What's the message here?

We've got a race for U.S. Senate race going on in Massachusetts recently, featuring a field of four big-name Dems and four medium-name Repubs.

One of the down-ticket Dems is a dude named Alan Khazei, who runs the volunteer group City Year. Another is the co-owner of the Boston Celtics Steven Pagliuca.

So check out this ad I caught on the bus the other day:


Is Khazei sending a political message through his nonprofit? Probably not, but I'd like to think so.

Col. Sanders returns from dead, seeks UN audience

True story -- the actor who plays the Kentucky Fried Chicken "mascot" Col. Sanders punk'd the UN, getting past security and posing for the photo at right with the new president of the UN General Assembly Ali Treki.

A spokeswoman says Treki shook the Colonel's hand out of courtesy, and adds that the handshake left a delicious sheen of grease on his Treki's palm.

The real Col. Sanders died in 1980. It's unclear why someone who'd managed to come back from the dead would go to the United Nations.

What's old is new again

I'm pleased it's an all East Coast World Series, not because the Yankees are in it, but just because it means the games will get underway before 10 p.m. Of course, they won't end until 1 a.m., but beggars can't be choosers.

The opening game is tonight, but my eyes are closely trained on game two, when Pedro Martinez will face the Yankees. The last time Pedro pitched against New York in the post-season, it was game seven of the 2004 ALCS and he came in for a side-session/mop-up duty in the 7th. He gave up two runs and ignited the Yankee crowd (fortunately it was too late for a comeback).

What will this time hold? I have no idea, and that's why I can't wait to watch.

A dream denied

Somewhere, the 1972 Dolphins (2007 Patriots?) are rejoicing, for my dream of a perfect fantasy football season has come crashing down.

The Bollinger's Bombers fell to 6-1 on the season this week, though I retain first place over Mrs. N-B, also 6-1.

My loss this week rests squarely on the shoulders of the Washington Redskins, who committed approximately 77 turnovers and gave up a pick-six to the Philadelphia defense, enough to push my hated rival The DTs past me on Monday Night Football. Oh well. Perfection will have to wait until next season.

His real name is John Ondrasik

Because I work near Boston's legendary Paradise Rock Club, I get to see its marquee each day. Lately, it's been a parade of bands that make you say "They're still around?"

Today, it's Five for Fighting. What happened to the Paradise's glory days -- U2, The Police, INXS?

A sign of -- er -- I don't know what

This maze is not from Quahog, Rhode Island, but Danvers, Mass. I guess the guys at Connors Farm are Family Guy fans.

My favorite time of year

I was excited to catch the end of the Twins-Tigers tilt last night on TBS, not because of its extra inning thrills, but because of Craig Sager. I just love that guy, and here's why. Just look at him.

Now I know how Tom Brady felt

I've started off my fantasy football season hot, hot hot. I'm 4-0, atop the league standings with nearly 450 total points scored. (Mrs. N-B is also undefeated.)

But I'm starting to feel the pressure -- can Bollinger's Bombers go undefeated? The fake sports media is already frothing about it. I just have to stay focused, take it one game at a time, and hope I can make it through my bye weeks.

Funny 'cause it's true

I love occupying the space between narcissism and stalking.

This qualifies as news

Here's a check on your Friday morning headlines.

King of Pop's BMI a healthy 20.1. Michael Jackson's autopsy is out and the headline is that he's in good health. I don't know if I believe it, because that assessment comes from the same people who say 136 pounds on his 5'9" frame is just fine. The autopsy also noted he was balding.

Splendid Splinter splintered. The greatest hitter who ever lived, Ted Williams, is said to not be resting in peace. You may remember that Williams' head is cryogenically frozen in Arizona. A new book says someone took batting practice with it, sending "tiny pieces of frozen head" flying. Williams is the last player to 1) hit above .400 for a season and 2) have his head cryogenically frozen.

What the.... ?. The Wisconsin Tourism Federation has changed its name because its initials were WTF. It is now the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin. What do you expect from a place that has a "Recombobulation area in an airport.

Deja vu, you are a tantalyzing mistress

I had deja vu a couple times the other day. It was over some real mundane stuff -- a document I was explaining to someone at work, an e-mail I was reading, etc.

It's a simultaneously frustrating and wonderful moment, when your subconscious momentarily clears its throat. I feel like I teeter on the edge of a great precipice of understanding, only to have the promise of something great disappear as soon as I begin to realize it's there.

It's the mental equivalent of finger-cuffs: The harder you try to get there, the more difficult it becomes.

Is it just me, or have I made that joke before