Here are exclusive photos of me and Rob Zombie at the Bismarck Civic Center, and I do believe it would be November 1995 because I am wearing my 55th Anniversary Sturgis shirt (as you can clearly see) which I was just at a few months earlier. I recall it was shortly after Halloween because Rob was throwing out candy at the end of the show.
So, how did I get to meet Rob Zombie? I was reading the editorial section of the worst paper on the planet aka: The Bismarck Tribune, and person writing the editorial was appalled at the fact that White Zombie would be playing on a Sunday night - which it was. I was pretty pissed off to read that someone was so upset at something they didn't like was happening on a Sunday and it was devil music, blah, blah, blah.... I mean come on... The devil has been the source of rock music since it's existence so why would it be wrong to play on any day let alone a Sunday?
Well, as the band was pulling into town, read the article, called me up, liked my article, hooked me up with backstage passes+3 and I got to hang with the band, get some pictures... I do have photos of me and Rob's girlfriend, who is tall and super hot but I will have to dig for those photos... and that leads me to this next point, yes, I look like a dork...why? Because I was wasted... And there were also many photos taken - with every band member except for the chick bassists who hurt her leg at the show - but because this is the worst photo that is why it is readily available (i have cruel friends...)
Anyways... a blast from the past...
PS:
Also, the 2 opening bands were the Super Suckers and the Toadies... It was a freakin' awesome show!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Me And Rob Zombie
Monday, July 16, 2007
Video Gaming On TV
The Championship Gaming Series, a video game league, began airing on DirecTV last week. Now I am an avid video gamer...have been essentially all my life... I went from Pong to Atari 2600 to Commodore 64 & 128 to now, a PC. Throughout this time there have been shows devoted to computers and even more specifically to gaming...but there has never been a gaming show that has appealed to me for one big reason...that is, I would begin to watch a gaming show to try and pick up tips and tricks on how to play a particular game...but there has never been a show that can successfully do this. The show(s) are typically like the crappy Madden Nation show that ESPN produced... that is, you would see highlights of the game and never really learn how to get better. Also, in previous shows that I have viewed that involve first-person-shooters, the competitors are so familiar with the game and, more importantly, the game's quirks, that the normal player will likely never attain the skill of the players that play the game 24/7. And then finally, the final obstacle is the games themselves. Because there is only about a billion video games and unless you are playing the 'latest-greatest' game, the show will be uninteresting...and then you may even tune in to see how the game looks and plays...but again, a person usually only gets select scenes and action and never a full representation of the game.
Sure I will check it out...but I doubt that I will watch more than one episode...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Die Hard Video
A friend of mine pointed this video out to me...
It is a music video that essentially recaps all of the Die Hard movies...the lyrics are funny and there is a verse that was added previewing the upcoming Die Hard movie, I would think the the creators' (GuyzNite) of the song/video will update the song after the movie has been released...
Be warned, you will catch yourself singing this song all day after you hear it!
"No one dies harder than John McClaine"...
Yipppeee-kiii-a M*ther F*cker!
New Story About Morrison's Death
I had always thought the Jim Morrison died of a drug overdose, and didn't everyone else? But I was wrong. The actual 'official' story of how Jim Morrison died is: "On the last night of Jim Morrison's life, the rocker went to a movie in Paris, listened to records, fell ill and died of heart failure in his bathtub at the age of 27."
There is now a story emerging that alleges he overdosed on heroin and died in a nightclub. So I now I know...Jim Morrison died of a drug overdose, boy, who would of guessed? Of course there was no autopsy done on Morrison so the truth may never be known.
Award Shows - Lame
So last night was ESPN's lame award show, 'The Espy's'. ESPN sucks and is doing whatever it can to not air actual sports anymore. But I can not believe that athletes/celebrities would actually want to associate their name with this farce...so I have to think that many are contractually obligated to do so. At one time the Academy Awards were seen as being respectable and was the epitome of award shows, but since most everyone knows the Academy Awards are no longer legit it opened the door for all these other award shows. I don't think the ESPY's could be a better example of a 'fake' awards show. Giving out awards to athletes, most of which have already accumulated some of the greatest awards in their respective sports. I can not believe that any sports-minded person would actually watch this show or give it any credit what-so-ever. Of course the reason I even know that the ESPY's were even on TV last night was because of the AP story stating that Tomlinson won 4 ESPY's. If I was Tomlinson, I wouldn't have any of the 4 awards in my possession by the time the show is over, instead they would be placed appropriately in the nearest trash can from the stage.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
2007 Season Officially Begins - Charger Arrested
So the NFL season must be getting close... 1 Charger already arrested. If it wasn't for the Bengals, the Chargers over the past 2 seasons have had plenty of players in trouble.
Million Dollar Ideas
I will often come up with what I think is a 'Million Dollar Idea' that will eventually get invented and sold by someone...but I thought of it first and that and a nickel will get me a cup of coffee...
So I thought I should at least start documenting my Million Dollar Ideas so I can reflect on all the money I should have...
My first documented Million Dollar Idea is to place a USB plugin port on car radios, portable radios and tv's. Then any music/media files that are on a person's jump drive and/or portable device can be found and played on all these devices... a person could literally have their entire CD collection on their jump drive/media device and plug into a person's radio and hear their library...
Wouldn't that be cool?
Million Dollar Idea #2 is an awesome music device for your vehicles. A person would have a player in their vehicle that would play mp3's, wav's, etc... (the normal). The way a person would load their playlist to their vehicle would be done wirelessly... A person would/could be sitting at their PC in their house and drag-drop the songs they would like in their vehicle and then the device in the vehicle would automatically download and update the playlist in the vehicle. Obviously if the vehicle leaves or is not present when the playlist is updated, it would automatically seek out and update the playlist whenever in range of the wireless transmitter.
Bam, 2 kick-ass ideas right off the get-go... of course both of these ideas may already exist but if not... I thought of them first and deserve my untold millions of dollars for thinking of them first...
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Back From Vacation
Back from a long Fourth of July vacation. Here's some quick pics taken from the spillway overlook on the Garrison Dam of Lake Sakakawea - close (Pick City) to where we spent a fair amount of our time. A good, fun, relaxing time...
Monday, July 02, 2007
Kwik-E-Mart: Now Open
In advance of the movie release of "The Simpsons", select 7-Eleven's have converted into "Kwik-E-Marts". Sucks that there isn't one in my town because I would certainly get some Buzz Cola, KrustyO's cereal and a Squisshee, all of which are being sold at these locations.
iPhone = iCrap
The iPhone is finally here...this past Friday was the big iPhone onsale and I happened to be around to watch a few different interviews about the 'first impressions' of the iPhone. A person can see why Apple did not give iPhone's out early for early critiques...because basically every interview regarding the iPhone over the weekend went like this:
Newsperson: So what's the early buzz on the iPhone? Is it delivering everything it promised?
Interviewee: The iPhone is a nifty little device that is basically combining your iPod with your cell phone and offer even more.
NP: So are there any drawbacks?
Interviewee: There are a few minor issues that people will notice right away, like you can't send a text or picture message you need to use their internet messaging, and the internet portion of the phone is painfully slow if you are not in any wi-fi hotspots, the cell phone technology doesn't utilize any of the newer protocols so quality may become an issue and since you have to sign an exclusive 2-year contract with AT&T to use the phone, you will most likely be roaming almost constantly unless you live in one of the 5 or 6 major metro areas in the U.S. And of course you need Apple's iTunes to put any music on your phone and most other applications will also likely require exclusive sync software from Apple, unlike other phones that you can just plug into your pc and copy/paste. Oh, and despite having a camera, it doesn't record any video. You can only take stills.
NP: With all those issues, people are still encouraged to get the iPhone?
Interviewee: Absolutely. This device was heavily marketed and hyped that every moron with $600 is waiting in line to get one of these and I'm right in line with them!
NP: Thanks.
The iPhone is basically your crappy iPod put together with a crappy phone...
And just his morning there are already complaints about even getting the friggin thing to activate! But that is what Apple is all about... you have to become dependent upon them or their corporate partners to even use the clock!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Holiday Plans
So our holiday plans are semi-set and they involve going back to Bismarck and Lake Sakakawea (sp?)....
Should be a fun time...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Clutch In Fargo
Just got done with Tool, now it's time to see Clutch again!
Aug. 6
Fargo, ND
Playmaker's Bar - House Of Rock
It will be awesome!
Tool At Xcel Center, St. Paul, MN - 6-26-07
Back from the Tool show and had a great time. Our timing with the event was about perfect. We stayed right across the street from the Xcel so we merely walked across the street to get to the Xcel when the crowd thinned out. In the Star Tribune's write-up it stated that the show was sold out... I don't disagree. My only complaint was that the vocals seemed extremely low, especially for Rosetta Stoned...but overall the show was fantastic. Videos, lights and lasers only enhance Tool's performance. I got a bunch of short video clips from the show...of course they are from my cell phone so the quality isn't all that good...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I Don't Want The Veil Over My Eyes Anymore
A friend of mine showed me this clip and I thought was too funny to pass up...
It is a deleted scene from the movie "Knocked Up" and has one of the male characters going on a rant about how Ang Lee should have shown some gay-sex in the movie Brokeback Mountain...and then is questioned about his own sexuality...
Hope you enjoy it...
Warning: Strong language - profanity and gay sex references.
Monday, June 25, 2007
I've Seen Tool
Not much happening right now... summer is in full swing, it's been very hot here lately...
But tomorrow is a big day... going to see Tool!!! This will be the 2nd time I've seen them this year... and I do believe my 9th time over all...
Just to keep my memory fresh and a listing of the shows I've seen, here they are:
Friday, June 22, 2007
Manhunt 2 May Never Be
The distributor of Rockstar's game Manhunt 2 announced yesterday that the game may never become available for purchase due to bans in England and Ireland and a rating in America that would keep it out of many big retail chains. Yes, censorship is alive and well in the 21st century. I hope the game is either leaked or outright released through other channels so those that really want the game can do so. Or hopefully Rockstar Games will alter the game so that it appears as a PG game, is allowed to be sold worldwide and then you merely type in the code or apply a patch to unlock all the elements the game intended to have.
The intent of the creators of this game was that it was to be like playing a game in a horror movie. And if anyone has seen a horror movie these days, they often contain graphic, cruel and sadistic elements...but a person is free to go to a theater and view those horrific scenes with little to no problems...seems like a double-standard to me.
"Use My Fame In A Good Way"
I try not to care much about 'celebrities', especially pseudo-celebrities like Paris Hilton who's only claim to fame is being born to an extremely wealthy family and now flaunts her money and her body to get attention and the media is more than willing to obligate. So everyone on the planet knows earlier this month she went to jail for driving under suspension, was briefly released and then sent back to jail.
So a couple of news items broke this morning regarding Paris and her upcoming release... the first was that NBC was denying that they are offering her a million dollars to be the first to interview her after her release. Even if NBC isn't offering a million bucks to interview her, that will probably be the going rate for whichever show does get the first 'exclusive' interview with her. So where do I begin? Well with the obvious I guess...it isn't like she is doing 'hard time' and she wasn't even intermingled with other inmates. She essentially had her own private cell away from all others...so what 'hardened' jail stories is she going to have? Did the cable tv go out one night for a little while? Of course the interview will likely focus on what did Paris learn while in jail? I'm thinking she learned that she can make a cool million bucks afterwards and I will gladly take 30 days in jail if I get a million bucks afterwards.
The second item, and really the reason I even began to comment on this subject in the first place was because apparently Paris Hilton talked with Ryan Seacrest while in jail and said that she sees that the media was making fun of her and that she doesn't want that anymore and that she will "use my fame in a good way". I can hardly wait to see how she does that and believe me, now that she said that, I will be keeping track...at least for a month or so until the absurdity is quite clear.
If a person thought Paris Hilton was over-exposed prior to her incarceration, just wait until she gets out... OMFG....
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Giambi Threatened To Speak
Giambi was ordered by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to testify to the steroid investigation headed up by George Mitchell by today...but of course hasn't done so. I am guessing that if Giambi does indeed testify in front of this committee it will be on the conditions that he doesn't have to admit to anything and doesn't have to testify about steroids at all... and Selig will of course agree to this in an attempt to legitimize the steroid investigation which has done absolutely nothing since it's inception except to be an powerless entity lingering over the baseball world.
Of course if Giambi does refuse to speak to the steroid investigators Selig will unleash some sort of punishment on Giambi, like maybe a game or 2 suspension and if Giambi plays his cards right, he can delay anything until he retires, write a book about how he and many others cheated and then be enshrined into the hall of fame and give thanks to Selig for making it all possible. Have I mentioned that MLB is a freakin joke lately?
UPDATE: Giambi has agreed to meet with Mitchell to testify. Of course we may never know what he actually says but it does sound as if he is only going to admit to doing steroids himself and not 'out' anyone else. And even if he comes out and flat out says, yes, I did use steroids, the odds of anything happening to him, I am guessing will be remote. He is only agreeing to testify to not get punished for a positive drug test this year and by the time the steroid investigation concludes most of us will be deceased.
Video Upload Feature
Blogger has added a new feature... the ability to upload a video directly to your blog so a person doesn't have to use YouTube or a different 3rd party to post your videos... so I decided to test it out and post a video of my daughter doing a dance in our backyard earlier this year. In the background, being quiet and still is my 4 year-old son watching...
The video was shot using my cell phone so the quality is pretty crappy...
ESPN's Aiding Downfall Of Sports
At the time of this post, on ESPN2's First Take show is interviewing Bill Romanowski about Pacman Jones, NFL and steroids...You got to be fucking kidding me? It just shows that steroids, cheating, being a dirty player your entire career will all be forgiven and you will be allowed to get on a media outlet to pimp your products and yourself.
Bill Romanowski is one of the all-time biggest losers that ever played in the NFL. Any chance he could take to be a dirty player, he would. He has admitted to using steroids and also was involved in a big prescription drug ring as well as being a fucking loser on the field...
The interview ended with him promoting his newly founded nutrition company... are you kidding me again? This is probably just a front to distribute steroids.
ESPN continues to try and turn sports into a made for television reality show by first displaying what a fucker this guy was throughout his career and then when that's played, turn around and give him a pat on the back and some free publicity for all the good times he provided to the network.
Cheater Hits Milestone
Bud Selig, the worthless MLB baseball commissioner, continues to stand on the sidelines and let the steroid boys reach what once were revered milestones. Last night another cheater, Sammy Sosa, hit his 600 homerun, a feat that has 3 non-cheaters (Ruth, Aaron and Mays) have achieved but now includes the steroid duo of Bonds and Sosa.
Unless Selig has some sort of penalty after all the roid-boys are finished, like banning from the HOF, I give no credence to any of these cheaters. The only hope for justice is that they are all snubbed from the Hall Of Fame forever but with the current condition of baseball accepting and allowing the celebration of these false milestones that is probably not likely. Instead, they may not get voted in right away...as a penalty... but will eventually will be accepted into the Hall Of Fame which is a freakin' joke.
Coke And A Smile
My entire life I have been a Coca-Cola drinker, and for this post it really doesn't matter what soda a person drinks because I think the observation is applicable for all sodas...
But what is the deal these days? You walk into a convenience store to buy a refreshing soda and I head right to the Coke section to see that I have a choice of how much soda I want to purchase with about 20 cents difference... I can buy a couple 20 oz sodas for $2.22 or I can buy a couple of liters for $2.50. Now I am not a cheapskate by any means, I piss money away all the time on frivolous items...but why does Coke present me with this dilemma? You see, purchasing the 20 oz soda means I will the the 'typical' size of soda that will fit in cup holders and I would likely finish drinking the entire soda within a half an hour. But spending the extra 20 cents to purchase the 1 liters means I would be getting almost 33% more soda but the downside is that the 1 liter bottles do not fit in the typical cup holder, you are 'lugging' around this big bottle everywhere and there is no way I could drink a liter of Coke within a half hour under normal conditions, so am often 'stuck' with this soda for an hour or more and obviously will be getting warm during this time.
Gone are the good 'ole days when your only option was a 12 oz can for 50 cents....which is all I ever really want. Sure I could buy a fountain soda, which is sometimes the case, but sometimes portability is a factor and to be able to seal up the bottle for transporting is often the determining factor. So now I spend $2.50 and get more Coca-Cola than even I want.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Endorsement: Ron Paul
Something I've been meaning to do for a few weeks now...that is endorsing Ron Paul for president. He is a Republican presidential candidate but is actually a Libertarian running under the GOP banner for the exposure.
Anyone that is for a smaller government, less infringing government, a government that more represents what our founding fathers envisioned, Ron Paul is the man. He often is quoting Jefferson, Franklin and other founding fathers and adopted their point of views...which to me, is all just common sense. He's anti-IRS, anti-war (only Republican to vote against the war from the outset), anti-Federal Reserve and basically, anti-government. Truly a total opposite of almost every other politician running for president in 2008 regardless of their party affiliation.
Visit Ron Paul's web site for more info on him and here is a quick YouTube video to give you some short clips and talking points of Ron Paul...
VOTE FOR RON PAUL IN 2008!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Manhunt 2, GTA IV To Be Released
I then searched out for more info for this game and found the trailer from Rockstar games. Then I also noticed a trailer for GTA IV. I've played every GTA game since II, so feel obligated to continue with the next one.
Are these games violent and appropriate for children? Absolutely not. But they are typically well made games that do contain graphic content. I posted the trailers up for both these games for anyone else to view...
Sports Recap
Not much going on during the beginning of the lazy days of summer...so just some quick comments on some sports...
The US Open golf tournament was this past week. I was able to watch almost all of this tournament (thanks to DVR) and it was quite entertaining. If Tiger Woods could have drained some of his easy birdie attempts on Saturday, he may be the one hoisting the trophy up. Instead though, it was Angel Cabrera (sp?) and cigarette smoking, non-english speaking Argentinian. I did like watching him play because he did not seem like your typical pro. I think his 'preshot routine' involved him grabbing his club, taking a practice swing and then strike the ball, very quick and seemed as if a person would do this rather than start second-guessing yourself, which might be the secret to his success.
Kobe Bryant is back asking for a trade again. Not sure how long this thought will last with him this time...
And wasn't it just a week or 2 ago when all you heard on ESPN, regarding baseball, was that the Yankees are done. The Yankees have no chance to make it to the playoffs...blah, blah, blah. I was thinking to myself that the season isn't even 1/2 over and the Yankees would be eliminated? No, that can't be? And I really don't give a rat's ass about the Yankees, but seemed improbable because the Yankees are the epitome of a team that buys its championships in a sport that will let you. Checking the standings today, the Yanks are 8 back for their division and 4 games back for the wild card...just another prime example of how the sports media is more about hype than fact.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
DirecTV Covers The US Open
Like the French Open (tennis), DirecTV is giving its subscribers expanded coverage of Golf's US Open this weekend. A person with DirecTV gets ESPN's coverage (ch. 206), a mix channel (ch. 216 mutli-paned channel showing the other 4 channels all at once), a featured group channel (ch. 217 - this morning it was Tiger's group, I'm thinking this afternoon it will be Phil's group), up close coverage (ch. 218) and a highlight channel (ch. 219).
I am not paying anything extra to get these channels so it is awesome. But I fear that this is DirecTV giving it's subscribers a taste of what these features and additional charges will be assessed if you wish to get them for future events....but until that time...I'm loving it and I hope that DirecTV continues to offer this bonus coverage for no additional fees forever!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Benefits From Being Removed From Society
I can't believe I haven't at least mentioned this in the past, but now is as good as time as any...and that is, for some time now I have officially removed myself as being a member of "American Society". You see, I just don't 'get' what many of the things that are raved about on an almost daily basis... I don't watch American Idol at all, I think iPods are over-rated, I haven't paid admission to go to a movie since Lord Of The Rings part 3, I didn't think Borat was the funniest movie ever and so on...
And so far I don't think I have missed out on much of anything and here is a fantastic example of why I no longer wish to be a part of 'society'. Last night the series finale of the Soprano's aired on HBO. I have seen about the first season and a half of the Soprano's and yes, it is a pretty good show but not good enough for me to subscribe to HBO. I could also tell that the Soprano's was going to be one of those 'soap-operaish' type shows, but of course with a mobster twist which is why it is gitchy in the first place. But I just didn't feel like I wanted to get all caught up into a television show where I would have to put my time in following it every week to find out what happened to who. And what would have really peeved me about this series was that HBO dragged the final season out forever. But last night seems I am vindicated in not only wasting my time and money getting HBO but also to put my 'time' in watching the series because apparently, by most accounts, the finale sucked and may be a lead-in to a movie. A person doesn't have to make too much of a stretch to figure all the 'devoted' viewers as mindless drones because HBO surely manipulated them as such.
iPhone - Overhyped And Ready To Dissappoint
Just surfing the net I stumbled upon a digg article bitching about the soon to be released iPhone. I have always thought that anything Apple puts out is overhyped and overpriced. With this early word surfacing prior to the release of Apple's iPhone is beginning to foreshadow the same product here...an Apple product that promises everything but can't deliver shit.
You run down the negatives this phone already has built in - only one cellular provider, limited wifie service for most people, now no flash apps and possibly no java apps either... so is this fancy phone going to be able to even make a friggin phone call or have good reception? Probably not, those features are still in development...but this is all part of the Reality Distortion Field that has already been established among Apple and it's faithful...
Back At It
I had a busy week last week with little time to post...worked late, stay up later, sleep in, repeat was my routine most of last week. Just re-adjusting to normality, so what's been going on?
NBA finals- yawn. I did get to check out game 2 and didn't even bother watching much of it because the Spurs had a 20+ point lead for much of the time I was watching. NBA has to be rigged if the Cavaliers are in the finals...no other team will guard Lebron?
Nadal won the French Open, again. I was pulling for Federer.
It has been raining fairly frequently in this region the past few weeks and starting this past Sunday things have begun to look more like summer. Sunny and warm. The area is now in 90+ degree weather and with the humidity, getting a bit steamy...but it at least feels like summertime versus non-stop overcast and rain.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Hoffman: 500 Saves
I did get to watch most of Anaheim beating Ottawa in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals to clinch the cup... I may comment on that later...
But this caught my eye at this late hour...
Trevor Hoffman, first MLB player to score 500 saves.
I've admitted that I've lost interest in the MLB after the strike in (was it in) '95 and especially after steroids became the fad shortly after...and I hope that Trevor Hoffman, who has never been even rumored in steroid accusations, remains a 'clean', honost player...proving that a person can compete at a consistent, high level without the 'juice'.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Indecision Reigns Supreme
Last week Kobe, in a matter of hours, said he wanted to be traded from the Lakers and then recanted the demand to say that he wants to remain with the Lakers. Now this week we got Billy Donovan, who last week was introduced as the new head coach of the Orlando Magic, now a report is out that he is trying to void the Magic deal and go back to Florida. It's a good thing these guys don't have to do what they say and say what they do. I think media/ESPN is a big reason people become untrustworthy and sly about their motives and maybe a result of why these people then change their mind, after seeing the way the media will pick up and run with a story to epic proportions would cause a person to reconsider their actions/comments. Should it be this way?
Friday, June 01, 2007
Tennis Channel On DirecTV
No Surprise: Ratings Low For Cup Final
No surprise here, the ratings for the first two games of the Stanley Cup are down from last year. One team is from a non-traditional hockey, southern California town the other is in Canada, this equals what I predicted last week. I am a bit surprised that less than a half million viewers watched...are you kidding me? Of course I am waiting for the follow up article released by ESPN citing how their women's college softball world series coverage is outdrawing the Stanley Cup. Hey ESPN, it doesn't make it better it just proves that people are morons.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Will He Stay Or Will He Go?
Kobe Bryant in a matter of hours, publicly announced that he wanted to be traded from the Lakers and then publicly announced that he wanted to stay with the Lakers - of course, both on ESPN Radio. ESPN, who I think by their overbearing, overhyping of any and everything sports related, is turning more and more into the entertainment/gossip type programming. Similar to MTV slowly dropping the element that made it popular with everyone, stopped playing music videos some time ago and realized that they can better market and manipulate their market by developing their own shows that have nothing pertaining to music at all. I see the same progression in ESPN, that ESPN will be nothing but Sportscenter - filled with plenty of opinion and commentary - and 'sports talk' and/or original programming. They will develop their other networks to show the petty items such as actual sporting events.
Kobe wanting to leave or stay with the Lakers might be big news for ESPN to hype until further notice - at least to fill their Sportscenter shows rather than show Stanley Cup highlights - but I think is a non-story for most everyone else, including Laker fans.
Tale Of 2 League's Playoffs
Last night I settled in for a good night of playoff sports watching...I, of course, watched game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, which was a fantastic game. Sure, probably boring to a casual or less-than casual fan being a 1-0 final...but the sole goal came with under 6 minutes to play in the game. The Ducks seemed to control the tempo for the entire game and outshot the Sens almost 2-to-1 (31-16). I am impressed with the goaltending of Emery for Ottawa and thought he may not be up to the challenge but is clearly showing that he is a big reason that Ottawa is where it is right now. With the Ducks up 2-0 in the series they just need to win one of the next two games and they will have 2 chances to wrap the series up in Anaheim.
After I watched a thrilling hockey game I flipped over to ESPN in hopes that I would be treated to an exciting finish in the Utah-San Antonio NBA Western Conference Finals game 5...wrong. Going from an intense, down to the wire NHL game I turned over just in time to see San Antonio increase their 2nd half lead from 20 to 30 points...and it wasn't even the 4th period yet. Boring...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
New Nike Commercial Featuring Tomlinson
In Charger news from last week...
Looks like we will be seeing a new Nike commercial this football season that will feature Tomlinson.
Hopefully all of this fame and attention isn't going to affect his play this year as it has affected others in the past.
Long Holiday
Back at it after an extended Memorial Day Holiday break...because our daycare was closed, but I'll suck it up. Just getting caught up with the sports scene...
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Finally underway. Game one was good. Ducks scored 2 goals in the third with the game winner coming with under 3 minutes to play. Ottawa looked good, the Ducks looked a little more sloppy than they have in any of the other games I have seen them play in the playoffs.
The French Open is underway and I think at the time of this post the last American male was just eliminated...I caught the Roddick match yesterday and couldn't believe how poorly he was playing. I'm pulling for Federer...I don't like Nadal at all...clay court specialist...bleah.
The NBA is in it's conference finals, I've been tuning in a bit. I like how LeBron just doesn't have what it takes to be a 'clutch' player after games 1 and 2, and now, after the series is tied, LeBron is god and Detroit is done...sports analysts are a freakin' joke.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Landis Arbitration Case Ends, Just The Beginning
Oh my god! I did not realize that the Floyd Landis arbitration hearing that I've been following will not be the end of this already arduous process of determining whether or not Landis will be found guilty of doping in last year's Tour de France and thus lose the title of champion. From the AP wrap up story...
"...the loser is expected to appeal at the next and final level, the Court of Arbitration for Sport."And why did I not know this? Because no one printed or said so! It should have been the first line of every story involving this case... "In the first of two Landis arbitration hearings...". I mean come on... this first hearing is a non-story when there is a final hearing which will render the final decision...or will it? Is that just bullshit too? And the loser of that hearing can then take it to some other court and on and on and on...just get it over with while someone cares...Landis will be dead before he knows whether or not he is found guilty.
So this entire hearing was just a colossal waste of time to even put any interest into it. Why didn't both parties agree to fore go this meaningless arbitration hearing and go straight to the final hearing and have a single showdown. All this arbitration hearing does, is give away some of your offense, but I am thinking that both sides have withheld some material because they know that this was just the beginning.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Free TV On The Internet
I'm always looking for a way to watch TV on the internet and I was a big supporter of TVU Networks when they first fired up. But now, most of their good content is no longer available...like ESPN, HBO, Comedy Central, USA, etc... So in looking for something new I have ran across TVThug.com. The user interface is all web-browser based and pretty simple. The player is the standard Windows Media Player and only Internet Explorer works...but it is still pretty slick and has a lot of channels to offer... at least for now...
Check it out...
Landis Arbitration Winding Down
Today is the final day for the Floyd Landis Arbitration hearing and unless some bombshell(s) are unloaded, I think Landis will be found guilty.
The facts, as I have read them, have Landis' case basically supported by complex science and alternate interpretations of the results. Then throw in that Landis' manager (now former) made a threatening call to Greg LeMond the night before he was testifying. If a person had any doubts about which 'science' to believe, that might be the intangible item that sways the arbitrators one way because the appearance of desperation is evident in that incident.
The news reports I read did not detail much of the complex science that was used in this case, I will admit that, but I would think that if the science was to be refuted it would be very plain to describe and detail. Landis' testimony, saying that it would be of no benefit for him to cheat, is also very obtuse. To think he has nothing to gain by cheating and getting away with it is total bullshit. In almost every top-tier athletic competition athletes will cheat until they get caught and do everything they can to not get caught. Why? Fame & fortune, that's what they gain by cheating and not getting caught. Unfortunately the fortune the gain while cheating will often provide them with the means to put on a high profile case to try and prove that the testing procedure to find you guilty of cheating might be flawed.
NBC's Worst Nightmare: Anaheim vs Ottawa
I'm thinking NBC will drop it's half-hearted effort to carry the NHL and the Stanley Cup finals now that Ottawa and Anaheim are the two teams that will face off for Lord Stanley's Cup. I also think that NBC had something to do with the scheduling of the finals because game 1 doesn't start until Monday and of course the first 2 games are on VS. But NBC will probably drop coverage of the game half way through the third period to make sure Dateline starts as scheduled.
I think the finals should be pretty entertaining. I think Anaheim has been playing well all season and has turned it up a notch for the playoffs. I think the Ducks win in 6 because, as I have been saying, Giguere has been solid between the pipes. The Ducks, right now, seem to have the right blend of offensive fire power and a solid, experienced defense. In the Detroit series, it seemed to me that the Ducks would often 'set the tone' of the game and are not intimidated, but rather, they do the intimidating.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Sabres Out, Sens Wait For West Winner
So Ottawa defeated the Sabres this past Saturday, advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. They are awaiting the winner of the Detroit-Anaheim series. Game 6 is tonight with Anaheim holding a 3 games to 2 edge in the series right now. What was noteworthy about Saturday's game, I thought, was a person got to see the commitment that NBC has to the NHL. Of course the Preakness was also on Saturday and the hockey game goes into overtime. NBC decided to end coverage of the NHL game as it was scheduled and go to their Preakness coverage - of course the actual horse race wouldn't be ran for another hour and half (at least). Name one other sport that any network would drop it's television coverage of to join another event...and then add the fact that this was a conference final game! Of course this should be to no surprise... NBC opted to carry ZERO playoff games the previous weekend and showed the TPC golf event. Very evident that NBC is only interested in having the games on a weekend afternoon rather then break up it's prime time weekend schedule.
How low has your sport gotten when you can't even give the networks a great, overtime conference playoff game and they will drop their coverage to show you an hour or 2 of pre-race hype for the Preakness? I was just glad I have VS and was able to watch the end of the game. One has to think that NBC is already cringing at Ottawa making the finals and I am almost certain the network big-wigs are keeping their fingers crossed for Detroit to pull through and make the finals as well. I can see the headlines already if the finals are Ottawa-Anaheim: "Lowest NHL finals in history." But NBC has itself to blame... a person only got to see Detroit, the Rangers, Colorado or Dallas play on the very few games NBC even aired. Then you add the fact that VS is in about 10 homes in America and the NHL finals are being played in June you then have the recipe for people to not care.
Landis Arbitration Continues
So the Floyd Landis arbitration hearing continued through the weekend and as I read through the news articles seems pretty 'typical' for an arbitration hearing. Landis took the stand and (surprise) said he did not knowingly do any doping. Then the Landis camp flew in an expert to refute the findings of the lab that came up with a positive result. All of it seems standard legal defense for someone that isn't really trying to prove that they didn't take steroids but rather that the testing process itself is flawed.
As I previously mentioned, the defense is very O.J.esque. Will this arbitration hearing prove without a doubt that Landis didn't cheat...I don't think so. What it will do is prove that the process can be questioned if you get the right scientists and forensic experts to refute any evidence used against you to bring in the question of reasonable doubt.
Clutch At First Avenue, May 17
So I have returned! Last Thursday I went down to the twin cities to see Clutch perform at First Avenue. Had a real good time. The lead singer (Neil Fallon) reportedly had strep throat prior to the show we saw and Clutch cancelled their previous two shows because of that. The show was fantastic, but it was short and we believe due to the need to recover from the illness.
Posted are some pics I took of downtown Minneapolis and some short video clips of the show itself.
Just to give you a timeline of my trip/weekend it was like this: Work Thursday until noon. Jump in car, drive to Minneapolis, see Clutch - drink too much, stay up too late. Friday AM: On the road back home by 9:30 AM, pull into my house at 12:45, change clothes at work by 1:00. Work until 9 Friday night, go home and pass out of exhaustion. Saturday, back at work by 7:30 AM and work until 4 PM. Then I was able to relax until work this morning... but a very busy and tiring few days around Clutch...my intention was to not work on Friday, but my services were needed and so I came to work....what a trooper I am, huh?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Favre: Attention Whore
The previous 2 off-seasons Favre would hold the whole world in doubt as to whether or not he would return...sometimes trade demands would surface but he would address the media a few days later to say that he did not issue any trade demands.
Last year, Favre, not only did not announce his plans on whether or not he would return to the Packers until well after the draft occurred. How's that for a team player, don't even let your team know if they should draft a quarterback or not. And if you recall, actually held a press conference to tell everyone that he still hasn't made a decision. Now if that doesn't just wreak of 'look at me' syndrome I don't know what does.
So what does the 2007 edition of Favre have in store to get his media attention he so craves? Well, how about pout to the media about not getting Randy Moss, just to warm things up. Then say you are not going to the Packers mini-camp because you are injured, have family events, whatever, but most certainly not because you are still pouting over the Packers not getting Randy Moss. And just to keep your name in print and make sure you get some good weekend roundtable talk amongst the sports talking heads, reverse that decision and now say that you will be attending the Packers' mini-camp.
Pouting over not getting Randy Moss just shows what a freakin' bonehead Favre is. The only reason Favre wants Moss is because he (Favre) has no finesse anymore, no offensive line and no running game. All Favre does now is drop back and heave the ball and he knows that Moss has no desire to run any pattern other than a straight fly pattern...the two, seemingly, are a match made in heaven. But of course Favre is a moron... Moss is washed up and having the one-trick play will get you a couple of wins against the Vikes and the Lions but any team with a real defense will have that shut down in a millisecond and Moss and Favre would be pouting together on the sidelines.
Landis Trial Day 3
Yesterday's Landis arbitration hearing wrapped up testimony from the French lab worker who tested Landis' sample. From the news reports, it seems to me, that this lab worker, Cynthia Mongongu, is holding some animosity towards Landis...taping a 'do not cross' line in the lab for the observers. And not sure how the arbitrators will take it, but Mongongu apparently needed a more detailed chart to determine if the tests were truly accurate. Now is it just me...but if this process has to be infinitely detailed to determine certain accuracy, then how can the test be relied upon at all? Saying that, then, if this is the approved process to determine guilt or not...then Landis is screwed because trying to detail inaccuracies and incompetence as a reason for innocence is just the O.J. Simpson way to try and get away with murder.
Today Greg LeMond is taking the stand and apparently not only is he going to testify against Landis but also Lance Armstrong. This move seems like such an overt attempt by the USADA to not only get Landis, but (as Landis has already laid his foundation for his defense) also cast some speculation on Lance Armstrong potentially doping.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
London's Hottest Ticket: The NFL
Something that I don't like to see, an NFL regular season game being played outside the U.S.A. selling like hotcakes. I think it is ridiculous that the NFL seems to think it is a good idea to play meaningful NFL games outside of America. Sure, it's all about money and the NFL is just trying to broaden its appeal and create more revenue streams...blah, blah, blah. But what this is really doing is taking a game away from some team's most rabid and hardcore fans and moving the game to another country in a very clear marketing attempt. The NFL may be a league that can withstand some minor fan loss, but if the NFL increases - or arguably even maintains - it's current frequency of scheduling meaningful games outside of the U.S., I think fan dropoff in America would become noticeable. Since the beginnings of this plan is going well, that when that fan dropoff does become noticeable the league will scramble to try other things in an attempt to recoup the American fans but won't want to release it's foothold in other countries because by that time they will have established a fanbase abroad. In the end, American NFL fans will be the only entity that the NFL doesn't care about, the same fans that made the NFL the greatest sports league in the world up until that point.
Wings Destroy Ducks, Go Up 2-1 In Series
As I watched the Red Wings-Ducks game 3 last night, it was clear that Detroit was the more dominate team. I am just wondering if the 5 goal onslaught will shake the confidence of Anaheim goalie Giguere, who up until last night, has impressed me throughout the playoffs. Last night's game should be an exception to the series, which has looked very close and played very tight until last night's lop-sided win.
Vick Involved In Dog Fighting
The Micheal Vick story continues to gather some steam. At first, reports had acquaintances of Vick involved in dog fighting at one of Vick's houses. But now, there is apparently evidence that can put Vick on the property during dog fights, including possible videotape and witnesses. Flipping fans off was just the beginning of Vick's decline...with this news developing over the offseason, I think his fan support is going to dry up quickly.
Landis Trial Day 2
Day 2 of the Landis trial was dominated by translator problems. This may actually end up helping Landis because much of the basis of his defense is that the USADA has botched and totally mishandled the process by which Landis was tested and the subsequent positive test for doping. The USADA was responsible for providing the interpreter for these hearings and by having a translator that was not able to do an adequate job may add to Landis' case that the USADA is riddled with incompetence.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Landis Arbitration Case Begins
About to slip into the past, the Floyd Landis arbitration case has finally begun. The outcome of this case will likely determine whether Landis keeps his Tour de France title or not. The case is expected to go through next Wednesday and looks like it has a fiery start, basically wrangling over linguistics. For some reason I have been lured to steroid cases and will continue to follow this one. If Landis is able to shake the roid rap, I am sure others are taking notes.
Senators 3-0 On Sabres
Wow! I thought the Sabres looked a little flat against the Rangers in round 2 of the playoffs, but they certainly look like they may have blew their wad in the regular season and are running out of gas in the playoffs. Ottawa just needed one goal last night to beat the Sabres and from what I have seen in these 3 games, it doesn't seem as if Buffalo is able to muster any sort of formidable attack.
The Western Conference Finals, on the other hand, has been fantastic...with the east series looking to finish shortly, I think the western finals winner - barring unforeseen injuries - will carry that momentum into the finals.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tool At Council Bluffs, IA - 5-12-07
Posted are some pictures and short video clips from my camera phone at the Tool show in Council Bluffs, IA. This trip was a good time. It is about a 6 hour drive, so my friend and I left Saturday morning, got to Council Bluffs early enough to have a few beers and grill up some grub before the show. The venue was fairly small... and there isn't a bad seat at the Mid-America Arena. The show was sold out and you could tell the venue staff wasn't prepared for this show. After getting the 'pat down' to enter the venue and displaying my ticket, I didn't see a single security person or even an usher. As soon as the lights went out you saw about 5,000 cell phones open up to begin snapping pics and vids. The venue ran out of beer and cups well before they were going to cut off sales...that sucked but at $6 a beer it probably saved me a bunch of money. With what seemed as a pretty light security staff you would think things could have gotten out of hand but from what I observed, everything seemed fairly orderly.
The show itself was, of course, awesome. Maynard (lead singer for Tool) only said "Happy Mother's Day" and "Thank You, Good Night." to the crowd...least amount of audience interaction I have witnessed from the band...but didn't bother me. Tool sounded really good. I got to hear Wings For Maria (pt. 1 & 2) and Right In Two which were the only songs I didn't get to hear at the Orphium show last year. Tool has expanded their stage show and added laser lights along with all their other video imagery and really adds a new dimension. I think Tool is the new "Pink Floyd" in that if you love their music, their stage show will only enhance your experience with their music. I can hardly wait to see Tool again in a little more than a month...
46 & 2
Right In Two
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Dale Jr. Leaving DEI
Dale Earnhardt Jr. couldn't come to terms with his stepmother and will leave the company his father created. This is just a move about money and nothing more. Junior has gotten a free ride his entire career. With his father being the greatest NASCAR driver ever and essentially handing his son a sweet ride with a huge sponsor, Jr. has had to do little more than show up to the race track and collect a check. In Junior's statement as to why he is leaving DEI he said, "it's time for me to compete on a consistent basis and contend for championships now". On obvious slam against DEI. His team at DEI must be what is holding him back and once Jr. gets on a 'real' team then you'll see him start winning...something he doesn't do very often now. I would think that his sponsor, Budweiser, will follow Dale Jr. where ever he goes and as a result, Jr. will have plenty of teams interested in getting him to secure those sponsorship dollars.
I don't think Dale Jr. is a good driver and hasn't proven to be one. I think he is carried by the rest of his team and he has skirted any real criticism from almost everyone because of his father. But I think Dale Sr. would not approve of this action by his son...nor do I think it would be happening if he was still overseeing DEI.
McNair Busted For Being A Passenger
Have I mentioned that this country is law happy? Well, here you go... apparently if you let someone else drive your vehicle and they are drunk...you will be arrested as well. Just ask Steve McNair. What is next? And then what about rental cars? If I rent a car, get trashed and pulled over in Tennessee, will everyone at Hertz get arrested because they own the car? I think they should!
Vick Likes Dog Fighting
Right when you think things can't get too much worse for Vick - publicity wise - you then read about how friends of Michael say he likes dog fighting. Of course this accusation all comes from finding a bunch of dogs at Vick's house, which were discovered of course during a drug raid. So he will obviously have someone else come forward to claim the dogs and drugs (if any were found) and things will go on as normal... but Michael Vick is proving every day how dumb some of his actions are.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
NHL Conference Finals Prediction
Someone In This Country Showing Moral Convictions?
Unbelievable...I just read this story where a restaurant owner actually kicked O.J. Simpson out because he is sickened by all the attention that O.J. still gets. The best line of the story was the owner saying how it was the first time since '94 that O.J. showed any class by leaving the restaurant quietly.
Couric Scores Lowest Ratings For CBS
Katie Couric has posted the lowest viewership for CBS news since 1987. Of course I don't watch the nightly news on any of the big three networks on a regular basis but I am stunned to see that Chuck Gibson is the number 1. Anyone that was forced to watch Good Morning America during Chuck's tenure on the show wouldn't trust anything that moron says...so is Katie an even bigger imbecile?
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I Am A Loser
The title of this post says it all, I am a loser. You see at my workplace, about 3 years ago, a co-worker accidentally goofed and made a comment that I heard regarding a previous company function that seating was all random except one table where the 'losers' were put so that no one 'cool' had to tolerate them...and I was at that table. I have no animosity towards anyone I work with and up until that point, I really enjoyed coming to work and enjoyed my job as a whole. But since that time I have made some changes just for my own well-being. You see, I really don't give a shit that I am considered a 'loser' around here because being a 'loser' around here means you enjoy sports, rock music and drinking. I am literally the only person that does follow all sports avidly and listen to popular rock music as well am fairly up-to-par with pop culture. But my attitude towards most everyone I work with has altered since this incident.
First, I no longer attend any work related social function. Several times throughout the year there are company social functions (ie: picnic, holiday party, etc.), all of which I would get a free meal and likely some 'prizes' as well. I typically won't even RSVP and if they demand an RSVP it will be returned as not attending. In addition to not attending social functions there are certain 'mandatory' meetings that I no longer attend as well. These meetings are basically introducing new employees to the full time staff and I will overtly lie as to why I wasn't present, although I have been overlooked a couple of times to make it even more inconspicuous when I do purposely skip.
Next, I no longer allow myself to be a 'pawn'. I use to gladly accept additional responsibility and offered my opinion on most any topic. Now I go to meetings and remember this simple phrase: "Just keep my mouth shut" and that is what I do. I go in and politely answer any questions that may be asked of me and leave at the first opportunity I can. But this isn't just because I am a loser at work it is also because once you prove yourself versatile and efficient those that are not will take advantage of you without even flinching. Creating anything ahead of a deadline is laughable now because all that means is those that do nothing but critique and require you to redo your work will just have you to redo your work until the deadline approaches. Being the a loser doesn't mean I have to be stupid.
In addition to my above point, I am now blatantly not doing optional work that is not really assigned to me but asked if I can do it. Here's how it typically goes... a person from another department will ask if I can do something that they should be doing in the first place...like let's say solder wires for a communication system. I have never been trained in soldering, wiring or any of the specifics regarding that process at all. The 'system' that needs to be soldered has about 100 wires that need soldering...so is essentially busywork for someone. So while this person proceeds to tell me how this device should be soldered, in the back of my mind - the entire time - I am giggling because there is no way in hell I am going to touch one wire or solder one thing for this device that I will never use and I have absolutely no connection with at all. But this person continues to explain how this device should be put together. I am contemplating doing these menial tasks but make sure that I do it so poorly that it will be a bigger hassle for someone to undo what I have done and correct it.
I also enjoy no longer taking place in 'conference calls' with our 'corporate headquarters'. There is absolutely nothing good that comes from these conference calls except for more work for me to do before the next conference call which, in the end, will mean little, if any, company productivity or profitability. Again, it is just busywork the corporate bigwigs want to see to make sure that no is just sitting around (maybe blogging on the internet...).
In my previous jobs, I have always made friends with my co-workers and would ban together because the company and the job would oftentimes suck. This is the first job where I enjoy the actual 'work' that I do but I no longer can say that is the same with my coworkers.
So I have entered a new chapter in my life... I like my job but not the people I work with. I am fairly disgruntled about many things that are beyond my basic job responsibilities. I am content with my actions, as I think most of my coworkers are, for they haven't even noticed...and I think are probably happy that they have rid themselves of 1 loser that attended their functions....
Saturday Night Live
Something I should start doing, just for my own amusement, would be to review SNL...and I just might start doing that...for you see, since I was young, I have watched Saturday Night Live and have formed an 'instant opinion' of each show...some good, some bad. Having said that, I did watch the Sunday night special regarding Saturday Night Live in the 90's. The special itself wasn't too bad, but I really didn't care for the shortening of the skits...and not that they were shortened but that they were too short. If they wanted to show an abbreviated sketch, that's fine...but to show just a quick snippet only has the viewer wanting to see more. The show itself was interviews with people that would reminiscence about each season of SNL in the 90's and was essentially a 'look at how great SNL is' type show. Which leads me to my primary theory, that SNL of late is crappy. But as this show pointed out, in 1994-95 SNL had some of its lowest ratings ever and you look at the cast and it had Adam Sandler, David Spade, Cris Farley, Phil Hartmen, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey and Cris Rock. An overt move to guilt people into turning SNL back on because you don't want to miss any potential star developing on SNL. Watching SNL lately, there might be one or 2 funny sketches in the entire show with the rest being lame. And after watching this retrospective one of my initial impressions was that this was a clear attempt to try and bolster SNL ratings for next season because I find it hard to believe that people were entertained watching this past season of SNL.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Foley Pleads Guilty To DUI
Chargers' linebacker Steve Foley, who was shot last year just prior to the season starting by an off-duty cop, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.
A almost no-brain move to no doubtedly help his case against the off-duty police officer and the Coronado PD. I have yet to hear if Foley is going to try and come back this season but there was some speculation that his injuries could be career-ending.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Concerts Galore
After not going to a concert in almost 6 months, I will be getting my fill in the next couple of months...
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