I heard that the Muppets released their Green Album, a cover of some of their greatest hits covered by today’s up and coming Alternative artists and thought I’d sample it on iTunes.  My initial assessment was that other than the clip of Mnah Mnah, it kind of sucked.  After seeing OK Go’s cover of the theme to the Muppet Show on youtube however, I may change my opinion.  Check it out kids.

I dedicate these videos to my brothers. It’s that time of year kids. I’ve even gotten into the spirit, joining up in their fantasy league. I don’t know baseball, so we’ll see how well I do. I’m holding out for September when the Patriots take the field again.

I’d also like to welcome the newest Derosby brother, Keene Robert Derosby, who joined our family on March 28th. Congrats to Keith and Elaine for yet another gorgeous Derosby kid. I’m still not sure how we pulled off so many cute kids, as it’s certainly not because of the Derosby genes.

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How can you not celebrate with some great Irish rock from the Dropkick Murphys? They’re an Irish-punk band from Boston who I was introduced to when the alternative rock station here in Maine started playing their cover of Tessie, the Red Sox anthem from 1902. Here are a few of their songs for your listening enjoyment as you kick back with your frosty beverage (preferrably green) of choice tonight.

This is “Tessie”. I even found a version with the lyrics so you can follow along (you’re welcome, you wouldn’t have figured them out without it).

“I’m Shipping up to Boston” just rocks. It’s one of those tunes that belongs in a really violent action movie. Keep it in mind, Alan. 3 brothers vs. every zombie in Waterville with this playing in the background. Just saying.

And this is their new song, “Memorial Day”. While not as rocking (in my opinion) as the other two, it’s definitely got me in the holiday spirit.

You can find out more on the Murphys by visiting their website, www.dropkickmurphys.com. Happy Holiday everybody.

So,  for  about 6 months I’ve been enjoying www.derosbybrothers.com, a site run by my high school friend Craig and his brothers, Alan and Keith.  It’s inspired me to start up my own blog here.

What to expect?  Game reviews, drooling over technology, movies, music and more games.  Did I mention there will be posts on games?

It’ll take me a bit to get this where I want it, but for now -WELCOME

Click Here to Visit ZOMBIE APOCALYPTIC

Please feel free to stop by and visit anytime.  This is his first blog, so be gentle, throw him some blog love, and tell him Craig and the boys sent you.   Thank you for all the great support these last few years.

When is it time to hang up the cleats, or other tools of the trade.   Now, far-be-it for me  to tell others when enough is enough, especially from those who are so talented at what they do.

Some of the albums I have purchased recently (or at least listened to) are Guns ‘n Roses “Chinese Democracy”. Chris Cornell’s newest release under the direction of Timbaland, AC-DC’s “Black Ice”, and various others too lengthy to mention. Everyone has their opinion about when these visionaries are past their prime, I’m sure people told Johnny Cash to hang up the guitar strap on more than one occassion, as did the critics of Stephen Tyler and Aerosmith, the Stones and Tom Petty. The list includes other artists and genre’s as well. For example Colin Hay (formerly of Men At Work), Snoop Dogg is still performing, and if I could generate a list of country stars I would (sorry that genre is more my wife’s specialty not mine).  This same theme also applies to actors. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing “Gran Torino” yet but I’ve heard that Clint Eastwood is masterful; although there was a time, not so long ago, when people were saying he was “washed up”.

The underlying theme of this piece (although diluted through my obvious rambling) is why do we care? Another point is who do we think we are to tell these individuals when their time is up?

There are athletes, musicians, actors, writers, and I’m sure individuals in every position who have reached the point where they contemplated “leaving the game” and walking off in to their proverbial sunset but chose not to. Brett Favre said it best when he simply stated “it’s my legacy” and after thinking of it I believe he might be correct. It is his career, his life’s passion and work, his personal ambitions and ego, and his image in the mirror that he must face daily. If an individual decides they want to play, or write, or perform, then why not?

Individuals tend to become very attached to what they enjoy.  I personally didn’t like the newer approach Metallica took for a few years following “Load” and “Re-Load”, but in my younger days I was slightly perturbed with their decision to change their sound.  It happens, they have no obligation to me to continue making music that I enjoy, they simply have to put something out that they enjoy.  So now jump ahead a few years to my purchase of “Chinese Democracy”.  I knew from the single song that was on the End of Days soundtrack that this was not the GnR from my youth, and while it didn’t have the impression on me of any of their earlier music I found a way to enjoy it nonetheless.  But again, I understand how much we cling to the things that we are passionate about.  But why is our passion more important than the passion of the person supplying our needs and wants?
It seems as though we in the public sector take an all-to-personal approach to these individuals in the popular culture.  Our job should be to enjoy the product. I understand that we buy the tickets and merchandise, and we pay the bills by supporting our interests financially.  But really does this give us the right to violently argue and try to make their decisions for them?  I have begun to lean more towards the perspective of “If you don’t like the product then don’t purchase it”.

In the end no one will force you to watch the Vikings games, they may cram the advertisements and promotions down your throat but change the channel.  No one will tie you down and make you listen to slightly rougher Axl Rose.  I personally enjoy the new material and performances that the greats can bring to the table.  Some decide to leave “gracefully” or “at the top of their game”, but doesn’t this country allow us the freedom to make our own choices?  Shouldn’t this apply to our public figures as well.  We don’t have to like their choices, or look favorably upon their indiscretions (I know by default that they have public images and that children can witness things, but that’s where parenting comes in), we can simply choose not to support.

Why do we care so much and what gives us the right?  Should we all just back away and let Brett Favre make his own decisions or do we really need to be in helicopters watching Brad Childress drive from the airport to training camp?  Where does it end and when can we sit back and just enjoy the product for what it is, even if it doesn’t meet our personal expectations?