Rick N. Backer

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/08/tech/tiktok-data-china/index.html China is an authoritarian government. Useful idiots may tell you that a Chinese company is not necessarily beholden to the CCP. You're smart. Is that consistent with how you've seen those type of governments act? Tik Tok can continue on in the U.S. as long as it likes. It just can't be run by a company that is a front for the CCP.

Exactly. Or, in the case of Tik Tok, a (malevolent) government hiding behind a corporation.

Pearl Jam - Dark Matter Pearl Jam - Gigaton Pearl Jam - Ten

That's actually an interesting idea. Ireland is too close to "return to college" time around here, but Wembley?

Is that with DesBarres?

Is there another kind? EDIT: Is that what Abe recommended?

In this particular area I'm a "bird of the protected species variety" person.

Probably, but the Terriers are the worst offenders.

Hockey East finals.

Sorry to interrupt, but after 1, the good guys lead the Godless Heathens of Commonwealth Ave 2-0.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, as they say. For about 10 years, the majority of guitar players in emerging rock bands were Edward Van Halen clones. I don't personally find Angelina Jolie attractive, but most people REALLY do. At some point in cases like this, you have to recognize that something or someone may not be your cup of tea, but that your view is an outlier. Van Halen may not do it for you, but there's probably a good reason he's at or near the top of most people's list as the greatest rock guitarist ever. Because he was.

I've come back to this thread a few times, and I still can't decide. Band is relatively easy (Aerosmith, although I saw the Chili Peppers at Fenway and absolutely loved them). Californication is a flawless album, and Pump is Aerosmith's last gasp of greatness. I don't know.

This week, the host of a podcast I like commented that he thinks everything by Neil Young is great. I was familiar with him, of course, but he never really worked for me. But the observation motivated me to work my way through 'ole Neil's Apple Music Essentials. Loved it.

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators (“SMKC”) 4 SMKC Living the Dream SMKC World on Fire

Jackie! I'm sorry I missed this. But I did get you a present :