I'm tired. Here's something quick.
Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS) numbers 230-221
Number 230: The Black Keys - "The Lengths" (off of the album "Rubber Factory,") 2004
I'm a huge fan of lyrical dissonance. At first listen, "The Lengths" sounds like it a fun little love song. Then the lyrics kick in. "Tell me where you're goin'.What is goin' wrong? I felt you leavin' before you'd even gone. Hold me now, or never, ever, hold me again. No more talk, could take me from this, pain I'm in." My personal favorite line from the song? "Please yourself so you don't have to be afraid. Make amends, or carry on another way." Anyways, I heard this song right after a break-up, and it really ushered in the "healing process," if you will. I remember talking to my ex-girlfriend's friend Allison about The Black Keys, and said "eh...not really into them." I apologize, Allison. They're a great band.
Number 229: Bad Religion - "Stranger Than Fiction" (off of the album "Stranger Than Fiction,") 1994.
"Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction." Ain't that the truth. A truly underrated track off of an underrated Bad Religion album. Funny side story. After Brett Gurewitz left Bad Religion, Greg Graffin started replacing the line "I wanna know why Hemmingway cracked" with "I wanna know why Gurewitz cracked." Love it.
Number 228: The Get Up Kids - Valentine (off of the album "Something To Write Home About,") 1999
The song that launched my love affair with The Get Up Kids. I was in 9th grade (2000, I believe) when I bought "Something to Write Home About" off of Interpunk. I remember going through the album and landing on "Valentine" and being blown away. "Will you be my valentine if I'm a world away." I remember every year since hearing this track I've asked someone "will you be my valentine if I'm a world away." Cheesy? Probably. But for whatever reason, The Get Up Kids (unlike Saves The Day) has never come off as cheesy to me.
Number 227: Weezer - Buddy Holly (off of the album "The Blue Album,") 1994
One of the best music videos I've ever seen, and one of the first music video's I ever saw that made me think "wow, this is pretty amazing." "The Blue Album" is one of my favorite albums to this day, and still one of the only Weezer albums I'll listen to. Just watch the video. The Fonz is the scene stealer.
Number 226: Elvis Costello - "Radio, Radio" (off of the album "This Year's Model,") 1978
I could talk non-stop about this song. But I think this video, (and subsequent follow up 25 years after) sums everything up.
Number 225: Gaslight Anthem - "1930" (off of the album "Sink Or Swim,") 2007
A song about Brian Fallon's grandmother suffering from Alzheimer's. Sounds all too familiar. The "you said I love you more than the stars in the sky, but your name escapes me tonight" part kills me. Link time. Here's a really good live version of the song, as well as two different versions of Fallon playing the track acoustically.
Number 224: Rise Against - "Like The Angel" (off of the album "Revolutions Per Minute,") 2003
Quite possibly the only love song that Rise Against has ever written. Also quite possibly their best work. I don't know. There isn't much to say about this song. I like it. That's it.
Number 223: Skee-Lo - "I Wish" (off of the album "I Wish,") 1995
Skee-Lo is from Riverside. Does that mean he's singing about the same "city that's the size of a box" that I grew up around? Maybe. What I do know is "I Wish" is one of my favorite jams. You can't hate on the beat, the lyrics or anything. Even non-hip-hoppers have a soft spot for "I Wish."
Number 222: The Misfits - "Last Caress" (off of the album "Beware,") 1980
"Well I've got something to say...I raped your mother today." So wrong. So vile. Yet I love it. I was introduced to "Last Caress" by AFI's terrific cover. And while it took me a lot longer to come around on The Misfits, I've always been a fan of "Last Caress."
Number 221: Wings - "Band On The Run" (off of the album "Band On The Run,") 1973
Okay, so maybe I don't think the world of the Beatles or Paul McCartney, but "Band On The Run" is a great track. I'm sure I don't have tell all you that.
What's up next? A dude with a ton of problems (but a bitch ain't one), a public service announcement (with guitars), and band that thinks a certain Canadian city sucks.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
I feel sick to my stomach
I'm a nervous wreck. I think that is the best way to describe my state of mind at this point. One more loss here could sink the ship. I'm forced to rely on Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana and Trevor Bell to stay afloat, after our ace couldn't get it done last night (not that it was his fault. I still think if Bobby Abreu, you know, actually tries on Vlad's "double" Weaver gives up only one run in the inning).
All I can do is think about this series; try and talk myself into a split being "okay" (even though it's probably not) and a line-up with the names "Callaspo," "Willits" and "Fransden," can strike fear into the Texas Rangers (even though it most certainly doesn't). I'm busy trying to convince myself that Bobby Abreu, Juan Rivera and Hideki Matsui can and will bounce back; that the 2008 version of Joe Saunders will show up any day now; that Scott Kazmir really is suffering from shoulder fatigue and that we're not watching his once promising career come to an end; that the Angel bullpen will come into their own; that Jeff Mathis will show the promise and emulate his awesome 2009 post season; that Howie Kendrick will show his batting champion potential; that Mike Scioscia will wise up and swap Fernando Rodney with Brian Fuentes; that Mike Napoli will hit 35 home runs; that Torii Hunter is Willie Mays, Superman, and the Seven Million Dollar Man all wrapped into one; and that Texas will wilt in August like they always do. And yes, I realize I sound crazy.
The reality: Matsui and Abreu are both a year older, and their skill levels are beginning to erode. Rivera, while solid, has gone from underrated to overrated while playing the worst defensive left field in baseball. Joe Saunders will never revisit 2008 and is nothing more than a middle of a road pitcher. Kazmir's best days are most likely behind him, and Mathis is just a tick above Bobby Wilson at catcher, which is like saying sleeping with Paris Hilton is a better choice than sleeping with Lindsey Lohan because the chance to contract multiple STD's is slightly less. Kendrick is having a solid (albeit slightly above league average) season, no doubt, but leaves much to be desired after being highly touted in the minors. Scioscia seems pretty confident (or rather is afraid to admit he is wrong) with Fuentes as his closer and Rodney as his set-up man (despite how the numbers show that Rodney is much more effective in the closer role than in any other form of relief). Napoli could hit 35 home runs, but is too prone to slumps to make me realistically think he will. As good as Hunter has been, he isn't Kendry Morales, let alone Willie Mays. And Texas, with the addition of Cliff Lee, don't look like they'll fade anytime soon.
Translation: it doesn't look like the Angels year.
Despite all this, I'm doing my best to stay optimistic. I feel I owe it to the Angels.
In many ways, being a fan is like being in a relationship. Sure, there are peaks and valleys. There are times they'll piss you off (the Callaspo trade, letting Vlad go, any time Fuentes takes the mound); make you cry (any playoff series loss) and even threaten to break-up altogether (2008 postseason; watching the Angels send out line-ups that include Paul McInulty, Corey Aldridge, Reggie Willits, and Rob Quinlan; and again, Fuentes). But then there are those little surprises. Those times that they make you smile (Torii Hunter), those times they surprise you with gifts (three straight AL West Championships and five of the last six) and those times you remember why this is right, and why you fell in love in the first place (2002 World Series). Like Tammy Wynette sang, you gotta stand by your man (or in this case, men).
So even if the Angels (gulp) are swept in Arlington this weekend, I'll stand by my Angels. I feel like I owe them that. In a lot of ways, us Angel fans are spoiled. For the first 42 years of our existence, October baseball was like a fairy-tale. Something we only read about. Sure we made visits, but they were few and far between and always ended in heartbreak.
The last ten years, six postseason trips. We're spoiled. I think we forget that sometimes. Do I agree with every move the Angels front office has made? No. Do I think Tony Reagans should be fired? Yes. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that it ain't over until it's over, and I'm on board until the ship sinks.
All I can do is think about this series; try and talk myself into a split being "okay" (even though it's probably not) and a line-up with the names "Callaspo," "Willits" and "Fransden," can strike fear into the Texas Rangers (even though it most certainly doesn't). I'm busy trying to convince myself that Bobby Abreu, Juan Rivera and Hideki Matsui can and will bounce back; that the 2008 version of Joe Saunders will show up any day now; that Scott Kazmir really is suffering from shoulder fatigue and that we're not watching his once promising career come to an end; that the Angel bullpen will come into their own; that Jeff Mathis will show the promise and emulate his awesome 2009 post season; that Howie Kendrick will show his batting champion potential; that Mike Scioscia will wise up and swap Fernando Rodney with Brian Fuentes; that Mike Napoli will hit 35 home runs; that Torii Hunter is Willie Mays, Superman, and the Seven Million Dollar Man all wrapped into one; and that Texas will wilt in August like they always do. And yes, I realize I sound crazy.
The reality: Matsui and Abreu are both a year older, and their skill levels are beginning to erode. Rivera, while solid, has gone from underrated to overrated while playing the worst defensive left field in baseball. Joe Saunders will never revisit 2008 and is nothing more than a middle of a road pitcher. Kazmir's best days are most likely behind him, and Mathis is just a tick above Bobby Wilson at catcher, which is like saying sleeping with Paris Hilton is a better choice than sleeping with Lindsey Lohan because the chance to contract multiple STD's is slightly less. Kendrick is having a solid (albeit slightly above league average) season, no doubt, but leaves much to be desired after being highly touted in the minors. Scioscia seems pretty confident (or rather is afraid to admit he is wrong) with Fuentes as his closer and Rodney as his set-up man (despite how the numbers show that Rodney is much more effective in the closer role than in any other form of relief). Napoli could hit 35 home runs, but is too prone to slumps to make me realistically think he will. As good as Hunter has been, he isn't Kendry Morales, let alone Willie Mays. And Texas, with the addition of Cliff Lee, don't look like they'll fade anytime soon.
Translation: it doesn't look like the Angels year.
Despite all this, I'm doing my best to stay optimistic. I feel I owe it to the Angels.
In many ways, being a fan is like being in a relationship. Sure, there are peaks and valleys. There are times they'll piss you off (the Callaspo trade, letting Vlad go, any time Fuentes takes the mound); make you cry (any playoff series loss) and even threaten to break-up altogether (2008 postseason; watching the Angels send out line-ups that include Paul McInulty, Corey Aldridge, Reggie Willits, and Rob Quinlan; and again, Fuentes). But then there are those little surprises. Those times that they make you smile (Torii Hunter), those times they surprise you with gifts (three straight AL West Championships and five of the last six) and those times you remember why this is right, and why you fell in love in the first place (2002 World Series). Like Tammy Wynette sang, you gotta stand by your man (or in this case, men).
So even if the Angels (gulp) are swept in Arlington this weekend, I'll stand by my Angels. I feel like I owe them that. In a lot of ways, us Angel fans are spoiled. For the first 42 years of our existence, October baseball was like a fairy-tale. Something we only read about. Sure we made visits, but they were few and far between and always ended in heartbreak.
The last ten years, six postseason trips. We're spoiled. I think we forget that sometimes. Do I agree with every move the Angels front office has made? No. Do I think Tony Reagans should be fired? Yes. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that it ain't over until it's over, and I'm on board until the ship sinks.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Angels on life-support entering a lone-star showdown.
I'm usually not one to say that four game series in July are make-or-break, but this four game series in Texas starting tonight is indeed "the season" for the Angels.
The Angels have "slumped" for most of this season and sit five games behind the AL West leading Rangers. I put "slumped" in quotation marks because I have a hard time seeing how a team with a 51-46 record is disappointing, but there certainly is something very disappointing about this season.
The season started with a void of familiar faces (Vladimir Guerrero, Benedict Lackey, Chone Figgins) and a ton of new ones (Hideki Matsui, Fernando Rodney, Joel Pineiro). The Angels stumbled out of the games, much like they alway do, and it was only after slugging first baseman Kendry Morales broke his leg celebrating a walk-off grand slam did the Angels start to pick it up. And allthough we might be telling a different story had Morales not broken his leg, maybe it was the wake-up call these Angels needed.
However, despite a winning record and a 4-2 record to start the second half of the season, there has been very little to write home about. Torii Hunter has had a solid, fringe MVP season, and Jered Weaver should be a top 3 Cy Young contender. Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, Ervin Santana and Mike Napoli (doing most of his work filling in for Morales at first) have had solid seasons as well. And Pineiro has outpitched Lackey, the man he replaced in the rotation for about $10 million less.
But the bad outweighs the good. Scott Kazmir has been atrocious, and curently sports an ERA close to seven (he is on the DL for "shoulder fatigue." A.K.A "suckitis") Brandon Wood has been equally as bad, hitting below his weight. Matsui, brought in to replace fan favorite (and 2010 AL All-Star) Guerrero, but has struggled badly against lefties and along with Guerrero's monster season in TEXAS OF ALL PLACES has made this swap look like a fail. Joe Saunders has been marginally inconsistent throughout the season, as have Bobby Abreu, Jeff Mathis, Juan Rivera, and the entire Angels bullpen. Speaking of the Angels bullpen, Brian "Daisy" Fuentes has been about as bad as you can be in a closing role, yet still finds himself there.
Yet for all that bad, the Angels are still just five games back entering their four game showdown with Texas.
Now obviously a sweep is a season killer. I also thinking losing three-of-four is as well. A split isn't ideal, but I dont think it kills you season; unlike other Angel fans will lead you to believe. However the Angels NEED to take three-of-four or outright sweep this series. Is that likely? Honestly, with the Angels bullpen the way it is, I don't think so. But, the Angels will send out Weaver (against Cliff Lee TONIGHT!), Santana, Saunders and Sean O' Sullivan, fresh off a steller performance in the Bronx. So we'll see.
The bottom line is this. The Angels NEED to take this series in Arlington. Like Torii Hunter said last year, this team needs to show some nuts. It's time.
The Angels have "slumped" for most of this season and sit five games behind the AL West leading Rangers. I put "slumped" in quotation marks because I have a hard time seeing how a team with a 51-46 record is disappointing, but there certainly is something very disappointing about this season.
The season started with a void of familiar faces (Vladimir Guerrero, Benedict Lackey, Chone Figgins) and a ton of new ones (Hideki Matsui, Fernando Rodney, Joel Pineiro). The Angels stumbled out of the games, much like they alway do, and it was only after slugging first baseman Kendry Morales broke his leg celebrating a walk-off grand slam did the Angels start to pick it up. And allthough we might be telling a different story had Morales not broken his leg, maybe it was the wake-up call these Angels needed.
However, despite a winning record and a 4-2 record to start the second half of the season, there has been very little to write home about. Torii Hunter has had a solid, fringe MVP season, and Jered Weaver should be a top 3 Cy Young contender. Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, Ervin Santana and Mike Napoli (doing most of his work filling in for Morales at first) have had solid seasons as well. And Pineiro has outpitched Lackey, the man he replaced in the rotation for about $10 million less.
But the bad outweighs the good. Scott Kazmir has been atrocious, and curently sports an ERA close to seven (he is on the DL for "shoulder fatigue." A.K.A "suckitis") Brandon Wood has been equally as bad, hitting below his weight. Matsui, brought in to replace fan favorite (and 2010 AL All-Star) Guerrero, but has struggled badly against lefties and along with Guerrero's monster season in TEXAS OF ALL PLACES has made this swap look like a fail. Joe Saunders has been marginally inconsistent throughout the season, as have Bobby Abreu, Jeff Mathis, Juan Rivera, and the entire Angels bullpen. Speaking of the Angels bullpen, Brian "Daisy" Fuentes has been about as bad as you can be in a closing role, yet still finds himself there.
Yet for all that bad, the Angels are still just five games back entering their four game showdown with Texas.
Now obviously a sweep is a season killer. I also thinking losing three-of-four is as well. A split isn't ideal, but I dont think it kills you season; unlike other Angel fans will lead you to believe. However the Angels NEED to take three-of-four or outright sweep this series. Is that likely? Honestly, with the Angels bullpen the way it is, I don't think so. But, the Angels will send out Weaver (against Cliff Lee TONIGHT!), Santana, Saunders and Sean O' Sullivan, fresh off a steller performance in the Bronx. So we'll see.
The bottom line is this. The Angels NEED to take this series in Arlington. Like Torii Hunter said last year, this team needs to show some nuts. It's time.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A blog about All-Star Week in Anaheim.
Two weeks ago I got a text message from my buddy Nathan at 9:30 in the morning. Nathan texted me "Hey man, get Sunday the 11th off and I'll take you the Futures and Celebrity games for your birthday." This was the beginning of one of the greatest sports weekends of my life.
As most of you already know, the 2010 MLB All-Star Game is being played Tuesday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. It's the first time since 1989 the game will be played in Anaheim. Accompanying the All-Star Game on Tuesday is the Sirius-XM Futures Game & Taco Bell Celebrity & Legends Softball Game on Sunday, and MLB All-Star Workout Day, featuring the Home Run Derby on Monday. Also, running from the Friday before, all the way to the Tuesday of the All-Star Game is the All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center. All of these will be covered shortly. All of this was just a little backstory.
So Nathan and I took off from Corona Sunday around noon to Sunday's All-Star festivities. Before Nathan met me in Corona, I went to the Chili's off of Cajalco to watch the beginning of the Spain/Holland World Cup Final. We left 20 minutes into the match, and got to the OC Sports Grill (located across the street from Angel Stadium) as the second half was about to start. The OC Sports Grill was packed. I mean, stuffed. Nathan and I had to steal a couple barstools and park along a wall that happened to have a small counter. The crowd was fifty percent Spain fans, and fifty percent people who were killing time before heading to Angel Stadium for Sunday's festivities. I did talk to one Netherlands fan for most of my time there (as I was also rooting for the Netherlands; sorry I just don't like the way Spain plays) who told me that "the weed" was reason enough to root for the Orange. Unfortuantely Holland lost as Espana scored in the 116th minute of a scoreless match. But seriously, what a great World Cup match. I, for one, am sad that the World Cup is over. At least Aston Villa's season starts on the 14th of August. Can't wait. Back to baseball.
So while at The OC Sports Grill, Nathan and I ordered a "100 oz" silo of Sam Adams, as well as some barbeque wings. Both were delicious. Then he headed over to Angel Stadium.
Nathan had bought two tickets to all three All-Star dates, but sold the All-Star Game tickets so it would soften the $900 blow. This was both of our first experiences with All-Star festivities, and neither of us were quite sure what to expect. As we walked in, slightly (see: pretty) drunk, we walked passed a test-drive area for Chevrolet's latest vehicles. I seriously contemplated getting in line and drivng the test-course while a bit inebriated, but Nathan thought that would be a bad idea. He was probably right. For the record, I don't encourage drunk driving. At all. But this was a closed course with no pedestrian's on it; like driving a go-cart. I would totally drive a go-cart track drunk. Sound's fun, actually. Back to baseball.
So we got into Angel Stadium, and were given a lanyard for our ticket, and a program complete with each and every player in the Futures Game. The Futures Game, for those of you who don't know, is a minor league All-Star game of sorts. Each team sends no more than representatives (The Angels, for whatever reason sent three) and the game is played with a US vs. the World format. For the US squad, The Angels featured top prospect catcher Hank Conger, and future-hall of famer Mike Trout (gee, do you think we have lofty expectations for the 18-year old?). Shortstop Luis Jimenez suited up for the World Team. There were a ton of top prospects in the game, including a pair of Kansas City Royals (Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer) that Nathan and I were able to meet/get autographs from. We also got a chance to meet Conger, and while getting his autograph heard this exchange between Conger and what can only be assumed to be Conger's personal friend.
As for the Futures game, it was much more entertaining then I anticipated. The Angels representatives made a strong showing, with Conger hitting a three-run jimmy jack and being named the game's MVP and Mike Trout going 2-4 and reaching base each time up. He also stretched a single into a double in a manner I'm convinced ninety-nine percent of baseball players in ANY level could not do. I salivate at the chance to watch Trout play for the Angels. The US went on to win huge.
Nathan and I decided to walk around during the later innings of the Futures Game, and ran into Angels/ Lakers/ Ducks commentater Bill "Billy Mac" McDonald and former Angels ace Mark Langston. We got pictures with both, which also led to a funny exchange between Langston and Nathan:
After the Futures Game was the Celebrity & Legends Softball Game. Angel hometown heroes, MLB Hall-of-Famers and B and C-List celebrities play a five inning softball game, with a makeshift wall assembled about 175 feet from home plate. Former Angel greats Fred Lynn, Bo Jackson (who was known more as a Royal, but who's counting), Chuck Finley and Tim Salmon (who recieved the loudest ovation of anybody playing and did so throughout the night) played alongside MLB greats Dave Winfield, Mike Piazza, Ricky Henderson, Gary Carter, and Steve Garvey; as well as "celebrities" such as M.C. Hammer, John Hamm (a.k.a Don Draper of "Mad Men" who had exactly one fan in the crowd; yours truly) "Desperate Housewives" star James Denton, Slater from "Saved By the Bell" and the absolutely gorgeous in person Maria Menounos. Also, softball great (and sneaky hot) Jennie Finch played in the game as well, as did Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Marisa Miller. Us men were covered, if you ask me. Tim Salmon hit two home runs to lead his squad to victory and looked like he was enjoyed every minute of being out on the field. And us fans gave him every ounce of love we had. At one point Salmon (playing second base instead of his normal right field) threw the ball about fifteeen feet wide of Bo Jackon. One of the co-hosts of the ABC show "Wipeout" (not the girl, who was very attractive too, by the way) asked the crowd "Was that Salmon's fault?" The crowd responded "NOOOO." He then asked "Was it Bo's fault?" We all screamed "YES!" Bo looked a bit peturbed. Other highlights included:
On a personal level, it was really awesome to watch Salmon play again. He has always been, and always will be, my favorite baseball player. I didn't mind watching Menounos either.
The night ended with a spectacular fireworks show.
The next day (Monday) Sean and I (along with Nathan and his brother who were also going to the Home Run Derby later on in the day) hit up the FanFest. The FanFest is equal parts fair, bizarre and swapmeet for baseball enthusiests. There were exhibits ranging from The Angels to Latinos to women in baseball; as well as attractions such as seeing how quick you steal a base or how hard you could throw a baseball. In the middle was a giant shop where you could buy autographed baseballs, bats, posters etc.. as well as various bobbleheads, pennents and just about anything else baseball you could think of. There were also autograph sessions throughout the day, as well as clinics for kids put on by MLB players, both past and present.
Sean and I got there as it opened and decided to hit the attractions before they got too packed. We did the speed-pitch game as well as fielding. I hit 59 mph on the radar gun (without warming up, mind you), while Sean hit 56. We then walked around and looked at everything, including a creepy lifesize statue of former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda that scared the hell out of Sean and I. Nathan and his brother then showed up and we waited in line to meet Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller.
Feller, now 92, stopped pitching before my Dad was born. That's how old this guy was. However, he's considered one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. He also made for the greatest comment any of us had ever heard. You see, at the FanFest, you could either buy a baseball for $26 (no way) or go to the Chevrolet tent and take a five question quiz on their cars (with all the answers being written on the cars on display) and receive a special All-Star baseball. The baseball had the All-Star Game logo on it, as well as a Chevrolet logo. We decided to go the cheap route. We gave the balls to Feller to sign, and he asked us "did you guys buy a Chevrolet?" We explained to him why he had the ball, and he said "Good. Chevy's are made in China by ping-pong players." I couldn't help but laugh. His partner (an older dude who assisted him with getting the memorabilia to have autographed) tried to say "Oh, you shouldn't say that Bob, there are some of them here." Feller didn't care. Look, I don't like racism, but with old folks there's no use in trying to talk to them about it. I actually found it really funny, to be honest. Comment of the day.
While wandering the FanFest, Nathan called me. I ignored him a few times, as I was on the phone, and then he texted me "I got you derby tickets, where are you?" Turns out, Nathan ran into a lady who had been given two Home Run Derby tickets, but didn't want them as she already had tickets. So she gave the two tickets to Nathan (who also already had tickets) free of charge to give to Sean and I. We were going to the Home Run Derby.
The Derby is something that becomes much more appreciated while there in person. Balls are just hammered to places that you can't believe they could possibly reach. Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz, Corey Hart and Miguel Cabrera definitely stood out. As most of you know, Big Papi won the Derby. Some other highlights:
As most of you already know, the 2010 MLB All-Star Game is being played Tuesday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. It's the first time since 1989 the game will be played in Anaheim. Accompanying the All-Star Game on Tuesday is the Sirius-XM Futures Game & Taco Bell Celebrity & Legends Softball Game on Sunday, and MLB All-Star Workout Day, featuring the Home Run Derby on Monday. Also, running from the Friday before, all the way to the Tuesday of the All-Star Game is the All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center. All of these will be covered shortly. All of this was just a little backstory.
So Nathan and I took off from Corona Sunday around noon to Sunday's All-Star festivities. Before Nathan met me in Corona, I went to the Chili's off of Cajalco to watch the beginning of the Spain/Holland World Cup Final. We left 20 minutes into the match, and got to the OC Sports Grill (located across the street from Angel Stadium) as the second half was about to start. The OC Sports Grill was packed. I mean, stuffed. Nathan and I had to steal a couple barstools and park along a wall that happened to have a small counter. The crowd was fifty percent Spain fans, and fifty percent people who were killing time before heading to Angel Stadium for Sunday's festivities. I did talk to one Netherlands fan for most of my time there (as I was also rooting for the Netherlands; sorry I just don't like the way Spain plays) who told me that "the weed" was reason enough to root for the Orange. Unfortuantely Holland lost as Espana scored in the 116th minute of a scoreless match. But seriously, what a great World Cup match. I, for one, am sad that the World Cup is over. At least Aston Villa's season starts on the 14th of August. Can't wait. Back to baseball.
So while at The OC Sports Grill, Nathan and I ordered a "100 oz" silo of Sam Adams, as well as some barbeque wings. Both were delicious. Then he headed over to Angel Stadium.
Nathan had bought two tickets to all three All-Star dates, but sold the All-Star Game tickets so it would soften the $900 blow. This was both of our first experiences with All-Star festivities, and neither of us were quite sure what to expect. As we walked in, slightly (see: pretty) drunk, we walked passed a test-drive area for Chevrolet's latest vehicles. I seriously contemplated getting in line and drivng the test-course while a bit inebriated, but Nathan thought that would be a bad idea. He was probably right. For the record, I don't encourage drunk driving. At all. But this was a closed course with no pedestrian's on it; like driving a go-cart. I would totally drive a go-cart track drunk. Sound's fun, actually. Back to baseball.
So we got into Angel Stadium, and were given a lanyard for our ticket, and a program complete with each and every player in the Futures Game. The Futures Game, for those of you who don't know, is a minor league All-Star game of sorts. Each team sends no more than representatives (The Angels, for whatever reason sent three) and the game is played with a US vs. the World format. For the US squad, The Angels featured top prospect catcher Hank Conger, and future-hall of famer Mike Trout (gee, do you think we have lofty expectations for the 18-year old?). Shortstop Luis Jimenez suited up for the World Team. There were a ton of top prospects in the game, including a pair of Kansas City Royals (Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer) that Nathan and I were able to meet/get autographs from. We also got a chance to meet Conger, and while getting his autograph heard this exchange between Conger and what can only be assumed to be Conger's personal friend.
Random Guy/Personal Friend: "Hey Hank. What's up?"
Conger: "Oh shit! What's up man."I don't know why, but Nathan and I thought that was the funniest thing we had ever heard. Only Bob Feller would make a comment more hilarious, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Before the game started, Nathan and I decided to grab another beer and find our seats. While at the Guinness stand (of course), the ATM machine was down, which sent us fleeing to find more beer. We settled on Pacifico bombers ($12.50 each), and made our way back to the seats. Only, we ran into the Guinness stand again, and Nathan decided to purchase said Guinness as the ATM card reader was back up. We were set.
As for the Futures game, it was much more entertaining then I anticipated. The Angels representatives made a strong showing, with Conger hitting a three-run jimmy jack and being named the game's MVP and Mike Trout going 2-4 and reaching base each time up. He also stretched a single into a double in a manner I'm convinced ninety-nine percent of baseball players in ANY level could not do. I salivate at the chance to watch Trout play for the Angels. The US went on to win huge.
Nathan: Langston! I used to watch you pitch when I was five
Langston: "Don't come at me with that crap!"Langston was a nice dude though. I ran into him Monday at the Fanfest, but again I'm getting ahead of myself.
After the Futures Game was the Celebrity & Legends Softball Game. Angel hometown heroes, MLB Hall-of-Famers and B and C-List celebrities play a five inning softball game, with a makeshift wall assembled about 175 feet from home plate. Former Angel greats Fred Lynn, Bo Jackson (who was known more as a Royal, but who's counting), Chuck Finley and Tim Salmon (who recieved the loudest ovation of anybody playing and did so throughout the night) played alongside MLB greats Dave Winfield, Mike Piazza, Ricky Henderson, Gary Carter, and Steve Garvey; as well as "celebrities" such as M.C. Hammer, John Hamm (a.k.a Don Draper of "Mad Men" who had exactly one fan in the crowd; yours truly) "Desperate Housewives" star James Denton, Slater from "Saved By the Bell" and the absolutely gorgeous in person Maria Menounos. Also, softball great (and sneaky hot) Jennie Finch played in the game as well, as did Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Marisa Miller. Us men were covered, if you ask me. Tim Salmon hit two home runs to lead his squad to victory and looked like he was enjoyed every minute of being out on the field. And us fans gave him every ounce of love we had. At one point Salmon (playing second base instead of his normal right field) threw the ball about fifteeen feet wide of Bo Jackon. One of the co-hosts of the ABC show "Wipeout" (not the girl, who was very attractive too, by the way) asked the crowd "Was that Salmon's fault?" The crowd responded "NOOOO." He then asked "Was it Bo's fault?" We all screamed "YES!" Bo looked a bit peturbed. Other highlights included: - ESPN personality and former All-Star John Kruk attempting to take out a UCLA softball player who's name escapes me at the moment at third base with a slide. She played a hell of a game, by the way.
- Ricky Henderson, who after being "brushed back" by Finch on the first pitch of the game looked downright angry and was talking to himself, launched a towering home run. Nathan and I kept saying "What yo' name is, gurl" every time Henderson came up.
- MC Hammer homering, and then the PA system blasting "You Can't Touch This."
- Watching that guy from "The Blindside" and Michael Clarke Duncan run bases.
- Cheering on Tim Salmon
- Watching Finch take Finley deep, and Finley looking downright embarassed. He was only playing though. However, when Finch came back up, Finley walked off the mound and made Bo Jackson pitch to her. Did I mention that Finch is "sneaky hot?"
- Maria Menounos' ass in baseball pants.
On a personal level, it was really awesome to watch Salmon play again. He has always been, and always will be, my favorite baseball player. I didn't mind watching Menounos either.
The night ended with a spectacular fireworks show.
The next day (Monday) Sean and I (along with Nathan and his brother who were also going to the Home Run Derby later on in the day) hit up the FanFest. The FanFest is equal parts fair, bizarre and swapmeet for baseball enthusiests. There were exhibits ranging from The Angels to Latinos to women in baseball; as well as attractions such as seeing how quick you steal a base or how hard you could throw a baseball. In the middle was a giant shop where you could buy autographed baseballs, bats, posters etc.. as well as various bobbleheads, pennents and just about anything else baseball you could think of. There were also autograph sessions throughout the day, as well as clinics for kids put on by MLB players, both past and present.
Sean and I got there as it opened and decided to hit the attractions before they got too packed. We did the speed-pitch game as well as fielding. I hit 59 mph on the radar gun (without warming up, mind you), while Sean hit 56. We then walked around and looked at everything, including a creepy lifesize statue of former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda that scared the hell out of Sean and I. Nathan and his brother then showed up and we waited in line to meet Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller.
Feller, now 92, stopped pitching before my Dad was born. That's how old this guy was. However, he's considered one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. He also made for the greatest comment any of us had ever heard. You see, at the FanFest, you could either buy a baseball for $26 (no way) or go to the Chevrolet tent and take a five question quiz on their cars (with all the answers being written on the cars on display) and receive a special All-Star baseball. The baseball had the All-Star Game logo on it, as well as a Chevrolet logo. We decided to go the cheap route. We gave the balls to Feller to sign, and he asked us "did you guys buy a Chevrolet?" We explained to him why he had the ball, and he said "Good. Chevy's are made in China by ping-pong players." I couldn't help but laugh. His partner (an older dude who assisted him with getting the memorabilia to have autographed) tried to say "Oh, you shouldn't say that Bob, there are some of them here." Feller didn't care. Look, I don't like racism, but with old folks there's no use in trying to talk to them about it. I actually found it really funny, to be honest. Comment of the day.
While wandering the FanFest, Nathan called me. I ignored him a few times, as I was on the phone, and then he texted me "I got you derby tickets, where are you?" Turns out, Nathan ran into a lady who had been given two Home Run Derby tickets, but didn't want them as she already had tickets. So she gave the two tickets to Nathan (who also already had tickets) free of charge to give to Sean and I. We were going to the Home Run Derby.
The Derby is something that becomes much more appreciated while there in person. Balls are just hammered to places that you can't believe they could possibly reach. Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz, Corey Hart and Miguel Cabrera definitely stood out. As most of you know, Big Papi won the Derby. Some other highlights:
- I saw my friend Katie for the first time in two years. She was in from Colorado for the Derby and the All-Star Game. Awesome
- Will Ferrel is an Angel fan! Like I needed another reason to love the guy.
- Corey Hart elicited 1,000 "Sunglasses at Night" jokes.
- Sitting up top allowed Sean and I to see the entire field, as well as the entire stadium. They were perfect seats.
- Apparently my friend Stephanie and her brother were there, and got on national television a few times. Awesome.
- I got a picture with the Colorado Rockies mascot, Dinger. I don't know what a dinosaur has to do with the Colorado Rockies, but I can't really talk. My team's mascot is a monkey.
- Torii Hunter got a "Tim Salmon-esque" response from the Angel Stadium crowd. Fox Sports commentator Chris Rose (from "Best Damn Sports Show") called him "The Mayor of Anaheim." Hey, Mr. Rose... that's MY nickname for Hunter. Dibs.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A blog about Katy Perry.
There are certain bands you love to show off. Bands that you love. Bands you go see every time they play a show near you. Bands you know every word to every song they've ever written. For me, The Gaslight Anthem, The Clash, Bad Religion, The Get Up Kids and The Lawrence Arms fall under that umbrella. Then there are bands that you really like, but you've kind of stopped listening to them over time. Maybe you outgrew them, or maybe they outgrew you. For me, that's bands like New Found Glory, NoFx, Green Day, Against Me!, and Saves The Day. There are those bands you love to name-drop to build your "cred," like Jawbreaker, Descendents, Cobra Skulls, The Menzingers, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Then you have your impartial bands (Dillinger Four and The Black Keys) that you'll listen to, but won't go out of your way for, and your indifferent bands (Silversun Pickups, Arctic Monkeys) that you don't listen to, but don't dislike either. Then there are those guilty pleasures, like Taylor Swift and the All-American Rejects; bands you don't like, like All Time Low and Ke$ha (note: feel free to substitute "artist" or "pop-star" for "band" at any time); bands like Nickelback and Journey that you loathe, and bands like Brokencyde and Cobra Starship that you believe the ninth circle of hell is reserved for.
Then there's that band that you hate to like. That one that surpasses even the guiltiest of pleasures.
That band (again, see: band = artist or pop star) for me is Katy Perry.
Katy Perry is mindless pop garbage. She has songs called "U R So Gay," "Hot 'n' Cold," and "California Gurls." Her most well-known song is called "I Kissed a Girl," and includes lyrics like "I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick. " For the most part her music is no different then most of the mindless pop dribble that gets sent across the airwaves and played on... wait, MTV doesn't play music anymore, right? So what is it now, Fuse? Or do kids just watch everything on YouTube these days? Man I'm out of the loop. But you get what I'm trying to say. Just repetitive pop-music.
An ex-girlfriend of mine used to defend Lady Gaga's "unique-ness," while absolutely bashing Katy Perry. As I would tell her, I saw no real difference between the two. Both are trying their hardest to ripoff Madonna. Both made bizarre fashion choices. Both record under fake names (what, you mean "Lady Gaga" isn't her real name?). Both make crazy music videos. And Both make repetitive, club-friendly pop music. The one real difference I saw with Katy Perry and Lady Gaga (much to the disappointment of my ex) was that while Gaga's repulsive and needed to create this transsexual drag-queen persona in order to sell records, Perry is extremely hot. She looks like a slutty, bigger breasted version of Zooey Deschanel, and what's not to love about that? And to be honest, part of my liking of Katy Perry has to do with her attraction.
Unfortunately, that's not it.
"Hot 'N' Cold" is probably the biggest "guilty pleasure" song you'll find on my iPod. It's probably my favorite "have a few drinks and start dancing/singing like an idiot" song. Actually, you'll find Perry's entire "One of the Boys" album on my iPod. While most of the album ranges from "meh" to "ugh," (and probably needs to be removed all together) there are some somewhat-decent gems. "Thinking of You" and "Waking Up in Vegas" showcase Perry's vocal talents (don't kid yourself. Perry has an excellent voice. She don't need no auto-tone, and double-negatives are lovely). And "Fingerprints" is actually kind of a fun, what Cindy Lauper would sound like if she made music in 2010 and not 1985 track.
But that's not why I'm writing this blog.
Yesterday my friend Armando posted a video that shows how Ke$ha's bullshit "Tik Tok" song and Perry's "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg) are the same song. I had no idea what "California Gurls" was, and decided to look up the video. Two hours went by and I was still listening to the song and watching the video. I was talking to my friend Meghan and I told her that "as much as I want to, I can't stop listening to this song and watching the video. The video is absolutely ridiculous. It's essentially a half-naked Katy Perry (which is, according to Meghan, why I couldn't stop watching the video...and she could be right) strolling through a creepy, brought to life version of the board game "Candyland." The song does indeed sound like that terrible Ke$ha song, which drives me crazy. However it's ("California Gurls," not "Tik Tok." Don't get me started on that song. We'll be here for hours.) as addicting and sugary sweet as the candy Perry wears on her dress, which leads to not to being able to turn it off.
And here's where musically there's a difference between Gaga and Perry. While Gaga's tracks are catchy, they enter and leave my head fairly quickly. Sure, that "Pokerface" song or that "Bad Romance" one gets stuck in my head from time to time, but I usually forget about it. Not with Perry. Last night I had a totally non-sexual dream that involved a "California Gurls" looking Perry and could not for the life of me get that song out of my head today. I didn't even listen to music today. I couldn't. The only song I could hear all day was that "California Gurls" song in my head. And the more I "heard" it, the more I liked it. The lyrics are terrible. The point of the song is...well, pointless (from what I've gathered, it's a response to the terrific Jay-Z and Alicia Keys track "Empire State of Mind" yet hardly makes any mention of California outside of the girls that will "melt your popsicle," whatever that means), and Snoop Dogg's part is laughable. Yet I absolutely love it. I can't get enough of it. All day I walked around saying "daisy dukes; bikini's on top." Why? I have no idea. What I do know is that on my lunch I pulled the video up on YouTube so I could listen to the song. Jesus.
I hate that I can't stop listening to "California Gurls." But what can I say. I like what I like.
Then there's that band that you hate to like. That one that surpasses even the guiltiest of pleasures.
That band (again, see: band = artist or pop star) for me is Katy Perry.
Katy Perry is mindless pop garbage. She has songs called "U R So Gay," "Hot 'n' Cold," and "California Gurls." Her most well-known song is called "I Kissed a Girl," and includes lyrics like "I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick. " For the most part her music is no different then most of the mindless pop dribble that gets sent across the airwaves and played on... wait, MTV doesn't play music anymore, right? So what is it now, Fuse? Or do kids just watch everything on YouTube these days? Man I'm out of the loop. But you get what I'm trying to say. Just repetitive pop-music.
An ex-girlfriend of mine used to defend Lady Gaga's "unique-ness," while absolutely bashing Katy Perry. As I would tell her, I saw no real difference between the two. Both are trying their hardest to ripoff Madonna. Both made bizarre fashion choices. Both record under fake names (what, you mean "Lady Gaga" isn't her real name?). Both make crazy music videos. And Both make repetitive, club-friendly pop music. The one real difference I saw with Katy Perry and Lady Gaga (much to the disappointment of my ex) was that while Gaga's repulsive and needed to create this transsexual drag-queen persona in order to sell records, Perry is extremely hot. She looks like a slutty, bigger breasted version of Zooey Deschanel, and what's not to love about that? And to be honest, part of my liking of Katy Perry has to do with her attraction.
Unfortunately, that's not it.
"Hot 'N' Cold" is probably the biggest "guilty pleasure" song you'll find on my iPod. It's probably my favorite "have a few drinks and start dancing/singing like an idiot" song. Actually, you'll find Perry's entire "One of the Boys" album on my iPod. While most of the album ranges from "meh" to "ugh," (and probably needs to be removed all together) there are some somewhat-decent gems. "Thinking of You" and "Waking Up in Vegas" showcase Perry's vocal talents (don't kid yourself. Perry has an excellent voice. She don't need no auto-tone, and double-negatives are lovely). And "Fingerprints" is actually kind of a fun, what Cindy Lauper would sound like if she made music in 2010 and not 1985 track.
But that's not why I'm writing this blog.
Yesterday my friend Armando posted a video that shows how Ke$ha's bullshit "Tik Tok" song and Perry's "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg) are the same song. I had no idea what "California Gurls" was, and decided to look up the video. Two hours went by and I was still listening to the song and watching the video. I was talking to my friend Meghan and I told her that "as much as I want to, I can't stop listening to this song and watching the video. The video is absolutely ridiculous. It's essentially a half-naked Katy Perry (which is, according to Meghan, why I couldn't stop watching the video...and she could be right) strolling through a creepy, brought to life version of the board game "Candyland." The song does indeed sound like that terrible Ke$ha song, which drives me crazy. However it's ("California Gurls," not "Tik Tok." Don't get me started on that song. We'll be here for hours.) as addicting and sugary sweet as the candy Perry wears on her dress, which leads to not to being able to turn it off.
And here's where musically there's a difference between Gaga and Perry. While Gaga's tracks are catchy, they enter and leave my head fairly quickly. Sure, that "Pokerface" song or that "Bad Romance" one gets stuck in my head from time to time, but I usually forget about it. Not with Perry. Last night I had a totally non-sexual dream that involved a "California Gurls" looking Perry and could not for the life of me get that song out of my head today. I didn't even listen to music today. I couldn't. The only song I could hear all day was that "California Gurls" song in my head. And the more I "heard" it, the more I liked it. The lyrics are terrible. The point of the song is...well, pointless (from what I've gathered, it's a response to the terrific Jay-Z and Alicia Keys track "Empire State of Mind" yet hardly makes any mention of California outside of the girls that will "melt your popsicle," whatever that means), and Snoop Dogg's part is laughable. Yet I absolutely love it. I can't get enough of it. All day I walked around saying "daisy dukes; bikini's on top." Why? I have no idea. What I do know is that on my lunch I pulled the video up on YouTube so I could listen to the song. Jesus.
I hate that I can't stop listening to "California Gurls." But what can I say. I like what I like.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Lebron James; second banana.
Lebron James is a Miami Heat. He'll be joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form quite possibly the best big three the NBA has seen in years. He's also joining Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Dave Cowens and James Worthy as the greatest second banana's of all-time.
Yup, you read that right.
When Lebron decided to head to South Beach and join forces with Wade and Bosh in Miami, it signaled a shift in his career path. In any other scenario, James was Batman. In Chicago, Rose was Robin. In LA, Griffin was. Stoudamire was in New York and Jameson was back home in Cleveland. Not in Miami. Wade is Batman. Lebron is now Robin. Now, James might put up better numbers, and does have two MVP trophies on his mantle, but he doesn't have the Finals Trophy that Wade does. Miami is Wade country. Miami-Dade County changed their name temporarily to Miami-Wade County in hopes that their hero would stay put. Make no mistake, Wade is Batman, James is Robin.
(So what does that make Bosh? Bat Girl? That's a character, right?).
And to me, that's a complete and total cop-out. That's Lebron James admitting "I can't win a championship where I'm in charge." Sure, plenty of great basketball players have realized this. Kevin Garnett realized this and won a championship playing second banana to Paul Pierce. Scottie Pippen couldn't do it on his own, but would Michael Jordan have six rings without him? Shaquille O'Neal wouldn't have won without Kobe, and Kobe couldn't win without Pau Gasol. But Lebron's not supposed to be Scottie Pippen. He's not supposed to be Kevin Garnett or John Stockton or James Worthy. He's supposed to be "King" James. He's supposed to He's supposed to up there with Wilt and Magic and Kobe and Michael. Would Kobe have ever joined forces with his main competition? No. In Lebron's situation, Kobe would have joined the Bulls or the Knicks and took Wade head on. Michael would have never teamed up with Magic or Charles Barkley or Isiah Thomas. No way. Yet Lebron did. And by doing so cemented is legacy as a non-alpha male in the NBA. And that's a shame.
As for his television special; let me just say that the whole idea was bizarre, ridiculous and made James look like an ego-manic. There was absolutely no need for that kind of attention. A-Rod never pulled that. Kobe never pulled that. Hell, even Mr. Media himself Brett Favre never pulled that. And while it was nice that ESPN and James allowed all sponsorship earnings (about $2.5 million) to go directly to the Boys and Girls Club, it was still unnecessary. And yet, we all sat around and watched it, heard James' decision and discussed it after (and even blogged about it). Maybe we're just as much to blame for this circus as James and ESPN.
You know who I really feel bad for? Cleveland. Those poor fans had to sit through the stomach punch of watching James go on national television and rip their collective hearts out. All day they must have been thinking "Lebron wouldn't go on ESPN and announce he's playing elsewhere. No. He's from Akron, Ohio. He's from here. This nonsense about Miami, it's all nonsense. He's coming back. Yeah. He's coming back." only to turn on the television and hear James say "Miami Heat." Poor guys. They deserved much better. I give Cavs owner Dan Gilbert a ton of credit for a scathing, unapologetic letter sent to the fans of the franchise vowing to bring home a championship while calling out Lebron James on a number of topics. I do hope Cleveland wins a title before Lebron does.
That's the bummer in sports. You realize it's not about loyalty or winning; it's about the dollar. Lebron want's to be a billionaire, and he's on his way. But I guess that's why we have soft spots for the Kobe Bryant's and the Joe Mauers; The Derek Jeter's and Peyton Manning's. Those who never leave home, even though there might be greener pastures elsewhere.
Yup, you read that right.
When Lebron decided to head to South Beach and join forces with Wade and Bosh in Miami, it signaled a shift in his career path. In any other scenario, James was Batman. In Chicago, Rose was Robin. In LA, Griffin was. Stoudamire was in New York and Jameson was back home in Cleveland. Not in Miami. Wade is Batman. Lebron is now Robin. Now, James might put up better numbers, and does have two MVP trophies on his mantle, but he doesn't have the Finals Trophy that Wade does. Miami is Wade country. Miami-Dade County changed their name temporarily to Miami-Wade County in hopes that their hero would stay put. Make no mistake, Wade is Batman, James is Robin.
(So what does that make Bosh? Bat Girl? That's a character, right?).
And to me, that's a complete and total cop-out. That's Lebron James admitting "I can't win a championship where I'm in charge." Sure, plenty of great basketball players have realized this. Kevin Garnett realized this and won a championship playing second banana to Paul Pierce. Scottie Pippen couldn't do it on his own, but would Michael Jordan have six rings without him? Shaquille O'Neal wouldn't have won without Kobe, and Kobe couldn't win without Pau Gasol. But Lebron's not supposed to be Scottie Pippen. He's not supposed to be Kevin Garnett or John Stockton or James Worthy. He's supposed to be "King" James. He's supposed to He's supposed to up there with Wilt and Magic and Kobe and Michael. Would Kobe have ever joined forces with his main competition? No. In Lebron's situation, Kobe would have joined the Bulls or the Knicks and took Wade head on. Michael would have never teamed up with Magic or Charles Barkley or Isiah Thomas. No way. Yet Lebron did. And by doing so cemented is legacy as a non-alpha male in the NBA. And that's a shame.
As for his television special; let me just say that the whole idea was bizarre, ridiculous and made James look like an ego-manic. There was absolutely no need for that kind of attention. A-Rod never pulled that. Kobe never pulled that. Hell, even Mr. Media himself Brett Favre never pulled that. And while it was nice that ESPN and James allowed all sponsorship earnings (about $2.5 million) to go directly to the Boys and Girls Club, it was still unnecessary. And yet, we all sat around and watched it, heard James' decision and discussed it after (and even blogged about it). Maybe we're just as much to blame for this circus as James and ESPN.
You know who I really feel bad for? Cleveland. Those poor fans had to sit through the stomach punch of watching James go on national television and rip their collective hearts out. All day they must have been thinking "Lebron wouldn't go on ESPN and announce he's playing elsewhere. No. He's from Akron, Ohio. He's from here. This nonsense about Miami, it's all nonsense. He's coming back. Yeah. He's coming back." only to turn on the television and hear James say "Miami Heat." Poor guys. They deserved much better. I give Cavs owner Dan Gilbert a ton of credit for a scathing, unapologetic letter sent to the fans of the franchise vowing to bring home a championship while calling out Lebron James on a number of topics. I do hope Cleveland wins a title before Lebron does.
That's the bummer in sports. You realize it's not about loyalty or winning; it's about the dollar. Lebron want's to be a billionaire, and he's on his way. But I guess that's why we have soft spots for the Kobe Bryant's and the Joe Mauers; The Derek Jeter's and Peyton Manning's. Those who never leave home, even though there might be greener pastures elsewhere.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Beginning in an Ending
I'm sitting in my car right now waiting for my assistant manager to get here so we can open the store. She's fifteen minutes late. Against Me!'s "Beginning in an Ending" is playing in my car right now. The line "in your arms, I don't know who I am" always gets me. I know exactly what Tom Gabel means. None of this has anything to do with the point of the blog.
In just nine days I'll be twenty-four. And like Kiefer Sutherland, I'm looking at twenty-four as my shot at redemption and a chance to show what I got.
(Did I just make a "24" reference? Wow.)
I spent most of my twenty-third year trying to figure out what I wanted and who I was, and the year before basically questioning anything and everything about myself that I could possibly question. Call it a quarter-life crisis if you must.
Twenty-three was a weird year. I mean, it's probably never a good sign when you start the year out by vomiting your insides out in a Mandalay Bay hotel room. I had a lot of things work against me (not Against Me!) and had to deal with a lot of not-so-fun things head on. I made a lot of mistakes and paid the price for most. But around the midway point I started piecing everything together. And I can honestly say that I've found my comfort zone. That's a huge deal.
Look, we all have that desire to be someone or something that we're not. We're jealous, needy creatures by nature. We see others and want what we don't/can't have. Someone has a cooler car or nicer clothes or a newer phone or a better ass or whatever, and we become envious. But, to quote Brian Fallon, "what you don't have, you don't need it." And ain't that the truth. I mean, sure it would probably be sweet to be Ryan Reynolds or that Team Jacob guy who has Jesus' abs and Justin Beiber's face, but at the end of the day I like being myself. Maybe I don't wake up next to Scarlet Johansson, but... wait, that's a bad example. You guys get what I'm sayin'.
All jokes aside, that's a big deal to me. It's been a couple years since I've felt comfortable in my own skin. And its been quite some time since I've focused mainly on myself and not others. To be honest, it's been really nice being a little selfish. But back to that comfort level. I feel as if I have it in me to achieve what I can and want to.
I'm never one for New Years resolutions. But for my twenty-fourth year, I'm setting myself some goals. To continue writing for the college paper. To get in better shape. To re-visit vegetarianism. To continue (actually) working on a book/screenplay. To continue my vinyl collecting. To learn a different language. To save money so next Summer I can travel across the United States. To learn to communicate better. And most importantly, to continue to realize that life has it's up's and down's, and to not get too high with the up's and too down with the low's.
Ladies and gentlemen; this is my year for sure.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Another post about Lebron James and the Clippers
Germany and Argentina are playing in what might be the best World Cup match of the entire 2010 tournament. So naturally it's the first non-Sunday in over a year that I have to open at my work, thus missing the Argentina/Germany match entirely. Here is a blog to keep my mind off of the fact that I'm missing the biggest match of the tournament.
(Sidenote: My friend Jared is currently at Barley and Hops, a really cool beer and wine bar in Temecula, watching the match and enjoying an "English breakfast" which I can only imagine being beans on toast, or possibly a banger in the mouth, as that is what the English call sausages. Anyways, he just informed me that Germany scored in the third minute. Wow).
Do I think Lebron James is coming to LA? No. But after yesterday's meeting, would I Be shocked if King James decided to go west and don Clipper white-and-blue? Okay, I definitely would be shocked. But not as shocked. I think the Clippers brass layed down a solid presentation to woo Lebron. They didn't bring glitz and glamour. There was no cavalcade of a-lister's and former greats (the former because Lebron probably has no clue who Billy Crystal is and the latter because the Clippers have NO former greats, but still...). No u-haul trucks or showstopping presentations. Nope, the Clippers went simple. And you know what, I'm thrilled. Look, you don't have to sell James on Los Angeles in the same way you don't have to sell him on Chicago, New York, Miami or Chicago. They're all great cities for a man who is trying to build a Jordan-esque global image. So why try and sell him on LA? He knows the beaches, the nightlife, the industry. Sell him on the franchise, not the location. Even my buddy Andrew, the most die-hard Knicks fan who swears Lebron is headed to Madison Square Garden admits that if Lebron wants to win now the Clippers are his best shot.
(Sidebar: Jared just told me Germany scored again. Damnit Argentina, you're making me look bad. And as I was typing that in, Jared told me that Germany scored yet again. I bet Maradona is... Um... Actually I don't want to know what he's doing. He might be attempting to kill Messi. Also, between Messi's lackluster World Cup and Wayne Rooney being non-existent, it's not a good tournament for the world's greatest players. Gotta love when a dude named Honda outplays a guy like Wayne Rooney).
Back to James. Look, I get it; the Clippers are a sorry excuse for a professional sports franchise. They have six winning seasons in their forty year existence. They have one playoff series win since moving to Los Angeles in 1984. They have no true face of the franchise, as anyone who has donned the Clippers jersey (Bob McAdoo, Bill Walton, etc...) has gone on to have success elsewhere (except Elton Brand. I hope is goddamn knee explodes too. Or maybe I should be thanking him for stabbing us in the back and stinking it up in Philly). I know that Donald Sterling is the worst owner in the NBA, if not professional sports. And yes, I know about that goddamn Clippers curse. Here's what you guys might not know.
(Germany scored again. Unbelievable.)
Donald Sterling, in recent years, has actually made an attempt. He has paid to keep his players in LA (Brand in '04, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman) and has actually made a splash in free agency (Baron Davis, Cuttino Mobely, Tim Thomas, Andre Miller, Sam Cassell, chasing Kobe, etc...). Also, he finally fired Mike Dunleavy, albeit about two years too late. Say what you will about Sterling, but I believe the man wants to win. And perhaps the biggest indicator to Sterling wanting to win has been leaving the basketball operations up to basketball guys. Neil Olshey has done a great job in the little time he's been GM, especially with this most recent draft. Not something I thought I'd say about a former soap opera actor. I think the scenery is changing in Clipper-land.
(Germany 4 Argentina 0. Wow. Just. Wow).
And yet, while I don't think Lebron is LA bound, I think Clipper fans should be happy with what the front office is doing in LA. I'm telling you, big things are coming.
(Of course, until they panic and give someone like Hayward a max contract. Then forget everything I just wrote).
(Sidenote: My friend Jared is currently at Barley and Hops, a really cool beer and wine bar in Temecula, watching the match and enjoying an "English breakfast" which I can only imagine being beans on toast, or possibly a banger in the mouth, as that is what the English call sausages. Anyways, he just informed me that Germany scored in the third minute. Wow).
Do I think Lebron James is coming to LA? No. But after yesterday's meeting, would I Be shocked if King James decided to go west and don Clipper white-and-blue? Okay, I definitely would be shocked. But not as shocked. I think the Clippers brass layed down a solid presentation to woo Lebron. They didn't bring glitz and glamour. There was no cavalcade of a-lister's and former greats (the former because Lebron probably has no clue who Billy Crystal is and the latter because the Clippers have NO former greats, but still...). No u-haul trucks or showstopping presentations. Nope, the Clippers went simple. And you know what, I'm thrilled. Look, you don't have to sell James on Los Angeles in the same way you don't have to sell him on Chicago, New York, Miami or Chicago. They're all great cities for a man who is trying to build a Jordan-esque global image. So why try and sell him on LA? He knows the beaches, the nightlife, the industry. Sell him on the franchise, not the location. Even my buddy Andrew, the most die-hard Knicks fan who swears Lebron is headed to Madison Square Garden admits that if Lebron wants to win now the Clippers are his best shot.
(Sidebar: Jared just told me Germany scored again. Damnit Argentina, you're making me look bad. And as I was typing that in, Jared told me that Germany scored yet again. I bet Maradona is... Um... Actually I don't want to know what he's doing. He might be attempting to kill Messi. Also, between Messi's lackluster World Cup and Wayne Rooney being non-existent, it's not a good tournament for the world's greatest players. Gotta love when a dude named Honda outplays a guy like Wayne Rooney).
Back to James. Look, I get it; the Clippers are a sorry excuse for a professional sports franchise. They have six winning seasons in their forty year existence. They have one playoff series win since moving to Los Angeles in 1984. They have no true face of the franchise, as anyone who has donned the Clippers jersey (Bob McAdoo, Bill Walton, etc...) has gone on to have success elsewhere (except Elton Brand. I hope is goddamn knee explodes too. Or maybe I should be thanking him for stabbing us in the back and stinking it up in Philly). I know that Donald Sterling is the worst owner in the NBA, if not professional sports. And yes, I know about that goddamn Clippers curse. Here's what you guys might not know.
(Germany scored again. Unbelievable.)
Donald Sterling, in recent years, has actually made an attempt. He has paid to keep his players in LA (Brand in '04, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman) and has actually made a splash in free agency (Baron Davis, Cuttino Mobely, Tim Thomas, Andre Miller, Sam Cassell, chasing Kobe, etc...). Also, he finally fired Mike Dunleavy, albeit about two years too late. Say what you will about Sterling, but I believe the man wants to win. And perhaps the biggest indicator to Sterling wanting to win has been leaving the basketball operations up to basketball guys. Neil Olshey has done a great job in the little time he's been GM, especially with this most recent draft. Not something I thought I'd say about a former soap opera actor. I think the scenery is changing in Clipper-land.
(Germany 4 Argentina 0. Wow. Just. Wow).
And yet, while I don't think Lebron is LA bound, I think Clipper fans should be happy with what the front office is doing in LA. I'm telling you, big things are coming.
(Of course, until they panic and give someone like Hayward a max contract. Then forget everything I just wrote).
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 240-231 Edition
Welcome back. It's been a while. Lets not waste time...
Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): Numbers 240-231
Number 240: The Loved Ones - "Pretty Good Year" (off of the album "Build and Burn," 2008)
If it weren't for "The '59 Sound," "Pretty Good Year" would have been my favorite song of 2008. I remember when I first popped in "Build and Burn," and heard that first line "I've been workin' longer hours, watching money steamin' in. I've been trustin' crooks and liars like I don't have any friends" I was hooked. I saw The Loved Ones twice last year, and both times "Pretty Good Year" got the biggest reaction. And Ignacio, Mark and I got to sing it live with Loved Ones frontman Dave Hause at his solo show in Fullerton. Awesome. Two notes. One. Here's a live performance of "Pretty Good Year." Two: Here's Chuck Ragan's fantastic cover of the song. (Note, I can't find the damn cover on youtube. Sorry).
Number 239: Gene Wilder - "Pure Imagination" (off of the album "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: The Official Soundtrack," 1971)
Before that goddamn AT&T commercial raped this song, "Pure Imagination" was possibly my favorite song ever made for a movie. Gene Wilder was a great entertainer in his day, and not even the almighty Johnny Depp could do Wonka justice the way Wilder did. I think it completely sums up both Willy Wonka the character and the story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Also, The Smoking Popes did a great cover.
Number 238: Midtown - "Become What You Hate" (off of the album "Living Well is the Best Revenge," 2002)
Remember when that assclown Gabe wasn't an assclown? This is well before "Snakes on a Plane" and Cobra Starship and the Madonna worship and making out with Pete Wentz. This was back when he was in a Drive-Thru band named Midtown. Midtown was good 'ole pop-punk, and "Become What You Hate" is a perfect example. It's sad to know that Gabe ditched this band for this.
Number 237: Jimmy Eat World - "The Sweetness" (off of the album, "Bleed American," 2001)
I fell in love with Jimmy Eat World after seeing them on the Jimmy Eat World/Taking Back Sunday tour. So good. Actually wiped the floor with Taking Back Sunday, and that children is not an easy thing to do. "The Sweetness" had so much raw energy. To be honest, only "A Praise Chorus" is a better song in their catalog.
Number 236: The Replacements - "Alex Chilton" (off of the album "Pleased To Meet Me," 1987)
Who was Alex Chilton? Well, maybe you've heard of this song? Anyways, "Alex Chilton" is a great song by one of the best, most underrated alternative rock bands of all time. The Replacements are everything Against Me! wants to be. Unfortunately for Mr. Gabel, there's only one Paul Westerberg. Also, it's worth noting that Mr. Chilton passed away last year; and when he did I played this song in his honor.
Number 235: Taking Back Sunday - "Great Romances of the 20th Century" (off of the album "Tell All Your Friends," 2002)
"Tell All Your Friends" was THE album back in junior year of high school. I absolutely wore out the CD. I actually repurchased it sometime last year at Second Spin in Huntington, or Newport or somewhere, and was stoked. I still know ever word to every song. "Great Romances..." a creepy song. I get this image of Adam Lazarra wanting to harm his lady for cheating. I dunno. Maybe I'm just sadistic.
Number 234: Fake Problems - "There Are Times" (off of the album "It's Great To Be Alive," 2009)
For someone dealing with relationship issues/relationships ending, I think "There Are Times" sums everything perfectly. The weird part is, despite not really being in that frame of mind anymore, I still really dig this song. Also, sorry for the crappy video quality. Do yourself a favor and get "It's Great to Be Alive." It's a great album.
Number 233: New Found Glory - "Dressed To Kill" (off of the album "New Found Glory," 2000)
Ahh, the glory days of Drive-Thru. New Found Glory will always remind me of high school. Another song that I listened to a billion times at age 15 about a billion different girls. "I miss you singing me to sleep." Haha. You know, in some weird way, I always wanted someone to do that for me. But that's a different topic for a different day. New Found Glory has definitely lost a step or two, but goddamn if "New Found Glory" isn't a solid album.
Number 232: Tupac -"Do For Love"(off of the album "R U Still Down?," 1997)
First things first, if I smoked pot, this video would probably be amazing. Okay. So Tupac sampling Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love," and it works? Only 'Pac. This was released after Tupac's untimely death. It's kind of a trip to think about where 'Pac would be today. I bet he would have done a ton of good.
Number 231: Looking Glass - "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" (off of the album "Looking Glass," 1972)
I actually sang this one night at a bar that had karaoke. I probably did a terrible job. Seriously, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" is one hell of a jam. It's a song you can groove to, get down to, or just chill to. Look Mexico did a really good cover of the song.
Okay. so what's next? Weezer, The Misfits and Elvis Costello join MT3FS staples Bad Religion, The Gaslight Anthem and The Get Up Kids on the next edition. Stay classy, Internet.
Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): Numbers 240-231
Number 240: The Loved Ones - "Pretty Good Year" (off of the album "Build and Burn," 2008)
If it weren't for "The '59 Sound," "Pretty Good Year" would have been my favorite song of 2008. I remember when I first popped in "Build and Burn," and heard that first line "I've been workin' longer hours, watching money steamin' in. I've been trustin' crooks and liars like I don't have any friends" I was hooked. I saw The Loved Ones twice last year, and both times "Pretty Good Year" got the biggest reaction. And Ignacio, Mark and I got to sing it live with Loved Ones frontman Dave Hause at his solo show in Fullerton. Awesome. Two notes. One. Here's a live performance of "Pretty Good Year." Two: Here's Chuck Ragan's fantastic cover of the song. (Note, I can't find the damn cover on youtube. Sorry).
Number 239: Gene Wilder - "Pure Imagination" (off of the album "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: The Official Soundtrack," 1971)
Before that goddamn AT&T commercial raped this song, "Pure Imagination" was possibly my favorite song ever made for a movie. Gene Wilder was a great entertainer in his day, and not even the almighty Johnny Depp could do Wonka justice the way Wilder did. I think it completely sums up both Willy Wonka the character and the story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Also, The Smoking Popes did a great cover.
Number 238: Midtown - "Become What You Hate" (off of the album "Living Well is the Best Revenge," 2002)
Remember when that assclown Gabe wasn't an assclown? This is well before "Snakes on a Plane" and Cobra Starship and the Madonna worship and making out with Pete Wentz. This was back when he was in a Drive-Thru band named Midtown. Midtown was good 'ole pop-punk, and "Become What You Hate" is a perfect example. It's sad to know that Gabe ditched this band for this.
Number 237: Jimmy Eat World - "The Sweetness" (off of the album, "Bleed American," 2001)
I fell in love with Jimmy Eat World after seeing them on the Jimmy Eat World/Taking Back Sunday tour. So good. Actually wiped the floor with Taking Back Sunday, and that children is not an easy thing to do. "The Sweetness" had so much raw energy. To be honest, only "A Praise Chorus" is a better song in their catalog.
Number 236: The Replacements - "Alex Chilton" (off of the album "Pleased To Meet Me," 1987)
Who was Alex Chilton? Well, maybe you've heard of this song? Anyways, "Alex Chilton" is a great song by one of the best, most underrated alternative rock bands of all time. The Replacements are everything Against Me! wants to be. Unfortunately for Mr. Gabel, there's only one Paul Westerberg. Also, it's worth noting that Mr. Chilton passed away last year; and when he did I played this song in his honor.
Number 235: Taking Back Sunday - "Great Romances of the 20th Century" (off of the album "Tell All Your Friends," 2002)
"Tell All Your Friends" was THE album back in junior year of high school. I absolutely wore out the CD. I actually repurchased it sometime last year at Second Spin in Huntington, or Newport or somewhere, and was stoked. I still know ever word to every song. "Great Romances..." a creepy song. I get this image of Adam Lazarra wanting to harm his lady for cheating. I dunno. Maybe I'm just sadistic.
Number 234: Fake Problems - "There Are Times" (off of the album "It's Great To Be Alive," 2009)
For someone dealing with relationship issues/relationships ending, I think "There Are Times" sums everything perfectly. The weird part is, despite not really being in that frame of mind anymore, I still really dig this song. Also, sorry for the crappy video quality. Do yourself a favor and get "It's Great to Be Alive." It's a great album.
Number 233: New Found Glory - "Dressed To Kill" (off of the album "New Found Glory," 2000)
Ahh, the glory days of Drive-Thru. New Found Glory will always remind me of high school. Another song that I listened to a billion times at age 15 about a billion different girls. "I miss you singing me to sleep." Haha. You know, in some weird way, I always wanted someone to do that for me. But that's a different topic for a different day. New Found Glory has definitely lost a step or two, but goddamn if "New Found Glory" isn't a solid album.
Number 232: Tupac -"Do For Love"(off of the album "R U Still Down?," 1997)
First things first, if I smoked pot, this video would probably be amazing. Okay. So Tupac sampling Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love," and it works? Only 'Pac. This was released after Tupac's untimely death. It's kind of a trip to think about where 'Pac would be today. I bet he would have done a ton of good.
Number 231: Looking Glass - "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" (off of the album "Looking Glass," 1972)
I actually sang this one night at a bar that had karaoke. I probably did a terrible job. Seriously, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" is one hell of a jam. It's a song you can groove to, get down to, or just chill to. Look Mexico did a really good cover of the song.
Okay. so what's next? Weezer, The Misfits and Elvis Costello join MT3FS staples Bad Religion, The Gaslight Anthem and The Get Up Kids on the next edition. Stay classy, Internet.
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