Yes, I've finally returned with some random thoughts and news of the day....

Well, I've been told that the long delayed trade paperback of my book will be happening any day. I'm supposed to get the galley for approval this coming week and from there if all is right, its off to the printers. Retail cost will be about $14 or $15 from what I understand and I will be having a few book signings in the Lowell-Boston area. It will also be available via my website as I plan to set up a Paypal account to accept payments.

Last weekend, my band The Work'in Stiffs played a two night gig at The Haluwa in Nashua. It was one of the highlights of my musical endeavors. Night one my brother came along with a large group of my neighbors and place was packed right up until closing both nights. Its a real joy to play along side a fun group of musicians and have the dance floor jammed all night long. This current band is clearly the best I've ever played with and I'm looking forward to our upcoming schedule of gigs. (http://www.workinstiffsband.com/).

Here's my favorite pic of the first night; my brother Mike and I (yeah, he's uh...not squinting....he had a few adult beverages)....

Is anyone watching Sci-Fi's "Flash Gordon?" If so, why? I caught some of the first episode and it was just awful. Ming "the Merciless" has been turned into Ming "The Blown Dried" (if you've seen it, you'll understand why) and what's with the lack of rocket ships? Jeeesh, even the campy eighties movie blows this one away. At least they still have "Dr. Who" and "Battlestar Galactica."

Anyone else been underwhelmed by this summer's big movies? I was very disappointed in "Spiderman 3" and after Pirates 2, didn't even feel the urge to see the third one. "The Simpsons Movie" and FF4 2 both looked like something I could wait to see on DVD. The one movie I really enjoyed was "Transformers." Not perfect but I grew up with the cartoon and I really liked the positive depiction of the U.S. Air Force.

Speaking of which, the Air Force turns sixty next month. I remember when we were celebrating forty.....man, I'm getting old.

I'm feeling good about The Olde Town Team as it looks like the offense has finally awakened from its slumber. (Note to Theo: sign Mike Lowell now!!!!!!!) We've got the Evil Empire this coming week and if we're still up by six at weeks end, I like our chances to finally capture the AL East.

Speaking of the Sox, have you ever seen a lazier slower swing than JD Drew's? I was against this signing from day one and he has turned into a bigger bust than even Rent-an-Error.