So, what does one do when he's made it past the first round of his fantasy league playoffs?
Most of you might be saying, "Rejoice, that's one hurdle down!" or "One step closer to the title!"
These are not the laments of your perplexed writer.
Instead, Nightmare scenario #2 has befallen him: Facing your significant other in the semi-finals.
It's safe to say that I'm not looking forward to the outcome of this competition. Someone is going to get hurt.
We'll keep our reader abreast of this weekend's contest as we tally the results.
In the meantime, I'll be readying the couch and stockpiling the bomb shelter.
Happy Holidays!
23 December 2004
20 December 2004
The Cards Mark An Ace
To be honest, it had been a pretty shitty day.
On Saturday, Kirsten and I spent the first part cleaning the house (Alright, Kirsten mostly) before heading out to do some last minute Christmas shopping.
After that, the plan was to head up to Atlanta and get back in time to take in the Cottonmouths game later that night.
A few hours and a 40 min traffic jam later, we're sulking on I-85 heading back home...no hockey game tonight.
Then, as we're flipping the channel on Kirsten's XM, we hit ESPN radio and two guys recapping the NFL action say the words "Mulder" and "St. Louis" in the same breath.
What?????
So, here we are, hurling toward Columbus, catching the middle of a conversation on the Cardinals pitching situation, trying to verify if what we heard was true.
"Is Mark Mulder a Cardinal?", I wondered.
Truer and sweeter words were never uttered. I must've sat there mouthing the words for the next 10 minutes:
Wow.
As the radio guys gave the parties involved in the deal, I was waiting with bated breath wondering if the only Card mentioned was the only one dealt: Kiko Calero.
I should've known better. Billy Beane, the A's GM, is a notorious dealmaker and his antics are best described in the book "Moneyball".
The deal:
Mark Mulder to the Cardinals for Danny Haren, Kiko Calero, and minor league prospect Daric Barton.
The asessement: A fair trade for both teams...a classic example of both teams getting what they want.
Danny Haren is the short term centerpiece for Oakland. A rising star, his poise and experience at a young age will put him in the A's rotation to complete one of the best young staffs in the game.
Kiko Calero should shore up Oakland's thin bullpen, giving the team a young solid fireballer with devastating stuff.
On the other hand, Daric Barton is the long term wild card. At 19, he's a hitting machine...just the kind of catcher any team would covet. He's a few years out, but at his current pace, he should be a great backstop for years to come.
But back to Mark Mulder. Not since John Tudor have the Cardinals had a dominant southpaw ace power pitcher.
Case in point: Since 2000, only one pitcher has more wins than Mulder's 74. That pitcher is Curt Schilling.
Case revisited: Since the 2001 season, no one has won more games than Mr. Mulder. No one.
By the way, did I mention he's only 27 and just hitting his prime.
For years, the Cardinals have searching for another great power pitcher, dare I say, another Bob Gibson. We've seen some very promising ones fall from grace or never materialize.
With Mulder, a blossoming Adam Wainwright, and a reborn Rick Ankiel...the Cards could soon be back as a pitching powerhouse.
One more stat: The 2004 Cardinals averaged 5.2 runs per game.
In games where his offense scored 4 or more runs, Mr. Mulder is 65-4.
Mark, welcome to the greatest baseball city in the world.
On Saturday, Kirsten and I spent the first part cleaning the house (Alright, Kirsten mostly) before heading out to do some last minute Christmas shopping.
After that, the plan was to head up to Atlanta and get back in time to take in the Cottonmouths game later that night.
A few hours and a 40 min traffic jam later, we're sulking on I-85 heading back home...no hockey game tonight.
Then, as we're flipping the channel on Kirsten's XM, we hit ESPN radio and two guys recapping the NFL action say the words "Mulder" and "St. Louis" in the same breath.
What?????
So, here we are, hurling toward Columbus, catching the middle of a conversation on the Cardinals pitching situation, trying to verify if what we heard was true.
"Is Mark Mulder a Cardinal?", I wondered.
Truer and sweeter words were never uttered. I must've sat there mouthing the words for the next 10 minutes:
Wow.
As the radio guys gave the parties involved in the deal, I was waiting with bated breath wondering if the only Card mentioned was the only one dealt: Kiko Calero.
I should've known better. Billy Beane, the A's GM, is a notorious dealmaker and his antics are best described in the book "Moneyball".
The deal:
Mark Mulder to the Cardinals for Danny Haren, Kiko Calero, and minor league prospect Daric Barton.
The asessement: A fair trade for both teams...a classic example of both teams getting what they want.
Danny Haren is the short term centerpiece for Oakland. A rising star, his poise and experience at a young age will put him in the A's rotation to complete one of the best young staffs in the game.
Kiko Calero should shore up Oakland's thin bullpen, giving the team a young solid fireballer with devastating stuff.
On the other hand, Daric Barton is the long term wild card. At 19, he's a hitting machine...just the kind of catcher any team would covet. He's a few years out, but at his current pace, he should be a great backstop for years to come.
But back to Mark Mulder. Not since John Tudor have the Cardinals had a dominant southpaw ace power pitcher.
Case in point: Since 2000, only one pitcher has more wins than Mulder's 74. That pitcher is Curt Schilling.
Case revisited: Since the 2001 season, no one has won more games than Mr. Mulder. No one.
By the way, did I mention he's only 27 and just hitting his prime.
For years, the Cardinals have searching for another great power pitcher, dare I say, another Bob Gibson. We've seen some very promising ones fall from grace or never materialize.
With Mulder, a blossoming Adam Wainwright, and a reborn Rick Ankiel...the Cards could soon be back as a pitching powerhouse.
One more stat: The 2004 Cardinals averaged 5.2 runs per game.
In games where his offense scored 4 or more runs, Mr. Mulder is 65-4.
Mark, welcome to the greatest baseball city in the world.
17 December 2004
Seeing Some Old "Friends"
What an amazing thing is our pal Friendster.
I found two "friends" on there earlier tonight...check 'em out...you might have heard of them before.
Jeff and Jay.
I wonder if they're on each other's friend list.
Methinks the answer is no.
I found two "friends" on there earlier tonight...check 'em out...you might have heard of them before.
Jeff and Jay.
I wonder if they're on each other's friend list.
Methinks the answer is no.
16 December 2004
Happy Holidays
That's me in the blue....ugling up the picture. Just look at the pretty lady and you should be good.
Enjoy!
07 December 2004
B-C-Ass
News Flash: The BCS blows.
Shocking, I know.
Can we please get back to yesteryear, when the bowls meant something?
Here's hoping...
Shocking, I know.
Can we please get back to yesteryear, when the bowls meant something?
Here's hoping...
02 December 2004
30 Frames of Celluloid
OK...I know that film runs at 24 frames per second and video runs at 30 frames per second, but I needed a catchy title.
Our good friend Mike has a favorite films list going with many other friends chiming in with their picks.
You can find it here.
So, being a film buff myself, I'm submitting for your approval my 30 favorite films (that I could think in the span of an hour).
Don't be left out in the lobby....submit your top 5 in the Comments section.
With that, grab your tub o' popcorn and hot tamales....the reel is rolling:
Our good friend Mike has a favorite films list going with many other friends chiming in with their picks.
You can find it here.
So, being a film buff myself, I'm submitting for your approval my 30 favorite films (that I could think in the span of an hour).
Don't be left out in the lobby....submit your top 5 in the Comments section.
With that, grab your tub o' popcorn and hot tamales....the reel is rolling:
- 30. American Beauty (1999)
- 29. Taxi Driver (1976)
- 28. Say Anything... (1989)
- 27. Wonder Boys (2000)
- 26. Memento (2000)
- 25. Pi (1998)
- 24. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- 23. Lost in Translation (2003)
- 22. Caddyshack (1980)
- 21. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (2002)
- 20. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
- 19. Office Space (1998)
- 18. Se7en (1995)
- 17. Rope (1948)
- 16. The Graduate (1967)
- 15. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001)
- 14. Animal House (1978)
- 13. Hoop Dreams (1991)
- 12. Toy Story (1995)
- 11. The Matrix (1999)
- 10. The Big Lebowski (1998)
- 9. Fight Club (1997)
- 8. North by Northwest (1959)
- 7. Slap Shot (1995)
- 6. This Is Spinal Tap (1982)
- 5. Dr. Strangelove (Or How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb) (1964)
- 4. Waiting For Guffman (1996)
- 3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- 2. Rushmore (1999)
- 1. Citizen Kane (1941)
01 December 2004
Creative Spelling
How fitting if one of the qualifications was "Attention to Detail A Must."
Fox affiliate in Toledo OH is looking for a candidate with strong management writing and creati9ve abilities. Broadcast experience of 3-5 years in promotion is preferred. Applicable college degree combined AVID skills and production techniques a must. Please forward resume and tape to Fox toledco 4 Seagate Toledo, OH 43604. No phone calls please. EOE.
Fox affiliate in Toledo OH is looking for a candidate with strong management writing and creati9ve abilities. Broadcast experience of 3-5 years in promotion is preferred. Applicable college degree combined AVID skills and production techniques a must. Please forward resume and tape to Fox toledco 4 Seagate Toledo, OH 43604. No phone calls please. EOE.
18 November 2004
Stoops to a New Level
I'm a transplant to the South right in the middle of Auburn - Georgia Country.
For all my life prior to this move, I lived in the heart of Big12/Big 8 country and regarded myself to be a staunch Big 12 apologist.
After seeing the SEC up close for the past 3 years, I can say without a doubt that the SEC is the best conference in college football, year in and year out.
I submit that to run the table in the SEC, a team should be awarded an automatic bid to the national title game.
Good Luck to Auburn, who in the wake of this tough situation, have carried themselves with the upmost respect and class in this flawed BCS system.
The same can't be said for Coach Bob Stoops.
For all my life prior to this move, I lived in the heart of Big12/Big 8 country and regarded myself to be a staunch Big 12 apologist.
After seeing the SEC up close for the past 3 years, I can say without a doubt that the SEC is the best conference in college football, year in and year out.
I submit that to run the table in the SEC, a team should be awarded an automatic bid to the national title game.
Good Luck to Auburn, who in the wake of this tough situation, have carried themselves with the upmost respect and class in this flawed BCS system.
The same can't be said for Coach Bob Stoops.
09 November 2004
(Don't) Lay Off Jimmy
"Jimmy's been checking you out....Jimmy likes what he sees."
-- Jimmy, Seinfeld
What about that title reminds me of a Glass Tiger? Oh well...
Somehow, someway, Jimmy Eat World still manage to amaze me.
If you haven't heard their new album, Futures, I recommend it highly....think a fusion of the pop hooks of Bleed American and the vunerablity in Clarity.
If you have listened to it once or twice and dismissed, don't throw in the towel.
Much like the great Wilco, this album will grow. Just add a little water and love.
Patience, my friend.
---------------------------------------
An aside regarding the title:
Kirsten and I have discussed before about the whole parentheses thing with some pop bands. We basically concluded that the record execs enforce this tactic based on their view of the buying masses as "dumb". Surely the only way we'll know that song is if the title is expanded to include the whole line in the song's hook.
Hook? Line? Ah, that's too easy.
This post written to the musical aid of Pet Sounds & SMiLE by The Beach Boys
-- Jimmy, Seinfeld
What about that title reminds me of a Glass Tiger? Oh well...
Somehow, someway, Jimmy Eat World still manage to amaze me.
If you haven't heard their new album, Futures, I recommend it highly....think a fusion of the pop hooks of Bleed American and the vunerablity in Clarity.
If you have listened to it once or twice and dismissed, don't throw in the towel.
Much like the great Wilco, this album will grow. Just add a little water and love.
Patience, my friend.
---------------------------------------
An aside regarding the title:
Kirsten and I have discussed before about the whole parentheses thing with some pop bands. We basically concluded that the record execs enforce this tactic based on their view of the buying masses as "dumb". Surely the only way we'll know that song is if the title is expanded to include the whole line in the song's hook.
Hook? Line? Ah, that's too easy.
This post written to the musical aid of Pet Sounds & SMiLE by The Beach Boys
05 November 2004
Concession Stand
The Best Week Ever Blog puts it all so eloquently:
“My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"
--Animal House
“My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"
--Animal House
31 October 2004
29 October 2004
Crooked Rain on the Pavement
"Go back to those Gold Soundz...
...Because it's something that I don't like
Is it a crisis or a boring change?" -- Lyric from "Gold Soundz"
A couple of days ago, perhaps to help cheer me up from the rough play of the Cards in the World Series, I re-visited an old friend in a new way.
Pavement is at it again, a year after re-releasing their critically-acclaimed debut album Slanted & Enchanted with a ReDuxe double disc version.
Tuesday came a steady rain.
The defunct band's sophomore effort (and my personal favorite) hit stores this week and I nearly missed the festivites. Not that there were any, but you get the idea.
Matador Records brings another excellent re-release, with 2 discs packed with b-sides, tons of unreleased material, and much more.
If you feel a nostalgic itch to re-visit one of the best albums of the 90's, I highly recommend this journey, especially if you're discovering the band for the first time.
Pavement has never sounded better.
...Because it's something that I don't like
Is it a crisis or a boring change?" -- Lyric from "Gold Soundz"
A couple of days ago, perhaps to help cheer me up from the rough play of the Cards in the World Series, I re-visited an old friend in a new way.
Pavement is at it again, a year after re-releasing their critically-acclaimed debut album Slanted & Enchanted with a ReDuxe double disc version.
Tuesday came a steady rain.
The defunct band's sophomore effort (and my personal favorite) hit stores this week and I nearly missed the festivites. Not that there were any, but you get the idea.
Matador Records brings another excellent re-release, with 2 discs packed with b-sides, tons of unreleased material, and much more.
If you feel a nostalgic itch to re-visit one of the best albums of the 90's, I highly recommend this journey, especially if you're discovering the band for the first time.
Pavement has never sounded better.
22 October 2004
Working The Count
In the midst of all the celebration, let me take my Debbie Downer position on the soapbox for a moment:
Brian Gunn of Redbird Nation had this to write in his celebratory post following last night's Game 7 victory, sending our beloved Cardinals to the World Series:
"Rolen's homer was set up by the good looks our hitters got of Roger Clemens early on."
For my money, this was one of the forgotten themes of the games in Houston. Those ball games are different if the Cards work the count.
Walker, Pujols, Rolen, Renteria...they understood that.
Last night, the Cards looked like that scary team making a pitcher work for outs. Hopefully, it continues to be a trend and not a mirage.
Tony Womack showed us last night the size of his heart and the kind of play that made him a sparkplug for this team's success. As heroic a game that he played last night, I hope in the WS he recognizes the importance of making that guy on the hill sweat and remembers to take a few pitches for the good of the team.
With that in mind,
Go Cards!
Brian Gunn of Redbird Nation had this to write in his celebratory post following last night's Game 7 victory, sending our beloved Cardinals to the World Series:
"Rolen's homer was set up by the good looks our hitters got of Roger Clemens early on."
For my money, this was one of the forgotten themes of the games in Houston. Those ball games are different if the Cards work the count.
Walker, Pujols, Rolen, Renteria...they understood that.
Last night, the Cards looked like that scary team making a pitcher work for outs. Hopefully, it continues to be a trend and not a mirage.
Tony Womack showed us last night the size of his heart and the kind of play that made him a sparkplug for this team's success. As heroic a game that he played last night, I hope in the WS he recognizes the importance of making that guy on the hill sweat and remembers to take a few pitches for the good of the team.
With that in mind,
Go Cards!
Dreaming in Red
The St. Louis Cardinals battle The Boston Red Sox for the World Championship of the World.
Rematch of the 1946 and 1967 World Series.
The Names:
Williams. Musial. Gibson. Yaz. Boyer. Brock. Flood.
Now we can add some more:
Pujols. Ortiz. Rolen. Ramirez. Edmonds. Schilling. Walker. Martinez. Renteria. Damon. Foulke. Izzy, just to name a few.
A battle between two teams with arguably the best fans in the game collectively.
Red Sox Nation versus Cardinal Nation.
Fenway Park. Busch Stadium.
Tradition. Excellence. Class.
St. Louis. Boston.
Perfect for a series dubbed "The Fall Classic".
Baseball the right way. The Cardinal Way. The Red Sox Way.
Somebody pinch me. Actually, dont...I don't want to wake up.
See you boys on Saturday. Save me a seat on the Green Mon-stah.
Rematch of the 1946 and 1967 World Series.
The Names:
Williams. Musial. Gibson. Yaz. Boyer. Brock. Flood.
Now we can add some more:
Pujols. Ortiz. Rolen. Ramirez. Edmonds. Schilling. Walker. Martinez. Renteria. Damon. Foulke. Izzy, just to name a few.
A battle between two teams with arguably the best fans in the game collectively.
Red Sox Nation versus Cardinal Nation.
Fenway Park. Busch Stadium.
Tradition. Excellence. Class.
St. Louis. Boston.
Perfect for a series dubbed "The Fall Classic".
Baseball the right way. The Cardinal Way. The Red Sox Way.
Somebody pinch me. Actually, dont...I don't want to wake up.
See you boys on Saturday. Save me a seat on the Green Mon-stah.
16 October 2004
Stewart v. Crossfire (The Media)
If only I had seen it live. Jon Stewart fought the media, and won.
A real shocker, I know.
Nevertheless, IFilm has a streaming file of the exchange between Jon Stewart and the CNN Crossfire team from earlier today.
Plus, engaging in battle with a guy named Tucker, the odds have to be pretty safe in your court.
If you haven't heard about it, it was brutal...but a long time coming.
Alas, words cannot do this bout justice, therefore I implore you to check out the stream on IFilm.
Of course, if you can't wait for the stream or suffer from low bandwidth, check out the transcript here.
In the spirit of the Yankee-Sox clash, it was a real donnybrook on CNN. Great stuff.
What I found most hypocritical about Tucker Carlson in this exchange was his lamenting to Stewart with regard to his "softball" questions to John Kerry, while at the same time, dismissing and ignoring Stewart's pointed barbs directed toward him about his journalistic practices.
In actuality, he should have been applauding Stewart for his tough critique of the Media machine.
Instead, he was proving Stewart's point.
Tucker, my man, the difference between John Stewart and you is that you're supposed to resemble a real news commentator.
Jon's job is to satirize it. His job isn't to do your job or your colleagues' jobs.
Anyway, check it out.
A real shocker, I know.
Nevertheless, IFilm has a streaming file of the exchange between Jon Stewart and the CNN Crossfire team from earlier today.
Plus, engaging in battle with a guy named Tucker, the odds have to be pretty safe in your court.
If you haven't heard about it, it was brutal...but a long time coming.
Alas, words cannot do this bout justice, therefore I implore you to check out the stream on IFilm.
Of course, if you can't wait for the stream or suffer from low bandwidth, check out the transcript here.
In the spirit of the Yankee-Sox clash, it was a real donnybrook on CNN. Great stuff.
What I found most hypocritical about Tucker Carlson in this exchange was his lamenting to Stewart with regard to his "softball" questions to John Kerry, while at the same time, dismissing and ignoring Stewart's pointed barbs directed toward him about his journalistic practices.
In actuality, he should have been applauding Stewart for his tough critique of the Media machine.
Instead, he was proving Stewart's point.
Tucker, my man, the difference between John Stewart and you is that you're supposed to resemble a real news commentator.
Jon's job is to satirize it. His job isn't to do your job or your colleagues' jobs.
Anyway, check it out.
15 October 2004
The No-Spank Zone
Bill O'Reilly A Sexual Deviant?
Surely you jest.
Of course, it may just be an impression that I get from reading the 22 page sexual harrasement suit filed against him by a former female co-worker.
I'm sure that Keith Olbermann's diatribe about the host of "The O'Reilly Factor" alleged legal speedbump is merely another attack in the long line of liberal assaults on said public servant.
I mean, this is one of the most powerful men in the media today. Why would he abuse his power?
I'm sure all will be straightened out in the long run and Mr. O'Reilly will be vindicated.
O'Really?
Surely you jest.
Of course, it may just be an impression that I get from reading the 22 page sexual harrasement suit filed against him by a former female co-worker.
I'm sure that Keith Olbermann's diatribe about the host of "The O'Reilly Factor" alleged legal speedbump is merely another attack in the long line of liberal assaults on said public servant.
I mean, this is one of the most powerful men in the media today. Why would he abuse his power?
I'm sure all will be straightened out in the long run and Mr. O'Reilly will be vindicated.
O'Really?
14 October 2004
The New Blog's Here!
Kerry. Bush. The Final Debate.
Screw that.
Bloggermann makes her maiden voyage tonight.
Sure, it's a round-by-round analysis of said debate, but is that the real story here?
Countdown's Keith Olbermann with his own blog to call his own?
Now that's a event I can get behind.
In case you're interested, Here's Olbermann's final debate scorecard:
Rounds won now adjusted to
Kerry 12
Bush 5
Even 4.
Net points now adjusted to
Kerry 18
Bush 3
Sorry, W.
---------------
Keith's previous debate scorecards
Screw that.
Bloggermann makes her maiden voyage tonight.
Sure, it's a round-by-round analysis of said debate, but is that the real story here?
Countdown's Keith Olbermann with his own blog to call his own?
Now that's a event I can get behind.
In case you're interested, Here's Olbermann's final debate scorecard:
Rounds won now adjusted to
Kerry 12
Bush 5
Even 4.
Net points now adjusted to
Kerry 18
Bush 3
Sorry, W.
---------------
Keith's previous debate scorecards
13 October 2004
Episode III - Nerd Alert
TheForce.Net has recently posted a description of the Episode III trailer. You've been warned.
Plus, in their effort to provide the info and maintain complete sleuth-i-ness, the top fan site has cloaked the passage in white colored font.
To read this, simply highlight the area by clicking and holding your mouse.
Because I feel like ruining it for you, I've included said text of the Episode III trailer spoiler below.
Read at your own risk!
Enjoy!
"Familiar voice over with Alec Guinness. Fans will love to hear him speak his monologue to Luke from A New Hope about "Jedi Knights always being the guardians of peace." As we hear these familiar phrases, they've intercut shots from various Star Wars episodes, excluding Episode 3. Only when the monologue ends with "Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force" about 40 seconds into the trailer do we see the face of Anakin. He is partly covered with dark hood, looking positively evil.
This is followed by the shot of erupting volcanoes, then some sort of volcanic field with crab-like creatures and then darkness, all accompanied by Vader breathing. Then the following is heard:
Sidious: "Lord Vader..."
Vader: "Yes?"
Sidious: "Rise."
Then we see Anakin in full Vader gear rising on some sort of operating table to which he is chained. The rising is slow and is intercut with shot of various Star Wars main characters. When the table has fully risen so that Vader is basically standing upright, the meatiest part of trailer begins, with many, many shots from Episode III. Most of them are very, very short - this will be something for freeze-frame fanatics to analyze.
The ones that stuck in my memory:
Dozens of Wookiees on some sort of floating platform.
Padme with signature Leia hairdo.
The Tri-Fighter, aka the precursor to the TIE fighter with three curving wings and guns mounted between each wing. They shoot red lasers.
The ARC Clonefigthter, aka the precursor to X-Wing, with three wings on each side.
A gigantic starship being sprayed by streams of something that looks like dense acid.
The trailer ends with the title "THE SAGA IS COMPLETE - MAY 2005"
- TheForce.Net
Plus, in their effort to provide the info and maintain complete sleuth-i-ness, the top fan site has cloaked the passage in white colored font.
To read this, simply highlight the area by clicking and holding your mouse.
Because I feel like ruining it for you, I've included said text of the Episode III trailer spoiler below.
Read at your own risk!
Enjoy!
"Familiar voice over with Alec Guinness. Fans will love to hear him speak his monologue to Luke from A New Hope about "Jedi Knights always being the guardians of peace." As we hear these familiar phrases, they've intercut shots from various Star Wars episodes, excluding Episode 3. Only when the monologue ends with "Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force" about 40 seconds into the trailer do we see the face of Anakin. He is partly covered with dark hood, looking positively evil.
This is followed by the shot of erupting volcanoes, then some sort of volcanic field with crab-like creatures and then darkness, all accompanied by Vader breathing. Then the following is heard:
Sidious: "Lord Vader..."
Vader: "Yes?"
Sidious: "Rise."
Then we see Anakin in full Vader gear rising on some sort of operating table to which he is chained. The rising is slow and is intercut with shot of various Star Wars main characters. When the table has fully risen so that Vader is basically standing upright, the meatiest part of trailer begins, with many, many shots from Episode III. Most of them are very, very short - this will be something for freeze-frame fanatics to analyze.
The ones that stuck in my memory:
Dozens of Wookiees on some sort of floating platform.
Padme with signature Leia hairdo.
The Tri-Fighter, aka the precursor to the TIE fighter with three curving wings and guns mounted between each wing. They shoot red lasers.
The ARC Clonefigthter, aka the precursor to X-Wing, with three wings on each side.
A gigantic starship being sprayed by streams of something that looks like dense acid.
The trailer ends with the title "THE SAGA IS COMPLETE - MAY 2005"
- TheForce.Net
Consolation Prize
11 October 2004
Is Bush Wired?
Mr. President, is that a bulge in your jacket or are you just glad to see me?
Was our Commander-In-Chief wired at the debate last Friday?
As one TV biz commenter pointed out, the tell-tale signs were there: darting eyes, slight pause, etc.
Judge for yourself.
Was our Commander-In-Chief wired at the debate last Friday?
As one TV biz commenter pointed out, the tell-tale signs were there: darting eyes, slight pause, etc.
Judge for yourself.
07 October 2004
The New Murderers' Row
The 2004 Cardinals continue their season long onslaught on helpless NL pitching tonight in Game 2.
L.A.'s starter: Jeff Weaver.
The paramedics are on standby.
06 October 2004
A Little Pressure, Chief
Stop what you're doing, run to your nearest record supplier and buy the new Cake album, Pressure Chief. It's that good.
You heard me. Go!
You heard me. Go!
Debate Mano-a-Olbermanno
Edwards. Cheney. The Debate.
You wanted the best...you got the best.
Countdown's Keith Olbermann weighs in with his round-by-round Blog Bout of the Vice Presidential Debate.
Enjoy!
Special Note: Our man Mr. Olbermann is also getting a Blog soon.
Keep a look out for Bloggermann!
You wanted the best...you got the best.
Countdown's Keith Olbermann weighs in with his round-by-round Blog Bout of the Vice Presidential Debate.
Enjoy!
Special Note: Our man Mr. Olbermann is also getting a Blog soon.
Keep a look out for Bloggermann!
In Klein We Trust
Check out comedienne Jessi Klein's take on last week's debate on her CNN Blog.
If you wondering who the @#$% is Jessi Klein...she's very funny and a contributer to Best Week Ever.
Here's a little taste:
"Watching Bush talk always gives me that feeling like when you're watching an alcoholic uncle give a toast at a wedding - you're just kind of hoping he'll get through it without messing up too bad, but he inevitably does."
Have another, Uncle W.
If you wondering who the @#$% is Jessi Klein...she's very funny and a contributer to Best Week Ever.
Here's a little taste:
"Watching Bush talk always gives me that feeling like when you're watching an alcoholic uncle give a toast at a wedding - you're just kind of hoping he'll get through it without messing up too bad, but he inevitably does."
Have another, Uncle W.
22 September 2004
We put the "Fan" in Fanatic
Plenty of good seats still available.
The following links below is further undeniable proof that I have no life.
Even with our 0-2 start, the future looks bright for this band of misfits. Check back every week at our Pressure Chiefs home page for the latest in our season-long struggle to the zenith of the fantasy football mountain.
Home of the Pressure Chiefs
Also, KO's club, The Girlie Men Express, have a site to track her club's 2-0 start in their maiden campaign.
Home of The Girlie Men Express
The following links below is further undeniable proof that I have no life.
Even with our 0-2 start, the future looks bright for this band of misfits. Check back every week at our Pressure Chiefs home page for the latest in our season-long struggle to the zenith of the fantasy football mountain.
Home of the Pressure Chiefs
Also, KO's club, The Girlie Men Express, have a site to track her club's 2-0 start in their maiden campaign.
Home of The Girlie Men Express
Armchair TV Critic
Hey, I can do this. I've worked in the TV business for nearly 5 years as a professional, so it's a short leap to critic.
ABC was kind enough to send us a wonderful 3 DVD pack with the new 04-05 Network Pilots set to debut this fall. I was only interested to see a few, so here's what I thought:
ABC was kind enough to send us a wonderful 3 DVD pack with the new 04-05 Network Pilots set to debut this fall. I was only interested to see a few, so here's what I thought:
- Lost
What a great show. More like a movie disguised as a TV drama. Very intense scenes, but executed wonderfully. Alias creator J.J. Abrams did a magnificent job with this 2 hour pilot. A must see...you'll be hooked.
Full Season.
- Life As We Know It
Think a serious version of "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" with one fatal error: The fourth wall testimonials are laaaame. Much like Ferris Bueller and the aforementioned Parker, you have to step up the writing in the asides. Challenge the viewer. Witty and Clever is what the kids want. The writing displayed here insults the audience's intelligence. If this isn't fixed or scrapped altogether, the show won't last till Homecoming.
3 shows and out.
- Rodney
Typical comediam showcase sitcom. Should appeal to the Nascar Dads of the world. Defies all logic, and if ABC plays their cards right and handcuffs it with According to Jim, Rodney gets a season under his belt.
Full Season.
There you have it. Happy viewing!
21 September 2004
One Score and Eight
Happy Birthday to me! Even though I had to work, it was a great day.
KO got me the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set (Widescreen, of course) and a great book about the history of ESPN with a DVD of all their "This Is SportsCenter" promos.
Plus, my sweet Zoe saved up all her money to buy me a wonderful new book I've been looking for about the history of Wilco called "Learning How To Die" by Chicago music critic Greg Kot.
I'm very lucky indeed.
Thanks to everyone who called and wrote. I love you all. As for everyone else, you're cool, too.
KO got me the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set (Widescreen, of course) and a great book about the history of ESPN with a DVD of all their "This Is SportsCenter" promos.
Plus, my sweet Zoe saved up all her money to buy me a wonderful new book I've been looking for about the history of Wilco called "Learning How To Die" by Chicago music critic Greg Kot.
I'm very lucky indeed.
Thanks to everyone who called and wrote. I love you all. As for everyone else, you're cool, too.
20 September 2004
Wearin' Out The Panic Button
Well, the Chiefs are 0-2 after losing to the Panthers at Arrowhead, breaking a 13-game regular season home winning streak in the process.
Which means only one thing...Suicide watch for Chief Fans.
Checking out the message boards at the Kansas City Star after losing to Denver was scary enough, but losing to the Panthers at home? Katy, Bar the door!
Whatever will the poor Chief Fan do, after this horrible turn of events?
I myself am commonly accused of rooting for the Chiefs. This is not in dispute. I too am frustrated with the team's current play in the face of a new old face leading the defense and a the league's most explosive offense reduced to a shadow of its former self.
What can I do about it? Nothing. I'm cool with that.
I have all the confidence in the world that Coach Vermeil can right this rocky ship and get us to the playoffs.
I'm more sick of the fucking bandwagon fans that piss and moan about the state of the team and how they're sick of it all.
If that's the case, jump. The less on the bandwagon, the better. I've been a fan of the Chiefs for as long as I can remember and my family have been season ticket holders since 1989, well before the boys in KC were a powerhouse. I know about losing and winning with this team...and I know about loyalty.
This experience can actually make the team stronger. That starts with Houston @ Arrowhead next week.
I know I'll be watching next Sunday.
Which means only one thing...Suicide watch for Chief Fans.
Checking out the message boards at the Kansas City Star after losing to Denver was scary enough, but losing to the Panthers at home? Katy, Bar the door!
Whatever will the poor Chief Fan do, after this horrible turn of events?
I myself am commonly accused of rooting for the Chiefs. This is not in dispute. I too am frustrated with the team's current play in the face of a new old face leading the defense and a the league's most explosive offense reduced to a shadow of its former self.
What can I do about it? Nothing. I'm cool with that.
I have all the confidence in the world that Coach Vermeil can right this rocky ship and get us to the playoffs.
I'm more sick of the fucking bandwagon fans that piss and moan about the state of the team and how they're sick of it all.
If that's the case, jump. The less on the bandwagon, the better. I've been a fan of the Chiefs for as long as I can remember and my family have been season ticket holders since 1989, well before the boys in KC were a powerhouse. I know about losing and winning with this team...and I know about loyalty.
This experience can actually make the team stronger. That starts with Houston @ Arrowhead next week.
I know I'll be watching next Sunday.
17 September 2004
The Truth Is Out There...
Are you an undecided voter looking for the truth, the right leader for your country?
links provided by GWBush04.com
Check out the following ads, and remember:
A good voter is an aware voter.
links provided by GWBush04.com
04 September 2004
Check out "Jimmy"
"Jimmy's new in town"
-Seinfeld
Jimmy Eat World just launched a player to check out their new album. Click the link below to check it out.
The new album rolls into stores October 19.
Jimmy Eat World "Futures" Player
"Jimmy's new in town"
-Seinfeld
Jimmy Eat World just launched a player to check out their new album. Click the link below to check it out.
The new album rolls into stores October 19.
Jimmy Eat World "Futures" Player
02 September 2004
Moore Coverage
Want to know what Michael Moore is saying about the Republican National Convention in New York?
I thought so...that's why he's writing a guest column for USA Today. Check out his latest from the G-O-P stronghold here.
Michael Moore USA Today RNC Archive
Want to know what Michael Moore is saying about the Republican National Convention in New York?
I thought so...that's why he's writing a guest column for USA Today. Check out his latest from the G-O-P stronghold here.
Michael Moore USA Today RNC Archive
01 September 2004
Getting The Bug (Again)
ACT I - SCENE I
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CAMERA pans left across what appears to be an apartment wall, with a large case full of DVDs. Most titles are familiar, cutting into closeups of CITIZEN KANE and his collection of STAR WARS films.
As CAMERA continues to pan left, we see a computer desk come into frame. JUMP CUT into CU of Fingers typing feverishly away. frantically spewing out the owner's thoughts.
CUT to CORY, a man in his late twenties, staring intently at his computer screen, mumbling the contents of my incessant typing. Whatever he sees brings a displeased look to his face. After throwing back the last of his Diet Pepsi and stroking the back of his cat ZOE, he begins again the dance of digits across the keyboard.
So, I'm watching Adaptation again after checking it out from the library, and the bug begins to creep into my head.
That's what I need to be doing. I need to be making movies.
Every so often, something I read, watch, encounter, whatever it might be, will spark something in my being to get back to what I love doing: making movies.
I realize while I'm writing this that my moviemaking experiences comprise solely of film school.
Sure, I can somewhat convince myself that the TV business is an avenue to express my creative juices, but I'm not that naive.
So, when the "bug" returns, it usually jars me into a state of creative flux where I'm comtemplating the pros and cons of writing, storytelling, and making movies.
Some of us call this motivation. All I know is that ideas come in and out of my head, 99.9% contrived and unoriginal. But, hope springs eternal that one idea will stick, perhaps even stand out from the mound of drivel that accompanies it. Maybe that's what keep me coming back.
In all honesty, there's really very little unappealing about moviemaking, except for the money lost and not made chasing a seemingly unattainable dream.
The best thing about these occasional lapses back into the creative vortex is that for the past four years, I have someone along for the ride.
Kirsten said tonight that she thinks between the two of us, we'd make a great writing team. I hope she's right.
The voices in my head are starving for some company.
ACT I - SCENE I
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CAMERA pans left across what appears to be an apartment wall, with a large case full of DVDs. Most titles are familiar, cutting into closeups of CITIZEN KANE and his collection of STAR WARS films.
As CAMERA continues to pan left, we see a computer desk come into frame. JUMP CUT into CU of Fingers typing feverishly away. frantically spewing out the owner's thoughts.
CUT to CORY, a man in his late twenties, staring intently at his computer screen, mumbling the contents of my incessant typing. Whatever he sees brings a displeased look to his face. After throwing back the last of his Diet Pepsi and stroking the back of his cat ZOE, he begins again the dance of digits across the keyboard.
So, I'm watching Adaptation again after checking it out from the library, and the bug begins to creep into my head.
That's what I need to be doing. I need to be making movies.
Every so often, something I read, watch, encounter, whatever it might be, will spark something in my being to get back to what I love doing: making movies.
I realize while I'm writing this that my moviemaking experiences comprise solely of film school.
Sure, I can somewhat convince myself that the TV business is an avenue to express my creative juices, but I'm not that naive.
So, when the "bug" returns, it usually jars me into a state of creative flux where I'm comtemplating the pros and cons of writing, storytelling, and making movies.
Some of us call this motivation. All I know is that ideas come in and out of my head, 99.9% contrived and unoriginal. But, hope springs eternal that one idea will stick, perhaps even stand out from the mound of drivel that accompanies it. Maybe that's what keep me coming back.
In all honesty, there's really very little unappealing about moviemaking, except for the money lost and not made chasing a seemingly unattainable dream.
The best thing about these occasional lapses back into the creative vortex is that for the past four years, I have someone along for the ride.
Kirsten said tonight that she thinks between the two of us, we'd make a great writing team. I hope she's right.
The voices in my head are starving for some company.
31 August 2004
Searching for Mel Kiper
I just got word tonight that the other fantasy league that I thought would never come to fruition has finally joined the race.
One roadblock: They're doing an offline draft this Sunday @ 4 ET. Eck. This seriously blows.
Excuse my geekiness, but one of the great joys of FF is the online draft. Sure, the first one's the toughest, but KO made out like a bandit in her maiden voyage.
Unfortunately, all the convincing in the world couldn't sway the judges at this particular league. It seems the majority of the fellas in this bunch aren't what you would call computer-savvy.
That's cool. Taking their money will feel a little sweeter. Not that I would condone gambling in any way, shape, or form.
Anyhoo, I may be incorporating the help of my readers (who am I kidding? reader) as a makeshift "war room" for the draft.
What? How can you turn down an opportunity to help build Chico's Bail Bonds from scratch to a championship contender? Have you no soul?
So, if your phone rings around 4 pm on Sunday, you'd be best not to answer.
You've been forewarned.
I just got word tonight that the other fantasy league that I thought would never come to fruition has finally joined the race.
One roadblock: They're doing an offline draft this Sunday @ 4 ET. Eck. This seriously blows.
Excuse my geekiness, but one of the great joys of FF is the online draft. Sure, the first one's the toughest, but KO made out like a bandit in her maiden voyage.
Unfortunately, all the convincing in the world couldn't sway the judges at this particular league. It seems the majority of the fellas in this bunch aren't what you would call computer-savvy.
That's cool. Taking their money will feel a little sweeter. Not that I would condone gambling in any way, shape, or form.
Anyhoo, I may be incorporating the help of my readers (who am I kidding? reader) as a makeshift "war room" for the draft.
What? How can you turn down an opportunity to help build Chico's Bail Bonds from scratch to a championship contender? Have you no soul?
So, if your phone rings around 4 pm on Sunday, you'd be best not to answer.
You've been forewarned.
28 August 2004
Kansas City's Other Sporting Event
Just a little levity before the Chiefs and Browns preseason clash that 80,000 + fans (my dad and brother included) will attend in their drunken stupors.
The game is but a footnote to the real event of gameday: Tailgating.
Just a little levity before the Chiefs and Browns preseason clash that 80,000 + fans (my dad and brother included) will attend in their drunken stupors.
The game is but a footnote to the real event of gameday: Tailgating.
25 August 2004
Meet Your 2004 Pressure Chiefs
OK. You've had your chance to meet the juggernaut and eventual 2004 "Frozen Tundra"Fantasy Football League champion in "The Girlie Men Express".
Now, here's a first look at my attempt to snatch the tiara from Kirsten's cranium.
Here's the lineup for The Pressure Chiefs:
OK. You've had your chance to meet the juggernaut and eventual 2004 "Frozen Tundra"Fantasy Football League champion in "The Girlie Men Express".
Now, here's a first look at my attempt to snatch the tiara from Kirsten's cranium.
Here's the lineup for The Pressure Chiefs:
- Quarterback - Daunte Culpepper and Jeff Garcia
- Running Back - Clinton Portis, Rudi Johnson, Chris Brown, and Julius Jones
- Wide Receiver - Derrick Mason, Santana Moss, Marty Booker, Reggie Wayne, Dante Hall, and Deion Branch
- Tight End - Boo Williams and Freddie Jones
- Kicker - Jon Kasay
- Defense - Carolina and Jacksonville
Let the games begin!
MOM. Use as directed.
Ahh...beach volleyball. Such a great and wonderful sport.
Before anyone thinks I'm only watching for the scenery, let me preface this by saying:
1. The sheer athleticism and versatility that each team must possess is unbelievable.
and,
2. Who am I kidding? The ladies are definitely easy on the eyes.
That said, while watching the gold medal match between Americans Kerri Walsh and Misty May against Brazil tonight and against Americans Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs in the semis last night, I noticed something odd.
The story goes as such:
That's a very touching story. But, while watching Misty May showing the camera her mother's remains, the container she was using to hold the ashes caught my eye.
A used medical perscription bottle.
I'm not going to speculate as to why she chose this receptacle to house her mother's remains. She's a big girl. Perhaps there's some underlying significance.
I'm just saying, I might've gone another route. Just a guess.
Congratulations to Misty May and Kerrie Walsh and enjoy the remainder of the Olympics.
Go USA!
Ahh...beach volleyball. Such a great and wonderful sport.
Before anyone thinks I'm only watching for the scenery, let me preface this by saying:
1. The sheer athleticism and versatility that each team must possess is unbelievable.
and,
2. Who am I kidding? The ladies are definitely easy on the eyes.
That said, while watching the gold medal match between Americans Kerri Walsh and Misty May against Brazil tonight and against Americans Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs in the semis last night, I noticed something odd.
The story goes as such:
"Before her semifinal match, a victory against McPeak and Youngs, [Misty May] quietly sprinkled the ashes of her deceased mother over the sands of the Olympic venue on Monday night. Barbara May died of cancer two years ago. That was the private moment. Tuesday, she and Walsh filled the outdoor stadium with their joy in a very public manner."
That's a very touching story. But, while watching Misty May showing the camera her mother's remains, the container she was using to hold the ashes caught my eye.
A used medical perscription bottle.
I'm not going to speculate as to why she chose this receptacle to house her mother's remains. She's a big girl. Perhaps there's some underlying significance.
I'm just saying, I might've gone another route. Just a guess.
Congratulations to Misty May and Kerrie Walsh and enjoy the remainder of the Olympics.
Go USA!
20 August 2004
You Can Make A Difference, eh?
Today I received an email that quite literally broke my heart. While the following passage may be difficult to read, take comfort in knowing that your involvement could be just the thing these unfortunate souls need to help buoy their spirits and make it through a difficult period.
Since September 11, 2001, Americans and Canadians have come together
as never before in our generation. We have banded together to
overcome tremendous adversity. We have weathered direct attacks on
our own soil, wars overseas, corporate/government scandal, layoffs,
unemployment, stock price plunges, droughts, fires, mad cow, SARS,
high gasoline prices, and a myriad of economic and physical
disasters both great and small. But now, we must come together once
again to overcome our greatest challenge yet.
Hundreds of Professional Hockey players in our very own nation are
going to be locked out, living at well below the seven-figure salary
level. And as if that weren't bad enough they could be deprived of
their life giving pay for several months, possibly longer, as a
result of the upcoming lockout situation. But you can help!
For only $20,835 a month, about $694.50 a day (that's less than the
cost of a large screen projection TV) you can help an NHL player
remain economically viable during his time of need. This
contribution by no means solves the problem as it barely covers the
annual minimum salary, but it's a start, and every little bit will
help! Although $700 may not seem like a lot of money to you, to a
hockey player it could mean the difference between spending the
lockout golfing in Florida or on a Mediterranean cruise. For you,
seven hundred dollars is nothing more than a month's rent, half a
mortgage payment, or a month of medical insurance, but to a hockey
player, $700 will partially replace his daily salary. Your
commitment of less than $700 a day will enable a player to buy that
home entertainment center, trade in the year-old Lexus for a new
Ferrari, or enjoy a weekend in Rio.
How will I know that I'm Helping?
Each month, you will receive a complete financial report on the
player you sponsor. Detailed information about his stocks, bonds,
401(k), real estate, and other investment holdings will be mailed to
your home. Plus, upon signing up for this program, you will receive
an unsigned photo of the player lounging during the lockout on a
beach somewhere in the Caribbean (for a signed photo, please include
an additional $150). Put the photo on your refrigerator to remind
you of other peoples' suffering.
HOW WILL HE KNOW I'M HELPING?
Your NHL player will be told that he has a SPECIAL FRIEND who just
wants to help in a time of need. Although the player won't know your
name, he will be able to make collect calls to your home via a
special operator in case additional funds are needed for unforeseen
expenses.
YES, I WANT TO HELP!
I would like to sponsor a locked out NHL player. My preference is
(check below):
[ ] Forward [ ] Defenseman [ ] Goaltender [ ] Entire team
(Please call our 900 number to ask for the cost of a specific team - $10 per
minute)
[ ]Jaromir Jagr (Higher cost: $32,000 per day)
Please charge the account listed below $694.50 per day for the
duration of the lockout. Please send me a picture of the player I
have sponsored, along with an Jaromir Jagr 2001 Income Statement and
my very own Bob Goodenow (Executive Director of the NHLPA player's
Union) pin to wear proudly on my hat (include $80 for hat).
Your Name: _______________________
Telephone Number: _______________________
Account Number: _______________________ Exp.Date:_______
[ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa [ ] American Express [ ] Other
Signature: _______________________
Alternate card (when the primary card exceeds its credit limit):
Account Number: _______________________ Exp.Date:_______
[ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa [ ] American Express [ ] Other
Signature: _______________________
Act now. You'll be glad you did, eh?
Thanks to Nicole for the email
Today I received an email that quite literally broke my heart. While the following passage may be difficult to read, take comfort in knowing that your involvement could be just the thing these unfortunate souls need to help buoy their spirits and make it through a difficult period.
Since September 11, 2001, Americans and Canadians have come together
as never before in our generation. We have banded together to
overcome tremendous adversity. We have weathered direct attacks on
our own soil, wars overseas, corporate/government scandal, layoffs,
unemployment, stock price plunges, droughts, fires, mad cow, SARS,
high gasoline prices, and a myriad of economic and physical
disasters both great and small. But now, we must come together once
again to overcome our greatest challenge yet.
Hundreds of Professional Hockey players in our very own nation are
going to be locked out, living at well below the seven-figure salary
level. And as if that weren't bad enough they could be deprived of
their life giving pay for several months, possibly longer, as a
result of the upcoming lockout situation. But you can help!
For only $20,835 a month, about $694.50 a day (that's less than the
cost of a large screen projection TV) you can help an NHL player
remain economically viable during his time of need. This
contribution by no means solves the problem as it barely covers the
annual minimum salary, but it's a start, and every little bit will
help! Although $700 may not seem like a lot of money to you, to a
hockey player it could mean the difference between spending the
lockout golfing in Florida or on a Mediterranean cruise. For you,
seven hundred dollars is nothing more than a month's rent, half a
mortgage payment, or a month of medical insurance, but to a hockey
player, $700 will partially replace his daily salary. Your
commitment of less than $700 a day will enable a player to buy that
home entertainment center, trade in the year-old Lexus for a new
Ferrari, or enjoy a weekend in Rio.
How will I know that I'm Helping?
Each month, you will receive a complete financial report on the
player you sponsor. Detailed information about his stocks, bonds,
401(k), real estate, and other investment holdings will be mailed to
your home. Plus, upon signing up for this program, you will receive
an unsigned photo of the player lounging during the lockout on a
beach somewhere in the Caribbean (for a signed photo, please include
an additional $150). Put the photo on your refrigerator to remind
you of other peoples' suffering.
HOW WILL HE KNOW I'M HELPING?
Your NHL player will be told that he has a SPECIAL FRIEND who just
wants to help in a time of need. Although the player won't know your
name, he will be able to make collect calls to your home via a
special operator in case additional funds are needed for unforeseen
expenses.
YES, I WANT TO HELP!
I would like to sponsor a locked out NHL player. My preference is
(check below):
[ ] Forward [ ] Defenseman [ ] Goaltender [ ] Entire team
(Please call our 900 number to ask for the cost of a specific team - $10 per
minute)
[ ]Jaromir Jagr (Higher cost: $32,000 per day)
Please charge the account listed below $694.50 per day for the
duration of the lockout. Please send me a picture of the player I
have sponsored, along with an Jaromir Jagr 2001 Income Statement and
my very own Bob Goodenow (Executive Director of the NHLPA player's
Union) pin to wear proudly on my hat (include $80 for hat).
Your Name: _______________________
Telephone Number: _______________________
Account Number: _______________________ Exp.Date:_______
[ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa [ ] American Express [ ] Other
Signature: _______________________
Alternate card (when the primary card exceeds its credit limit):
Account Number: _______________________ Exp.Date:_______
[ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa [ ] American Express [ ] Other
Signature: _______________________
Act now. You'll be glad you did, eh?
Thanks to Nicole for the email
17 August 2004
Roar of The Lion
Newsflash: Pedro The Lion is an amazing band.
If you're interested in checking them out, you can listen to their entire album at the website below. How cool is that?
Launch The Pedro Player
click on the box to the right that reads "audio"
Newsflash: Pedro The Lion is an amazing band.
If you're interested in checking them out, you can listen to their entire album at the website below. How cool is that?
Launch The Pedro Player
click on the box to the right that reads "audio"
Droppin' A "Dime"
There's been some more new Cake songs added to their online player since my last post.
Check their (and best) song on the player.
For further reference, I'm placing a separate link along the right hand column.
Launch the Cake Player
There's been some more new Cake songs added to their online player since my last post.
Check their (and best) song on the player.
For further reference, I'm placing a separate link along the right hand column.
Launch the Cake Player
A "Splendor" on Celluloid
"Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff."
-Harvey Peckar
The library can be a pretty wonderful place. Full of books, ideas, philosophy, opinions, satire, whatever you're looking for right at your fingertips.
On our last trip to the book depository, Kirsten and I picked up our usual assortment of items. For her, 4 to 5 books, varying in form, usually fiction. For me, CDs to burn and DVDs to absorb.
For some reason, this trip was very different than the countless others. The following is a list of what I stumbled upon on this particular venture:
CDs
"Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff."
-Harvey Peckar
The library can be a pretty wonderful place. Full of books, ideas, philosophy, opinions, satire, whatever you're looking for right at your fingertips.
On our last trip to the book depository, Kirsten and I picked up our usual assortment of items. For her, 4 to 5 books, varying in form, usually fiction. For me, CDs to burn and DVDs to absorb.
For some reason, this trip was very different than the countless others. The following is a list of what I stumbled upon on this particular venture:
CDs
- Incubus A Crow Left of The Murder - Heard it wasn't nearly as good as their previous releases. But, for free, what can it hurt?
- David Bowie Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Edition - For the bonus CD alone, it's worth it.
- U2 The Joshua Tree - Not sure how this happened, but I've never owned a copy. Yeah, I know.
- Nick Drake Pink Moon - Never heard it. C'mon, it's Nick f#ckin' Drake.
DVDs
- "Waking Life" - Haven't seen it. Kirsten thought it looked good; after reading the back, I can't wait to check it out.
- "American Splendor" - Tonight's subject. We just finished it tonight. Verdict: Two thumbs way up from the both of us.
What a wonderful movie. To be honest, I knew very little about Harvey Peckar before this movie. Sure, I'd heard of his legendary guest appearances on Letterman, but the rest never seemed to make its way to the small town where I grew up. Harvey and his family have a blog that is an interesting read on how his world has turned upside down since the movie's release.
All I got out of this movie was a wonderful group of characters that created a tapestry of ordinary life that is both painfully dingy and grim and achingly simple and beautiful.
Finding beauty in the things that we take for granted in life is such a powerful message that reaches out to all of us.
If you haven't seen this film, and you happen upon it while perusing for the latest Janet Evanovich at the library, or in a more common video store, pick it up. You won't be dissappointed.
15 August 2004
Mix Master Mike
Mike and The Mixtapes.
Sounds like a great name for a band, right?
OK, so it's not as good as The Rusty Trombones, but I digress.
My friend Mike has just released his anticipated debut of hopefully many monthly mixtapes. Check it out at the link below where you can download a little piece of Mike for free.
Randomness presents MixTape 0804 Bacteria Be Damned
I highly recommend it. If nothing else, think of it as stretching your obscure internet music dollar.
Mike and The Mixtapes.
Sounds like a great name for a band, right?
OK, so it's not as good as The Rusty Trombones, but I digress.
My friend Mike has just released his anticipated debut of hopefully many monthly mixtapes. Check it out at the link below where you can download a little piece of Mike for free.
Randomness presents MixTape 0804 Bacteria Be Damned
I highly recommend it. If nothing else, think of it as stretching your obscure internet music dollar.
Google Me
I added a new toy to the bottom of my site. Check it out...it may come in handy perusing my archives.
If you have a site or blog of your own and want to join in on the Google fun, here's the link to get your very own personal search engine.
Happy Googling!
I added a new toy to the bottom of my site. Check it out...it may come in handy perusing my archives.
If you have a site or blog of your own and want to join in on the Google fun, here's the link to get your very own personal search engine.
Happy Googling!
07 August 2004
I Love My Pants (Post)
Back by popular demand (OK, I liked it), I'm bringing back a funny post that I came across sifting through my archives.
Yes, I'm that vain.
---------------------------
Nice Pants You Have, Hmm?
Back by popular demand (OK, I liked it), I'm bringing back a funny post that I came across sifting through my archives.
Yes, I'm that vain.
---------------------------
Nice Pants You Have, Hmm?
Star Wars Lines That Can Be Impressive If You Substitute The Word "Pants"
- 1. A tremor in the pants. The last time I felt this was in the presence of my old master.
- 2. You are unwise to lower your pants.
- 3. We've got to be able to get some reading on those pants, up or down.
- 4. She must have hidden the plans in her pants. Send a detachment down to retrieve them. See to it personally Commander.
- 5. These pants may not look like much, kid, but they've got it where it counts.
- 6. I find your lack of pants disturbing.
- 7. These pants contain the ultimate power in the universe. I suggest we use it.
- 8. Han will have those pants down. We've got to give him more time!
- 9. General Veers, prepare your pants for a surface assault.
- 10. I used to bulls-eye womp-rats in my pants back home.
- 11. TK-421. . . Why aren't you in your pants?
- 12. Lock the door. And hope they don't have pants.
- 13. Governor Tarkin. I should've recognized your foul pants when I was brought on board.
- 14. You look strong enough to pull the pants off of a Gundark.
- 15. Luke . . . Help me take . . . these pants off.
- 16. Great, Chewie, great. Always thinking with your pants.
- 17. That blast came from those pants. That thing's operational!
- 18. Don't worry. Chewie and I have gotten into a lot of pants more heavily guarded than this.
- 19. Maybe you'd like it back in your pants, your highness.
- 20. Your pants betray you. Yours feelings for them are strong. Especially one. Your sister!
- 21. Jabba doesn't have time for smugglers who drop their pants at the first sign of an Imperial Cruiser.
- 22. Yeah, well short pants is better than no pants at all, Chewie.
- 23. Attention. This is Lando Calrissean. The Empire has taken control of my pants, I advise everyone to leave before more troops arrive.
- 24. I cannot teach him. The boy has no pants.
- 25. You came in those pants? You're braver than I thought.
-courtesy Grahme Newell
Walker, St. Louis Cardinal
Just when you thought the Cards had a tough lineup before August 6, now Larry Walker's wearing Cardinal red.
The big debate: Where will he hit in that power-packed lineup? 2nd? 6th? Will he crack the Pujols - Rolen - Edmonds heart?
Wherever he ends up, it's definitely a good problem to have for skipper Tony LaRussa:
Just when you thought the Cards had a tough lineup before August 6, now Larry Walker's wearing Cardinal red.
The big debate: Where will he hit in that power-packed lineup? 2nd? 6th? Will he crack the Pujols - Rolen - Edmonds heart?
Wherever he ends up, it's definitely a good problem to have for skipper Tony LaRussa:
"There's some good times ahead -- where to hit him, where to play him, how much to play him," said La Russa, who praised team ownership. "They're trying to give us every chance we can to get to the finish line and get to October and do some damage."
06 August 2004
Performer. Visionary. American.
The following is an excerpt from an New York Times op-ed piece written by Bruce Springsteen.
You can read the whole article here.
Thanks, Boss.
Link via Mike and Vernum
The following is an excerpt from an New York Times op-ed piece written by Bruce Springsteen.
You can read the whole article here.
"It is through the truthful exercising of the best of human qualities - respect for others, honesty about ourselves, faith in our ideals - that we come to life in God's eyes. It is how our soul, as a nation and as individuals, is revealed. Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting."
-Bruce Springsteen
Thanks, Boss.
Link via Mike and Vernum
"Vote for Bushie"
In case you haven't seen the Will Ferrell Bush ad presented by Americans Coming Together at this site, or if you're like me, the QuickTime file wouldn't upload onto your computer, I may have found a remedy.
I had no problem viewing the ad at the link below. So give it a try. Careful around the horse.
"Bush Straight Talk" Ad (starring Will Ferrell)
In case you haven't seen the Will Ferrell Bush ad presented by Americans Coming Together at this site, or if you're like me, the QuickTime file wouldn't upload onto your computer, I may have found a remedy.
I had no problem viewing the ad at the link below. So give it a try. Careful around the horse.
"Bush Straight Talk" Ad (starring Will Ferrell)
The Perks (and Perils) of A Career in Television
I'm going to see the Braves take on the best team in baseball August 14th, and thanks to 4 comp tickets after working my TV magic, it won't cost me a thing.
Except for the $12 to park.
Plus the $9 for a Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich at The Bullpen before the game.
And another $9 dropped at The 'Pen for 3 Bud Lights to load up before the game.
(I refuse to pay for beer inside a stadium - no-one to co-sign on a loan and I don't have a house to take out a morgage.)
Also, another $4 inside the park for a Diet Coke. (see above)
And, the $10 for gas.
Total --- $44.oo
Oh yeah, worst of all, my best friend, girlfriend, coolest chick I know, and co-ambassador of fun can't go because she's working.
In the immortal words of Yosemite Sam: Rack-a-frak-a, Rack-a-frak-a.
Hey, at least the tickets were free.
PS: Rolen for MVP. Respect.
I'm going to see the Braves take on the best team in baseball August 14th, and thanks to 4 comp tickets after working my TV magic, it won't cost me a thing.
Except for the $12 to park.
Plus the $9 for a Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich at The Bullpen before the game.
And another $9 dropped at The 'Pen for 3 Bud Lights to load up before the game.
(I refuse to pay for beer inside a stadium - no-one to co-sign on a loan and I don't have a house to take out a morgage.)
Also, another $4 inside the park for a Diet Coke. (see above)
And, the $10 for gas.
Total --- $44.oo
Oh yeah, worst of all, my best friend, girlfriend, coolest chick I know, and co-ambassador of fun can't go because she's working.
In the immortal words of Yosemite Sam: Rack-a-frak-a, Rack-a-frak-a.
Hey, at least the tickets were free.
PS: Rolen for MVP. Respect.
Only The Lonely
This sucks. Kirsten's been in Michigan since Monday, and I'm so bored.
Zoe and I miss her very much. (Maybe if I say enough good things about her, she'll fly home early).
Oh, well. It's worth a shot.
Come home safe.
This sucks. Kirsten's been in Michigan since Monday, and I'm so bored.
Zoe and I miss her very much. (Maybe if I say enough good things about her, she'll fly home early).
Oh, well. It's worth a shot.
Come home safe.
04 August 2004
Playing Along With "meme"
Ok, Mike. I'm game. Add me to the meme experiment.
This posting is a community experiment that tests how a meme, represented by this blog posting, spreads across blogspace, physical space and time. It will help to show how ideas travel across blogs in space and time and how blogs are connected. It may also help to show which blogs (and aggregation sites) are most influential in the propagation of memes. The dataset from this experiment will be public, and can be located via Google (or Technorati) by doing a search for the GUID for this meme (below).
The original posting for this experiment is located at: Minding the Planet (Permalink) --- results and commentary will appear there in the future.
Please join the test by adding your blog (see instructions, below) and inviting your friends to participate -- the more the better. The data from this test will be public and open; others may use it to visualize and study the connectedness of blogspace and the propagation of memes across blogs.
The GUID for this experiment is:
as098398298250swg9e98929872525389t99
87898tq98wteqtgaq62010920352598gawst
(this GUID enables anyone to easily search Google or other search engines for all blogs that participate in this experiment, once they have indexed the sites that participate). Anyone is free to analyze the data of this experiment. Please publicize your analysis of the data, and/or any comments by adding comments onto the original post (see URL above). (Note: it would be interesting to see a geographic map or a temporal animation, as well as a social network map of the propagation of this meme.)
INSTRUCTIONS
To add your blog to this experiment, copy this entire posting to your blog, and then answer the questions below, substituting your own information, below, where appropriate. Other than answering the questions below, please do not alter the information, layout or format of this post in order to preserve the integrity of the data in this experiment (this will make it easier for searchers and automated bots to find and analyze the results later).
REQUIRED FIELDS (Note: Replace the answers below with your own answers)
(1) I found this experiment at URL: randomness personified
(2) I found it via browsing my blogroll.
(3) I posted this experiment at URL: COD Blog
(4) I posted this on date (day/month/year): 04/08/04
(5) I posted this at time (24 hour time): 12:47:00 PM EST
(6) My posting location is (city, state, country): Columbus, GA, USA
OPTIONAL SURVEY FIELDS (Replace the answers below with your own answers):
(7) My blog is hosted by: Blogger
(8) My age is: 27
(9) My gender is: Male
(10) My occupation is: TV Producer
(11) I use the following RSS/Atom reader software: N/A
(12) I use the following software to post to my blog: Blogger
(13) I have been blogging since (day, month, year): 28/08/2002
(14) My web browser is: Knology
(15) My operating system is: Windows XP
Ok, Mike. I'm game. Add me to the meme experiment.
This posting is a community experiment that tests how a meme, represented by this blog posting, spreads across blogspace, physical space and time. It will help to show how ideas travel across blogs in space and time and how blogs are connected. It may also help to show which blogs (and aggregation sites) are most influential in the propagation of memes. The dataset from this experiment will be public, and can be located via Google (or Technorati) by doing a search for the GUID for this meme (below).
The original posting for this experiment is located at: Minding the Planet (Permalink) --- results and commentary will appear there in the future.
Please join the test by adding your blog (see instructions, below) and inviting your friends to participate -- the more the better. The data from this test will be public and open; others may use it to visualize and study the connectedness of blogspace and the propagation of memes across blogs.
The GUID for this experiment is:
as098398298250swg9e98929872525389t99
87898tq98wteqtgaq62010920352598gawst
(this GUID enables anyone to easily search Google or other search engines for all blogs that participate in this experiment, once they have indexed the sites that participate). Anyone is free to analyze the data of this experiment. Please publicize your analysis of the data, and/or any comments by adding comments onto the original post (see URL above). (Note: it would be interesting to see a geographic map or a temporal animation, as well as a social network map of the propagation of this meme.)
INSTRUCTIONS
To add your blog to this experiment, copy this entire posting to your blog, and then answer the questions below, substituting your own information, below, where appropriate. Other than answering the questions below, please do not alter the information, layout or format of this post in order to preserve the integrity of the data in this experiment (this will make it easier for searchers and automated bots to find and analyze the results later).
REQUIRED FIELDS (Note: Replace the answers below with your own answers)
(1) I found this experiment at URL: randomness personified
(2) I found it via browsing my blogroll.
(3) I posted this experiment at URL: COD Blog
(4) I posted this on date (day/month/year): 04/08/04
(5) I posted this at time (24 hour time): 12:47:00 PM EST
(6) My posting location is (city, state, country): Columbus, GA, USA
OPTIONAL SURVEY FIELDS (Replace the answers below with your own answers):
(7) My blog is hosted by: Blogger
(8) My age is: 27
(9) My gender is: Male
(10) My occupation is: TV Producer
(11) I use the following RSS/Atom reader software: N/A
(12) I use the following software to post to my blog: Blogger
(13) I have been blogging since (day, month, year): 28/08/2002
(14) My web browser is: Knology
(15) My operating system is: Windows XP
02 August 2004
Orwell, Huxley, and the iPod
With the 20th anniversary of Apple's Macintosh comes a new version of the infamous "1984" commercial, that originally aired during Super Bowl XIX.
Only something's different.
Pay no attention to the appliance on the hip of the hammer-wielding woman.
It's nice to know that Apple is incorporating the power of rawk to thwart the evil Orwellian society.
Of course, Steve Jobs paints himself a nice picture with the cover of Newsweek (seen right) and the story of a nation wrought with iPods.
By the way, Pirates of Silicon Valley...a great flick.
OK, I'm done with my random babbling. Peace out.
Props to Jesse for the link.
With the 20th anniversary of Apple's Macintosh comes a new version of the infamous "1984" commercial, that originally aired during Super Bowl XIX.
Only something's different.
Pay no attention to the appliance on the hip of the hammer-wielding woman.
It's nice to know that Apple is incorporating the power of rawk to thwart the evil Orwellian society.
Of course, Steve Jobs paints himself a nice picture with the cover of Newsweek (seen right) and the story of a nation wrought with iPods.
By the way, Pirates of Silicon Valley...a great flick.
OK, I'm done with my random babbling. Peace out.
Props to Jesse for the link.
Rivers Explains It All...
...in his letter for readmission to school.
An interesting read...quite the journey our Weezer friend hath taken.
Props to Jesse for the link.
...in his letter for readmission to school.
An interesting read...quite the journey our Weezer friend hath taken.
Props to Jesse for the link.
A Delicious Slice
With their anticipated 5th album due out 5 days into October, Cake has been kind enough to allow us to sample a slice of the album's first cut, "Wheels".
Help yourself. Buy a T-shirt. Catch a show.
If nothing else, they've got a great advice column.
CAKE
Pressure Chief (2004)
With their anticipated 5th album due out 5 days into October, Cake has been kind enough to allow us to sample a slice of the album's first cut, "Wheels".
Help yourself. Buy a T-shirt. Catch a show.
If nothing else, they've got a great advice column.
CAKE
Pressure Chief (2004)
1. WHEELS
2. NO PHONE
3. TAKE IT ALL AWAY
4. DIME
5. CARBON MONOXIDE
6. THE GUITAR
7. MAN
8. WAITING
9. BASKETS
10. END OF THE MOVIE
11. PALM OF YOUR HAND
12. TOUGHER THAN IT IS
01 August 2004
Endgame - The Video Game!
Education and Voltron...Two great words that sound great together.
Warning: Game is long and use of brain matter required. Consult a physician.
Save the Planet...Play BushGame!
Education and Voltron...Two great words that sound great together.
Warning: Game is long and use of brain matter required. Consult a physician.
Save the Planet...Play BushGame!
29 July 2004
Free Music is Always Good
If you're in the market for free mp3s that won't end in a trip to court, Pitchfork Media is always a good source.
A word of warning: It's a haven for obscure bands seeking exposure. But really, where's the fun in downloading a top 40 hit? No surprise there.
Happy music shopping!
PS Check out Monolith's Ruby Dear and Treewave's Sleep.
If you're in the market for free mp3s that won't end in a trip to court, Pitchfork Media is always a good source.
A word of warning: It's a haven for obscure bands seeking exposure. But really, where's the fun in downloading a top 40 hit? No surprise there.
Happy music shopping!
PS Check out Monolith's Ruby Dear and Treewave's Sleep.
27 July 2004
The Year of our (Sith) Lord
I'm sure most of you are privy to the following, but in case you've been stuck on Dagobah or even Hoth, creator George Lucas announced the title of the final? installment of the Star Wars saga,
Episode III: The Revenge Of The Sith.
In case you're wondering what The Sith is, congratulations on not being a geek.
Here's how the AP sees the Sith:
The name change, according to this site:
Man, I would love to have one of those T-Shirts!
Well, I guess I could always make one from this copy of the original teaser poster.
I'm sure most of you are privy to the following, but in case you've been stuck on Dagobah or even Hoth, creator George Lucas announced the title of the final? installment of the Star Wars saga,
Episode III: The Revenge Of The Sith.
In case you're wondering what The Sith is, congratulations on not being a geek.
Here's how the AP sees the Sith:
More Star Wars trivia: Did you know that the original title of Episode Six (Jedi) was "Revenge of the Jedi"?The Sith is the evil sect that corrupts Anakin -- played by Hayden Christensen -- by drawing him into the dark side of the Force, which is the cosmic power that balances the universe in the series. The unveiling of the title was made in San Diego at a gathering of thousands of sci-fi and superhero fans by revealing a black T-shirt with the words, "Revenge of the Sith." The movie will be released in May.
The name change, according to this site:
The film was originally named Revenge of the Jedi until it was pointed out that revenge is contrary to the Jedi code, though many speculate that the change was always planned to throw fans off. But it has also been claimed that Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was originally subtitled The Vengeance of Khan, and that the title was changed because of its similarity to Revenge of the Jedi.They even had merchandise and T-Shirts that leaked to the public in 1983 with the defunct title.
Man, I would love to have one of those T-Shirts!
Well, I guess I could always make one from this copy of the original teaser poster.
Sun Hits The Sky
Get off my back, OK? So it took me forever to realize the genius in Supergrass (see post below) and their sophomore effort, In It For The Money...at least I'm admitting my wrongdoing.
Please forgive me. I truly meant no harm.
Get off my back, OK? So it took me forever to realize the genius in Supergrass (see post below) and their sophomore effort, In It For The Money...at least I'm admitting my wrongdoing.
Please forgive me. I truly meant no harm.
21 July 2004
Seen The Light
It's official. I get Supergrass now. Life on Other Planets is a revelation.
From the song that shares the title of this post, while he may just be "a rock n' roll singer in a rock n' roll hand, it sounds otherworldly to me.
Some more favorites from L.O.O.P: Za Song, Prophet 15, Grace, Seen the Light, Rush Hour Soul, just to name a few.
If nothing else, they have some of the coolest websites I've ever seen, so at least they got that goin' for them, which is nice.
Case in point: Check out this site, now with album demos and other cool stuff.
It's official. I get Supergrass now. Life on Other Planets is a revelation.
From the song that shares the title of this post, while he may just be "a rock n' roll singer in a rock n' roll hand, it sounds otherworldly to me.
Some more favorites from L.O.O.P: Za Song, Prophet 15, Grace, Seen the Light, Rush Hour Soul, just to name a few.
If nothing else, they have some of the coolest websites I've ever seen, so at least they got that goin' for them, which is nice.
Case in point: Check out this site, now with album demos and other cool stuff.
First Gunther, Now This!
From the guys that brought you Powder Blue Pine Tar (despite the Royals' best efforts to squelch my and their love for the game) comes an exciting new venture dedicated to the day-to-day minutiae of my beloved Kansas City Chiefs aptly titled Red Zone Blitz.
A special thanks go out to G and G for restoring my faith in humanity.
If nothing else, you can count me in as a loyal reader.
The 2004 season kicks off July 29th in River Falls for training camp. The groundswell for the 2005 Super Bowl starts now.
2004 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule
From the guys that brought you Powder Blue Pine Tar (despite the Royals' best efforts to squelch my and their love for the game) comes an exciting new venture dedicated to the day-to-day minutiae of my beloved Kansas City Chiefs aptly titled Red Zone Blitz.
A special thanks go out to G and G for restoring my faith in humanity.
If nothing else, you can count me in as a loyal reader.
The 2004 season kicks off July 29th in River Falls for training camp. The groundswell for the 2005 Super Bowl starts now.
2004 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule
In A World ruled by Cliche and Derivative Storylines...
Disclaimer: This audio file exceeds the FCC requirement for needle drops.
You've been warned.
Disclaimer: This audio file exceeds the FCC requirement for needle drops.
You've been warned.
Scathing Bi-Partisan Cartoon of The Week
Just in case you've been living in a cave, this is the political fodder du jour in the newsroom this week.
By the reaction I've witnessed, it seems to be the one touchstone on which the left and right can agree: Both of these guys are idiots.
Just in case you've been living in a cave, this is the political fodder du jour in the newsroom this week.
By the reaction I've witnessed, it seems to be the one touchstone on which the left and right can agree: Both of these guys are idiots.
20 July 2004
Netiquette - Your Dear, Dear Friend
Tired of all the constant spelling of words? Unsure of the proper procedure in a chat room? Looking for an effective way to communicate in the workplace?
The next time you ponder whether to use that emoticon or enter that chat room, stop and consult the manual.
Now we can all breathe a little easier.
Tired of all the constant spelling of words? Unsure of the proper procedure in a chat room? Looking for an effective way to communicate in the workplace?
The next time you ponder whether to use that emoticon or enter that chat room, stop and consult the manual.
Now we can all breathe a little easier.
18 July 2004
Is That A Hankerchief You're Wearing...
If you haven't seen this clip that happened in the break on Letterman, check it out here.
Words can't even describe it....it's like Costanza feeling that lady's fabric and promptly losing his job as a bra salesman.
If you haven't seen this clip that happened in the break on Letterman, check it out here.
Words can't even describe it....it's like Costanza feeling that lady's fabric and promptly losing his job as a bra salesman.
17 July 2004
Plight of the American Soldier
I found this great article in The New Yorker about the change in the psyche of the American soldier since World War II.
Plus, there's a nice plug in it for the Red Lobster here in town. You know me...always pimpin' the Lobster.
I found this great article in The New Yorker about the change in the psyche of the American soldier since World War II.
Plus, there's a nice plug in it for the Red Lobster here in town. You know me...always pimpin' the Lobster.
09 July 2004
Breaking Out In Hives
Sweden's favorite punk band is launching another assault on the U.S. charts with a new album hitting stores July 20th.
Check out their new single "Walk Idiot Walk" streaming on their website. Enjoy.
Too Much Livin'...Is No Way To Die
Well, I made a new compilation. Keeping with the theme of driving on the open road and my friend's recent post about Jay Farrar's latest, I decided to come up with a "best-of" mix of Farrar's post-Tupelo band Son Volt especially for the highway. All selections are taken from the band's wonderful trinity of albums, Trace, Straightaways, and Wide Swing Tremolo.
With a lot of my comps, I try to arrange the tracks in a format that I see fit. With Roadcase, I kept the songs in the same order as they appear on the albums, in chronological order of the album's release.
Artistic License or Laziness? You be the judge.
Below is the tracklist for the 80 min disc. I know that some of you out there will have a difference of opinion on said list. Don't be shy. That's why we have the comments section.
Let your voice be heard...and let the debate begin.
Disclaimer: This disc is best heard while operating heavy machinery, preferably for a low wage, on a strip of pavement, with a Peterbilt logo adorning the front and mudflaps. Gimme Cap Optional, but encouraged.
Well, I made a new compilation. Keeping with the theme of driving on the open road and my friend's recent post about Jay Farrar's latest, I decided to come up with a "best-of" mix of Farrar's post-Tupelo band Son Volt especially for the highway. All selections are taken from the band's wonderful trinity of albums, Trace, Straightaways, and Wide Swing Tremolo.
With a lot of my comps, I try to arrange the tracks in a format that I see fit. With Roadcase, I kept the songs in the same order as they appear on the albums, in chronological order of the album's release.
Artistic License or Laziness? You be the judge.
Below is the tracklist for the 80 min disc. I know that some of you out there will have a difference of opinion on said list. Don't be shy. That's why we have the comments section.
Let your voice be heard...and let the debate begin.
Roadcase - The Best of Son Volt
Windfall
Live Free
Tear Stained Eye
Route
Drown
Loose String
Catching On
Too Early
Mystifies Me
Caryatid Easy
Back into Your World
Picking Up The Signal
Left A Slide
Creosote
Last Minute Shakedown
Been Set Free
Straightface
Driving the View
Medicine Hat
Strands
Disclaimer: This disc is best heard while operating heavy machinery, preferably for a low wage, on a strip of pavement, with a Peterbilt logo adorning the front and mudflaps. Gimme Cap Optional, but encouraged.
07 July 2004
Chinese Utensil Torture
Kirsten and I have been meaning to bring this up for a while now, and I'm interested to hear what the masses think about this odd, yet growing problem.
Why do buffets feel the need to use slotted spoons for Solid foods, and solid spoons for foods that would better suited for said slotted spoons?
Don't misunderstand me. I'm pro-slotted spoon. I've also gone on record stating the Spork (that ingenious hybrid of fork and spoon, available at your nearest KFC) may very well be the greatest utensil nay, invention of all time.
Can't the good folks tending to our buffets stop, put down those endless trays of crab legs they're sending to the hordes leering over the smorgasboard, and consider the dilemma at hand.
I mean, slotted spoons for Jello? Why? Find the need in that scenario. Meanwhile, the pineapple and peaches, equipped with your garden variety solid spoons, beg the same question: Why?
Maybe this will help. Maybe, by starting a groundswell for the proper uses of buffet-serving utensils, we can put a stop to this baffling problem plaguing the good human troughs of America.
Hey, if I can change one restaurant owner's mind, it'll all be worth it.
Because, in the end, it's all about the kids.
Join the fight, won't you?
P.S. There's a band called Spork. I've never heard their music, but I love them already.
Kerry and Eddie in 2004
Well, since we've got that out of the way...Press the flesh, boys!
Kissing hands and shaking babies...that's the name of the game.
BTW...The Post, such a cute little rag. Hey, at least they got the headline first!
-post created with the aid of Wilco's "Theologians"
06 July 2004
Ready For My Next Slice
The good folks over at Sunless Suitcase have brought my attention to a wonderful development: a new slice from Cake is due this October 5th.
Great news, indeed. I had just finished compiling a "best-of" comp from Cake's highly underrated four albums(see trackist below), and while taking in their sweet Sacremento sounds, anxiously awaited the release of album 5.
The wait is over...well, almost.
Great news, indeed. I had just finished compiling a "best-of" comp from Cake's highly underrated four albums(see trackist below), and while taking in their sweet Sacremento sounds, anxiously awaited the release of album 5.
The wait is over...well, almost.
Tracklist from Slice-The Best of Cake:Opera Singer
Ruby Sees All
The Distance
Never There
Friend Is A Four Letter Word
Guitar
Short Skirt/Long Jacket
Jolene
Commissioning A Symphony In C
Walk on By
You Part The Waters
When You Sleep
Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle
Comfort Eagle
Italian Leather Sofa
Alpha Beta Parking Lot
Stickshifts And Safetybelts
Mr. Mastodon Farm
I Will Survive
Ain't No Good
Sad Songs And Waltzes
Top heavy with Motorcade songs, I know.
What can I say? I'm proud of the fact that I knew them before they sold out. Plus, Only when you have a Willie Nelson cover as the closing track do you have a true album.
Word.
03 July 2004
L.A. Showcase
In the past, the Los Angeles Dodgers are far less than a blip on my radar.
With that in mind, 2004 has changed that drastically. Not because I've decided that Gagne is amazing and worth following very closely (which he is).
Not because new GM and Moneyball disciple Paul DePodesta is a great hire for an up-and-coming team (also true)...and definitely not because I share the home of the Columbus Catfish, L.A.'s Class A affiliate.(although said city has something to do with it.)
The answer: Edwin Jackson.
Jackson grew up in Columbus, GA (the home office of COD Blog) and exceled at Shaw High School before being drafted by the Dodgers.
After a brief minor league career, Jackson made his major league debut in the Sunday night ESPN Game of the Week last year on his 20th birthday. His opponent: Future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Yikes.
So, what does the kid do? Dominates from the first pitch, outduels The Big Unit and picks up his first major league win. Oh, did I mention that he turned 20?
Consider myself (and many a baseball fan) a believer.
So, why this lament on a 20 year old?
Edwin got the call to join the big club again, against crosstown rival Anaheim and their reluctant ace, Bartolo Colon.
Prediction: A solid performance for Edwin, and a permanent spot in the rotation.
With Nomo's health concerns, I think L.A. feels the time is right to hand the ball to their top prospect and see what he can do every fifth day. Edwin never returns to AAA and finishes the season in the bigs.
Now to the real question: Will he still be in Dodger Blue?
While I feel that Edwin is being given his long-awaited shot, I can't help but think it's all a showcase for a potential suitor to help bolster L.A.'s rotation and/or lineup with talent and power.
Will DePodesta pull the trigger on a trade? Most likely.
Will Jackson's name surface? Definitely.
Will the future be sent packing for the now. Too close to call.
I can say this: The kid looks awfully good in Dodger Blue.
The ball is in your court, Mr. DePodesta. I trust you'll make the right call.
Royals Order a "Ruben"
Another move today, again involving cash.
Well, it seems KC is shoring up their corner OF depth.
How good is said depth? Aye, that's the rub.
02 July 2004
New Kid on The Blog
Real original title, I know. What IS original is my friend's great new blog that just opened its doors to the masses.
Fellow music and film lover -B just logged on a few days ago, but I implore you to go check out his new scene here at the Sunless Suitcase. He's infinitely more talented than I and has a keen eye and ear on the music and film that matter to me, and maybe even yourself.
So do me a solid and check it out. If nothing else, you'll do wonders for contributing to our collective sanity.
Isn't that what life is all about?
01 July 2004
Cumberland Takes The Fall
The Royals fired their pitching coach today.
As much as I complained about his mismanagement of the young arms, but is he really the sole man to blame?
Not likely, but like in business, the line is Results, Results, Results.
Greinke Time
Well, after a ray of hope with Mike Wood's first game(and subsequent victory) as a Royal, What else do we persistent Royals fans do to ward off these sick yet familiar feelings?
Take in a game with young Mr. Greinke on the hill. This kid cures all.
(Warning: May cause uncontrollable cheering and high-fiving. Ask your doctor if watching Zach Greinke is right for you.)
30 June 2004
Fighting His Chrome Demons
A nice article on Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, his battle with prescription pills, and his stint in rehab.
PS: If you haven't picked up A Ghost Is Born, what are you waiting on?
29 June 2004
Priest or L.T.?
What, like you're not already thinking about football?
Well, if any of you know me well at all, I'm a little biased here.
So read on and decide for yourself.
With me, SI is preaching to the converted.
28 June 2004
Royal Acquisition
The Royals made another move today.
Not sure as to the significance, but I must protest that it got the wheels turning as to how close KC is to trading off Joe Randa, until it became apparent that it was to fill a hole at third with Randa heading for the DL and surgery.
Will Randa be next on the Royals chop block?
The countdown to the Teahan Era in Kansas City swings into gear.
27 June 2004
Welcome to Goalietown
What has gotten into the Blues?
Last week at this time, goaltending was arguably the organ-i-zation's weakest position in terms of depth and talent.
Fast forward to today's net-mindful Blues:
-acquired 2001's 26th overall (1st round) draft pick netminder from Dallas. [Bacashihua]
-stole the top European goaltender in the 2004 draft on Saturday. [Marek Schwarz]
-traded a 2005 4th round pick Sunday for the Senators (and now Blues) no. 1 goalie. [Patrick Lalime]
Going from a huge question mark to a team strength is more than enough to get me ready for the next NHL season...whenever they decide to drop the puck.
Big thumbs up to Pleau and his staff. I can hear the naysayers are scrambling for something bashworthy right now. Keep digging.
Projected Blues Depth Chart in Net
Blues
1. Lalime
2. Bacashihua "Cash"
Worchester IceCats
1. Sanford
2. Divis
Rivermen
1. Rudykowsky
Europe
1. Schwarz
26 June 2004
I call this Blues Steal
How much do I love my Blues now?
Two days ago, they traded last year's 30th pick overall, D Shawn Belle, for Dallas' 2003 26th overall, G Jason Bacashihua (or "Cash"). With that transaction, the Blues added to a weak net corps in the hopes that "Cash" would pay off in the future.
But the real heist came on draft day. With their 17th pick in the 2004 Draft, St. Louis grabbed arguably the top netminder in the draft, goaltender Marek Schwarz.
The only complaint I can find is should the Blues have waited to make the Belle deal after the draft?
My response: How do we know that Dallas wouldn't have just gone with a D-man in the draft? If you told me before the draft that the Blues would have a shot at one of the draft's top 2 goalies, I'd asked for a hit of what you're smoking.
This is the best pick the Blues have made in 5 years, since grabbing Jackman at 17 in 1999.
Nice work, Jarko. That extension is well deserved.
Vive le Blue!
Marek Schwarz2004 St. Louis Blues draft picks
Position: goaltender
Team: HC Sparta Praha Sr.
Birthdate: April, 1st, 1986
Birthplace: Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic
Height: 6'0”
Weight: 173 lbs.
Catches: R
CSB final rank: 1st among European goaltenders
At 6'0”, 173 pounds, Schwartz already possesses decent size, covers the net quite well and has considerable smarts. He plays a butterfly style which is very effective and makes it tough to beat him low. Schwarz is a resilient goalie with exceptional quickness and reflexes. He uses his pads well and has a quick glove hand. He also likes to challenge the shooter and plays the angles with remarkable poise. He impresses with his confidence and doesn't let in many bad goals. On the mental side he seems to be tough, but still sometimes tends to lose focus for a while. His drawbacks are average skating and he has to further develop his stickhandling. Schwarz’s play with the puck isn't very good, but he is aware of this and working on this skill. This season Schwarz developed a penchant to go down sometimes too early, thus leaving the upper half uncovered and vulnerable to shooters. He has to get rid of this habit, but nevertheless he is the most talented netminder from this year's European crop. Schwarz won't fall past the Top 15 as he has all the tools of a future NHL starter.
24 June 2004
Thanks Carlos
Well, the third best player to ever don a Royals uniform is headed to Houston.
Although it was a foregone conclusion that Beltran wouldn't continue to darken the centerfield grass at Kauffman after this year, it's still a little rough to stomach.
The idealist in me wanted Carlos to shun his greedy, life-sucking agent Scott Boras and stay with the team where he won the AL Rookie of the Year and grew up before our eyes.
But, just like that moment when a parent sending his son off to college, it's for his own good. Now he can work to fulfill his talent on a contending team, and possibly realize the dream of so many: a ring of his own.
I'll continue to follow Carlos on his quest...and watch him seduce a entire legion of new fans. Those long, graceful strides eating up the outfield grass, on his way to a spectacular, effortless catch. That incredible power from both sides of the plate, and his ability to toy with pitchers once he's on the basepaths.
Buen Suerte, Senor Beltran. You deserve it. Houston: Take care of him...and keep those damn Yankees away.
A Ghost is Born
What's that you say? Another even-numbered year? I guess that can only mean one thing: Another masterpiece by Wilco.
Well, that's merely this author's opinion...just one man.
And, another.
One dude, not so much...but then,
yet another...ah, you get the idea.
If you're a fan, pick it up. If you're not, pick it up anyway. You just might have a paranormal experience.
(The author also recommends you first listen the Wilco's previous and best album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, before indulging in Ghost. Also, do not operate heavy machinery.
24 April 2004
Cory Kiper Jr,Draft Expert|Predictions
So, I've thought it over, and I'm going on record with my predictions for the first 10 (+1) picks in tomorrow's 2004 NFL Draft.
Keep in mind, this mock doesn't include any trades or changes in draft position. Strictly, the picks with the teams as they are ranked.
With that, here we go:
-------------
Pick 1 - San Diego (4-12) selects Eli Manning QB | Mississippi
Pick 2 - Oakland (4-12) selects Roy Williams WR | Texas
Pick 3 - Arizona (4-12) selects Larry Fitzgerald WR | Pittsburgh
Pick 4 - N. Y. Giants (4-12) select Robert Gallery OT | Iowa
Pick 5 - Washington (5-11) selects Kellen Winslow TE | Miami (Fla.)
Pick 6 - Detroit (5-11) selects Sean Taylor S | Miami (Fla.)
Pick 7 - Cleveland (5-11) selects Ben Roethlisberger QB | Miami (Ohio)
Pick 8 - Atlanta (5-11) selects DeAngelo Hall CB | Virginia Tech
Pick 9 - Jacksonville (5-11) selects Kenechi Udeze DT | Southern Cal
Pick 10 - Houston (5-11) selects Dunta Robinson CB | South Carolina
+1
Pick 11 - Pittsburgh (6-10) selects Phillip Rivers QB | North Carolina State
-----------------
There you have it...We'll watch the results tomorrow @ Noon ET and see how I do.
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