But then I saw this...
This is the first publicity photo of Ray Park in costume.
No other words needed.
EDIT: A BONUS PHOTO!
2008-03-20
Best Laid Plans...
With my head slowly clearing, I was prepared to attempt a longish blog post tonight. Something about the frailty of man as we endeavor to achieve lasting greatness in a cynical, apathetic world.
But then I saw this...
This is the first publicity photo of Ray Park in costume.
No other words needed.
EDIT: A BONUS PHOTO!
But then I saw this...
This is the first publicity photo of Ray Park in costume.
No other words needed.
EDIT: A BONUS PHOTO!
2008-03-19
It's The Brain Pain, Coach
Sorry for the late... and short... post but I've been laid up for most of the past two days with a really bad head cold. I think it's starting to finally get better but I'm having a hard time focusing on the computer to write anything.
So, this is all you get...
So, this is all you get...
2008-03-18
Farewell to Dodgertown
With the Dodgers making their final appearance in a Grapefruit League game today on the road, it only seems fitting to make a farewell to Dodgertown today.
After making Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, their spring training home for the past 60 years, the Dodgers have played their final game in Holman Stadium. In fitting fashion, thanks to the China trip, Tommy Lasorda was the manager for the final game. Unfortunately, the Dodgers weren't able to pull out a victory [despite uber-rare 9 inning stints for both Andre Ethier and Rafael Furcal - who both requested to stay in the game to try and get Tommy and the Dodgers the win] but it does little to take away the warm and fuzzies that many hold to their heart over that stadium and complex.
Tommy said it best in a pre-game address to the sold-out crowd. "You're going to make me cry, huh? I can't find the words to express my feeling for all of you people. We are going to leave, but we will have the memories forever. God bless you."
For longtime Dodgers fans, everyone has their own special memory of Dodgertown to recall. Whether it's that fateful day each spring when after months of waiting, you heard the sound of Vin Scully's voice wishing you a terrific day "wherever you may be" from Holman Stadium. Whether it's the crazy stories that have trickled out of those old army barracks through the years [the Strongman practical joke, the Green Phantom, among others.] Maybe it's 1988 when the Dodgers' new Free Agent acquisition got pissed off and stormed off the practice field when Jesse Orosco played a prank on him.
Or for others, it's the stories of Dodgers legends Sandy Koufax stopping in to camp to give a few words of advice to young pitchers or Maury Willis teaching bunting at "Maury's Pit."
Whatever it is, there is almost always something about Dodgertown that will bring a smile to a fan's face. I've never seen another spring training complex like it and for a now-31 year old, my fondest memories of Dodgertown come from the 5 days I spent there in the spring of 1989.
Memories like chasing down Kirk Gibson just before he stepped into a batting cage, getting his autograph, and [I've always told the story] getting the flu from him as he wiped his nose before handing back my pen.
Memories like chasing down an unknown Dodger legend with a baseball to get signed... only to discover it was Al Downing. Hey, at least he's famous for something, right?
Memories like Tommy Lasorda throwing batting practice and giving running commentary while doing so. "Where do you wanna live? I wanna live at 6-4-3 DP Lane!"
Memories like sitting in Vero Beach's only movie theatre watching Rain Man and hearing Vin Scully's trademark voice laughing at the Fernando joke and getting chills up and down my spine.
Memories that'll last a lifetime.
Little Blue in Dodgertown
After making Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, their spring training home for the past 60 years, the Dodgers have played their final game in Holman Stadium. In fitting fashion, thanks to the China trip, Tommy Lasorda was the manager for the final game. Unfortunately, the Dodgers weren't able to pull out a victory [despite uber-rare 9 inning stints for both Andre Ethier and Rafael Furcal - who both requested to stay in the game to try and get Tommy and the Dodgers the win] but it does little to take away the warm and fuzzies that many hold to their heart over that stadium and complex.
Tommy said it best in a pre-game address to the sold-out crowd. "You're going to make me cry, huh? I can't find the words to express my feeling for all of you people. We are going to leave, but we will have the memories forever. God bless you."
For longtime Dodgers fans, everyone has their own special memory of Dodgertown to recall. Whether it's that fateful day each spring when after months of waiting, you heard the sound of Vin Scully's voice wishing you a terrific day "wherever you may be" from Holman Stadium. Whether it's the crazy stories that have trickled out of those old army barracks through the years [the Strongman practical joke, the Green Phantom, among others.] Maybe it's 1988 when the Dodgers' new Free Agent acquisition got pissed off and stormed off the practice field when Jesse Orosco played a prank on him.
Or for others, it's the stories of Dodgers legends Sandy Koufax stopping in to camp to give a few words of advice to young pitchers or Maury Willis teaching bunting at "Maury's Pit."
Whatever it is, there is almost always something about Dodgertown that will bring a smile to a fan's face. I've never seen another spring training complex like it and for a now-31 year old, my fondest memories of Dodgertown come from the 5 days I spent there in the spring of 1989.
Memories like chasing down Kirk Gibson just before he stepped into a batting cage, getting his autograph, and [I've always told the story] getting the flu from him as he wiped his nose before handing back my pen.
Memories like chasing down an unknown Dodger legend with a baseball to get signed... only to discover it was Al Downing. Hey, at least he's famous for something, right?
Memories like Tommy Lasorda throwing batting practice and giving running commentary while doing so. "Where do you wanna live? I wanna live at 6-4-3 DP Lane!"
Memories like sitting in Vero Beach's only movie theatre watching Rain Man and hearing Vin Scully's trademark voice laughing at the Fernando joke and getting chills up and down my spine.
Memories that'll last a lifetime.
Little Blue in Dodgertown
2008-03-17
Blue's Concert Calendar
So, I'm sitting here watching Styx perform a concert with a children's youth orchestra which is pretty fuckin' rad and I decided that I'd put together a list of the concerts in the Southern California that I wish I was going to [and highly suggest that you go to!]
I think I'll try to keep this somewhat up to date and post it once a week or so. We'll see how that plot turns out.
Here's my first stab at this one. If you see something I'm obviously missing, please send it in.
March
-----
3/19 - Nada Surf & Sea Wolf @ The Fonda in Hollywood
3/20 - Vampire Weekend @ The El Rey
3/21 - Nada Surf & Sea Wolf @ Glass House in Pomona
April
-----
4/4-5 - Bon Jovi & Daughtry @ The Venue Formerly Known As The Pond
4/7-8 - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band @ The Pond
4/9 - Bon Jovi & Daughtry @ Staples Center
4/12-13 - Eddie Vedder & Liam Finn @ The Wiltern
4/16-17 - Eels @ The El Rey
4/24 - Rilo Kiley @ Glass House in Pomona
4/28 - I'm From Barcelona @ The El Rey
May
---
5/15 - Eisley @ The El Rey
5/17 - Eisley @ Glass House
5/27 - The Police @ Hollywood Bowl
5/29 - R.E.M. @ Hollywood Bowl
June
----
6/25 - Tom Petty @ Hollywood Bowl
July
----
7/11-12 - Ricky Gervais @ Kodak Theatre
August
------
8/1 - Rod Stewart/Bryan Adams @ The Venue Formerly Known As Irvine Meadows
8/22 - Tom Petty @ Verizon Wireless
8/29-30 - John Williams @ Hollywood Bowl
I think I'll try to keep this somewhat up to date and post it once a week or so. We'll see how that plot turns out.
Here's my first stab at this one. If you see something I'm obviously missing, please send it in.
March
-----
3/19 - Nada Surf & Sea Wolf @ The Fonda in Hollywood
3/20 - Vampire Weekend @ The El Rey
3/21 - Nada Surf & Sea Wolf @ Glass House in Pomona
April
-----
4/4-5 - Bon Jovi & Daughtry @ The Venue Formerly Known As The Pond
4/7-8 - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band @ The Pond
4/9 - Bon Jovi & Daughtry @ Staples Center
4/12-13 - Eddie Vedder & Liam Finn @ The Wiltern
4/16-17 - Eels @ The El Rey
4/24 - Rilo Kiley @ Glass House in Pomona
4/28 - I'm From Barcelona @ The El Rey
May
---
5/15 - Eisley @ The El Rey
5/17 - Eisley @ Glass House
5/27 - The Police @ Hollywood Bowl
5/29 - R.E.M. @ Hollywood Bowl
June
----
6/25 - Tom Petty @ Hollywood Bowl
July
----
7/11-12 - Ricky Gervais @ Kodak Theatre
August
------
8/1 - Rod Stewart/Bryan Adams @ The Venue Formerly Known As Irvine Meadows
8/22 - Tom Petty @ Verizon Wireless
8/29-30 - John Williams @ Hollywood Bowl
2008-03-16
2008-03-15
2008-03-14
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?
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!
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!
2008-03-13
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?
2008-03-12
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!
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!
2008-03-11
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."
** 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."
2008-03-10
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.
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.
2008-03-09
2008-03-08
2008-03-07
Top 5 Friday
Just barely going to sneak it in before midnight! The streak continues!
Mrs. Blue kindly requested that this week's Top 5 not be MMA or wrestling related. You know, that really limits my options! And she won't be any happier if it's some major geekfest like "Top 5 Star Wars vehicles" or the like. This will take great focus to come up with something appropriate yet not dull.
I've got it! I was just reading something about American Idol being subject to the same regulations as "normal" game shows and it hit me!
And so, I present, my Top 5 Game Shows Ever!
5. Tic Tac Dough
Okay, first... I don't see how you can ever go wrong with a show hosted by a man named Wink Martindale. It's the perfect game show host name. It's also the perfect car salesman name... furniture salesman... insurance salesman... basically the scum of humanity should all be named "Wink" so that they at least can make you smile while they're bending you over their desks. Second? That dragon!
Oh my god, that dragon used to scare the hell out of me even though it was the most unscary looking digital dragon ever. If they ever bring this show back, they should CGI the dragon from Eragon in there... yes, the one I hated. It'd make kids smile and grownups go, "Awww... that dragon's kinda cute. I don't feel so bad for picking the wrong square now."
4. Classic Concentration
This show was so damn awesome. It's like Memory for adults who want to win really crappy prizes. But if you made it past the first round, you got to try to win a car by matching the names of other cars. It was sweet! This one definitely needs to come back. I even remember a video game for this game show that I loved as a kid. It always made me feel like a winner to be able to match one teapot to another... like I knew what to do with a teapot.
3. Wheel Of Fortune
I think I always liked Wheel of Fortune because it was the first game show I saw on television that I thought I would have legit chance of winning. I always seemed to be able to solve the puzzles a few minutes [at least] before the contestants. But I wouldn't want to be on WOF now. I'd want to be on WOF back in the 80's when they had to spend their money right on the spot. "Okay, Pat... I'll take that china creamer for $400. How much do I have- okay... ummm... alright, I'll take the ceramic dog." The ceramic dog was the shit! If I had a ceramic dog that I won on Wheel of Fortune, it'd be my most prized possession ever.
2. The Price Is Right
It was a tough one between #1 and #2 because I've always had a deep love for TPIR. TPIR has the absolute best games of all time. The mountain climber yodeling guy? The golf putt that Bob Barker could sink like nobody's business? The one where you punch holes in the wall and pull out pieces of paper with dollar amounts on them? THE CLOCK GAME?! And the absolute greatest invention in the history of all game shows...
Seriously! It's Plinko! If I ever get the opportunity to play Plinko on the Price Is Right stage, you'll have to drag me away from the top of that staircase because I will finally be home! I made the (quasi-joking) comment last weekend much to the wife's dismay that it's my life's ambition to play Plinko... hey, it's good to have goals.
1. Press Your Luck
Really? Do I need to explain why? It's the greatest game show in the history of the world because it gave us the phrase "Big Bucks, No Whammys annnnnnnnd STOP!" Everyone knows the phrase. EVERYONE! And everyone knows the legend of the guy who memorized the patterns and cleaned up on it. The next time the "brilliant" execs at the networks is looking for a gameshow to put on the air... don't rip off whatever is trendy in the UK... BRING BACK PRESS YOUR LUCK!
And until next week, Blue fans...
Mrs. Blue kindly requested that this week's Top 5 not be MMA or wrestling related. You know, that really limits my options! And she won't be any happier if it's some major geekfest like "Top 5 Star Wars vehicles" or the like. This will take great focus to come up with something appropriate yet not dull.
I've got it! I was just reading something about American Idol being subject to the same regulations as "normal" game shows and it hit me!
And so, I present, my Top 5 Game Shows Ever!
5. Tic Tac Dough
Okay, first... I don't see how you can ever go wrong with a show hosted by a man named Wink Martindale. It's the perfect game show host name. It's also the perfect car salesman name... furniture salesman... insurance salesman... basically the scum of humanity should all be named "Wink" so that they at least can make you smile while they're bending you over their desks. Second? That dragon!
Oh my god, that dragon used to scare the hell out of me even though it was the most unscary looking digital dragon ever. If they ever bring this show back, they should CGI the dragon from Eragon in there... yes, the one I hated. It'd make kids smile and grownups go, "Awww... that dragon's kinda cute. I don't feel so bad for picking the wrong square now."
4. Classic Concentration
This show was so damn awesome. It's like Memory for adults who want to win really crappy prizes. But if you made it past the first round, you got to try to win a car by matching the names of other cars. It was sweet! This one definitely needs to come back. I even remember a video game for this game show that I loved as a kid. It always made me feel like a winner to be able to match one teapot to another... like I knew what to do with a teapot.
3. Wheel Of Fortune
I think I always liked Wheel of Fortune because it was the first game show I saw on television that I thought I would have legit chance of winning. I always seemed to be able to solve the puzzles a few minutes [at least] before the contestants. But I wouldn't want to be on WOF now. I'd want to be on WOF back in the 80's when they had to spend their money right on the spot. "Okay, Pat... I'll take that china creamer for $400. How much do I have- okay... ummm... alright, I'll take the ceramic dog." The ceramic dog was the shit! If I had a ceramic dog that I won on Wheel of Fortune, it'd be my most prized possession ever.
2. The Price Is Right
It was a tough one between #1 and #2 because I've always had a deep love for TPIR. TPIR has the absolute best games of all time. The mountain climber yodeling guy? The golf putt that Bob Barker could sink like nobody's business? The one where you punch holes in the wall and pull out pieces of paper with dollar amounts on them? THE CLOCK GAME?! And the absolute greatest invention in the history of all game shows...
Seriously! It's Plinko! If I ever get the opportunity to play Plinko on the Price Is Right stage, you'll have to drag me away from the top of that staircase because I will finally be home! I made the (quasi-joking) comment last weekend much to the wife's dismay that it's my life's ambition to play Plinko... hey, it's good to have goals.
1. Press Your Luck
Really? Do I need to explain why? It's the greatest game show in the history of the world because it gave us the phrase "Big Bucks, No Whammys annnnnnnnd STOP!" Everyone knows the phrase. EVERYONE! And everyone knows the legend of the guy who memorized the patterns and cleaned up on it. The next time the "brilliant" execs at the networks is looking for a gameshow to put on the air... don't rip off whatever is trendy in the UK... BRING BACK PRESS YOUR LUCK!
And until next week, Blue fans...
2008-03-06
Let's Make It A Dodger Day
On a day when the Dodgers came from behind to score seven runs in the ninth to beat the Red Sox [in a lowly exhibition game at which point no players expected to make the clubs' rosters were playing], let's take a look at five pieces of news to ponder as we get closer to the season start.
1) Clayton Kershaw making a push for the roster
If you're not familiar with Clayton Kershaw, he's the best pitching prospect in the Dodgers organization and one of the best in the entire sport. Most expected the 19-year old to start the season at Single or Double A but... well... he got a couple innings of work in the big league camp the other day. Dodger All-Star catcher Russell Martin was asked if he thought Kershaw might make the opening day roster for the big club and had this to say, "I wouldn't be surprised. For the first time in a big league game -- wow. He's got just a heavy, heavy fastball and an easy delivery. He's very deceptive. His curveball, it just drops off the table. I think it's the best curveball I've ever caught, to be honest. He keeps the ball down. You can see he's a tremendous competitor, giving up a home run to the first batter, getting into a bases-loaded jam and bearing down to strike out two guys to get out of it. It's just how easy he throws. He's mechanically sound. I don't think he needs to learn anything mechanically. He looks polished. He wasn't holding anything back, he was just going after it. He's only 19. Man, that's impressive. A left-hander throwing 97 with a power curve, that's pretty unique. And he's got a changeup, but he only used it once. He didn't really need it. They couldn't get the bat head out, so why help them? I heard a lot of things about the guy, but I like to make my own opinion. A lot of young guys get called up early and have done well. Hopefully, he can be one of those guys."
Lots of key phrases in there to be excited about if you're a Dodger fan. Things like lefty, 97 MPH fastball, "best curveball I've ever caught." But at the end of the day, the kid is only nineteen and barring a major crisis where we need him ASAP, I'd rather let him spend another season in the minors.
2) Jeff Kent hurt
Kent's got a strained hammy and is out of action for a week. One of the hazards of having a veteran second baseman. He should be alright soon but I'd expect we'll see a few more twinges and tweaks from Kent this season. I hope we have a reliable backup ready.
3) Delwyn Young sparkling at second
And speaking of our backup at 2B, Young was kinda shoved into duty there last week as the Dodgers search for a roster spot for him. He's out of options so they either have to keep him or lose him so with his impressive bat in his ML stint last season, they're going to do their best to keep him. A former 2B who was converted to the OF because of bad defense, he's grabbed nothing but praise for his defense over the past couple weeks. With Abreu hurting as well, Young may be a lock for that backup 2B spot when the season starts.
4) The battle for the fifth spot
So, we already talked about Kershaw but the surprise of the spring so far is the performance of Chan Ho Park. Once thought a major longshot to make the rotation, he has thrown four perfect innings so far this spring and was named the starter for the first China game. If he does well there, the Dodgers may have to give him a serious, serious look... but I still say Loaiza would have to completely shit the bed to lose the spot as he's got the most money invested in him.
5) 115,000?
The Dodgers are looking to set the World Record for largest crowd to attend a baseball game at the Coliseum against the Sox. They added 25,000 standing room seats to attempt it. Whew. All I can think about is how bad traffic will be getting out of the ghetto on that lovely spring night.
1) Clayton Kershaw making a push for the roster
If you're not familiar with Clayton Kershaw, he's the best pitching prospect in the Dodgers organization and one of the best in the entire sport. Most expected the 19-year old to start the season at Single or Double A but... well... he got a couple innings of work in the big league camp the other day. Dodger All-Star catcher Russell Martin was asked if he thought Kershaw might make the opening day roster for the big club and had this to say, "I wouldn't be surprised. For the first time in a big league game -- wow. He's got just a heavy, heavy fastball and an easy delivery. He's very deceptive. His curveball, it just drops off the table. I think it's the best curveball I've ever caught, to be honest. He keeps the ball down. You can see he's a tremendous competitor, giving up a home run to the first batter, getting into a bases-loaded jam and bearing down to strike out two guys to get out of it. It's just how easy he throws. He's mechanically sound. I don't think he needs to learn anything mechanically. He looks polished. He wasn't holding anything back, he was just going after it. He's only 19. Man, that's impressive. A left-hander throwing 97 with a power curve, that's pretty unique. And he's got a changeup, but he only used it once. He didn't really need it. They couldn't get the bat head out, so why help them? I heard a lot of things about the guy, but I like to make my own opinion. A lot of young guys get called up early and have done well. Hopefully, he can be one of those guys."
Lots of key phrases in there to be excited about if you're a Dodger fan. Things like lefty, 97 MPH fastball, "best curveball I've ever caught." But at the end of the day, the kid is only nineteen and barring a major crisis where we need him ASAP, I'd rather let him spend another season in the minors.
2) Jeff Kent hurt
Kent's got a strained hammy and is out of action for a week. One of the hazards of having a veteran second baseman. He should be alright soon but I'd expect we'll see a few more twinges and tweaks from Kent this season. I hope we have a reliable backup ready.
3) Delwyn Young sparkling at second
And speaking of our backup at 2B, Young was kinda shoved into duty there last week as the Dodgers search for a roster spot for him. He's out of options so they either have to keep him or lose him so with his impressive bat in his ML stint last season, they're going to do their best to keep him. A former 2B who was converted to the OF because of bad defense, he's grabbed nothing but praise for his defense over the past couple weeks. With Abreu hurting as well, Young may be a lock for that backup 2B spot when the season starts.
4) The battle for the fifth spot
So, we already talked about Kershaw but the surprise of the spring so far is the performance of Chan Ho Park. Once thought a major longshot to make the rotation, he has thrown four perfect innings so far this spring and was named the starter for the first China game. If he does well there, the Dodgers may have to give him a serious, serious look... but I still say Loaiza would have to completely shit the bed to lose the spot as he's got the most money invested in him.
5) 115,000?
The Dodgers are looking to set the World Record for largest crowd to attend a baseball game at the Coliseum against the Sox. They added 25,000 standing room seats to attempt it. Whew. All I can think about is how bad traffic will be getting out of the ghetto on that lovely spring night.
2008-03-05
More Posts For Posting's Sake
Forgive me. I'm feeling a little drained today. Why, you ask? I give a three part answer.
1) I was up til around 3:30 AM because I had a sudden burst of desire to try and adapt a book into a screenplay. Since I openly admitted that I've been having a lack of inspiration on that front, I seized the moment when I felt it and stayed up until I was about to drop.
2) One of the good things about being unemployed is that you can pretty much do anything at any point. What I mean by that is, for example, if you know the post office is crowded at a certain time of day, you're pretty much free to go at any other time of day you want. So, when I realized this morning that I needed to go to the bank, Juice It Up, and Trader Joe's... I knew I could go at any point today to avoid the crowds. And when does my dumbass go? Noon on the dot. Ugh. Although, I do have to admit it was pretty fun to be bumming around in my sandals and Dodger hat while all the businessmen in their suits were rushing to get through their one hour break.
3] Building off #2, I went to the gym at about 5:30 PM. At our gym, there are three treadmills... with usually anywhere between zero and one taken. Rarely two... and never three. On this night when I strolled in, all three were taken by three friends who decided to go to the gym together. It's all good. I decided to use the bike instead. All was perfectly fine for about ten minutes until I noticed the girl in the middle get off her treadmill and go outside to use her phone. I paused to watch, wondering if her treadmill was going to be free but then saw her friends wave away someone else who wanted to use it. She came back in and got on it so I shrugged it off. Then I notice she's walking very slowly on it... then I notice she's texting while walking very slowly... then I notice she's doing a Rubix Cube while she's walking very slowly on it. I start to get annoyed... but I don't want to be that guy... you know that guy. Then she changes all three TVs to some vapid MTV reality dating show... with absolutely no redeeming qualities at all. Great. I was listening to my iPod so I was still shrugging it off.
Then she starts walking backwards on the treadmill.
Then she jumps off, gets behind her friend, puts her hands on her friend's waist and starts walking with her.
Then she gets back on her own and decides to hang on to the heart rate monitor bar, puts her feet on the plastic belt guard thing, and hangs backwards to let the belt drag against her feet.
Then I notice she's not wearing shoes.
And while I still don't want to say anything because now my workout's almost over and I still don't want to be that guy... it's at this point that I start wishing physical harm on this girl. Like something "tragic" where her toes get caught under the belt and the belt pulls her underneath and somehow she ends up like that guy who goes under the rock crusher in Temple of Doom leaving nothing but a bloody streak behind.
Does that make me a bad person?
Does it help if I point out it's at this point that I notice she's wearing a sorority sweatshirt?
I knew it would!
See, while there's many things I despise about the collegiate Greek system, one of the main ones that continue to affect us all is their tendency to spit out their members into society as self-involved, self-centered, egotistical, materialistic pieces of worm-ridden filth that aren't worthy of sharing oxygen with most of us.
It's a little too much generalization, I know, but dammit, I keep it real, yo.
I'm sure I was supposed to feel better about the situation when she left, walking over to give me the remote to the TVs so I could finally watch ESPN for the last ten minutes of my workout but I don't.
There's a serious scholastic study to be done about the social relevance and contribution to society of members spit out of the Greek system. I'm not the person to do said study because it would turn into a real life Sweeney Todd... but someone should do it.
1) I was up til around 3:30 AM because I had a sudden burst of desire to try and adapt a book into a screenplay. Since I openly admitted that I've been having a lack of inspiration on that front, I seized the moment when I felt it and stayed up until I was about to drop.
2) One of the good things about being unemployed is that you can pretty much do anything at any point. What I mean by that is, for example, if you know the post office is crowded at a certain time of day, you're pretty much free to go at any other time of day you want. So, when I realized this morning that I needed to go to the bank, Juice It Up, and Trader Joe's... I knew I could go at any point today to avoid the crowds. And when does my dumbass go? Noon on the dot. Ugh. Although, I do have to admit it was pretty fun to be bumming around in my sandals and Dodger hat while all the businessmen in their suits were rushing to get through their one hour break.
3] Building off #2, I went to the gym at about 5:30 PM. At our gym, there are three treadmills... with usually anywhere between zero and one taken. Rarely two... and never three. On this night when I strolled in, all three were taken by three friends who decided to go to the gym together. It's all good. I decided to use the bike instead. All was perfectly fine for about ten minutes until I noticed the girl in the middle get off her treadmill and go outside to use her phone. I paused to watch, wondering if her treadmill was going to be free but then saw her friends wave away someone else who wanted to use it. She came back in and got on it so I shrugged it off. Then I notice she's walking very slowly on it... then I notice she's texting while walking very slowly... then I notice she's doing a Rubix Cube while she's walking very slowly on it. I start to get annoyed... but I don't want to be that guy... you know that guy. Then she changes all three TVs to some vapid MTV reality dating show... with absolutely no redeeming qualities at all. Great. I was listening to my iPod so I was still shrugging it off.
Then she starts walking backwards on the treadmill.
Then she jumps off, gets behind her friend, puts her hands on her friend's waist and starts walking with her.
Then she gets back on her own and decides to hang on to the heart rate monitor bar, puts her feet on the plastic belt guard thing, and hangs backwards to let the belt drag against her feet.
Then I notice she's not wearing shoes.
And while I still don't want to say anything because now my workout's almost over and I still don't want to be that guy... it's at this point that I start wishing physical harm on this girl. Like something "tragic" where her toes get caught under the belt and the belt pulls her underneath and somehow she ends up like that guy who goes under the rock crusher in Temple of Doom leaving nothing but a bloody streak behind.
Does that make me a bad person?
Does it help if I point out it's at this point that I notice she's wearing a sorority sweatshirt?
I knew it would!
See, while there's many things I despise about the collegiate Greek system, one of the main ones that continue to affect us all is their tendency to spit out their members into society as self-involved, self-centered, egotistical, materialistic pieces of worm-ridden filth that aren't worthy of sharing oxygen with most of us.
It's a little too much generalization, I know, but dammit, I keep it real, yo.
I'm sure I was supposed to feel better about the situation when she left, walking over to give me the remote to the TVs so I could finally watch ESPN for the last ten minutes of my workout but I don't.
There's a serious scholastic study to be done about the social relevance and contribution to society of members spit out of the Greek system. I'm not the person to do said study because it would turn into a real life Sweeney Todd... but someone should do it.
2008-03-04
A Post For Posting's Sake
I read this article on CNET that was about becoming famous via your blog... and of course, as you can tell by the high-browed, worldly content on here, that's exactly what I'm aiming for.
One of the suggestions they make is that you should make sure you're posting daily... just anything at all to give people something new to read if they happen to stop by because if you don't at least give them the option, they won't come back! Is that right?! You treacherous fucks!
Alright, fine. I'll try to post daily. Happy now?
So, in honor of that half-assed pledge, I present a post for posting's sake.
Give me a few minutes here to scour the Interweb for things to write about because I'm drawing a blank [total creative blank as I haven't been able to do anything screenplay-related in days either.]
Okay, here's something... well, I wouldn't say "good" per se... but it's amusing and relevant since it was a topic for brief discussion at family dinner on Sunday.
I've posted on here before some of my fears for the forthcoming Justice League movie and I'm far from the only JLA fanboy getting nervous every single time a piece of news comes out about this thing.
Honestly, the first sign of trouble was the news that they had no intention of casting Christian Bale as Batman or Brandon Routh as Superman.
...
What the fuck?
Why the hell do you make multi-hundred million dollar relaunches of two franchises and then not use the faces of those franchises when trying to launch a third that they're both integral to? It just makes no sense at all.
And just when the thought crosses your mind that "Any idiot on the Internet who has read JLA could probably do a better job than the shit they're tossing around right now"... you're proven dead, dead wrong. One of my favorite websites, Comics2film [I know... big shock, huh?] had an opinion column up by someone proposing another take on the JLA movie. I settled in to read moments ago expecting to be blown away by a fanboy's vision... or at least mildly entertained.
Instead?
Well, let's put it this way. When most people think of the Justice League of America, you probably think of something like this...
It's a Murderers Row of superhero teams. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash... you know, the heavy hitters.
Our friend at Comics2film has an alternate suggestion. He despises the idea of the fucky casting like most of us but he understands the expense of Bale/Routh might push the budget into another stratosphere. His solution?
Use a different team.
He proposes...
Well, he proposes a lineup that a quick 'net search can't even score me a picture of. He wants to use a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths lineup of Blue Beetle, Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, Dr. Fate, the female Dr. Light, Mr. Miracle and others.
Crikey.
Why not just pour money down a fucking hole?
The idea is so bad on so many different levels, I don't even feel like dissecting it. I can't bring myself to confront idiocy on that grand of a level.
So, the moral of our story?
"Just when you thought it couldn't get worst, you went on the Internet and realized the true nature of man is to be dumber than the guy next to them."
And that's one to grow on, kids.
One of the suggestions they make is that you should make sure you're posting daily... just anything at all to give people something new to read if they happen to stop by because if you don't at least give them the option, they won't come back! Is that right?! You treacherous fucks!
Alright, fine. I'll try to post daily. Happy now?
So, in honor of that half-assed pledge, I present a post for posting's sake.
Give me a few minutes here to scour the Interweb for things to write about because I'm drawing a blank [total creative blank as I haven't been able to do anything screenplay-related in days either.]
Okay, here's something... well, I wouldn't say "good" per se... but it's amusing and relevant since it was a topic for brief discussion at family dinner on Sunday.
I've posted on here before some of my fears for the forthcoming Justice League movie and I'm far from the only JLA fanboy getting nervous every single time a piece of news comes out about this thing.
Honestly, the first sign of trouble was the news that they had no intention of casting Christian Bale as Batman or Brandon Routh as Superman.
...
What the fuck?
Why the hell do you make multi-hundred million dollar relaunches of two franchises and then not use the faces of those franchises when trying to launch a third that they're both integral to? It just makes no sense at all.
And just when the thought crosses your mind that "Any idiot on the Internet who has read JLA could probably do a better job than the shit they're tossing around right now"... you're proven dead, dead wrong. One of my favorite websites, Comics2film [I know... big shock, huh?] had an opinion column up by someone proposing another take on the JLA movie. I settled in to read moments ago expecting to be blown away by a fanboy's vision... or at least mildly entertained.
Instead?
Well, let's put it this way. When most people think of the Justice League of America, you probably think of something like this...
It's a Murderers Row of superhero teams. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash... you know, the heavy hitters.
Our friend at Comics2film has an alternate suggestion. He despises the idea of the fucky casting like most of us but he understands the expense of Bale/Routh might push the budget into another stratosphere. His solution?
Use a different team.
He proposes...
Well, he proposes a lineup that a quick 'net search can't even score me a picture of. He wants to use a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths lineup of Blue Beetle, Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, Dr. Fate, the female Dr. Light, Mr. Miracle and others.
Crikey.
Why not just pour money down a fucking hole?
The idea is so bad on so many different levels, I don't even feel like dissecting it. I can't bring myself to confront idiocy on that grand of a level.
So, the moral of our story?
"Just when you thought it couldn't get worst, you went on the Internet and realized the true nature of man is to be dumber than the guy next to them."
And that's one to grow on, kids.
2008-03-03
The Good & Bad On G.I. Joe
Oddly enough, it seems we've become a bit of an unofficial source of tons of G.I. Joe movie information. Seeing as it's one of my favorite childhood sources of entertainment, I have absolutely no problem with that. And seeing as I stumbled upon two new articles about the movie this morning, I proudly present...
The Good & Bad On G.I. Joe
Our first source of info today comes from an interview that Dennis Quaid [who will be playing General Clayton Abernathy aka Hawk] did with MTV. Some scary stuff mixed in here. Take a look.
** Quaid is quoted as saying he'll be transforming the character to make him a "Hefner-like playboy."
First impression? BAD!
Second impression? Oh, that's bad. I see absolutely no benefit in making a Hawk a play-on Playa no matter how much on-screen tail that Dennis Quaid gets out of it. This seems like an attempt to make the character younger or in a Simon Cowell world "more relevant." But I don't like it... not one bit.
** Quaid was also given a list of characters to confirm or deny that they'll be in the movie.
Tomax and Xamot, the twins fronting the Crimson Guard? Negative, although he claims they may be in the second movie [that he has already signed on for.]
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? Probably a good thing. I like the characters but we're already going overboard on villains with Destro, CC, the Baroness, and Zartan. Storm Shadow too [who is presumably a villain.] But I better be getting me some twins finishing each other's sentences in a future sequel.
Shipwreck? Negative.
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? They probably couldn't have cast the parrot right anyways.
Wild Bill? Negative.
First impression? BAD!
Second impression? Would it really have been hard to toss in Wild Bill as a cameo in a helicopter flying scene?
** “‘G.I. Joe’ is kind of close to James Bond, the old James Bond with Dr. No,” Quaid said of the script he’ll begin shooting soon. “[Cobra is like] S.P.E.C.T.R.E., where they take over an entire island and are a sort of crime country unto themselves.”
First impression? BA-GOOD?
Second impression? I don't know about the Bond analogy but... excuse me? Did he mention Cobra taking over an island?! If we get a Cobra Island story, I just may wet myself.
** Catchphrases: Quaid confirms he does not get to scream "YO JOE!" during the movie but he does get a "Knowing is half the battle."
First impression? Mixed again.
Second impression? I like the nod to fans of the old cartoon but I'm going to be bummed if there's no "Yo Joe!" bellowed at some point.
Our other source of Joe info this morning comes from an interview MTV did with one of the Exec Producers...
** Comic writer Larry Hama is on board. Apparently he helped polish the script into something that he feels Joe fans will enjoy. And according to the exec producer, we may "even see him on screen." Who gives a fuck?
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? Hama being on board with the script is a good thing. The comics were the best Joe stuff ever produced and he was responsible for them all. This increases my faith tenfold.
** All about the comics? The producer says they are going to largely avoid the TV show and tell the stories from the comics. He mentions delving into the Arishkage story with Snakes and Stormy. He mentions doing the origin story for Destro. Awesome stuff if they do it right. And he says, "this is really all about the rise of Cobra Commander." Again, awesome if they do it right.
And that's that.
The Good & Bad On G.I. Joe
Our first source of info today comes from an interview that Dennis Quaid [who will be playing General Clayton Abernathy aka Hawk] did with MTV. Some scary stuff mixed in here. Take a look.
** Quaid is quoted as saying he'll be transforming the character to make him a "Hefner-like playboy."
First impression? BAD!
Second impression? Oh, that's bad. I see absolutely no benefit in making a Hawk a play-on Playa no matter how much on-screen tail that Dennis Quaid gets out of it. This seems like an attempt to make the character younger or in a Simon Cowell world "more relevant." But I don't like it... not one bit.
** Quaid was also given a list of characters to confirm or deny that they'll be in the movie.
Tomax and Xamot, the twins fronting the Crimson Guard? Negative, although he claims they may be in the second movie [that he has already signed on for.]
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? Probably a good thing. I like the characters but we're already going overboard on villains with Destro, CC, the Baroness, and Zartan. Storm Shadow too [who is presumably a villain.] But I better be getting me some twins finishing each other's sentences in a future sequel.
Shipwreck? Negative.
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? They probably couldn't have cast the parrot right anyways.
Wild Bill? Negative.
First impression? BAD!
Second impression? Would it really have been hard to toss in Wild Bill as a cameo in a helicopter flying scene?
** “‘G.I. Joe’ is kind of close to James Bond, the old James Bond with Dr. No,” Quaid said of the script he’ll begin shooting soon. “[Cobra is like] S.P.E.C.T.R.E., where they take over an entire island and are a sort of crime country unto themselves.”
First impression? BA-GOOD?
Second impression? I don't know about the Bond analogy but... excuse me? Did he mention Cobra taking over an island?! If we get a Cobra Island story, I just may wet myself.
** Catchphrases: Quaid confirms he does not get to scream "YO JOE!" during the movie but he does get a "Knowing is half the battle."
First impression? Mixed again.
Second impression? I like the nod to fans of the old cartoon but I'm going to be bummed if there's no "Yo Joe!" bellowed at some point.
Our other source of Joe info this morning comes from an interview MTV did with one of the Exec Producers...
** Comic writer Larry Hama is on board. Apparently he helped polish the script into something that he feels Joe fans will enjoy. And according to the exec producer, we may "even see him on screen." Who gives a fuck?
First impression? GOOD!
Second impression? Hama being on board with the script is a good thing. The comics were the best Joe stuff ever produced and he was responsible for them all. This increases my faith tenfold.
** All about the comics? The producer says they are going to largely avoid the TV show and tell the stories from the comics. He mentions delving into the Arishkage story with Snakes and Stormy. He mentions doing the origin story for Destro. Awesome stuff if they do it right. And he says, "this is really all about the rise of Cobra Commander." Again, awesome if they do it right.
And that's that.
2008-03-02
Quick Pick Results
Hey, hey, hey... I did pretty well.
So, as a reminder, going into the show...
Picks Average For The Year: 13 out of 27 fights for a .482
Money For The Year: +$21
And after the show?
I got 8 of 10 right last night! Woooooo!
That puts me at 21 out of 37 for the year for a .568... getting better.
Moneywise? Let's take a look...
Lost $10 on Hazelett
Lost $10 on Bielkheden
Lost $10 on Wilson
Lost $10 on Tanner
Won $16 on Leben
Won $24.50 on Herring
Won $65 on Silva
So, I started at +$21 going into last night and on last night's show, I ended up at +$65.50.
And that puts me at up $86.50 for the year.
RECAP!
21 out of 37 for the year for .568
Moneywise - +86.50 for the year
So, as a reminder, going into the show...
Picks Average For The Year: 13 out of 27 fights for a .482
Money For The Year: +$21
And after the show?
I got 8 of 10 right last night! Woooooo!
That puts me at 21 out of 37 for the year for a .568... getting better.
Moneywise? Let's take a look...
Lost $10 on Hazelett
Lost $10 on Bielkheden
Lost $10 on Wilson
Lost $10 on Tanner
Won $16 on Leben
Won $24.50 on Herring
Won $65 on Silva
So, I started at +$21 going into last night and on last night's show, I ended up at +$65.50.
And that puts me at up $86.50 for the year.
RECAP!
21 out of 37 for the year for .568
Moneywise - +86.50 for the year
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