EMERGENCY POST!

Gotta keep the streak alive, right?

Was gone most of the day so this is all you get.

Top Five Friday

This came to me sometime this week when I was thinking about attempting to put together a concert chronology of my life - a document cataloging the MANY concerts I've been to in my 31 years. I started to ponder what bands that I want to see that I never have. And it had to be bands still possible to see. Like, I couldn't pick Nirvana or something.

And so, I present...

Top Five Bands/Artists I Still Want To See In Concert

SURPRISE! Because I'm having some fun with this one, I present a special SUPER-SIZED edition of this list. You get a Top 10, baby!

10. Rod Stewart

This one is a "problem" pick for me. It almost falls into the category of concerts that aren't possible to see anymore. You see, I want to see Rod Stewart rocking all his stuff from the 70s and 80s... not the standards that he's singing now to put food on his table. You can blame my Aunts for this one as I grew up listening to Stewart, Springsteen, Manilow, and Petty among others. Ultimately, Springsteen became one of my favorite [if not my favorite] artists but I still have a soft spot for Rod Stewart and the others.

9. Madonna

We actually had tickets to see Madonna in concert several years ago but as we got close to the night of the show, I checked some setlists to see what she was performing. To my horror, she was only singing songs off her new album [which I think was the Ray of Light tour... could be wrong.] I don't get these older performers. I understand the desire to create and perform new music but seriously, you MUST understand that people come to your concerts to see their old favs. So, we sold the tix for a nice profit and skipped the show. Someday she'll come through with a greatest hits album or something and I'll be there, baby!

8.Styx

This is another one that borders on the "can't really happen anymore." Some of you are confused by that as Styx pretty much plays in your area several times a year. Yes, that's true. Unfortunately though, Dennis DeYoung... the original Styx vocalist does not tour with them. From what I understand, guitarist Tommy Shaw does all the vocals himself. While it'd still be cool to hear Styx rock the joint, it will not be the same without Dennis' mile high melodic voice on the ballads especially. I still want to check them out someday though as they're one of my favorite rock bands.

7. AC/DC

One of the greatest rock bands of all time. It's not quite the same with Brian Johnson on vocals rather than Bon Scott but it'd do for me. One of the first CDs I ever owned was AC/DC Live and I still remember being in awe of how much they rocked. At some point, I sold that CD as a dumb youth and only recently bought a new copy of it. The album has the same kind of magic as the INXS Live album had that made you think being at that concert would have been one of the coolest nights of your life.

6. Led Zeppelin

I know, right? How could this not make the Top 5, especially since it just recently became possible again? Well, don't get me wrong, I really like Led Zeppelin.. but they've just never been one of my favorites. I can't explain it really but they just never have resonated that much with me. But I do realize how historically epic they are and for that reason alone, I'd go to see them. It's similar to The Who or Pink Floyd that also missed the list. Not one of my favs but I'd go see them if given the opportunity.

5. Bon Jovi

Next to Styx, this is probably the silliest band to still be on my list. It seems like Bon Jovi is playing locally every year to year and a half. Hell, they're going to be playing in Anaheim here very shortly in fact. But the timing always seems off. This year? No funds. Another year? Was elsewhere. The stars just don't align for Mr. Bon Jovi and myself to be in the same building. Some day though... some day.

4. The Rolling Stones

You know, I've always had a slight desire to see the Stones. I remember when Metallica opened for them and when Pearl Jam another time. Both times I thought that was my chance to see them since I loved their opening act. It was a "worst case scenario" kind of thing. I figured even if the Stones didn't rock, the opener would. But the thing is, I'm fairly sure the Stones would rock. And now that this new doc is coming out directed by Scorcese of one of their concerts, I'm fairly sure that I'm about to move this up to #1 on the list.

3. The Eagles

The Eagles have always been one of my favorite bands. Their blend of country-rock always kinda worked for me for some reason. It's another one of those bands I grew up listening to so their songs have always been part of my life. I have a little bit of fear of seeing these guys now because they all seem to really dislike one another so much, I'm afraid the show would seem like musicians going through the motions rather than a band actually feeling their performance. I'd be willing to take the risk though.

2. Prince

Really? Do I have to explain? It's motherfuckin' Prince, yo.

1. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Ahhh... yet another band that is playing locally this year. I really hope I get to make this show because after seeing a doc on the band earlier this year, I seriously wonder how many more chances I will get. I love the band... always have [and yes, I said that in the William Wallace accent.] What more can I say?

Think It Over... Creep.

Don't worry. I've still got a Top 5 Friday for you later today [and I think it's a pretty good one] but I just this from our friends at AICN and had to comment.

What the hell is with the movie and TV industries these days?

I know that seems to be a frequent topic around here but as a struggling and aspiring writer, it's painful to see dreck after dreck after dreck green-lighted while I chip away at something new and fresh and fun. See, if I was already successful at this career path, I could just rip off something already out there and be a millionaire overnight [that little faggot's got his own jet airplane... that little faggot he's a millionaire... we got to install- never mind.]

I really don't get it. I don't understand why it's so difficult for Hollywood to embrace new ideas. I understand why from a business aspect, I suppose... the devil you know and all. But creatively, it's a nightmare. You saw my post last night about a relaunch of Beverly Hills 90210. It's a perfect example. It's just the brand name they want. As you read more and more about it, it becomes more and more apparent they plan to start fresh with completely new characters. Then why call it 90210? Branding. It's a familiar brand to people and it's a blatant attempt to cash in on the good will of fans of the first show.

Want some more?

What about the piles of remakes and sequels that are filling up the slates of every movie studio [and some TV studios - Bionic Woman, anyone?] in town?

Take a look at this snippet from an MGM press release...

"MGM is planning an exciting fall and winter release schedule. In partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, MGM will bring new installments of two of its tentpole franchises -- the new James Bond movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE and Steve Martin in PINK PANTHER 2. MGM will also release United Artists' international thriller VALKYRIE, starring Tom Cruise on October 3. With the appointment of Parent, MGM will enter its new phase of evolution by focusing on its major movie franchises highlighted by JAMES BOND and PINK PANTHER sequels, THE HOBBIT, THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR 2, THE OUTER LIMITS, ROBOCOP, DEATH WISH and FAME, among others."

Okay... so, another Bond. That's fine. Casino Royale was a lot of fun so they earned some street cred from me on that one. Pink Panther 2?! Did anyone even see Pink Panther 1?! I have yet to ever have a conversation with anyone in the world that contained the phrase, "Hey, you really should check out the Pink Panther movie!" So, in that one we have a sequel to a franchise that probably should have been left alone.

The Hobbit? No complaints there.

Thomas Crown Affair 2? What the fuck? Was there some great untold story in the life of Thomas Crown that I missed in the first one? I won't completely shat on this one because I dug the first one... although that in itself is a remake. Sequels to remakes... what will they think of next?

FAME?! You're re-doing FAME?! Let me guess. It'll be "modernized" into a "Step Up 2" style plot line. Awesome. We don't have enough dance crew movies and TV shows. It's soddin' brilliant, mate.

I'm going to ignore the other two in favor of going...



WHY IN THE HOLY FUCK WOULD YOU GO BACK TO ROBOCOP?!

There are two possibilities here. They're going to slightly piss me off by going back and doing another sequel to a movie that had two too many shitty sequels OR they're going to SEVERELY piss me off and go back and remake one of the most picture perfect action movies ever. Either way, it's enough to make you want to track down MGM's studio head and give him a, "Dead or alive, you're coming with me."

And now to add on to the, "What the fuck?" for the day.

Thanks to AICN, I also discovered that NBC is close to green-lighting a show where Christian Slater plays a dual personality... a Jekyll/Hyde thing where one personality is a nice, kind stay at home dad versus a superspy. Oooookay. And to top it off, this is operating under NBC's new policy of not needing a pilot to approve the series. Really? You sure you want to do that, guys? Christian Slater rules the world and all but... seriously?

And the icing on the cake. FOX is close to greenlighting a new animated series by the creator of the brilliant Arrested Development. But before they do, the entire future of that series will be decided by the network suits watching a reading of the show's script by the cast.

...

An animated series... being judged on a cast reading.

I don't even know where to start with that.

And so I won't!

Let Donna Martin Graduate!

In one of the most bizarre stories I've seen in a while, rumors abound that the CW has approached Rob Thomas [of the uber-brilliant and sadly unappreciated Veronica Mars fame] about writing a remake of Beverly Hills 90210 for launch this fall.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that.

I was an off-and-on fan of 90210 the first time around. It wasn't something that I adored but there were times when I didn't think it was the worst way to kill an hour either. And granted, when it hit syndication, I probably saw a very large chunk of the episodes.

I was an adorer of Veronica Mars... even the much-maligned third season... and was crushed when it was canceled only to be excited by the idea of Veronica FBI... and then crushed again when they didn't pick that up. The CW used and abused my emotions on Veronica Mars and I will forever resent them for it. But the idea of Rob Thomas writing for television again... well, let's just say there are few better ways to get me stoked about a TV show.

The other thing that throws the monkey in the wrench for me for this one is Gossip Girl. The article actually claims that 90210 would be a good partner for Gossip Girl... basically filling the other part of a night nicely. While I agree they'll probably hit the same demo, I'd be concerned that they would be too similar. I mean, GG covers elitist rich as shit teens trying to cope in NYC. 90210 covers elitist rich as shit teens trying to cope in Beverly Hills. Is there really enough of a difference between NYC and BH to warrant two shows with the same premise?

The intriguing piece? They reference the possibility that some cast members from the original might return. I can't really recall how the show ended so I don't know who or what would work for that but it might make the show a definite DVR add for curiosity.

Whatchu think, peeps?

By Popular Demand...

As you know, I occasionally take requests for blog topics. And when such a request comes from the Best Man at my wedding, I pretty much am required by Man Law to discuss.

So, he asked three questions... and I shall answer.

1) Houston Rockets are attempting to go 20-0 tonight
Absolutely incredible. An amazing team running off a streak like that is impressive enough and the Rockets just aren't an amazing team. Three-quarters of this streak was run off while Yao Ming was still active on the team which makes it slightly less impressive since he made them much closer to an elite team. But nonetheless, a T-Mac [and T-Mac alone] led team winning 5 or 6 in a row is impressive. I can't imagine the streak will last much longer but if it does, Lebron and Kobe better make room for a third man in the MVP race. The interesting thing will be if they're still on the streak when they play the Lakers on Sunday. That will be a wild one especially since...

2] The Lakers are 1/2 game ahead of the Western Conference and playing cocky going 15 for 32 of the 3-point line last night
The Lakers are at a crossroads right now. While they're still winning, they're not winning impressively at the moment. Their defense is bad... real bad... very bad... shitty bad. You just can't let teams like Toronto and Sacramento run you up for over 100 points. I understand they're playing a faster pace offense at the moment and putting up big numbers too but come playoff time, you gotta be able to play tough D when it counts. If they think they can play the high octane offense and run San Antonio, Boston, or Detroit off the floor, they're sadly mistaken. This is the time to tighten the screws, get the defense in order, stop fucking falling in love with the three pointers, and play solid basketball for the next couple months until the playoffs. I don't like seeing Kobe say "We played well" after letting Toronto get a near win and losing to Sacramento at friggin' home. I hope they get their heads on straight... and quickly.

3] "F'n City Slicker Billy Crystal is going to play for the N.Y. Yankees tomorrow against the Pirates."

Seriously, man? This is what you want to use your last question on? Really? Alright, fine. Why do I care about this story at all? He's a has-been actor who hasn't been in anything of interest in well over a decade. It's the Evil Empire of baseball making headlines again for what really isn't a baseball story. Next you'll tell me that the Yankees will be producing a new reality game show series called "Pitching With The Stars" where 16 celebrities train with Roger Clemens in an effort to become the next Yankees starting pitcher.

Hey... I think I might watch that.

Somebody call my agent!

You Tryin' To Say Jesus Christ Can't Hit A Curveball?

Here's a brief rundown on the news out of Dodgertown as we get closer and closer to Opening Day:

** Clayton Kershaw makes headlines
You've seen them... you know you have. Hyping up Kershaw's killer curveball now known throughout baseball as "Public Enemy No. 1" Thankfully, it appears that Joe Torre has the good sense to let the kid stew in the minors a little longer before bringing him up to the big leagues. But just to whet your appetite, take a look at this hammer...



Lawd have mercy.

** Who's on third?
Nomar's wrist is still sore. LaRoche is out to 6 to 8 weeks. Abreu has an injured ass [completely and totally serious.] They've got Hu taking grounders at third. They've got Young taking grounders at third. And every friggin' baseball rumor site has Dodgers trade rumors for third-baggers. Personally, I let Hu or Young do it. Nomar should be ready soon enough. LaRoche will be back before you know it. I know, I know... they don't like either of those options anyways but I don't like any of the trade options. So, unless Coletti is about bust out a Mitch Kupchak, hold your ground and keep your cards close.

** Tommy being Tommy
The newsbirds were all excited because Tommy stormed the field during his first exhibition game he was coaching today. It gives me a chuckle but it's just Tommy being Tommy. He wouldn't know any other way. I did find his protests over having to stick to pitch counts kinda funny though. They quoted him as saying, "You want to be the guy to tell Koufax he's done? The pen's got it? Get the hell off my mound?" I'd rather tell Koufax than Drysdale but... yeah, I'm glad they've got Tommy doing pitch counts. I'm also glad Tommy's still using small ball to show some people how it's done. Apparently he put a hit and run in motion with Pierre on first, sending him from first to third where he scored on a GDP. Much better than playing station to station and waiting for the 3-run homer.

** 5th starter
Loaiza inched closer to getting that spot with a nice outing over the weekend. As well as Chan Ho has pitched, I still say he's got no shot unless Loaiza implodes over the next couple weeks. He's simply making too much money to get passed up for a NRI.

** Brad Penny pinch hit
Hehe... good shit. Apparently with half the team leaving for China tomorrow, they didn't leave enough hitters for Tommy so in a potential run-scoring situation today, he sent up Penny to take some hacks. Didn't pay off but I fondly remember the days of Fernando pinch hitting and Orel pinch-running for the Blue Crew... or as we call them, "the good ol' days."

Misleading Media

A few weeks ago, I had quite the tantrum on here regarding the irresponsibility of the media when it came to a Black Crowes album review in Maxim magazine that was written without the reviewer even listening to the album.

Another media trend that drives me absolutely crazy is misleading headlines. There are few things worse than clicking an intriguing link to find an article beneath that had very little to do with the published headline. The reason for the tactic is obvious... more clicks = more money... and that's just on the Internet. This practice is in no way limited to the Internet as you can pick up your local newspaper or turn on your television to see it repeated there as well.

What sparked my outrage today?

Yahoo had a headline that read "Ledger's Will Leaves Nothing To Daughter, Ex-Girlfriend"

A terrible headline, right? The average reader who doesn't click the link believes that the late actor was a heartless monster who had no desire to leave any of his fortune to his young daughter nor her mother. "What a sick excuse for a human being he is," you think. "He probably had nothing left to give her after spending all his money on drugs," you ponder. "I bet he left it all to some whore," you speculate.

You click the link, curious to see how this dreg of society betrayed his child... even from beyond the grave. Full of rage, you start to read...

"Heath Ledger's will leaves nothing to his former girlfriend and their 2-year-old daughter because it was never updated after they became part of his life."

...

Oh.

So, wait. He didn't intentionally leave them out of his will? He just... never added them after they entered his world?

Indeed.

And while that certainly makes him short-sighted, it doesn't make him the evil, evil creature that Yahoo wanted to imply he was.

They wanted you to think he was a despicable human being... because it was in their best interest for you think so. Because if you thought he was a bad person, you'd probably click the link to see what possible excuse he could have.

It's the same practice as your local news that promises to tell about a "major disease outbreak in local fast food locales" throughout their entire show only to drop in a 10 second piece at the end of the show letting you know that an employee at a Taco Bell had the runs last week.

It's the same practice that has inflammatory headlines in huge font above the fold and then tiny print below that explains why the situation's not as bad as they wanted you to think.

It's the same practice that the media has used for years to great success... because no one ever calls them out on just how despicable it is.

IT'S THE YEH-TAY!

For the next time someone tells you the WWE in 2008 is ridiculous...

WCW - Yeti à Halloween Havoc 95
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