Nevermind that shit

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Astros' Wives Gala pictures are here!

And now that Hampton's gone, all the dates appear to be age-appropriate.  I'm posting the Chron link because Footer appears to have used a very smudged camera phone for her pics.  And she's not in any of them herself.

[HudsonHawk]

Astros' Wives Gala pictures are here!

And now that Hampton's gone, all the dates appear to be age-appropriate.  I'm posting the Chron link because Footer appears to have used a very smudged camera phone for her pics.  And she's not in any of them herself.

I'm guessing there are actually very few "Astros wives" anymore.  Most of the youngsters appear to still be playing the field.  BTW, is that Bud Norris's date?  What a doll!

[MikeyBoy]

I'm guessing there are actually very few "Astros wives" anymore.  Most of the youngsters appear to still be playing the field.  BTW, is that Bud Norris's date?  What a doll!

If that is Bud's date, he definitely gets the hottest date award. Also, a guy I knew in college is in one of the pictures. Weird.

[Limey]

Also, a guy I knew in college is in one of the pictures. Weird.

Which player is he dating?

[MikeyBoy]

Which player is he dating?

Based on the girls that accompanied him to mixers, formals, etc. My guess would be Carlos Lee.

[Matt]

Drayton's date is a total dog.

[strosrays]

Wallace kind of reminds me of that guy Damone.

[Matt]

Wallace kind of reminds me of that guy Damone.

I heard he's got some Cheap Trick tickets for sale.

[Andyzipp]

Wallace kind of reminds me of that guy Damone.

First of all Rat, you never let on how much you like a girl. "Oh, Debbie. Hi."
Two, you always call the shots. "Kiss me. You won't regret it."
Now three, act like wherever you are, that's the place to be. "Isn't this great?"
Four, when ordering food, you find out what she wants, then order for the both of you. It's a classy move. "Now, the lady will have the linguini and white clam sauce, and a Coke with no ice."
And five, now this is the most important, Rat. When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV.

[BatGirl]

cue 'kashmir'

[JimR]

Drayton's date is a total dog.

hahahahaha!

[Matt]

hahahahaha!

I know he's an older gentleman and all but he does have a shitload of money.

[HudsonHawk]

cue 'kashmir'

And the worst part about that...Kashmir isn't on Led Zeppelin IV.  They could have easily substituted When The Levee Breaks for Kashmir in the movie, and not only had the same effect, actually been accurate.

[Matt]

And the worst part about that...Kashmir isn't on Led Zeppelin IV.  They could have easily substituted When The Levee Breaks for Kashmir in the movie, and not only had the same effect, actually been accurate.

Maybe it was a subtle joke that he put the wrong Zeppelin on.

[BatGirl]

Maybe it was a subtle joke that he put the wrong Zeppelin on.

that's what i always assumed

[HudsonHawk]

that's what i always assumed

I never even though that.  I always saw it as an error in continuity.

[Matt]

I never even though that.  I always saw it as an error in continuity.

It very well may be considering how bad movies can be with that stuff. But considering the ineptness of the character I always assumed it was a joke about him putting on the wrong record.

[drew corleone]

It very well may be considering how bad movies can be with that stuff. But considering the ineptness of the character I always assumed it was a joke about him putting on the wrong record.

Like the Millenium Falcon doing the Kessell Run in under 10 parsecs?

[Matt]

Like the Millenium Falcon doing the Kessell Run in under 10 parsecs?

I think that was just dumbassery.

[Jacksonian]

I think that was just dumbassery.

I thought that was called the Lucas Effect.

[HudsonHawk]

I think that was just dumbassery.

Granted, I'm not a Star Wars geek, but...are you saying the Millenium Falcon *didn't* make the Kessel Run in under 10 parsecs?

[Matt]

Granted, I'm not a Star Wars geek, but...are you saying the Millenium Falcon *didn't* make the Kessel Run in under 10 parsecs?

haha well parsecs are usually used to describe distance and the way he said it makes it seem like a measurement of time. Granted some have explained that he was able to skirt a few parsecs off the normal distance with the ship somehow.

/Star Wars geek

[HudsonHawk]

haha well parsecs are usually used to describe distance and the way he said it makes it seem like a measurement of time. Granted some have explained that he was able to skirt a few parsecs off the normal distance with the ship somehow.

/Star Wars geek

I guessing we shouldn't even go into the whole relativity/time/space thing.

[Limey]

I guessing we shouldn't even go into the whole relativity/time/space thing.

Of that whole scene, the only thing you need to know is that Greedo didn't shoot first.

[HudsonHawk]

Of that whole scene, the only thing you need to know is that Greedo didn't shoot first.

Well, I guess this closes the book on it...

From Wookieepedia:

"The Kessel Run was one of the most heavily-used routes in the Galactic Empire[2] Han Solo claimed that his Millennium Falcon "made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs". A parsec was a unit of distance, not time. Solo was not referring directly to his ship's speed when he made this claim. Instead, he was referring to the shorter route he was able to travel by skirting the nearby Maw black hole cluster, thus making the run in under the standard distance. By moving closer to the black holes, Solo managed to cut the distance down to about 11.5 parsecs.[source?] The smuggler, BoShek, actually beat Solo's record in his ship, Infinity, but without cargo to weigh him down. A few months later, Han Solo beat both his own and BoShek's records in a run he made with Luke Skywalker."

[Bench]

Well, I guess this closes the book on it...

From Wookieepedia:

"The Kessel Run was one of the most heavily-used routes in the Galactic Empire[2] Han Solo claimed that his Millennium Falcon "made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs". A parsec was a unit of distance, not time. Solo was not referring directly to his ship's speed when he made this claim. Instead, he was referring to the shorter route he was able to travel by skirting the nearby Maw black hole cluster, thus making the run in under the standard distance. By moving closer to the black holes, Solo managed to cut the distance down to about 11.5 parsecs.[source?] The smuggler, BoShek, actually beat Solo's record in his ship, Infinity, but without cargo to weigh him down. A few months later, Han Solo beat both his own and BoShek's records in a run he made with Luke Skywalker."

Is that fanfic?  When does Luke make out with the big doggie?

[HudsonHawk]

Is that fanfic?  When does Luke make out with the big doggie?

I have no idea what either of those questions mean.

[strosrays]

It came dancing across the water
Star Wars, Star Wars
What a thread killer

[Bench]

I have no idea what either of those questions mean.

Fanfic is where geeky fans take characters from their favorite stories and write new stories about them.  Since this is creepy geeks writing on the internet, fanfic tends to get nerderotic.  Since Luke was on the Millennium Falcon when the records were bested, I figured he might make out with the giant dog who runs around with Indiana Jones and can't speak but somehow still communicates with everyone.

[Noe]

I have no idea what either of those questions mean.

Fanfic, also known as Fan Fiction, is a relatively new phenom for young writers.  Fans of writers will take a storyline and/or a character from a book (or a movie) and then write their own fiction story about said character and/or story.  Most fanfic is done by very young writers who want to test their skills at writing while staying safely within the premise provided by their favorite book and/or movie.  Some fanfic writers are very young, like 10-12 years old young.  It is encouraged by English teachers and Librarians for gifted readers/writers to try their hand at fanfic to see if they can develop characters or storylines using a previous premise.

An example may be a fanfic story that deals with the life of a young Lando Calrissian or so forth. George Lucas, however, was really good at developing his characters, so if people wanted to create fanfic, they found it hard to top stuff that Lucas already wrote as backmatter material.  Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

[Ron Brand]

I could have lived my whole life without knowing the term 'nerderotic.' I'll never get that tiny spot of cleanliness back in my brain now.

Also, I feel queasy.

[HudsonHawk]

Fanfic, also known as Fan Fiction, is a relatively new phenom for young writers.  Fans of writers will take a storyline and/or a character from a book (or a movie) and then write their own fiction story about said character and/or story.  Most fanfic is done by very young writers who want to test their skills at writing while staying safely within the premise provided by their favorite book and/or movie.  Some fanfic writers are very young, like 10-12 years old young.  It is encouraged by English teachers and Librarians for gifted readers/writers to try their hand at fanfic to see if they can develop characters or storylines using a previous premise.

An example may be a fanfic story that deals with the life of a young Lando Calrissian or so forth. George Lucas, however, was really good at developing his characters, so if people wanted to create fanfic, they found it hard to top stuff that Lucas already wrote as backmatter material.  Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

Personally, I don't think Lucas knew what the hell a "parsec" was, but it sounded a) scientific b) vaguely time-related, and c) like something your average movie goer wouldn't know, so he used it in the movie.

[moriartp]

Personally, I don't think Lucas knew what the hell a "parsec" was, but it sounded a) scientific b) vaguely time-related, and c) like something your average movie goer wouldn't know, so he used it in the movie.

Correct.

[Lurch]

but without cargo to weigh him down

Awesome

[HudsonHawk]

Awesome

Yeah...gravity's a bitch in inter-stellar space.

[austro]

It came dancing across the water
Star Wars, Star Wars
What a thread killer

Nice.

[subnuclear]

Yeah...gravity's a bitch in inter-stellar space.

Though if you plan on accelerating or turning or doing cool shit like sling-shotting off of black holes then your mass still matters. 

I'm sure Lucas had an invariant energy-mass tensor all worked out, but the producers made him put in "parsec" so the kids wouldn't get confused. 

[HudsonHawk]

Though if you plan on accelerating or turning or doing cool shit like sling-shotting off of black holes then your mass still matters. 

I love how sci fi portrays two spaceships meeting face to face, in the same horizon.  As if in space, there is some sense of "up" and "down".

[Lurch]

How do you speed up in space?

[Bench]

How do you speed up in space?

Beans.  And adderall.

[HudsonHawk]

How do you speed up in space?

Cover a greater distance in the same amount of time.  And I'm pretty sure dilithium crystals are involved.

[Bench]

Fanfic, also known as Fan Fiction, is a relatively new phenom for young writers.  Fans of writers will take a storyline and/or a character from a book (or a movie) and then write their own fiction story about said character and/or story.  Most fanfic is done by very young writers who want to test their skills at writing while staying safely within the premise provided by their favorite book and/or movie.  Some fanfic writers are very young, like 10-12 years old young.  It is encouraged by English teachers and Librarians for gifted readers/writers to try their hand at fanfic to see if they can develop characters or storylines using a previous premise.

An example may be a fanfic story that deals with the life of a young Lando Calrissian or so forth. George Lucas, however, was really good at developing his characters, so if people wanted to create fanfic, they found it hard to top stuff that Lucas already wrote as backmatter material.  Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

That is the noblest description of fanfic that I've ever seen.

[Limey]

Fanfic, also known as Fan Fiction, is a relatively new phenom for young writers.  Fans of writers will take a storyline and/or a character from a book (or a movie) and then write their own fiction story about said character and/or story.  Most fanfic is done by very young writers who want to test their skills at writing while staying safely within the premise provided by their favorite book and/or movie.  Some fanfic writers are very young, like 10-12 years old young.  It is encouraged by English teachers and Librarians for gifted readers/writers to try their hand at fanfic to see if they can develop characters or storylines using a previous premise.

An example may be a fanfic story that deals with the life of a young Lando Calrissian or so forth. George Lucas, however, was really good at developing his characters, so if people wanted to create fanfic, they found it hard to top stuff that Lucas already wrote as backmatter material.  Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

Link

[Gleek]

Personally, I don't think Lucas knew what the hell a "parsec" was, but it sounded a) scientific b) vaguely time-related, and c) like something your average movie goer wouldn't know, so he used it in the movie.

this.

also, since the very next words out of Solo's mouth were "she's fast enough for ya' old man."  I tend to lean towards the line of thought that Lucus just. plain. fucked. up.

I know , I'm going to hell for daring to deny the Lucus.

[subnuclear]

I love how sci fi portrays two spaceships meeting face to face, in the same horizon.  As if in space, there is some sense of "up" and "down".

I think its because you have to keep the polarization planes of the two ship's pulsar engines orthonormal or you risk creating a singularity vortex from dimensionless tachyon feedback.  Also, I'm pretty sure looking cool will be important in the future, too.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

And that master plan involved Lil Boba answering the door for his dad.

[Arky Vaughan]

Geez, and I thought I was a geek.

[BUWebguy]

Cover a greater distance in the same amount of time.  And I'm pretty sure dilithium crystals are involved.

We would also have accepted "beryllium spheres."

[toddthebod]

Fanfic, also known as Fan Fiction, is a relatively new phenom for young writers.  Fans of writers will take a storyline and/or a character from a book (or a movie) and then write their own fiction story about said character and/or story.  Most fanfic is done by very young writers who want to test their skills at writing while staying safely within the premise provided by their favorite book and/or movie.  Some fanfic writers are very young, like 10-12 years old young.  It is encouraged by English teachers and Librarians for gifted readers/writers to try their hand at fanfic to see if they can develop characters or storylines using a previous premise.

An example may be a fanfic story that deals with the life of a young Lando Calrissian or so forth. George Lucas, however, was really good at developing his characters, so if people wanted to create fanfic, they found it hard to top stuff that Lucas already wrote as backmatter material.  Case in point, the early try at extrapolating the life and times of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.  Early fans of Star Wars were enamored with this small character, however Lucas had a plot already in place for him, so he pretty much dismissed the fanfic that came out early about him.

I actually took a class at UPenn called the "Sociology of Science Fiction" where we read a lot fanzines.  My overall impression was that there seemed to be a lot of fan fiction -- much of which written by women -- that involved Kirk and Spock having sex with each other.  (NTTAWWT).

[moriartp]

I actually took a class at UPenn called the "Sociology of Science Fiction" where we read a lot fanzines.  My overall impression was that there seemed to be a lot of fan fiction -- much of which written by women -- that involved Kirk and Spock having sex with each other.  (NTTAWWT).

Ah, slash. I knew a girl in school who wrote some. Of course, I only know that because someone found it and passed it around. Sucked for her for a while, but people forgot about it. Nice girl, too. Bit of an oddball, but had a good head on her shoulders and a great sense of humor. Always enjoyed hanging out with her.

[Matt]

And that master plan involved Lil Boba answering the door for his dad.

Most. Disappointing. Origin. Ever.

A clone. Boba Fett is just a clone?! That's it?!

[Andyzipp]

Most. Disappointing. Origin. Ever.

A clone. Boba Fett is just a clone?! That's it?!

I thought Boba was the son and the clones were of Jengo.

[Bench]

I thought Boba was the son and the clones were of Jengo.

And then they have sex with eachother.

[BizidyDizidy]

I thought Boba was the son and the clones were of Jengo.

He's a son/clone.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

He's a son/clone.

You know, like Michael Jackson's kids.

[Matt]

I thought Boba was the son and the clones were of Jengo.

Jango was given the clone to raise as a son for allowing his DNA to be used to make the clone troopers. I always hoped Boba was some weird female alien that Han had banged and not called back. Hence the vendetta.

[Waldo]

that involved Kirk and Spock having sex with each other.  (NTTAWWT).

Long dong and prosper.

[Lefty]

Angel Sanchez wants to pistol-whip every one of you motherfuckers.

[Matt]

Angel Sanchez wants to pistol-whip every one of you motherfuckers.

We'd be honored if he did.  And shouldn't that be blaster-whip?

[The Third Man]

And the worst part about that...Kashmir isn't on Led Zeppelin IV.  They could have easily substituted When The Levee Breaks for Kashmir in the movie, and not only had the same effect, actually been accurate.

Well, that's what's funny about it. All of that self-assurance about women (and Led Zeppelin) is bullshit.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Well, that's what's funny about it. All of that self-assurance about women (and Led Zeppelin) is bullshit.

That.

And I'm pretty sure Cameron Crowe knew what Led Zep songs were on which albums.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, that's what's funny about it. All of that self-assurance about women (and Led Zeppelin) is bullshit.

Ha.  I've used Damone's advice my entire dating life.  Led Zeppelin is the best make out/love making music there is, though my favorite "get down" tune is In The Evening.

[Limey]

Ha.  I've used Damone's advice my entire dating life.  Led Zeppelin is the best make out/love making music there is, though my favorite "get down" tune is In The Evening.

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

[HudsonHawk]

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

You're mad at yourself for not heeding that advice, aren't you.

[toddthebod]

Led Zeppelin is the best make out/love making music there is

Fail.  Everyone knows that Journey is the best make out/love making music there is.

[MRaup]

Fail.  Everyone knows that Journey is the best make out/love making music there is.

[Coached]You guys are both wrong. Gregorian Monks chanting is the best music to make love to. WFW [/Coached]

[JimR]

[Coached]You guys are both wrong. Gregorian Monks chanting is the best music to make love to. WFW [/Coached]

here i am, just sitting here minding my own business, and i decide to check the TZ....

[Lurch]

Fail.  Everyone knows that Journey is the best make out/love making music there is.

Be sure to lead with "Any Way You Want It"

[EasTexAstro]

I always liked the soundtrack to Man of La Mancha....

[Bench]

Pfft.  Blindfolds and I'mtheverymodelofamodernmajorgeneral....

[Limey]

Pfft.  Blindfolds and I'mtheverymodelofamodernmajorgeneral....

T....M....I

[HudsonHawk]

here i am, just sitting here minding my own business, and i decide to check the TZ....

The worst part is, your own son is the instigator.  You should talk to a lawyer about cutting him out of your will.

[Noe]

First job I ever had right after college was place where this older gentleman maintenance man seemed to have the attention of all the very lovely and attractive admin assistants.  He certainly had a way about him that smacked of self confidence, manliness, and man about town.  Not quite Angel Sanchez, but very close to it.

One day I find myself at lunch with him and several other guys from work.  I'm like the kid brother to all these guys.  They know me so well, the guy who was everything but self confident around wimmen folk.  So this guy starts to tell me all about women.  Had I had a notepad, I would have written down what he said, I promptly forgot everything he said as soon as we left the diner.  All except his closing statement to me.

"Son, two words: Luther Vandross" (everyone shakes head in agreement while I wonder what the heck he was saying to me).

I think I now understand reading this thread.

[Limey]

First job I ever had right after college was place where this older gentleman maintenance man seemed to have the attention of all the very lovely and attractive admin assistants.  He certainly had a way about him that smacked of self confidence, manliness, and man about town.  Not quite Angel Sanchez, but very close to it.

As a total aside... on "Entourage", Johnny Drama is currently having career issues in that he can't get an acting gig.  Apparently, the only offer he's had was from Dos Equis, to play "the least interesting man in the world".  I was mopping up Heineken after that one.

[VirtualBob]

I have no idea what either of those questions mean.

Maybe fredia got hold of Bench's password?

[JimR]

The worst part is, your own son is the instigator.  You should talk to a lawyer about cutting him out of your will.

i think he is testing me.

[Matt]

here i am, just sitting here minding my own business, and i decide to check the TZ....

That decision was your first mistake.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

As a total aside... on "Entourage", Johnny Drama is currently having career issues in that he can't get an acting gig.  Apparently, the only offer he's had was from Dos Equis, to play "the least interesting man in the world".  I was mopping up Heineken after that one.

That one works on multiple levels.  God, I hate that show.

[Limey]

That one works on multiple levels.  God, I hate that show.

Last Sunday's episode included Emmanuel Chriqui side boob.  Not sure whether that was better than her attempting to have butt sex or not.  Let me consult my bunk...

[strosrays]

"Son, two words: Luther Vandross" (everyone shakes head in agreement while I wonder what the heck he was saying to me).

I think I now understand reading this thread.

If the women like Cetera, then you like Cetera, too.

[Gizzmonic]

What about making sweet sweet love to the strains of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass?

[Ebby Calvin]

If the women like Cetera, then you like Cetera, too.

There are very few circumstances under which I would decline having sex.  Listening to Peter Cetera while in the act is one of them.  Don't tell my wife.

[HudsonHawk]

There are very few circumstances under which I would decline having sex.  Listening to Peter Cetera while in the act is one of them.  Don't tell my wife.

Yeah, your wife LOVES Cetera.

[JimR]

Yeah, your wife LOVES Cetera.

does he have a brother named Et?

[HudsonHawk]

does he have a brother named Et?

It took me like 2 minutes staring at that to get it.

[MRaup]

It took me like 2 minutes staring at that to get it.

You're slipping, HH.

[HudsonHawk]

You're slipping, HH.

It's this West Texas heat.

[JimR]

It's this West Texas heat.

no, most of my jokes are highly complex and intensely cerebral. you did well to hold it to two minutes.

[Gizzmonic]

no, most of my jokes are highly complex and intensely cerebral. you did well to hold it to two minutes.

I'm stealin' that one!

[Duke]

does he have a brother named Et?

Thanks Jim.  I now have ice water splashed across the display of my sweet D630.

[Arky Vaughan]

Well played.

[MikeyBoy]

Last Sunday's episode included Emmanuel Chriqui side boob.  Not sure whether that was better than her attempting to have butt sex or not.  Let me consult my bunk...

While a sex scene involving Emmanuel Chriqui sounds appealing, that had to be the most uncomfortable and unrealistic sex scenes I have ever witnessed.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

While a sex scene involving Emmanuel Chriqui sounds appealing, that had to be the most uncomfortable and unrealistic sex scenes I have ever witnessed.

Just out of curiosity, do you find many sex scenes on TV comfortable and realistic?

[MikeyBoy]

Just out of curiosity, do you find many sex scenes on TV comfortable and realistic?

Relatively, somewhat. Did you see the scene in question? It was terrible.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Relatively, somewhat. Did you see the scene in question? It was terrible.

No.  I got rid of HBO a while back.  Too many crap movies played in rotation.  You might get one movie worth watching ever few days.  And that's being generous, as there can be stretches of months where they debut one good movie, play it 20 times a day, but the rest of the programming is the same crap from the past 5 yrs.  We opted for pay per view and netflix. 

[Andyzipp]

Relatively, somewhat. Did you see the scene in question? It was terrible.

Two people who have not attempted ass sex, trying to attempt ass sex, while still mostly sober, may very well be that awkward and uncomfortable.

[JackAstro]

Two people who have not attempted ass sex, trying to attempt ass sex, while still mostly sober, may very well be that awkward and uncomfortable.

Can Alkie or Chuck weigh in on this?

[Ebby Calvin]

Can Alkie or Chuck weigh in on this?

I seriously doubt the "sober" part.

[Limey]

Two people who have not attempted ass sex, trying to attempt ass sex, while still mostly sober, may very well be that awkward and uncomfortable.

Right.  It was realistic and uncomfortable.  The punch line was worth it, though.

[Andyzipp]

No.  I got rid of HBO a while back.  Too many crap movies played in rotation.  You might get one movie worth watching ever few days.  And that's being generous, as there can be stretches of months where they debut one good movie, play it 20 times a day, but the rest of the programming is the same crap from the past 5 yrs.  We opted for pay per view and netflix. 

They have movies on HBO?

Anyone else looking forward to Boardwalk Empire in a couple of weeks?

[moriartp]

Anyone else looking forward to Boardwalk Empire in a couple of weeks?

Yes.

[Limey]

They have movies on HBO?

Anyone else looking forward to Boardwalk Empire in a couple of weeks?

Yup.  It's been a while since HBO has had an hour-long drama series that I've wanted to see.  Probably dating back to the cancellation of Deadwood.  The only bit of True Blood I've ever watched is when Anna Paquin got her baps out - other than that I'm not interested.

Also really looking forward to the upcoming season of Dexter on SHO.  Given how the last season ended (which I shall not detail here in case any of you don't know and are catching up), he's got some 'splainin' to do.

[MikeyBoy]

Also really looking forward to the upcoming season of Dexter on SHO.  Given how the last season ended (which I shall not detail here in case any of you don't know and are catching up), he's got some 'splainin' to do.

Can't frickin wait. Dexter and Californication are the only reasons I keep SHO.

[Limey]

Can't frickin wait. Dexter and Californication are the only reasons I keep SHO.

One option is to bin the channel and buy the shows through iTunes.  You get 'em a day late (they're typically available after midnight on the day of first airing), but it's cheaper* than paying for a channel you don't otherwise watch.  I'm seriously considering doing this, and trashing all my premium movie channels.  I only watch them for certain shows as I have plenty of movies ripped to my Mac, plus I can stream some Netflix titles to my big screen through my PS3.

* Maybe, because the pricing structure kinda forces you to take more channels than you need, or none at all.  I'm leaning towards the latter.


[Warning: Obligatory Apple product placement coming up]

I use Apple TV to buy some TV shows (notably Top Gear, which costs $15 for a season and you get a full, unedited hour rather than the cut-down-to-make-room-for-commercials over the air version).  It's great because you get HD (albeit 720p which Apple TV then upscales to 1080p), and you get to keep it, and play it on any iTunes compatible device (like an iPhone).  When you buy stuff through Apple TV, it automatically backfills it to your iTunes library.

I read stories of people who have dumped cable altogether, and just buy the shows they want from Apple, or watch them on websites like Hulu via a home theater PC/Mac connected to their main TV (Hulu won't work with Apple TV, even if you hack it, because NBC keep switching the security protocols to protect their content).  It's cost effective over time, as long as you don't want to watch live sports...

[Ebby Calvin]

...Top Gear...

Best Show On TV.

[Astroholic]

  It's cost effective over time, as long as you don't want to watch live sports...


WTF?

[Limey]

  It's cost effective over time, as long as you don't want to watch live sports...


WTF?

Exactly.  If you want to watch, say, the Astros, you're going to have to have basic cable plus the sports package.  Dumping premium movie channels is a viable option, though.

[Limey]

Best Show On TV.

And, through iTunes, you get (at least) 1/3rd more cocking about.

[Limey]

Also, Eastbound and Down is returning, with John Rocker Kenny Powers playing in the Mexican leagues.  Only Stevie from the first season returns along with Kenny - so no April Bigcannons.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Anyone else looking forward to Boardwalk Empire in a couple of weeks?

Got a buddy who works on Boardwalk Empire.  It's taken them ages to get this show the way they want it, so it better be good.

[Bench]

Also, Eastbound and Down is returning, with John Rocker Kenny Powers playing in the Mexican leagues.  Only Stevie from the first season returns along with Kenny - so no April Bigcannons.

Kenny Fucking Powers

[BUWebguy]

I read stories of people who have dumped cable altogether, and just buy the shows they want from Apple, or watch them on websites like Hulu via a home theater PC/Mac connected to their main TV.  It's cost effective over time, as long as you don't want to watch live sports...

That's what we did about a year ago. I miss the Astros (and to a lesser extent, MLB Network), but can't say I really miss much else. We went from 2 salaries feeding 2 people to 1 salary feeding three when my son was born, so we've been in severe cost-cutting mode. Plus, time with son = less time having the TV on (at this age). I imagine we'll return to cable at some point, but for now, Hulu (and the Astros' struggles, unfortunately) have made the decision a little easier.

[Astroholic]

That's what we did about a year ago. I miss the Astros (and to a lesser extent, MLB Network), but can't say I really miss much else. We went from 2 salaries feeding 2 people to 1 salary feeding three when my son was born, so we've been in severe cost-cutting mode. Plus, time with son = less time having the TV on (at this age). I imagine we'll return to cable at some point, but for now, Hulu (and the Astros' struggles, unfortunately) have made the decision a little easier.

Don't you care about Football man?  How untexanlike!

[Lurch]

Don't you care about Football man?  How untexanlike!

Over the air is still free

[Limey]

Over the air is still free

...and in HD if you have the ears of a steroidal rabbit.

[Astroholic]

Over the air is still free

not college games on espn, duece, cbscs, etc.

[94CougarGrad]

Can Alkie or Chuck weigh in on this?

No, for the love of God.

[BatGirl]

No, for the love of God.

party pooper

[94CougarGrad]

party pooper

I'm not into Alkie and chuck like that.

[Bench]

I'm not into Alkie and chuck like that.

I think everyone should be in to quality fictional internet characters.  Maybe your husband would want to watch?

[94CougarGrad]

I think everyone should be in to quality fictional internet characters.  Maybe your husband would want to watch?

Nyet.

[homer]

I think everyone should be in to quality fictional internet characters.  Maybe your husband would want to watch?

What makes you think chuck is fictional?

[chuck]

What makes you think chuck is fictional?

I'm real, dammit. I have feelings. And emotions. And hopes, and dreams, all my own.

[austro]

I'm real, dammit. I have feelings. And emotions. And hopes, and dreams, all my own.

And impeccable sartorial taste.

[Andyzipp]

I'm real, dammit. I have feelings. And emotions. And hopes, and dreams, all my own.

All while wearing a silky, lace crevat.

[Bench]

All while wearing a silky, lace crevat.

And biting into a dripping wet perferctly ripe mango.

[Ron Brand]

While the sunlight glints off his monocle.

[chuck]

All while wearing a silky, lace crevat.

Cravat. Silk, yes. Lace, no.

In truth I prefer standard neckware. No, I'm not talking about Wranglers and ropers. I mean a normal tie. With a Four-In-Hand knot, of course.

[homer]

Cravat. Silk, yes. Lace, no.

In truth I prefer standard neckware. No, I'm not talking about Wranglers and ropers. I mean a normal tie. With a Four-In-Hand knot, of course.

I bet you can't even remember the last time you wore a tie.

[HudsonHawk]

Cravat. Silk, yes. Lace, no.

In truth I prefer standard neckware. No, I'm not talking about Wranglers and ropers. I mean a normal tie. With a Four-In-Hand knot, of course.

At least it's not a clip-on.  I personally prefer the half-Windsor knot.

[chuck]

I bet you can't even remember the last time you wore a tie.

Sure I can.

[JimR]

Sure I can.

a knot tied to each bedpost?

[94CougarGrad]

a knot tied to each bedpost?

Toooooooo much information!

[Alkie]

Toooooooo much information!

Seriously.

Especially since I thought we had agreed not to talk about that in public.   

You lied to me again, chuck.   This is the last time.

[Gleek]

"You lied to me again, chuck.   This is the last time."

battered alkie syndrome?
 
 
 

[Lefty]

And biting into a dripping wet perferctly ripe mango.

Get the fuck off of chuck's lawn.

[Limey]

One option is to bin the channel and buy the shows through iTunes.  You get 'em a day late (they're typically available after midnight on the day of first airing), but it's cheaper* than paying for a channel you don't otherwise watch.  I'm seriously considering doing this, and trashing all my premium movie channels.  I only watch them for certain shows as I have plenty of movies ripped to my Mac, plus I can stream some Netflix titles to my big screen through my PS3.

* Maybe, because the pricing structure kinda forces you to take more channels than you need, or none at all.  I'm leaning towards the latter.


[Warning: Obligatory Apple product placement coming up]

I use Apple TV to buy some TV shows (notably Top Gear, which costs $15 for a season and you get a full, unedited hour rather than the cut-down-to-make-room-for-commercials over the air version).  It's great because you get HD (albeit 720p which Apple TV then upscales to 1080p), and you get to keep it, and play it on any iTunes compatible device (like an iPhone).  When you buy stuff through Apple TV, it automatically backfills it to your iTunes library.

I read stories of people who have dumped cable altogether, and just buy the shows they want from Apple, or watch them on websites like Hulu via a home theater PC/Mac connected to their main TV (Hulu won't work with Apple TV, even if you hack it, because NBC keep switching the security protocols to protect their content).  It's cost effective over time, as long as you don't want to watch live sports...

Apple are expected to unveil their new set-top box unit, iTV, next week.  Streaming only (i.e. no on board storage).  Cost is $99.  This is expected to coincide with an announcement of 99c TV show rentals.  That, along with existing movie/TV show rental/purchase options makes it a serious candidate to free people from cable/satellite.  Especially as it is expected to run a version of iOS, on which you can already stream live video of every baseball game (and play Angry Birds).

[chuck]

a knot tied to each bedpost?

A full Windsor is best in this case I think.

[austro]

A full Windsor is best in this case I think.

Well, then, I'm set: that's the only thing I know how to tie.

[Gizzmonic]

Like the Millenium Falcon doing the Kessell Run in under 10 parsecs?

There is a lengthy explanation somewhere about why that makes sense...something about smuggling routes in an asteroid field...an obvious posthoc rationalization.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, then, I'm set: that's the only thing I know how to tie.

Know what's really kinky?  Bow ties.

[austro]

Know what's really kinky?  Bow ties.

For the life of me, I have no idea how those work out. Perhaps NeilT can give us an illustrated Bleacher Rap providing the details.

[HudsonHawk]

For the life of me, I have no idea how those work out. Perhaps NeilT can give us an illustrated Bleacher Rap providing the details.

Actually, tying a bow tie is pretty simple.  It's basically the same knot you use to tie your shoelaces.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Actually, tying a bow tie is pretty simple.  It's basically the same knot you use to tie your shoelaces.

Exactly.  It's hard the first time, and then afterwards you can do it in 20 seconds without looking in a mirror.  It's like sex with Alkie.

[MusicMan]

Exactly.  It's hard the first time, and then afterwards you can do it in 20 seconds without looking in a mirror.  It's like sex with Alkie.

YTIFY

[Limey]

Exactly.  It's hard the first time, and then afterwards you can do it in 20 seconds without looking in a mirror.

TWSS

It's like sex with Alkie.

IJTUIMMALB

[NeilT]

Al Gore invented the internet so he could learn how to tie a bow tie.