Tag / Garbage

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Travelling The 50 States – Massachusetts

Over my 48 years, I’ve done my fair share of travelling across these United States.  I thought it would be an interesting experiment go look back at those trips to each of the 31 states I have visited (62% isn’t bad, is it?) and see if, and when, I may be returning.  Working in alphabetical order, we continue today with the 6th state to be added to the Union: Massachusetts

State: Massachusetts
Joined the Union: 1788
Visits: 6

The Bay State has been a more recent travel destination, with all six visits coming within the past five years.  In what I’m sure is completely unrelated news, Angelina has been attending Boston University since 2018.  This visit total would have been at least one trip larger, as I had plans to bring Michael in April of 2020, but the whole pandemic thing kind of put the kibosh on that.

My first visit to Massachusetts came in August of 2017, when I took a weekend trip to Boston to see the White Sox take on the Red Sox with Danny and Michael.  We arrived in Boston on Saturday morning, heading straight from the airport to the Museum of Science, where we spent most of the morning.  After a quick breakfast, we headed to our hotel, which was located in the medical district.  We checked in and relaxed for a bit, before deciding on going for ice cream prior to heading to Fenway Park.

The game went about as you would expect.  With James Shields on the mound, the White Sox did not put up much of a fight.  We were sitting down the left field line, with a good view of the Green Monster.  The seats, which may or may not date back to the stadium’s opening in 1912, were not really designed for people well over 6 feet tall, so there was a lot of uncomfortable shifting as our knees were smooshed into the seats in front of us.

The next morning, we went out in search of breakfast once again before gathering up our belongings and checking out of the hotel.  Our first stop was just down the street, at Harvard Medical School, where we posed for pictures.  From there, we headed to Skywalk Boston, their version of the observation deck at Sears Tower.  It was only on the 50th floor, so the effect was a little different, but we did get to see the majority of the area.  From there, over to the harbor to see the Boston Tea Party museum.  The two-hour experience took us through the town meeting where the “attack” was planned, on to the boat to throw the tea in to the harbor, and then through a movie and other artifacts from one of the most famous events in American history.  From there, it was off to the airport for the flight back home.

My next trip came the following year, when I returned to Boston in late October to celebrate birthdays with Angelina.  I arrived on the Tuesday before our birthday, enjoying a brief tour of BU and a nice dinner at Fogo de Chao with Angelina before heading over to the House of Blues to see Garbage.  The next day I took a tour of Fenway Park prior to Game Two of the World Series, before heading out to Cambridge to look around Harvard before heading home.

Just over a month later, I returned to Boston with my mom to see Angelina’s first synchro competition on Cape Cod and an ice show by the BU Figure Skating Club, seeing many of the same BU sites as my last visit.

In October of 2019, I once again travelled to Boston to see Angelina for our birthday dinner.  Unbeknownst to me, she had suffered a concussion the day before, so she was busy for most of the day.  After chilling in the hotel for a bit, I headed over to campus for a late lunch before waiting for her at a protest I happened across, trying to stop hate monger Ben Shapiro from coming to campus for a speech.  After dinner, she headed back to her dorm to rest, and I left early the next morning to return home.

After a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID, my next trip to Boston came this past May for Angelina’s graduation.  Danny, Michael, and I flew out on Friday and spent Saturday sightseeing around Boston with the family.  Graduation was Sunday morning, which we topped off with a dinner out on Sunday night before heading home on Monday.

My most recent visit came earlier this month, as birthday celebrations were finally allowed to restart.  I arrived late on Friday night, and then spent Saturday with Angelina and Emily, including a trip to the Museum of Science and a return visit to Fogo de Chao.  Sunday morning. they picked me up from the hotel and drove me to the airport, bringing my latest visit to an end.

Will I return?  I have to say yes.

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FB8 – Week 21

Another solid-ish week, as I found myself staying on the right side of 30,000 steps thanks to some outside activities.  Things got off to a pretty good start on Sunday, finishing 13 steps shy of 5800 thanks to a frustrating trip to Guaranteed Rate Field.  Monday saw very little drop-off, ending with 5700 steps.  Tuesday saw a much bigger fall, dropping down to 4300 steps.  Wednesday fell even more, going down to 4100 steps.  Thursday was the high point of the week, thanks to a last-minute decision to head to the World Hollywood Casino Ampitheatre to see Garbage and Tears for Fears, putting me over 7000 steps.  Friday turned that around and saw the lowest total of the week, with only 3500 steps.  A trip to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs battle the Braves on Saturday was a decent way to end the week, finishing with 6900 steps.

Total steps: 37,414

Daily average: 5344.9

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iTunes Top 200 Albums Wrap-Up

Last week, we wrapped up our latest look at the top 200 albums that I’ve listened to, according to iTunes, since late 2007.  Now it’s time to take a final look at those 200 albums and the 536 (or so) artists that contributed to them.  The average number of listens was just under 150, with the median number being 113.  There were 13 new entries, and of the returning entries, there was an average increase of just a tad over 58 listens per album.

Most Represented Band

The Beatles – 15
Garbage – 8
George Carlin – 7
Patton Oswalt – 6
Foo Fighters – 4
Tegan and Sara – 4
Garfunkel and Oates – 4
AC/DC – 4
R.E.M. – 4
Pearl Jam – 4

Largest Play Increase

400 – George Carlin – Complaints and Grievances
231 – George Carlin – It’s Bad For Ya
194 – Garbage – One Mile High… Live
182 – Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
174 – Various Artists – Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (70’s & 80’s)

Smallest Play Increase

2 – 2008 Highlights – WSCR 670 The Score
9 – Queen – Queen: Greatest Hits I & II
9 – Garbage – Absolute Garbage
11 – The Outfield – Play Deep
11 – P.O.D. – Satellite

Largest Percent Increase

Infinite – Patton Oswalt – Annihilation
404.55% – George Carlin – Jammin’ In New York
186.11% – Florence + The Machine – Between Two Lungs
175.56% – Patton Oswalt – My Weakness is Strong
170% – Various Artists – The Osbourne Family Album

Smallest Percent Increase

1.83% – 2008 Highlights – WSCR 670 The Score
7.20% – Garbage – Absolute Garbage
7.26% – Queen – Queen: Greatest Hits I & II
8.43% – Various Artists – Pirates of the Caribbean (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
10.78% – P.O.D. – Satellite

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Top 200 Albums: #1 – 10

itunes_imageWe last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

Well, it all comes down to this: the top ten.  We finish things off today with the ten albums I have listened to the most over the last 15 years. including three comedy albums, three compilations, two soundtracks, one greatest hits package, and one bootleg live performance.

#10: Various Artists – Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (70’s & 80’s)
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 13

Another collection of TV theme songs, this time covering the late 70s and the early 80s, uses 32 songs, from shows such as The Facts of Life, Inspector Gadget, and Barney Miller, sees an 85% increase over the past four years.

#9: Garbage – One Mile High… Live
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 17

The audio rip of the band’s live video release, featuring 21 different tracks, jumps up eight spots after more than doubling its number of plays in the past four years.

#8: George Carlin – It’s Bad For Ya
iTunes stats: 391 plays
Previous Ranking: 24

The final album from George Carlin, released just over a month after his death, increases its total by over 144%, thanks in part to being used as a sleeping aid when I’m away from home.

#7: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
iTunes stats: 395 plays
Previous Ranking: 10

An 85% increase for Patton Oswalt’s second comedy album, which would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s, which I use to lull myself to sleep at home, again.

#6: Various Artists – Living in the 90’s
iTunes stats: 396 plays
Previous Ranking: 8

A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, racked up an additional 172 new listens for this compilation of early 90s hits.

Continue reading →

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Top 200 Albums: #21 – 30

We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

We continue today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking into the top 25 with, mostly, some good old-fashioned rock and roll.

#30: Veruca Salt – American Thighs
iTunes stats: 240 plays
Previous Ranking: 29

Ten of the thirteen songs from the Chicago band’s 1994 debut album added 85 new listens over the past four years.

#29: Garbage – Bleed Like Me
iTunes stats: 241 plays
Previous Ranking: 22

Released in 2005, the band’s fourth studio album saw a 44% increase in plays compiled across all eleven tracks.

#28: Garbage – Version 2.0
iTunes stats: 244 plays
Previous Ranking: 31

92 new listens for the twelve tunes comprising the band’s 1998 sophomore release.

#27: Mexican Cheerleader – Mexican Cheerleader
iTunes stats: 246 plays
Previous Ranking: 25

The debut album from the local punk band headed up by a former co-worker sees a nearly 56% play increase over the past four years.

#26: Mexican Cheerleader – King and Kings’ Hoots
iTunes stats: 248 plays
Previous Ranking: 28

The twelve tunes off this sophomore effort from the local punk band added 92 new listens.

Continue reading →

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Top 200 Albums: #31 – 40

We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

Today, we continue with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, loading up on greatest hits collections, comedy, and 90s alternative rock debuts.

#40: David Cross – Shut Up, You Fucking Baby!
iTunes stats: 206 plays
Previous Ranking: 38

The 2002 double album saw a 58% increase in plays across its 17 tracks.

#38: Various Artists – Monsters of Rap
iTunes stats: 207 plays
Previous Ranking: 51

Ten tracks, from the likes of Onyx, Positive K, and 3rd Bass, added 95 new listens for this compilation album.

#38: Various Artists – Booty Jams
iTunes stats: 207 plays
Previous Ranking: 52

An 86% increase in plays over the past four years for the eight songs, from artists like Tag Team, Tone Loc, and 2 Live Crew, from this compilation of sexy jams.

#37: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 208 plays
Previous Ranking: 133

Ten of Tom Petty’s biggest hits, both with The Heartbreakers and solo, gained 69 new listens over the past four years.

#36: Poison – Poison’s Greatest Hits 1986-1996
iTunes stats: 214 plays
Previous Ranking: 43

The first greatest hits package for the glam metal superstars saw a 72% increase in plays across the eleven songs that made their way on to my phone.

Continue reading →

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Top 200 Albums: #61 – 69

We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

Today, we continue our countdown with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years with three compilations, two comedy albums, and a heavy dose of 90s alternative favorites.

#69: Various Artists – The TransFormers: The Movie
iTunes stats: 149 plays
Previous Ranking: 60

A 46% increase in plays for the six tunes, from the likes of Stan Bush and Weird Al Yankovic, from this soundtrack from the animated TransFormers film from the mid-80s.

#69: George Carlin – Life is Worth Losing
iTunes stats: 149 plays
Previous Ranking: 85

The comedian’s 18th album, and 13th HBO special, added 70 new listens while rising 16 spots in the rankings.

#68: Various Artists – ’90s Style
iTunes stats: 155 plays
Previous Ranking: 64

A 56% increase in plays over the past four years for the nine tracks from exciting 90s artists, like Jill Sobule, Green Jelly, and MC Hammer, from this compilation album.

#67: Various Artists – Millennium Hip-Hop Party Vol. 2
iTunes stats: 158 plays
Previous Ranking: 66

This turn-of-the-century compilation added 60 new listens to seven tracks, from artists like Coolio, Naughty By Nature, and Paperboy.

#65: Poison – Swallow This Live
iTunes stats: 160 plays
Previous Ranking: 58

A 52% increase for the eight tracks from this double album, the first CD I ever owned after receiving it for Christmas in 1991.

Continue reading →

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Top 200 Albums: #81 – 88

We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

The countdown marches on today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking the triple digit total play plateau with three compilations, and music from the 60s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.

#88: Stone Temple Pilots – Purple
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 79

A 52% increase in plays for the five of the eleven tracks from this 1994 album, the band’s second.

#88: The Beatles – Abbey Road
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 109

Released in 1969, the band’s eleventh studio album, the last completed prior to their breakup, saw an increase of 58 listens to jump 21 spots in the rankings.

#88: Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 101

A 73% increase in plays over the past four years for seven of the songs from the group’s 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, their first album released following the death of Kurt Cobain.

#87: Patton Oswalt – My Weakness is Strong
iTunes stats: 124 plays
Previous Ranking: 179

A very impressive 92 spot jump for the funnyman’s third comedy album, thanks to an additional 79 plays over the past four years.

#86: Various Artists – The First 1000 Years – Rock
iTunes stats: 126 plays
Previous Ranking: 77

Seven songs, from alternative artists like The Breeders, Everclear, and Jane’s Addiction, added 43 new listens for this MTV sponsored compilation.

Continue reading →

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Remember When There Was A 10,000 Step Club?

Things were a lot different two years ago, as I was finishing up my fifth year using a Fitbit.  I had just added 45 new 10,000 step days, my 3rd best year to date, and, with upcoming trips to Boston and California already on the docket, things were looking good to add a good number more and add some new tales to this list of my top 25 step days.  Then, the corona virus happened, and the world basically shut down for the next two years.  I’ve worked from home since March of 2020, which gives me a lot more free time, but also significantly cut down on my natural daily step totals.  All told, I managed only 5 10,000 step days for the just completed seventh year of Fitbit usage, which, granted, is better than last year and gives me a total of 270 since I started keeping track back in 2011.  With that in mind, here’s the list of my top 25 step days, which has stayed static for two years now.

1: 4/14/2018 – 27,470 steps

My best single day total is from my April 2017 trip to New York to see Angelina.  The day’s excursions included trips to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, Central Park, the Guggenheim museum, and the Empire State Building.

2: 7/21/2018 – 27,278 steps

My July 2017 trip to Virginia, to hike up Catawba Mountain to McAfee Knob with Jeff and Val, fell just short of the top spot.

3: 6/6/2013 – 24,988 steps

2013’s trip to Disney World, which spent 5 years as my single day best, included excursions to both Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom, and yes, falling 12 steps short of 25,000 still irks me.

4: 6/3/2019 – 24,665 steps

The first full day of 2019’s summer trip to Washington DC spent most of the day at the Smithsonian Zoo.

5: 8/8/2019 – 23,866 steps

Late in the summer of 2019, I spent two weeks in San Francisco for a work trip.   On my last full day, I went out after work, walking to Pier 39 and then back the other direction to Oracle Park to see the Giants take on the Phillies.  My totals would have been even higher, but I was dead tired and took an Uber back to the hotel after the game.

6: 3/18/2018 – 23,780 steps

My first day in Las Vegas for the 2017 IBM Think conference, the day’s totals include gallivanting around town, including a late night trip up to Caesar’s Palace from the MGM Grand to see Absinthe.

7: 10/24/2018 – 23,362 steps

My October 2018 trip to Boston to see Angelina for our birthday gives us our next entry.  While she was in class, I took tours of Fenway Park and Harvard, before meeting up with her for a late lunch and then heading to the airport for the trip home.

8: 3/22/2016 – 22,493 steps

My one-time second highest day took place during the ill-fated trip to Disney World in March of 2016.  The day’s excursion started at Hollywood Studios before heading over to Epcot Center with Jeff and Val.

9: 7/27/2013 – 20,592 steps

Still my highest total at home in the state of Illinois, the next entry comes thanks to the 2013 BTN 5K and a, for lack of a better word, misunderstanding about where I should be picked up after the race.

10: 12/29/2018 – 20,374 steps

We wrap up the top 10 with 2018’s trip to California and the trip to Disneyland to see Danny perform with the Lincoln-Way Marching Band.

11: 8/5/2017 – 20,218 steps

The next entry came in August of 2017 on the first day of my trip to Boston with Danny and Michael.  After landing in town, we traipsed to the Science Museum, a breakfast joint, our hotel, and, finally, Fenway Park.

12: 7/14/2017 – 20,208 steps

Down to #12 is my 2017 trip to Disney World, a one day journey with Angelina to celebrate her high school graduation. Continue reading →

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: Wrapup

Last week, we wrapped up our latest look at the top 200 artists I’ve listened to, according to iTunes, since 2008. Now it’s time to take a final look at those 200 artists and the songs that put them on the list. The average number of listens per group was just over 172 1/2, with the median number being 84 1/2.  There were 23 new artists debuting on the list, with the highest being John Travolta at #117.

Largest Increase

George Carlin – 1211
Garbage – 954
Patton Oswalt – 812
The Beatles – 694
Garfunkel and Oates – 410

Largest Percentage Increase

Florence + The Machine – 284%
Taylor Swift – 248%
George Carlin – 239%
John Morris – 237%
Ron Funches – 234%

Smallest Increase

Artie Lange – 0
Nancy Faust – 1
The Outfield – 10
Jason Segel – 12
P.O.D. – 13

Smallest Percentage Increase

Artie Lange – 0%
Nancy Faust – 2%
Klaus Badelt – 10%
The Outfield – 11%
P.O.D. – 13%