Jenny, I got your number!

You know the song, right? Tommy Tutone's "Jenny (867-5309)"? If not, the video might ring some bells:






Anyway, Lincoln based Gem Plumbing is betting you remember the song, and they've been using the infamous number both in the 401 (Rhode Island) and 617 (metro-Boston) area codes for a few years. So why are they getting static from a company who has the same number with a toll free (800) exchange? Read about it here. Personally, I'm rooting for the local guys on this one.

"Bad News" Barnes busted

Former ABA All-Star and NBA train wreck Marvin "Bad News" Barnes is in trouble again. The Providence native (and resident) was arrested in Johnston by The Man, who found a bag of cocaine in his SUV. Barnes, who was easily the most talented basketball player ever to come from the Ocean State, acknowledged he's still having trouble with cocaine, saying "I'm still getting the help I need".

As usual, I wish Bad News Barnes all the best, but damn, man ... you can do better than this, right?

Ouch

OK, I've been seriously remiss about updating The Rhode Islander lately, focusing instead on Dictators of the World. What can I say? People just can't seem to get enough about world dictators! Add to the fact that I haven't taken any new photos for a while, and, well ...you get the idea.

I do have a tidbit to tide you over, though. Former Governor Bruce Sundlun is onto something, calling for Rhode Island students to learn about our state's history. Schools in Texas make Texas history a mandatory subject, so why not make Rhode Island history available as an elective subject?

New photos will be coming soon, and since it's spring, this will inevitably involve a trip to the shoreline.