tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20265461918064297982011-12-13T19:54:04.272-06:00The ClownVision ChroniclesJust some random rantings, ravings, and the occasional profundity.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.comBlogger18641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-58359476571428382712010-07-06T22:12:00.002-05:002010-07-06T22:29:05.140-05:00Some MusingsMy youngest niece turned five a couple of weeks ago. My nephew will be 10 in September. My middle niece is eight. I can't believe how old they're getting, or how old I'm getting. I still remember the day my nephew was born, and how I rushed to the hospital from Enron Field after I worked an Astros game to see him for the first time. And I remember driving up to Austin the weekend the John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-35467361096961726192010-06-21T23:12:00.003-05:002010-06-21T23:17:03.454-05:00Looking For A New ApartmentWanted: One apartment, reasonable rent.Renter: Me.Reason: my lease is up and they're jacking the already unreasonable rent up another $100. So as much as I love my apartment and the location and the ease to which I can get anywhere in the entire city of Houston from here, I'm going to have to leave. So if anybody should know of anything in the city, let me know. Preferably in the midtown, John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-13477745168826115822010-06-15T22:00:00.002-05:002010-06-15T22:08:35.447-05:00Dear Workout DudeI just wanted to thank you for coming to my apartment's workout room today. Sure, it was my first time to use it in a long while, but you reminded me of why I hated using it. Never mind that there were already three of there, and that we had the TV tuned to the MLB Network. You took it upon yourself to turn it to World Cup, and since we were in the middle of workouts on the treadmills, it John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-74004065196260552042010-06-08T21:58:00.005-05:002010-06-08T22:13:05.712-05:00And In The EndHouston is an ugly city. I'm a native. I can say that. It's got a beautiful skyline, but the land is flat and built on a swamp. There's just no there, there. But there is one really beautiful spot in the city. That's the Hermann Park/Rice University area. It's covered with green trees, and park space, and if you're standing in the right spot in a building, you can look over this and to the John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-6305217775045967022010-06-05T17:48:00.002-05:002010-06-05T17:52:31.626-05:00What Scares Me NowThe more that I watch Rice's Anthony Rendon play, the more worried I get that the Astros are going to go on a spurt into full-fledged mediocrity. I'm worried because that means they'll climb in the standings, and instead of being in line for the number one pick in next year's amateur draft, they'll fall around nine, like they are this year. Because there's no way that Rendon, a slick-fielding John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-13589972037682409542010-06-01T20:20:00.003-05:002010-06-01T20:25:37.566-05:00To Remain Silent, You Must First Speak, Huh?Let me see if I understand this correctly. Under the Supreme Court's Miranda decision from the late-1960s, you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used against in a court of law. But now, according to the Supreme Court, in order to remain silent, you must first speak and say that you're remaining silent.Am I the only one, besides the dissent on this ruling, John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-58143438768492928582010-06-01T19:52:00.003-05:002010-06-01T19:54:21.653-05:00Happy Hurricane SeasonSince today is the first day of hurricane season, I just thought that I wish all of us here in the States and any place that can be impacted by a hurricane a very happy hurricane season.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-82762537122990965292010-05-31T01:13:00.001-05:002010-05-31T01:15:13.541-05:00Hannah Does AvrilMy niece Hannah is a huge Avril Lavigne fan. So my sister-in-law did this video of her signing one of Avril's songs. The audio's hard to hear, but I wanted to show off my niece. And seeing has my sister-in-law is the one who posted this on YouTube, I don't think she'll mind my putting it here for you to watch.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-61206789258981052392010-05-30T14:29:00.002-05:002010-05-30T14:33:56.237-05:00Logan's Re-RunI read the other day that they're remaking Logan's Run, a cult sci-fi movie from the mid-70s. And I have to ask: why? Can't they come up with some kind of original sci-fi movie to make? Logan's Run isn't the greatest movie ever made. I've seen it several times, and it's rather enjoyable, but there's nothing screaming remake. And I've not seen any sci-fi fanbase demanding that this movie be remadeJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-17305900785127941232010-05-26T16:53:00.003-05:002010-05-26T17:09:00.426-05:00The Astros Draft -- Preparing To Screw It Up AgainSo, even with the Astros having a nice draft position this season -- because of their suckiness last season -- it's still looking like they are going to screw things up. From MLB Fanhouse comes this scouting report on their projected pick, Arkansas 3B Zack Cox:"Not only is this a fit because Houston has been on Cox heavily all spring, but it's also a match because the Astros are a team that has John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-6770484422060423502010-05-21T18:07:00.001-05:002010-05-21T18:08:58.014-05:00And Now The Trade DemandSo Roy Oswalt has officially demanded a trade. I would feel really good about this -- the Astros need prospects after all -- but Ed Wade is the GM. So I expect to see him traded to the Phillies for a benchwarmer.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-72699894736930807322010-05-20T07:57:00.002-05:002010-05-20T08:11:53.538-05:00Just A Word To Say HelloIt's been awhile since I've really blogged anything, so while I'm getting my car looked at, I thought I would take advantage of the free wireless to check in. So how is everybody? I thought I would throw some stuff out via one of my favorite methods...a list.1. My car air conditioning decided to go out, just as it's beginning to get really hot and muggy in Houston. There's one necessity you John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-78084376463707173872010-05-16T17:59:00.001-05:002010-05-16T18:00:03.723-05:00Great Day?I think I worked for this guy.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-9197003644717960532010-05-15T16:19:00.003-05:002010-05-15T16:22:45.267-05:00What Did They Do?I couldn't help but notice that the Astros and Giants are a nationally televised game on Fox Sports today. And I can't help but wonder, just what is that the rest of the nation did to be punished by having to watch the Astros? It's bad enough that we've got to watch them in Houston, but what did the rest of the country do? And does this mean that the Kansas City Royals are soon to be a John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-53657462814520830712010-05-09T02:35:00.004-05:002010-05-09T02:43:22.690-05:00Let It Be AlreadyI read the other day that Liam Gallagher, ex-front man of Oasis, has optioned the rights to a book about the last days of The Beatles in hopes of making it a movie -- he's supposedly working with British director/producer Michael Winterbottom. That's all fine and dandy. I'm a Beatles fan, and info on the band fascinates me. But...If someone wants to really do a film on the band breaking up, well,John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-39345262759211612722010-05-08T17:09:00.002-05:002010-05-08T17:14:05.796-05:00Just A Moment To Say HelloJust checking in. I've been busy -- still got the temp job -- and I've been dealing with some other things. I'm still writing my stuff for the mothership every day, though, so keep reading over there.I'll try to see if I can get some stuff up here over the rest of the weekend. But no promises.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-23605996565400659792010-04-26T06:32:00.002-05:002010-05-09T02:42:55.583-05:00I'm Going To WichitaHere's a little something that should get the week going with a bang. I tell my friends that, if I should ever get a chance to bat in the major leagues, this is the song I want playing as I walk up to the plate.So here's The White Stripes with "Seven Nation Army."John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-77440687429971724122010-04-25T23:08:00.002-05:002010-04-25T23:22:50.915-05:00No Parking Means No ParkingMaybe this is just one of those things that bothers me, but...I get to park, for free, in a parking garage with covered access for my current temp job. I'm thankful for that because parking can be expensive in Houston. Very expensive. Which is somewhat surprising considering all of the damn parking lots we have instead of parks or green space in this city. But that's not my complaint. This John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-67882947944880648922010-04-25T00:47:00.002-05:002010-04-25T00:50:00.313-05:00There Goes My HeroI've never understood why relief pitchers don't use this song as their music when they come trotting in from the bullpen. I remember that one time, when Billy Wagner was still with the Astros, and he was having a down period, that he asked the music guy to stop using "Enter Sandman," which had been Wagner's song since he joined the Astros, and get something else, I suggested "My Hero." I was John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-64350559032587813302010-04-25T00:28:00.002-05:002010-04-25T00:33:34.861-05:00HowdySorry. I don't have anything to say. But I thought I owed you, what few readers I still have, a blog post. I'm working another temp job -- starting week three. I'm hoping it lasts a few weeks, hopefully to the end of the month, because I really need the money -- zero dollars in the checking accounts is quickly approaching, and well, I don't think I can get any money selling my body on the John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-35547145353483593152010-04-18T22:30:00.004-05:002010-04-18T22:35:02.018-05:00Uh, This Is Houston, Not FloridaSo how much did Tim Tebow pay Channel 13 for the valuable time on the sportscast in which he got to give his standard anti-choice message without actually agreeing to speak to the media and in which he refused to answer any questions about sports, football, or his possible career? After all, couldn't that valuable time in the sportscast have actually been used for something involving sports? ItJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-21865766431485409232010-04-17T11:57:00.000-05:002010-04-17T11:57:24.592-05:00The Astros and The Big SuckBefore I get to what's really bugging me about the Astros today, I need to address the latest blog from Richard Justice in which said Justice suggests that the Astros and Drayton McLane should be forgiven because they do what's right in the community. Then he gives a listing of the community activities that will be done by the team when the Astros return home from Chicago.What bothers me about John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-36443756424421205862010-04-16T01:00:00.003-05:002010-04-16T01:02:25.792-05:00Can I Have Another...I should have been in a bed an hour or so ago, new temp job and everything. But today, a Crowded House song popped up on my iPod shuffle, and for the past hour or so, I've been playing around on YouTube, watching Crowded House videos.So here's one of my favorite Crowded House songs, and videos, "Chocolate Cake."John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-4906296163710872302010-04-10T16:47:00.003-05:002010-04-10T16:55:30.879-05:00So It Was All Morgan Ensberg's Fault (No, Not Really)I've been catching up on some blog reading, including Morgan Ensberg's fantastic blog. If you're not reading his work, you're really missing a great read. I linked to his Jeff Bagwell story the other day. Now I'm linking to something even better.This is about the epic Albert Pujols NLCS Game Five HR that ruined Brad Lidge's career in Houston. And why does this homer happen? It's because John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-10981445260913222722010-04-10T15:43:00.003-05:002010-04-10T15:50:10.455-05:00The Big SuckThrough the tweets, I learn that Jason Michaels is starting in place of Michael Bourn for the Astros today. And Alyson Footer tells me that it's not because Bourn is injured, but because Michaels needs to play.And I ask: why the fuck does Michaels need to play? Bourn's your best defender. He can do more on base than any other Astro. Did I mention that Carlos Lee is in the lineup, which meansJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-45243090598331748252010-04-10T12:39:00.004-05:002010-04-10T12:46:19.567-05:00Jeff Bagwell Joins The TV BoothJeff Bagwell is joining the Houston Astros TV broadcast crew tonight. For the rest of the season, he'll be in the booth for every Saturday home game.I'm interested to see what Bagwell has to say. He always seemed to be a real intelligent player, so I'm hoping he can really get us into the thinking process of an at bat, or of fielding a position. Of course, he's working in a booth with Jim John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-43643741629214685682010-04-10T00:22:00.003-05:002010-04-10T00:34:03.081-05:00The Runaways -- A Brief Movie ReviewWith nothing better to do today -- I don't go back to work until late next week -- I went to the movies. There's not much out there showing that I'm interested in, at the moment. Maybe later I'll do up a post on some recent films I saw that I really liked, but I digress.So today I went to see The Runaways, the biopic of the 70s all-girl rock bank formed by Joan Jett. The movie, like most biopics,John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-25258979879992812472010-04-08T15:56:00.003-05:002010-04-08T16:13:20.755-05:00The Greatness of Jeff BagwellA couple of hours ago, I had no clue of what I was going to write for the mothership. Then I was stuck by inspiration, wrote 800 words, filed my story, and started surfing the internet and catching up on Twitter. Which is where I found a blog post, written by former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, on the greatness of Jeff Bagwell.So my readers, you will be extra lucky as I just have to writeJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-20717678012949268802010-04-06T13:47:00.004-05:002010-04-06T14:20:38.475-05:00Some Notes From Opening Day At Minute Maid ParkSo I went to Opening Day yesterday, Astros hosting the Giants. Supposedly, last night's crowd was a record for largest opening crowd in MMP history. That's kind of funny considering the large number of empty seats I saw in the upper decks. And seeing as how I was at the game, I took some notes.1. Houston needs to grow something besides country music singers. Seriously, I'm really tired of how John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-6443254644523725632010-04-06T13:08:00.002-05:002010-04-06T13:10:49.906-05:00Watch Out, There's A Monster ComingSo I ask, once again, why aren't you watching Craig Ferguson? But when the Robot Skeleton Army invades the country, I know that I'll be with them.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-70698180693899081642010-04-05T12:39:00.005-05:002010-04-05T12:59:12.919-05:00Lazing On A Sunny AfternoonExcuse me blogging world, for it has been one week since I last blogged. That said, it's not like I really have a lot to blog about -- you may commence with your "that's never stopped you before" wisecracks in three, two, one...Actually, there's not much going on in clown world. I'm still unemployed. I've been on the waiting list for a temporary document review since the start of last week. It John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-75538874888791241932010-03-29T16:53:00.002-05:002010-03-29T16:56:55.286-05:00About That Spam FilterDear Yahoo!:I think that your spam filter software is broken and in need of repair. I say this because an awful lot of spam has been coming through and into my regular mail today, and it's bugging me.It's bugging me because I don't need Viagra. I already know my credit score, and I've been keeping track of it on my own for years. I like all of those lotteries that I'm supposedly winning, but IJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-23850252791274029292010-03-29T14:40:00.003-05:002010-03-29T14:47:54.242-05:00So Roy, Just What Is The Problem, Exactly?Now maybe it's just me -- and it probably is -- but when I read that Roy Oswalt left his start last Friday do a problem with his hamstring, which he said that wasn't serious, but which the team instead sent him to Houston to be checked out, I start to get a little suspicious. Then when I read that today he received an injection in his back to deal with a bulging disc he's been having problems John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-10130748808250387172010-03-27T16:09:00.002-05:002010-03-27T16:24:50.227-05:00Dear Mack Rhoades: Just Say NoI'm hoping to expand on this in the mothership next week, but until then...The Chron is reporting that the two primary candidates to take over for Tom Penders as the head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball program are Billy Gillispie and Tim Floyd. Each man has some issues associated with him -- Gillispie clashed with Kentucky alumni and boosters and has had some problems with John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-10587101487997597562010-03-23T22:06:00.004-05:002010-03-23T22:19:20.935-05:00Dear Richard Justice: Go F*** YourselfSo I just read the latest "masterpiece" from Richard Justice. This one on just how awful and mediocre Tom Penders was as coach of the Houston Cougars. And he repeats some of the same crap I've been reading over the season. Juco players. Lack of local talent. No signature wins. Sorry attendance. Blah. Blah. Blah.Some of what he writes is accurate, but...Where the fuck has this asshole John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-68841188927687907712010-03-23T14:23:00.005-05:002010-03-23T14:39:33.591-05:00Just Some Updates On NothingnessSo I thought I kind of owed all of you a blog post. So this is it...Okay, I've actually got nothing to say. I'm sitting in Hooters, watching ESPN and the girls in the tight orange shorts, and I'm taking advantage of the free wifi. I just wrote a story for the mothership that will post tomorrow -- Aeros fans might, or might not, like it. Same for the players. I'm doing a little research at the John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-73875056215051379802010-03-18T21:12:00.002-05:002010-03-18T21:16:14.078-05:00Dead End StreetWell, I'm an unemployed loser, yet again. So I thought a song would be appropriate. I've been big on The Beatles lately. And I've been listening non-stop to side two of Abbey Road because it's impossible to be in a sad mood when listening to side two of Abbey Road, but I there's a song from The Kinks which I think really fits the mood.So here's The Kinks and "Dead End Street."And no, I don't knowJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-90949088496791927832010-03-14T15:22:00.003-05:002010-03-14T15:47:23.659-05:00Some Random Sunday Observations.Time for a little Sunday blogging...My friend David asked me today why it is that I haven't been blogging more. Of course, he asks me this as I'm taking him on a one-day walking tour of Amsterdam. I haven't blogged the past couple of days because I've been traveling. Then I've been working. And I've been writing for the mothership. It's hard to find the time.I'm in Amsterdam for the weekend. I goJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-9412067532670544812010-03-07T12:43:00.004-06:002010-03-07T13:59:36.855-06:0025 Random Thoughts From The Houston College ClassicI've been out at Minute Maid Park covering the 10th edition of the Houston College Classic for the mothership this weekend. Six college baseball teams playing nine games, each playing three games in three days. This year's teams are the Houston Cougars, the Rice Owls, Texas Longhorns, TCU Horned Frogs, Missouri Tigers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders. The baseball, for the most part, has been John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-5088691135527796382010-03-01T21:05:00.003-06:002010-03-01T21:11:34.435-06:00I'm Going The DistanceThanks to Chuck, I hear Cake's "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" every week -- that's the song they play as part of the opening credit sequence. But listening to my iPod on shuffle today, I stumbled across a Cake song I haven't heard in ages, and it's their first hit, "The Distance."So enjoy.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-12632548498596804182010-02-28T14:30:00.002-06:002010-02-28T14:51:03.608-06:00Just A Stop In To Say HelloHi folks. Just thought I would check in. Right now, I'm sitting front row, press box, at Cougar Field as the Houston Cougars take on the Santa Clara Broncos in the third game of a three game series. You guys know how much I love baseball, right? So I couldn't be happier than to be where I'm at, right now. And it's a great day for baseball. The sky is a high, cloudless blue. Game time temp John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-81679932139457881732010-02-20T18:12:00.003-06:002010-02-20T18:15:34.563-06:00Uncle Drayton Gives The Fans The FingerSo I've taken today off and I've been getting some errands done. But now it's time for work, again. And I'm up at Cougar Field for some baseball action between the University of Houston and Texas State. But I'm surfing the web, and I just noticed that Drayton McLane just gave a big FUCK YOU to all Houston Astros fans.He just gave Ed Wade a contract extension until 2012. Someone, anyone...John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-60969980202306654112010-02-14T22:18:00.003-06:002010-02-14T22:20:21.597-06:00Just A Simple QuestionJust a question: Why is Channel 2 wasting valuable news resources by doing a story on Ted Haggard? If I want to watch religious idiots, I'll just turn on Dr. Ed Young on Sunday mornings.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-74205991396971542922010-02-13T15:38:00.003-06:002010-02-13T15:48:13.215-06:00Questioning The Priorties At The Houston Chronicle Yet AgainDear Houston Chronicle:Hi, it's me, John, and excuse me again while I question your priorities.You laid off numerous writers, reporters, editors, and support staff last March. You've got just one beat reporter covering the Astros, the Rockets, and the Texans (and he likes to take time off to go film movies during the season). And you won't even send your Houston Cougar beat reporter on the roadJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-41476368577044782242010-02-12T23:06:00.003-06:002010-02-12T23:22:15.306-06:00Friday Musings: The Trapped EditionJust a few musings to end the week.1. I'm working at a site with supposedly 150 other adults -- about 75 men and 75 women. The men's room has one stall and one urinal. The women's room has two stalls. Now for the "adult part." Guys, act your damn age. If you're having to use the stall, don't piss on the fucking floor or the fucking seat. If you do piss on the seat, then wipe it up. And if you do John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-46606367193996551742010-02-08T23:51:00.004-06:002010-02-08T23:57:35.370-06:00I Could Use Some Little BribesAnother crappy day in clown land. More computer problems and glitches and stupid solutions that didn't work. And I'm a bit angry with the mothership at this moment -- apparently I'm supposed to push myself beyond exhaustion, not that it matters because I'm just too damned tired to write them anything for tomorrow.Oh well, here's a song I found myself listening to quite a bit today. I shouldn't John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-86353437025223355432010-02-07T22:02:00.004-06:002010-02-07T22:04:17.494-06:00Oprah-Dave-Jay Together Again For The First TimeI thought the ads in this Super Bowl were awful. Except for one. And the ending totally caught me by surprise.Bravo to all involved.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-53217194595230690142010-02-07T21:35:00.005-06:002010-02-07T21:42:27.626-06:00According To The Chron, What The Saints Just Did Should Be ImpossibleWell according to the idiots over at the Chron, what the Saints just did tonight shouldn't have happened. After all, Saints coach Sean Payton is only in his fourth season as a head coach, and coaches aren't supposed to be able to get teams in the playoffs after four seasons. In fact, according to these morons, coaches who can't get teams into the playoffs after four seasons deserve contract John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-23015586174640116982010-02-07T16:31:00.002-06:002010-02-07T16:34:35.035-06:00Not An AddictI've been under a lot of stress on this temp job -- long hours, no sleep, "malfunctioning" servers, etc. When I'm working and under stress, I usually find some song and just put it on repeat. Usually, it's The Beatles, but this past week, my iPod was on shuffle and it hit on this song from the mid-90s. "Not An Addict" by K's Choice, which frankly, I forgot was even on my iPod.Let's just say John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-66340064100128559772010-02-07T14:33:00.003-06:002010-02-07T15:07:35.746-06:00Some Random ThoughtsSome miscellaneous random thoughts on a Sunday afternoon...1. Sorry I've been away. This temp job is kicking my ass. I work 11-12 hours a day, then throw in the commute time, and I'm gone from home about 13-14 hours a day. But I still have to write for the mothership, and by the time I'm done with that, I just want to sleep.2. Conference USA is making me hate college basketball. When I'm John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-62563318442291160392010-01-17T18:41:00.000-06:002010-01-17T18:41:00.467-06:00Wait A Minute, Timmy Tebow Gets A Commerical, But Not PETA?So I see that little Timmy Tebow and his mommy are starring in a Super Bowl commercial for Focus On The Family, one of our finer homophobic anti-choice institutions. And Timmy can do whatever the hell he wants -- I wonder if he cries in it -- but I'm curious about just why it is that this advertisement -- which appears to be an anti-choice one -- gets to air on television during the Super Bowl?InJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-43417351545823883662010-01-17T16:21:00.003-06:002010-01-17T16:34:23.435-06:00A Funny Thing Happened While At The OfficeSo here's an interesting story...I'm working at the new temp job on Friday -- my second day. And we have to work a minimum of 11 hours a day at the facility on the weekdays until the end of February, and you get to take a half-hour off during that time for lunch. So I'm getting my bearings when I get this call on my cell from some guy claiming to be a reporter at Channel 11 in Houston, asking John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-87422075936900437312010-01-12T19:00:00.002-06:002010-01-12T19:15:20.759-06:00Jay Leno Kills AgainI'm not the biggest Jay Leno fan. Neither was Johnny Carson. One of the reasons that Carson quit The Tonight Show when he did was that Leno was going behind his back and trying to get the show from him, so Carson decided to go out on his own terms. And one of his desired terms was that his protege, David Letterman, would get the show instead of Leno.Leno, who had at one time claimed to be friendsJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-54244937903423544112010-01-11T19:23:00.000-06:002010-01-11T19:49:33.671-06:0025 Random Musings From A Day Of Unexpected UnemploymentI was supposed to work today. Long story short: I was called in for an emergency job that was to last three weeks. I was going to work six a.m. to 2:30 p.m. six days a week. I worked yesterday -- there was no heat. I woke at five this morning. Couldn't get into the building because the security guard wasn't around. Then got up to the office at 6:00 to find it locked. Then slowly my fellowJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-18752509593005750482010-01-08T17:15:00.004-06:002010-01-08T17:22:58.154-06:00Where Have All The Sea Lions Gone?I just saw a story that the sea lions have disappeared from San Francisco. That's kind of disappointing. I'm not a kid, obviously, but whenever I went to San Francisco, one of my favorite things was to make the walk to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 and just spend an hour or so watching the sea lions.There's plenty of other things to do in San Francisco, of course, and I can't wait to get back John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-60773922675414232162010-01-08T15:57:00.003-06:002010-01-08T16:02:58.940-06:00EPIC FAIL = Houston Chronicle Once AgainMLB.com's Brian McTaggart is currently tweeting that the Astros have reached a deal with free agent pitcher Brett Myers, formerly with the Philadelphia Phillies. An interesting item to note is that, as of write now -- 3:59 p.m. -- the sports page of Houston's so-called leading info source more closely resembles the sports page of the Austin American-Statesman as it's all UT Longhorns, all the John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-72336265170588157502010-01-06T17:36:00.001-06:002010-01-06T17:36:00.131-06:00Well, If It Works For The Rev. RickSo I'm temporarily un-temporarily employed again. Which means that I need a way to make some money. And I think I've found that way, and it's a purpose driven way, and I want to thank Pastor Rick Warren, for it's Warren latest scam that has clued me on what to do.For those who missed it, right around New Year's, Warren issued a plea to his follower's in which he pleaded for $900,000 to overcome aJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-38002073742262002532010-01-06T13:09:00.003-06:002010-01-06T13:17:53.680-06:00The Baseball Writers Screw Up Their Hall of Fame Votes Yet AgainWell, I can't wait to see how the idiots who vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame explain themselves this time. The only person inducted was Andre Dawson, and he just barely got in. For some reason, Roberto Alomar and Barry Larkin -- not only two of the best players of the 1990s, but also among the greatest ever at their position -- did not get enough votes. You've got to wonder, sometimes, if John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-78540725965163835152010-01-06T12:30:00.003-06:002010-01-06T12:37:24.754-06:00Why Dale Murphy Deserves To Be In The Baseball Hall of FameThe Baseball Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in about 30 minutes. And I know that my favorite player as a kid, and one that I've been pushing for the Hall for a long time, is not going to get in, again. That player is Dale Murphy who had the misfortune of spending most of his career on one of the worst teams in baseball, the 1980s-era Atlanta Braves. When the Chron's Jesus Ortiz let meJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-20690346120197912972010-01-06T11:36:00.005-06:002010-01-06T11:55:19.844-06:00Musings On The Electricity of The Big UnitSo Randy Johnson retired yesterday. I'll let others discuss the greatness of this tall, skinny lefty who won 303 games, threw 4,875 strikeouts (2nd only to Nolan Ryan's 5,714), won five Cy Youngs, tossed two no-hitters (one a perfect game), and completed 100 games. I think he's one of the best to ever play -- better than the Rocket -- but I want to discuss something else.I want to discuss those John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-43980649771717230342010-01-05T10:52:00.003-06:002010-01-05T11:00:51.175-06:00Did You Work For The Denver Broncos: Then Come On DownIt appears that "boy genius" Kyle Shanahan is leaving the Texans to go work for his daddy in Washington. Which has started the search for another offensive coordinator in Houston. According to the Chron, the names at the top of the list are former Oiler Hall of Famer Mike Munchak, Broncos offensive line coach Rick Dennison, Falcons QB coach Bill Musgrave, and Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-2844113828211829722010-01-04T21:37:00.004-06:002010-01-04T22:00:25.373-06:00Up In The Air Soars To The Top I've been meaning to write about Up In The Air since seeing the movie last week. I've actually put together a list of the best movies of the year, which I've been meaning to write, but haven't yet, and this movie is at the absolute top of the list.There has been much written about this movie by the paid critics, but I just wanted to add my two cents for what that's worth -- which is probably John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-86888644172198262092010-01-03T11:22:00.004-06:002010-01-03T11:35:35.745-06:00Another Mediocre Texans Season: Mission AccomplishedThe Chron tells us today that the Texans are playing for the pride of a historic season -- a historic season meaning that the team actually gets a winning record. So earlier this season, against Seattle, they played to save Gary Kubiak's job. And now they're playing for the chance to get a 9-7 record. (And maybe it's just me, but the talk is that the Patriots starters will only play a couple John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-13492825703963434522010-01-01T06:27:00.000-06:002010-01-01T06:27:00.444-06:00New Year's DayBeing as it's New Year's Day, I thought a song/video would be appropriate. So here's U2 with "New Year's Day."And is it just me, or does The Edge look to be about 14 or 15 in this performance?John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-39776105922968955942009-12-31T23:07:00.003-06:002009-12-31T23:15:29.613-06:00I'm Still Standing, 2009! You Didn't Win!For those of you offended by obscene language, then don't even bother reading further.As I write this, it's still 2009. For about 53 more minutes. And all that I want to say is good fucking riddance you miserable fucking dung-heap of a year. For you see, despite your best efforts, I'm still here. I'm broken. I've had the fucking crap beat out of me on multiple occasions. I spent most of the year John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-5047296452365514692009-12-29T17:58:00.004-06:002009-12-29T18:06:09.235-06:00Getting An Incentive To FlyI've been getting all of these tweets and emails from Continental Airlines all day, just talking about these new, great, extremely low prices to Europe and other points overseas. I can't help but wonder if this has anything to do with events last week, and all of the cowards who are too afraid to fly unless there's a guy with a gun at the security checkpoint and all funny-looking people are not John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-85020248747939262362009-12-29T14:38:00.004-06:002009-12-29T18:06:48.875-06:00The Disappointing Spectacle Of Spectacle. Elvis Costello With...So since I'm unexpectedly unemployed again -- the job was supposed to last another three weeks -- I found myself with nothing to do today. I thought of going to the movies, but I think I'll do that tomorrow. So I clicked on the TV and spent my time catching up on the episodes of Spectacle. Elvis Costello with... on the Sundance channel. And I've got to say, for the most part, I'm disappointed John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-47656749821271620332009-12-29T13:41:00.004-06:002009-12-29T14:05:08.167-06:00Some Miscellaneous Thoughts on Football and Sports RadioSo I've been listening to Houston sports talk radio lately -- which I shouldn't do -- and I've got a couple of complaints/comments.First, one of the throats on 610 yesterday was making fun of the Dolphins for playing a Jimmy Buffett song whenever the team did anything good on Sunday. He forgot to note that Buffett is one of the minority owners, so the song might be played on team orders. He John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-25742285756373468802009-12-28T18:53:00.002-06:002009-12-28T18:54:22.220-06:00I'm A LoserWell, I'm out of work again. So officially to cement my loser status, here's The Beatles.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-22052817708850696762009-12-27T12:21:00.003-06:002009-12-27T12:37:42.839-06:00Agreeing With A TrumpIt's being reported that Ivana Trump was removed from a flight yesterday. Now I'm not normally sympathetic to any of the Trumps, but the story is that she was kind of pissed that a bunch of unruly kids were running up and down the plane and she wanted something done about that, then she became upset when nothing was done.What I would like to know is why the brats and their parents weren't removedJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-15836442899507561812009-12-26T18:17:00.004-06:002009-12-26T18:22:21.960-06:00Christmas Wishes Do Come True, Kind OfChristmas wishes do come true. I asked for Zooey Deschanel for Christmas, and I got Zooey Deschanel for Christmas.Of course, I got (500) Days of Summer, which stars Zooey Deschanel, instead of getting Zooey Deschanel. That just means that next year I've got to be more specific when I make my Christmas gifts wishes, and ask for the real person and not a movie starring that person.Oh well. Lesson John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-66306406393948979052009-12-25T06:41:00.000-06:002009-12-25T06:41:00.560-06:00A Little Christmas Gift For A Good FriendThis is just a little gift for a friend of mine. I won't mention his name because I don't want to embarrass him, but I happen to know he lusts after Scarlett like I lust after Ashley and Zooey.So, Merry Christmas.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-23341869744220748342009-12-25T01:46:00.001-06:002009-12-25T01:46:00.237-06:00Father Christmas, Give Us Some MoneyAnd for Christmas, here is my all-time favorite Christmas Song. The Kinks doing "Father Christmas." And I've got to agree with Ray Davies..."Father Christmas, give us some money...give all the toys to the little rich boys." (And yes, I know the video sucks, but it's the best I could find.)John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-45191901604450583152009-12-25T00:02:00.003-06:002009-12-25T00:25:01.653-06:00Blinded By The Blind SideI finally got around to seeing The Blind Side. I wish I wouldn't have.The movie's okay -- it's touches every movie-of-the-week element there is to touch. And it's got a good heaping dose of The White Man coming to save the poor uneducated black man who don't know no better. But here's my main problem with the movie, this is based on a book by Michael Lewis. A non-fiction book. And the book John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-85928157532723296902009-12-24T17:14:00.000-06:002009-12-24T17:14:00.508-06:00So This Is ChristmasSo here is another of my favorite Christmas songs, and like the one I played earlier from The Pretenders, it's not the conventional Christmas song. But I don't think John Lennon was aiming for conventional.So here's John Lennon with "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John LennonUploaded by leila_taiwan. - Have a look at more lifestyle videos.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-86239578067236886742009-12-24T11:43:00.000-06:002009-12-24T11:43:00.310-06:00Maybe McClain Needs To Go Make Another MovieSomebody, anybody...help me out here...The Chron's so-called NFL writer, John McClain does his power rankings of all 32 NFL teams each week. This week, he's got the 7-7 Pittsburgh Steelers at number 14 and the 7-7 Tennessee Titans at number 15. He's got the Steelers ranked the highest of all of the 7-7 teams because he liked how they came back to defeat Green Bay last Sunday. That's nice, I John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-50029579692981200132009-12-24T06:54:00.000-06:002009-12-24T06:54:00.290-06:00It Must Be Christmas TimeSo I've been playing some Christmas songs over the past couple of weeks, and it's all been building up to my favorites. I'll play my very favorite tomorrow for Christmas, but to start off today, here's The Pretenders with "2000 Miles."John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-17980498963595695022009-12-23T20:58:00.000-06:002009-12-23T20:58:00.150-06:00Let The Implosion BeginSeriously, is anybody out there really surprised that Brett Favre and Brad Childress aren't getting along in Minnesota? Is anybody out there really shocked that Favre thinks everything should revolve around him and not around the head coach?Apparently, Favre thinks he should be allowed to do whatever the hell he wants to do on the field, whenever the hell he wants to do it, and Childress actuallyJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-19450330874665896822009-12-23T18:28:00.002-06:002009-12-23T18:41:30.633-06:00Some Quick Musings On A Year Just PastIt's about half an hour before the UH Cougars tip off against the TCU Horned Frogs. I'm at my near courtside press seat just taking things in and eating my free sandwich from Chick-Fil-A. I don't have to file a game story tomorrow -- I've got a Texans thing all set for Thursday and an Astros thing all set for Friday -- so this is just more of a watch the team so I can things up to date in my John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-63035862305540712832009-12-23T06:06:00.000-06:002009-12-23T06:06:02.578-06:00A Change Can Do You GoodRichard Justice has some more of his standard nonsense over at his blog, but this time, I just couldn't let it go without addressing it. Because, as Justice says, we might regret it if Drayton sells the team. We might never get a better owner than Drayton.You know what? He's right. We might never get a better owner. But we might get an owner who is everything that Drayton isn't. We might getJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-25469129781042052702009-12-22T23:49:00.003-06:002009-12-22T23:57:15.924-06:00It's Me, Joda -- A RecommendationHey folks, I don't normally do this, but I'm linking to a new blog over on the side, and I hope you'll go over and give it a look. It's called "It's Me, Joda" and it's a brand new blog created by an old friend of mine, Joda. We go back, way back. Way further back than either of us probably care to admit -- yep, kindergarten. I don't normally plug the blogs I link to, but Joda's an old friend, John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-60525927762280335812009-12-20T13:13:00.000-06:002009-12-20T13:13:31.012-06:00So Why Is This A Bad Thing, Exactly?Could somebody help me out here? The Chron has gone into full-blown desperation-type panic that the Texans are going to lose offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and line coach Alex Gibbs once the season ends. And I don't get it.I keep hearing about this explosive offense that Shanahan is commanding, but I never see it. Oh sure, the Texans scored a bunch of points in the first quarter against John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-24379971385013923772009-12-19T15:20:00.000-06:002009-12-19T15:20:00.218-06:00The Texans And The Swimsuit IssueAlong with doing the Greatest Hits of the Astros for the decade, I'm also doing a mothership post of the Greatest Hits/Lows of the decade for the Houston Texans. And one of the things I remember was that two of the Texans cheerleaders made the SI Swimsuit Issue. Of course, it being the Texans, the team insisted that the pictures be fit for the family, so the result really didn't fit in with John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-33973358357166167862009-12-19T06:28:00.001-06:002009-12-19T11:56:05.359-06:00Once Again, With FeelingThe Houston Chronicle, in a desperate attempt for new traffic, is joining up with some blogs and displaying their contents. One such is Bleacher Report. And it's an okay blog. But I just ask that it get it's facts straight.Like Richard Justice, the author of this post gushes about the greatness of Drayton McLane. And as example of Drayton's greatness, he writes" "It’s the same Drayton McLane thatJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-40313157043075019822009-12-19T01:13:00.003-06:002009-12-19T01:20:39.666-06:00One For The MemoriesI'm doing some work on some mothership posts, and in one of them, I'm doing a Greatest Hits/Lows of the Astros for the decade just ended. And of course, as much as the Astros might want us to forget, but this is the guy who threw out the first pitch to the very first regular season game at then Enron Field.I'm sure we all remember Ken Lay. And he's the guy who got to grace the mound and throw John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-8571093359194854412009-12-18T17:05:00.000-06:002009-12-18T17:05:00.167-06:00Happy Friday, EveryoneIt's Friday. It's winter. It's been a bad year for me, but Santa is rewarding me, hopefully. As such, I'm hoping for Heidi Klum.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-78338758407390656622009-12-18T06:54:00.000-06:002009-12-18T06:54:00.552-06:00BRUUUUUUCCCEEEE!!!!!I've seen many of the greats -- and not so greats -- in concert in my years. I've seen Prince and U2 and The Police and The Pretenders. I've seen a country Elvis Costello, a blues Elvis Costello, the rocking Elvis Costello. Tom Petty. Johnny Cash. Dwight Yoakum. The Foo Fighters. The Smashing Pumpkins. Peter Gabriel. Pearl Jam. Lindsey Buckingham. And countless others that I'm forgetting. But John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-17313575463686130892009-12-17T05:04:00.000-06:002009-12-17T05:04:00.175-06:00It's A Cruel World If You're KindLast night I wrote about how I'm not that outraged about ABBA making the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And I threw out the name Nick Lowe as somebody who should be in, but isn't. I've talked of Nick Lowe in the past, and some of you probably remember that, and hopefully, you've started listening to him. But to those of you who are still unclear on the name, he was a 70s Brit rocker who was also John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-80676913336918688542009-12-16T22:54:00.004-06:002009-12-16T22:59:42.606-06:00ABBA Ain't No Bad ThingSo ABBA made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and there are some people upset about that. Normally, I would be upset, especially seeing as how The Cars, Nick Lowe, and The Go-Go's have yet to be inducted. But seriously, I don't understand how anybody can be that angry about it.After all, Madonna is in the Hall, and she definitely ain't Rock and Roll either. Once you lower the standards John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-2099544136387203712009-12-15T22:21:00.003-06:002009-12-15T22:25:52.795-06:00So Close, Yet So FarDamn you, Jim Crane. Damn you.Who is Jim Crane? Jim Crane is a Houston businessman who nearly bought the Houston Astros following the 2008 season. How close? So close that Drayton thought that he had actually sold the team. He and Crane even shook hands.Crane. You bastard. How could you do to this? How could you do continue to doom the fans of Houston to this bumpkin?John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-17713193023792525762009-12-15T19:26:00.003-06:002009-12-15T19:28:02.776-06:00A Working Class HeroI can't believe that I forgot to note this last week, but...it was on December 8, 1980, that John Lennon was assassinated out of his apartment in New York City. So here's a little Lennon singing a favorite of mine.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-61259990692483760062009-12-14T19:41:00.003-06:002009-12-14T19:47:46.386-06:00Penny Lane Is No Longer In His Ears Or In His EyesApparently, the combo of Kate Hudson and Alex Rodriguez are no longer. The humanity. If these two lucky kids can't make a go of it in our current society, then just what kind of hope is there for a slob like me. Dare I say, none?But personally, I say that this is the work of Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly. A-Rod performed in the clutch and in a major way this postseason, and the faces of Hudson and John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-41638136987097461362009-12-14T18:17:00.003-06:002009-12-14T18:25:29.838-06:00Houston Texans: Mediocrity Just Fine With UsSeriously, can somebody please explain to me why the Chron's John McClain still has a job? Here's his latest travesty where, once again, he tells all of us that we should be pleased that the Texans came out an played a great quarter of football on Sunday. Of course, the Texans were playing the Seattle Seahawks, one of the worst road teams in football and who appear to be playing out the string.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-49122482927269498612009-12-12T18:55:00.000-06:002009-12-12T18:55:00.251-06:00Just A Little Something For While I'm AwayI'm going to be away for a few days, so until I return, I'll leave you with this image.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-70469813181426541912009-12-12T06:46:00.000-06:002009-12-12T06:46:00.829-06:00Merry F***ing ChristmasI thought I would return to the Christmas song theme I had going last week. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than with the kids in South Park. So... here's "Merry F***ing Christmas."John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-42500410924799257312009-12-11T18:51:00.000-06:002009-12-11T18:51:00.306-06:00Tiger Had It Coming, Steve McNair Didn'tSo I was listening to Jim Rome while I was at work today. And one of his guests was sports columnist Jason Whitlock. Whitlock, a former college football lineman writes for the paper in Kansas City and for Fox Sports.com. He has also written for ESPN in the past.I generally like Whitlock. He's loud. He's opinionated. And he says some unpopular things at times, but when he does, he tends to John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-12254650879510594382009-12-11T15:40:00.005-06:002009-12-11T15:47:31.677-06:00The Coming Soon, To A Theater Near You, GuyIn the this might only be interesting to me category -- and Dan Patrick -- I give you this...Matt Damon was on Dan Patrick's radio show today. And Patrick went into a movie trailer voice, and he and Damon got to talking about doing the movie trailers. And I heard something that makes perfect, now that I know it, but one of the most used voice actors for the movie trailers is Miguel Ferrer, an John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-84911084945416364422009-12-11T09:50:00.000-06:002009-12-11T09:50:00.474-06:00The Conchords Took The Bus Out Of TownSo the word on the internets is that the Flight of the Conchords have decided not to do another season of their HBO series, though they say that they'll still tour. And I find this disappointing, though not surprising. Still, I'll miss them.So here, once again, is my favorite song.John Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-42952571564052961412009-12-11T06:41:00.000-06:002009-12-11T06:41:00.221-06:00Good Friday, EveryoneI just felt this longing to end the work week with a photo of Heidi. Speaking of which -- work that is -- the temp job bosses actually gave us card keys for the offices. After six weeks. And with the job scheduled to end pretty damn soon.But who cares? Not when Heidi Klum is around. everyoneJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026546191806429798.post-66242078944446594692009-12-10T22:06:00.002-06:002009-12-10T22:10:23.476-06:00Matt Millen, Serioulsy?Dear NFL Network:I want to like you more than I do. Really. I like Rich Eisen. I like Warren Sapp. I kind of like what you do with game coverage. But I just can't take you seriously when you make Matt Millen one of your commentators and present him as an expert voice. The only thing he is expert at is failing -- I know what he did to the Detroit Lions. So when he says that the coach of theJohn Royalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10048224306187183671noreply@blogger.com0