Wednesday, October 29, 2003
An interview with the Joe Schmoe creators. One of my favorite reality shows of all time. Maybe my favorite.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Well said, guys. The author asks if Elliott has perspective, which of course, Elliott didn't. And to suggest you can gain perspective just by, I don't know, thinking about your place in the first world is pretty silly. And it's especially silly when you consider he was MENTALLY UNSTABLE and ADDICTED TO DRUGS. Sorry dude, but you can't rationalize your way out of those problems. They're going to fuck up your "perspective" whether your in the first OR third world.
Anyhow, everyone should try to watch the season finale of Joe Schmoe on Spike TV tonight. I watched a good portion of the marathon on Sunday, and I think it was absolutely hilarious. And tonight's the big night when they let him in on the secret. (For those of you who don't know, the premise of this "reality" TV show is that everyone except one guy - Joe Schmoe - is an actor. He thinks they're all competing to win $100K, when really everyone else is reading off a script. It's really hilarious.)
Oh, and I now want to say the Hey Mercedes album is awesome.
Anyhow, everyone should try to watch the season finale of Joe Schmoe on Spike TV tonight. I watched a good portion of the marathon on Sunday, and I think it was absolutely hilarious. And tonight's the big night when they let him in on the secret. (For those of you who don't know, the premise of this "reality" TV show is that everyone except one guy - Joe Schmoe - is an actor. He thinks they're all competing to win $100K, when really everyone else is reading off a script. It's really hilarious.)
Oh, and I now want to say the Hey Mercedes album is awesome.
Saturday, October 25, 2003
So, I guess that when I feel a little down and depressed, all I need to do is create a better world for those less fortunate than me. When this "action" of mine takes place, the chemicals in my brain will say: "Nolan, you've done a good thing by helping to create an equal playing field for all humans on the planet. Feel good about yourself. All of your bad feelings are gone. You are now perfectly happy for the rest of your life."
Thursday, October 23, 2003
An interesting reaction to the Elliot Smith story from someone who apparently believes in free will.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
What a way to kill yourself.
Ethan, what exactly was disturbing about the show you saw? I don't think the pitchfork article did a very good job explaining it.
Ethan, what exactly was disturbing about the show you saw? I don't think the pitchfork article did a very good job explaining it.
Friday, October 17, 2003
I think there is a slight diffence in comparing the Wood and Pedro situations. I don't have statistics to back this up, but from personal observation the Red Sox bullpen had pitched much better than the Cubs throughout the postseason. Also, Wood had pitched a number of complete (or near complete) games this year, while Pedro had gone past the 7th only a few times this year. Pedro is not the Pedro of 3 or 4 years ago (another thing I hate to agree with the Fox announcers on). I hate the stinkin Yankees so bad, and especially Joe "Frankenstein" Torre. However, Torre did what he is paid to do. He went out in the 4th when Clemens was struggling, and he took him out. That one move was just as important to the outcome of the game as leaving Pedro in. And that's what a manager gets paid to do. Evaluate the situation, and then make moves to help the team win. Torre did it, and Little didn't.
Another thing about the Hey Mercedes album that bothers me somewhat is the way the vocals sound. I like records that don't have the overdubbed sound, but it seems at times as if weird vocal effects were used to beef up the songs. I agree that the first 4 songs all are good, and I also like track 10 alot.
Another thing about the Hey Mercedes album that bothers me somewhat is the way the vocals sound. I like records that don't have the overdubbed sound, but it seems at times as if weird vocal effects were used to beef up the songs. I agree that the first 4 songs all are good, and I also like track 10 alot.
I don't think Pedro should've even pitched in the 8th at all, but he definitely should have been taken out after the first sign of trouble. All Little had to do was look at how the bullpen had pitched throughout the entire playoffs (I think Timlin, Embree and Williamson had an ERA of under 2 for the playoffs). And just look at how the bullpen did after they took over after Pedro was allowed to let the Yankees tie the game at 5.
You're totally right. When Dana and I were watching the game last night, I said that I expected Little to leave him in, but that it would be a bad idea. That's what happens to managers (or anyone, I suppose) when they let the stupid concept of "clutch"ness override reason. Any objective observer could see that Pedro was losing it (same goes for Wood the other day, by the way), but you know Little thought that Pedro was a "winner", and he would get them through it whether he was tired or not. As much as I hate McCarver, he was right on last night when he said, "if you're not going to use Embree now, then when are you going to use him?" Just a shame. And the silly thing is that Little probably left Pedro in the game BECAUSE it was an important game, instead of IN SPITE of the game's gravity. That's a really silly way to make decisions, if you think about it.
I don't particularly like the Red Sox, but I was really disappointed last night. I have no interest in the series, except to see the Yankees lose. I'll probably watch it just the same.
I bought the new Hey Mercedes album this past week. I was obviously highly anticipating this record, and maybe that has something to do with my disappointment with it. I think it's fairly bland and uninteresting. There are a couple songs that are good, but most of the album reminds me more of Jimmy Eat World or Saves the Day than Braid or earlier Hey Mercedes material.
I think that's a good point, Nolan. It does sound like Jimmy Eat World (although, without the pretense, which can't be overlooked), in that it's more accessible than Hey Mercedes' typically over-the-top angularity. But I still like it. In fact, the first four songs are fabulous, in my view. I haven't heard enough of it to say it's better than their previous releases, but I do like it. And it's way better than most of the dreck the punky pop labels are releasing these days.
I know you probably wouldn't like the female lead vocals Joel (I think they are annoying at times), but the music is good.
Fair enough.
You're totally right. When Dana and I were watching the game last night, I said that I expected Little to leave him in, but that it would be a bad idea. That's what happens to managers (or anyone, I suppose) when they let the stupid concept of "clutch"ness override reason. Any objective observer could see that Pedro was losing it (same goes for Wood the other day, by the way), but you know Little thought that Pedro was a "winner", and he would get them through it whether he was tired or not. As much as I hate McCarver, he was right on last night when he said, "if you're not going to use Embree now, then when are you going to use him?" Just a shame. And the silly thing is that Little probably left Pedro in the game BECAUSE it was an important game, instead of IN SPITE of the game's gravity. That's a really silly way to make decisions, if you think about it.
I don't particularly like the Red Sox, but I was really disappointed last night. I have no interest in the series, except to see the Yankees lose. I'll probably watch it just the same.
I bought the new Hey Mercedes album this past week. I was obviously highly anticipating this record, and maybe that has something to do with my disappointment with it. I think it's fairly bland and uninteresting. There are a couple songs that are good, but most of the album reminds me more of Jimmy Eat World or Saves the Day than Braid or earlier Hey Mercedes material.
I think that's a good point, Nolan. It does sound like Jimmy Eat World (although, without the pretense, which can't be overlooked), in that it's more accessible than Hey Mercedes' typically over-the-top angularity. But I still like it. In fact, the first four songs are fabulous, in my view. I haven't heard enough of it to say it's better than their previous releases, but I do like it. And it's way better than most of the dreck the punky pop labels are releasing these days.
I know you probably wouldn't like the female lead vocals Joel (I think they are annoying at times), but the music is good.
Fair enough.
Marlins and Yankees. Can we all start to fall asleep in pure boredom? Now the short rant. Normally, I am of the belief that the importance of managers is overrated in all sports, but I think the Sox should fire Grady Little. I don't think Pedro should've even pitched in the 8th at all, but he definitely should have been taken out after the first sign of trouble. All Little had to do was look at how the bullpen had pitched throughout the entire playoffs (I think Timlin, Embree and Williamson had an ERA of under 2 for the playoffs). And just look at how the bullpen did after they took over after Pedro was allowed to let the Yankees tie the game at 5.
I bought the new Hey Mercedes album this past week. I was obviously highly anticipating this record, and maybe that has something to do with my disappointment with it. I think it's fairly bland and uninteresting. There are a couple songs that are good, but most of the album reminds me more of Jimmy Eat World or Saves the Day than Braid or earlier Hey Mercedes material. I've only listened to it 2 or 3 times, but I have a feeling my opinion won't be changed even after a few more listens. I do have a recommendation for a recent album though. The new Pretty Girls Make Graves (a kind of cool Kerouac reference by the way) on Matador is good. I know you probably wouldn't like the female lead vocals Joel (I think they are annoying at times), but the music is good.
I bought the new Hey Mercedes album this past week. I was obviously highly anticipating this record, and maybe that has something to do with my disappointment with it. I think it's fairly bland and uninteresting. There are a couple songs that are good, but most of the album reminds me more of Jimmy Eat World or Saves the Day than Braid or earlier Hey Mercedes material. I've only listened to it 2 or 3 times, but I have a feeling my opinion won't be changed even after a few more listens. I do have a recommendation for a recent album though. The new Pretty Girls Make Graves (a kind of cool Kerouac reference by the way) on Matador is good. I know you probably wouldn't like the female lead vocals Joel (I think they are annoying at times), but the music is good.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Re: Action Pact, the drummer actually didn't write any songs for this album. Like you said, that's a good thing. I'm glad there are at least two or three good songs ... I guess that's all I can really ask for. And because I can't find it any store, I guess I'll have to break down and buy it on-line (when I get a job).
Two other music questions: (1) Anyone buy the new Hey Mercedes? If so, let us know how it sounds. (2) Anyone know anything about The Jealous Sound?
As far as FOX goes, they're (almost) ruining the experience for me. They did a horrific job of covering Monday night's game. Did they even make note of the fact that Damian Jackson replaced Walker? I don't remember it. And even a cursory discussion of the bench at that point would have been helpful. (Same thing goes for the bullpen -- unless you had the Sox' bullpen memorized, you were clueless, Lyons and his idiot counterpart didn't tell you anything.) Oh, and stupidest comment of the decade goes to Lyons for suggesting that four years ago, when he had a 97 mph fastball, Pedro Martinez was a thrower, whereas now he's a pitcher. That comment is dumb for myriad reasons, not the least of which is that four years ago, in 1999, Pedro won the fucking CY YOUNG award. Steve Lyons is just a big cliche with no insight. Horrible.
Finally, another thing that bugs me about them is that they can't talk about anything that's not on the screen. I mean, I see Manny pointing toward the bench for the fifteenth time, but do you have to keep talking about it? What else do you got? (By the way, did I hear them talking about it AGAIN during the Cubs game last night?)
Two other music questions: (1) Anyone buy the new Hey Mercedes? If so, let us know how it sounds. (2) Anyone know anything about The Jealous Sound?
As far as FOX goes, they're (almost) ruining the experience for me. They did a horrific job of covering Monday night's game. Did they even make note of the fact that Damian Jackson replaced Walker? I don't remember it. And even a cursory discussion of the bench at that point would have been helpful. (Same thing goes for the bullpen -- unless you had the Sox' bullpen memorized, you were clueless, Lyons and his idiot counterpart didn't tell you anything.) Oh, and stupidest comment of the decade goes to Lyons for suggesting that four years ago, when he had a 97 mph fastball, Pedro Martinez was a thrower, whereas now he's a pitcher. That comment is dumb for myriad reasons, not the least of which is that four years ago, in 1999, Pedro won the fucking CY YOUNG award. Steve Lyons is just a big cliche with no insight. Horrible.
Finally, another thing that bugs me about them is that they can't talk about anything that's not on the screen. I mean, I see Manny pointing toward the bench for the fifteenth time, but do you have to keep talking about it? What else do you got? (By the way, did I hear them talking about it AGAIN during the Cubs game last night?)
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
I agree with your sentiment towards the Red Sox fans at that bar. However, the bigger issue is why in the hell Fox kept showing the place the entire game. I was talking to Adam last night about this. Fox Sports is just like Fox News. It can't just be news or sports, it has to be a professional wrestling match. I agree with the announcers that Manny was acting like an idiot by staring at his home run. But the stupid announcers wouldn't get off that point for the rest of the game. I would pay a small amount of money to have ESPN cover the rest of the playoffs. For Johnny Miller and Joe Morgan it's a baseball game, plain and simple. To Steve Lyons, Tim McCarver, and the rest of the morons at Fox it has become something they need to sell by using all sorts of crazy graphics and nonsensical jibberish.
Seeing those idiot Red Sox fans at Jillian's made me want them to lose.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Here are some websites I visit regularly:
Baseball Primer
On this site you can (1) discuss baseball articles from around the country with other knowledgable and critical baseball fans (see the Clutch Hits section), (2) participate in in game chats for any baseball game, and (3) read great analysis of anything baseball. Really a cool idea for a site that, I think, is suitable for all kinds of subjects.
Baseball Prospectus
Best baseball analysis on the web. Period.
Spinsanity
Fact checks all kinds of pundits, from Bill O'Reilly, to Robert Novak, to Michael Moore. Indispensible these days.
Cleveland Indians Report
Daily report on the doings of the American League Baseball Club of Cleveland. A blog compiled by a regular Joe, it's way, way, waaaaaay better than either of the two print publications (Plain Dealer and Beacon Journal).
Lost at Sea
Album reviews, music news, cultural critiques.
Pitchfork
Album reviews, music news, cultural critiques.
Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Really just the sports sections.
Eschaton
Constantly updated, left-wing political news and commentary.
Guardian Unlimited
A great place get some real news.
Rob Neyer
I love reading Rob Neyer. He's one of the few sports-writers with intellectual integrity and accountability. He approaches baseball with a statistical, researched-based viewpoint. It's changed the way I look at my favorite sport (and a lot of things, really).
And he's a damn good writer.
Baseball Primer
On this site you can (1) discuss baseball articles from around the country with other knowledgable and critical baseball fans (see the Clutch Hits section), (2) participate in in game chats for any baseball game, and (3) read great analysis of anything baseball. Really a cool idea for a site that, I think, is suitable for all kinds of subjects.
Baseball Prospectus
Best baseball analysis on the web. Period.
Spinsanity
Fact checks all kinds of pundits, from Bill O'Reilly, to Robert Novak, to Michael Moore. Indispensible these days.
Cleveland Indians Report
Daily report on the doings of the American League Baseball Club of Cleveland. A blog compiled by a regular Joe, it's way, way, waaaaaay better than either of the two print publications (Plain Dealer and Beacon Journal).
Lost at Sea
Album reviews, music news, cultural critiques.
Pitchfork
Album reviews, music news, cultural critiques.
Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Really just the sports sections.
Eschaton
Constantly updated, left-wing political news and commentary.
Guardian Unlimited
A great place get some real news.
Rob Neyer
I love reading Rob Neyer. He's one of the few sports-writers with intellectual integrity and accountability. He approaches baseball with a statistical, researched-based viewpoint. It's changed the way I look at my favorite sport (and a lot of things, really).
And he's a damn good writer.
