myself to care, even remotely, about most of this year's oscar nominations b) cannot even express how ridiculous it is to have 10 best picture nominees c) will not be able to see more than a handful of the nominated movies anyway and d) won't even be watching this year's telecast....i will not be doing any oscar predictions this year.<br /><br />the only thing that interests me at all about this year's show is steve martin and alec baldwin. and the fact that i will be missing them, saddens me slightly. also, that christoph waltz should and will win for best supporting actor. <br /><br />other than that, you're on your own. <br /><br />we apologize for any inconvenience. better luck next year.<br /><br />-cadecadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-78652715342623274032009-11-15T11:28:00.000-08:002009-11-15T14:44:22.217-08:00stop & shop is killing the planetour nearest grocery store is a stop & shop. stop & shop is one of the 3 main chains in this area and is widely regarded as the middle of the road option (not the most expensive, not the cheapest, etc.) i really have no issue with them as a corporation or a business. they have recently installed a system where you can scan the items in your cart as you go and then just pay on the way out. saves time. super-convenient. they do alright.<br /><br />but i have always hated one thing about shopping there. that is, simply, their receipts are ludicrously and unnecessarily long. i mean, it's truly ridiculous.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">for example, today, we went in and picked up a bag of these:</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQybj2MvbkdCtgQo8fLjqdH3qUOJjqFzAgK9Paq5GVw3cs_1y4BckqQL6skWQV60e4pJpU1I68fKH5vWSpXNwSbgdqQzgCu3VQ857_5ioD1Jjq4Ito7nVTT4GnjDNFAhuZG-4/s1600-h/Potatoes_Russet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQybj2MvbkdCtgQo8fLjqdH3qUOJjqFzAgK9Paq5GVw3cs_1y4BckqQL6skWQV60e4pJpU1I68fKH5vWSpXNwSbgdqQzgCu3VQ857_5ioD1Jjq4Ito7nVTT4GnjDNFAhuZG-4/s200/Potatoes_Russet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404417750998669026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and one of these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLf7m_9rk2Ffq4QNk_C6z9H8BvKdfRfmWUsO31kORZ6-BZb9F8ZFur5NX1pTTDaY-ZN_MUhtgnFK8_HcJY8jP7XGymbE7dEEdKXwv07V1QEdkdYdK4b4YlAl77rFQkeZ7XwGi/s1600-h/new+pepsi+max+bottle-arabad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 69px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLf7m_9rk2Ffq4QNk_C6z9H8BvKdfRfmWUsO31kORZ6-BZb9F8ZFur5NX1pTTDaY-ZN_MUhtgnFK8_HcJY8jP7XGymbE7dEEdKXwv07V1QEdkdYdK4b4YlAl77rFQkeZ7XwGi/s200/new+pepsi+max+bottle-arabad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404417657208298402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and, in return, got this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cadeland.com/miscpics/receipt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 1652px;" src="http://www.cadeland.com/miscpics/receipt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />a little much, don't you think, stop & shop?cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-35851779534623515842009-10-25T16:50:00.001-07:002012-03-20T11:27:37.904-07:00travelogue: visiting the beautiful north shore - part 3: what to do<span style="font-style: italic;">the beautiful route 1 corridor in saugus and peabody, mass. is a stunning stretch of roadway filled with charming <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/02/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html"><u>places to stay</u></a> and wonderful <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/09/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html"><u>dining establishments</u></a>. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">in this third and final installment of "travelogue," we explore the many, many entertainment options available to you during your stay.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">enjoy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">overview</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> you don't have to fork over a lot of money to have a good time along route 1. with a little imagination, you can find all kinds of things to keep you and your family busy for several, action-packed days. as always, we have reviewed some of the best options for so all you have to do is show up.<br /><br />so, here are our picks:<br /><br />1) <span style="font-weight: bold;"> route 1 miniature golf</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuGsui9XuxkICrx57tzc9KUAnFmJtUuUohn8pgICcpaD2sVoAHejOvmYKoJ3dmM3TuBASoypWPmlJWeu9S_2YzAVyMCwpn908qzRjES3PizQzrkhNiMYhrxmu5JcVHyxt1g4o/s1600-h/minigolf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuGsui9XuxkICrx57tzc9KUAnFmJtUuUohn8pgICcpaD2sVoAHejOvmYKoJ3dmM3TuBASoypWPmlJWeu9S_2YzAVyMCwpn908qzRjES3PizQzrkhNiMYhrxmu5JcVHyxt1g4o/s320/minigolf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672786024535474" border="0" /></a>thrifty travelers could spend an entire vacation's worth of activity time at this landmark sports and entertainment complex near the route 1/route 99 interchange. miniature golf. batting cages. a dairy castle...the options really are endless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5_crRO1wKN2dlQHLQzKlrhznmAqL8iBhSWHAhrD2DeD2Ly1q12JvjESoEOg3HsPyfCz185dUpEI97NArVDCKacAxMa6QQaPOx8YTMHs29KMu2VAA8Cro4MDQIgK96qN_H-jQ/s1600-h/3751629275_bbeaa1bc86.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5_crRO1wKN2dlQHLQzKlrhznmAqL8iBhSWHAhrD2DeD2Ly1q12JvjESoEOg3HsPyfCz185dUpEI97NArVDCKacAxMa6QQaPOx8YTMHs29KMu2VAA8Cro4MDQIgK96qN_H-jQ/s200/3751629275_bbeaa1bc86.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396674203266791026" border="0" /></a>but, it is the golf course's famous resident, the big orange dinosaur, that the masses flood to for the ultimate thrill. the iconic sentinel (he stoically overlooks route 1) has been the target of vandals and adoring fans for generations. but he is not alone. humpty-dumpty and other storybook friends also keep visitors entertained on the links.<br /><br /><br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">hockey town, usa<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dVug69iaGWzl4muqV8agxUCis_WqtBoGXtgVFcaeEk6ScCPynSNj2MTgOhDH36mTf3Nb9ohqDMy-bNPeQzZowiBoLwcXMpqlMW5p6c7qWQqx1f01EtONxta2ktqtc_dRQZnV/s1600-h/hockeytown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dVug69iaGWzl4muqV8agxUCis_WqtBoGXtgVFcaeEk6ScCPynSNj2MTgOhDH36mTf3Nb9ohqDMy-bNPeQzZowiBoLwcXMpqlMW5p6c7qWQqx1f01EtONxta2ktqtc_dRQZnV/s320/hockeytown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396676912079577794" border="0" /></a>some say that the hockey at hockey town, usa is just a bunch of kids on skates having fun. to that, we say "pish." what the locals don't want you to know is that when you are in saugus and are looking for a good fight, this is the place to go. don't let the youth league atmosphere fool you...these hocksters are vicious.<br /><br />non-traditional thrill seekers, you're welcome.<br /><br /><br /><br />3) <span style="font-weight: bold;">db's golden banana</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTp-mKIpkRwUwVlL-sVeAJj-pIM9wHqfsQMcCU9eXPHQmadn5NMj6ZN4B4CLsRZyMWjQ2TN99fSNWKhlScyinhqWR-3v1nHzUqfAUKz-Vtfbq1W6U216hIsWfnxjPFlURK0sQ/s1600-h/3465085741_196761f4bd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTp-mKIpkRwUwVlL-sVeAJj-pIM9wHqfsQMcCU9eXPHQmadn5NMj6ZN4B4CLsRZyMWjQ2TN99fSNWKhlScyinhqWR-3v1nHzUqfAUKz-Vtfbq1W6U216hIsWfnxjPFlURK0sQ/s320/3465085741_196761f4bd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396682852477324642" border="0" /></a><br />with all due respect to the "continuous entertainment" at nearby <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr_television/824216097/"><u>cabaret</u></a>, there is only ONE place to go when you are looking for a more sophisticated place to spend your entertainment dollar along route 1. located among some of the nicer trailer parks in the peabody highlands, the banana is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the show. and, just as the exterior suggests...this place is all class.<br /><br />just don't ask to see db's <span style="font-style: italic;">actual</span> golden banana. apparently, that's a touchy subject.<br /><br /><br /><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold;">car wash</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMBlRUIoB7LUxzpkDYAaDWgy6BYCTQ36I6BuURIKi4HttHa-DjwvoUPDDk-i1x8JfkSUoOHIY3b-AswuMuEh61A_5R_GcgPtKd2dPuFW0E2ErTdYGJ3evHf2cs96E0QF73T20/s1600-h/IMG_7206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMBlRUIoB7LUxzpkDYAaDWgy6BYCTQ36I6BuURIKi4HttHa-DjwvoUPDDk-i1x8JfkSUoOHIY3b-AswuMuEh61A_5R_GcgPtKd2dPuFW0E2ErTdYGJ3evHf2cs96E0QF73T20/s320/IMG_7206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396693289333219778" border="0" /></a>in the event that you are lucky enough that your trip falls in the middle of the week, make sure you check out <span style="font-style: italic;">wacky wednesday</span> at car wash. you will NOT regret it. we promise.<br /><br />and, while you're there, you could always check out amateur night at nearby <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr_television/824216097/"><u>cabaret</u></a>...just don't tell db.<br /><br /><br /><br />5) <span style="font-weight: bold;">fountain of life church/spice closet</span><br /><br />we have received many requests for suggestions for other miscellaneous activities along route 1 that are important to some travelers. places of worship. adult novelty shops. those sort of things. well, we are happy to give you suggestions for not only each of these...but for BOTH of them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7ziI6mDimarEk8I-o972vTDNsQONLk4at8USKSWd3DeuhM7txNU5CxxfGwI-cXRSLPL1vAXEJhsN_0Dg-0hVQB1ARPcuZMOoY2B4RvkwuoC4gDRrd-jqDzmF5-g7wxWjZm2V/s1600-h/spice.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7ziI6mDimarEk8I-o972vTDNsQONLk4at8USKSWd3DeuhM7txNU5CxxfGwI-cXRSLPL1vAXEJhsN_0Dg-0hVQB1ARPcuZMOoY2B4RvkwuoC4gDRrd-jqDzmF5-g7wxWjZm2V/s320/spice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396693646254616098" border="0" /></a><br />the fountain of life apostolic church is located conveniently smack next door to the very popular spice closet boutique. bring the family. make a day of it.<br /><br />saugus is nothing if not accommodating.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">we wish you luck on your trip and look forward to hearing all about the wonderful experiences you will have when you visit one of the most charmed and lovely areas our nation has to offer. bon voyage.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/02/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 1: where to stay</a><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/09/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 2: where to eat</a>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-27748362969720744942009-09-20T17:17:00.000-07:002010-09-08T11:07:08.042-07:002009 network tv dead pooli've wanted to do this for a few years now, but haven't gotten around to it due to poor timing and monumental laziness. anyway, here it is:<br /><br />this is simply a pool where we each chose a show that is new to the 2009 fall tv line-up and whoever's show gets canceled first....wins some sort of prize that will be determined at a later date. simply comment on this post with the show you wish to chose and wait for the axe to fall. first come, first serve.<br /><br />here are the shows:<br /><br />8) <strike>accidentally on purpose (cbs)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">jenny</span><br />3) <strike>er</strike> <strike>trauma (nbc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">rcade</span><br />9) <strike>melrose place (the cw)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">bruiser</span><br />- v (abc) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">pix</span><br />- ncis: los angeles (cbs) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">judy</span><br />- the good wife (cbs) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">s</span><br />11) <strike>the forgotten (abc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">bg</span><br />- glee (fox) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">buerger</span><br />7) <strike>er mercy (nbc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">cade</span><br />1) <strike>the beautiful life (the cw)</strike><br />2) <strike>eastwick (abc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">leanne</span><br />4) <strike>hank (abc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">dan</span><br />- the middle (abc) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">kroeker</span><br />- modern family (abc)<br />- cougar town (abc) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">jessie</span><br />10) <strike>flash forward (abc)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">carrie</span><br />- the vampire diaries (the cw)<br />- community (nbc)<br />5) <strike>brothers (fox)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">care</span><br />- the cleveland show (fox) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">dave</span><br />6) <strike>three rivers (cbs)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">james</span><br /><br />choose wisely. and if you can't or don't want to leave a comment here...you may send me a message on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570841289"> facebook</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">disclaimer: only new shows on network stations are included. no cable shows, for obvious reasons. also, reality shows are not included, because it is typically impossible to cancel a reality show mid-season. i will wait until the 5th choice is in before i make mine as to not cherry pick any obvious picks.</span>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-57105743855457283102009-09-16T18:30:00.000-07:002009-09-17T05:51:05.026-07:00well...they trieddear readers, the annex is proud (and somewhat horrified) to present to you...<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />...<span style="font-weight: bold;">the 10 worst tributes to michael jackson</span> available FOR PURCHASE on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=michael+jackson&order=date_desc&ship_to=&page=1"><u>etsy.com</u></a>:<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">10.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh432d9tOyJ34K9gAIIDM3FnbvBHfCgksQUCm7mH5uuns1hYNs5yahe_ZZ-teJfUj3xnm0A52d_wyiJb4NTg8BAqlU63fJ1lN6Ncb8Jd_dJRxF_smsBr2qHgeotX1X71i8oW2/s1600-h/il_430xN.82852420.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh432d9tOyJ34K9gAIIDM3FnbvBHfCgksQUCm7mH5uuns1hYNs5yahe_ZZ-teJfUj3xnm0A52d_wyiJb4NTg8BAqlU63fJ1lN6Ncb8Jd_dJRxF_smsBr2qHgeotX1X71i8oW2/s200/il_430xN.82852420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382258532630197714" border="0" /></a><br />this simple t-shirt captures a young michael before he started all those chin reconstruction surgeries. but surprisingly, AFTER he had his nose and lips done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />9.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsXRnm7eiIpdQebXuaA0mhF0FjYdjgfRCmTEXQ7sPyf2n8SM5r_fN9t38HQHBwrPeRQrsWuZTCLaR9pAFo9QUKAI3ZmYMAnY-5PVhgopGlj__UbDjzMzLy8-Sat4qFFTkIs_l/s1600-h/il_430xN.82823718.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsXRnm7eiIpdQebXuaA0mhF0FjYdjgfRCmTEXQ7sPyf2n8SM5r_fN9t38HQHBwrPeRQrsWuZTCLaR9pAFo9QUKAI3ZmYMAnY-5PVhgopGlj__UbDjzMzLy8-Sat4qFFTkIs_l/s200/il_430xN.82823718.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382258387115754946" border="0" /></a></div>we know that the official cause of death had something to do with propofol...but we're pretty sure that thing behind him in this picture didn't help.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />8.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MUM7PJcRNaRBEaFhnd3QwAF0DtsgdlDmgAnGWp4bqhxDCYB4ZahvYEkCdfc2eKLFWGG2y8qu2HkrHsTSGBVQ-1TPGmbacv2hUMt5f2onnf8mF0MKGqcwSi3SX91oDUECOhD7/s1600-h/il_430xN.31125423.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MUM7PJcRNaRBEaFhnd3QwAF0DtsgdlDmgAnGWp4bqhxDCYB4ZahvYEkCdfc2eKLFWGG2y8qu2HkrHsTSGBVQ-1TPGmbacv2hUMt5f2onnf8mF0MKGqcwSi3SX91oDUECOhD7/s200/il_430xN.31125423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382258234949970370" border="0" /></a></div>we debated including this one because we couldn't decide whether this was actually michael or some tribute to yoko ono. we assume it's michael.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />7. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWk-BYVZpQqongyGOTeu1MGywk_d2JhaD-9CPA010KYhZBgxrRozY-r2LSXZlUpf7kiwr9bRNI7G8TS_f1SSl-tdKppEO1A4FbqQCmPQ2S7_r25vQeUcuJdhBAulO4U4jGarF/s1600-h/il_430xN.78856967.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWk-BYVZpQqongyGOTeu1MGywk_d2JhaD-9CPA010KYhZBgxrRozY-r2LSXZlUpf7kiwr9bRNI7G8TS_f1SSl-tdKppEO1A4FbqQCmPQ2S7_r25vQeUcuJdhBAulO4U4jGarF/s200/il_430xN.78856967.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382258035043168530" border="0" /></a><br />just...beautiful.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexQo3sRLK_Va3NB3InkwYYAIOCSo5RcmCK4YQw6Lzj956zmNKZYnXG4MivrMwPbG9BkwQYgAtYfTMfHpL7GhJJzmxRHvJ4_0kgi5aanppwOwKxB0n5hFOgc7YbLpX47k8O5Eh/s1600-h/il_430xN.80353924.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexQo3sRLK_Va3NB3InkwYYAIOCSo5RcmCK4YQw6Lzj956zmNKZYnXG4MivrMwPbG9BkwQYgAtYfTMfHpL7GhJJzmxRHvJ4_0kgi5aanppwOwKxB0n5hFOgc7YbLpX47k8O5Eh/s200/il_430xN.80353924.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382257798047135474" border="0" /></a><br />we know what you're thinking...but it's a finger puppet.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uJzZDSd-5KBzPL2jtHw9yAQDxlccmSIRbaT8mBGg0pvskHij7fZIxvrOKabKWy3bZs5jjAzZOv7eya0jfzscMItQIF0AkLGsPM4F1Z_PUmBXgoBL3Bh4PnaQa5FuWGK78Wwr/s1600-h/il_430xN.77940053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uJzZDSd-5KBzPL2jtHw9yAQDxlccmSIRbaT8mBGg0pvskHij7fZIxvrOKabKWy3bZs5jjAzZOv7eya0jfzscMItQIF0AkLGsPM4F1Z_PUmBXgoBL3Bh4PnaQa5FuWGK78Wwr/s200/il_430xN.77940053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382257619135081602" border="0" /></a><br />this must have taken forever to get right.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X5WxBE6qoltw9IAxixqJ6sgPd997B56mLrWZBEHp_9wWNOym-hZvh5Oqyee4uQQfKF-5AG1rT1ShHlhcp00vvWhs9Y-8qTigV3NJiikGhqchfVrsEaadVdDMSclEnIgXYwZx/s1600-h/il_430xN.17544099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X5WxBE6qoltw9IAxixqJ6sgPd997B56mLrWZBEHp_9wWNOym-hZvh5Oqyee4uQQfKF-5AG1rT1ShHlhcp00vvWhs9Y-8qTigV3NJiikGhqchfVrsEaadVdDMSclEnIgXYwZx/s200/il_430xN.17544099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382257450642452786" border="0" /></a></div>we finally see what <span style="font-style: italic;">mama-se mama-sa ma-ma coo-sa</span> is all about.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ICV9hCB8aGDKKysm2fF6mDch3tJBruJyAdry19ID6-um2VlfkUgv8xD5XZ1fiaBOPDfHUPe7gv6XDzzVesIB7ilF0M0S3eEFSd9XhpeHYWBPeYXEirbBGiif-S_l0lp9alGe/s1600-h/il_430xN.87598304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ICV9hCB8aGDKKysm2fF6mDch3tJBruJyAdry19ID6-um2VlfkUgv8xD5XZ1fiaBOPDfHUPe7gv6XDzzVesIB7ilF0M0S3eEFSd9XhpeHYWBPeYXEirbBGiif-S_l0lp9alGe/s200/il_430xN.87598304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382257205112832226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />our thoughts exactly.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeoLBrrZHetTUQMlCo6jsMJe76XRDJKaQ5TQbMlTmrcKBj0_DV5aBq9AiKIOmOt0cp76o9JBQgm-hBMl5tF1sJMbGUK9lp8kJhqVk3BYqNjHJ4rIgWjG943-NnuZGzp3kJKTv/s1600-h/il_430xN.78787697.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeoLBrrZHetTUQMlCo6jsMJe76XRDJKaQ5TQbMlTmrcKBj0_DV5aBq9AiKIOmOt0cp76o9JBQgm-hBMl5tF1sJMbGUK9lp8kJhqVk3BYqNjHJ4rIgWjG943-NnuZGzp3kJKTv/s200/il_430xN.78787697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382256982088574658" border="0" /></a></div>umm....awesome?<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU_5KjOqNbUBMt8ws4b7ZKsOc6dW-aneHYqmv1kVb3NK8wCMYMhWIhvSisBpRA8lfGKWLnn3VF6aBzydwLrwJWe8f8BqfqOyN907P76j0kcV9TS1AoxErFGi8NDATwiueKGZF/s1600-h/il_430xN.82645976.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU_5KjOqNbUBMt8ws4b7ZKsOc6dW-aneHYqmv1kVb3NK8wCMYMhWIhvSisBpRA8lfGKWLnn3VF6aBzydwLrwJWe8f8BqfqOyN907P76j0kcV9TS1AoxErFGi8NDATwiueKGZF/s200/il_430xN.82645976.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382256803093926290" border="0" /></a><br />yep. that's elvis welcoming michael into the great beyond. we can only hope we all get this exact reception.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-86032018065069430012009-09-13T16:58:00.000-07:002009-09-15T08:46:29.091-07:00bands i'm done with - volume 2today's band: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw">owl city</a><br /><br />seriously? are you just <span style="font-style: italic;">trying</span> to be a whinier, less interesting version of ben gibbard from death cab for cutie?<br /><br />well, mission accomplished.<br /><br />maybe i would have cared in 2004.<br /><br />either way...done.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-66570990645009458982009-09-07T11:40:00.001-07:002012-03-20T11:25:55.481-07:00travelogue: visiting the beautiful north shore - part 2: what to eat<span style="font-style: italic;">in our <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/02/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html"><u>previous segment</u></a>, we explored the varied and majestic hotels that line beautiful route 1 in saugus and peabody.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> now that you have chosen a place to stay, we intend to give you some helpful information on choosing from the many wonde</span><span style="font-style: italic;">rful dining opportunities along this historic corridor.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">enjoy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">overview:</span> there is no shortage of quality restaurants to choose from in this area. the fare covers a wide range of tastes and aesthetics. italian, asian, mediteraenian, german, mass amounts of raw beef...you name it, you can get it. and more than likely, it's going to be found under some sort of giant, gaudy, over-the-top enormo-sign. and for your convenience, we have weeded through the 18 dunkin' donuts and multiple mcdonald's to bring you our top picks.<br /><br />so, here they are:<br /><br />1) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-10115444R-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i;_ylt=AoBXXoKomP9_e3Gkfk7l_wDxRWoL"><u>hilltop steak house</u></a> ($$)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOphyphenhyphenB6LSVHoDz8u2wl_uj1j1Z-VzXOL2BPIDULoBX-hPL8qR3ujuLGyoZXG7CT5VTdMJyPafjEk4sJ8eEZ8EwtabMYV7b5OuoIlADqvfaHPPE2FPliSgziwSSbLHI2PCRCRM/s1600-h/hilltop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOphyphenhyphenB6LSVHoDz8u2wl_uj1j1Z-VzXOL2BPIDULoBX-hPL8qR3ujuLGyoZXG7CT5VTdMJyPafjEk4sJ8eEZ8EwtabMYV7b5OuoIlADqvfaHPPE2FPliSgziwSSbLHI2PCRCRM/s200/hilltop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378347516058654482" border="0" /></a>frank giuffrida is a legend in massachusetts. so much so, that no one can really agree on what that legend truly is. well, whether or not the new management has, in fact, stopped allowing the giuffrida family from dining a gratis after years of such favor has little to do with the food...which <span style="font-style: italic;">used </span>to be great.<br /><br />if you want a kitschy dining experience from a staff that cares less and less each year about the once iconic steak house, then this the place for you. just look for the enormous cactus bearing the name of a mythic man who is surely turning over in his grave.<br /><br /><br />2) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://boston.citysearch.com/profile/4681777/saugus_ma/prince_pizzeria_bar.html?publisher=smx_noncust&reference_id=1&placement=restaurant#profileTab-reviews"><u>prince pizzeria</u></a> (and comedy club) ($$)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZWiivPfIpIZ72b8YoVL67FSZDETeiMhRcuLrJ93DpQUKyjORXaAySe19LvhYO80V1Zbmhcq9HUVcAviZ85NVVmgvGrr8Xq5tC7IDM4EUZYmGkHqmkAIGA8M2AvTa2SN2a1MX/s1600-h/PrincePizzeria.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZWiivPfIpIZ72b8YoVL67FSZDETeiMhRcuLrJ93DpQUKyjORXaAySe19LvhYO80V1Zbmhcq9HUVcAviZ85NVVmgvGrr8Xq5tC7IDM4EUZYmGkHqmkAIGA8M2AvTa2SN2a1MX/s200/PrincePizzeria.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378822745034239218" border="0" /></a>family owned and operated for roughly 400 years, prince pizzeria boasts a very popular line up of pizza...which can be enjoyed while taking in some local comedy in the attached <span style="font-style: italic;">giggles comedy club</span>.<br /><br />but if pizza and laughs aren't your thing, don't worry...crushing bitterness and apathy are available upon request.<br /><br /><br />3) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=AnaD3q4_i4c9Y9AaABaqh56KNcIF;_ylv=3?id=10114230&csz=Saugus%2C+MA+01906&tab=reviews&sortreviews=1&from=4#reviews">kowloon</a> ($$)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk0nRFR3bs8ydLp1gFxoaQ-7YMCrMAzqnCotW3FL0Xa2VoO0GNqF8G798uBtXYjhscnbW4bqjGCbPd_zDcLPf3-omASS25q_bTj8Hf1sR-zVFO5uPXYV-FLeXgbo_sPPv-0eF/s1600-h/kowloon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk0nRFR3bs8ydLp1gFxoaQ-7YMCrMAzqnCotW3FL0Xa2VoO0GNqF8G798uBtXYjhscnbW4bqjGCbPd_zDcLPf3-omASS25q_bTj8Hf1sR-zVFO5uPXYV-FLeXgbo_sPPv-0eF/s200/kowloon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378825813162115026" border="0" /></a>however, if you're like us and LOVE amateur comedy...but want something a little more exotic than traditional italain fare...then, kowloon is the place for you.<br /><br />its ecclectic mix of asian dishes and themed rooms (tiki lagoon!) make this unique gem a must for any self-respecting foodie visiting the area. add in <span style="font-style: italic;">kowloon komedy</span> nights and cheap scorpion bowls and you have to be without a pulse to NOT have a great time.<br /><br /><br />4) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.donatello-restaurant.com/"><u>donatello ristorante</u></a> ($$$)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjuBodNRTA1SEGRy3yZgJwrYXk5Kpy7NWipvMNwjkCmh2t5xFUZ41JbjDEPTksQrddoG5cS5p3tDrHkhglalrmQFA0UWXTsndpaOk3eELBOtDMYtngD5q2Crf9h-WtnhNxeCH/s1600-h/image-not-available.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjuBodNRTA1SEGRy3yZgJwrYXk5Kpy7NWipvMNwjkCmh2t5xFUZ41JbjDEPTksQrddoG5cS5p3tDrHkhglalrmQFA0UWXTsndpaOk3eELBOtDMYtngD5q2Crf9h-WtnhNxeCH/s200/image-not-available.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378826487563472354" border="0" /></a><br />men in suits have prevented us from actually eating here on multiple occasions so a proper review is not possible. it must be good, though. it's always full, if not a tad on the dark side.<br /><br />so, we'll just say that this is probably the best italian restaurant you will ever eat at.<br /><br /><br />5) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/karls-sausage-kitchen-and-european-market-saugus">karl's sausage kitchen</a> ($$)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbWZirlKriP04SePrmldZorOpCS0cUVf6kYT4ooTd_51kaQfrFn92Trk0k1h_rspj9WR7vh6YC_Otqj_OMQpiEfWMrQZwbPt6sIrYaQQR7DmcLqNJtQ9mBx671woWrVh-KJFs/s1600-h/IMG_3785.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbWZirlKriP04SePrmldZorOpCS0cUVf6kYT4ooTd_51kaQfrFn92Trk0k1h_rspj9WR7vh6YC_Otqj_OMQpiEfWMrQZwbPt6sIrYaQQR7DmcLqNJtQ9mBx671woWrVh-KJFs/s200/IMG_3785.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378827897796003314" border="0" /></a>we have never heard anything but great things about karl's sausage. in fact, we've been told that karl's sausage is the best in new england. we're just going to trust that that's true.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://national.citysearch.com/profile/4694560/peabody_ma/bel_aire_diner.html?publisher=smx_noncust&reference_id=1&placement=restaurant">bel-aire diner</a> ($)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhzlbqXMMN26uB8ekRcPbmWN8ZvGP-FUWRCJYm5dLGOeNpEDI3Zj9uI6a8-XoiRdKjyO1SDnECn2u-2QZuyeJ2khMEXCBUk6hINSbNX4nFPJttNwqVdC6OAePHh6VfVIA36Vu/s1600-h/belair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhzlbqXMMN26uB8ekRcPbmWN8ZvGP-FUWRCJYm5dLGOeNpEDI3Zj9uI6a8-XoiRdKjyO1SDnECn2u-2QZuyeJ2khMEXCBUk6hINSbNX4nFPJttNwqVdC6OAePHh6VfVIA36Vu/s200/belair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378829799120416034" border="0" /></a>the bel-aire offers patrons a chance to enjoy classic diner fare in the confines of a sleek, nostaglic setting and is a real treat to experience. management closed the diner down in 2005 to embark on what will surely be a historic and breathtaking rennovation project that 4 years in and counting...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG4WGGCUBKBjlprPwoWWfa0G_z-sSmvU9M3fbmtZ0TsJnriHZBGgcCI76J0EI5wAIR34_HuP4bdJ_-NJFYBDdC9omzBqOX_6BzhYWXGQelSUollzU2385WSk8usCBn2gWWm1X/s1600-h/belair2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG4WGGCUBKBjlprPwoWWfa0G_z-sSmvU9M3fbmtZ0TsJnriHZBGgcCI76J0EI5wAIR34_HuP4bdJ_-NJFYBDdC9omzBqOX_6BzhYWXGQelSUollzU2385WSk8usCBn2gWWm1X/s200/belair2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378830243232834770" border="0" /></a>promises to change the way we americans view the classic diner.<br /><br />we, for one, cannot wait to see the results.<br /><br /><br />happy eating!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">editor's note:, at press time, the editors were unable to visit the brand new sonic drive-in located on route 1 north in peabody due to the excessive (2+ hour) <a href="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs238.snc1/8522_133495486289_570841289_2986649_6038286_n.jpg">wait times</a>. sorry for any inconvenience.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/02/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 1: where to stay</a><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/10/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 3: what to do</a>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-11625497107078827602009-08-23T08:58:00.000-07:002009-08-24T14:45:31.242-07:00bands i am done withit's time for a new segment here at the annex. <span style="font-style: italic;">bands i am done with</span> is an effort to create a complete list of new bands that seem to get a lot of love but are, in fact, not that great.<br /><br />there are a handful of bands out right now that have caused me to consider making this segment. but, none have baffled me more than our first installment:<br /><br />airborne toxic event<br /><br />a.t.e. (as our local, independent radio station likes to call them) burst onto the scene in 2008 with the song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVS0zGgZyys"><u>sometime around midnight</u></a>." it's like a combination of early <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_i89w8I1Mk"><u>snow patrol</u></a> and the late, great<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deh-bqu67iQ"> <u>josh joplin group</u></a> (both of which i like) all thrown together in an angsty little emo stew.<br /><br />and i can't stand angsty little emo stew. we get it...you're in pain.<br /><br />but, i tend to try not to judge a band on one song, so a.t.e. had their chance to redeem themselves, though, with the follow-up single "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WDP2Qmkuxc"><u>wishing well</u></a>." unfortunately for them, the song does nothing for me.<br /><br />so, i'm left with only one choice...to be done with airborne toxic event. i'm sure they're nice guys. i just don't care.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-51837035205295339872009-08-15T13:05:00.000-07:002009-08-24T14:46:30.060-07:00it's been a while AKA: CADE'S FALL MOVIE PREVIEWin this long-awaited return edition of FALL MOVIE PREVIEW, we look at some of the biggest movies to grace our local multiplexes this fall and early winter. if you don't see a movie that you want to see...that's probably because it's either not worth my effort or just plain terrible. if it's the former, i apologize. if it's the latter, get better taste. either way, enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(reminder of my ratings scale: *=awful, **=not good, ***=tolerable, ****=okay, *****=might be worth seeing)</span><br /><br /><b>WARNING: possible spoilers included.</b> <span style="font-weight: bold;">(i.e. amelia dies at the end of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1129445/"><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>AMELIA</u></span></a>.)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0881891/"><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>ALL ABOUT STEVE</u></span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>(9/4) with all due respect to the sudden success of bradley cooper's career (and not to take anything away from co-star sandra bullock) this movie starts the preview because of the fact that it kicks off the fall with a role from none other than ken jeong. don't know who that is? impossible. since, apparently, you <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430922/fullcredits"><u>can't</u></a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1119646/fullcredits"><u>make</u></a> a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1092633/fullcredits"><u>movie</u></a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1078940/fullcredits"><u>without</u></a> him...(or a <a href="http://www.nbc.com/community-show/?__source=front-door%7Cshows%7Cdropdown#cast-credits"><u>tv show</u></a> either for that matter.) settle in. the age of jeong is at hand. get on board or get run over. <span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1225822/"><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>EXTRACT</u></span></a> (9/4) mike judge, jason bateman, mila kunis, kristen wiig, gene simmons...what's not to love? well...ben affleck's in it too, but i remain hopeful. <span style="font-weight: bold;">*****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472033/"><u>9</u></a> (9/9) this big screen version of maury yetson's award-winning broadway musical boasts....wait....that's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0875034/"><u>THIS</u></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">nine</span>. well, what is this one then? oh, it's that kinda cool, oscar-winning animated short from a few years ago? and tim burton's producing it? sounds good to me. <span style="font-weight: bold;">****</span><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232207/"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY</u></span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>(9/23) <blockquote>dear michael moore,<br /><br />we get it. you are unhappy with the world we live in. please make a decent movie for a change.<br /><br />sincerely,<br />everyone.</blockquote> <span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1058017/"><u>THE INVENTION OF LYING</u></a> (9/25) ricky gervais claims this is "the funniest episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">the twilight zone</span> ever." i'm in. <span style="font-weight: bold;">****</span><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/"><br /><u style="font-style: italic;">SHUTTER ISLAND</u></a> (10/2) it's about time martin scorcese and leonardo dicaprio made a movie together. <span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1286821/"><u>MORE THAN A GAME</u></a> (10/2) starring lebron james.... ? <span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1078940/"><u>COUPLES RETREAT</u></a> (10/9) the ken jeong train rolls on. don't even try and stop it. jeong not enough to get you to see this? well, how about this? it was written by jon favreau and vince vaughn. if you are at all like me, you like...nay...you LOVE anything that is written by jon favreau and vince vaughn. <span style="font-weight: bold;">****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/"><u>WHIP IT</u></a> (10/9) despite the fact that i like several of the people involved in this roller derby comedy directed by drew barrymore...it's still a roller derby comedy directed by drew barrymore. <span style="font-weight: bold;">**<br /><br /></span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386117/"><u>WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE</u></a> (10/16) my man-crush on director spike jonze prevents me from making any snarky comment about this movie. it looks spectacular. <span style="font-weight: bold;">*****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/"><u>THE ROAD</u></a> (10/16) the feel-good movie of the year finally makes it to theaters. brings the kids. they're gonna love this one. <span style="font-weight: bold;">*****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477715/"><u>THIS IS IT</u></a> (10/28) all bets on whether mj can pull a "heath ledger" this oscar season are off. i just hope it's as good as <span style="font-style: italic;">captain eo</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1156398/"><u>ZOMBIELAND</u></a> (10/9) after wrapping this lighter-than-it-sounds flick, woody harrelson was so immersed in the movie's world that he claimed to have mistaken a new york photographer for a zombie...and decked him. well, if woody can get that wrapped up in it...i guess maybe i can too. or...maybe not. <span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0875034/"><u>NINE</u></a> (11/25) this big screen version of maury yetson's award-winning broadway musical boasts a pretty great cast and an experienced director. i don't expect a lot of my friends to beat a path to see this...but i may just check it out anyway. <span style="font-weight: bold;">****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259571/"><u>THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON</u></a> (11/20) something about vampires... honestly, the only thing that interests me about this "saga" is finding out just HOW uninterested i can become in it. it's like a personal challenge. and i bet i succeed brilliantly. <span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432283/"><br /><u>FANTASTIC MR. FOX</u></a> (11/13) personal hero, wes anderson's, long awaited telling of the classic roald dahl story finally comes to...holy crap? it's ANIMATED!? i don't know, wes. i just don't know about this. <span style="font-weight: bold;">****</span><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0913425/"><br /><u style="font-style: italic;">BROKEN EMBRACES</u></a> (11/20) it's about time pedro almodóvar and penélope cruz made a movie together. <span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234548/"><u>THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS</u></a> (11/6) there is simply no way in the world this movie can live up to the awesomeness that its title forces on my brain. <span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1067106/"><u>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</u></a> (11/6) great. another version of <span style="font-style: italic;">a christmas carol</span>. and just in time for...what...guy fawkes day? <span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190080/"><u>2012</u></a> (11/13) just when i had forgiven john cusack for doing <span style="font-style: italic;">america's sweethearts</span>...he goes and does a roland emmerich movie. ROLAND "FRIGGIN" EMMERICH!! i hope the mayans were right just so we don't have to watch this man continue to get money to make (<span style="font-style: italic;">stargate</span> possibly excepted) the worst movies ever. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">-*******</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780521/"><u>THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG</u></a> (11/25) so, i guess disney decided that instead of <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> <a href="http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/01/15/0233228&mode=thread&tid=149&tid=188&tid=97&tid=99">shutting down its 2-D animation studios</a>...it would rather reevaluate its entire 72 year history and FINALLY make a movie about black people. what's the matter disney? ebony skin too hard to render on a computer? <span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1133993/"><u>SERIOUS MOONLIGHT</u></a> (12/4) i literally know NOTHING about this movie. it's just nice to know that meg ryan is still alive out there somewhere. <span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/"><u>SHERLOCK HOLMES</u></a></span> (12/25) <span style="font-style: italic;">comment not available. the author is too busy standing in line already to purchase tickets to this movie.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">*****</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231580/"><u>ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKUEL</u></a> (12/25) i hope you're happy, america. <span>because of you, they made <span style="font-style: italic;">another</span> one.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> *</span><br /><br /><br />that's all for this round. until next time, i'll see YOU at the movies. or, at least, sifting through the wastelands on netflix.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-33821553468874117792009-07-18T17:31:00.000-07:002009-07-18T17:33:28.555-07:00one sentence movie review: harry potter and the half-blood prince (aka "harry 6")love, love, love, death; i miss angry harry.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-82622142342161142992009-07-16T08:17:00.001-07:002009-07-16T08:23:22.737-07:00which is the more misunderstood musical instrument?the banjo? or the accordion?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:51qcAnjog9WBZM:http://www.cranesmusicstore.com/images/1158048059613_HUDSON_CBJ35_DLX_BANJO_MAIN.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 97px;" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:51qcAnjog9WBZM:http://www.cranesmusicstore.com/images/1158048059613_HUDSON_CBJ35_DLX_BANJO_MAIN.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> vs <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:g1DggWJp0kTS_M:http://www.iicbelgrado.esteri.it/IIC_Vancouver/webform/..%5C..%5CIICManager%5CUpload%5CIMG%5C%5CVancouver%5Caccordion.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 106px;" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:g1DggWJp0kTS_M:http://www.iicbelgrado.esteri.it/IIC_Vancouver/webform/..%5C..%5CIICManager%5CUpload%5CIMG%5C%5CVancouver%5Caccordion.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />both are grossly confined to small, musical pigeon holes in most common people's minds. ask anyone on the street what they think of when they hear "banjo music" and nine times out of ten the answer will be something along the lines of "hillbilly (beverly or otherwise)," "bluegrass" or some variation on the "backwoods/<i>deliverance</i>" theme.<br /><br />likewise with the accordion. "polka bands" or "parisian street music" will be the response with very little room for other answers.<br /><br />personally, i feel both are done a great disservice in the whole of the musical universe. both can be, and have been, utilized quite nicely in genres other than their predestined stigma. but which is the MORE misunderstood of the two?<br /><br />for me, it is probably the banjo. the soaring, metallic staccato in the right setting could be a wonderful addition to many songs in many genres. not just bluegrass or country. and a true banjo-virtuoso is a gorgeous thing to observe. and while i like a well placed accordion, i believe the banjo just has more range when all is said and done.<br /><br />that is not to say that the accordion can't be used to great success in non-traditional ways as well. i've heard it...but it's probably just a little more tricky to pull it off.<br /><br />anyway, just something i was thinking about. thoughts and more expert opinions are welcome.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-7448881331316091622009-05-12T12:58:00.000-07:002009-05-13T06:32:38.219-07:00when technology claims the things we lovei have many hobbies. most of which deal with the collecting of specific groups of items and all of which are, at the very best, half-assed.<br /><br />over the years, i have collected everything from matchbooks to pint glasses to coins and paper money, subway tokens, comic books, vinyl records, funny hats and ticket stubs. some of these items, i still actively pursue. others, i have abandoned or they have abandoned me*. i don't remember the last time i grabbed a matchbook simply to keep it. of course, given that smoking is now prohibited in many of the locales where i once would have found a matchbook, it was not hard to walk away from that particular hobby. and they don't even<span style="font-style: italic;"> make</span> subway tokens anymore.<br /><br />which leads me to my point. the one, constant collection i have maintained since my high school days is that of ticket stubs and programs. i love having a tangible and wholly unique reminder of the things and events that i have been able to see over the years. i distinctly remember a large coca-cola bottle shaped bank that i had growing up, which was never more than an inch or so full of actual money...but often times filled more so with worn stubs to the various movies i had seen throughout junior high and high school (the oldest one that i recall was for <span style="font-style: italic;">back to the future II</span> at the old dickinson cinema 8 in my hometown). most of these didn't survive the abuse of being thrown in amongst pennies and dimes for years and years and thereby went the way of the trash can with little to no fanfare. but in and among those little movie stubs was a thin, paper ticket to a live production of <span style="font-style: italic;">cats</span> in london's west end that i had seen on a high school choir trip the summer after my junior year.<br /><br />i'm not sure the exact day, but i clearly remember looking at that stub and thinking "man, that's getting beat up in that bank. maybe i should put it somewhere and try and keep it nice."<br /><br />i found an old magnetic scrapbook in the attic and started putting ticket stubs in it. and just like that, a collection started.<br /><br />to this day, i still have the same book. and though i have had to replace and add pages over the years, it still remains pretty much the same: theatre tickets in the front. then concerts. then a page of ku basketball tickets followed by baseball tickets from stadiums all over the country. then some random sports tickets. museum tickets followed by some special event tickets. one page with only my ticket to the world trade center observation deck from august, 2001. and finally in the back, some of the more interesting (in my mind) travel-related stubs, including my ticket from newark to london on that trip back in high school.<br /><br />so what?<br /><br />no real point, other than to say that i have noticed over the past couple of years it has become increasingly difficult to procure these tiny, paper mementos. with the dawn of the e-ticket, i have to pay special attention when ordering something to make sure that i am going to receive an actual ticket instead of an email link and instructions on how to print it out (conveniently) at home.<br /><br />for the most part, i have been successful. but for how long? a couple of weeks ago, i ordered tickets to see one of my favorite bands, depeche mode, for the first time in 15 years. i specifically requested the tickets be sent to me via the mail and when i received them...they were actual tickets, but they don't look that much different than if i were to take my confirmation email to kinkos ** and have them print it off on standard printer paper.<br /><br />so, how much longer before the "old-style" ticket stub goes the way of the subway token?<br /><br />i guess, like any true collector, i can't let that stop me. as long as there is a printer hooked up to my computer, i suppose i'm all set.<br /><br />it just won't be the same.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span> - i even started collecting dollar tokens from casinos in las vegas...until they stopped making them altogether as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span> - or some other place that's <a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2008/04/dear-kinkos.html"><u>not</u></a> kinkos.<br /></span>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-8758213532125097512009-05-06T16:59:00.001-07:002009-05-06T17:02:39.728-07:00change we can believe in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5vFh756MrSkY0SrCBG3xAwlenHatEroT2fPma3VvJqI4ucJxkmdJ6IsbH0l2ceu-ljpdOx0C8cfsT4pYKkImZcxDh5bm9U1HfrrQa4d3Qb0TywtGRXMas8s0DGx1kJZd9h8x/s1600-h/obamacorn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5vFh756MrSkY0SrCBG3xAwlenHatEroT2fPma3VvJqI4ucJxkmdJ6IsbH0l2ceu-ljpdOx0C8cfsT4pYKkImZcxDh5bm9U1HfrrQa4d3Qb0TywtGRXMas8s0DGx1kJZd9h8x/s400/obamacorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332865706681259842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr1lJc2x1cD9zMiuxdg4CMhvat7YAyaJ4ZgriQI1xRnYARz_WM-qKqxu-Sdo8CWP5seg4PcAPwGq8U7iroL7cMjq-m7Wfp00CikC2Yk32rHidUp2TVWsjFT9v01VlMUEbNx8a/s1600-h/obamacorn.jpg"><br /></a>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-63217800211527889762009-04-27T18:21:00.001-07:002009-04-27T19:20:04.505-07:00ballpark review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cadeland.com/ballparks_fs.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEieQHaKVH7o6mpiPqvsN2Eilp3x0N_dHEtA344Ke1KP0gKCcq5GDdijRsT-KcLfgsuEPTNP52xk4bw8_lOtOfapg4_gGKzgjx_hA6EULaRAV-vpg8aA0ZfWwpt1ieFCakxzKN/s200/citi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329559569408419986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />CITI FIELD - Flushing, NY<br /><br />nationals vs mets - april 25 2009 - i may have been the only person in america that was sad to see shea stadium go. but that only lasted a day or two. now the mets have a fantastic new home and shea is a parking lot. citi field is cozy and comfortable and it is a very nice place to enjoy a game. the seats are all close (if not blocked by railings that are just a little too high) to the field and there is something to do or see seemingly everywhere you look. the outfield is huge, which makes the new, much larger apple a bit of a rarer beast. maybe it was the fact that this is the first mets game i've been to that wasn't brain-meltingly hot or subjected to freezing rain, but i had a great time.<br /><br />atmosphere: 7.5<br /><br />viewability: 9<br /><br />architecture: 8<br /><br />peanuts: 8cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-44983136584302322762009-04-22T15:39:00.000-07:002009-04-22T15:42:51.462-07:00so, since i've been neglecting my blog lately...i've decided to spice it up a little.<br /><br /><br />so here is some <a href="http://people.ambrosiasw.com/~andrew/funny/bloodcyber.html"><u>cyber-sex related comedy</u></a> that might be the funniest thing i've read in a long, long time.<br /><br />my apologies to those that this might offend. if you think it's in bad taste...you can't say that you weren't warned.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-63251283569365685442009-02-27T23:34:00.000-08:002009-02-28T07:24:45.728-08:00friday, february 27th, 9:03pm, studio live, foxboro, ma <br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>p.s.<br />something's always wrong <br />whatever i fear <br />woodburning <br />crowing <br />good intentions <br />butterflies/within you without you <br />windmills <br />way away <br />know me <br />nanci<br />nightingale song <br />come back down <br />don't fade <br />all i want <br />little man big man <br />inside <br />fall down <br />come down <br />crazy life <br />+ walk on the ocean <br />_________________________ <br /><br />one spectacular evening</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVGizkHfvpdxW5XuUeBxH4kuIXNFoDY2Y97FXqFrx20ct9NKh_ZpImTO7Z1YB4EQC8ao98Gg7eQ2XbjwJyEVwsCP-APKHEtXwYs79LDJ5nmwgMCye3LDicg_-CF1Co5tamH-n/s1600-h/IMG_1764.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVGizkHfvpdxW5XuUeBxH4kuIXNFoDY2Y97FXqFrx20ct9NKh_ZpImTO7Z1YB4EQC8ao98Gg7eQ2XbjwJyEVwsCP-APKHEtXwYs79LDJ5nmwgMCye3LDicg_-CF1Co5tamH-n/s320/IMG_1764.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307862656390398146" border="0" /></a>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-22620932836608181812009-02-23T07:36:00.002-08:002012-03-20T11:27:57.305-07:00travelogue: visiting the beautiful north shore - part 1: where to stay<span style="font-style: italic;">most people immediately think of a few specific things when they think of the boston area: paul revere, the red sox, beans....that sort of thing. well, we here at the annex have decided to start a new series of travelouges that will open up some of the finer, lesser-known attributes of this wonderful part of the country. but, we want to stay away from the touristy duck-boat tours and museums that tend be crowded and overwhelming and will, instead, focus on some of the wonderful areas just north of the city. specifically, the saugus/peabody corridor of route 1.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">enjoy.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">overview: </span>lodging along route 1 is plentiful. quaint, locally owned establishments dot the area like a field of glistening sunflowers. frugal travelers will want to stay away from more high-end places like the <a href="http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3715328387"><u>james motel</u></a> and the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60961-d123198-Reviews-Colonial_Traveler_Motor_Court-Saugus_Massachusetts.html"><u>colonial traveler motor court</u></a> which are situated just a little too close to some of the more posh and uppity areas of malden. instead, focus on some of the gems hidden in plain view along lovely route 1.<br /><br />here are some of our top picks:<br /><br />1) <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60961-d123183-r6109358-Chisholm_s_Motel-Saugus_Massachusetts.html"><u>chisholm's motor inn</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg3qPPAawdyVx_suD2n2Wu3vE3cAcSGPIALdf5AhL1HXmVW3eHg_al4nGdiPDo0PYJkfbLFdGEjLKXR-qpI_Mkqhm3EsFHoIo2JYnxUIJO2OTDyoDSH3jrlVrPqrphLYQLWd2/s1600-h/chisholmsmotsaugusma.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg3qPPAawdyVx_suD2n2Wu3vE3cAcSGPIALdf5AhL1HXmVW3eHg_al4nGdiPDo0PYJkfbLFdGEjLKXR-qpI_Mkqhm3EsFHoIo2JYnxUIJO2OTDyoDSH3jrlVrPqrphLYQLWd2/s320/chisholmsmotsaugusma.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305706533453711794" border="0" /></a>don't let the fact that it looks exactly like the creepy motel in the john cusack movie, <span style="font-style: italic;">identity</span>, deter you from the charms of this wonderful place. it has a jacuzzi AND a hot tub. and it's easy to get a room here. i've driven by it hundreds of times in the years i've lived here and it ALWAYS has vacancy. how's THAT for convenience?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdgtwPw-Sl59B_4wOBXx4ReZM72t2rOlPb_IVqVmYD4chkBb4k7MqKOWW7_vanIyHbZP-vlFQ1rKdAkmoOgrazHWvyBQUiLkxy5pnDze6QEa3AKJKIlRQcT5s4c3z_Pfj0Ads/s1600-h/chisthe-whole-property.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdgtwPw-Sl59B_4wOBXx4ReZM72t2rOlPb_IVqVmYD4chkBb4k7MqKOWW7_vanIyHbZP-vlFQ1rKdAkmoOgrazHWvyBQUiLkxy5pnDze6QEa3AKJKIlRQcT5s4c3z_Pfj0Ads/s200/chisthe-whole-property.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305707406437790402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />but it's really this hotel's proximity to route 1 mini-golf ("home of the orange dinosaur" - watch for a feature in future installments) that makes this a truly worthwhile experience.<br /><br /><br />2) <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60961-d123195-r16318865-Ferns_Motels-Saugus_Massachusetts.html"><u>fern's deluxe motels</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAE0BOTDMkO2L8JTwvPj3bWElzD4Wh53-qdgl6QU0aMr1Cz02qLPeyclOZ7D2oAzirmhMs75CVP6NKKik24VPIfRW5pRWHqMU9yx-qGa5xiBa4N1-QfMnSFck75RYjQnajuq-/s1600-h/ferns2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAE0BOTDMkO2L8JTwvPj3bWElzD4Wh53-qdgl6QU0aMr1Cz02qLPeyclOZ7D2oAzirmhMs75CVP6NKKik24VPIfRW5pRWHqMU9yx-qGa5xiBa4N1-QfMnSFck75RYjQnajuq-/s320/ferns2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305709587636292370" border="0" /></a>you want privacy? you got privacy.<br /><br />this charming stop located just steps from chisholm's motor inn boasts world-famous, semi-private bungelows. all outfitted with free HBO and unparalleled comfort. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ldVVmbEuhEJLUMKp7JHzv53WhV_OwOPUXQfYerFz-xDIYbEbza65cfWrerC5lwH3LOm4TZUL_W1SDaTXa-_1S5zZ5KtQiBMALAjAvc0o33psWQLBpFOZKWBA_SlBTaZjR8e5/s1600-h/fernbung.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ldVVmbEuhEJLUMKp7JHzv53WhV_OwOPUXQfYerFz-xDIYbEbza65cfWrerC5lwH3LOm4TZUL_W1SDaTXa-_1S5zZ5KtQiBMALAjAvc0o33psWQLBpFOZKWBA_SlBTaZjR8e5/s200/fernbung.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305711149306748002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />check with the front desk upon arrival and inquire about the "new room" (just don't ask what happened in the "old room") or see if you qualify for one of their classic "owrates."<br /><br />complimentary rodent traps available by request.<br /><br /><br />3) <a href="http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3715344315"><u>new englander motor court</u></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKSuwthOuk17qztRJ4ngCWE-Hc61aJ7Uub0R8LFYvoHvXwjm7Bs60U3kzWYokCwlVP88iOe0PHDBdzfl1qLmv7pmsYA89cpHGCZPawEhHm7jcSA2FAmL1HVajL4BbWerio6WB/s1600-h/nemotor704.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKSuwthOuk17qztRJ4ngCWE-Hc61aJ7Uub0R8LFYvoHvXwjm7Bs60U3kzWYokCwlVP88iOe0PHDBdzfl1qLmv7pmsYA89cpHGCZPawEhHm7jcSA2FAmL1HVajL4BbWerio6WB/s320/nemotor704.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305717706778837570" border="0" /></a>though technically not along the corridor (it's located on adjacent, and equally spectacular route 99) and though in the same, upscale neighborhood as the motels in the overview, the new englander simply HAD to be included on our list due to one, unavoidable fact...this editor LOVES motor courts.<br /><br />maybe it's just that this particular establishment reminds me of some of the grand palaces (note: not <a href="http://www.smartskyways.com/route/2-Missouri/Branson/images/13GrandPalace.jpg"><u>THE grand palace</u></a>) in missouri's scenic branson highlands of my youth.<br /><br />or maybe, it's just because who doesn't love a good continental breakfast?<br /><br /><br /><br />if the high-paced action of saugus is too much for you to truly relax and enjoy your trip...OR if you are just feeling a bit amorous and romantic, we suggest you make your way up route 1 to lovely peabody (pronounced "PEE-buhdy") and to...<br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3715544971"><u>mario's motor inn</u></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2PBEFWWzFfWrJyOW-5E5a8ixYENSIsSOJvXcJhO6SpOV7Rx03_xUsq3SlezbHtJer8KCJo9dRHeSJpfBQJ6BHk5jx3PJS9UQlei5oOFIVzs-aNOzRVOZdaed0xt_c9IByjw_/s1600-h/marios.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2PBEFWWzFfWrJyOW-5E5a8ixYENSIsSOJvXcJhO6SpOV7Rx03_xUsq3SlezbHtJer8KCJo9dRHeSJpfBQJ6BHk5jx3PJS9UQlei5oOFIVzs-aNOzRVOZdaed0xt_c9IByjw_/s320/marios.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305713899519605218" border="0" /></a><br />share a tender moment with the one you love in one of mario's heart-shaped jacuzzis, or "luv tubs." weary travelers will also find the choice of "regular" or "round" beds refreshing following a hard day of perusing west peabody's many wonderful and eclectic boutiques.<br /><br />mario's caters to a wide variety of customers so this is an ideal choice for those who enjoy people watching.<br /><br />and there is no better way to take your mind off of trying to figure out why those hypodermic needles were in the parking lot than losing yourself in the warm glow of color television.<br /><br />the annex's efforts to contact the management to investigate whether new ownership would affect the beloved charm of this classic new england establishment were not returned.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />we hope you found this helpful. stay tuned for future editions that will outline the many fine dining and entertainment options along one of america's most beautiful and historic stretches of roadway.<br /><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/09/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 2: where to eat</a><br /><a href="http://cadeland.blogspot.com/2009/10/travelogue-visiting-beautiful-north.html">part 3: what to do</a>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-55827406632647742542009-02-17T19:26:00.000-08:002009-02-22T20:53:47.266-08:00iiiiiiiiiit's oscah-time!<i>i have to start off by saying that i have issues with some of the noms this year (see notes at the bottom). in fact, overall, i feel this is a pretty blah year for the oscars. i have no personal heroes to root for. i wasn't blown away by anything i saw. i can't rightfully jump on board with any of the current, trendy campaigns.<br /><br />in short, i'm trying to care. really, i am.<br /><br />(warning: contains possible spoilers)</i><br /><br />so, here we go:<br /><br /><font color="#FF0000">FINAL SCORE: 16/24</font><br /><br /><strong>supporting actor</strong> - alright...i'm sick of hearing about. i'm sorry...but i'm sick of it. that said, i think it is wrong of people to say that heath ledger was only nominated because he died. i disagree. i think he will WIN because he died...but his twisted and instantly memorable performance as the joker certainly deserves the nomination. there is simply no way the academy will dare go another direction.<br /><b>winner: heath ledger; <em>the dark knight</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>supporting actress</strong> - i love me some marisa tomei. and after her...ahem...performance* in <i>the wrestler</i>, i love me some even more. but if the mantle full of awards ms. cruz has already garnered for her role as an "eccentric" ex-wife has anything to say about it, i think the die is already cast. besides, i REALLY like <i>vicky cristina barcelona</i> and this is its only shot at nabbing a statue.<br /><b>winner: penélope cruz; <em>vicky cristina barcelona</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>actor</strong> - it's penn v. rourke in a clash for the ages. honestly, i have no idea which way the academy will go with this one. insiders claim that it's split pretty evenly. me? i'm going to flip a coin. heads, it's the fantastic harvey milk. tails, it's the triumphant randy "the ram."<br /><i>flips coin</i><br /><b>winner: mickey rourke; <em>the wrestler</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>actress</strong> - for as much as oscar has seemingly loved kate winslet in her relatively young career, it's only been nominations for her to this point. her performance as a stifled 1950's housewife in <em>revolutionary road</em> was far better, in my humble opinion, than that of her turn as a former nazi guard. besides, to quote...well...kate winslet (from <i>extras</i>,) "how many more movies do we need about the holocaust? i mean, we get it, it was grim." but, for whatever reason, oscar loves the holocaust. even more than it loves meryl streep.<br /><b>winner: kate winslet; <em><strike>revolutionary road</strike> the reader</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>director</strong> - despite david fincher (a beloved annex favorite) getting his first nomination for <i>button</i>, this is proving to be the most boring race in recent history. there's an outside chance that gus van sant could pull the harvey milkian upset here, but again, i am forced to go with the ever-overinflating "indie" bandwagon.<br /><b>winner: danny boyle; <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>picture</strong> - for the record, i LIKED all...but did not LOVE any of the nominees this year. i imagine that i'm not going out on a limb by picking slumdog to win it. i would not be surprised if there is an upset here, but i'll be darned if i can pick one of the other four to pull it.<br /><b>winner: <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>cinematography</strong> - simply put, <i>button</i> is the only of the nominees that i walked away from inspired by the photography. i fully expect to not be right, but i have to go with what i like. and i'm going with the rich and stylish new orleans that miranda gave us.<br /><br /><b>winner: claudio miranda; <em>the curious case of benjamin button</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>art direction</strong> - as always, i'm going with the ONE that i haven't seen.<br /><b>winner: michael carlin & rebecca alleway; <em>the duchess</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>animated feature</strong> - if i even had the slightest of remote inklings that either <span style="font-style: italic;">bolt</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">kung-fu panda</span> had a shot at winning this category...i would try and see them. but, since they don't...<br /><b>winner: <span style="font-style: italic;">wall-e</span></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>animated short</strong> - <i>presto</i> is standard pixar magic. <i>oktipodi</i> is standard pixar magic...if it were made by europeans. <i>lavatory-lovestory</i> is cute, if not over simple. i love the concept of <i>la maison</i>, but give me creepy undertakers any day of the week.<br /><b>winner: <em>this way up</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>live action short</strong> - eeny, meeny, miney...holocaust.<br /><br /><b>winner: <em>spielzeugland</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>foreign language film</strong> - too many previous awards to be ignored.<br /><b>winner: <em>waltz with bashir</em>; israel</b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>documentary feature</strong> - done. book it. moving on.<br /><b>winner: <em>man on wire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>documentary short</strong> - cambodia, FTW!<br /><b>winner: <em>the conscience of nhem en</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>costume design</strong> - baz luhrmann + catherine martin = oscar.<br /><b>winner: catherine martin; <em>australia</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>make-up</strong> - i'm torn. part of me really wants to go with <i>hellboy</i>, but the other part understands how much of a slam dunk <i>button</i> is in this category.<br /><b>winner: greg cannom; <em>the curious case of benjamin button</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>original score</strong> - it's different. it's fresh. it's got tons of buzz. it will be copied over and over again ad nauseum for years to come. yep, it's a winner.<br /><b>winner: a.r. rahman; <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>original song</strong> - i will forgo complaining about the fact that the academy took a major dump on this category by only having 3 nominees and omitting other worthy (and award-winning) songs from this past year, and just pick one. it's easy to think that the voters may cancel out the two <i>slumdog</i> songs, but i think that's a fallacy this time around. for the record, i really want newman and gabriel's "down to earth" to walk away with it, but i'm not going to put any money on it.<br /><b>winner: "jai ho" from <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>film editing</strong> - multiple story lines. various time periods. kinetic action vs. static tension. there were things i didn't like about <i>slumdog</i>...the way is was put together (masterfully) was NOT one of them.<br /><b>winner: </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">chris dickens</span><b>; <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>sound editing</strong> - gotham has never sounded more vibrant or more menacing.<br /><b>winner: <em>the dark knight</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>sound mixing</strong> - YOU try making a solitary and silent robot wandering a deserted planet entertaining. actually, i'm fairly certain that <i>the dark knight</i> will win this, but i'm holding out hope for my pick.<br /><b>winner: <em>wall-e</em></b><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/m_27504debbfc14eb190e85e5ec6df0511.gif"> <br />__<br /><br /><strong>visual effects</strong> - superhero movies are supposed to be visually stunning, right? well, these two certainly were, but the gang on <i>button</i> made brad pitt look like a 70 year-old midget...convincingly. you can keep your explosions.<br /><b>winner: <em>the curious case of benjamin button</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>adapted screenplay</strong> - why not?<br /><b>winner: simon beaufoy; <em>slumdog millionaire</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br /><strong>original screenplay</strong> - i'm a sucker for fast-paced, hard-to-understand accents...so naturally, i loved the script for <i>in bruges</i>. but, it will be the likable and tragicomic tale of the life and death of a certain charismatic gay activist that wins it.<br /><b>winner: dustin lance black; <em>milk</em></b><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/m_956bf78e158a48f0bf7d95652ccc0076.gif"><br />__<br /><br />misc thoughts:<br />- i'm baffled by the praise over josh brolin's performance in <i>milk</i>. not that i didn't think it was great. i just don't see the big deal.<br /><br />- this year's show has some serious "snoozefest" potential due to the fact that so many of the front runners are going to win. maybe we'll all be wrong...but i doubt it.<br /><br />- can you even <span style="font-style: italic;">imagine</span> if someone else wins for best supporting actor? how awkward would THAT speech be?<br /><br />- at press time, i still haven't seen <i>doubt</i>, <i>rachel getting married</i> or <i>the changeling</i> but probably will before sunday. seeing them won't change my picks, but i thought it worth mentioning.<br /><br />- i look forward to hugh jackman as host. he may be the only thing that keeps my interest.<br /><br /><br />maybe, i'm finally just THAT bitter and jaded. oh well. enjoy. and as always, you can't spell 'academy awards' without 'cade.' peace.<br /><br /><br /><br />* - all "stripper" jokes aside, it really was great.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-7598219765558286542009-02-15T15:44:00.001-08:002009-02-15T15:44:45.758-08:00we're still here2009 oscar predictions are currently being compiled. <br /><br />we thank you for your patience.cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394592.post-54927001325337428422009-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:002009-01-31T20:21:49.384-08:00one sentence movie reviewtoday's movie: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1129423/"><u>fireproof</u></a><br /><br />why does "christian movie" always have to equal "awful movie"?cadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353292050695325326noreply@blogger.com3