I miss the old days of Randy and Tommy

We thought it was forever. Get the Kleenex out and turn up the volume.

You know it's SPAM when...

...your not even 30 and receive an email informing you that if you join today, as a member of the AARP you can get a complimentary gift of a fanny-pack for all your important travel documents. If they have annual conventions in Florida, sign me up ASAP!!!*

*Disclosure: I've already bought my tickets for the bus to Hell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Hula Hoop!!

The Hula Hoop turns 50 today! This Baby Boomer, however, was not invented by one particular inventor or company. The Greeks (it comes from the GREEK word...) used hooping as exercises. Fifty years ago today, it was marketed by Wham-O as a toy. It was also told that during the height of the Cold War, Russia banned the Hula Hoop for representing the "emptiness of the American culture." A little fun fact for your Thursday.

Wanna know more? Check it out.

I don't know about you but I was never able to Hula Hoop. It certainly was not from lack of hips. Here's the "How to" for hula hooping.And the best Hula Hoop act from Britain's got Talent. Simon is disgusted.

AIDS Walk Boston 2008

Every year on World AIDS day, I report on the continuous epidemic the entire world faces. Although, those inflicted with the disease have been able to maintain a long and reasonably healthy lifestyle with our advancement in medicine, I hope I have tried to encourage people to stay aware that AIDS is still a problem. Here are some past entries and my history with AIDS Awareness.

More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts have died from HIV or AIDS through 2006. Between 2-3 new HIV infections every day, and 25 percent, one in four, of people living with HIV/AIDS don’t know their status. The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts uses the annual AIDS Walk Boston to help remind people to get tested, support those living with HIV/AIDS to optimize their health and to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.

This year I have taken the next step in my AIDS Awareness and have committed to fundraising for the 23rd AIDS Walk Boston. I will walk the 6 mile journey around Boston to raise money for the AAC. The Macy's Foundation, my current employer's foundation, is returning as the Walk’s largest sponsor ever and the Presenting Sponsor. These funds will go to AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC) to help stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic by preventing new infections and optimizing the health of those already infected. AIDS Action accomplishes that mission by providing support services for people living with AIDS and HIV; educating the public and health professionals about how to prevent HIV transmission; and advocating for fair and effective AIDS policy at the city, state and federal levels. With my efforts and your generosity, we can help AIDS Action Committee continue these vital services to the community.

I am hoping to raise at least $300 by June 1. As a member of Team Macy, the Macy's Foundation will match my donation. If you would like to know more about the Walk or how you can donate in my name... hint, hint... check out my fundraising personal page or go to the AIDS Walk Boston 2008 website.

What are the Issues? There's a lot more to it then science, medicine and education. Politics are always screwing things up. Read up on the different issues that the AAC faces.

Thank you for those who donate and to everyone who took the time to read this entry.

Danny Federici of E Street Band

For 40 years, Danny Federici has been the organist, keyboardist and more famously the accordion player (listen to Sandy) of the E. Street Band with Bruce Springsteen. Sadly, Federici has lost his three year battle with Melanoma on Thursday. He was only 58. Back in November, Danny took a hiatus from the band for treatment. The band went on to Europe and has recently returned to play in Canada and the States. He joined the band for a special rendition of "Sandy" on March 20th in Indianapolis. This is the video from the show found on the official website of Bruce Springsteen. It's a very sad version considering his death only a few weeks later. My condolences to his family and the band.

On a lighter note. I read this on the website. I will be looking for this guy on Monday running the marathon. Good luck, Mark!

My name is Mark Burns. After years of trying, I've qualified for the Boston marathon, and will be running it on April 21st. Bruce and the Band playing on my iPod have gotten me through many long miles and early mornings of training. It seemed obvious to me that "Long Time Comin'" had to be my theme for the marathon, so I quoted it on my race jersey. I couldn't believe my luck (or was it karma?) when I heard Bruce and the Band would be playing in Orlando (my home town) 2 nights before the race. My wife Dale and I got seats on the floor and planned on partying at the concert Saturday night. I'd be leaving at 6:45 the next morning for Boston.
Now I just heard the tragic news that Danny Federici has passed away. Instead of running with the memory of another great show, I'll be thinking of Danny as I run the race on Monday. I'm still wearing the jersey, but the Japanese running quote I had included seems more appropriate than the song lyrics I picked. The translation of the writing on the shirt is "Fall down 7 times, get up 8 times". I know Bruce and the band must feel that they've been knocked down, but I have no doubts they'll get up again.
My sincerest sympathies to Danny's family and friends.
Mark Burns

I love Bruce fans!

Let's hope she does not procreate

Amy Winehouse was seen holding a friends baby. Something is wrong with this picture, maybe it's because she's knocking back a shot while holding the baby.

Courtesy of The Superficial... because you're ugly.

Admit it, you're going...

NKOTB (The New Kids on the Block) are going on tour. I will admit it, I will be there. I LOVED the New Kids back in the day and they are looking pretty good. Even Jordan, who looks like he finally left Big City in Allston to get together with the gang. Donnie has left the bad ass look (leather jacket, bandanna) for the suave Hollywood look. Not bad guys.

Here's the Kids... er? The men, on Friday's the Today Show.



I think they'e drunk here...

Red Sox Scouting Report 2008

It's 2008 and the new Sox season is almost upon us. Usually I report on the "best"** new Sox players during Spring Training but I've had a little late start. The active roster isn't much different from last year's therefore, I've taken a look at the 40-man roster to see just who may or may not make the 2008 cut. I really haven't seen too many new guys that I like but here are a few I think I might watch out for...
**By "best" I mean the best looking.


David Aardsma (53) Pitcher
Full Name: David Allan Aardsma
Born: 12/27/1981
Birthplace: Denver, CO
Height: 6'4" Weight: 205
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
College: Rice
MLB Debut: 04/06/2004

This guy's roster photo isn't very pleasing but I searched around and found the second one. I think he could be a looker.


David Pauley (62) Pitcher
Full Name: David Wayne Pauley
Born: 06/17/1983
Birthplace: Longmont, CO
Height: 6'2" Weight: 210
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
College: N/A
MLB Debut: 05/31/2006
Same deal with this guy. His roster photo is "not so much" but from all the action photos I've seen he's got the greatest little dimples.


Jonathan Van Every (78) CF
Full Name: Jonathan Eugene Van Every
Born: 11/27/1979
Birthplace: Brandon, MS
Height: 6'1" Weight: 190
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
College: Itawamba CC, MS
MLB Debut: ---
Me likies this one... I hope they bring him up from the minors often, he could rival my fave Mikey Lowell... nah, there will always be a lot more to love about Lowell. But I could venture down to Pawtucket for a few games.



Ok and now from my obligatory photos: (I seem to have a thing for Mikes)

TIMLIN!
I love a man who can wear camo...
MIKEY!! Yummy

BLOGGER'S NOTE: In no way is this entry serious. I am merely acting as a typical female rather than a real Red Sox fan by pointing out the good-looking baseball players. If this was actually a true Red Sox Scouting Report, it would not be on my blog.