A previously undiscovered Amazon tribe was photographed, and the accompany picture to the article is hysterical:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24880941/
What would you do if you stumbled upon a never-before-discovered race? How would you gain their trust? It's not like you can bring them some beers or some liquor and start drinking. If they're trying to shoot down a plane with arrows - what would they do to a human intruder on foot?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Dear Dan Martin: TJ's Role is NOT in Jeopardy!!!
Dan Martin of the New York Post apparently thinks the JETS' offseason additions of Jesse Chatman and former Raven Musa Smith puts Thomas Jones' role as the feature back in jeopardy (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05292008/sports/jets/jones_puts_jets_future_on_the_line_112926.htm).
This is a shamefully stupid assertion. Sure, TJ averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry and managed only 1 rushing touchdown all year, but this can hardly be put entirely on his shoulders. Every JETS fan remembers quite vividly the whole Pete Kendall disaster, and the way management seemed to allow their egos (and a failure to recognize the importance of the OG position its due credit, an issue for another day and another post) to be the determinative factor on a question that wound up being key to the failure of the running game in 2007.
Kendall's presence clearly raised the level of play of future Pro-Bowler Nick Mangold and potential-flop D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Without him, the JETS desperately attempted to replace him with late-round draft pick (one who is clearly a project at best), Jacob Bender from Norfolk State and Adrian Jones. It was a nightmare; one which was only exacerbated by poor quarterback play and the lack of a homerun threat. They have realized the error of their ways and have doled out mega-deals to Alan Faneca (great signing) and Damien Woody (umm, okay) to plug their holes on the O-Line.
Despite the fact that defenders were getting through the line like "nectar in a sieve" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nectar_in_a_Sieve), TJ still managed to finish with 1100+ yards. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons with Chicago, TJ had 1335 and 1210 rushing yards, respectively. This was with 8 men in the box on nearly ever single traditional rushing down (lets not forget that his QB in Chicago was Rex "ewwwwww Gross"-man).
I'm certainly not TJ's biggest fan, and he is more of a power runner than a game-breaker (the JETS' haven't had a true play-maker in recent memory, if at all in the past decade), but the guy is an effective power back, especially when he has a decent O-Line, like in Chicago.
I leave you with a YouTube clip of a beautiful stiff-arm by TJ against the hapless 'Phins: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Q3cGgSuorU .
This is a shamefully stupid assertion. Sure, TJ averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry and managed only 1 rushing touchdown all year, but this can hardly be put entirely on his shoulders. Every JETS fan remembers quite vividly the whole Pete Kendall disaster, and the way management seemed to allow their egos (and a failure to recognize the importance of the OG position its due credit, an issue for another day and another post) to be the determinative factor on a question that wound up being key to the failure of the running game in 2007.
Kendall's presence clearly raised the level of play of future Pro-Bowler Nick Mangold and potential-flop D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Without him, the JETS desperately attempted to replace him with late-round draft pick (one who is clearly a project at best), Jacob Bender from Norfolk State and Adrian Jones. It was a nightmare; one which was only exacerbated by poor quarterback play and the lack of a homerun threat. They have realized the error of their ways and have doled out mega-deals to Alan Faneca (great signing) and Damien Woody (umm, okay) to plug their holes on the O-Line.
Despite the fact that defenders were getting through the line like "nectar in a sieve" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nectar_in_a_Sieve), TJ still managed to finish with 1100+ yards. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons with Chicago, TJ had 1335 and 1210 rushing yards, respectively. This was with 8 men in the box on nearly ever single traditional rushing down (lets not forget that his QB in Chicago was Rex "ewwwwww Gross"-man).
I'm certainly not TJ's biggest fan, and he is more of a power runner than a game-breaker (the JETS' haven't had a true play-maker in recent memory, if at all in the past decade), but the guy is an effective power back, especially when he has a decent O-Line, like in Chicago.
I leave you with a YouTube clip of a beautiful stiff-arm by TJ against the hapless 'Phins: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Q3cGgSuorU .
Friday Morning News & Weekend Outlook
Good morning all. Currently 73 degrees in the tri-state area, sunny with a good outlook for the day, however showers and thunderstorms moving in later tonight and lasting into tomorrow.
News for today:
1.) Britney Spears is still unfit to appear in a courtroom.
2.)The Lakers beat the most uninteresting team in sports 4-1 and will now await the winner of the Celtics and the second most uninteresting team in sports series. Really too close to call on who people could care less about, however the potential Lakers - Celtics finale would make for an interesting discussion. Do you root for alleged rapist and all around modest, selfless guy Kobe Bryant or do you root for the team from one of the most obnoxious sports fan areas in the United States?
3.) Stonehenge was a place of burial for about 500 years or so beginning as early as 3000 BC.
4.) Less people are taking flights for some reason...hmm might be economic reasons, more on that later.
5.) This just in, there is an impending health care crisis in America according to the AP.
6.) A crane collapsed at 91st and 1st on the Upper East Side of Manhattan this morning. Two days after the city removed the requirement of inspectors being on site for crane movements.
Ok all, thats about it for now. Have a great weekend, hugs and kisses.
News for today:
1.) Britney Spears is still unfit to appear in a courtroom.
2.)The Lakers beat the most uninteresting team in sports 4-1 and will now await the winner of the Celtics and the second most uninteresting team in sports series. Really too close to call on who people could care less about, however the potential Lakers - Celtics finale would make for an interesting discussion. Do you root for alleged rapist and all around modest, selfless guy Kobe Bryant or do you root for the team from one of the most obnoxious sports fan areas in the United States?
3.) Stonehenge was a place of burial for about 500 years or so beginning as early as 3000 BC.
4.) Less people are taking flights for some reason...hmm might be economic reasons, more on that later.
5.) This just in, there is an impending health care crisis in America according to the AP.
6.) A crane collapsed at 91st and 1st on the Upper East Side of Manhattan this morning. Two days after the city removed the requirement of inspectors being on site for crane movements.
Ok all, thats about it for now. Have a great weekend, hugs and kisses.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
China
In the spirit of recent comments made by Sharon Stone and China's karma re: Tibet - I wanted to see what people think of the upcoming Olympics.
With the shoddy work that the Chinese people put out (crumbling bridges, toxins and chemicals in pet food, in regular food, etc.) - who thinks that at some point in the Olympics, a building, or bridge, or something will crumble, killing or injuring fans watching an event? I mean, there are some rumblings from the Chinese citizens that schools were not made up to "code", thus leading to crumbling easily during that massive earthquake a few weeks ago (uncited - but was from an interview written in a NYT article). And I, personally, don't trust the Chinamen.
I think that a stadium or someplace where spectators are will crumble, or dislodged, or something...
With the shoddy work that the Chinese people put out (crumbling bridges, toxins and chemicals in pet food, in regular food, etc.) - who thinks that at some point in the Olympics, a building, or bridge, or something will crumble, killing or injuring fans watching an event? I mean, there are some rumblings from the Chinese citizens that schools were not made up to "code", thus leading to crumbling easily during that massive earthquake a few weeks ago (uncited - but was from an interview written in a NYT article). And I, personally, don't trust the Chinamen.
I think that a stadium or someplace where spectators are will crumble, or dislodged, or something...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Joba Debate
This one has been and will be debated for a long, long time. I'm here to tell you why it is ludicrous to even consider having Joba do anything other than start baseball games.
First and foremost- Joba was scouted and drafted as a starting pitcher. This is what he has done for the majority of his pitching career. The Yankees, like many forward-thinking organizations are very careful with their young pitching prospects. too much money is spent on these guys to have them burn out and fade away. Just ask the Cubs and Kerry Wood/Mark Prior. In light of this, they have put innings limits on all of their young pitchers. Since Joba has been pitching for less time than either Kennedy or Hughes, his limit is much lower. Accordingly, last year, when he was nearing his pitching limit, at around the same time the Yankees need a reliever in the big leagues it killed two birds with one stone. Each year the limits increase by 30-40 innings or so. This year, to keep him on schedule and not blow his limit by August, they start him in the bullpen and eat up a couple months in the pen, but not too many innings. This way he can start the remainder of the season this year and pitch a full season next year. This is the plan. Contrary to what you might hear on the radio, this has always been the plan. Boomer and Carton, you should read the newspaper before you start saying things like "this was never the plan"
OK, so I think it's safe to say I have established Joba is a starter and that's what the Yankees have always envisioned.
Now, is this a good idea?
Absofuckinglutely. The Yankee Dynasty of the mid to late 90's was established on quality starting pitching. Don't you remember those old axioms? i.e.: the Yank's, theres not an All-star on the team, but they keep winning. I do. And now I know why. Their starters were really good. Whats more, since the starters were so good, the bullpen was not overused and overexposed and so David Weathers (!!!) and Graeme Lloyd(quadruple !!!) could be effective and even lauded relief pitchers.
Now you may say "Hey, Mac, its the chicken or the egg" and I will say "fuck you, this is my post." Assuming I grant you that dubious point(which I don't, but for arguments sake...) without Joba, the Yanks have neither plus starting nor a plus bullpen, and the argument for having a plus bullpen while having a bad starting rotation is specious, at best. Joba is the lynchpin: taking him out the bullpen downgrades the bullpen, no question. But, putting him in the rotation allows for better starting pitching and less days where the bullpen has to eat innings. I would rather worry "what are we gonna do with this lead now?" than "fuck, its 14-3 in the second?"
As we have seen for the last several postseasons now, it is all about starting pitching. Becket/Dontrelle; Schilling/Johnson; Beckett/Schilling; Sabathia/Carmona etc. etc. etc. If you can have two frontline guys to throw in a short series, you are cooking with grease. Mariano has been irrelevant the past couple post seasons because there has not been a need for a closer. Which brings me to the favorite rallying cry of Joba to the Penners. (thats what I call them).
Look at Mariano-He was supposed to be a starter and look what happened, hes the best closer ever. You, are correct. He is probably the best closer of all time and will never be duplicated. He is a freak of nature. He is able to repeat that smooth, carefree delivery with such ease and precision that he knows where the pitch will be almost all the time. This is not typical. In terms of closers there is Mo and then there is everyone else. So, trying to catch lightning in a bottle is probably futile.
More importantly however, Mariano did not have all the pitches this guy has. Joba has 4 plus-rated pitches in his arsenal. He is the quintessential Ace starter. He has enough pitches to turn over a lineup several times and can just reach back and throw gas if he needs to.
Finally, you want your best players to play as much as possible. As a starter, he will eventually pitch upwards of 200 innings, as a reliever-80.
If he stinks as a starter there is nothing that says he can't go back into the bullpen. He should be forced to show he can't hack it as a starter rather than never have been given the shot.
First and foremost- Joba was scouted and drafted as a starting pitcher. This is what he has done for the majority of his pitching career. The Yankees, like many forward-thinking organizations are very careful with their young pitching prospects. too much money is spent on these guys to have them burn out and fade away. Just ask the Cubs and Kerry Wood/Mark Prior. In light of this, they have put innings limits on all of their young pitchers. Since Joba has been pitching for less time than either Kennedy or Hughes, his limit is much lower. Accordingly, last year, when he was nearing his pitching limit, at around the same time the Yankees need a reliever in the big leagues it killed two birds with one stone. Each year the limits increase by 30-40 innings or so. This year, to keep him on schedule and not blow his limit by August, they start him in the bullpen and eat up a couple months in the pen, but not too many innings. This way he can start the remainder of the season this year and pitch a full season next year. This is the plan. Contrary to what you might hear on the radio, this has always been the plan. Boomer and Carton, you should read the newspaper before you start saying things like "this was never the plan"
OK, so I think it's safe to say I have established Joba is a starter and that's what the Yankees have always envisioned.
Now, is this a good idea?
Absofuckinglutely. The Yankee Dynasty of the mid to late 90's was established on quality starting pitching. Don't you remember those old axioms? i.e.: the Yank's, theres not an All-star on the team, but they keep winning. I do. And now I know why. Their starters were really good. Whats more, since the starters were so good, the bullpen was not overused and overexposed and so David Weathers (!!!) and Graeme Lloyd(quadruple !!!) could be effective and even lauded relief pitchers.
Now you may say "Hey, Mac, its the chicken or the egg" and I will say "fuck you, this is my post." Assuming I grant you that dubious point(which I don't, but for arguments sake...) without Joba, the Yanks have neither plus starting nor a plus bullpen, and the argument for having a plus bullpen while having a bad starting rotation is specious, at best. Joba is the lynchpin: taking him out the bullpen downgrades the bullpen, no question. But, putting him in the rotation allows for better starting pitching and less days where the bullpen has to eat innings. I would rather worry "what are we gonna do with this lead now?" than "fuck, its 14-3 in the second?"
As we have seen for the last several postseasons now, it is all about starting pitching. Becket/Dontrelle; Schilling/Johnson; Beckett/Schilling; Sabathia/Carmona etc. etc. etc. If you can have two frontline guys to throw in a short series, you are cooking with grease. Mariano has been irrelevant the past couple post seasons because there has not been a need for a closer. Which brings me to the favorite rallying cry of Joba to the Penners. (thats what I call them).
Look at Mariano-He was supposed to be a starter and look what happened, hes the best closer ever. You, are correct. He is probably the best closer of all time and will never be duplicated. He is a freak of nature. He is able to repeat that smooth, carefree delivery with such ease and precision that he knows where the pitch will be almost all the time. This is not typical. In terms of closers there is Mo and then there is everyone else. So, trying to catch lightning in a bottle is probably futile.
More importantly however, Mariano did not have all the pitches this guy has. Joba has 4 plus-rated pitches in his arsenal. He is the quintessential Ace starter. He has enough pitches to turn over a lineup several times and can just reach back and throw gas if he needs to.
Finally, you want your best players to play as much as possible. As a starter, he will eventually pitch upwards of 200 innings, as a reliever-80.
If he stinks as a starter there is nothing that says he can't go back into the bullpen. He should be forced to show he can't hack it as a starter rather than never have been given the shot.
Madden NFL 2009
Its about that time of year, folks. Citizens living in Madden Nation begin to ponder what might be different this year. Has the in-game game play changed? Will the "truck stick" be as effective? What are the "cheap plays" and "cheats" (a/k/a "glitches") in this year's game? (if you recall last year, there was an offensive formation from which you could send the WR in motion, and in so doing, the WR would run into the defensive linemen and cause an offsides penalty... do this 3-4 times, and your opponent gets kicked out of the game... people who did that should be shot on sight). Most importantly, how has my team improved or regressed in the offseason? What will the key players be rated? How about our team's draft picks?
One of my favorite things at this time of the year is to search the internet for "Projected Madden Ratings" or "PMR". These consist of individual bloggers predicting what the members of the incoming rookie class (and sometimes veterans) will be ranked in the new version of Madden.
I'm going to start with some PMR's for the 2008 draft class for my beloved JETS, and explain why this might actually make them usable in Madden '09:
DE/OLB Vernon Gholston: This guy is 6'4", 260 pounds of pass-rushing fury. Blessed with elite speed and athleticism (is reported to have run slightly below a 4.6 in at least one measured 40-yard dash). Since intangibles don't really mean squat in Madden if you're using the guy (except to illogically boost a Madden rating; e.g., Chad Pennington's rating was always high despite poor throwing power and other physical tools because of his intelligence), Gholston could be a gamer. Due to his measureables, it would be safe to say his PMR should be 85 at the very least. Speed, strength and acceleration are key to an OLB's Madden ranking, so an 88 is not out of the question.
WR/TE Dustin Keller: Keller is going to get absolutely KILLED in his PMR due to his size and lack of blocking ability as a TE. However, in "real life", Keller will more likely be a slot receivers and an "H-Back", similar to the way Dallas Clark has been deployed in Indianapolis, as a key check-down option for Peyton Manning over the middle. In addition, it is said that the Jets "reached" for Keller, which is probably true (although they have a proven track record in doing so for players they really want, and don't want to risk losing to the teams in front of them; think Darelle Revis and David Harris). For a TE (and even for a big WR), Keller has elite speed and acceleration. He has hands and incredible toughness. While his final PMR is going to be lower than one might expect for a 1st-round pick, his value in Madden 2009 is going to be off-the-charts as a 3rd receiving option for Kellen Clemens (pray-he is the guy in real life). I'm going to ascribe Keller a PMR of 78 at the low end, 81 at the higher end, due to his lack of blocking ability and the likelihood he'll be listed as a TE rather than a WR.
More to come.
One of my favorite things at this time of the year is to search the internet for "Projected Madden Ratings" or "PMR". These consist of individual bloggers predicting what the members of the incoming rookie class (and sometimes veterans) will be ranked in the new version of Madden.
I'm going to start with some PMR's for the 2008 draft class for my beloved JETS, and explain why this might actually make them usable in Madden '09:
DE/OLB Vernon Gholston: This guy is 6'4", 260 pounds of pass-rushing fury. Blessed with elite speed and athleticism (is reported to have run slightly below a 4.6 in at least one measured 40-yard dash). Since intangibles don't really mean squat in Madden if you're using the guy (except to illogically boost a Madden rating; e.g., Chad Pennington's rating was always high despite poor throwing power and other physical tools because of his intelligence), Gholston could be a gamer. Due to his measureables, it would be safe to say his PMR should be 85 at the very least. Speed, strength and acceleration are key to an OLB's Madden ranking, so an 88 is not out of the question.
WR/TE Dustin Keller: Keller is going to get absolutely KILLED in his PMR due to his size and lack of blocking ability as a TE. However, in "real life", Keller will more likely be a slot receivers and an "H-Back", similar to the way Dallas Clark has been deployed in Indianapolis, as a key check-down option for Peyton Manning over the middle. In addition, it is said that the Jets "reached" for Keller, which is probably true (although they have a proven track record in doing so for players they really want, and don't want to risk losing to the teams in front of them; think Darelle Revis and David Harris). For a TE (and even for a big WR), Keller has elite speed and acceleration. He has hands and incredible toughness. While his final PMR is going to be lower than one might expect for a 1st-round pick, his value in Madden 2009 is going to be off-the-charts as a 3rd receiving option for Kellen Clemens (pray-he is the guy in real life). I'm going to ascribe Keller a PMR of 78 at the low end, 81 at the higher end, due to his lack of blocking ability and the likelihood he'll be listed as a TE rather than a WR.
More to come.
Public Enemy # 22
Not shown: Hawkins twin/clone anally penetrating his brother/clone as a metaphor for his brother's/clone's disdain for Yankee fans everywhere.
Fuck you sir, fuck you right in the ass.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What is Your Favorite All-Time Concert Experience?
I thought -- as cultural editor -- that I'd ask our readership and bloggers what their favorite all-time concert experience is.
Mine is as follows:
First place: Bon Jovi, Giants Stadium:
Myself and five friends + their friends/girlfriends departed from the New Jersey home of one of our then-girlfriends. Among our group was a then-Syracuse football player went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, and now apparently the Tennessee Titans ( http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493718 ). Our group loaded up a rental van with a keg, a funnel and BBQ equipment, and some mossy-looking herbal substance that someone put into a pipe. We partied hard tailgating before going in as the opening band was finishing their set.
Bon Jovi's return to New Jersey was truly triumphant... a most excellent adventure indeed.
Second place: Billy Joel, MSG
Third place: Bruce Springsteen, Giants Stadium
Mine is as follows:
First place: Bon Jovi, Giants Stadium:
Myself and five friends + their friends/girlfriends departed from the New Jersey home of one of our then-girlfriends. Among our group was a then-Syracuse football player went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, and now apparently the Tennessee Titans ( http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493718 ). Our group loaded up a rental van with a keg, a funnel and BBQ equipment, and some mossy-looking herbal substance that someone put into a pipe. We partied hard tailgating before going in as the opening band was finishing their set.
Bon Jovi's return to New Jersey was truly triumphant... a most excellent adventure indeed.
Second place: Billy Joel, MSG
Third place: Bruce Springsteen, Giants Stadium
Additional Information on Recent Disturbing Question
My esteemed colleague, Dr. Kink, recently answered the following question from a reader of his blog, one "Mare", who claimed to have a very unique addiction: http://www.albanypowerexchange.com/Medical/CumAddict.htm .
This might be relevant to the analysis of our disturbed poster who posed the controversial question at issue. At least it appears healthy from a dietary standpoint.
This might be relevant to the analysis of our disturbed poster who posed the controversial question at issue. At least it appears healthy from a dietary standpoint.
Concern and disturbance...
It started out apparently innocent enough. One of our regular contributors made some comments after the morning news was posted late last week. However, over the long weekend, these comments were analyzed more intensely by our cultural writer and resident MD. It has now been brought to the attention of the administration that contributor "Donny" may very well have been saying that if he had an identical twin brother, that it would not be wrong to perform fellatio on him. Donny then asked for thoughts on this issue. One of our authors recommended testing first. which also brings to light some questions regarding his willingness to engage in sexual acts with an std free duplicate of himself. Thus I post this as today's main morning topic. Its been a long weekend and we all need some light discussion to engage in to get us back on track for the short work week ahead. Good luck and God speed in the exploration of this and whatever other issues arise. Keep it good.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Vince Young just wins [Drinking] Games
By now we've all seen these pictures but I for one, commend Vince for essentially telling the media to go fuck its collective self. Sure he looks like a tremendous weirdo; hanging out shirtless with other shirtless men in a dingy looking VFW basement, but c'est la vie.
Livestrong, Vince. Livestrong.
Livestrong, Vince. Livestrong.
Friday Roundtable
I am a man of great taste and culture. Part of a society's culture, perhaps the most cross-cultural aspect thereof, are various forms of entertainment; "entertainment" being inclusive of music, sports, food, beverage... and I guess clothing (e.g., turbans in India, samarai headbands in the Empire of the Sun, lip plugs in Africa [disgusting, see here http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ezakwantu.com/Lip%2520Plugs%252032.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%2520Lip%2520Plugs.htm&h=350&w=550&sz=49&hl=en&start=5&sig2=1G5ANzcsfnMMOzAcSLfEhQ&um=1&tbnid=SQ9lZg9n0xjxFM:&tbnh=85&tbnw=133&ei=dOg2SPfRKJq6gwL11tG3DQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAfrica%2Blip%2Bplug%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN] and (hopefully) short-lived fads and trends (for example, in the United States, there is EMO [see here: http://www.memecat.com/images/memes/emo_boys.jpg] and the Guido phenomenon [www.getoffourisland.com]).
I will be the cultural editor of this blog, speaking on various cultural issues raised by our bloggers, which means just about everything according to my definition of "culture".
As for Sports, Don't-forget-where-you-came-from-cheese mac recently submitted an article about the "plight" of the Mets and Willie Randolph, pretty much trashing on the Mets. Thats fine, and he admitted to being a Yankees fan. I'd just like to add a little context here for you sports nuts out there:
*The Mets are 22-23; the Yankees being 22-25.
*The Mets are in 4th place (of 5 teams); the Yankees are in 5th (dead last).
*The Mets are 4.5 games back; the Yankees 7.5.
*In a recent, rain-shortened series, the Mets swept 2 games from the Yankees.
*It appears as if the Yankees would have one of the more formiddable lineup/starting pitching combinations in the AL once A-Rod and Posada return... assuming that they traded Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy for Johan Santana, giving them Johan, Wang, Pettite and Rasner in their top-4, and allowing Joba to remain dominant in the 'pen. Hindsight is indeed 20-20, and the monumental offseason decisions aren't paying dividends at this point.
As for the Mets, while not in as dire a position as the Yanks, they're a huge mess right now and they probably need to give Willie the axe, because you can fire the coach, but not all the players (and the GM isn't going to replace himself). There is talent in both the lineup and rotation, and even the bullpen, but things simply aren't working out, and none of the players are playing up to form, with very few exceptions.
As for music, I will defer to Simon, who recognized the first time he heard it that The Plain White Tees' "Hey There Delilah" was a great song. Just kidding! (about the great song part, he did say that, LOL!).
I will be the cultural editor of this blog, speaking on various cultural issues raised by our bloggers, which means just about everything according to my definition of "culture".
As for Sports, Don't-forget-where-you-came-from-cheese mac recently submitted an article about the "plight" of the Mets and Willie Randolph, pretty much trashing on the Mets. Thats fine, and he admitted to being a Yankees fan. I'd just like to add a little context here for you sports nuts out there:
*The Mets are 22-23; the Yankees being 22-25.
*The Mets are in 4th place (of 5 teams); the Yankees are in 5th (dead last).
*The Mets are 4.5 games back; the Yankees 7.5.
*In a recent, rain-shortened series, the Mets swept 2 games from the Yankees.
*It appears as if the Yankees would have one of the more formiddable lineup/starting pitching combinations in the AL once A-Rod and Posada return... assuming that they traded Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy for Johan Santana, giving them Johan, Wang, Pettite and Rasner in their top-4, and allowing Joba to remain dominant in the 'pen. Hindsight is indeed 20-20, and the monumental offseason decisions aren't paying dividends at this point.
As for the Mets, while not in as dire a position as the Yanks, they're a huge mess right now and they probably need to give Willie the axe, because you can fire the coach, but not all the players (and the GM isn't going to replace himself). There is talent in both the lineup and rotation, and even the bullpen, but things simply aren't working out, and none of the players are playing up to form, with very few exceptions.
As for music, I will defer to Simon, who recognized the first time he heard it that The Plain White Tees' "Hey There Delilah" was a great song. Just kidding! (about the great song part, he did say that, LOL!).
Well......
Here we are. Blogger has entrusted me with an incredible amount of responsibility. That's right: I'm getting published! I've worked so hard to crack into this business and its really gratifying...oh right, I signed up. Myself. For free.
Anyway, I think I will confine myself to the world of sports, unless something really catches my ire in the real world....and away we go:
Poor Willie Randolph. Seriously. It is my firm belief that he is the victim in this nightmare scenario that has the Mets waffling at .500 baseball. For some strange reason, the New York media was under the impression that this team should run away with the division. I just do not see it. Yes, picking up Santana was a coup. However, aside from Johan, there is not one other reliable pitcher in that rotation. This was the rotation Omar Minaya planned on having to start the season:
1. Johan
2. Pedro
3. Maine
4. Perez
5. El Duque
Riiiiiiiiight.
Now, the lineup. Ehhhhhhh. Reyes is OK, but he is probably one of the most overrated players to come down the pike in a long while. Wright is decent. Beltran is nice. Delgado has been lost for a year and a half and Alou is back in his normal position: DL. Outside of Ryan Church, who has played very well so far: yikes.
So, you tell me how this team was supposed to run away with their division. The New York media is so desperate for the Mets to be relevant that they built this team up, just to bring them down, and mess them around and worst of all.....
Anyway, Willie is getting the shaft because somewhere, someone thought that the team they assembled was supposed to be world-beaters. They are not. They are not a bad team, they are just not the class of the NL like many assumed (for reasons, as explained above, passing understanding).
Full disclosure: I <3 the Yankees. Which, as far as I am concerned, is irrelevant to this discussion.
Anyway, I think I will confine myself to the world of sports, unless something really catches my ire in the real world....and away we go:
Poor Willie Randolph. Seriously. It is my firm belief that he is the victim in this nightmare scenario that has the Mets waffling at .500 baseball. For some strange reason, the New York media was under the impression that this team should run away with the division. I just do not see it. Yes, picking up Santana was a coup. However, aside from Johan, there is not one other reliable pitcher in that rotation. This was the rotation Omar Minaya planned on having to start the season:
1. Johan
2. Pedro
3. Maine
4. Perez
5. El Duque
Riiiiiiiiight.
Now, the lineup. Ehhhhhhh. Reyes is OK, but he is probably one of the most overrated players to come down the pike in a long while. Wright is decent. Beltran is nice. Delgado has been lost for a year and a half and Alou is back in his normal position: DL. Outside of Ryan Church, who has played very well so far: yikes.
So, you tell me how this team was supposed to run away with their division. The New York media is so desperate for the Mets to be relevant that they built this team up, just to bring them down, and mess them around and worst of all.....
Anyway, Willie is getting the shaft because somewhere, someone thought that the team they assembled was supposed to be world-beaters. They are not. They are not a bad team, they are just not the class of the NL like many assumed (for reasons, as explained above, passing understanding).
Full disclosure: I <3 the Yankees. Which, as far as I am concerned, is irrelevant to this discussion.
Half-assed review of new music
Seems like the last few weeks have been new music time. New music by Weezer - the Red Album, Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs to name a few. I've taken a listen on a good deal of songs, and my thoughts.
Weezer: some songs are great, some are so-so. Their first single is Pork and Beans, and although it reminds me of when Warren is yelling "Franks and Beans, franks and beans..." during a scene which influenced our namesake - it sounds more like Beverly Hills. I'm not much into lyric analyzing, and am more into "what sounds good, acoustically/aesthetically (for the ear) pleasing". So, if someone like me can pick out the obvious rumblings Rivers makes - something about using Rogaine for his head, and asking Timbaland to get a top record - then you know it's his commentary on music today. I frankly don't like it as much, nor do I like their other "bigger" hit, Troublemaker. There is also a song "Thought I Knew", which the first time I heard, did not think it was Weezer. One of the other band members sings vocals...and that has NEVER happened (at least I think) in a Weezer song. It's alright, and probably Rivers trying to give credit and some spotlight to a bandmember, but I could have done without it. I'm a Weezer snob, whatever. Finally, my favorite songs thus far that I have listented to - Dreamin', and The Greatest Man that Ever Lived. Dreamin' is great...just catchy and the quintessential Weezer la-de-la type of song. And, the Greatest Man that Ever Lived is pretty great too...take a listen.
Next up: Death Cab. Some of the songs are good, some are so-so. I don't really like their first single, I Will Possess Your Heart. Notwithstanding the fact that he wants to possess your heart, it's just a hard listen, in my opinion. The radio version is 3 minutes, while the original album one is like 8. Only because the album version has a 5 minute guitar intro. Which is great I'm sure if you are stoned and want to just listen to chill, stoner music...but not for me. The songs that do stand out in my eyes, are No Sunlight - which is just damn catchy, sorta like The Sound of Settling - and Long Division (another upbeat song that sounds like Sound of Settling) and Your New Twin Sized Bed. Grapevine Fires is pretty good too - but again, something that you need to be in the mood for. All in all, a pretty decent album.
Finally, Coldplay. You know how I know you're...shit, wait. I'm listening to them, and no, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, you're totally wrong. Anyway, I've listened to 3 songs from their new album - Violet Hill, Viva la Vida and Lost. The first 2 are absolutely great. Very non-typical-Coldplayish...which is probably why I like it. Lost is more the similar stuff of before, but I haven't really given it too much of a listen to liken it to anything.
So yeah, if you're looking for an analysis of lyrics or whatever, you're in the wrong blog. I don't do that shit. I could barely understand (or even cared to understand) interpretations and analyses of Shakespeare in high school. Why would I do that to lyrics? Which gets me all pissy and is a topic of another post - why losers try to analyze and interpret lyrics. Hip hip hooray dude - you are "connecting" with an artist because you read through his puzzle pieces that he's depressed or came off a breakup or is giddy or something. Shut up already.
Weezer: some songs are great, some are so-so. Their first single is Pork and Beans, and although it reminds me of when Warren is yelling "Franks and Beans, franks and beans..." during a scene which influenced our namesake - it sounds more like Beverly Hills. I'm not much into lyric analyzing, and am more into "what sounds good, acoustically/aesthetically (for the ear) pleasing". So, if someone like me can pick out the obvious rumblings Rivers makes - something about using Rogaine for his head, and asking Timbaland to get a top record - then you know it's his commentary on music today. I frankly don't like it as much, nor do I like their other "bigger" hit, Troublemaker. There is also a song "Thought I Knew", which the first time I heard, did not think it was Weezer. One of the other band members sings vocals...and that has NEVER happened (at least I think) in a Weezer song. It's alright, and probably Rivers trying to give credit and some spotlight to a bandmember, but I could have done without it. I'm a Weezer snob, whatever. Finally, my favorite songs thus far that I have listented to - Dreamin', and The Greatest Man that Ever Lived. Dreamin' is great...just catchy and the quintessential Weezer la-de-la type of song. And, the Greatest Man that Ever Lived is pretty great too...take a listen.
Next up: Death Cab. Some of the songs are good, some are so-so. I don't really like their first single, I Will Possess Your Heart. Notwithstanding the fact that he wants to possess your heart, it's just a hard listen, in my opinion. The radio version is 3 minutes, while the original album one is like 8. Only because the album version has a 5 minute guitar intro. Which is great I'm sure if you are stoned and want to just listen to chill, stoner music...but not for me. The songs that do stand out in my eyes, are No Sunlight - which is just damn catchy, sorta like The Sound of Settling - and Long Division (another upbeat song that sounds like Sound of Settling) and Your New Twin Sized Bed. Grapevine Fires is pretty good too - but again, something that you need to be in the mood for. All in all, a pretty decent album.
Finally, Coldplay. You know how I know you're...shit, wait. I'm listening to them, and no, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, you're totally wrong. Anyway, I've listened to 3 songs from their new album - Violet Hill, Viva la Vida and Lost. The first 2 are absolutely great. Very non-typical-Coldplayish...which is probably why I like it. Lost is more the similar stuff of before, but I haven't really given it too much of a listen to liken it to anything.
So yeah, if you're looking for an analysis of lyrics or whatever, you're in the wrong blog. I don't do that shit. I could barely understand (or even cared to understand) interpretations and analyses of Shakespeare in high school. Why would I do that to lyrics? Which gets me all pissy and is a topic of another post - why losers try to analyze and interpret lyrics. Hip hip hooray dude - you are "connecting" with an artist because you read through his puzzle pieces that he's depressed or came off a breakup or is giddy or something. Shut up already.
The Morning News
Quick scan of the news and highlights for today and the long weekend ahead:
1. Apparently Senator Hillary Clinton is now offering a few compromise scenarios to Senator Barack Obama in an attempt to end the fight for the Democratic nomination. Scenario 1 involves her accepting an offer from Obama to be his Vice President.
2. Senator John "Father Time" McCain is now distancing himself from Pastor Hagee, a man whose endorsement McCain had previously sought out and accepted in order to shore up the conservative right wing base of the Republican party. Hagee recently commented that Hitler was a hunter who was doing God's work in speeding up the Jews return to Israel.
3. The Indianapolis 500 is happening this weekend if anyone really cares.
4. Drew Barrymore is now set to marry Mac. No word yet if PC will be invited to the wedding.
5. And finally, this just in, you know how I know you're gay? You like listening to Cold Play.
1. Apparently Senator Hillary Clinton is now offering a few compromise scenarios to Senator Barack Obama in an attempt to end the fight for the Democratic nomination. Scenario 1 involves her accepting an offer from Obama to be his Vice President.
2. Senator John "Father Time" McCain is now distancing himself from Pastor Hagee, a man whose endorsement McCain had previously sought out and accepted in order to shore up the conservative right wing base of the Republican party. Hagee recently commented that Hitler was a hunter who was doing God's work in speeding up the Jews return to Israel.
3. The Indianapolis 500 is happening this weekend if anyone really cares.
4. Drew Barrymore is now set to marry Mac. No word yet if PC will be invited to the wedding.
5. And finally, this just in, you know how I know you're gay? You like listening to Cold Play.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
GI Joe
I loved GI Joe growing up. I'm still growing up, and I love the GI Joe spoofs. Have you seen any of them? Classic. Just classic. Simon and I go way back, and we used to watch the GI Joe spoofs in class. We had watched them so many times that we knew what was being said, in what tone, and to whom. My personal favorite is entitled, "Porkchop Sandwiches". If you haven't seen it, look it up - I'm sure it's on Youtube(r). And blast the volume.
Simon and I always debated who got to play what character. Well, this kid, Mongo...let's say that he was always annointed as the older brother. Then Simon and I fought over who got to play the heroic Porkchop Sandwich guy. The guy who yells "Get the fuck out of here! We're all gonna die...mmm that smells good." Then some (literally) retarded moaning from Mongo's character and our PSA is over.
If you have bothered to follow up until now, you should realize that our class was awful. Awful enough that we pretended - pretended - which character we would be. And Simon is still a tool. Poor guy...
Simon and I always debated who got to play what character. Well, this kid, Mongo...let's say that he was always annointed as the older brother. Then Simon and I fought over who got to play the heroic Porkchop Sandwich guy. The guy who yells "Get the fuck out of here! We're all gonna die...mmm that smells good." Then some (literally) retarded moaning from Mongo's character and our PSA is over.
If you have bothered to follow up until now, you should realize that our class was awful. Awful enough that we pretended - pretended - which character we would be. And Simon is still a tool. Poor guy...
Welcome indeed
Welcome to the home of This kid, Mongo. As my esteemed colleague Simon says (ha ha) this place is the shiznit.
Let me get the ball rolling and say that I hate Asians. They are awful at driving (look at any metropolitan Chinatown), they make some awfully greasy foods (Chinese), and they get our American people sick with their tainted products. Wait, I guess I hate Chinamen? That doesn't sound too...intellectual or dignified. Because we all know that Simon is the quintessential redneck!
Let me get the ball rolling and say that I hate Asians. They are awful at driving (look at any metropolitan Chinatown), they make some awfully greasy foods (Chinese), and they get our American people sick with their tainted products. Wait, I guess I hate Chinamen? That doesn't sound too...intellectual or dignified. Because we all know that Simon is the quintessential redneck!
Welcome!
May 22, 2008...a date which will live in infamy. The birth of the Mongo blog. A place for all (except French Canadians) to come and discuss politics, sports, the weather, their latest sexual encounter, or even favorite cartoon. Its gonna be the world's biggest water cooler. Like your favorite bar with your best buddies suddenly thrown onto the internet. Where all the cool kids are. Everyone's doing it so why aren't you? Happy blogging!
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