Hello? Is this thing on?
Several people have recently mentioned that they still visit this site on occasion and that they are disappointed that I've neglected it for almost three years now. What can I say except, "Sorry, but life gets in the way." I actually haven't completely neglected to put any updates online, it's just that they're all over at my Picasa account2. If this is news to you, better head on over and catch up…I've uploaded over 260 galleries since I last posted anything to this site!
Thursday, October 23, 2008 @ 10:34 » 
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Someone bought my house!
I just got a quick note from someone who purchased a house in Salem that was originally built for a "William Murray" in the late 17th century. She was curious if this was one of my ancestors, but unfortunately I don't think it is. I do know which house she was referring to, though, since there's an historic plaque on it facing the main street (most historic homes in Salem have these ... even my family home has one commemorating when the house was built and for who). I had always threatened to go claim the house as my own since my name was on the side of it, but it looks like someone else has snatched it up.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006 @ 17:12 » Comments
The Rules
From Esquire (December 2005, p. 92):
Rule No. 996: Anyone who shares a name with a celebrity has had that coincidence pointed out before you came along.
Please be advised.
Sunday, December 18, 2005 @ 13:58 » Comments
Um, Wow
December babies usually have nothing but complaints about how their birthdays get overshadowed by the holidays ... I, however, have nothing to complain about tonight. Several of my best friends (Ryan, Tom, Holly et al.) took me out for a night of shenanigans at Ho'Neills in Salem. Turns out that by the end of the night, Lyndon Byers3 was buying me shots and Brian Worth4 was wishing me a happy birthday. Charmed life? Perhaps. Fun stories? Definitely. And of course it all happens on the one night I don't bring my digi with me for photographic evidence. Guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
Update: My college roommate Steve pointed out that if I had found Tattoo5 from Fantasy Island6, then I could have hosted my own episode of The Surreal Life7.
Friday, December 16, 2005 @ 01:11 » Comments
I'd Like to Thank the Academy ...
I had a blast with Parag and Ronda on the 12 Bars of Christmas pub crawl last weekend, but the frosting on the cake was definitely getting the Baby New Year (MVP) award:
Well pub crawlers, we have another 12 Bars of Christmas in the books. The good news is that we have crowned Will Murray this year's pub crawl MVP for his tireless recruiting efforts and general spirit of the crawl. Will edged out Kendall Poulin for the crown just after TC Lounge when the two-month-old diva made an early exit.
It was a bittersweet victory over Kendall, who rallied for the title by ooh-ing and ah-ing the crowd with her newborn cuteness. Still, at 13 years running the 12 Bars pub crawl will likely be on long enough for her to have her own shot at greatness! And if you missed the show this year, well ... too bad for you!
Oh yeah, and Parag got Rookie of the Year honors for his first appearance on the 12 Bars crawl, so I'd like to congratulate him as well!
Thursday, December 15, 2005 @ 22:16 » Comments
"This is a U2 town."
Bono kicked off last night's show8 at the Garden with that declaration, and then proceeded to show the crowd how much U29 loves to perform in Boston—their home away from home—by putting on an amazing concert and coming back for three (!) encores. Hearing classics like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "With Or Without You" alongside more recent hits like "Vertigo" and "Elevation" definitely made my night.
Monday, December 05, 2005 @ 13:02 » Comments
Of all the stupid ...
Not to get all "bah humbug" early in the season, but can someone explain the new upside-down Christmas tree10 phenomenon to me? It just looks completely unnatural. I could understand hanging a tree from the ceiling ... if you're in a frat and were bombed at the time. Otherwise, you really don't have a valid excuse for it.
Monday, November 28, 2005 @ 01:11 » Comments
Kong Is King
I can't wait to see this movie11! Directed by Peter Jackson (yes, that Peter Jackson12), who is on record13 saying that the original inspired him to become a director, has poured the same dedication he brought to the Lord of the Rings trilogy into this remake ... and the trailers certainly demonstrate that. Even better, the Kong character was "played" by Andy Serkis14, who also played Gollum for Jackson.
Friday, November 04, 2005 @ 16:11 » Comments
Bull Market, Indeed
The Boston Globe came through with a story on the North Shore's many roast beef shops15. I've been known to frequent Bill & Bob's Salem shop on many a night, mostly because my favorite stop, King's, isn't open that late and there's nothing better than a super three-way (it's not what you think) and cheeser teasers to wash down a few brews. The three-way just means sauce, mayo, and cheese on a large ("super" vs. "junior") sandwich. And Terrence has taken to calling teasers "tater haters," although no one's really sure why. Stop hatin' on them taters, Terrence.
P.S. — If you visit Bill & Bob's on a warm evening, keep an eye out for Ed, the resident seagull. He'll walk right up and demand a sample.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005 @ 11:27 » Comments
More Trick Than Treat
We get all kinds of weirdos in town for the Halloween season and wouldn't you know it, a bunch of local schmucks cause all the problems. I was downtown and saw the aftermath of this stupidity16 (cops rushing into one of the pubs to wash off their hands after loading the victim into an ambulance), but I have to say that the crowds were generally out for fun and dressed in some amazing and elaborate costumes. I guess when you have that many tens of thousands in attendance for anything, you just have to deal with the riff-raff when it turns up.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005 @ 13:49 » Comments
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