Amanda's First Visit to LA

My youngest sister was kind enough to visit me before she went off to college. (Sigh) They grow up so fast. So, here's a little pictorial of her visit. Perhaps this will help you when you visit LA.

The first few days were uneventful because I had to work. Mandy was left to her own devices in Long Beach. She took advantage of the fact that I am only a few blocks from the beach. She photographed what she thought were oil derricks, but it was actually the Port of Long Beach. It's not really her fault, though. How many towns do you actually have to make that distiction?
We were able to go out to few fun places at night. The favorite being Open Sesame in Long Beach. It's a nice small Mediterranean eatery that I reccomend.

Our big day was Friday. I gave her the CSI: Miami tour. Unfortunately, they are shooting in Miami, so she didn't get to see any Caruso action.













She had her first In n Out burger. We then hung out in Hollywood and I took her to mecca. My purchases: Teenage Fanclub's new album, Mumps restrospective, House of Bamboo DVD, and Notorious Criterion Ed. DVD.
Amoeba can be quite overwhelming on your first visit. After that pilgrimage, we went next door to Arclight Cinemas where we saw "The Island" (not so good) in the Cinerama Dome (so good). To show her that I had friends, we spent the rest of the wonderful evening in conversation with Tim and Bobby.

Saturday was a day of rest after such an eventful Friday. We just mosied around Belmont Shores. We watched my Notorious DVD since she hadn't seen the Hitchcock classic. Sunday, Mandy convinced me to get this thing called a microwave. It apparently cooks food without fire! I also bought pot and pans with which you can cook food IN! Amazing.







Mandy then had her first taste of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. She admits her life will never be the same after her Carol C. Special. I had the classic Poor Boy.










The rest of the night was spent relaxing, while we watched "that team of mine" play a wild one against the rival Cardinals. "That Team" won with a grand slam in 1oth. Soon she might join me in the misery of being a C- a fan of that team. Also, Mandy thinks Harold Reynolds is cute.
It was a wonderful time spent with a wonderful sister. Soon one of my other sisters tranfers out to Arizona, so I'll finally have a sibling living on this side of the Mississippi River.

Double Shot of Bits O' Music

This is a bit of compare and contrast. First, we have the orginal version of "Too Tough to Die" by Martina Topley-Bird. You might recognize the voice from Tricky's Maxinequay and some of his other work. She has a voice that falls between Billie Holiday and Bjork. It's a dark trip-hop song with middle eastern influences. Though upon first listen I thought of Tom Waits crica the Bone Machine. There is a UK and US version of her debut album. The versions are quite different from sequencing to title. The UK version, titled Quixotic, is the one to get since it has three songs dropped for the US release titled Anything. The second is the twilight singers covering the same song.

Martina Topley-Bird-Too Tough to Die-Quixotic

the twilight singers-Too Tough to Die-She Loves Me

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

I Hate To Admit It

I admit it. I can be an annoying snob when it comes to movies. But that's not what I hate to admit. Every once in awhile some trailer will come along that will get me excited for a movie that no right thinking aficionado should be excited about. And that has unfortunately happened this summer and it's...The Dukes of Hazzard. Yes. I realize I've just shot to hell any and all credibility I might have had. But, please stay with me on this. There is only one reason I want to see this movie. It's not the comical high jinks of Knoxville and Sean William Scott. It's not Jessica Simpson in skimpy outfits. It's not Burt Reynolds playing Boss Hogg. It's the car stunts. I dig great car chases and stunts, and I'm not talking some CG generated slow mo effect adulterated chase like in the second Matrix. I want my car chases to be real. French Connection...great. Bullitt...outstanding. The Gone in 30 Seconds remake...travesty. The last great car chase on film was in the movie Ronin. In fact I would say it's one of the greatest ever put on film. The final chase in Borne Supremacy was decent but still doesn't come close to Ronin. It is not an easy thing to pull off a great car chase, but the trailer for Dukes gives me hope. Three things in the recent international trailer spark that hope. The first jump is pretty cool. The drift around the circle in town is very cool. That final jump onto the freeway makes me giddy. I get so excited I watch that last jump a few times over. There is still a great chance that I will be greatly disappointed like I was after seeing the Transporter. But we can dream can't we? So there it is. I hate to admit it, but I really want to see the Dukes of Hazzard movie.


YEEEEHAWWWWW!

Never another word

That's it I'm never complimenting or commenting on the Cubs in this blog till the season is over. I've learned my lesson.

Bits O' Music

In the grand realm of "Classic Rock," I don't think Thin Lizzy and Philip Lynott get enough props. Sure "Boys Are Back in Town" has been played to death on radio and in commercials, but they are so much better than that. This song is one of my personal favorites from their album "Jailbreak." First it's about a cowboy. Second it has two (Count them Two!) great guitar solos. And finally this was my theme song for my old roommate. Here I Go!

Thin Lizzy-Cowboy Song-Jailbreak

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

5 Great Things I Never Ate Till I Moved to Los Angeles

5. Crepes as both a meal and dessert in one sitting.











4. Dodger Dogs











3. Fish Tacos/Burrito












2. In N Out Double Double












1. Chicken and Waffles on the same plate.

Ramblings

First of all. I’d like to give a hearty “Bellbottoms!” to Bob the definition of friend.

“Big Ups” to MOL Jr. for actually leaving comments, and for his riling of the Harry Potterettes on his blog. It’s also a nice way to get more hits on your blog.

Congratulations to Rafael Palmeiro on getting his 3,000th hit. I think I still have his Topps “Future Stars” card somewhere. I remember him slapping hits all over the field when he started off with the Cubs. Of course they traded him because they thought he wouldn’t hit for power. What bothers me is this thinking that he doesn’t deserve to be voted into the Hall of Fame. He is one of four to have at least 3,000 hits and 500 HRs. Only four have accomplished this feat in all of baseball. Four! And people don’t think he belongs. For two sides on the Palmeiro issue check out Buster Olney (For the Hall) and Skip Bayless (Against the Hall). I personally side with Buster on this issue. I agree that Palmeiro is not the greatest of his era, and there are players with lesser stats that I would pick over him. But, perhaps that’s our fault. Rather than over estimating his stats, maybe we’ve under estimated Palmeiro in this juiced ball era.

ESPN began there 50 SportsCenters in 50 states Sunday. Fifteen minutes into the first state (Mass.) and I’m already sick of the Bryan Adams song (“Open Road”?) they are using as the theme. Actually I was sick of it, by the second promo I saw. Why they didn’t pick a song for each show that represents that state I will never know.

The Cubs are hitting and pitching well simultaneously. Yes, I’m scared that I just jinxed it with that last sentence. Of course they beat up on the two worst teams in the division, but it’s a start.

It’s tough rooting for the Cards when they play the Astros or Braves or whoever is in contention with the Cubs in the Wild Card race.

The last thing I expected to hear from Tim Brown when he retired was his interest in NASCAR.

Being a cancer survivor myself it’s tough not wanting to root for Armstrong in the Tour de France. But being a kid of divorce, I think him leaving a wife that stuck by his side in the tough times was a punk move.

Yes, I am actually happy that the NHL is back. I really don’t watch much of the regular season, but I do love the playoffs.

Does anyone really care about the ESPY’s? When sports have their own championships why do we even need the ESPY’s? I mean other than Matthew Perry, who was glad to remind the public he still exists.

Has a quote on a bumper sticker ever actually caused someone to change their life?

Where are these women that apparently love bald men?

The greatest TV title sequence is the one for “Rockford Files.”

If you haven’t yet started changed your internet browser from Explorer to Firefox, you seriously need to get with it.

Remember when “Collectibles” simply meant baseball cards and comic books?

Why can’t I find a really good enchilada in LA?

My youngest sister is coming into town tonight. She’s staying for a whole wonderful week, so the posts may be slow in coming this week. I can’t wait to show her the greatest record store in the world: Amoeba.

Apparently it's as Addictive as Crack

This weekend I had the pleasure of going to Pomona for the Body Art (Tattoos) Expo. Now you maybe asking: Why in the hell did you want to do that? Believe me I didn’t. I was sent by CSI: Miami because the CO-EP was certain a story could mined out of my discoveries there. Since I am the researcher and have less of a life than the rest of the writing staff, I was sent on assignment. They hinted that I should go for the whole weekend, but I was certain that one Saturday would be enough. So this is my experience (pictures included)…

Let me get this out first. It’s an hour plus drive from LB to Pomona. I packed four CD’s for the trip. I only needed one. There and back I only listened to The Hold Steady’s Separation Sunday. It is such an outstanding album. With so many new rock bands being of neo-New Wave ilk it’s nice to hear a straight forward rock band. There is no filler to found on this album. The album closer “How a Resurrection Really Feels” being my favorite of the moment. On to the show…

It should be stated that I have no tattoos. I have been tempted twice to actually get one. The last time was to get one when my mother died a couple years ago. I wanted to get something in honor of her. It dawned on me though that my mother would hate it, and therefore it wouldn’t be much of an honor. I envisioned her coming down from heaven and scolding me beginning with the use of my full name middle included. That being said, I was slightly nervous going to a convention for tattoos, when I don’t actually have one. It’d be like me going to a Lamaze class for ethnic lesbians. I’m not going to fit in.

Arriving in Pomona I realized why I moved out of the Valley. Man, it was damn hot, and having to walk a mile to the convention hall didn’t help. After losing five pounds of fluids, I was greeted with this image as I approached the hall.

Yeah, this didn’t ease my fears.









Also, the Reptile Show…not so popular.








Ten minutes of wondering around like a cat in a dog pound, I came across this booth. Apparently this guy is using an ancient technique to tattoo this guy. If you want to do it yourself, go into your yard and find to straight sticks, tie a needle to one end, and find some ink. Then, go wrangle up your friend and use the one stick to tap the needle into his neck like you were drumming out the theme to Hawaii Five-O. Intrigued, I asked the guy at the booth for more detail on this interesting technique. He was kind enough to give me some great information. Unfortunately, I didn’t retain any of it because a guy was having a big ass needle tapped into his neck!

Next there was an announcement that they were having an exhibition where five tattoo artists would start drawing a picture, and then rotate every two minutes to the easel on their right and then work on that picture. I was bored after the first rotation and left when it appeared they would all be pictures of “evil things.”

I then came across a casting booth for a reality TV show. They were only interested in people with tattoos, the bastards! Wouldn’t it be interesting to have the clean skinned guy among all those with ink? It would be like having the gay person or the “virgin” on every other reality show. The running theme would be everyone trying to get me to get a tattoo. I should be running a network.

Here’s a picture to give a slight idea of the size of the Expo. Multiply this by five. Also, I really felt sorry for that tattooist in the foreground. I really hope she wanted a small tattoo. I would find out later she didn’t.



Another part of the Body Art Expo was body modification. This is the thing that really kind of creeped me out. The tattoos, no matter how much or what they covered, actually intrigued me. This freaked me out.

My first response upon seeing this lady was: “What the fauss?” The second was: “Heh. Buttcrack.” Thing is she is really beautiful. You know except for the implanted corset in her back and the blatant exposure of buttcrack.







By this time the artists were done playing musical easels, so I went to view the final masterpieces. Just like I thought. No adorable woodland creatures. So I wandered around and talked to some of the people at the booths. At this point, I started feeling more and more like an outsider as I was asking questions. Every conversation would lead up to the “Do you have any tattoos?” My answer started off as “No.” After a few “You’re a lesser man" looks it eventually mutated into “No. I have a skin condition.” I can’t explain the feeling to make up an excuse. I really do though have a condition. It’s called nerve endings.

This nice lady has been tattooing as long as you would think.








This is the guy in the first picture. He would take breaks to have a smoke while getting his tattoo. Apparently he's very patriotic, or this is the only woman his wife would allow tattooed on his back.









Another ceremonial tattooing. The stick with the needle was a metal instrument this time, which seems so much more sanitary but so much less ceremonial.






The 1,245th use for plastic wrap. Why don’t they advertise to these people?











Taxi Driver’s probably in my top 25 movies of all time, but come on. Where are the Driving Miss Daisy hardcore fans?











I have no idea why these belly dancers were there. They really gave their all to an audience of like three. That is if you count me for the five seconds it took to walk up take a picture and leave.





See what I mean about body modification?








Other things I saw:
10 Pairs of Breasts. Only two pairs belonged to women. You always knew when a girl was getting topless for a tattoo because there would always be a big crowd of wierdos. Hmm. I mean creepy wierdos.

23 People in Wheelchairs. 23! I have never seen so many people in wheelchairs in one place. I don't know what it was, but it turned the rows into the 101/110 interchange.

5 People literally covered head to toe in tattoos.

Unfortunately I saw no tattooed little people.

I ended up being there for a little over seven hours, and then my dogs really started barkin’. I came away realizing that these are simply people that are passionate about something. Most everyone was very nice, and willing to talk about their art. There really was a sense of community around there. Anytime someone would come by sporting a cool tattoo, people wouldn’t hesitate to compliment or ask for a better look. Watching all these people work was very fascinating. These people aren’t exactly about the “cool factor” of tattoos, but the artistry of it. Overhearing one conversation I came to understand a little about the compulsiveness of getting tattoos.

Tattooist: Did you get inked yet?

Tattooed friend: No. I can’t afford it right now.

Tattooist: That’s tough. It’s like being a crack whore with no crack.

Addiction is something I knew about since I went outside to smoke a cigarette.

Finally, I believe I've earned the opportunity to go on assignment when CSI:Miami decides to do a Spring Training story.

Bits O' Music

It's time now for something when you're in those reflective moments. If Elliot Smith was a little happier and loved the Beach Boys as much as he loved the Beatles, I think he would sound like the autumn defense. This is one of those albums I just sort of stumbled upon browsing through the record store. It happens maybe twice a year for me, but rarely so well. This is for when you're driving along the PCH at dusk with the top down letting the cool ocean breeze wash off that mid-day heat. Man I love the sound of timpani.

the autumn defense-the world(will soon turn our way)-circles

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

The Go Team!'s album to get US release.

Saw this over at Pitchfork. While the new tracks are cool, I'm little worried about the slight differences that will be made. I'm afraid it might end up like Jurassic 5's EP when it was re-released by Interscope records.

Creepy Fan Mail or (The Fan w/ Perfect Memory)

Dear Robin Shou,

My name is Jack Tam and I've met you a few times at Staples in Alhambra, California back in 1997-99 when I was working as a sales associate over there. My co-workers took some pictures with you (I've got a copy) but I didn't get a chance to take a picture with you because I was busy helping other customers. Second time I met you I remember you came up to me and asked if we repair computers (I guess you had problems with your computer at that time) and I replied to you that we didn't repair computers and also I've sold an electronic organizer to you. It's amazing to watch a movie (Mortal Kombat I) and then actually get to meet a movie star in person! It was awesome! I wrote to you awhile back but then I didn't use the internet for awhile so I don't know if you've received my email or not. I'm just wondering if you'd make any new movies like Mortal Kombat 3? Last but not least...You've mentioned on a Chinese TV interview that you're not Bruce Lee but hey! what the heck! You're as good as it can get! He's a legend but you're alive that's the main difference! Good Luck with everything!

Jack Tam

Half-way through the Wrigleyville Rollercoaster.

If the second half of the Cubs season is anything like the first season, I’m going to need a sickness bag. From anguish to hope to dumbfoundedness and back to hope, it has been a rough first half for the Cubs and their fans. Only the Cubs could go on a tear through the West coast after losing two of their top pitchers and then lose eight straight when they get them back. Yes, it’s that kind of season.

The good things this season: The best thing the Cubs did this season was trade Sosa. This probably should have happened a year earlier so they could have gotten more in return. Many questioned the Cubs being able to replace the power numbers of Sosa. Well, I think any intelligent baseball fan could have seen the inevitable drop off for Sosa. If we had kept Sosa, Patterson wouldn’t feel so bad about the boos he got. Alou is one the Cubs miss, despite his feud with the Cubs announcers. The acquisition of Burnitz has turned out fairly well, despite two major gaffes the last month. Dempster in the closer’s role has worked out rather well. I wish Dusty had stuck by his spring training plans, but I realize losing Prior and Wood put him in a bind to find capable starters. Am I now completely confident when Dempster takes the mound in the ninth? Hell no. But it’s better than Hawkins, who the Cubs were somehow able to deal to the Giants for a promising starter in Williams and one of their top first round draft picks. Other GM’s must feel like the frolicking couple in a slasher film when they see Hendry. They know they’re screwed. Ramirez has been putting up his regular numbers once he got over that groin issue. The Cubs spot starters did a nice job keeping the Cubs afloat while Prior and Wood were on the DL. Though, if we had kept Clement, it wouldn’t have been that bad. The first two months of Perez was a nice bonus. The best thing that has happened this season is obviously Derrek Lee. It’s amazing what learning how to turn on the inside pitch can do for your game. With Lee, Burnitz, and Ramirez as our 3,4,5 hitters, the Cubs have a solid heart of the order. They just don’t have anyone else hitting.

The bad things this season: Losing Garciaparra for the first 2/3rds of the season was a nasty blow. This has really been evident now that Perez has come back to reality and is hitting under .200 the last 30 days. Losing Prior and Wood was obviously a blow. It’s put a heavy burden on our starters and bullpen. Speaking of bullpen, it’s the bane of the Cubs existence. Dempster being the only consistent bullpen pitcher we have has put games out of reach for the Cubs so often it’s become evident that changes need to happen. The last game in the Washington series being a perfect example. The Cubs came back from two down only to have the bullpen give up two more runs, which the Cubs came back from again, only to finally lose the game. Bullpen should be the Cubs main concern, but since it’s clearly every other teams concern, the Cubs may have to deal with what they have. The other big missing piece is a lead off man. Patterson was never a lead off guy and never will be. He’s not that kind of player, and Dusty shouldn’t have been so blind to see this. With Kotsay signing an extension with Oakland that leaves not many players available that could fit the role. My best suggestion would be Lawton from Pittsburgh. He’s better than anyone else we have, and the Pirates have to deal him. There have been rumors of the Cubs acquiring Preston Wilson from the Rockies, which would be a big mistake. The man is hitting .258…in Colorado! The Cubs need a leadoff man. It’s a simple as that. If they had a guy who could consistently get on base, Lee would already have 100 RBI.

I don’t know if the Cubs can make the playoffs. I would have a little more hope if they didn’t have to chase the Braves, who consistently play better in the second half. I do have hope though. I hope they make it. Because, with are top three starters, anything can happen.

Finally the ugly of the first half.

Don't Forget the Alcohol!

You know that thrill you get when a song from one of your favorite bands is showcased on one of your favorite TV shows? To make it even cooler they don't use a single, they use a remix from an artists EP. That happened last night when the remix of "Rebirth of Cool" by the Afghan Whigs was used in last night's episode of "Rescue Me". The song comes from a covers EP titled Uptown Avondale. I don't know what the thrill is when something like this happens. Maybe it's an (unneeded) confirmation of cool of your favorite band. Perhaps it's just seeing two favorites of their respective media forms seamlessly blended together. It's probably just because it was an unexpected surprise. I've said enough already in this blog about Dulli's greatness, so let me throw in a little about Rescue Me. If you haven't seen the show, you absolutely should. It's easily one of the best shows out there right now. It's quite a feat when you can create such a despicable character in Tommy, yet have the audience still sympathize with him. Outstanding and very funny show.

Bits O' Music

It's now time for a little grimey R&B with your rock n' roll. This song comes from former Afghan Whigs guitarist Rick McCollum and his group Moonmaan. This song could fit nicely in the "Black Love" era of the Whigs. It's got that smokey R&B swagger from the straight intro lift of The Spinners "I'll Be Around" to that McCollum wha wha sound. They don't have an ablum out yet, just this demo and two others at their website. Being an Afghan Whigs fan, I'm really looking forward to a full album.

Moonmaan-Chain Your Soul

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Mr. Parker! I Want My Black Ninja and I Want Him Now!

This weekend I got to relive a bit of my youth as "Enter the Ninja" was on TV. It was many a Saturday I would plaster my ass in the couch for a double dose of ninja action with "Enter the Ninja" and "Revenge of the Ninja." Back then those movies along with the television series "The Master" were the coolest things ever. Today, they are nostalgic pieces of ninja exploitation where my pleasure is unfortunately found in laughing at them rather than being in awe of them. Which is rather sad since these movies had a big impact on my youth. You see they inspired me to take up the way of the ninja myself. Once a month, I'’d go to the flea market with my aunt or grandmother and waste my allowance on Chinese throwing stars. My favorites were the all metal four point stars. I even had a little pouch to carry them in. Part of my extensive ninja training was throwing them against the house for target practice under the cover of night. In the morning I'd then use the oil paints my grandmother gave me to cover up the holes. Unfortunately, I was never able to get the correct shade and the dark splotches of paint only helped to accentuate the holes. After months of penny pinching, I was finally able to afford my most valued ninja weapon: a set of hide-a-chuck nunchakus. At first glance it looked like a simple metal pipe, but after two minutes of unscrewing them, I had a lethal set of nunchakus with which I could bruise myself often. I was so proud of them I even snuck them into school by strapping them to my leg, using a baseball injury as an excuse for the limp. Only the trusted few were allowed to gaze upon such a dangerous weapon. Word though spread around our little circle of friends, and I was able to start up a little black market in Bob Jones Junior High. I went by the codename "The Frog"”, and used my best friend at the time as my middle man. I would buy the Chinese stars for a buck and then my friend would sell them for $3. That's one heck of a mark-up, and I was rolling in the money. I could see how being an evil ninja could pay off so well. As a bonus, "“The Frog'’s"” real identity was becoming the hot topic at lunch time. Our enterprise though quickly ended as all criminal enterprises do. Someone got caught with them at school. Luckily, the perpetrator couldn'’t rat me out, because nobody knew I was "The Frog."” But the PA announcement of "“No more Japanese shooting stars will be brought to school!" was enough to scare off our clientele. Once again, I was left alone to pursue my ninja training. That is till the cute girl across the street mentioned it wasn'’t very cool, and I gave up my way of the ninja, because well...she was really, really cute. Now I"’m left with only a laughably bad movie to spark the reminiscing of my time as a ninja and wondering whatever happened to that really cute girl that lived across the street.

Bits O' Music

In 2001 Jon Spencer of the Blues Explosion got together with Luther and Cody Dickinson of The North Mississippi Allstars and cranked out this “one off” album under the moniker Spencer Dickinson. It’s more of the same rock n’ roll blues you’ve known them for, which obviously isn’t a bad thing. Even though it’s a Japanese import, there is a listing on Amazon for the album (at an import price).

Spencer Dickinson-Sat Morn Cartoons

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Creepy Michael Paré Fan Mail (He's a Bad Habit but in a Good Way)

Dear Michael,

your captivating eyes has me tied in knots your kind smile has my heart pounding a little fast, your heavenly voice has me tongue tied but dont worry it will pass, you are just a proximity infatuation in my world i can never even dream of having you, in my world though i silently wish that dreams, my dreams will eventually come true, you captured my heart and took my breath away you stole my love and yet you dont have it, your my deepest desire but your also a bad habit, not in a bad way just the fact that its not real that i can never be inside your secure embrace, i could never hear you heavenly voice i could never watch the moonlight dance across your face, my wishes always seem to burn with the stars for my dreams will can never come true, they will always remain false hopes of one day knowing and falling in love with you.
Love

Your biggest fan
Shelley, Canada

Bits O' Music

Here's just some straight up rock n roll (hand claps included) from The Hold Steady. This song comes from the eMusic Sampler Crisp Songs Vol. 1. If you dig this song then I highly recommend their two albums Almost Killed Me and Separation Sunday.

The Holdy Steady - You Gotta Dance (with Who You Came With) - Crisp Songs Vol. 1.

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Rogers uses picture book to apologize for altercation.

07/06/2005 4:00 PM ET
By Brad Iten / MLB.com

ARLINGTON – Among a spread of milk and cookies, Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers apologized Wednesday for his altercation with two television cameramen last week. But the lefty ace said he has not yet decided if he will participate in next Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Rogers, who is appealing a 20-game suspension, showed a six-page, hand-drawn picture book in front of local media, his first interaction with reporters since the altercation on June 29. He was visibly emotional and paused several times while flipping the pages.

"I have been around this game for over 20 years and I prepare myself everyday to control my emotions and act accordingly," Rogers said. "In this instance, I failed miserably."

Last week before a game against the Angels, Rogers first shoved Fox Sports Net Southwest's David Mammel, who was shooting video of the pitcher on his way to a pregame stretch, and told him, "I told you to get those cameras out of my face." The pitcher then approached Larry Rodriguez of Channel 4 KDFW and took the camera from Rodriguez before throwing it to the ground and kicking it.


Rogers’ picture book depicted his version of the altercation, and his hope to some day, be able to apologize to Rodriguez. "This incident was completely out of character and I think without question, you know it will never happen again," Rogers said. "I have already personally apologized to my teammates and I hope in the future that there will be a chance for me to personally do that to Larry and David."

Rogers, who said he was showing the book against the advice of his legal counsel, vowed that such an incident would never be repeated. Rogers declined to answer questions about the incident. Rogers said, “The pictures should be clear enough.”

He is on track to start Saturday for the Rangers against the Blue Jays. His suspension, which will come after the All-Star Game, could be part of the reason the club is considering starting him immediately after the All-Star break in the opener of a four-game series at Oakland on July 14.

Rogers, who is a free agent after the season, has declined speaking with the press since there was a published report during Spring Training alleging he threatened to retire if he wasn't given a contract extension.

But Rogers has faced increased media scrutiny since he fractured the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand on June 17, when he hit a dugout water cooler after being pulled from a game against the Washington Nationals. Rogers had allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings and earned the win. The 40-year-old made his next scheduled start against the Angels, but lasted only 3 1/3 innings and allowed six earned runs to take the loss. He missed his next scheduled start.

When asked how he got his kids to illustrate the book, Rogers replied, “What kids?”

Bits O' Music

This nice little power pop song is from three brothers on the other side of the pond. As you regular visitors will discover, I'm a sucker for songs with hand claps or cow bells. Ranking a little lower is "Whoah's" and for me this song is all about the "Whoah's." You'll either dig it or find it annoying.

The Cribs - Mirror Kissers - The New Fellas

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Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Happy Fourth of July from Lou Dobbs and Manimal!

Creepy Fan-mail for 80's TV Shows (Real or Fake?)

To: TiffanyBrissette@fan.net
Subject: tiffany you are the cutest.

Hello Babydoll(vicki). how are you our sweet little robot?

I am a resident in Bombay(India)

Vicki, I am watching Small Wonder on the star tv network since 1996. Wow what a sitcom. (Now they show it on air -mon to fri 1500, 1730, and 0030hrs and sunday 0900hrs) It is so nice that i still watch it now. You performed the role of vicki the robot so well that i really fell in love with that character. You not only proved to be a versatile actress but a sweet little star of the celluloid screen. Vicki, You are really to good. I read about you in your homepage and was really overwhelmed on your achievement which you have attained through your hard work. You have given your 3-Ds in your career in a very tender age (Dedication, Devotion and Determination). you have these 3-Ds, i think, since you are born. The bottomline is that you are a born star that shine in the eyes of the small wonder fans. I am the greatest small wonder fan myself. I have a made firend ship with an imaginary friend called Vicki the robot. I really worship here with my whole heart. She lives in my imaginations as my guide in life and my tormenter in my deeds. Vicki ,you are that cute.

This is something personal. Vicki your eyes are too beautiful. And what about your smile. Its like the most beautiful thing god has ever made and that is the pure innocent smile of a child. Your looks are hypnotising and your serious look are really enchanting.
I am typing this messages with your imaginations in my memory bank and your image sweet image in the computer screen. I have always imagined you as a long lost friend but never felt you so close to my conscience. The fact is "I never miss you in my thoughts but whenever I think of you I really miss you alot."

Its true very much to my heart that I have imagined you as the same cute little obedient and loveble robot in your real life. I thank God that he had blessed me with the previlidge of seeing the most beautiful girl on earth.

I wish you all the best for your future career and would wish to see you again on t.v. in a new role.

A request to you, Vicki. Please, kindly answer my email message on my email address as given below.

I will feel really blessed and on top of the world if you would reply. I will wait for The reply message from my real imaginary heart proclaimed friend VICKI LAWSON.

Ok tiffany, God Bless You. Take Care. see yah.

L.L.L.( Live Life Long).

OH REALLY SHE'S A SMALL WONDER.

Ebay Gold!

This is the greatest thing I've ever gotten off ebay.

Joyful Noise

It's difficult categorizing music that combines B-girls rapping, cheerleaders cheering, 80's action TV themes, and kitchen sinks. Some call it toy rock. I call it fun.

The Go! Team - The Power is On - Thunder, Lightning, Strike

I've heard that there have been problems with clearing some of the samples for a US release. I was though able to find it on iTunes. I'm also still working on a permanent title for this feature, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

My American Single for July

She calls herself "big blonde." Bless you American Single for knowing not what I want but what I need.

Let's Hear You Bucks Fans!

I'm sure Milwaukee Bucks fans are thrilled that the main negative about their #1 draft pick, Andrew Bogut, is he "lacks athleticism." How many Buck fans were hoping to instead hear Marvin Williams name? Probably not as many Raptor fans that burned their jerseys right after they heard the name Charlie Villanueva. Their best player, Bosh, plays the same position. This is what they do after getting zip in trading Carter? It's like watching a victim in a horror movie. After she enters the scary house, and then folows the noise up to the attic, you eventually find yourself rooting for the slasher. Are they trying to move the team out of Toronto? How else can you explain screwing up two first round draft picks like that?

Bonus Track for Your Love

I've come to the realization that I want to post more than one lame song a week. This leaves the short lived title "Song of the Week" obsolete. Which isn't really a bad thing. I hate coming up with titles, so I am asking for your help. I offer this song of musical comedy gooooold in exchange for a title suggestion or two. Thank you.

Freelove Freeway - David Brent

Whew!

That blustery wind blowing out of the Midwest was actually the collective exhale of the Cub faithful after the way Prior pitched yesterday after coming off the DL. With the Cubs taking two of three from the White Sox, and Kerry Wood coming back Wednesday, the hopes and expectations for the Cubs are going to rise. I hope they can meet them, and take the Wild Card.

Save Your Spot Now for the Next Trial of the Century!

With the Oprah, microphone squirt gun, and Matt Lauer incident isn’t it obvious Tom Cruise will be involved in the next big celebrity trial. All the warning signs are there. He’s confusing celebrity power with real power. His self censoring chip is nearly worn away. And I’m pretty sure he’s under the assumption that the world loves him. So, when there is a news report implicating Tom Cruise of a mass suicide involving people wearing tighty whities and Ray-bans with “need for speed” tattooed on their forehead, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Song Of The Week 6/26-7/1/205

A few years ago my coworkers and I would offer up old favorites or new discoveries for each others enjoyment. Unfortunately, once our office moved and coworkers advanced this lit bit of goodness went by the roadside. So, I decided to resurrect it here.

Every Sunday I will offer a song for your enjoyment. My hope is to either introduce you to something new or remind you of past joy. So we begin…

The Records - Starry Eyes - D.I.Y.: Starry Eyes: UK Pop, Vol. 2
This was the original SOTW at work, so it only seems right that this is the first one I offer. A Power Pop gem of catchy goodness. This song is apparently not about a woman, but the bands manager whom they fired.

Also, I believe this should work both ways. If there's a song or band that you would like to recommend for SOTW then please do so through email. I make no promises that it will make it, but I will gladly take a listen.

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Another Uptown Lights Review

Here's another Uptown Lights review. This one's from Rhino.com.

My American Single for June

American Single
Originally uploaded by Wabasawki.

kwando
Single Woman seeking Man
Age: 36 years old
from Long Beach, California, USA

I wish I knew how this happened, but it is a pleasant gift from the goodness fairies. Once a month I recieve an email from American Singles suggesting six ladies who may be right up my alley. Of course they are consistently and humorously wrong. This months selections were kind of lame. They will get better though I promise.

OW!

Baseball (Real)

The Cubs have had an uncanny amount of injuries. Todd Walker had a sprained MCL. Garciaparra tore (as in off the bone tore) his groin muscle running to first base. Kerry Wood has had arm problems that keep the team doctors baffled. And to cap it all off, Mark Prior had a ball ricochet off his elbow resulting in a fracture. Even with all these injuries the Cubs are above .500. The Cardinals have run away with the division, but the wild card is still in reach. So perhaps when a few guys come back healthy and a trade or two is made the Cubs may make it to the playoffs yet. If they do, there is one reason why: the MVP playing of Derek Lee. It won’t happen but he has a shot at winning the Triple Crown. He is either leading or a close second in the required categories of RBI, HR, and AVG. Carl Yastrzemski was the last player to achieve the Triple Crown for the BoSox in 1967. The problem is that with all of today’s specialty roles in baseball the Triple Crown isn’t likely. But we can dream can’t we?

Baseball (Make Believe)

To confirm my belief that I am the curse my fantasy team is going through the same struggles as the Cubs. I have six players on the DL. Six! Three of the injured are Hampton, Hudson, and Wood my top three pitchers. It’s gotten so bad that the day one of my pitchers came off the DL he pitched a few innings and then went back on the DL. At the beginning of the season I wrote “Things I need to happen for this year to be successful are Dubois to prove to Dusty he deserves to play fulltime, Wood stays healthy, Berkman comes back lighting it up, and Hampton pitches like the second half rather than the first half of last season.” Yeah. None of that happened. Morris though has worked out pretty well and I love the Father Murphy look. Of course this means he’ll be on the DL next week. I’m currently in fifth place and the injuries seem to have cemented me there. It’s sad when seeing your team in fourth place excites you.

Baseball (Real and Make Believe)

I have no idea if this is cool or a sign of things to come. Right now I’m leaning towards cool. Wait...no...yes. Thanks to Carp for this one.

Bastards!

My memory seems to be slipping even more as I get older. I have no other reason for not suggesting the Heartless Bastards yesterday. They are even from my home state Ohio which is rich in musical talent. The Heartless Bastards fit into that garage rock soul that apparently seeps up from the ground. The band is great, but Erika Wennerstrom’s voice is where it’s at. The lady can howl as in Robert Plant howl with the best of them. I also love saying “Bastards.”

For a lost gem of an album I recommend The Outfield's Play Deep. You may remember the Top Ten hit "Your Love." You should remember the whole album. It's great 80's Brit-pop.

Here is a decent review in Now Playing of the last two Uptown Lights concerts.

Concert Bill

Uptown Again

Up there in my top ten reasons I’m happy to live in LA is that Greg Dulli lives here too. The benefit is the Uptown Lights. I got to see them again last month and even persuaded a co-worker to experience the gospel of Dulli. The highlight of the show was Dulli going into full on soul man mode during his rendition of O.V. Wright’s “Ace of Spades.” It was also a bonus hearing two tracks from the upcoming Twilight Singers album Amber Headlights. Dulli said this was the last Uptown Lights show which leaves me a little torn. The music fan in me believes he should tour the country with the Uptown Lights so that all may enjoy. The music snob in me gets a little thrill that I got to see the two shows Uptown Lights ever did even though I may be the only one to care. Below is the set list with the original artist.

From the Uptown Lights page at Myspace -

Punish Me - Margie Joseph
Ain’t Nobody - Chaka Khan
All Along The Watchtower - a la Jimi Hendrix
Get Ready - Temptations
Follow Me - Cee-lo
Tell Everyone - Ronnie Lane
Ace Of Spades - OV Wright
I Want To Be Free - Joe Tex
Hercules - Aaron Neville
So Tight - Amber Headlights
Tell Me What’s On Your Mind - Cyril Neville
Red Hot Mama - Funkadelic
Come To Mama - Ann Peebles
Wang Dang Doodle - a la Willie Dixon
Back Stabbers - O'Jays
I’ll Be Around - Spinners
Lost In The Supermarket - The Clash/Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Cigarettes - Amber Headlights
Ooh La La - Faces

For updates on Twilight Singers and Uptown Lights I suggest the following links.
Dulli's Inferno
Summer's Kiss

I've come to the final conclusion that I must be getting old because new music just isn't doing it for me anymore. I find myself buying fewer and fewer new albums. I always thought I'd be one of those guys who would be able to adjust. There have been a couple purchases though that I offer up to you.

The first is a hesitant recommendation simply because the singer's voice is an acquired taste. The Hold Steady are the rock band I need at the moment. Yes the singing is more talking in tune rather than actual singing, but the bar band rock and spectacular story telling makes Separation Sunday my record of the year so far.

My second suggestion will take a little effort to find becuase it's an import. Katamari Damacy is the soundtrack from the PS2 game of the same name. If you aren't familiar with the game, shame on you because you are missing out on a simple trippy joy that needs to be experienced. That same simple trippy joy is found in the music as well. I would describe it as Japanese pop, but then it's more than that. You could go find it for sale on some website, but I recommend using bittorrent to get a hold of it, and then buying it if the guilt gets to you.

Finally I recommend the power pop compilation Yellow Pills: Prefill. Jordan Oakes, who is responsible for power pop magazine Yellow Pills in the early 90's, is rightfully the man to compile this two disc set of lost power pop gems. Fans of Jellyfish, The Exploding Hearts, and dangerously catchy hooks will be fans of this set. My only complaint is the doubling up of artists on the compilation, but it's a minor complaint. I do offer this warning some of these songs are dangerously catchy.

Thanks for reading. Tomorrow will be a baseball post. So how ever that effects your reading take notice.

This "For Your Consideration" Emmy ad has been posted all over our office. Also, if she wins. I quit.

Hey! I Have a Blog!

I apologize for the long absence. If I could give a great excuse I would, but I can’t, so I won’t. For further and more consistent reading check 3rd Chair Trombone.com over in the links section. They are friends of mine and I can promise a regular dose of insightful comedy and absurdity. I will be posting a few tidbits over there when my quality can match theirs. Till then we will be playing a little catch up. For more Rosie O'Donnell goodness, TVgasm put together some choice clips from "Riding the Bus with My Sister."

With the new Burger King ads that King is now up there with clowns and marionettes as things that really creep me out.

Happy Opening Day!

I know last night was techinically the first game of the season, but today is the real opening day. Here's to a great season of baseball. I wish there was a way to make this a national holiday.

The Day After

There's nothing like waking up with a fresh mind and getting a second look at who you drafted.
I hate to blame it on one thing, but having my JAVA program lock up really screwed with my mojo. Still it's not awful, but it could have been a heck of a lot better. I need to scrounge up another closer, and pray that Taveras not only clears waivers but actually gets a decent amount of playing time till Berkman comes back in May. My best pick was probably Sanders simply because I got him so late in the draft. My worse was clearly Morris. I have no idea what I was thinking when I drafted him. Things I need to happen for this year to be successful are Dubois to prove to Dusty he deserves to play fulltime, Wood stays healthy, Berkman comes back lighting it up, and Hampton pitches like the second half rather than the first half of last season. Of course whether you like it or not, I will keep you updated.

Twilight Swingers

P Kerry Wood, ChC
P Tim Hudson, Atl
P Al Leiter, Fla
P Matt Morris, StL
P Mike Adams, Mil
P Mike Hampton, Atl
P Chin-hui Tsao, Col
P Yhency Brazoban, LA
P Zach Day, Was
Bench Rheal Cormier, Phi
Bench Chris Hammond, SD
C Michael Barrett, ChC
1B Brad Wilkerson, Was
2B Mark Loretta, SD
3B Aramis Ramirez, ChC
SS Cristian Guzman, Was
OF Corey Patterson, ChC
OF Willy Taveras, Hou
OF Larry Walker, StL
OF Reggie Sanders, StL
OF Terrmel Sledge, Was
2B/SS Chase Utley, Phi
1B/3B Nick Johnson, Was
Util J.D. Closser, Col
Bench Jason Dubois, ChC
IR Lance Berkman* , Hou

4 Days till Opening Day!

Simmons (The Sport's Guy) wrote this nice little column to Cubs fans (He's a Red Sox fan). I actually got slightly misty eyed and have no idea. Trying to picture what it'd be like to watch the Cubs in the World Series I actually cringed. Not the idea of the Cubs in the World Series, but because of Fox's coverage. Just like the Red Sox fans had endure a historical retelling of Babe Ruth every commercial break, Cubs fans will have to deal with goat pictures, that damn black cat, the ball through Leon's legs in '84, and probably a shot of Bartman everytime a foul ball is hit. I shudder. I wish there was a way that Bartman could charge for everytime his image is shown, he deserves better than this.

So Much for that idea

Well, that didn't work so well. Only half our league was there so the draft flew by in just an hour. An hour! So much for a running commentary. Now we're stuck with my stupid recap. My first pick was Mark Loretta. Then I was all set for Jason Bay to be my next pick, when the damn system locked up. I got stuck with Berkman, which meant I had to go for another pick to fill his spot till he gets back. It was pretty much all downhill from there. I got some decent players, but completely missed the run on closers. I had to clean that barrel to still get two. I go into more detail, but I'm simply frustrating myself. I think my team is in the crapper, but only the season will tell. I need a drink. Goodnight.

8:55 Jeez I'm getting nervous. It's just a game. It's just a game. It's just a game.

9:00 pm

And we're off. Carlos Delgado is the first pick. Man my draft position blows.

8:45 pm 3/30/05

Fifteen minutes and counting till the draft. I'm seventh in line to pick, which is one reason it sucks to come in fourth. Right now it looks like Larry Walker, David Wright, or Lance Berkman will be available. Berkman is tempting but he will miss the first part of the season because he tore up his knee playing flag football on a chruch retreat. Now I realize you should still be able to have fun doing other athletic activities as a baseball player, but if you're bringing in a multi-million dollar contract then I'd want nothing to do with anything that might take away my chance to play professional ball. Of course that could just be the hypochondriac in me.

8:30 pm Jersey on. Bobbleheads setup. Tunes on. Almost ready for the draft

Crunch Time!

For all three of my readers on this blog I’m going to be trying something new tonight. As you all may know I have a fantasy baseball team called the Twilight Swingers. I am only doing one team this season well because I dropped $250 on a PSP. Tonight at 9 pm west coast time I have my live draft. In order to give those that may wonder an idea of what happens during a draft I’m going to be doing a running blog during my draft. I don’t know what is going to happen or what I’m going to write, but there is a chance it might be slightly entertaining. It could also be a horrendous disaster, but that can still be entertaining, right?

To begin thing off let me give you a little background and info on my fantasy team. I go through ESPN’s fantasy website to play. I am in a National League only 5x5 rotisserie keeper league. In a keeper league, at the end of the season each owner selects five players from their roster that they want to keep for the upcoming season. This year I kept:

Kerry Wood - Pitcher
Aramis Ramirez – 3rd baseman
Tim Hudson - Pitcher
Corey Patterson - Outfielder
Brad Wilkerson - Outfielder

Yes, I know three out the five are Cubs. My game plan tonight is to stock up on hitters in the early rounds. With Wood and Hudson as my pitchers I can wait a bit to think about drafting another pitcher. Ramirez is my only true slugger so I have to get some bats early on. We’ll see how that goes. So come back every now and then and see what happens. Or just wait till tomorrow and read it all at once. Or just wait awhile till a non-baseball post shows up. But, I hope to see you tonight.

Ramble On!

So, I'm figuring this is probably going to be the format of the blog. I wanted it to be something a little more concrete than random topics. But as any of my friends will tell you, I'm all random all the time. So enjoy. I'm still working on a new title for the blog. I kind of like the current title. But I think it makes me look like more of an asshole than I really am. Any ideas?

You have 10-1 chance of enjoying this post. Wait. Now it’s 20-1.

I came to the realization that the world would be a better place if we were given odds on everything. In case you haven’t noticed gambling is huge. It has been for the last few years. You can gamble on anything at anytime. But the aspect of odds should be fully implemented into our lives. I think it would help us all make better decisions. The first obvious implementation would be in the drug industry. You know all the commercials where they tell you that there is a chance you could grow a third arm? Why don’t they give you odds? Are my odds 5-1 or 50-1 that I will get a bloody nose and heart arrhythmia? Do I get a 100-1 on the probability of having a 4 hour hard on? This is of course on obvious implementation. But odds could be given in all aspects of life. The uses are limitless. See that attractive girl across the way? Wouldn’t you be more willing to take a chance if you knew there were 6-2 odds that she would like you? This can break down into different tiers as well. You would get odds on: second date, getting laid, marriage, and laughing at your favorite joke. This doesn’t take away the element of surprise. The Butler’s and the Vermont’s of the world still win sometimes. Like they say it’s not about making the safe bet but the smart bet. What concerns me is the criminal element. There is a possibility that it could deter crime. If somebody saw that the odds on robbing a bank were 2-1 that they would spend 20 years in a prison being some sumo size junkie’s bitch, they would think twice. Wouldn’t they? Though I assume that since the criminal element has a gambling streak running through them, they may not care. Also, what happens when someone comes across 3-1 to one odds of getting away with a robbery? 3-1 on getting over $100,000? How do the criminals or desperate walk away from that? I have not fully thought out the implementation of getting odds on everything you do, but I’m leaning towards something along the lines of the Terminator’s where it could ID people and then locate targets within its vision. That way there is no stupid gadget to wear, just a simple implant into the brain, and probably some new kind of eyeball that would show you the odds. Brilliant isn’t it?

Make kids eat their vegetables

A discussion came up at the office on the topic of awful candy. My top five worst candies are:

6. Razzles: It is supposed to be candy and then gum. In reality it’s neither.
5. Root beer candy: I love rootbeer, and that’s not root beer.
4. Jujubes: When I was a kid I got these at the movie theater. They were awful the first time, but I thought that was because they were stale. So, I got a box the next time with the same result. It wasn’t till my third disgusting box that I realized the five hour chew time was intentional. One could easily last you a whole movie so why buy a box?
3. Wax Bottles: Is there anything more disappointing than chewing through tasteless wax in order to drink crappy kool-aid?
2. Good N Plenty: I chose this over all black licorice candy because of its deceptive advertising. Growing up as a kid you know how to avoid the black licorice. It’s black! Black jelly beans being the perfect example. I knew not to eat those. But when Good N Plenty came in their purple and white colors I was suckered into eating black licorice. Bastards! Also, I’m pretty sure black licorice candy wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the Sambuca industry. The only way you could be a Sambuca drinker is if you ate black licorice as a kid. So please stop trying to sell me on Sambuca. I hated it as a kid. I’m going to hate it now.
1. Circus Peanuts: This pale orange marshmallow(?) candy is clearly the worst candy ever made. I know people who actually like the previously mentioned candies, but I know of not one single person who actually enjoys these. On a whole, when you take in consistency, taste, color, odor, and ability to survive nuclear fallout this is easily the worst candy I’ve ever eaten.

This all made me think that if this was all I knew of candy, vegetables weren’t really so bad. Halloween would have sucked. There would be no candy industry, if these products were all we knew of candy. See, these products exist under the assumtion that all candy is good. People wouldn't fall for Good N Plenty if all we knew of candy was black licorice.

It is official: I’m a gadget whore!

I have always had a fascination with electronics. I tried to be the kid that could build his own computer from a shoebox and an old hamster wheel, but I never had a patience for it. I took those Commodore 64 classes during summer when I was a kid. I even tried to program my own Zork adventure on my step-father’s computer. I was unsuccessful because of inability to plan ahead resulting in always getting the program stuck in a loop. I’ve always sat on the cusp of the geek and trendy worlds of electronics. And I will admit have secretly wished I had the geek know how to write programs and fool around with electronics. Again it comes down to patience. Even with my fascination of all things electronic I wasn’t really a gadget whore…till I could afford it. Yes I have an X-box, PS2, digital camera, Pocket PC, 2 MP3 Players, XM Radio, but I was never quick to jump onto the bandwagon. Heck it wasn’t till last Christmas that I got an Xbox. I was never an “early adopter.” That is till now. In case you haven’t heard a new handheld gaming system called the PSP came out last Thursday. And yes I was one of those who waited inline for the store to open to get one. I had planned on getting one. I even pre-ordered one for the second shipment. But patience lost out and I couldn’t wait an extra week. So I waited Thursday morning with my fellow gadget and gaming whores. I became an early adopter of a PSP. Yes it will go down in price as the days wane on, but for once I could afford to be an early adopter, and I am completely enthralled with my PSP. I can’t wait to find myself somewhere outside my house that I’m bored enough to play it.

Speaking of video games

With the horrible months of February and January behind us the month of March has brought us two “Game of the year” contenders. "Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory" you know of if you game. But I picked up "God of War" the other day, and it’s fantastic. First of all, I’m not much of a “story” involved gamer. I’m the guy who is thankful that there is a button to skip the cut scenes, but not with this game. I actually became involved and never thought once about skipping. The combat controls make for easy pick up and play. The learning curve of the game progresses well enough where you constantly feel challenged at some point on each level. There are some fixed camera issues but they are tolerable since if you had control of the camera you would miss out on some of the beautiful graphics this game has. It’s easily the best looking PS2 game made, and the loading times are fantastic too. One word of caution. The game is very, very, very bloody. There are also some strong adult situations involved. As they say in the movies. It’s a hard “M” rating.


Finally…

With less than a week till baseball’s Opening Day, my spankin’ new Sandberg jersey came in the mail. It’s going to take awhile till I get comfortable enough to wear it without the fear of it getting dirty. It is a beautiful sight though. With baseball season so close, I should just let you few readers know that baseball posts will be popping up regularly. If I could warn you when such posts would happen I would. I apologize now for the inconvenience.

Bastards!

I know this is old news. I've been wanting to write something about this, but all my efforts still turned into fanboy ranting at the end. So, I will leave with just the link in case you haven't heard already. I feel my childhood curling up in the corner of my soul. I'm sorry. It's really not that bad. It's just a cartoon. That defined who I am today! Now they are taking it all and shredding up- See! I can't stop. I need to go lie down and watch the Looney Tunes Golden Collection to ease my old soul.

The Uptown Lights

It’s All in the Preparation

It’s the beginning of Spring Training. And once again I am filled with anticipation for this upcoming baseball season. It is by far my favorite time of year. Hope springs eternal or at least till your team gets swept in late September by a sub .500 team, putting them out of the playoff race. Though even with the expectation of defeat, I begin every season with some rituals in preparation for Opening Day.

Baseball Movie Marathon: Throughout the month plus of Spring Training I will watch Sandlot, Bull Durham, The Natural and Field of Dreams in that order. As of a few years ago I tacked on The Rookie. The only one stipulation I really hold to in watching these movies is that I have to watch them alone, particularly the last three. I made the mistake of watching The Rookie with a friend of mine. When Quaid calls to tell his wife that he got called up and she hands the phone to their son. Oh boy. That moment is up there with the ballboy handing his own bat to Redford, and Costner asking his Dad to play catch. Dammit. My allergies are acting up already. Speaking of baseball movies, I caught a trailer of Fever Pitch. Some Red Sox fans I know were furious that Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore tainted the Red Sox celebration by running on the field to re-shoot the ending. I can understand their dislike for this apparent cashing in on the Red Sox, much like Dan Shaughnessy, and I share in their dislike of Jimmy Fallon. Who the hell likes the Red Sox and the Yankees? But no matter what, there is no way that this movie will even come close to the travesty that is Rookie of the Year. I will also admit that I’m slowly becoming disenfranchised with the Red Sox Nation.

Fantasy Baseball Draft: Like the real baseball season, much of the enjoyment of Fantasy Baseball is the preparation. I spend so many countless hours researching magazines, box scores, and online columns it’s amazing I ever get any work done. Though with so much information out there it’s nearly impossible to find a sleeper or comeback player that nobody else has heard of. It’s basically all come down to draft position and working the waiver wire. This is a big year for me in fantasy baseball. I’m in my final year of my keeper league. I came in fourth last year and I am going to need the Twilight Swingers to reclaim my rightful position of first from two years ago. I was killed last year by injuries and losing players traded to the AL, but I feel good about this year despite my terrible draft position. That could of course all change with a dislocated shoulder, bizarre nerve problem in the arm, or Achilles heel.

MVP Baseball: Early March is when the new baseball video games come out. For years the one thing I hated about baseball was the video games. I wasn’t just bad at them, I was horrendous. My armless niece could beat me I was so inept at those games. That is until EA came out with MVP Baseball. Thanks to their new fangled pitching system I can now at least compete. I still swing at everything. It’s still like watching Bad News Bears when I attempt to field anything. But I can at least pitch the lights out now. This year is EA’s final baseball title. This would normally be terrible news, if it wasn’t for the fact that this means I will eventually have to play more than one season. I would do a full review, but this review will be better. I do though have two gripes that Mr. Katcher doesn’t mention. First on the color coding of the pitches. The colors are all wrong. To help when batting they’ve now color coded the ball up to the point of release. If the ball is white that means a fastball is coming. A red ball means the pitch is gonna move like a curve or slider. Green means change up. Isn’t it obvious that fastball should be green, curve should be yellow, and the change up should be red? I can understand the fastball needing to stay white, but when I see green I think go, which is the wrong thing to be thinking on a change up. I know this aspect of the game is supposed to help with batting, but I still can’t hit. In fact I think it makes me worse. Secondly, in Owner Mode I played an 18 inning game at my home ballpark. I assumed that I should rake in on the concessions, but no. I brought in around the same amount as every other game. How can this be? Even if you split my attendance in half for those who went home, shouldn’t I be taking in at least a little more? Did nobody want anything to eat or drink for the last nine innings? For the record it was 0-0 till the 18th when the Pirates scored two on errors of course. But I was somehow able to score three runs in the bottom of the ninth. The last run involving a head on collision at home plate which knocked the ball free. How much do I love this game! Also, the fact that Nomar got injured in the fifth game of my season scares me to death.

Cub’s memorabilia: Usually I purchase a new Cubs hat for the new season. I still end up going back to my two Cooperstown replica hats, but I still buy one. This year I went a little large. I finally bought my own Ryne Sandberg jersey. I even went old school with simply the number and no name on the back. I also gave into the Cubs believe bracelets. I’m not usually a sucker for such things, but they caught me when I was easily persuadable. I bought five. At least they go to a good cause.

Baseball trip: While surfing the Cub’s website seeing when they are playing the Dodgers and Padres, I always plan a dream baseball trip. I try to fit as many games I can in a week. Twice it’s actually happened. I hit all the California teams with my father a few years ago, and my friend Bob and I hit the Northeast with a long ass drive to Wrigley in the middle. This year I might try to actually make trip #3 across the Mid-west. Thank God for hiatus.

Cub’s Media Programming: I’ve got my Tivo set for the Cubs games. I’ve programmed all the XM MLB stations into my presets. I’ve even signed up to get the Cubs games on my computer.

It’s a lot to cram in a month, but it all helps that month pass by a little faster. As of this writing there are 25 days 20 hours 26 minutes 22 seconds left till Opening Day. So I say screw January 1st. April 4th is really the beginning of the New Year.