Well, the title gives it away, here are some songs I've been liking a lot lately.
Pete Yorn - Splendid Isolation. This one is actually a cover of the late, great Warren Zevon's song. I just happen to like Yorn's version more.
The Beatles - Money (That's What I Want). Wow, happens to be another cover, and again, the Beatles version is catchy as ever.
Cassino - New Jerusalem. Shout out here to an unsigned band that I believe is one of the best in today's world. I absolutely love them, and turns out they are 2 of the remnants of what used to be Northstar...although they aren't huge on talking about them.
Sam & Dave - Hold On, I'm Coming. Little old school funk/soul action for the Memphis '60s-'70s era.
Third Eye Blind - How's It Gonna Be. I saw them in concert, they were delicious. This song is my favorite from them...although there's several other close calls.
Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. Off the great Graceland album. This one's my favorite. By the way, I love Paul Simon. What a cool guy, I wish I knew him personally.
James Taylor - Mexico. So many good ones from JT but this one sticks in my head for weeks after I hear it. I honestly hum it in my sleep.
The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight. I kept seeing the UPS commercial that uses their song Such Great Heights, and then I turned my iTunes on and this was the first song that came on...such a good one.
Steve Goodman - A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request. Just because baseball season is right around the corner. God Bless this man.
There's a diverse number of songs in there, I'm halfway impressed with myself. Maybe check these out if you get bored. I really like them all, but then again my musical tastes have been called terrible by people who I thought knew nothing.
Quick note, I got ripped into by one of my three readers recently. He said, "We're old, all we're looking for is something every other day at least. You're awful at this." Well, thanks, and here you go. I figure you won't enjoy this.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Lean Nights and Great Jams
Let's face it, I have to be the worst regular blog poster in 11 surrounding states, but here's a little something for you about my last couple weeks.
Starting off with big events, I journeyed to Wabash University for a concert of a band that I've liked since the first time I heard them, Third Eye Blind. Now, I was skeptical because they haven't put out a decent new song in about 8 years, but I still gave it a shot. Their self-titled album was so good that it could easily be recognized as one of the best of the '90s. My hope for the concert was that they would play a lot of their old stuff. Well they did not disappoint. Steven Jenkins came out rocking with Never Let You Go, off of the Blue album. They went on to play all their hits, played a 4 song encore and had me in a drunken daze of wonder and sweat. At one point the hair was flying around spraying perspiration around like I just got out of a pool. You can only imagine what I looked like at the end of the show. Let's just say I didn't appeal to many females.
After the show, Scott and Nick decided to stay with me at Wabash and have a great time with all our high school buddies from back in the day. The night was fantastic and I can't wait to do it again. And in all honesty, I have got to say that of the concerts I've been to, this ranked at least in the top 2 or 3 (discussion for another day), and possibly the best of all time. Absolutely great show, I can't say enough about it.
Anyway, onward to more recent events, especially the political race. Those of you who know me closely know that I've never been one to pay attention to current events or political news closely. That is until now, I don't know what's gotten into me but I really can't pull myself away. If you don't know, I have become a big fan of Barack Obama has to say. For some reason he really resonates with me and I enjoy hearing him talk. He has some great things to say.
I know it's been awhile because I haven't even written about Super Tuesday. Scott and I decided to follow the coverage in the classiest way we knew how...drinking 40's of Mickey's Malt Liquor. Always a fine decision, and we would continue to pay for it the next day. Like I'm honestly ever going to grow up, even with political talk there's the presence of cheap liquor from Compton. Back to real events, on that night he lost a couple of the big states but won across the country, and to this point its still the last time that he lost. Barack has won 10 straight primaries and actually looks like he is now the favorite to become the Democratic representative for the Presidency. All I can say to this is Bravo, he has done a great job gaining faith of the American people, and I hope he can take his great words into the White House and give us the change that we can believe in. To continue taking his words, yes we can.
For those of you not interested in my political interest BS, we move on. The NBA trade deadline just passed and as many of you know, I am a huge supporter of the Association. I thought there were some HUGE deals that went down, really a lot bigger than the previous few years. I guess I'll give you my opinion on the trades.
One final note, on one of my favorite times of the year. Pitchers and Catchers reporting to Spring Training. I can not wait for the start of the season. I really like the makeup of my favorite team, although I think they could use some help at SS, but we'll see where it goes. You'll have my season projections by the end of Spring Training, don't worry.
And to close, let's toss out a tune that appeals to me in so many ways - Almost Cut My Hair by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young off of the Deja Vu album. Such a great song written by David Crosby about his hippie lifestyle among other things. I just felt like I owed it to someone to post that note. Check it out.
Starting off with big events, I journeyed to Wabash University for a concert of a band that I've liked since the first time I heard them, Third Eye Blind. Now, I was skeptical because they haven't put out a decent new song in about 8 years, but I still gave it a shot. Their self-titled album was so good that it could easily be recognized as one of the best of the '90s. My hope for the concert was that they would play a lot of their old stuff. Well they did not disappoint. Steven Jenkins came out rocking with Never Let You Go, off of the Blue album. They went on to play all their hits, played a 4 song encore and had me in a drunken daze of wonder and sweat. At one point the hair was flying around spraying perspiration around like I just got out of a pool. You can only imagine what I looked like at the end of the show. Let's just say I didn't appeal to many females.
After the show, Scott and Nick decided to stay with me at Wabash and have a great time with all our high school buddies from back in the day. The night was fantastic and I can't wait to do it again. And in all honesty, I have got to say that of the concerts I've been to, this ranked at least in the top 2 or 3 (discussion for another day), and possibly the best of all time. Absolutely great show, I can't say enough about it.
Anyway, onward to more recent events, especially the political race. Those of you who know me closely know that I've never been one to pay attention to current events or political news closely. That is until now, I don't know what's gotten into me but I really can't pull myself away. If you don't know, I have become a big fan of Barack Obama has to say. For some reason he really resonates with me and I enjoy hearing him talk. He has some great things to say.
I know it's been awhile because I haven't even written about Super Tuesday. Scott and I decided to follow the coverage in the classiest way we knew how...drinking 40's of Mickey's Malt Liquor. Always a fine decision, and we would continue to pay for it the next day. Like I'm honestly ever going to grow up, even with political talk there's the presence of cheap liquor from Compton. Back to real events, on that night he lost a couple of the big states but won across the country, and to this point its still the last time that he lost. Barack has won 10 straight primaries and actually looks like he is now the favorite to become the Democratic representative for the Presidency. All I can say to this is Bravo, he has done a great job gaining faith of the American people, and I hope he can take his great words into the White House and give us the change that we can believe in. To continue taking his words, yes we can.
For those of you not interested in my political interest BS, we move on. The NBA trade deadline just passed and as many of you know, I am a huge supporter of the Association. I thought there were some HUGE deals that went down, really a lot bigger than the previous few years. I guess I'll give you my opinion on the trades.
- Lakers acquire Pau Gasol for just about nothing. Anytime you can gain a 27 year old All-Star center for some expiring contracts and bad attitudes, I am going to say that you made a dominant trade. I really think that when Andrew Bynum gets back to game shape this is a Championship caliber team.
- Suns acquire Shaq for Shawn Marion and a horrendous contract. This trade is getting ripped on a lot since a lot of people don't think Shaq can run and gun with the Suns in the desert. Well, I tend to agree with them, I really don't think this is the move that is going to help them win a title down in Phoenix. The fit to me just isn't there. However, I will say that Shaq is going to be rejuvenated and I never would like to bet against a team that runs on Diesel fuel. I can't wait to see a Kobe Shaq meeting in the playoffs. Please make this happen.
- Of course, we've also got the big one that happened yesterday; the three-team deal sending the Cavs, Bulls and Sonics some new players. I think Big Ben and Z can be formidable down low, and then a 2nd line of Joe Smith and Andy Varaejo isn't too shabby either. I really like the deal for that reason first off. Second, you get the underrated Delonte West to run the point for you, I like it. Third, another gunner added in Wally World. I like this move. But also I like it from the Bulls standpoint. I've just got the feeling that Larry Hughes is going to thrive in Chicago. Definitely not living up to the contract he got, but if this guy gets to control the ball in the offense, he's going to make a positive impact. On top of that, the Bulls got a solid post scorer in Drew Gooden and can open up some more time for Ty Thomas' high flying act and Joakim Noah's hustle hour. Good deal all around.
- Hornets add bench depth. Solid trade, opens up a spot for Jannero Pargo with the departure of Livewire Bobby Jackson, and adds Bonzi Wells. That is the biggest part, Bonzi's ability to take smaller guards in the post is only going to add to Chris Paul droppin' a few more dimes a game.
- I also liked the addition of Kurt Thomas to the Spurs, giving them some bench depth. And rumor is they'll get Brent Barry back through waivers so it's even bigger.
One final note, on one of my favorite times of the year. Pitchers and Catchers reporting to Spring Training. I can not wait for the start of the season. I really like the makeup of my favorite team, although I think they could use some help at SS, but we'll see where it goes. You'll have my season projections by the end of Spring Training, don't worry.
And to close, let's toss out a tune that appeals to me in so many ways - Almost Cut My Hair by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young off of the Deja Vu album. Such a great song written by David Crosby about his hippie lifestyle among other things. I just felt like I owed it to someone to post that note. Check it out.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Random Cub Thoughts and Such
Hey all,
I realize I have been absolutely awful at updating my blog lately. With the semester starting, work has been piling up a bit. And to think that I was the one that used to always get mad at the people who didn't update their blog because of work or school.
Anyway, I've had a lot of thoughts lately about the Cubs, just gearing up and getting ready for Opening Day. And while that's on topic, pitchers and catchers report to camp in 22 days now, on Valentine's Day. Since the Cubs Convention just passed, I thought I'd leave you with a few thoughts.
1. I don't think any big deal is going to be worked out, even with rumors still flying about acquiring Eric Bedard and Brian Roberts.
2. If any deal is made, it'll be to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder (lots of people have been saying Marlon Byrd from the Rangers). With that acquisition, it basically moves Felix Pie into a platoon, which I honestly do not like. If he's your top prospect, you have got to let him prove himself, he has done everything he can in the minors. Now is his time.
3. The rotation is going to look like this: Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, Marquis, Lieber. Ryan Dempster, you'll get your shot at some point in the season. Same goes to you, Sean Marshall and Sean Gallagher. Seriously thinking that Rich Hill is going to have a real big year. Also, I really like Sean Gallagher, I think he can make a big impact on the team this year. I won't bother speculating with the lineup because Lou has posted his "If the season started today" lineup that can be found on Cubs.com, and the fact that it will change about 100 times over the course of the season.
4. As much as I love the way Ryan Theriot plays, if he does not start the season well, I realllllllly want to see Ronny Cedeno get a shot. He's a former high ranked prospect, and when the pressure was on last September he only went out and had tons of successful at bats for the big league squad, hitting .391 with an 1.113 OPS, albeit in limited at bats. Another guy with nothing left to prove in the minors. Plus, I don't mean to be mean, but Ryan Theriot is just not the starting shortstop on a championship team unless he makes some serious improvements on his game.
5. I love Geovany Soto. Period, this guy makes great contact with the ball, not to mention his ability to throw baserunners out at a rate that we haven't seen since Vietnam.
6. I realize there is no place on this team for Matt Murton, but don't sell low on him Jim. This guy is very talented and if put on the right team would make a perfect #2 hitter in an order. The guy flat out gets on base, and the power will develop to make him a 20 HR guy. The only way I really see him getting a lot of reps is with an injury or severe slump out of Pie, moving Fukudome to cover Center, or (gulp) an injury to Soriano.
7. I honestly like this team. Last year I picked them to closely miss the playoffs and I was almost right, but they gave me a great run and I couldn't have been happier in the regular season. This year I fully expect them to increase in wins...if that will be enough to win the division is still up in the air. You'll get those predictions sometime during Spring Training.
Well, now that I've wrote more words tonight than in the past 3 weeks, I'll wrap it up. But in the meantime, if you have the ability to go out and listen to a newish album, go out and listen to Cassadaga by Bright Eyes. Granted it's new in the terms of past 9 months. But upon re-listening again, I'm more blown away now than ever. Key song is definitely Four Winds.
Oh, one more note, go see Cloverfield. Real cool movie...and then get into the whole viral advertising they have online. Enjoy!
I realize I have been absolutely awful at updating my blog lately. With the semester starting, work has been piling up a bit. And to think that I was the one that used to always get mad at the people who didn't update their blog because of work or school.
Anyway, I've had a lot of thoughts lately about the Cubs, just gearing up and getting ready for Opening Day. And while that's on topic, pitchers and catchers report to camp in 22 days now, on Valentine's Day. Since the Cubs Convention just passed, I thought I'd leave you with a few thoughts.
1. I don't think any big deal is going to be worked out, even with rumors still flying about acquiring Eric Bedard and Brian Roberts.
2. If any deal is made, it'll be to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder (lots of people have been saying Marlon Byrd from the Rangers). With that acquisition, it basically moves Felix Pie into a platoon, which I honestly do not like. If he's your top prospect, you have got to let him prove himself, he has done everything he can in the minors. Now is his time.
3. The rotation is going to look like this: Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, Marquis, Lieber. Ryan Dempster, you'll get your shot at some point in the season. Same goes to you, Sean Marshall and Sean Gallagher. Seriously thinking that Rich Hill is going to have a real big year. Also, I really like Sean Gallagher, I think he can make a big impact on the team this year. I won't bother speculating with the lineup because Lou has posted his "If the season started today" lineup that can be found on Cubs.com, and the fact that it will change about 100 times over the course of the season.
4. As much as I love the way Ryan Theriot plays, if he does not start the season well, I realllllllly want to see Ronny Cedeno get a shot. He's a former high ranked prospect, and when the pressure was on last September he only went out and had tons of successful at bats for the big league squad, hitting .391 with an 1.113 OPS, albeit in limited at bats. Another guy with nothing left to prove in the minors. Plus, I don't mean to be mean, but Ryan Theriot is just not the starting shortstop on a championship team unless he makes some serious improvements on his game.
5. I love Geovany Soto. Period, this guy makes great contact with the ball, not to mention his ability to throw baserunners out at a rate that we haven't seen since Vietnam.
6. I realize there is no place on this team for Matt Murton, but don't sell low on him Jim. This guy is very talented and if put on the right team would make a perfect #2 hitter in an order. The guy flat out gets on base, and the power will develop to make him a 20 HR guy. The only way I really see him getting a lot of reps is with an injury or severe slump out of Pie, moving Fukudome to cover Center, or (gulp) an injury to Soriano.
7. I honestly like this team. Last year I picked them to closely miss the playoffs and I was almost right, but they gave me a great run and I couldn't have been happier in the regular season. This year I fully expect them to increase in wins...if that will be enough to win the division is still up in the air. You'll get those predictions sometime during Spring Training.
Well, now that I've wrote more words tonight than in the past 3 weeks, I'll wrap it up. But in the meantime, if you have the ability to go out and listen to a newish album, go out and listen to Cassadaga by Bright Eyes. Granted it's new in the terms of past 9 months. But upon re-listening again, I'm more blown away now than ever. Key song is definitely Four Winds.
Oh, one more note, go see Cloverfield. Real cool movie...and then get into the whole viral advertising they have online. Enjoy!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Moments of Terrible Decision Making
I'm not sure what I did last night can be classified as. It was truly one of the dumbest things I've ever done, no joke. You see, I've been doing quite well with my sports picks, and in the process making a little cash. So occasionally, I decide to play Blackjack and have a little fun and try and make a few bucks. Well, last night, I was up about $50, a little over $500 total, and I say to myself, "I should stop, call it a night." Well, I didn't do that, and after losing 8 straight hands where I raised my bets, I had effectively lost it all...all the way down to $1.98.
At this point I'm suicidal, thinking to myself that this is the dumbest shit I've ever done, blowing $500, but also saying to myself, somehow, someway I can come back. Well, after about 30 minutes of grinding it out, I magically made it all the way back to where I started, + $.50. Take a minute for that to set in...what in the hell was I thinking? Truly one of the dumbest and most amazing things I've ever done with money involved. I may honestly be the stupidest person in the country.
Oh, I almost forgot, to top that off, I came back down to school yesterday and happened to stop in a gas station on the way. I bought a drink and made some mention of my back hurting to the lady at the counter, and she passed me a bottle of unlabeled pills and told me they were Aleve. With absolutely no regard or thought, I took two, not even possibly expecting that I may have taken anything along the lines of rat poison, ecstasy, Viagra, etc; I mean, who knows. Everything ended up okay, but still I have enough evidence just yesterday to prove that I am seriously getting dumber and dumber as every day goes by.
At this point I'm suicidal, thinking to myself that this is the dumbest shit I've ever done, blowing $500, but also saying to myself, somehow, someway I can come back. Well, after about 30 minutes of grinding it out, I magically made it all the way back to where I started, + $.50. Take a minute for that to set in...what in the hell was I thinking? Truly one of the dumbest and most amazing things I've ever done with money involved. I may honestly be the stupidest person in the country.
Oh, I almost forgot, to top that off, I came back down to school yesterday and happened to stop in a gas station on the way. I bought a drink and made some mention of my back hurting to the lady at the counter, and she passed me a bottle of unlabeled pills and told me they were Aleve. With absolutely no regard or thought, I took two, not even possibly expecting that I may have taken anything along the lines of rat poison, ecstasy, Viagra, etc; I mean, who knows. Everything ended up okay, but still I have enough evidence just yesterday to prove that I am seriously getting dumber and dumber as every day goes by.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Back to School
Well, I finished up my winter break today. I'm headed back down to Bloomington tomorrow after the Arizona/Oregon game, hopefully the Cats can start Pac-10 season well. Over break I got offered my summer job again, and I decided to take it and work a few days a week to make money. Just wanted to let all those guys and gals at Bekan Insurance Group know that I enjoyed my time, since they do make up my entire group of readers at this point. But for now it's back down to start my second semester, and anyone who knows me knows that I am real fired up about it. We'll probably have a little bash down there with all the folks I haven't seen in awhile.
Anyway, thought I'd share a couple things that have kept me busy on Youtube during my work hours. Maybe someday you'll get a chance to see my favorite Youtube videos, since that's almost necessary for favorites lists these days. This first one is a spoof on the NBA's Where Amazing Happens commercials, which by the way has a piano being played like it should be by Carly Comando. The tune being played makes you feel like you're watching something epic, so if you enjoy, put it on your iPod and do a daily task and I'm sure you'll feel like you're saving the world. Here's another NBA spoof, this one done by Bill Simmons, who by the way writes some of the best stuff around over at espn.com. Now that we're off the NBA commercials kick, here's a link for the new season of LOST, and I must say it looks good. Between this show and the one I'm about to talk about, there's nothing better on TV. For those of you who have not yet started watching Heroes, here's a promo for the series pilot. Just remember, this is only for the pilot, it only gets better. I even went out and bought the Season One DVD for my mom and she's hooked now. My goal is to have everyone eventually watching this.
Finally, thought I'd mention I finally splurged and bought a Slingbox. I've been meaning to buy one of these things for a couple years now since they came out and I finally got myself to do it yesterday. This will effectively give me all the Cubs and Blackhawks games that are televised in the Chicago area but not in Bloomington, which over a two year period will save me more money then buying NHL Center Ice and MLB.TV. Looks like those guys should have a gripe over this soon huh? Just wait until spring when Bud Selig figures out where all his multimedia sales are going and watch the lawsuits follow.
That's it for today, guess I didn't have my writing juices working because this is obviously not funny or enjoyable. I'll try to top it sometime next week. 'Til then, enjoy life and jam to some tunes.
Anyway, thought I'd share a couple things that have kept me busy on Youtube during my work hours. Maybe someday you'll get a chance to see my favorite Youtube videos, since that's almost necessary for favorites lists these days. This first one is a spoof on the NBA's Where Amazing Happens commercials, which by the way has a piano being played like it should be by Carly Comando. The tune being played makes you feel like you're watching something epic, so if you enjoy, put it on your iPod and do a daily task and I'm sure you'll feel like you're saving the world. Here's another NBA spoof, this one done by Bill Simmons, who by the way writes some of the best stuff around over at espn.com. Now that we're off the NBA commercials kick, here's a link for the new season of LOST, and I must say it looks good. Between this show and the one I'm about to talk about, there's nothing better on TV. For those of you who have not yet started watching Heroes, here's a promo for the series pilot. Just remember, this is only for the pilot, it only gets better. I even went out and bought the Season One DVD for my mom and she's hooked now. My goal is to have everyone eventually watching this.
Finally, thought I'd mention I finally splurged and bought a Slingbox. I've been meaning to buy one of these things for a couple years now since they came out and I finally got myself to do it yesterday. This will effectively give me all the Cubs and Blackhawks games that are televised in the Chicago area but not in Bloomington, which over a two year period will save me more money then buying NHL Center Ice and MLB.TV. Looks like those guys should have a gripe over this soon huh? Just wait until spring when Bud Selig figures out where all his multimedia sales are going and watch the lawsuits follow.
That's it for today, guess I didn't have my writing juices working because this is obviously not funny or enjoyable. I'll try to top it sometime next week. 'Til then, enjoy life and jam to some tunes.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Opening Day
Loyal readers,
I just thought I'd introduce myself to my huge fanbase today to get things started. I'm a junior at Indiana University, majoring in Marketing, which to say kindly isn't the most of fun. Needless to say, I love college and will write about it frequently down our journey together. I am also a huge Chicago Cubs fan, and will also toss a few notes together about my thoughts on the team. The rest of this blog will be whatever comes to mind: good times and bad, my music choices, sports, TV/movies, and anything that may intrigue me at the time. So, hopefully this catches on and we have a little bit of fun along the way.
I just thought I'd introduce myself to my huge fanbase today to get things started. I'm a junior at Indiana University, majoring in Marketing, which to say kindly isn't the most of fun. Needless to say, I love college and will write about it frequently down our journey together. I am also a huge Chicago Cubs fan, and will also toss a few notes together about my thoughts on the team. The rest of this blog will be whatever comes to mind: good times and bad, my music choices, sports, TV/movies, and anything that may intrigue me at the time. So, hopefully this catches on and we have a little bit of fun along the way.
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