I'm planning to write a comprehensive graduation post sometime this week. But for right now I wanted to quickly address a few things:
First, uber-thanks to Ian, Justin, Brantley, et. al for a tremendous graduation party. After three days of graduation rituals (which included a black suit in 96 deg. heat), a kick-ass party was exactly how I wanted my law school career to close out. Seems like everyone had a great time.
(The OC spoiler alert)
Second, Marissa Cooper was killed in the season finale of the OC which leads me to believe that the OC is dangerously close to jumping the shark (if it hasn't already) and probably has about a season left before it becomes a drag on the network.
Third, Grey's Anatomy is moving to Thursday night and will directly compete with Aaron Sorkin's new dramedy, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which seems to be one of the most anticipated new shows of the fall. Both will compete with Thursday night primetime champion CSI. Thank god for TiVo.
Fourth, I love baseball. I categorize people based on baseball. Some people are pitchers. Some are designated hitters. Some are catchers. Some are closers. I'm a pitcher person in a lot of ways, but mainly because I can appreciate the beauty of a pitchers dual. Some people can't like baseball unless its a 7-6 game. I think baseball is at its highest when its a 1-0 game. That being said, I have a tremendous amount of respect for great pitchers, more so than great batters. Orel Hershiser was my first sports idol, Sandy Koufax my second. Along the way hurlers like Roy Oswalt, Dontrelle Willis and of course Roger Clemens have been added to my own personal pitching hall of fame -- a personal fraternity of sports figures who's stories of greatness and dominance I will pass down to the next generations of Sinkersinthedirt.
For the last several years, I've closely follow the career of Catherine Leigh Osterman. Since arriving at the University of Texas, she has become the most dominant pitcher in the history of the sport. While I don't admit to have watched many softball games, I do confess to having watched many of Cat's pitching performances. Yesterday, in her quest to win the only trophy that has eluded her -- the National Championship, Cat (pitching for the third straight day) struck out 18 batters and allowed one hit to advance the Longhorns into the super-regional tournament where they will host the 14th ranked Washington Huskies. Most impressive: in her three days of pitching in the first round, Osterman pitched 21 shutout innings, struck out 52 batters, and threw 73% of her 301 pitches for strikes. She's also a lefty, wears my favorite number, and is tall & beautiful. When she leaves Texas, no matter whether she wins her national championship or not, Cat will be one of the two greatest pitchers in the history of the university.
All is done, things have come full circle. Congrats to all the grads. To all those traveling, may you do so safely. To all those studying for the bar, hahahah....(I don't be laughing in the winter so I figured I'd do it while I can).
Monday, May 22, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Bartlett For America
Is it apropos that law school and Westwing ended within 24 hours of eachother?
School is done, the rigor mortis of reality is setting in, and the job hunting is yet to begin...it should be a very interesting summer. Thankfully I'm not taking the bar this summer. As one of my good friends put it, we should probably take the bar after our first year.
Anyways, new 7-min preview for what will be my most anticipated movie of the summer (DLP at Highland 10 foe-sheezy):
The Astros' youth is catching up with them. After a honeymoon period with pitchers Wandy Rodriguez, Taylor Buchholz, an Fernando Nieves and an ailing Lance Berkman, the Astros have proceeded to get slaughtered in their last two game. On the bright side, relief pitcher Russ Springer tried his damndest to hit Barry Bonds, got thrown out, and a received a standing ovation. Also Brad Lidge finally got his shit figured out. Turns out he was tipping his pitches which forced him to locate his fastball. After over compensating, it looks like he finally has people chasing his slider again. Thank God.
School is done, the rigor mortis of reality is setting in, and the job hunting is yet to begin...it should be a very interesting summer. Thankfully I'm not taking the bar this summer. As one of my good friends put it, we should probably take the bar after our first year.
Anyways, new 7-min preview for what will be my most anticipated movie of the summer (DLP at Highland 10 foe-sheezy):
The Astros' youth is catching up with them. After a honeymoon period with pitchers Wandy Rodriguez, Taylor Buchholz, an Fernando Nieves and an ailing Lance Berkman, the Astros have proceeded to get slaughtered in their last two game. On the bright side, relief pitcher Russ Springer tried his damndest to hit Barry Bonds, got thrown out, and a received a standing ovation. Also Brad Lidge finally got his shit figured out. Turns out he was tipping his pitches which forced him to locate his fastball. After over compensating, it looks like he finally has people chasing his slider again. Thank God.
Monday, May 08, 2006
The Music Of Finals
In 5 days I will face one of those "first day's of the rest of your life" experiences. I will have no loan money to lean on, no job lined up, no classes to think about, but still a lot of stuff to do. I originally went to law school because the job market was bad and I had no clue what I wanted to do. Three years later, the job market is in better shape, and I have an inkling of what will drive me (and ideally my bank account). But I can't say that I'm wholly embracing the thought of actually facing the real world. The first thing I'll be doing next Monday is drafting incorporation papers. So I'm pretty much plunging right in.
Between now and then I have a final to study for, which inevitably means procrastinating. Tonight’s topic of digression, finals music.
Wolfmother.
Saw these guys at SXSW and last night at the Parish. I was well into a rolling drunkeness when I saw 'em at SXSW, so I was particularly interested in measuring how much actual musical talent the band actually had. The music they play is far from rocket science - a few dancing riffs over blues power chords. The way I see it, any band (and I mean any) can make one decent album. But longevity requires some serious musical talent.
Wolfmother lead guitarist Andrew Stockdale is clearly the bands musical weak link. But, drummer Myles Heskett and bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross have some serious musical chops. Stockdale can't breakout unique and spontaneous lead riffs, but he recognizes that to really entertain the crowd he's got to do more than regurgitate what’s delivered on the album. From that prospective, the man is a genuine show man. His 'fro only adds to the intrinsic rocker-ness he brings to the stage. With a little luck and spiraling ego, Stockdale could become a serious rock star.
The show in general was good. The red flotilla of Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling at the Parish were distracting, and the sound started off a little low. But once the band cranked up their amps, they got the rock out. They are a light show away from being a seriously kick ass band to watch live. Would really like to see them at a packed La Zona Rosa next time through town.
Gnarls Barkley.
The duo of DJ Danger Mouse and rapper Cee-Lo create some fresh and unique tracks in their first album "St. Elsewhere" (which has already reached the top of the charts in the UK). Aside from their clear musical talents, these guys have a serious sense of humor. Check out their pictures on their myspace page (linked above). Hoping to the high heavens that they end up on the ACL list (which will officially be released) this Thursday.)
Bruce Springsteen & Pete Seeger
I'm not a big Bruce Springsteen fan. I recognize his impact and talent and whatnot, but I've just never been able to be utterly wowed by him like some of my compatriots. The Seeger sessions haven't done anything to officially change my mind, but I'm definately starting to warm to idea of reevaluating my position.
Sessions basically uses Springsteen raspy, blue collar voice as the mouth piece for a beautiful collection of Americana. Springsteen had no hand in writing any of the 13 songs and is accompanied by 11 talented musicians and a handful of back up singers. The album is precisely produced and crisp to the very end. I can tell this one is gonna get a lot of summertime play in my neck of the woods.
Other things on rotation:
The Pizza Tapes, Treasury of Bluegrass, Best of Otis Redding
Ok, can't procrastinate forever.
Between now and then I have a final to study for, which inevitably means procrastinating. Tonight’s topic of digression, finals music.
Wolfmother.
Saw these guys at SXSW and last night at the Parish. I was well into a rolling drunkeness when I saw 'em at SXSW, so I was particularly interested in measuring how much actual musical talent the band actually had. The music they play is far from rocket science - a few dancing riffs over blues power chords. The way I see it, any band (and I mean any) can make one decent album. But longevity requires some serious musical talent.
Wolfmother lead guitarist Andrew Stockdale is clearly the bands musical weak link. But, drummer Myles Heskett and bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross have some serious musical chops. Stockdale can't breakout unique and spontaneous lead riffs, but he recognizes that to really entertain the crowd he's got to do more than regurgitate what’s delivered on the album. From that prospective, the man is a genuine show man. His 'fro only adds to the intrinsic rocker-ness he brings to the stage. With a little luck and spiraling ego, Stockdale could become a serious rock star.
The show in general was good. The red flotilla of Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling at the Parish were distracting, and the sound started off a little low. But once the band cranked up their amps, they got the rock out. They are a light show away from being a seriously kick ass band to watch live. Would really like to see them at a packed La Zona Rosa next time through town.
Gnarls Barkley.
The duo of DJ Danger Mouse and rapper Cee-Lo create some fresh and unique tracks in their first album "St. Elsewhere" (which has already reached the top of the charts in the UK). Aside from their clear musical talents, these guys have a serious sense of humor. Check out their pictures on their myspace page (linked above). Hoping to the high heavens that they end up on the ACL list (which will officially be released) this Thursday.)
Bruce Springsteen & Pete Seeger
I'm not a big Bruce Springsteen fan. I recognize his impact and talent and whatnot, but I've just never been able to be utterly wowed by him like some of my compatriots. The Seeger sessions haven't done anything to officially change my mind, but I'm definately starting to warm to idea of reevaluating my position.
Sessions basically uses Springsteen raspy, blue collar voice as the mouth piece for a beautiful collection of Americana. Springsteen had no hand in writing any of the 13 songs and is accompanied by 11 talented musicians and a handful of back up singers. The album is precisely produced and crisp to the very end. I can tell this one is gonna get a lot of summertime play in my neck of the woods.
Other things on rotation:
The Pizza Tapes, Treasury of Bluegrass, Best of Otis Redding
Ok, can't procrastinate forever.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Luck and a Burrito
"The man who said 'I'd rather be lucky than good' saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependant on luck. It's scary to think so much is out of one's control..."
-Woody Allen, Match Point
Part of what I love most about the game of baseball is that it ultimately comes down to luck. You can spend $200M on your payroll, you can have the winningest record in the league. But if you want to win the World Series you need a little bit of luck. Luck can turn into momentum, and then into confidence, which ultimately, with a little bit of bad luck, comes cycling back to its starting point.
That circular pattern leaves its marks everywhere in this world. Whether it be the ying-yang, the aztec calendar, or the calendar year; history repeats itself: its a cliche for a reason.
So when everything is tallied up at the end, you'll have had your good days and you'll have had your bad. But only a few things will be important in the long run, and those are the things you can control.
Now, what those things are is entirely up to you.
Completely different subject
To illustrate how effective marketing can be: When I was an undergrad. One of the first few Chipotle Burritos stores opened up near campus. I had just gotten a hair cut and happened by when the manager stopped me and gave me a card for a free burrito. I mention I have a tight group of friends and they'd love a burrito so he gives me about 100.
This made me a very popular man. Women were throwing themselves at me for a burrito (ok, maybe not, but the hyperbole helps draw out the justaposition of tone between the previous paragraphs and this one).
Chipotle became the spot for cheap, filling food. For the mizserly you had two meals in one. For the jock the two burrito (and a bottle of tabasco) challenge -- needless to say, that last one was rarely attempted and I personally never witnessed a success.
At any rate, by the time I graduated I would still run into people who visted Chipotle on a weekly basis and remembered the first time they tried a Chipotle burrito...this weekend (and week) Chipotle (yes, I know it's owned by McDonald's) is trying to use integrity (love the irony) as the foundation of its marketing campaign and giving away free burritos (once again, Democrats are beat to the punch). So if you've been patient enough to read to the bottom of this post while studying for finals on Sunday, you might get a free burrito out of the whole thing. Glass half full, that's something you can control.
One final left. Shoutout to my favorite law peeps and their throw-caution-to-the wind Margarita addictions!
Endnote: Wolfmother, tomorrow.
-Woody Allen, Match Point
Part of what I love most about the game of baseball is that it ultimately comes down to luck. You can spend $200M on your payroll, you can have the winningest record in the league. But if you want to win the World Series you need a little bit of luck. Luck can turn into momentum, and then into confidence, which ultimately, with a little bit of bad luck, comes cycling back to its starting point.
That circular pattern leaves its marks everywhere in this world. Whether it be the ying-yang, the aztec calendar, or the calendar year; history repeats itself: its a cliche for a reason.
So when everything is tallied up at the end, you'll have had your good days and you'll have had your bad. But only a few things will be important in the long run, and those are the things you can control.
Now, what those things are is entirely up to you.
Completely different subject
To illustrate how effective marketing can be: When I was an undergrad. One of the first few Chipotle Burritos stores opened up near campus. I had just gotten a hair cut and happened by when the manager stopped me and gave me a card for a free burrito. I mention I have a tight group of friends and they'd love a burrito so he gives me about 100.
This made me a very popular man. Women were throwing themselves at me for a burrito (ok, maybe not, but the hyperbole helps draw out the justaposition of tone between the previous paragraphs and this one).
Chipotle became the spot for cheap, filling food. For the mizserly you had two meals in one. For the jock the two burrito (and a bottle of tabasco) challenge -- needless to say, that last one was rarely attempted and I personally never witnessed a success.
At any rate, by the time I graduated I would still run into people who visted Chipotle on a weekly basis and remembered the first time they tried a Chipotle burrito...this weekend (and week) Chipotle (yes, I know it's owned by McDonald's) is trying to use integrity (love the irony) as the foundation of its marketing campaign and giving away free burritos (once again, Democrats are beat to the punch). So if you've been patient enough to read to the bottom of this post while studying for finals on Sunday, you might get a free burrito out of the whole thing. Glass half full, that's something you can control.
One final left. Shoutout to my favorite law peeps and their throw-caution-to-the wind Margarita addictions!
Endnote: Wolfmother, tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Rumor Mill
Heard a rumor from some reliable and connected sources that the Grand Jury will hand down an indictment for Karl Rove on Thursday or Friday.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Kevin Costner = Old Dirty Bastard (who can't act)
When I was an undergrad, one of my former roommates was a minor league baseball player. He only lived with us during the offseason and worked at a bouncer at a local bar when he was in town. Often, during nights of extreme intoxication and typical collegiate hijinks, said roommate would entertain us academics with stories from outside the diamond.
One of my favorites was the story of Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Costner. As the story goes, Ripken was running through the standard pre-game routine. Something he'd done about 2,400 times by this point. He was just a few hundred games short of one of the most prestigious records in baseball: Lou Gehrig's Ironman record for consecutive games played. After taking his first cycle of batting practice, Ripken was notified by a neighbor that some strange man had just stopped by the house to visit his wife. Suspicious, Ripken notified his manager of the situation, immediately he jumped in his car, and sped to his house 45min away in a cozy little Baltimore suburb.
In a panic, the Orioles organization begins to stall and delay the game by thrusting the the singing of America the Beautiful and the Canadian national anthem on that evenings Star Spangeled Banner performer in order to ensure that Ripken is back in time for the games start.
When Ripken gets to his home he finds his wife in the arms of none other than Kevin Costner. Ripken proceeds to beat the living shit out of Costner, gets back in his car, and speeds back to the stadium to start the game (which ended up being delayed by about 30 min).
Now how much of this is actually true or not is up for debate. But either way, it was always fun to hear my friend tell it (he also had a great one about Mike Piazza and Alyssa Milano).
At any rate, saw this article about Costner today and figured it only made the Ripken story all the more feasible.
...On his fucking honeymoon! What a dirty bastard.
Good luck to everyone during finals. If anyone has Wellborn evidence tips/outlines, I'm willing to barter.
One of my favorites was the story of Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Costner. As the story goes, Ripken was running through the standard pre-game routine. Something he'd done about 2,400 times by this point. He was just a few hundred games short of one of the most prestigious records in baseball: Lou Gehrig's Ironman record for consecutive games played. After taking his first cycle of batting practice, Ripken was notified by a neighbor that some strange man had just stopped by the house to visit his wife. Suspicious, Ripken notified his manager of the situation, immediately he jumped in his car, and sped to his house 45min away in a cozy little Baltimore suburb.
In a panic, the Orioles organization begins to stall and delay the game by thrusting the the singing of America the Beautiful and the Canadian national anthem on that evenings Star Spangeled Banner performer in order to ensure that Ripken is back in time for the games start.
When Ripken gets to his home he finds his wife in the arms of none other than Kevin Costner. Ripken proceeds to beat the living shit out of Costner, gets back in his car, and speeds back to the stadium to start the game (which ended up being delayed by about 30 min).
Now how much of this is actually true or not is up for debate. But either way, it was always fun to hear my friend tell it (he also had a great one about Mike Piazza and Alyssa Milano).
At any rate, saw this article about Costner today and figured it only made the Ripken story all the more feasible.
...On his fucking honeymoon! What a dirty bastard.
Good luck to everyone during finals. If anyone has Wellborn evidence tips/outlines, I'm willing to barter.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
The Half Your Age +7 Rule
So I'm in Pac-10 Country right now rubbing shoulders with suits managing billion dollar VC portfolios in hopes that someone will throw me some cash so I can be my own boss and not have to give in (er..at least as much) to The Man.
While mingling I've learned some very interesting things. First and foremost is the "half your age +7" rule which states that men are not allowed to date women who are younger than half their age plus seven. So if your a 50 year old silver fox, any lady friends under the age of 32 offically qualifies you as sketchy. Good to know...
Alright, so I'm way too tired and stressed to tell you more so here is some shit to read:
1.) I endorse this as my stance on the War in Iraq
2.) Texans should take Bush, but Young is so damn tempting.
3.) An impressive, but sexually graphic Simpson's impression. (not quite as good as lion porn)
While mingling I've learned some very interesting things. First and foremost is the "half your age +7" rule which states that men are not allowed to date women who are younger than half their age plus seven. So if your a 50 year old silver fox, any lady friends under the age of 32 offically qualifies you as sketchy. Good to know...
Alright, so I'm way too tired and stressed to tell you more so here is some shit to read:
1.) I endorse this as my stance on the War in Iraq
2.) Texans should take Bush, but Young is so damn tempting.
3.) An impressive, but sexually graphic Simpson's impression. (not quite as good as lion porn)
Monday, April 10, 2006
Fitting Finish
So as I spend my sober waking life working on my Campaign project, its only fitting that the Westwing comes to its election conclusion. Still two or three episodes remain. Tonight's episode included a nice rendition of "Deep In The Heart Of Texas" and a "Hook 'Em Horns" as Matt Santos won his crucial home state. But I won't spoil the ending. Instead drudge did that by spoiling the result of the election in his linked headline regarding this NYT article approx. 45 min before air time. The article is a spoiler as well, you've been warned.
Also, while doing what I like to call "rabbit hole research" I found this Washington Post article on The Music Caucus. What would the 500 most influential onion makers in Washington listen to if they were stranded on an island? Click Here.
Astro's are swinging the bat, Rocket's are heading for the lottery (pass the crow), and the Texan's are salivating about Reggie Bush.
Music keeping me going during hell week: American Edit, DSO, new Ghostface Killah, and Allman Brothers bootlegs.
Also, while doing what I like to call "rabbit hole research" I found this Washington Post article on The Music Caucus. What would the 500 most influential onion makers in Washington listen to if they were stranded on an island? Click Here.
Astro's are swinging the bat, Rocket's are heading for the lottery (pass the crow), and the Texan's are salivating about Reggie Bush.
Music keeping me going during hell week: American Edit, DSO, new Ghostface Killah, and Allman Brothers bootlegs.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Country Music and Drunk Driving...a Lethal Combo
I really just don't want to do any work, so I surf and find shit like this.
Joe Jamail Gets 'Er Done
So I've heard dones of stories about Joe Jamail. I heard he took the bar as a 2L, studied the night before, passed by one point, and was quoted as saying he studied too hard 'cause he had a point to spare. It is for this reason that Joe Jamail's name is on everything around campus. It won't belong before we are all alums of the "Joe Jamail's University of Texas."
At any rate, Joe is old school. No fancy google searching to find information. No video conferencing. And no email. Today, old school meets the internet age. I present you with Joe Jamail does Deposition:
I love this YouTube embedding shit.
At any rate, Joe is old school. No fancy google searching to find information. No video conferencing. And no email. Today, old school meets the internet age. I present you with Joe Jamail does Deposition:
I love this YouTube embedding shit.
Monday, April 03, 2006
As The World Turns
Man its been a while. Sorry for the hiatus.
First things first. I owe an apology to Divisadero for underestimating his UCLA Bruins and the Pac-10. Tomorrow my shirt will read, "I eat crow and like it." I, however, will not be watching tomorrow's championship game. Both Final 4 games on Saturday night sucked harder than "Dumb and Dumberer." I've already moved on to next years college football season (Spring Game was this weekend) and...most importantly BASEBALL!!!
Tomorrow (actually later today), I will wake up to watch the Texas Rangers take on the Boston RedSox and take part in my "main" fantasy draft (an annual tradition, only this year no class on monday so I don't have to skip anything). Several players I'm anchoring this seasons fantasy fortunes on:
1.) Jonny Gomes -- OF --TB
2.) Ervin Sanatna -- SP -- LAA
3.) Curtis Granderson -- OF -- DET
4.) Jorge Cantu -- 2B/3B -- TB
Tampa Bay has a whole-lot-o-offense this season. They'll be buried down at the bottom of their division thanks to their pitching, but they'll be hitting this season.
As for the Astros: After last season the offense can't get worse. The addition of Preston Wilson and a full season of Lance Berkman bodes well for an improved offensive campaign this season. Unfortunately, after last season, the pitching can only get worse. With Clemens in limbo/retirement, the pitching staff has a solid foundation with Pettite and staff Ace Roy Oswalt. Backe makes a decent 3, but the 4 and 5 spots are gonna be a carosel (Wandy-Rod starting @ the 4 and probably Bucholtz, Hernandez, or Estacio getting the 5 to start) until someone breaks through. If Pettite or Oswalt get injured and the offense isn't markedly improved, it could be a long season with the Brewers being the next best team in the division (The Cards are far and away the best on paper in the central).
Alright, I've got mad group projects and meetings. I'm logging rediculous hours now, hence the 4:15AM posting (what time is it???). It'll be a while 'til I post again...unless I start going insane (wholly in the realm of possibilities)
Ok, final notes:
First things first. I owe an apology to Divisadero for underestimating his UCLA Bruins and the Pac-10. Tomorrow my shirt will read, "I eat crow and like it." I, however, will not be watching tomorrow's championship game. Both Final 4 games on Saturday night sucked harder than "Dumb and Dumberer." I've already moved on to next years college football season (Spring Game was this weekend) and...most importantly BASEBALL!!!
Tomorrow (actually later today), I will wake up to watch the Texas Rangers take on the Boston RedSox and take part in my "main" fantasy draft (an annual tradition, only this year no class on monday so I don't have to skip anything). Several players I'm anchoring this seasons fantasy fortunes on:
1.) Jonny Gomes -- OF --TB
2.) Ervin Sanatna -- SP -- LAA
3.) Curtis Granderson -- OF -- DET
4.) Jorge Cantu -- 2B/3B -- TB
Tampa Bay has a whole-lot-o-offense this season. They'll be buried down at the bottom of their division thanks to their pitching, but they'll be hitting this season.
As for the Astros: After last season the offense can't get worse. The addition of Preston Wilson and a full season of Lance Berkman bodes well for an improved offensive campaign this season. Unfortunately, after last season, the pitching can only get worse. With Clemens in limbo/retirement, the pitching staff has a solid foundation with Pettite and staff Ace Roy Oswalt. Backe makes a decent 3, but the 4 and 5 spots are gonna be a carosel (Wandy-Rod starting @ the 4 and probably Bucholtz, Hernandez, or Estacio getting the 5 to start) until someone breaks through. If Pettite or Oswalt get injured and the offense isn't markedly improved, it could be a long season with the Brewers being the next best team in the division (The Cards are far and away the best on paper in the central).
Alright, I've got mad group projects and meetings. I'm logging rediculous hours now, hence the 4:15AM posting (what time is it???). It'll be a while 'til I post again...unless I start going insane (wholly in the realm of possibilities)
Ok, final notes:
- See V For Vendetta
- New Ghostface Killah is fantastic
- The tonight's Westwing and Grey's Anatomy were fantastic.
Monday, March 20, 2006
SXSW in sum
I woke up this morning on a friends couch, a small piece of my soul left somewhere between La Zona Rosa and Club DeVille.
Take the dog out, buy $10 worth of Gatorade, and get back in time to watch Bradley beat Pitt (my bracket now completely depends on whether Texas wins or not, thanks to Kansas and Nevada, who decided to come to SXSW instead of showing up to play).
Slowly people start to trickle in who I vaguely remember meeting the night before. They are in the same boat as me. Some fat is chewed and inevitably the conversations turns to who did you hear last night? (Digger Phelps just picked Texas to beat Duke, I'm fucked).
So today this particular friend of a friend and I start talking about how organic an experience SXSW can be. I think he aptly described it as "herding cats."
In Sum:
Bands I liked that I never heard of coming in: Wolfmother, Jose Gonzalez, The Slip
Bands That Rocked you in the Face: Wolfmother, Rock 'n Roll Soldiers
Ready To Blowup: Amos Lee, Sia, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Non-SXSW band that took me by surprise: Exit Clov
Now...3 days of huge quantities of cranberry juice, water, and non fried foods, 5 meetings, and tons of school work before the basketball games get started back up.
P.s. thank God for Thunderstorms.
Take the dog out, buy $10 worth of Gatorade, and get back in time to watch Bradley beat Pitt (my bracket now completely depends on whether Texas wins or not, thanks to Kansas and Nevada, who decided to come to SXSW instead of showing up to play).
Slowly people start to trickle in who I vaguely remember meeting the night before. They are in the same boat as me. Some fat is chewed and inevitably the conversations turns to who did you hear last night? (Digger Phelps just picked Texas to beat Duke, I'm fucked).
So today this particular friend of a friend and I start talking about how organic an experience SXSW can be. I think he aptly described it as "herding cats."
In Sum:
Bands I liked that I never heard of coming in: Wolfmother, Jose Gonzalez, The Slip
Bands That Rocked you in the Face: Wolfmother, Rock 'n Roll Soldiers
Ready To Blowup: Amos Lee, Sia, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Non-SXSW band that took me by surprise: Exit Clov
Now...3 days of huge quantities of cranberry juice, water, and non fried foods, 5 meetings, and tons of school work before the basketball games get started back up.
P.s. thank God for Thunderstorms.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
SWXW
So tonite I saw Norah Jones @ the Amos Lee showcase and Elijah Wood @ the Wolfmother show. Good times.
Final four picks:
1.) Texas
2.) Kansas
3.) UConn
4.) Nevada
Could be the booze talking.
Final four picks:
1.) Texas
2.) Kansas
3.) UConn
4.) Nevada
Could be the booze talking.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Weddings are for the Offseason
I heard through the blog-o-sphere that everyones favorite conservative voice got engaged. Congrats to Patrick and his patient fiance! Remember Patrick, everything you need to know about marriage (or life in general) can be learned from baseball. Than being said, be sure to plan the wedding around the playoffs and the World Series.
On a side note, Paula Z will have a special on the Hell's Angels v. Heaven's Devils funeral battles, tonight at 7PM on CNN.
On a side note, Paula Z will have a special on the Hell's Angels v. Heaven's Devils funeral battles, tonight at 7PM on CNN.
Friday, March 03, 2006
The Weekend
Lots of good stuff to talk about.
First, Ruth and Antonin's 1st annual Jammie awards was fantastic. I saw Emily Kadens had a print out of her award hanging outside her office. I wonder if Cohen did the same?
Second,
Dude, I’m gonna be in the recording studio working on a demo CD all weekend so I won’t be able to see the Assault and Flattery show this weekend. Typically I wouldn’t be torn about this, but a Big Lebowski parody should never be missed. I’m really sorry I’m not gonna get to watch it. If anyone pirates a copy of the show, please let me know. Good luck to everyone I know in the show!
[Oh Yeah Update]: Jon Stewart is the shit.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Steven Hawking On College Basketball
I watched the first two episodes of Steven Hawking's Universe on DVD this weekend which really got me thinking about religion again. I'm gonna wait 'til I finish the series before I say anything else on that topic. Strangely enough, my segway into the next months worth of stuff to talk about starts with another man in a wheelchair.
Tonight I watched the paraplegic mayor of Vancover, BC wave the Canadian flag the 8 times traditionally required to pass the Olympic torch from this years host to the 2010 host, officially signaling the end of the games...thankfully. Sam Sullivan was paralyzed in a skiing accident when he was 19. He joked that Canada ought not send their worst skier to represent them in Torino. You gotta have mad respect for a good sense of humor (as I learned this weekend). The close of the Olympics had Germany beating the USA, in the medal count, by 4 of those CD looking things. Canada was still 2nd, 2nd best. More importantly, the end of this ancient exhibition of courage, endurance, and "sisu" (and Ad revenue) means Spring Training and March Madness are upon us.
Aside from this weekend's 3-day bender (*wink*), I've been studying up a storm in anticipation of the counless hours of bracket breakdowns and spring reports I'll sift through in the coming month(s). See, this is what education's all about. Two years ago, I never would thought about studying ahead, one year ago I woulda thought about it and never done it, this year -- boo-ya-ka-sha! done and done.
Early predictions (i.e. before fact finding and observations): Astros win the World Series, Longhorns win the Tourney. Just a guess.
Oh yeah, and Congrats to the Collective 3L Class for the 1st annual Jammie in Attendance. I know I, and many others like me, worked hard not to go to class. Special thanks to Ruth and Antonin for hosting.
Tonight I watched the paraplegic mayor of Vancover, BC wave the Canadian flag the 8 times traditionally required to pass the Olympic torch from this years host to the 2010 host, officially signaling the end of the games...thankfully. Sam Sullivan was paralyzed in a skiing accident when he was 19. He joked that Canada ought not send their worst skier to represent them in Torino. You gotta have mad respect for a good sense of humor (as I learned this weekend). The close of the Olympics had Germany beating the USA, in the medal count, by 4 of those CD looking things. Canada was still 2nd, 2nd best. More importantly, the end of this ancient exhibition of courage, endurance, and "sisu" (and Ad revenue) means Spring Training and March Madness are upon us.
Aside from this weekend's 3-day bender (*wink*), I've been studying up a storm in anticipation of the counless hours of bracket breakdowns and spring reports I'll sift through in the coming month(s). See, this is what education's all about. Two years ago, I never would thought about studying ahead, one year ago I woulda thought about it and never done it, this year -- boo-ya-ka-sha! done and done.
Early predictions (i.e. before fact finding and observations): Astros win the World Series, Longhorns win the Tourney. Just a guess.
Oh yeah, and Congrats to the Collective 3L Class for the 1st annual Jammie in Attendance. I know I, and many others like me, worked hard not to go to class. Special thanks to Ruth and Antonin for hosting.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Update
So a friend found the link to the church that is protesting, rather celebrating, the death of American soliders as punishment from God for supporting a homosexual agenda. Here is the web site: www.GodHatesFags.com Doesn't get anymore "real" than that.
I hate to rant, but this is the kinda shit that makes me skeptical of religion. Let me be more clear, organized religion. Baseball, to me, is religion. But it ain't organized. The Catholic church, well they were so organized they pretty much owned the world for several hundred years, and then proceeded to cover up and spin stories about priests having sex with little boys. God's will my ass (no pun intended).
Undoubtedly organized religion can serve some just and laudable purposes. Feeding the homeless, providing companionship for the elderly, and brainwashing the youth are just a few. The problem with organized religion is that they are held accountable by a higher being. There are no checks and balances, no one is there to lay down the law, per se. In fact, I could just say that God told me to do this or that and call it a mandate. Actually thats funny, I think thats how we ended up at war in Iraq.
I hate to rant, but this is the kinda shit that makes me skeptical of religion. Let me be more clear, organized religion. Baseball, to me, is religion. But it ain't organized. The Catholic church, well they were so organized they pretty much owned the world for several hundred years, and then proceeded to cover up and spin stories about priests having sex with little boys. God's will my ass (no pun intended).
Undoubtedly organized religion can serve some just and laudable purposes. Feeding the homeless, providing companionship for the elderly, and brainwashing the youth are just a few. The problem with organized religion is that they are held accountable by a higher being. There are no checks and balances, no one is there to lay down the law, per se. In fact, I could just say that God told me to do this or that and call it a mandate. Actually thats funny, I think thats how we ended up at war in Iraq.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Harley Davidson v. Religious Fanatics
This is just amazing to me. First, I've always suspected that the extreme religious right was just a bit off their rocker. Well, religion in general I suppose. Maybe not off its rocker, but not exactly genuine. I grew up in a place where religion was clearly a business. Religion was more important that politics where I grew up. You couldn't be cool unless you were part of a youth group. At any rate, this left a bitter taste in my mouth for religion. I'm a big fan of God and am very spiritual, but religion is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I saw a great bumper sticker that said: "Religion: its the reason why the poor don't murder the rich." Like many bumper stickers, this one has some unfortunate complex truth to it.
Second, I'm a big fan of bikers. Maybe it was the "Easy Rider" VHS tape I had as a little kid, or the chill bikers who used to hang at Joe's and listen to blues music with me. Either way, I've always had an unspoken respect for bikers. They live by their own rules, drink like Irish priests, and always have respect for good music. Now they are traveling from funeral to funeral to shield the families of fallen American soliders from the bigotry of religion gone awry (something that, unfortunately, happens more often that not in my humble opinion).
So: Hells Angels = 1, Perverters of God's Word = 0
Second, I'm a big fan of bikers. Maybe it was the "Easy Rider" VHS tape I had as a little kid, or the chill bikers who used to hang at Joe's and listen to blues music with me. Either way, I've always had an unspoken respect for bikers. They live by their own rules, drink like Irish priests, and always have respect for good music. Now they are traveling from funeral to funeral to shield the families of fallen American soliders from the bigotry of religion gone awry (something that, unfortunately, happens more often that not in my humble opinion).
So: Hells Angels = 1, Perverters of God's Word = 0
Monday, February 13, 2006
Democrats Push For Gun Legislation
In the wake of the Cheney hunting fiasco, top Democratic leaders have authored a bill that would make it illegal for members of congress and the executive to shoot guns.
"We have a responsibility to our citizens to protect them from gun-happy politicians who can't tell the difference between a bright orange jacket and a white dove. This is about homeland security," noted Sen. Kerry (D-MA).
2008 Presidential hopeful Sen. George Allen (R-VA) noted, "Sen. Kerry is just mad becuase he looks like a total dork trying to shoot a gun. This wimpy piece of legislation is merely an attempt by Democrats to prevent their manly Republican counterparts from demonstrating their masculinity with hunting photo-ops. If is really about homeland security, then maybe we should prohibit members of the legislative branch from riding bikes too?"
A statement release early Monday by Cheney's staff stated, "This attempt by the liberal devils to take our freedom will not stand. We cannot and will not allow the democratic axis of evil to pry our constitutional rights from our cold dead hands. To ensure the safety of the American public we may have no choice but invade Congress to disarm the filibuster of mass destruction and wiretap every office. These steps will prove to be essential to protect our freedom."
Senator Kennedy (D-MA) was too hungover to comment as this article went to press.
"We have a responsibility to our citizens to protect them from gun-happy politicians who can't tell the difference between a bright orange jacket and a white dove. This is about homeland security," noted Sen. Kerry (D-MA).
2008 Presidential hopeful Sen. George Allen (R-VA) noted, "Sen. Kerry is just mad becuase he looks like a total dork trying to shoot a gun. This wimpy piece of legislation is merely an attempt by Democrats to prevent their manly Republican counterparts from demonstrating their masculinity with hunting photo-ops. If is really about homeland security, then maybe we should prohibit members of the legislative branch from riding bikes too?"
A statement release early Monday by Cheney's staff stated, "This attempt by the liberal devils to take our freedom will not stand. We cannot and will not allow the democratic axis of evil to pry our constitutional rights from our cold dead hands. To ensure the safety of the American public we may have no choice but invade Congress to disarm the filibuster of mass destruction and wiretap every office. These steps will prove to be essential to protect our freedom."
Senator Kennedy (D-MA) was too hungover to comment as this article went to press.
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