B wants my post on why I picked the songs for "Chaka Mad"... I'll do it this weekend.
I wanted to do an Eragon review... I'll do it this weekend.
I really should talk about Raw [which wasn't halfbad actually]... not now.
Now is the time to be defiant.
It's the spirit of rebellion that founded our great nation, you know? It's the spirit to say "Fuck off" to those who tell you you're wrong... to those who want you to stick to the narrow path.
I'm not comparing myself to that at all cause as much as I'd like to rise up and break off the shackles of oppression we all are under [like that one, don'tcha?]... I'm trapped in them just like the rest of you.
But every once in a while, you get to do something that just energized you. That makes you feel like you're a man who just bucked the system.
As you all know by now, I'm desperately trying to get out of my job... but I'm waiting for the right job to jump to. I've had plenty of offers from temp to hire companies at higher salaries... but with great responsibility comes not-so-great power. I have to wait for something secure. So, I sit in misery, just trying to get through the day without letting it bother me. I sit in agony, not being able to drop everything and move across country to pursue a new career [I'm jealous, you bastard.]
But every once in a while, you get to do something that makes you whole again.
When you don't fear getting fired, a world of enlightenment swallows you. A world where you don't care a bit and absolutely anything goes.
For years, I've been the "go-to" guy in our department... basically the guy who got all the crap assignments that were supposed to be leading to a promotion/raise. For years, whenever something came up that was outside of our job descriptions, it fell in my lap.
Today, when the two new temps were told to go sit with me for training...
I was defiant!
I went to the manager's office and refused to do it. When I explained why and he tried to blow smoke up my ass, I spit the smoke right back. When the "You're still in our plans" line came, I was ready for it.
I was defiant... rebellious... uncaring...
...and it fucking felt great.
It's a liberating feeling when you just don't give a damn.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: War Machine - Kiss
Book I'm Reading Currently: The Plot Against America - Phillip Roth
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-17
2006-02-15
Game ON!
Ahhh... today marks one of the great moments in "spring."
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training today. Spring Training's a great time to be a baseball fan. When those first images from Florida or Arizona trickle across your local sportscast, you get that chill down your spine knowing that baseball is creeping up on us. It's the time when all teams are even and every team's got a chance to be the World Champion at the end of October.
My Dodgers? My Dodgers went through their second straight offseason where the team was practically overhauled from head to toe. Names like Lofton... like Tomko... like Mueller... like Nomar... will all now be ringing through Chavez Ravine like those stars that came before them [and I'll go on record right now saying if Nomar has a great year and gets re-signed for a long term deal, I'll be the first to pick up a jersey with "GARCIAPARRA" across the back.]
Of course... for the optimist, you look at this team and say, at worst, they should be able to win the division unless there's some horrid rash of injuries. At best? Hell, you just never know. All I know is that in 1988 when I was jumping around the living room as a young lad, I never thought it'd take this long to see it happen again. I was there two seasons ago for the first Dodgers postseason win since that season... now I want to be there to see the first World Series since then.
For the pessimist? It's a holding pattern season. A good enough team to compete and if they start getting blown out? Here comes the kids. The Dodgers have arguably the best crop of prospects in baseball just bubbling under the major league level. Dodger fans ache for a time when names like Billingsley, Guzman, Loney, Martin, and so many others get put into the pages of Dodger lore.
Either way, I'm damn excited [and the Lakers playing mediocre probably helps a ton] and simply can't wait for Opening Day in a month and half's time. Dodger Stadium is gone through another renovation this offseason... a complete replacement of every seat in the stadium and a return to the original color scheme that graced it on opening day so long ago. Simply can't wait.
And on that note... I stumbled across a picture yesterday that brought a bizarre mix of sadness and joy to my heart.
Take a look...
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Big Poppa - Notorious B.I.G.
Book I'm Reading Currently: Who wants an Eragon review?! EH?!
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training today. Spring Training's a great time to be a baseball fan. When those first images from Florida or Arizona trickle across your local sportscast, you get that chill down your spine knowing that baseball is creeping up on us. It's the time when all teams are even and every team's got a chance to be the World Champion at the end of October.
My Dodgers? My Dodgers went through their second straight offseason where the team was practically overhauled from head to toe. Names like Lofton... like Tomko... like Mueller... like Nomar... will all now be ringing through Chavez Ravine like those stars that came before them [and I'll go on record right now saying if Nomar has a great year and gets re-signed for a long term deal, I'll be the first to pick up a jersey with "GARCIAPARRA" across the back.]
Of course... for the optimist, you look at this team and say, at worst, they should be able to win the division unless there's some horrid rash of injuries. At best? Hell, you just never know. All I know is that in 1988 when I was jumping around the living room as a young lad, I never thought it'd take this long to see it happen again. I was there two seasons ago for the first Dodgers postseason win since that season... now I want to be there to see the first World Series since then.
For the pessimist? It's a holding pattern season. A good enough team to compete and if they start getting blown out? Here comes the kids. The Dodgers have arguably the best crop of prospects in baseball just bubbling under the major league level. Dodger fans ache for a time when names like Billingsley, Guzman, Loney, Martin, and so many others get put into the pages of Dodger lore.
Either way, I'm damn excited [and the Lakers playing mediocre probably helps a ton] and simply can't wait for Opening Day in a month and half's time. Dodger Stadium is gone through another renovation this offseason... a complete replacement of every seat in the stadium and a return to the original color scheme that graced it on opening day so long ago. Simply can't wait.
And on that note... I stumbled across a picture yesterday that brought a bizarre mix of sadness and joy to my heart.
Take a look...
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Big Poppa - Notorious B.I.G.
Book I'm Reading Currently: Who wants an Eragon review?! EH?!
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-14
iPod Therefore iAm
In honor of the ever-enduring quest for Apple supremacy, B and I decided to check out the grand opening of the new Apple Store at Irvine Spectrum on Saturday morning. Well, that and they were giving out free t-shirts to the first thousand people there.
It's the opening of a store, right? I'm expecting a handful of people to be there when we roll up at just mere minutes before the store officially opens for the first time.
Apparently, I underestimated the dedication of the Apple fanboy.
I would guess that there must have been close to five hundred people there by the tim we finally got into the store. I did a rough headcount of about 250 in line about an hour or so after the store opened so I'd guess there was about double that total.
Amazing.
The dedication to the Apple product line by their fans continues to blow my mind and is the kind of devotion that all corporations should be willing to kill for.
My iWishList [at the moment]:
1] 20" iMac
2] iWork
3] iLife
4] Maybe even a MacBook Pro!
It's incredible how one "gadget" can create such a positive mindset about a company that it carries over so vastly. I can only imagine how many people in that line never dreamed of owning an Apple product until they first laid eyes on the iPod.
The industry describes it as a "halo effect"... something where the iPod creates such good vibes for the consumer, it makes them want to buy other products that the company makes as a result. This is why the market share for Apple continues to grow quarterly. And while they are still fairly insignifcant numerically when it comes to market share, they continue to make strides... and that's what counts.
Let me close out this Apple propaganda speech with a simple truth...
iPod Therefore iAm... and iWouldn't want it any other way.
P.S. - I wanted to post a picture I took on my cell phone of the massive line trying to get into the Apple Store but alas, technology has failed me. Use your mind's eye. Better that way sometimes.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: I'm watching actually! Season One of the Star Wars Clone Wars cartoon... and god damn does animated stuff look sodding brilliant on the video iPod
Book I'm Reading Currently: Nothing! Finished Eragon [which I'll review later in the week]
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
It's the opening of a store, right? I'm expecting a handful of people to be there when we roll up at just mere minutes before the store officially opens for the first time.
Apparently, I underestimated the dedication of the Apple fanboy.
I would guess that there must have been close to five hundred people there by the tim we finally got into the store. I did a rough headcount of about 250 in line about an hour or so after the store opened so I'd guess there was about double that total.
Amazing.
The dedication to the Apple product line by their fans continues to blow my mind and is the kind of devotion that all corporations should be willing to kill for.
My iWishList [at the moment]:
1] 20" iMac
2] iWork
3] iLife
4] Maybe even a MacBook Pro!
It's incredible how one "gadget" can create such a positive mindset about a company that it carries over so vastly. I can only imagine how many people in that line never dreamed of owning an Apple product until they first laid eyes on the iPod.
The industry describes it as a "halo effect"... something where the iPod creates such good vibes for the consumer, it makes them want to buy other products that the company makes as a result. This is why the market share for Apple continues to grow quarterly. And while they are still fairly insignifcant numerically when it comes to market share, they continue to make strides... and that's what counts.
Let me close out this Apple propaganda speech with a simple truth...
iPod Therefore iAm... and iWouldn't want it any other way.
P.S. - I wanted to post a picture I took on my cell phone of the massive line trying to get into the Apple Store but alas, technology has failed me. Use your mind's eye. Better that way sometimes.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: I'm watching actually! Season One of the Star Wars Clone Wars cartoon... and god damn does animated stuff look sodding brilliant on the video iPod
Book I'm Reading Currently: Nothing! Finished Eragon [which I'll review later in the week]
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-12
Chaka Mad
"Mad props" go out to An Evening With Kevin Smith for the title to this one...
It's Mixtape of the Month time, babydolls!
Take a look...
2006-02-09
Just Something To Pass The Time
Not a lot to say today actually. Found out last night that the place where I had interviewed last week decided to "go in a different direction." Kinda had the feeling that was coming since the interview was pretty short and uneventful.
That, coupled with the other place where I was supposed to interview this week not making contact, and the serious lack of phone calls I've had on resumes in the past couple weeks... well, I'm feeling not so fresh.
Work gets worse and worse every day with only my lack of giving a damn keeping me from hating every second of it. People around me at work are miserable... working two jobs... trying to support kids... hoping for the slightest bit of a raise come August. It's just disheartening to see good people in so much of a bad situation... including myself.
Gotta find something... gotta find a way out.
Maybe it's the Great American Screenplay that'll make me self-employed and able to sit at home all day watching TV and giggling to the bank.
Must be something, right?
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Chapter 25c - The See Overheard - Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince on CD
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.400)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
That, coupled with the other place where I was supposed to interview this week not making contact, and the serious lack of phone calls I've had on resumes in the past couple weeks... well, I'm feeling not so fresh.
Work gets worse and worse every day with only my lack of giving a damn keeping me from hating every second of it. People around me at work are miserable... working two jobs... trying to support kids... hoping for the slightest bit of a raise come August. It's just disheartening to see good people in so much of a bad situation... including myself.
Gotta find something... gotta find a way out.
Maybe it's the Great American Screenplay that'll make me self-employed and able to sit at home all day watching TV and giggling to the bank.
Must be something, right?
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Chapter 25c - The See Overheard - Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince on CD
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.400)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-08
This Means War [not safe for work!]
There's a bloody war of attrition going on in today's society.
It's not in Iraq or Afghanistan or Iran but those suck too.
This war is being fought on the streets of America. More specifically, in the board rooms and conference rooms of Hollywood.
It's a war against bad movies and TV shows being made.
For years, I've harped on how, in a world where great TV shows like Firefly and Arrested Development are dumped without a care... where movies like Serenity are ignored by the masses... in this world we live in where it's becoming not only acceptable but cherished to cater to the lowest common denominator...
In this world, when we're shoveled crap... we bathe in it like the finest of champagnes.
In a world where Air Bud not only gets made... but gets sequels approved.
In a world where The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel had to have been discussed in some conference room... and someone thought it sounded like a good idea.
In a world where yesterday morning when I awoke, I was greeted with the news that the Basic Instinct 2 trailer had hit the Internet. Now, if you haven't seen this trailer, you must go watch it immediately.
Imagine, if you will, rapidly aging Sharon Stone looking for one more big payday before her days as a "sex symbol" completely disappear. Ms. Stone has been begged for years by the studio to reprise her Basic Instinct character, thinking it was a surefire hit.
Having seen this trailer, I can safely say this movie is coming about ten years too late.
Imagine Ms. Stone discussing this script with her agent, a bottom-feeder also dying for one last payday... knowing his meal ticket's days are numbered... knowing that if she doesn't drag out her aging body now for this one, she'll never get another chance.
So... the call is made. Sharon, you really need to do this. This is money, baby... serious money. She expresses concern over the amount of nudity she's committing to. The blood-sucking agent tells her, "Well, they've already seen your tits once... they've even seen your hoo-hoo-dilly. If you're gonna do this, you need to _do_ this."
So, she agrees. She agrees to a film where the trailer alone sees her nude a half dozen times. She agrees to a film where in the trailer, she's getting it on with another woman _and_ having a threesome to boot. She agrees to a film that looks so much like the original, it even features the sexually overcharged detective who apparently is screwing someone else at the same time.
It features the end of a career which quite frankly, would have never existed if she wasn't the one willing to give us a upskirt shot of mammoth proportions.
But... if nothing else can be said... at least it doesn't feature a website with this game to promote it.
Stunning, eh?
In a world filled with creatively driven, energetic screenwriters who want nothing more than to inspire... educate... and bring forth another generation of screenwriters looking to do the same. In a world filled with people who'd do anything to break the glass ceiling and get their chance to write Batman Begins Again or Superman Returns Some More. In a world filled with people who just know they've got the next smash hit comedy... if their audience can turn away from Wife Swap to notice them.
In this world of Celebrity Fit Club... of generic Samuel Jackson movies easily mistaken for Shaft until the title comes up... of horrific horror movie remakes like When A Stranger Calls [don't check the children!]... of Freddie Prinze Junior sitcoms... of eight billion versions of CSI and Law & Order... with entire networks dedicated to golf... and yes, with Shelton Benjamin's mama having a heart attack while Randy Orton [on order from the boss] pisses on the memory of Eddie Guerrero...
In this world we live in... there still sits the thimble of taste in the cubicle next to me who can not resist telling us how great White Chicks was... how brilliant Commander In Chief is... how we should all race out to see Final Destination 3 [or whatever shitty horror flick is hitting screens this week]... how nothing is happening on Lost... how he doesn't "get" Arrested Development... The Office... Scrubs... how Survivor is "must see TV" still...
In this world, we are the minority. The taste of the masses deviates to the most inane crap that can be shoveled into the throat and swallowed without thinking.
It is a world where creativity is scorned... where brilliance is ignored... where a good idea is burned through and overused in a heartbeat.
Is is a world where on Friday night, one of the most brilliantly funny TV shows in the past decade or more will come to a crashing halt up against the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in an unhyped, barely mentioned whimper of an exit.
In the end, does anything more than that really need to be said?
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.450)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
It's not in Iraq or Afghanistan or Iran but those suck too.
This war is being fought on the streets of America. More specifically, in the board rooms and conference rooms of Hollywood.
It's a war against bad movies and TV shows being made.
For years, I've harped on how, in a world where great TV shows like Firefly and Arrested Development are dumped without a care... where movies like Serenity are ignored by the masses... in this world we live in where it's becoming not only acceptable but cherished to cater to the lowest common denominator...
In this world, when we're shoveled crap... we bathe in it like the finest of champagnes.
In a world where Air Bud not only gets made... but gets sequels approved.
In a world where The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel had to have been discussed in some conference room... and someone thought it sounded like a good idea.
In a world where yesterday morning when I awoke, I was greeted with the news that the Basic Instinct 2 trailer had hit the Internet. Now, if you haven't seen this trailer, you must go watch it immediately.
Imagine, if you will, rapidly aging Sharon Stone looking for one more big payday before her days as a "sex symbol" completely disappear. Ms. Stone has been begged for years by the studio to reprise her Basic Instinct character, thinking it was a surefire hit.
Having seen this trailer, I can safely say this movie is coming about ten years too late.
Imagine Ms. Stone discussing this script with her agent, a bottom-feeder also dying for one last payday... knowing his meal ticket's days are numbered... knowing that if she doesn't drag out her aging body now for this one, she'll never get another chance.
So... the call is made. Sharon, you really need to do this. This is money, baby... serious money. She expresses concern over the amount of nudity she's committing to. The blood-sucking agent tells her, "Well, they've already seen your tits once... they've even seen your hoo-hoo-dilly. If you're gonna do this, you need to _do_ this."
So, she agrees. She agrees to a film where the trailer alone sees her nude a half dozen times. She agrees to a film where in the trailer, she's getting it on with another woman _and_ having a threesome to boot. She agrees to a film that looks so much like the original, it even features the sexually overcharged detective who apparently is screwing someone else at the same time.
It features the end of a career which quite frankly, would have never existed if she wasn't the one willing to give us a upskirt shot of mammoth proportions.
But... if nothing else can be said... at least it doesn't feature a website with this game to promote it.
Stunning, eh?
In a world filled with creatively driven, energetic screenwriters who want nothing more than to inspire... educate... and bring forth another generation of screenwriters looking to do the same. In a world filled with people who'd do anything to break the glass ceiling and get their chance to write Batman Begins Again or Superman Returns Some More. In a world filled with people who just know they've got the next smash hit comedy... if their audience can turn away from Wife Swap to notice them.
In this world of Celebrity Fit Club... of generic Samuel Jackson movies easily mistaken for Shaft until the title comes up... of horrific horror movie remakes like When A Stranger Calls [don't check the children!]... of Freddie Prinze Junior sitcoms... of eight billion versions of CSI and Law & Order... with entire networks dedicated to golf... and yes, with Shelton Benjamin's mama having a heart attack while Randy Orton [on order from the boss] pisses on the memory of Eddie Guerrero...
In this world we live in... there still sits the thimble of taste in the cubicle next to me who can not resist telling us how great White Chicks was... how brilliant Commander In Chief is... how we should all race out to see Final Destination 3 [or whatever shitty horror flick is hitting screens this week]... how nothing is happening on Lost... how he doesn't "get" Arrested Development... The Office... Scrubs... how Survivor is "must see TV" still...
In this world, we are the minority. The taste of the masses deviates to the most inane crap that can be shoveled into the throat and swallowed without thinking.
It is a world where creativity is scorned... where brilliance is ignored... where a good idea is burned through and overused in a heartbeat.
Is is a world where on Friday night, one of the most brilliantly funny TV shows in the past decade or more will come to a crashing halt up against the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in an unhyped, barely mentioned whimper of an exit.
In the end, does anything more than that really need to be said?
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.450)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-06
The "Big Game"
For those of you alarmed by my love of Harry Potter and Veronica Mars... for those frightened by my singing of showtunes... I'm about to drop another bombshell.
I'm really not that fond of football.
GASP*SHOCK*HORROR
Followed by cries of "queer", "fag", and "fudgepacker", I'm sure.
I just don't get it. On a day where the majority of men in the United States are falling all over themselves to see the culmination of the sissiest season in all of sports [16 games, bitch please] I'm struck with a killer case of apathy.
I watched the game... just like I do every year. And I just didn't care... just like every year.
I can follow football. From time to time, I can even slightly enjoy it [mostly college though]. But I just don't see the overwhelming mass appeal.
Theory #1 says it's because there's no team in Los Angeles... meaning I have no team to care if they win or lose. A valid theory for sure. But there's hockey teams in SoCal and I couldn't give two shits about them most of the time either.
Theory #2 says it's because I didn't grow up watching it. My grandpa taught me about baseball from the moment I was able to comprehend the slightest thing he was saying and as a result, that's my game. It's the game I played, it's the game I love... and no, you instant gratification mental midgets, it's not boring. My aunts got into basketball in the mid-80's and I've watched the Lakers ever since then as well. No one ever watched the Raiders or Rams in my house so maybe it's just not ingrained in me to give a damn about that pigskin.
Theory #3 might be... it's boring. It is! I swear to God that it is. For those who bitch and moan about how you can sit around and watch three hours of baseball with no "action"... have you seen some of these football snorefests? Good christ almighty. And when's the last time you saw a home run taken away because someone fifty feet away from the play got his shirt held? HUH?! Sure, you occasionally see a great run or an incredible pass or a sick sack... but most of the time it's guys running for three yards at a time or throwing the ball out of bounds intentionally or dropping the ball. It's just flat out dull most of the time.
But yet... these so-called men are enthralled by it.
Why? Someone _must_ explain it to me. Please.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: There And Back Again - The Legends
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.350)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
I'm really not that fond of football.
GASP*SHOCK*HORROR
Followed by cries of "queer", "fag", and "fudgepacker", I'm sure.
I just don't get it. On a day where the majority of men in the United States are falling all over themselves to see the culmination of the sissiest season in all of sports [16 games, bitch please] I'm struck with a killer case of apathy.
I watched the game... just like I do every year. And I just didn't care... just like every year.
I can follow football. From time to time, I can even slightly enjoy it [mostly college though]. But I just don't see the overwhelming mass appeal.
Theory #1 says it's because there's no team in Los Angeles... meaning I have no team to care if they win or lose. A valid theory for sure. But there's hockey teams in SoCal and I couldn't give two shits about them most of the time either.
Theory #2 says it's because I didn't grow up watching it. My grandpa taught me about baseball from the moment I was able to comprehend the slightest thing he was saying and as a result, that's my game. It's the game I played, it's the game I love... and no, you instant gratification mental midgets, it's not boring. My aunts got into basketball in the mid-80's and I've watched the Lakers ever since then as well. No one ever watched the Raiders or Rams in my house so maybe it's just not ingrained in me to give a damn about that pigskin.
Theory #3 might be... it's boring. It is! I swear to God that it is. For those who bitch and moan about how you can sit around and watch three hours of baseball with no "action"... have you seen some of these football snorefests? Good christ almighty. And when's the last time you saw a home run taken away because someone fifty feet away from the play got his shirt held? HUH?! Sure, you occasionally see a great run or an incredible pass or a sick sack... but most of the time it's guys running for three yards at a time or throwing the ball out of bounds intentionally or dropping the ball. It's just flat out dull most of the time.
But yet... these so-called men are enthralled by it.
Why? Someone _must_ explain it to me. Please.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: There And Back Again - The Legends
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p.350)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-03
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
I really hate interviews.
What is it about a job interview that makes someone ask the dumbest possible question in hopes that your bullshit answer will be good enough to warrant putting their company's fate in your hands?
While sitting through one of the most by-the-numbers interviews that I've ever had, I started wondering what it would be like to intentionally sabotage yourself.
Picture an interview set up for yourself with the intention of just bombing miserably. A job you have no desire to get... just the desire to amuse yourself by making this employer wonder, "What the fuck was I thinking?"
I think it might go something like this.
"Well, so now that you know a little bit about the position, why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?"
"Sure! Well, first off, let me apologize in advance for my appearance. I had a real late night last night if you know what I'm saying.Basically, for the last ten years, I've bounced aimlessly from job to job because none of them pay enough and I work for a bunch of cockmongers."
"Ummm... okay. Well, describe your current position to me."
"Hike up that skirt a little more and I'll show my current position to you, darlin'."
"Uhhh."
"I sit at my desk, usually on the Internet... sometimes posting on my blog. I pretty much make it a regular habit to trash the hell out of the company I work for on my blog. It's entertaining but I guess it'd get me fired if they ever found out."
"What type of work do you do?"
"Hang up on people mostly. We get some real morons calling in. I mean... for Christ's sake, we sell product to Wal-Mart. That's like digging into the end of the genetic gene pool with something floating in it to find your customers, you know?"
"Err... okay. Well, what makes you want to work here at Dunder-Mifflin?"
"Money."
"Um... anything else?"
"Not really. I could give you some bullshit about looking for a challenge or wanting to broaden myself but I'm really only looking for extra cash when I open my wallet. Cheap booze isn't really as cheap as the name would imply."
"If you were to get this position, you would be an integral cog in our communications network. Do you feel comfortable with this responsibility?"
"Can I watch my iPod while I'm being a cog?"
"Well, we'd expect your full attention."
"The job only sounds like it'd take half a brain. I can use the other half to watch March of the Penguins, right?"
"It says you attended classes at UC Riverside."
"Went there. Not sure how many classes I attended."
"But you graduated, right?"
"As far as you know"
"Okay. Well, I think we're just about done here. Do you have any questions for me?"
"I really don't cause this experience has been as pleasant as Assless Chaps Night at Jenny Craig. But I'm sure you'd like me to ask something so I sound like a give a flying fuck about the company, right?"
"Ideally."
"If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be?"
"Uhhh."
"Payback's a bitch."
Something like that, right?
P.S. - Those of you in the LA area, hit socaluncensored.com on the right side of the page to go find out about the PWG show tomorrow night. I know all you TNA fans that read this want to see AJ Styles going for the PWG Title again not to mention the PWG return of Samoa Joe. Gonna be a good ol' time in the Jewish Community Center. See you there.
P.P.S. - Yes, I turned off unregisted comments. I'm very intolerant of intolerance and ignorant people were pissing me off. You want to call someone gay or a "beaner", you tell us your name, coward.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Mad About You - Belinda Carlisle
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
What is it about a job interview that makes someone ask the dumbest possible question in hopes that your bullshit answer will be good enough to warrant putting their company's fate in your hands?
While sitting through one of the most by-the-numbers interviews that I've ever had, I started wondering what it would be like to intentionally sabotage yourself.
Picture an interview set up for yourself with the intention of just bombing miserably. A job you have no desire to get... just the desire to amuse yourself by making this employer wonder, "What the fuck was I thinking?"
I think it might go something like this.
"Well, so now that you know a little bit about the position, why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?"
"Sure! Well, first off, let me apologize in advance for my appearance. I had a real late night last night if you know what I'm saying.
"Ummm... okay. Well, describe your current position to me."
"Hike up that skirt a little more and I'll show my current position to you, darlin'."
"Uhhh."
"I sit at my desk, usually on the Internet... sometimes posting on my blog. I pretty much make it a regular habit to trash the hell out of the company I work for on my blog. It's entertaining but I guess it'd get me fired if they ever found out."
"What type of work do you do?"
"Hang up on people mostly. We get some real morons calling in. I mean... for Christ's sake, we sell product to Wal-Mart. That's like digging into the end of the genetic gene pool with something floating in it to find your customers, you know?"
"Err... okay. Well, what makes you want to work here at Dunder-Mifflin?"
"Money."
"Um... anything else?"
"Not really. I could give you some bullshit about looking for a challenge or wanting to broaden myself but I'm really only looking for extra cash when I open my wallet. Cheap booze isn't really as cheap as the name would imply."
"If you were to get this position, you would be an integral cog in our communications network. Do you feel comfortable with this responsibility?"
"Can I watch my iPod while I'm being a cog?"
"Well, we'd expect your full attention."
"The job only sounds like it'd take half a brain. I can use the other half to watch March of the Penguins, right?"
"It says you attended classes at UC Riverside."
"Went there. Not sure how many classes I attended."
"But you graduated, right?"
"As far as you know"
"Okay. Well, I think we're just about done here. Do you have any questions for me?"
"I really don't cause this experience has been as pleasant as Assless Chaps Night at Jenny Craig. But I'm sure you'd like me to ask something so I sound like a give a flying fuck about the company, right?"
"Ideally."
"If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be?"
"Uhhh."
"Payback's a bitch."
Something like that, right?
P.S. - Those of you in the LA area, hit socaluncensored.com on the right side of the page to go find out about the PWG show tomorrow night. I know all you TNA fans that read this want to see AJ Styles going for the PWG Title again not to mention the PWG return of Samoa Joe. Gonna be a good ol' time in the Jewish Community Center. See you there.
P.P.S. - Yes, I turned off unregisted comments. I'm very intolerant of intolerance and ignorant people were pissing me off. You want to call someone gay or a "beaner", you tell us your name, coward.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Mad About You - Belinda Carlisle
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-02-01
I _Think_ I Can Do It
T-Minus 60 minutes until I leave for my first interview in this new quest to find a new job.
A little nervous to be honest. I'm usually not... I usually play it chill and let whatever happens happen. But I think the salary of this position plus the grest desire to get the hell out of here is playing fast and loose with my nerves.
It doesn't help when you read Monster's interview tips and become convinced that you've never done an interview right.
Fuckers.
58 minutes.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.
This is gonna be a long hour.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Adelaide - Old 97s
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
A little nervous to be honest. I'm usually not... I usually play it chill and let whatever happens happen. But I think the salary of this position plus the grest desire to get the hell out of here is playing fast and loose with my nerves.
It doesn't help when you read Monster's interview tips and become convinced that you've never done an interview right.
Fuckers.
58 minutes.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.
This is gonna be a long hour.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Adelaide - Old 97s
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-01-31
Rumbles, iPods, and Interviews, oh my!
Before we get down and dirty, some amusement provided by B...
"This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address fall on the same day. As Air America Radio pointed out, "It is an ironic juxtaposition: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication, and the other involves a groundhog."
Brilliant. Sodding brilliant. Cheers.
So, I promised Rumble thoughts. But I really have very little nice to say about it. As I mentioned on Friday, there's two PPVs that I adore and would always get... and somehow, they managed to ruin one of them for me. All I needed to be happy on Sunday was Rey winning a smartly booked Rumble and Edge retaining the title. One out of three just doesn't cut it.
I'm so happy for Rey Misterio and the shot of he, Chavo, Benoit, and Malenko celebrating is one of my favorite moments in recent memory. But that PPV pissed away the good buzz from that in the next hour. Utter crap. From Cena winning the gold to the crapfest that was Angle/Henry to the Hepatitistaker playing David Copperfield with the ring. Just crap.
Raw last night wasn't much better but the main event is what the previous night's title match should have been... all the way down to the finish. It was perfect for an Edge title defense but ended up being weird for a Cena defense.
I don't know. Just... crap.
But in the silver lining of life, all rejoice that I bought a 60 gig video iPod on Saturday night much to the envy of all my coworkers. It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up.
And speaking of coworkers... the countdown is on. I've got two interviews over the next two weeks and with any luck, I'll be ready to blow this popsicle stand in the very near future. Drowning in my apathy towards my work has been all to keep me sane in recent days at work.
Rejoice! The gift of music is coming soon! February Mixtape, peeps.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Followed The Waves - Auf Der Maur
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
"This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address fall on the same day. As Air America Radio pointed out, "It is an ironic juxtaposition: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication, and the other involves a groundhog."
Brilliant. Sodding brilliant. Cheers.
So, I promised Rumble thoughts. But I really have very little nice to say about it. As I mentioned on Friday, there's two PPVs that I adore and would always get... and somehow, they managed to ruin one of them for me. All I needed to be happy on Sunday was Rey winning a smartly booked Rumble and Edge retaining the title. One out of three just doesn't cut it.
I'm so happy for Rey Misterio and the shot of he, Chavo, Benoit, and Malenko celebrating is one of my favorite moments in recent memory. But that PPV pissed away the good buzz from that in the next hour. Utter crap. From Cena winning the gold to the crapfest that was Angle/Henry to the Hepatitistaker playing David Copperfield with the ring. Just crap.
Raw last night wasn't much better but the main event is what the previous night's title match should have been... all the way down to the finish. It was perfect for an Edge title defense but ended up being weird for a Cena defense.
I don't know. Just... crap.
But in the silver lining of life, all rejoice that I bought a 60 gig video iPod on Saturday night much to the envy of all my coworkers. It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up.
And speaking of coworkers... the countdown is on. I've got two interviews over the next two weeks and with any luck, I'll be ready to blow this popsicle stand in the very near future. Drowning in my apathy towards my work has been all to keep me sane in recent days at work.
Rejoice! The gift of music is coming soon! February Mixtape, peeps.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Followed The Waves - Auf Der Maur
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (don't have it with me but around p. 200)
Movie I Last Saw In The Theater: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-01-28
Play That Funky Music, White Boy
Well, now that I can spend the rest of my weekend basking in the knowledge that I'm entertaining the hostile and intolerant... let's go back to my January Mixtape and talk about what was on it.
Track One: Crown Of Love - The Arcade Fire
I can't even remember where I stumbled across this song. I've been a little mixed on some of the bands that are making it big as of late.. and I'm not entirely sold on the entire "Funeral" album either, but this track is one of my favorites that I've heard lately. In the 13 days it's been on my iTunes, it's played 16 times so far... so yeah, obviously I dig it a lot. Give it a shot and once you get past the off-kilter nature of the song, I think you'll like it.
Track Two: Racing In The Street - Bruce Springsteen
Ok... if you know me, you know I love the Boss. And when I talk to people who don't love Springsteen, it kills me a little bit inside. So, as part of this project, you can guarandamntee that every one of these Mixtapes will have my Springsteen Song Of the Month in an attempt to educate the masses to his greatness. This is one you probably don't know. I don't think I've ever heard it on the radio but it's a definitely highspot in the Springsteen catalog.
Track Three: Return - The Cure
This is a fond memory song for me. When B and I first got together, we listened to The Cure's "Wild Mood Swings" a lot [among a handful of other albums> when we were hanging out. This is one of my favorite tracks off that album. It's not quite so mopey as a lot of Cure songs and actually has some clever lyrics. "I really love the way you wear your hair and nothing more."
Track Four: Cannonball - Damien Rice
I don't have a lot to say about this one actually. Lately, I've found myself drawn to songs that are simpler. Just a few instruments and a voice. That's this song in essence. When a vocalist has a strong enough voice to let that carry his music, I'm impressed. You don't always have to have fancy studio tricks to make good music.
Track Five: Precious - Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode has always had ups and downs in my listening tastes. It started in the early 90's with Casey Kasem.
...
Yes, Casey F'n Kasem. You see... at the time, my friend, Brian, had discovered Depeche Mode in the form of the "Violator" album and was really pushing it on me. He loved "Enjoy The Silence" and played it all the damn time. One day, we were watching Casey Kasem's America's Top 10 show on TV [or was it 20?] and saw "Enjoy The Silence" at the number two spot... being held off by The Scorpions and "Wind of Change". Oh, the argument we had between those songs. I just couldn't stand Depeche Mode back then.
With time, as I was exposed to more of their catalog, I found myself enjoying them more... hell, I even like "Enjoy the Silence" now. So, with all that in mind... I like this song, bitches.
Track Six: Telescope Eyes - Eisley
How can you not like Eisley? First and foremost... they're named after the Mos Eisley Spaceport in Star Wars! Come on, people! You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy!
Anyways... the lead singer of Eisley's got a great voice and the band makes some damn fine songs. This is just one of them. Go check out Eisley. And while looking at their website just now, I just discovered they're a Christian band.
Suddenly, I feel dirty... but the band's good anyways! Go check 'em out!
Track Seven: Tears Of A Clown - The English Beat
Those of you that know me know that I have a strong love for weird cover songs. If there's a bizarre cover song out there, odds are that I'd love it. Punk bands covering 80's songs? Love it. Country bands covering rap hits? Gotta have it. I love me some weird covers. And this is one of those. While it doesn't capture the greatness of the original, it's just cool enough that I had to put it on here. You'll probably see an odd cover on each of these Mixtapes too.
Track Eight: Hackensack - Fountains Of Wayne
Forget "Stacy's Mom." If that's all the FoW that you know, you just don't know FoW. They are one of the most underrated bands that I've stumbled across in the past year or so. I've yet to come across one of their tracks that I didn't instantly enjoy and they're responsible for some of my favorite songs lately. Plus, you can't go wrong with songs that mention Christopher Walken, right?
Track Nine: Sgt. Major - Jet
Jet intrigues me. They have the bad rap of being ripoffs... but each of their songs seems to be so different than the other. One second they sound like AC/DC... the next, they sounds like some cross between The Beatles and Oasis... the next? Something completely different. This is one of those in the vein of Oasis and The Beatles. I believe it's a non-album track from them but it's very well done and easily could be a single for them. They also happen to be a very good live act as I caught them opening for Oasis in 2005.
Track Ten: Mi Mancherai - Josh Groban
Okay, so I know this looks to be an odd fit on this list but... well, here's the story. Anyone seen the trailer for the new M. Night Shamyalalayan movie? No? Go download it. The movie may very well be the worst thing ever... we'll know soon enough, I guess. But the trailer? It may be the most magical trailer for a movie I wasn't eagerly anticipating that I've ever seen. From the teaser trailer alone, I want to see this movie. And what more? I don't even want to see another trailer for it because I'm afraid it'll spoil the magic. Magic. This song... is magic.
Track Eleven: Drinking For 11 - Mad Caddies
I was on the prowl for ska for this disc. I love ska music... I really do. It's something else that throws me back to my college days when it was the bulk of what I listened to. All those live shows with Reel Big Fish... the Aquabats... Save Ferris... Buck O Nine... so, so, so many more. Even No Doubt before Gwen got to hang out with Dr. Dre. This isn't really the kind of ska music that I would have loved back then... but now? If it's got horns, I'm happy.
Track Twelve: Little By Little - Oasis
This song got stuck in my head. That's why it's here. Period.
Track Thirteen: Teenage Love Song - Rilo Kiley
This song intentionally has an old school vibe to it with some lyrics that definitely wouldn't match the time period. Throw that unique sound with the woman who sounds like she'd be hot and you've got a winner. "Portions For Foxes" was one of my favorite songs of '05 and I'm looking forward to finding more Rilo Kiley songs this year to be impressed by.
Track Fourteen: Gigolos Get Lonely Too - The Time
THE GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD, MORRIS DAY AND THE MUTHAFUCKIN' TIME! Now... if this doesn't sound like a Prince song, I don't know what does. I love Prince and this sounded so much like him, I was damn happy to have it on here... despite it not really fitting with the rest of the tracks. Besides, how you go wrong with Jay And Silent Bob's favorite band.
Track Fifteen: Perfect Situation - Weezer
I have to admit that it was the video that first got me into this song. Elisha Cuthbert as the prima donna singer who gets replaced in the band? Sold! But then I listened to the song a few times and realized it was one of those classic Weezer songs that you just can't get out of your head. I've been listening to Weezer for over ten years now and have gotta say this is one of their better efforts. Now, if we could only wipe "Hash Pipe" and "Beverly Hills" out of our brainstems.
Track Sixteen: You've Got Her In Your Pocket - The White Stripes
The White Stripes are usually at their most successful when they're loud and boisterous so it's damn cool to hear them stripped down to something acoustic. It's actually quite the nice song too. White Stripes can usually be hit and miss to me. A lot of good tracks but a lot of stuff that just seems like filler to me. This one I recently stumbled upon and yes, it's one of the good ones.
Track Seventeen: Defying Gravity - Wicked Soundtrack
Wow, if you thought I was gay for talking about Harry Potter and Veronica Mars, I can just imagine what showtunes must do to your closed-off brainpan. But before the entire world, I shall TESSSSTIIIFYYYY! I love showtunes. I'm enthralled by the ability to tell a full story just through song. Usually, I only enjoy showtunes from musicals I've seen with a couple of exceptions. This is one of those exceptions.
And there you have it, peeps. My January Mixtape in a nutshell.
And in just mere days, you'll have the February gift of music that keeps on giving.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Be back on Monday with... well, probably Rumble thoughts... but we'll see.
Peace.
Track One: Crown Of Love - The Arcade Fire
I can't even remember where I stumbled across this song. I've been a little mixed on some of the bands that are making it big as of late.. and I'm not entirely sold on the entire "Funeral" album either, but this track is one of my favorites that I've heard lately. In the 13 days it's been on my iTunes, it's played 16 times so far... so yeah, obviously I dig it a lot. Give it a shot and once you get past the off-kilter nature of the song, I think you'll like it.
Track Two: Racing In The Street - Bruce Springsteen
Ok... if you know me, you know I love the Boss. And when I talk to people who don't love Springsteen, it kills me a little bit inside. So, as part of this project, you can guarandamntee that every one of these Mixtapes will have my Springsteen Song Of the Month in an attempt to educate the masses to his greatness. This is one you probably don't know. I don't think I've ever heard it on the radio but it's a definitely highspot in the Springsteen catalog.
Track Three: Return - The Cure
This is a fond memory song for me. When B and I first got together, we listened to The Cure's "Wild Mood Swings" a lot [among a handful of other albums> when we were hanging out. This is one of my favorite tracks off that album. It's not quite so mopey as a lot of Cure songs and actually has some clever lyrics. "I really love the way you wear your hair and nothing more."
Track Four: Cannonball - Damien Rice
I don't have a lot to say about this one actually. Lately, I've found myself drawn to songs that are simpler. Just a few instruments and a voice. That's this song in essence. When a vocalist has a strong enough voice to let that carry his music, I'm impressed. You don't always have to have fancy studio tricks to make good music.
Track Five: Precious - Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode has always had ups and downs in my listening tastes. It started in the early 90's with Casey Kasem.
...
Yes, Casey F'n Kasem. You see... at the time, my friend, Brian, had discovered Depeche Mode in the form of the "Violator" album and was really pushing it on me. He loved "Enjoy The Silence" and played it all the damn time. One day, we were watching Casey Kasem's America's Top 10 show on TV [or was it 20?] and saw "Enjoy The Silence" at the number two spot... being held off by The Scorpions and "Wind of Change". Oh, the argument we had between those songs. I just couldn't stand Depeche Mode back then.
With time, as I was exposed to more of their catalog, I found myself enjoying them more... hell, I even like "Enjoy the Silence" now. So, with all that in mind... I like this song, bitches.
Track Six: Telescope Eyes - Eisley
How can you not like Eisley? First and foremost... they're named after the Mos Eisley Spaceport in Star Wars! Come on, people! You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy!
Anyways... the lead singer of Eisley's got a great voice and the band makes some damn fine songs. This is just one of them. Go check out Eisley. And while looking at their website just now, I just discovered they're a Christian band.
Suddenly, I feel dirty... but the band's good anyways! Go check 'em out!
Track Seven: Tears Of A Clown - The English Beat
Those of you that know me know that I have a strong love for weird cover songs. If there's a bizarre cover song out there, odds are that I'd love it. Punk bands covering 80's songs? Love it. Country bands covering rap hits? Gotta have it. I love me some weird covers. And this is one of those. While it doesn't capture the greatness of the original, it's just cool enough that I had to put it on here. You'll probably see an odd cover on each of these Mixtapes too.
Track Eight: Hackensack - Fountains Of Wayne
Forget "Stacy's Mom." If that's all the FoW that you know, you just don't know FoW. They are one of the most underrated bands that I've stumbled across in the past year or so. I've yet to come across one of their tracks that I didn't instantly enjoy and they're responsible for some of my favorite songs lately. Plus, you can't go wrong with songs that mention Christopher Walken, right?
Track Nine: Sgt. Major - Jet
Jet intrigues me. They have the bad rap of being ripoffs... but each of their songs seems to be so different than the other. One second they sound like AC/DC... the next, they sounds like some cross between The Beatles and Oasis... the next? Something completely different. This is one of those in the vein of Oasis and The Beatles. I believe it's a non-album track from them but it's very well done and easily could be a single for them. They also happen to be a very good live act as I caught them opening for Oasis in 2005.
Track Ten: Mi Mancherai - Josh Groban
Okay, so I know this looks to be an odd fit on this list but... well, here's the story. Anyone seen the trailer for the new M. Night Shamyalalayan movie? No? Go download it. The movie may very well be the worst thing ever... we'll know soon enough, I guess. But the trailer? It may be the most magical trailer for a movie I wasn't eagerly anticipating that I've ever seen. From the teaser trailer alone, I want to see this movie. And what more? I don't even want to see another trailer for it because I'm afraid it'll spoil the magic. Magic. This song... is magic.
Track Eleven: Drinking For 11 - Mad Caddies
I was on the prowl for ska for this disc. I love ska music... I really do. It's something else that throws me back to my college days when it was the bulk of what I listened to. All those live shows with Reel Big Fish... the Aquabats... Save Ferris... Buck O Nine... so, so, so many more. Even No Doubt before Gwen got to hang out with Dr. Dre. This isn't really the kind of ska music that I would have loved back then... but now? If it's got horns, I'm happy.
Track Twelve: Little By Little - Oasis
This song got stuck in my head. That's why it's here. Period.
Track Thirteen: Teenage Love Song - Rilo Kiley
This song intentionally has an old school vibe to it with some lyrics that definitely wouldn't match the time period. Throw that unique sound with the woman who sounds like she'd be hot and you've got a winner. "Portions For Foxes" was one of my favorite songs of '05 and I'm looking forward to finding more Rilo Kiley songs this year to be impressed by.
Track Fourteen: Gigolos Get Lonely Too - The Time
THE GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD, MORRIS DAY AND THE MUTHAFUCKIN' TIME! Now... if this doesn't sound like a Prince song, I don't know what does. I love Prince and this sounded so much like him, I was damn happy to have it on here... despite it not really fitting with the rest of the tracks. Besides, how you go wrong with Jay And Silent Bob's favorite band.
Track Fifteen: Perfect Situation - Weezer
I have to admit that it was the video that first got me into this song. Elisha Cuthbert as the prima donna singer who gets replaced in the band? Sold! But then I listened to the song a few times and realized it was one of those classic Weezer songs that you just can't get out of your head. I've been listening to Weezer for over ten years now and have gotta say this is one of their better efforts. Now, if we could only wipe "Hash Pipe" and "Beverly Hills" out of our brainstems.
Track Sixteen: You've Got Her In Your Pocket - The White Stripes
The White Stripes are usually at their most successful when they're loud and boisterous so it's damn cool to hear them stripped down to something acoustic. It's actually quite the nice song too. White Stripes can usually be hit and miss to me. A lot of good tracks but a lot of stuff that just seems like filler to me. This one I recently stumbled upon and yes, it's one of the good ones.
Track Seventeen: Defying Gravity - Wicked Soundtrack
Wow, if you thought I was gay for talking about Harry Potter and Veronica Mars, I can just imagine what showtunes must do to your closed-off brainpan. But before the entire world, I shall TESSSSTIIIFYYYY! I love showtunes. I'm enthralled by the ability to tell a full story just through song. Usually, I only enjoy showtunes from musicals I've seen with a couple of exceptions. This is one of those exceptions.
And there you have it, peeps. My January Mixtape in a nutshell.
And in just mere days, you'll have the February gift of music that keeps on giving.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Be back on Monday with... well, probably Rumble thoughts... but we'll see.
Peace.
2006-01-27
Let's Get Ready To Rumble
It's just about time for my second favorite day of the year as a wrestling fan. If I ever just completely stopped wrestling altogether... if it became so shitty that I just couldn't stand watching... I bet I'd still get the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania on PPV. The only two guaranteed buys per year from me anymore.
So... it's prediction time with a little of my own creativity thrown in. For each match on the PPV, I'll give you what I think will happen... and what I think should happen.
These are for the listed matches on wwe.com so blame them if I miss anything.
Here we go...
WWE Championship Match - Edge vs John Cena
What should happen: You know what I think should happen. I think Edge should retain the title by hook or by crook. Preferably something decisive to avoid a Mania rematch.
What will happen: I think they'll do the right thing here. I'll pick Edge to retain with Vince hoping the strong ratings of late will continue.
World Heavyweight Championship Match - Kurt Angle vs Mark Henry
What should happen: Kurt should obviously win this one and do so cleanly to position him as the undisputed champion for Smackdown.
What will happen: Can't imagine any other finish than Angle retaining unless they decide to do a Feb PPV rematch. Eh... I'll pick Angle by pinfall.
The Boogeyman vs. JBL
What should happen: Boogeyman does his schtick, amuses the crowd, and eats a clothesline from hell to give JBL the win. I don't see Boogeyman ever doing big things in the E despite be fairly entertaining at the moment.
What will happen: Boogeyman takes the win... maybe by countout as JBL flees from some worm chicanery.
Mickie James vs. Ashley - Trish Stratus as special guest referee
What should happen: Something...anything to further the Trish/Mickie story. It doesn't really matter who wins in the long run.
What will happen: I'd imagine Ashley will win with some kind of controversy surrounding a Trish decision leading to Mickie/Trish at Mania.
The Royal Rumble
[NOTE: As of "press time", not all 30 people in the Rumble have been announced. I'll assume there's no major surprise coming when making my predictions.]
Let's break it down like this...
No Chance [That's What You've Got]
******************
Trevor Murdoch - Not a chance for ol' Trev. In an ideal world, he would have gotten pushed on arrival and would be at a solid IC level at the moment. But that didn't happen so he'll be cannon fodder for this one.
Viscera - Nope. No chance that the big pimp gets to main event a Mania.
Jonathan Coachman - 'nuff said.
Orlando Jordan - Nope. But he probably will get highlighted a bit in a brawl with Booker T to further their issue.
Sylvan - Riiiiight. In what bizarre world does La Resistance split up and the least talented of the three end up in the Rumble?
Road Warrior Animal - It'll be good for a nostalgia pop but that's about it.
Johnny Nitro - Some years, I'd say they might throw Nitro and Mercury out at one and two to relive the Demolition moment but this year I think they have other plans for number one.
Joey Mercury - See above.
Simon Dean - Poor, poor Nova. He won't even be in the Rumble unless Vince just finds it funny seeing him ride the Nova Cycle to the ring. Look for him to be the guy that gets punked out for his spot in the match... maybe by the Boogeyman.
Super Crazy - Crazy, since London and Kendrick didn't "make the cut", your job is to die in an incredible elimination spot. Carry on!
Psicosis - See above!
In A Dream World
****************
Rob Van Dam - In a dream world, RVD would come back from his injury to a triumphant victory in the Rumble, bringing a fresh face into the World Title scene as he moves on to Mania to meet... gasp... another fairly fresh face. Come on... like it's not the perfect tagline to say "What happens when the Rated R Superstar gets taken... to the Extreme."
Carlito - Too soon. Maybe in a year or two, Carlito will be a favorite but not yet.
Shelton Benjamin - Shelton should have been on the fast track to the Wrestlemania main event but got shoved back down the ladder after the mini-Triple H angle.
Chavo Guerrero - In a dream world, Chavo would have gotten the post-Eddy push since the fans are dying to cheer for him whenever they see him now. In a dream world, he would have lied and cheated and stealed [stealed?] his way to at least the very end of the Rumble. Alas, it's not likely to happen.
Matt Hardy - In a dream world, Matt Hardy wins the Rumble and immediately declares his intention to go back to Raw and finish what he started with Edge... and this time on the biggest stage of them all.
Lashley - Too soon, Brockcito.
Booker T - You had your shot, Booker. That train ain't comin' back around.
You Never Know
**************
Big Show - Vince likes big guys. I suppose Big Show/Angle might be a pretty decent main event and give Smackdown a little extra star power. Big Show/Edge doesn't sound too appealing though.
Kane - The movie's coming out. Can Vince resist the urge to cross-promote on the biggest stage of the year?
Chris Masters - The rookie's on a roll... but I don't think it's his time yet. Main eventing Mania would be a ungodly amount of pressure to put on him.
Here Comes The Money
********************
Shawn Michaels - The Vince/HBK angle has to be going somewhere. I'd imagine Vince will rig the drawing and put HBK #1. And I'd also imagine he'll probably almost go the distance to play up that angle. I don't think he'll win though. If he does, he'd almost have to jump to Smackdown to face Angle... and would Vince follow behind to mess with him on Smackdown instead? Might help Smackdown some. Possible... but not likely, I think.
Triple H - We're all stunned that HHH has managed to stay away from the World Title for an entire year. It's done his character a world of good as he doesn't instantly anger me when he's on camera. The Flair angle was good... the Big Show feud was done well. But I have absolutely no desire to see HHH/Cena or HHH/Edge. However, I'd be in favor of HHH/Angle... but would HHH jump off "the flagship" to help the B-show? Another one that's possible... not not likely, IMO.
Ric Flair - One last ride for the Nature Boy? Most of us would love to see it and the Edge/Flair angle seems like it could easily go until Mania with proper mic time for Flair. I'm totally in favor of this one without a doubt in my mind. And with as much as Vince loves Flair... I wouldn't be stunned if it happened.
Chris Benoit - Hrmm. While the idea of Benoit/Angle main eventing Wrestlemania gives most of us the happy pants, it seems kind of odd to put him in that position after losing the US Title series. Possible... but very unlikely, I think.
Randy Orton - Orton/Angle? Orton/Edge? Neither sound all that appealing to me. I think Orton's headed for an upper Mania match with Benoit but there's no gold in his future yet.
That brings me to the person who I both think should and will win the Royal Rumble...
Rey Misterio - All the chips are in place. He's over with the fans, he moves merchandize, he was positioned with the top guys for almost all of 2005. He's been put in the position of "almost winning" in both the battle royal for the gold and the #1 contender match. He's dedicated the match to Eddie. He drew HHH's attention at the Press Conference.
I think Rey will draw a low number and conquer all the odds for the ultimate in underdog stories that will culminate at Wrestlemania in what should be an incredible match between Angle and Rey.
If there was ever a time to give Rey a shot, it's now. If you ever had the faith that he _might_ be able to carry the company, you've gotta give him that chance right now. There will never be a better opportunity to see if he can bring back the youthful audience... bring back the Internet fans who shit on the product... bring back the Latino market they're bleeding away... bring back the fans who are saying the "other guys" have better in-ring action...
Rey Misterio as your World Champion?
It's gotta happen. The stars are aligned.
Make it happen, Vince... make it happen.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 129)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
So... it's prediction time with a little of my own creativity thrown in. For each match on the PPV, I'll give you what I think will happen... and what I think should happen.
These are for the listed matches on wwe.com so blame them if I miss anything.
Here we go...
WWE Championship Match - Edge vs John Cena
What should happen: You know what I think should happen. I think Edge should retain the title by hook or by crook. Preferably something decisive to avoid a Mania rematch.
What will happen: I think they'll do the right thing here. I'll pick Edge to retain with Vince hoping the strong ratings of late will continue.
World Heavyweight Championship Match - Kurt Angle vs Mark Henry
What should happen: Kurt should obviously win this one and do so cleanly to position him as the undisputed champion for Smackdown.
What will happen: Can't imagine any other finish than Angle retaining unless they decide to do a Feb PPV rematch. Eh... I'll pick Angle by pinfall.
The Boogeyman vs. JBL
What should happen: Boogeyman does his schtick, amuses the crowd, and eats a clothesline from hell to give JBL the win. I don't see Boogeyman ever doing big things in the E despite be fairly entertaining at the moment.
What will happen: Boogeyman takes the win... maybe by countout as JBL flees from some worm chicanery.
Mickie James vs. Ashley - Trish Stratus as special guest referee
What should happen: Something...anything to further the Trish/Mickie story. It doesn't really matter who wins in the long run.
What will happen: I'd imagine Ashley will win with some kind of controversy surrounding a Trish decision leading to Mickie/Trish at Mania.
The Royal Rumble
[NOTE: As of "press time", not all 30 people in the Rumble have been announced. I'll assume there's no major surprise coming when making my predictions.]
Let's break it down like this...
No Chance [That's What You've Got]
******************
Trevor Murdoch - Not a chance for ol' Trev. In an ideal world, he would have gotten pushed on arrival and would be at a solid IC level at the moment. But that didn't happen so he'll be cannon fodder for this one.
Viscera - Nope. No chance that the big pimp gets to main event a Mania.
Jonathan Coachman - 'nuff said.
Orlando Jordan - Nope. But he probably will get highlighted a bit in a brawl with Booker T to further their issue.
Sylvan - Riiiiight. In what bizarre world does La Resistance split up and the least talented of the three end up in the Rumble?
Road Warrior Animal - It'll be good for a nostalgia pop but that's about it.
Johnny Nitro - Some years, I'd say they might throw Nitro and Mercury out at one and two to relive the Demolition moment but this year I think they have other plans for number one.
Joey Mercury - See above.
Simon Dean - Poor, poor Nova. He won't even be in the Rumble unless Vince just finds it funny seeing him ride the Nova Cycle to the ring. Look for him to be the guy that gets punked out for his spot in the match... maybe by the Boogeyman.
Super Crazy - Crazy, since London and Kendrick didn't "make the cut", your job is to die in an incredible elimination spot. Carry on!
Psicosis - See above!
In A Dream World
****************
Rob Van Dam - In a dream world, RVD would come back from his injury to a triumphant victory in the Rumble, bringing a fresh face into the World Title scene as he moves on to Mania to meet... gasp... another fairly fresh face. Come on... like it's not the perfect tagline to say "What happens when the Rated R Superstar gets taken... to the Extreme."
Carlito - Too soon. Maybe in a year or two, Carlito will be a favorite but not yet.
Shelton Benjamin - Shelton should have been on the fast track to the Wrestlemania main event but got shoved back down the ladder after the mini-Triple H angle.
Chavo Guerrero - In a dream world, Chavo would have gotten the post-Eddy push since the fans are dying to cheer for him whenever they see him now. In a dream world, he would have lied and cheated and stealed [stealed?] his way to at least the very end of the Rumble. Alas, it's not likely to happen.
Matt Hardy - In a dream world, Matt Hardy wins the Rumble and immediately declares his intention to go back to Raw and finish what he started with Edge... and this time on the biggest stage of them all.
Lashley - Too soon, Brockcito.
Booker T - You had your shot, Booker. That train ain't comin' back around.
You Never Know
**************
Big Show - Vince likes big guys. I suppose Big Show/Angle might be a pretty decent main event and give Smackdown a little extra star power. Big Show/Edge doesn't sound too appealing though.
Kane - The movie's coming out. Can Vince resist the urge to cross-promote on the biggest stage of the year?
Chris Masters - The rookie's on a roll... but I don't think it's his time yet. Main eventing Mania would be a ungodly amount of pressure to put on him.
Here Comes The Money
********************
Shawn Michaels - The Vince/HBK angle has to be going somewhere. I'd imagine Vince will rig the drawing and put HBK #1. And I'd also imagine he'll probably almost go the distance to play up that angle. I don't think he'll win though. If he does, he'd almost have to jump to Smackdown to face Angle... and would Vince follow behind to mess with him on Smackdown instead? Might help Smackdown some. Possible... but not likely, I think.
Triple H - We're all stunned that HHH has managed to stay away from the World Title for an entire year. It's done his character a world of good as he doesn't instantly anger me when he's on camera. The Flair angle was good... the Big Show feud was done well. But I have absolutely no desire to see HHH/Cena or HHH/Edge. However, I'd be in favor of HHH/Angle... but would HHH jump off "the flagship" to help the B-show? Another one that's possible... not not likely, IMO.
Ric Flair - One last ride for the Nature Boy? Most of us would love to see it and the Edge/Flair angle seems like it could easily go until Mania with proper mic time for Flair. I'm totally in favor of this one without a doubt in my mind. And with as much as Vince loves Flair... I wouldn't be stunned if it happened.
Chris Benoit - Hrmm. While the idea of Benoit/Angle main eventing Wrestlemania gives most of us the happy pants, it seems kind of odd to put him in that position after losing the US Title series. Possible... but very unlikely, I think.
Randy Orton - Orton/Angle? Orton/Edge? Neither sound all that appealing to me. I think Orton's headed for an upper Mania match with Benoit but there's no gold in his future yet.
That brings me to the person who I both think should and will win the Royal Rumble...
Rey Misterio - All the chips are in place. He's over with the fans, he moves merchandize, he was positioned with the top guys for almost all of 2005. He's been put in the position of "almost winning" in both the battle royal for the gold and the #1 contender match. He's dedicated the match to Eddie. He drew HHH's attention at the Press Conference.
I think Rey will draw a low number and conquer all the odds for the ultimate in underdog stories that will culminate at Wrestlemania in what should be an incredible match between Angle and Rey.
If there was ever a time to give Rey a shot, it's now. If you ever had the faith that he _might_ be able to carry the company, you've gotta give him that chance right now. There will never be a better opportunity to see if he can bring back the youthful audience... bring back the Internet fans who shit on the product... bring back the Latino market they're bleeding away... bring back the fans who are saying the "other guys" have better in-ring action...
Rey Misterio as your World Champion?
It's gotta happen. The stars are aligned.
Make it happen, Vince... make it happen.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 129)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-01-26
I Don't Want To Be Shyla
Hey peeps...
Lemme start with a "Bitch please", Mr. Anonymous. Don't even be dropping the "gay" thing on me for Veronica Mars and Harry Potter when your light-in-the-loafers ass is playing the "Who could forget Footloose?" card. Maybe instead of Mr. Anonymous, I should call you Mr. Pink in honor of Res Dogs... ohhh snap! It's the cheese!
Moving on... it's time for you all to go watch The Office tonight. If you missed last week's, you need to hit up the iTunes Music Store to pick it up. It was hands down one of the funniest half hours of TV I've seen all year. Plus, while you're there, you can now grab episodes of South Park, The Munsters, the A-Team, and the criminally underrated Drawn Together.
Lost was another character based episode last night. No huge reveals or big action scenes so it's guaranteed to piss off the thimbles. Watching Charlie battle his demons for 60 minutes was awesome to me but it was definitely a slower-paced show than last week's big Others showdown. Isn't it odd that there are two Hobbits on two of TV's top rated shows?
This came up recently in a conversation so I shall pass it along...
Top Five TV Shows Currently On The Air [in no particular order]
1. The Office
2. Arrested Development
3. Lost
4. Veronica Mars
5. 24
Honorable Mentions to my other shows I watch: The Shield, How I Met Your Mother, Alias, Scrubs, Bones, Desperate Housewives, Gray's Anatomy, The West Wing
Discuss amongst yourselves.
Stay tuned tomorrow for my Royal Rumble predictions. Plus, I still need to explain my picks for January's iMix before we lose the month! Stay tuned for February's iMix next week as well.
That's it for today. Back tomorrow with Rumble predictions.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 115)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
Lemme start with a "Bitch please", Mr. Anonymous. Don't even be dropping the "gay" thing on me for Veronica Mars and Harry Potter when your light-in-the-loafers ass is playing the "Who could forget Footloose?" card. Maybe instead of Mr. Anonymous, I should call you Mr. Pink in honor of Res Dogs... ohhh snap! It's the cheese!
Moving on... it's time for you all to go watch The Office tonight. If you missed last week's, you need to hit up the iTunes Music Store to pick it up. It was hands down one of the funniest half hours of TV I've seen all year. Plus, while you're there, you can now grab episodes of South Park, The Munsters, the A-Team, and the criminally underrated Drawn Together.
Lost was another character based episode last night. No huge reveals or big action scenes so it's guaranteed to piss off the thimbles. Watching Charlie battle his demons for 60 minutes was awesome to me but it was definitely a slower-paced show than last week's big Others showdown. Isn't it odd that there are two Hobbits on two of TV's top rated shows?
This came up recently in a conversation so I shall pass it along...
Top Five TV Shows Currently On The Air [in no particular order]
1. The Office
2. Arrested Development
3. Lost
4. Veronica Mars
5. 24
Honorable Mentions to my other shows I watch: The Shield, How I Met Your Mother, Alias, Scrubs, Bones, Desperate Housewives, Gray's Anatomy, The West Wing
Discuss amongst yourselves.
Stay tuned tomorrow for my Royal Rumble predictions. Plus, I still need to explain my picks for January's iMix before we lose the month! Stay tuned for February's iMix next week as well.
That's it for today. Back tomorrow with Rumble predictions.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 115)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-01-25
Nice Guy Eddie
"Nice Guy Eddie: Did you see that daddy? Guy got me on the ground and he tried to fuck me.
Mr. Blonde: You wish.
Nice Guy Eddie: Listen Vic, I don't mind what you do, but don't try to fuck me in my father's office, I don't think of you that way. I like you a lot man, but I don't think of you that way.
Mr. Blonde: Eddie, if I was a butt cowboy, I wouldn't even throw you to the posse.
Nice Guy Eddie: Of course not, you'd keep me for yourself, you sick bastard. Four years of fuckin' punks up the ass you'd appreciate a piece of prime rib when you see one."
Damn. Far too young, my friends. Far too young. R.I.P. Chris Penn.
I guess I'll answer some comments from the Peanut Gallery today.
You fuckers really need to start registering so I know who I'm talking to. Don't make me address things to "Anonymous Guy #1."
But... now I shall... Anonymous Guy #1...
Now, now, now... let's not start tearing down the legends of the game. Kobe had an incredible accomplishment and has had a brilliant career so far... but never lose sight of what the legends of the game accomplished to make it all possible. There wouldn't be an NBA without the names you've mentioned and as much as we love our Lakers of today, don't forget who paved the path for them.
Anonymous Guy #2...
I did in fact see TNA last week. I don't know about them being the future of wrestling... yet. They're doing some great things but they're a long way from being a competitor to Vinnie Mac. Until someone with the balls to tell Jarrett to drop the strap for an extended period steps up, they're going to float on the edge. And what the fuck is up with giving Sting that much money to sit out two PPVs? That's a WCW move if I've ever heard one. Bad idea. Chris Sabin in PWG in LA. Was there, my friend. He was fairly impressive in his match with Kevin Steen this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to make it out on the 4th for the big PWG show. Any of you in LA who like wrestling who aren't going to PWG? Be ashamed... very ashamed.
Anonymous Guy #3...
MVP, huh? I don't know. I've always been of the opinion that all sports leagues need to differentiate in their awards. There should be an "Outstanding Player" or something like that for the absolute best player in the league. Kobe wins that in a walk. MVP? MVP should go to the player who without him, his team is among the worst in the league... the player who does the most to make his team succeed. I have a hard time giving that to Kobe unless the Lakers seem poised to do big things in the playoffs. Kobe "raising the team up" and finishing in 9th place in the Conference doesn't do it for me. Sure, it's better than they'd be without him but I don't see it as enough of a contribution. Right now, I'd think you have to look at Steve Nash for keeping the Suns atop the heap without Amare as a good MVP choice. I'd pick someone on the Pistons but I don't think it's Billups and I don't know anyone else there that deserves it.
And finally...
Anonymous Guy #4...
Ahhh... Ron Artest. The most sought after player in recent NBA history. I don't think anyone has generated as much trade buzz coast to coast as Artest. Artest as a Laker? I'd like to see it at the right price. I'd like to see someone on the floor that scares the players a little bit... on both sides of the floor. Artest might be the difference between an early playoff exit and a trip to the Conference Finals. There's only two teams in the West that scare me in the playoffs... the Spurs and the Suns. With Artest, I fear them a little less. But don't trade Bynum... and trading Odom should be a last resort. As bone-headed as he's been lately, I hate giving up someone who should be an offensive threat on most nights.
And that's that. Lost tonight! The return of Veronica Mars tonight [another brilliant show you all are missing]!
Remember...
Tell them Eko let you live.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 107)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
Mr. Blonde: You wish.
Nice Guy Eddie: Listen Vic, I don't mind what you do, but don't try to fuck me in my father's office, I don't think of you that way. I like you a lot man, but I don't think of you that way.
Mr. Blonde: Eddie, if I was a butt cowboy, I wouldn't even throw you to the posse.
Nice Guy Eddie: Of course not, you'd keep me for yourself, you sick bastard. Four years of fuckin' punks up the ass you'd appreciate a piece of prime rib when you see one."
Damn. Far too young, my friends. Far too young. R.I.P. Chris Penn.
I guess I'll answer some comments from the Peanut Gallery today.
You fuckers really need to start registering so I know who I'm talking to. Don't make me address things to "Anonymous Guy #1."
But... now I shall... Anonymous Guy #1...
Now, now, now... let's not start tearing down the legends of the game. Kobe had an incredible accomplishment and has had a brilliant career so far... but never lose sight of what the legends of the game accomplished to make it all possible. There wouldn't be an NBA without the names you've mentioned and as much as we love our Lakers of today, don't forget who paved the path for them.
Anonymous Guy #2...
I did in fact see TNA last week. I don't know about them being the future of wrestling... yet. They're doing some great things but they're a long way from being a competitor to Vinnie Mac. Until someone with the balls to tell Jarrett to drop the strap for an extended period steps up, they're going to float on the edge. And what the fuck is up with giving Sting that much money to sit out two PPVs? That's a WCW move if I've ever heard one. Bad idea. Chris Sabin in PWG in LA. Was there, my friend. He was fairly impressive in his match with Kevin Steen this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to make it out on the 4th for the big PWG show. Any of you in LA who like wrestling who aren't going to PWG? Be ashamed... very ashamed.
Anonymous Guy #3...
MVP, huh? I don't know. I've always been of the opinion that all sports leagues need to differentiate in their awards. There should be an "Outstanding Player" or something like that for the absolute best player in the league. Kobe wins that in a walk. MVP? MVP should go to the player who without him, his team is among the worst in the league... the player who does the most to make his team succeed. I have a hard time giving that to Kobe unless the Lakers seem poised to do big things in the playoffs. Kobe "raising the team up" and finishing in 9th place in the Conference doesn't do it for me. Sure, it's better than they'd be without him but I don't see it as enough of a contribution. Right now, I'd think you have to look at Steve Nash for keeping the Suns atop the heap without Amare as a good MVP choice. I'd pick someone on the Pistons but I don't think it's Billups and I don't know anyone else there that deserves it.
And finally...
Anonymous Guy #4...
Ahhh... Ron Artest. The most sought after player in recent NBA history. I don't think anyone has generated as much trade buzz coast to coast as Artest. Artest as a Laker? I'd like to see it at the right price. I'd like to see someone on the floor that scares the players a little bit... on both sides of the floor. Artest might be the difference between an early playoff exit and a trip to the Conference Finals. There's only two teams in the West that scare me in the playoffs... the Spurs and the Suns. With Artest, I fear them a little less. But don't trade Bynum... and trading Odom should be a last resort. As bone-headed as he's been lately, I hate giving up someone who should be an offensive threat on most nights.
And that's that. Lost tonight! The return of Veronica Mars tonight [another brilliant show you all are missing]!
Remember...
Tell them Eko let you live.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 107)
Movie I Last Saw: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire [IMAX]
2006-01-24
Livin' On The Edge
Ahhhh! So I saw Raw last night so once again, I can do a Tuesday review of it.
But I don't really want to.
Raw was okay. It had its moments. But for the most part, it was fairly lackluster. But I can say one thing about Raw and the WWE in general very clearly...
Do NOT take the title off of Edge on Sunday.
I never would have thought it'd be true but somehow Edge has made Raw infinitely more watchable since winning the title. He's a legitimate heel champion. He's someone the fans would pay to see get his ass kicked. He's the kind of heel that can truly make the statement, "The money's in the chase" ring true again. He's a vulnerable heel champion who you could see losing at any time.
Putting the belt back on Cena would be a mistake. Putting HHH/Cena as your Mania title match is an even bigger mistake. While it's probably the most high profile title match you can do, it's also a match that you don't need to do and one that a lot of people probably don't care to see.
I don't know who you put in there with Edge. Maybe a four way with Cena, HHH, and Flair? Don't know. But what I do know is that taking the title off Edge right now could be the worst decision they could make.
Gotta cut it short today. More tomorrow.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 73)
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
But I don't really want to.
Raw was okay. It had its moments. But for the most part, it was fairly lackluster. But I can say one thing about Raw and the WWE in general very clearly...
Do NOT take the title off of Edge on Sunday.
I never would have thought it'd be true but somehow Edge has made Raw infinitely more watchable since winning the title. He's a legitimate heel champion. He's someone the fans would pay to see get his ass kicked. He's the kind of heel that can truly make the statement, "The money's in the chase" ring true again. He's a vulnerable heel champion who you could see losing at any time.
Putting the belt back on Cena would be a mistake. Putting HHH/Cena as your Mania title match is an even bigger mistake. While it's probably the most high profile title match you can do, it's also a match that you don't need to do and one that a lot of people probably don't care to see.
I don't know who you put in there with Edge. Maybe a four way with Cena, HHH, and Flair? Don't know. But what I do know is that taking the title off Edge right now could be the worst decision they could make.
Gotta cut it short today. More tomorrow.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: None.. but dreaming of an iPod video
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (p. 73)
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
2006-01-23
81
Wow.
I made the conscious decision this weekend to try and post on here a little more often. Last week really sucked so I was really bad in posting. But let's try and do something bright and sunshiny this week. And then I pondered... what to post about today.
And then?
81.
Yes... 81.
If you're not sure what the hell I'm talking about, you're obviously not an NBA fan. On a day filled with football that was filled with lopsided scores and boring "action" that I suffered through, I had almost forgotten that the Lakers were even playing last night. By halftime, I was wishing I had forgotten as the Lakers were hurting badly. I think they were down by 18 at the half. I changed the channel during halftime with the intent of not going back.
Some time in the third quarter, I saw the box score on Yahoo. "Wow. Kobe's got 47 points? Maybe I want to see the rest."
81.
I sat there stunned throughout the rest of the third... then elated throughout the fourth as he broke record after record.
His own personal career best? Gone.
Michael Jordan's alltime high in a game? Passed.
The Laker franchise alltime record? Shattered.
He continued to climb the list of the highest scoring games in NBA history, passing names like West... like Robinson... like Baylor... like Chamberlain.
Yes, he even passed Wilt.
Well... for second place anyways.
Wilt Chamberlain holds the alltime record for points in a game with 100. It's a record that most likely will never be broken... at least, not in our lifetimes.
But you know what? I heard the same thing when Orel Hershiser was throwing scoreless inning after inning in 1988. "It's a record that'll never be broken. No one can go that long without giving up a run."
59 consecutive scoreless innings were thrown that year. It broke a record that baseball fans believed would stand forever.
I've seen the "unbreakable record" broken.
81, people. 55 points in a half.
Is it possible?
If there's anything that the greatest player currently in the game has shown us...
When Kobe Bryant is on the floor, anything is possible.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: "Superman Theme" by John Williams
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini [I'll start telling you page numbers soon. Don't have the book with me.]
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
I made the conscious decision this weekend to try and post on here a little more often. Last week really sucked so I was really bad in posting. But let's try and do something bright and sunshiny this week. And then I pondered... what to post about today.
And then?
81.
Yes... 81.
If you're not sure what the hell I'm talking about, you're obviously not an NBA fan. On a day filled with football that was filled with lopsided scores and boring "action" that I suffered through, I had almost forgotten that the Lakers were even playing last night. By halftime, I was wishing I had forgotten as the Lakers were hurting badly. I think they were down by 18 at the half. I changed the channel during halftime with the intent of not going back.
Some time in the third quarter, I saw the box score on Yahoo. "Wow. Kobe's got 47 points? Maybe I want to see the rest."
81.
I sat there stunned throughout the rest of the third... then elated throughout the fourth as he broke record after record.
His own personal career best? Gone.
Michael Jordan's alltime high in a game? Passed.
The Laker franchise alltime record? Shattered.
He continued to climb the list of the highest scoring games in NBA history, passing names like West... like Robinson... like Baylor... like Chamberlain.
Yes, he even passed Wilt.
Well... for second place anyways.
Wilt Chamberlain holds the alltime record for points in a game with 100. It's a record that most likely will never be broken... at least, not in our lifetimes.
But you know what? I heard the same thing when Orel Hershiser was throwing scoreless inning after inning in 1988. "It's a record that'll never be broken. No one can go that long without giving up a run."
59 consecutive scoreless innings were thrown that year. It broke a record that baseball fans believed would stand forever.
I've seen the "unbreakable record" broken.
81, people. 55 points in a half.
Is it possible?
If there's anything that the greatest player currently in the game has shown us...
When Kobe Bryant is on the floor, anything is possible.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: "Superman Theme" by John Williams
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini [I'll start telling you page numbers soon. Don't have the book with me.]
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
2006-01-19
My Life Is "Office Space"
"This world rejects me
This world threw me away
This world never gave me a chance
This world’s gonna have to pay
Something inside of me has opened up it’s eyes
Why did you put it there did you not realize
This thing inside of me it screams the loudest sound
Sometimes I think I could
I’m gonna burn this whole world down"
** Nine Inch Nails, "Burn"
Now, now... don't fret, my faithful blogomaniacs. I'm not about to go on any homicidal rampage here and take out a small Amish community.
I had a friend in college named Peder. Yes, "Peder" with a "D". He was from Denmark or something so it made sense. During our freshman year... in fact, the first weekend of school... he somehow developed an unhealthy obsession with a girl in our dorm hall. To get through it, he would often sit in the dark and listen to Nine Inch Nails.
He would be proud of me for letting Trent Reznor express my emotions so this one's for Peder wherever he is.
I hate being all dark and brooding to you guys. I know you like the happy-go-lucky Chris who writes about his Vince Vaughn manlove and old WWF angles... but that's just not me today.
There are days in this world when you wake up... you look in the mirror... and you wonder where it all went wrong, where you took the wrong turn in life.
I shouldn't say that. For the most part, I love my life. I love my girlfriend, I love my friends... I even love my family occasionally. I love where I live... I love- whatever, you get the gist of it.
But I hate my job.
Even that's not entirely true. The people here? I love these people. For the most part, they're good people with good hearts that mean well. They're interesting people to talk to and learn from. They're a diverse group who make you wonder what'll happen from day to day. As much as this place is an abysmal hell, you'd think they'd all be shells of humanity, just floating along this river of shit until they wash up on shore. They're not. They're vibrant human beings who, for the most part, deserve worlds better than the life they've settled for.
This job breaks you. It breaks you physically, mentally, and spiritually. It does not rest until it owns you. As much money as the man who owns this company has, he will not truly be happy until he owns the mind, body, and soul of every person in this building.
He can't have mine.
You hear me, you wrinkled old fuck? You can't have mine.
You can have the others'. Those that you're determined to drive into retirement with nothing but dreams of what should have been and a Wal-Mart greeter job. Those that you essentially scare into staying because they've got a wife and kids they can barely support as is.
Those people may not feel that they have a choice.
But I do.
You want me? Come get me. I don't think you can do it.
In fact, you sick fuck... when you decide to make the effort, come on down so I can tell you to kiss my undercarriage as I kick you in the nuts repeatedly and walk right out the door.
I'm done. It's over. Let me out.
Show me the door. Walk me into the light. Take me back onto the path of righteous men.
Free me from the hell that I've put myself in for nearly four years.
I want out.
Get me my forty acres and a mule cause I'm fuckin' free at last.
By the way, can someone lend me my rent money?
Sigh. Better go. Another customer needs my help.
This world threw me away
This world never gave me a chance
This world’s gonna have to pay
Something inside of me has opened up it’s eyes
Why did you put it there did you not realize
This thing inside of me it screams the loudest sound
Sometimes I think I could
I’m gonna burn this whole world down"
** Nine Inch Nails, "Burn"
Now, now... don't fret, my faithful blogomaniacs. I'm not about to go on any homicidal rampage here and take out a small Amish community.
I had a friend in college named Peder. Yes, "Peder" with a "D". He was from Denmark or something so it made sense. During our freshman year... in fact, the first weekend of school... he somehow developed an unhealthy obsession with a girl in our dorm hall. To get through it, he would often sit in the dark and listen to Nine Inch Nails.
He would be proud of me for letting Trent Reznor express my emotions so this one's for Peder wherever he is.
I hate being all dark and brooding to you guys. I know you like the happy-go-lucky Chris who writes about his Vince Vaughn manlove and old WWF angles... but that's just not me today.
There are days in this world when you wake up... you look in the mirror... and you wonder where it all went wrong, where you took the wrong turn in life.
I shouldn't say that. For the most part, I love my life. I love my girlfriend, I love my friends... I even love my family occasionally. I love where I live... I love- whatever, you get the gist of it.
But I hate my job.
Even that's not entirely true. The people here? I love these people. For the most part, they're good people with good hearts that mean well. They're interesting people to talk to and learn from. They're a diverse group who make you wonder what'll happen from day to day. As much as this place is an abysmal hell, you'd think they'd all be shells of humanity, just floating along this river of shit until they wash up on shore. They're not. They're vibrant human beings who, for the most part, deserve worlds better than the life they've settled for.
This job breaks you. It breaks you physically, mentally, and spiritually. It does not rest until it owns you. As much money as the man who owns this company has, he will not truly be happy until he owns the mind, body, and soul of every person in this building.
He can't have mine.
You hear me, you wrinkled old fuck? You can't have mine.
You can have the others'. Those that you're determined to drive into retirement with nothing but dreams of what should have been and a Wal-Mart greeter job. Those that you essentially scare into staying because they've got a wife and kids they can barely support as is.
Those people may not feel that they have a choice.
But I do.
You want me? Come get me. I don't think you can do it.
In fact, you sick fuck... when you decide to make the effort, come on down so I can tell you to kiss my undercarriage as I kick you in the nuts repeatedly and walk right out the door.
I'm done. It's over. Let me out.
Show me the door. Walk me into the light. Take me back onto the path of righteous men.
Free me from the hell that I've put myself in for nearly four years.
I want out.
Get me my forty acres and a mule cause I'm fuckin' free at last.
By the way, can someone lend me my rent money?
Sigh. Better go. Another customer needs my help.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: Nothing! My iPod is out of juice!
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
2006-01-17
A Constitutional Crisis
I hate being lazy and taking the easy way out on this one... but since due to the barrage of new 24 episodes, I have yet to see Raw to do my Tuesday Raw Thoughts... and since my only Laker game comments would consist of "BYNUM, BABY!"...
Well, sometimes... just sometimes... others can say it better than we ever could.
Thank you, Mr. Gore.
Well, sometimes... just sometimes... others can say it better than we ever could.
Thank you, Mr. Gore.
2006-01-15
But It's Country Crock
As part of this ghastly blog experiment, I've decided that on a monthly basis, I will be providing you with my Mixtape of the Month. Those of you who know me know how much I love music and how much I despise bad music. So, in turn, to save you from listening to the flotsam making its' way to the top of the pop charts... to rescue you from Generic Rapper #23 telling you how shiny his teeth are... to liberate you from toothless nu-metal that is trying to be angry... I give you the gift of music.
Now, I'm not telling you that I know more about music than you...
...just that I have better taste in music than you!
Most of these can be found on the ITunes Music Store... a service I highly endorse for those of you still not being a bloody pirate [ARRRR!].
Later on [tomorrow perhaps?], I'll do a posting telling you why I picked each song... but until then, as our esteemed governor would say...
"I have to have a license for that?"
2006-01-14
The Never Ending Story
Can there be anything worse than working on Saturday?
You work all week long in a never-ending job... in a dead end job with no relief in sight. You struggle and strain against calling in sick every day. You battle the urge to drag a co-worker out into the parking lot to pummel him with your bare hands. You fight the desire to tell the CEO why the company's in the shitter.
You do all that with the goal of making it to the weekend where you can rest in peace.
And then? "Yeaaaaaah, we're gonna need you to come in on Saturday."
Well, fuck that. Fuck that noise in a big, big way, my friends.
Payback's a bitch... so my payback will be getting paid time and a half to write in my blog. How do you like dem apples, bitches?
And yes, Mr. Anonymous, I have worked in fast food. I worked one, long, agonizing summer at Pizza Hut with all of my friends. And just a hint as someone who worked at Pizza Hut, avoid the breadstick sauce.
So, The Office was absolutely brilliant again this week. "But it's Country Crock" should go down in history with "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" and "Luke, I am your father." How can anyone expect me to care about My Name Is Earl when you've got Jim spraying Michael and Dwight in the face with a spray bottle of water? HOW?! Classic stuff.
To be honest, I don't even watch Earl anymore. If NBC wants me to watch Earl, they should pick up Arrested Development and truly make Must See TV again with a AD/Scrubs/Office/Earl block. Then I'm glued to the TV... and likely pissing myself from laughing so hard. Earl seemed okay the first few times I watched it but I quickly lost interest. It just wasn't as fun as The Office, AD, Scrubs, Curb... you know, the usual suspects.
Didn't watch Smackdown yet... but marveled at the guy at work who just got cable wanting to discuss the Boogeyman eating Jillian's mole as the highlight of the show. I heard Orton and Benoit tore the house down so I'm looking forward to seeing that. Haven't watched last week's TNA yet either to see how that was but another friend said, "The WWE should fire all of their cruiserweights and hire the X Division guys." Which, of course, is a total bullshit statement. I doubt there's anything Chris Sabin can do that Paul London, Jamie Noble, Brian Kendrick can't do better. They just can't get to do what they can do on TV. If there's anyone in desperate need of a TLC or Money In The Bank match to get themselves over, it's London.
Ugh. Ok. I guess I need to do a _little_ bit of work. So, I shall. Peace.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: "Gigolos Get Lonely Too" by The Time
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
You work all week long in a never-ending job... in a dead end job with no relief in sight. You struggle and strain against calling in sick every day. You battle the urge to drag a co-worker out into the parking lot to pummel him with your bare hands. You fight the desire to tell the CEO why the company's in the shitter.
You do all that with the goal of making it to the weekend where you can rest in peace.
And then? "Yeaaaaaah, we're gonna need you to come in on Saturday."
Well, fuck that. Fuck that noise in a big, big way, my friends.
Payback's a bitch... so my payback will be getting paid time and a half to write in my blog. How do you like dem apples, bitches?
And yes, Mr. Anonymous, I have worked in fast food. I worked one, long, agonizing summer at Pizza Hut with all of my friends. And just a hint as someone who worked at Pizza Hut, avoid the breadstick sauce.
So, The Office was absolutely brilliant again this week. "But it's Country Crock" should go down in history with "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" and "Luke, I am your father." How can anyone expect me to care about My Name Is Earl when you've got Jim spraying Michael and Dwight in the face with a spray bottle of water? HOW?! Classic stuff.
To be honest, I don't even watch Earl anymore. If NBC wants me to watch Earl, they should pick up Arrested Development and truly make Must See TV again with a AD/Scrubs/Office/Earl block. Then I'm glued to the TV... and likely pissing myself from laughing so hard. Earl seemed okay the first few times I watched it but I quickly lost interest. It just wasn't as fun as The Office, AD, Scrubs, Curb... you know, the usual suspects.
Didn't watch Smackdown yet... but marveled at the guy at work who just got cable wanting to discuss the Boogeyman eating Jillian's mole as the highlight of the show. I heard Orton and Benoit tore the house down so I'm looking forward to seeing that. Haven't watched last week's TNA yet either to see how that was but another friend said, "The WWE should fire all of their cruiserweights and hire the X Division guys." Which, of course, is a total bullshit statement. I doubt there's anything Chris Sabin can do that Paul London, Jamie Noble, Brian Kendrick can't do better. They just can't get to do what they can do on TV. If there's anyone in desperate need of a TLC or Money In The Bank match to get themselves over, it's London.
Ugh. Ok. I guess I need to do a _little_ bit of work. So, I shall. Peace.
Song I'm Listening To Currently: "Gigolos Get Lonely Too" by The Time
Book I'm Reading Currently: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
Movie I Last Saw: The Chronicles of Narnia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
