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.

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.

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:


  • 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:

"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

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"
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
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
  • 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.
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!

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?

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:

"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.

"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)
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.
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.

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

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.
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.
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)
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!