Mark_Ockerbloom's Blog

A salute to a policeman for telling it like it is. How refreshing to hear Stewart Copeland, the long time drummer for the Police, being critical of the band's early performances on their reunion tour. On his website, Copeland takes swipes at his fellow bandmates Sting and Andy Summers as well as himself saying their timing at a recent concert in Vancouver was far from perfect. I'm not surprised by their lack of synchronicity especially when you consider they disbanded for 21-years, but I wonder how many other established bands would be so honest. Might they wait 'til someone catches on?

Not the Police, they're a hall of fame band that like everyone else realizes practice makes perfect. The good news here is that they don't play Boston (Fenway) 'til late July...so the've got plenty of time to work out the kinks...and no doubt they will.

So the Tweeter Center's about to get a name change. What would you call it if you could? I'd love to hear your suggestions and feel free to be as creative as you like. In the meantime, here are some of mine.

How about naming it after some great Boston bands? Like the Aerosmith Amphitheater, the Cars Coliseum or Geil's Garage? We could name it after the Stompers, remember them? Then we could simply refer to it as The Stomping Grounds.

Other possible names? Squire Center, Delp's Destination or Fool's Forest. Want to go national? How about the Mansfield Madonna or Parrott Head Park?

Okay, I'm running out of gas...but did you notice...I didn't include one corporate sponsor?

Do you have a man cave? If not, check out my story Sunday night on the FOX 25 News at 10 and you may become inspired to build one. They're also called man rooms...a male sanctuary where a guy and his friends can hang out free from females and responsibilities. Where they can watch sports and movies, shoot pool, play cards, drink beer and burp...in whatever order they like. Typically man caves can be found in a remodeled basement, but there are other retreats such as a garage, storage shed or barn. Often they feature a slew of sports memorabilia and whatever else the person is passionate about.

I don't have one...yet. But I am thinking more and more about one especially after doing the story in which I visit three different man rooms. All three had pool tables and sports memorabilia and a couple had bars...one complete with Harpoon IPA on tap. Big screen tv's, flat screen plasmas were also common...one even had an old fashioned popcorn cart and a putting green while another had a home theater with three rows of leather couches on risers!

The wives of the men featured don't seem to mind, in fact they like them because they keep their guys happy...however one did tell me that when it comes to cleaning the man cave bathroom...her hubby's on his own for that as well.

Got a man room?..I'd love to see it...send it along to:projects@myfoxboston.com

See where the Somerville theater wants to sell beer and wine. Much as I love a cold beer and an occasional glass of the grapes...I can't imagine this thing being a success. My first thought...the beer would have me running to the bathroom and missing part of the movie. I don't know about you...but I can't stand missing even a second of a flick, especially if it's a whodunnit. Of course there are other potential problems, for instance people getting too noisy after a couple of cocktails and then of course there's the underage drinker who somehow scores a bracelet.

However, the Somerville theater also hosts concerts...and in that setting I say "give me a cold one". So I guess it depends on the night. Movies and merlot are out, concerts and Coors are in. How do you feel? We'll see you at ten!

Why would Ryan Seacrest spill the beans about who he thinks will be the next American Idol...weeks before the competition ends? Better yet, why would the show's producers allow him to do so?

Seacrest tells People Magazine he believes Jordin Sparks will win adding that she's pretty, genuine and a great singer. Hey, everyone's entitled to their opinion, but on this one...I think the show's host crossed the line. Doesn't he understand that what he says to a national publication could have a major impact on the way people vote going forward? And how would you like to be one of the remaining contestants? Granted, they are developing thick skin, but comments like his can't make them feel good.

It's one thing to say you like or dislike someone's performance along the way as judges Randy, Paula and Simon get to do on a weekly basis...but as the host of the show Seacrest should remain impartial...until AFTER the winner is chosen.

What do you think?