You see someone in public wearing a Rush Limbaugh t-shirt that reads, "Ordinary people doing extraordinary things every day!"
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2008-07-19
The OC
You know you're living in Orange County when...
2008-07-18
Top Five Friday: The Second Half
The second half of the season [officially if not technically] begins tonight for the Dodgers as they find themselves in decent position. Because of the pathetic state of the NL West where they've become the Eastern Conference of Major League Baseball, they start the second half in second place and within reach of the playoffs - which of course is all you have to do before anything can happen.
With this burst of optimism and the score tied at 7 in the Top of the 7th, let's take a look at the Top Five Reasons The Dodgers Had A Bad First Half...
5. No power
The Dodgers have no power. Period. When your team leader in HRs has 11 at the break, you know there's a problem. But the real issue is not just the lack of home runs - as Larry Bowa said recently, they're not hitting for extra bases period. Dodger Stadium is notorious for being a doubles park and they're not taking advantage of that. It's hard to put runs on the board when you're going station to station. This is when the coaching staff needs to put more plays on - hit and runs, double steals, squeezes, etc.
4. No timely hitting
I'm far too lazy to look it up but I have to imagine the Dodgers are near the bottom of the heap in average with Runners In Scoring Position [RISP.] So, not only are they only hitting singles but when they do manage to get someone in position to score, they even stop hitting singles.
3. Big money = no reward
Not that this is necessarily anyone's fault but the last two big money free agent signings have been total busts so far. Everyone wants to blame Ned Coletti for it and that's an easy thing to do however I don't think there's a single soul who could have predicted that either Schmidt or Jones would struggle this much so far. Hindsight in this case is serving people far too well, IMO.
2. Patience At The Plate
Joe Torre has been preaching patience at the plate all season - trying to get his players to wait for their pitch, drawing out counts, and wearing down starting pitching to get to the weak part of almost every MLB staff - the bullpen. Torre seems to be very frustrated - and rightfully so - at his inability to get his message sunk into the heads of his players especially the kids. Here's hoping Don Mattingly stepping in as pitching coach will change that. If not, YOU HAVE HALL OF FAMERS AS COACHES - FUCKING LISTEN TO THEM, DICKHOLES! Ahem. Pardon me.
1. Injuries, Injuries, Injuries
In most seasons, losing three starting pitchers, the starting shortstop, the starting third baseman, two starting outfielders, and your closer to injuries for some part of the first half of the season would have you saying "Wait til next year." But in this bizarre season, the Dodgers are still in it - not bad, huh?
So, with all that in mind, the Dodgers are still in reach and there's reason to feel optimistic about the second half of the season. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, right? Considering all the adversity the team has faced so far, there's really just one thing left to do.
Win the whole fucking thing.
With this burst of optimism and the score tied at 7 in the Top of the 7th, let's take a look at the Top Five Reasons The Dodgers Had A Bad First Half...
5. No power
The Dodgers have no power. Period. When your team leader in HRs has 11 at the break, you know there's a problem. But the real issue is not just the lack of home runs - as Larry Bowa said recently, they're not hitting for extra bases period. Dodger Stadium is notorious for being a doubles park and they're not taking advantage of that. It's hard to put runs on the board when you're going station to station. This is when the coaching staff needs to put more plays on - hit and runs, double steals, squeezes, etc.
4. No timely hitting
I'm far too lazy to look it up but I have to imagine the Dodgers are near the bottom of the heap in average with Runners In Scoring Position [RISP.] So, not only are they only hitting singles but when they do manage to get someone in position to score, they even stop hitting singles.
3. Big money = no reward
Not that this is necessarily anyone's fault but the last two big money free agent signings have been total busts so far. Everyone wants to blame Ned Coletti for it and that's an easy thing to do however I don't think there's a single soul who could have predicted that either Schmidt or Jones would struggle this much so far. Hindsight in this case is serving people far too well, IMO.
2. Patience At The Plate
Joe Torre has been preaching patience at the plate all season - trying to get his players to wait for their pitch, drawing out counts, and wearing down starting pitching to get to the weak part of almost every MLB staff - the bullpen. Torre seems to be very frustrated - and rightfully so - at his inability to get his message sunk into the heads of his players especially the kids. Here's hoping Don Mattingly stepping in as pitching coach will change that. If not, YOU HAVE HALL OF FAMERS AS COACHES - FUCKING LISTEN TO THEM, DICKHOLES! Ahem. Pardon me.
1. Injuries, Injuries, Injuries
In most seasons, losing three starting pitchers, the starting shortstop, the starting third baseman, two starting outfielders, and your closer to injuries for some part of the first half of the season would have you saying "Wait til next year." But in this bizarre season, the Dodgers are still in it - not bad, huh?
So, with all that in mind, the Dodgers are still in reach and there's reason to feel optimistic about the second half of the season. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, right? Considering all the adversity the team has faced so far, there's really just one thing left to do.
Win the whole fucking thing.
2008-07-17
No Mo' Nomo
In a bit of sad news to Dodger fans, former National League Rookie Of The Year Hideo Nomo officially retired today. The day's been coming for quite a while now but it's still a shame nonetheless.
I can still remember the buzz surrounding the team with the first MLB import from Japan came to town. Everyone was rooting for a return of Fernandomania and while it never reached that level, it was a very special time to be a Dodger fan. From the crazy controversy surrounding the hesitation delivery to the league having to decide if someone who played professionally in another country was eligible for the ROTY trophy, Nomo seemed to always have a buzz around him.
Nomo's greatest moment as a Dodger came when he threw a no-hitter in Coors Field - a feat that I still find amazing even in the age of the humidor balls. Anyone who can throw a no-no in Denver has some serious shit in their arsenal.
Even after he was gone from the Dodgers, I still rooted for him to keep his career going but it looks like it finally reached the end. Earlier in the season when there was a lot of speculation that he was going to be hanging them up soon, many Dodger fans were hoping the team would re-sign Nomo for a "tribute" start or two. With the team in the middle of a divisional race, I don't expect that to happen but bopefully there will be a tribute night for him so the Dodger fans can let him know what he meant to the team and the community.
Thanks for the memories, Hideo.
2008-07-16
2008-07-15
Far Too Easy But... RAMPAGE ON A RAMPAGE!
I saw a headline about it pop up in the TMZ section of my Google Reader earlier but I wanted to wait til there was more detail to "report" on. Well, we've got 'em now thanks to Dave Meltzer at the new Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Daily combo site.
Here's the gist of it...
Now-former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was pulled over and taken in by police in Newport Beach [actually Costa Mesa from the photos, I believe] after a car accident. He was charged with felony hit and run, reckless driving, and felony evading arrest.
From the police statement, he was observed driving with a flat tire and talking on his cell phone [dammit Quinton! BLUETOOTH, BABY!] The cop tried to pull him over to no avail as Quinton just kept on going, ignoring the officer in pursuit. They had gotten another report of his vehicle busting out a hit and run on other VEHICLES [yes, plural] on the 55 Freeway earlier.
Oh, how do they know it was his vehicle?
Yep, his picture was on the side of it. Subtle.
So, a little chase ensued with Quinton weaving in and out of traffic and apparently driving on the wrong side of the road and the sidewalk at one point. While in pursuit, the office saw him hit yet another car. Thankfully, no one appears to have been injured in any of these collisions.
Eventually, the tire blew out and came off the rim. He finally stopped, got out of the car AT GUNPOINT and was taken directly to jail without passing go and without collecting $200.
He's currently being held on $25,000 bail and apparently Dana White is en route to post bond.
Whew. Not the kind of press Dana was hoping for one of his top stars, I'd imagine. And he thought someone kicking out a limo window was bad.
2008-07-14
Legends Of Wrestlemania Trailer
With E3 starting today, some cool video game stuff is starting to be announced. This was announced a while ago but check out the awesome trailer they dropped today...
Game Over
While the world waits with baited breath to see if the movie version of Halo gets off the ground...
While yours truly waits to see if Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid ever gets made into a movie...
While you sit and ponder what chaos would ensue if someone took a The Shield-like visual approach to a GTA movie or TV show...
While most of us sit and cringe at the memories of the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter movies...
Some video game movies are closer than you think!
A review of Paul W.S. Anderson's Castlevania script hit the 'net today.
One of the highlights of the review?
Does Anderson have any idea how fucking cool it would be to bring in some of these experts to choreograph all of the stunts and fight scenes with a similar chain whip? Obviously not because he chose to arm Castlevania’s hero with a fucking sword. Idiot.
That oughta give you a clue how the rest of the review goes. Such a shame because that's one of those games that could have some potential in a movie form.
While yours truly waits to see if Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid ever gets made into a movie...
While you sit and ponder what chaos would ensue if someone took a The Shield-like visual approach to a GTA movie or TV show...
While most of us sit and cringe at the memories of the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter movies...
Some video game movies are closer than you think!
A review of Paul W.S. Anderson's Castlevania script hit the 'net today.
One of the highlights of the review?
Does Anderson have any idea how fucking cool it would be to bring in some of these experts to choreograph all of the stunts and fight scenes with a similar chain whip? Obviously not because he chose to arm Castlevania’s hero with a fucking sword. Idiot.
That oughta give you a clue how the rest of the review goes. Such a shame because that's one of those games that could have some potential in a movie form.
2008-07-13
From my front row seat...
But!
I hate the fucking wave.
Why people insist in jumping up like trained fucking seals in some kind of 25 year old ritual resembling a Nazi propaganda film instead of watching the game they spent good money to see is far beyond my considerable levels of comprehension.
On the other hand, maybe I'm just an elitist fuck.
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2008-07-12
Thunk
In life, no matter how down you get about yourself...
No matter how bad things seem to be going...
In times when you think it couldn't possibly get worse...
Remember this story...
Today at work, in front of a store filled with people and a bunch of people outside, a customer walked swiftly at top speed into a glass wall.
Yep, you read that correctly. Glass wall. Top speed. Girl's head went "THUNK!" The entire store froze to watch and try not to break out laughing. People outside the store were heard yelling, "It's okay. We won't laugh."
Simply awesome.
Whatcha gonna do with all that thunk... all that thunk inside your trunk...
So, on those days when you feel not so fresh, just remember, "Hey, at least I didn't walk into a glass wall in public today!"
And that's one to grow on.
No matter how bad things seem to be going...
In times when you think it couldn't possibly get worse...
Remember this story...
Today at work, in front of a store filled with people and a bunch of people outside, a customer walked swiftly at top speed into a glass wall.
Yep, you read that correctly. Glass wall. Top speed. Girl's head went "THUNK!" The entire store froze to watch and try not to break out laughing. People outside the store were heard yelling, "It's okay. We won't laugh."
Simply awesome.
Whatcha gonna do with all that thunk... all that thunk inside your trunk...
So, on those days when you feel not so fresh, just remember, "Hey, at least I didn't walk into a glass wall in public today!"
And that's one to grow on.
2008-07-11
Top Five Friday: Grrrrarrrgh
Really tired. Don't want to write. Can't form complete thoughts.
Top Five Reasons I'm Not Doing Top Five Friday
5. Very tired
4. Feet hurt
3. Eyes are tired
2. Brain is tired
1. Tomorrow will repeat the same
Top Five Reasons I'm Not Doing Top Five Friday
5. Very tired
4. Feet hurt
3. Eyes are tired
2. Brain is tired
1. Tomorrow will repeat the same
2008-07-10
Random Comments About Random News
It's one of those days where I haven't a clue what to write about so I'm going with the cheap route and picking some news stories from the Google Reader thing to the right and sharing my views on them.
LATEST HULK MAY NOT SPAWN SEQUEL
That's disappointing to hear. I figured that it would get lost in the waves between Iron Man and The Dark Knight but it was a solid flick and I'll hold out hope that a Director's Cut DVD with all the extra footage will be such an amazing seller that they have no choice but to greenlight a sequel.
FAVREAU NOW ON BOARD IRON MAN 2
Awesome news. I would have been supremely disappointed in Marvel if they had gone with another director after Favreau absolutely tattooed Iron Man out of the park for them and launched what could be an awesome franchise [or two if you count the Avengers lead-in.] Now all they have to do is figure out if they can really get the movie done by Marvel's already announced 2010 release date. The plot thickens.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. IS SHERLOCK HOLMES
Speaking of Iron Man, it's amazing how many high profile roles become available to an actor that just rocked the cinematic world in a big picture. It's like Entourage come to life. I bet Robert Downey Jr. could even make Matterhorn watchable.
THE ROBIN DEBATE
So, basically - Christian Bale dropped a comment in a recent bit of press for TDK that he never wants to see Robin appear in a Batman movie again. An easy-to-understand statement after the atrocity that was Robin in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. When I first read his comment, I agreed wholeheartedly and wondered why anyone would even consider it. And then...
Amazing Batman comic write Jeph Loeb had this to say in response to MTV News:
"Take the time to tell the story properly. There is a story of Dick Grayson and how he becomes Robin that is extremely moving and very helpful.”
In the events of Loeb’s “The Long Halloween,” which preceded “Dark Victory” and served as a partial inspiration for “The Dark Knight,” the main characters are all left alienated and alone, bereft of even a little hope. It’s Robin’s presence that can change that for Bruce, Loeb argues, creating a father/son dynamic that can mirror Wayne’s relationship with his own dad. In short, Robin can teach Bruce how to be more human, Loeb insisted.
“It’s all about building the relationship between Bruce and Dick. Dick hates Bruce. He doesn’t understand why it is that he needs to do this and Bruce doesn’t understand why he’s doing it either because he’s not a parent. He doesn’t know how to be a parent,” Loeb said. “And together, they make each other better people. So that for me would be the next step.”
But for all the fans already crying out in horror just at the thought of it, Loeb isn’t actually talking so much about Robin as he is about Dick Grayson. In fact, the best Robin story might not actually have “Robin” at all.
“I wouldn’t let him become Robin until the third act, if that. I think that’s the other problem when you tell that story is that there’s this rush to put him in a costume by the end of the first 20 minutes and in that case I think it’s a disaster,” Loeb said. “So if you look at ‘Dark Victory’ Tim and I went nine out of twelve chapters before you even started to talk about putting him in a costume and he doesn’t put the costume on until the last chapter of that book.”
Alright, I think I'm sold. You?
LATEST HULK MAY NOT SPAWN SEQUEL
That's disappointing to hear. I figured that it would get lost in the waves between Iron Man and The Dark Knight but it was a solid flick and I'll hold out hope that a Director's Cut DVD with all the extra footage will be such an amazing seller that they have no choice but to greenlight a sequel.
FAVREAU NOW ON BOARD IRON MAN 2
Awesome news. I would have been supremely disappointed in Marvel if they had gone with another director after Favreau absolutely tattooed Iron Man out of the park for them and launched what could be an awesome franchise [or two if you count the Avengers lead-in.] Now all they have to do is figure out if they can really get the movie done by Marvel's already announced 2010 release date. The plot thickens.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. IS SHERLOCK HOLMES
Speaking of Iron Man, it's amazing how many high profile roles become available to an actor that just rocked the cinematic world in a big picture. It's like Entourage come to life. I bet Robert Downey Jr. could even make Matterhorn watchable.
THE ROBIN DEBATE
So, basically - Christian Bale dropped a comment in a recent bit of press for TDK that he never wants to see Robin appear in a Batman movie again. An easy-to-understand statement after the atrocity that was Robin in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. When I first read his comment, I agreed wholeheartedly and wondered why anyone would even consider it. And then...
Amazing Batman comic write Jeph Loeb had this to say in response to MTV News:
"Take the time to tell the story properly. There is a story of Dick Grayson and how he becomes Robin that is extremely moving and very helpful.”
In the events of Loeb’s “The Long Halloween,” which preceded “Dark Victory” and served as a partial inspiration for “The Dark Knight,” the main characters are all left alienated and alone, bereft of even a little hope. It’s Robin’s presence that can change that for Bruce, Loeb argues, creating a father/son dynamic that can mirror Wayne’s relationship with his own dad. In short, Robin can teach Bruce how to be more human, Loeb insisted.
“It’s all about building the relationship between Bruce and Dick. Dick hates Bruce. He doesn’t understand why it is that he needs to do this and Bruce doesn’t understand why he’s doing it either because he’s not a parent. He doesn’t know how to be a parent,” Loeb said. “And together, they make each other better people. So that for me would be the next step.”
But for all the fans already crying out in horror just at the thought of it, Loeb isn’t actually talking so much about Robin as he is about Dick Grayson. In fact, the best Robin story might not actually have “Robin” at all.
“I wouldn’t let him become Robin until the third act, if that. I think that’s the other problem when you tell that story is that there’s this rush to put him in a costume by the end of the first 20 minutes and in that case I think it’s a disaster,” Loeb said. “So if you look at ‘Dark Victory’ Tim and I went nine out of twelve chapters before you even started to talk about putting him in a costume and he doesn’t put the costume on until the last chapter of that book.”
Alright, I think I'm sold. You?
2008-07-09
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
I've made no secret out of the fact that I believe the new American Gladiators sucks much ass. It's a great disappointment to me as I loved the old school series growing up and was greatly anticipating what could have been. But the over-the-topness of it - the music, the lighting, the pyro, the water, the announcing - all have made it "Must Skip TV" for me.
However...
Every once in a while something happens to change my mind.
God bless Gina Carano because this clip is pure television gold from the horrific "pre-event" promo to the awesome locker room shot at the end. Make sure you watch this all the way through to see why I HEART me some Gina.
However...
Every once in a while something happens to change my mind.
God bless Gina Carano because this clip is pure television gold from the horrific "pre-event" promo to the awesome locker room shot at the end. Make sure you watch this all the way through to see why I HEART me some Gina.
2008-07-08
The Dark Knight
BREAKING NEWS!
A clip from the Batman movie just leaked out that might just prove that this franchise has, once and for all, jumped the shark.
Comments are welcome.
A clip from the Batman movie just leaked out that might just prove that this franchise has, once and for all, jumped the shark.
Comments are welcome.
2008-07-07
Where Do We Go From Here?
Forrest Griffin is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Everybody got that?
Now, with a very close fight just barely in the books, a lot of people will immediately call for a rematch with Rampage for Forrest's first title defense. It makes sense and probably will draw very well. Rampage obviously was not quite the same after those early leg kicks and quite possibly was injured going into the fight. I would have no problem with an immediate rematch for Rampage.
But it's not what I would book.
There's a lot of groundswell building for a Machida title shot. It's getting hard to deny him a shot even though he's boring as hell in the cage. But he keeps beating everyone in his path so at what point do you give in and let him have a shot? Not yet. Forrest doesn't strike me as a good matchup for Machida in an attempt to make an entertaining fight.
So, that's not it either.
A lot of people will say the winner of Rashad Evans and Chuck Liddell should get the next shot. I have absolutely no desire to ever see Rashad Evans fight for a title - but I don't think that'll be a problem. Not that I think it would stop Dana but doesn't it seem odd to give Chuck a title match against someone that Chuck lost to?
That would also seemingly take Wanderlei Silva out of the equation since he lost to Chuck who lost to Rampage.
So... who gets the shot?
Here's my vote...
Winner of Rashad/Chuck gets a match with Rampage. I hate to put poor Wanderlei in a match that might suck but face him off with Machida. Whoever puts on the best showing out of those five gets the New Year's title shot.
So, who does Forrest get?
How about Michael Bisping? Should be a fun, exciting, marketable fight that Forrest would probably win to keep all the possible big matches alive.
Thoughts?
Everybody got that?
Now, with a very close fight just barely in the books, a lot of people will immediately call for a rematch with Rampage for Forrest's first title defense. It makes sense and probably will draw very well. Rampage obviously was not quite the same after those early leg kicks and quite possibly was injured going into the fight. I would have no problem with an immediate rematch for Rampage.
But it's not what I would book.
There's a lot of groundswell building for a Machida title shot. It's getting hard to deny him a shot even though he's boring as hell in the cage. But he keeps beating everyone in his path so at what point do you give in and let him have a shot? Not yet. Forrest doesn't strike me as a good matchup for Machida in an attempt to make an entertaining fight.
So, that's not it either.
A lot of people will say the winner of Rashad Evans and Chuck Liddell should get the next shot. I have absolutely no desire to ever see Rashad Evans fight for a title - but I don't think that'll be a problem. Not that I think it would stop Dana but doesn't it seem odd to give Chuck a title match against someone that Chuck lost to?
That would also seemingly take Wanderlei Silva out of the equation since he lost to Chuck who lost to Rampage.
So... who gets the shot?
Here's my vote...
Winner of Rashad/Chuck gets a match with Rampage. I hate to put poor Wanderlei in a match that might suck but face him off with Machida. Whoever puts on the best showing out of those five gets the New Year's title shot.
So, who does Forrest get?
How about Michael Bisping? Should be a fun, exciting, marketable fight that Forrest would probably win to keep all the possible big matches alive.
Thoughts?
2008-07-06
Almost There
Don't look now but the Dodgers are suddenly just barely out of the top spot in their division despite one of the worst starts I can remember. They're still under .500 but they seem to be coming around a bit lately. They could be on the verge of breaking through.
There still is a lot of health issues to work through. Penny's out til at least the break. Furcal's getting back surgery that could potentially end his season. Nomar and Andruw are fresh off injury rehabs which means we don't know what we can expect out of him. Kuroda's coming off an injury. Lots of questions that need to be worked through and soon.
I'm glad to see they dropped out of the Sabathia race. As much as people think the Dodgers need that losing streak-snapping ace, I don't want to see names like Billingsley and Kemp shipped out for him. I'm okay with a starting rotation of a couple #2 starters and change. Very few teams in baseball have that legitimate ace so that should be the least of their concerns - especially with such an amazing first half performance from the staff.
Right now, it's all offense - clutch offense especially. I think the tools are in place for the most part. It's just a matter of luck and maturation to get over that next hurdle. Personally, I hope Coletti stands pat unless he can make minor upgrades at low costs. I have faith in the core of players they put together to work their shit out and come together.
It looks like it won't take a world-beater to get into the playoffs from the NL West - and once you're in, anything can happen. Just ask the Rockies. Now's the time to make the move though. Keep pushing hard and get over the top.
GO DODGERS!
There still is a lot of health issues to work through. Penny's out til at least the break. Furcal's getting back surgery that could potentially end his season. Nomar and Andruw are fresh off injury rehabs which means we don't know what we can expect out of him. Kuroda's coming off an injury. Lots of questions that need to be worked through and soon.
I'm glad to see they dropped out of the Sabathia race. As much as people think the Dodgers need that losing streak-snapping ace, I don't want to see names like Billingsley and Kemp shipped out for him. I'm okay with a starting rotation of a couple #2 starters and change. Very few teams in baseball have that legitimate ace so that should be the least of their concerns - especially with such an amazing first half performance from the staff.
Right now, it's all offense - clutch offense especially. I think the tools are in place for the most part. It's just a matter of luck and maturation to get over that next hurdle. Personally, I hope Coletti stands pat unless he can make minor upgrades at low costs. I have faith in the core of players they put together to work their shit out and come together.
It looks like it won't take a world-beater to get into the playoffs from the NL West - and once you're in, anything can happen. Just ask the Rockies. Now's the time to make the move though. Keep pushing hard and get over the top.
GO DODGERS!
2008-07-05
Forrest wins! Forrest wins! Forrest wins!
Placeholder beat the clock post
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2008-07-04
Top Five Friday: A Patriotic Edition
Ahhh... the 4th of July. The day where Americans gather together with families and friends to celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy living in the greatest country in the world - as flawed as it may be.
Freedoms, you know?
Like... the freedom to use fireworks in areas where you're not supposed to use fireworks, threatening to start a massive fire because pretty lights make you happy.
Or perhaps the freedom to gorge ourselves on either badly under or overcooked hamburgers and hot dogs to the point of having our stomachs rupture, flooding the world with a sea of partially digested scorched animal flesh.
Here's a good one. The freedom to cheer on our favorite baseball team to victory despite their horrific record while playing in the worst [and most embarrassing] division in the league.
You've gotta love freedom. And you've gotta love America!
No, seriously, you do.
If you don't love America, the terrorists win, dammmit!
In honor of America, I proudly present...
The Top Five Songs Featuring The Word "America" Or "USA" In The Title In My ITunes Library
Honorable Mention: Neil Diamond's "America" - the sole reason it makes this list and probably the sole reason it doesn't make the Top 5 as well is some very vivid memories of a teacher in 4th or 5th grade trying to get us to perform this song at a school program with some fucked up arm gestures to "act out" the song. It was so bad, there was basically a class-wide mutiny which resulted in us getting to play our parents in a softball game instead. Good times.
5. American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
This is actually one of my favorite songs but it takes the bottom spot because it's more about the girl than America which was really the point of this whole exercise. It was also featured in Silence Of The Lambs when the Senator's daughter is singing along just before she gets grabbed. I'm not sure if that makes the song cooler or just creepy - you make the call!
4. Living In America - James Brown
The Godfather of Soul outdid himself in his comeback hit that was used as Apollo Creed's entrance music in Rocky IV. Of course - SPOILER ALERT! - Apollo got his melon smashed by Drago just moments later and died in Rocky's arms. But it was still a cool scene and an amazing song. Just all the crazy pomp and circumstance surrounding Apollo's entrance with James Brown himself made that death worthwhile. Besides, Drago got his in the end - JUST LIKE ALL EVIL COMMIE RUSSIANS DO! "And if I can change... and you can change... everybody can change!" Rocky Balboa making the world safer... one evil nation at a time.
3. America - Simon & Garfunkel
I'm not really sure what this song is about actually. Either I'm not deep enough or I've never been stoned enough, not sure. But I do know that the girly from She & Him in Almost Famous used it to explain why she was running away from home. Made sense to me. The song really soothes me actually. I like listening to it in the mornings usually - weekend mornings are even better. It's one of those, "Yeah, this world is cool" songs. Okay, now I sound like I've been stoned enough.
2. Real American - Rick Derringer
Hey! Fuck you! I know you're laughing at me for picking Hulk Hogan's theme song as one of my favorite songs with "America" in the title but come on... seriously... for someone who grew up in the midst of Hulkamania running wild, there was no song that made you feel more patriotic than "Real American." When the Hulkster was squaring off against some big, nasty foe from Russian or Iran or... France... and that music starting pumping and that big, vitamin-takin' genetic beast stormed out in the red and yellow with the American flag waving behind him, you knew America was about to get some payback, daddy!
1. Born In The USA - Bruce Springsteen
I really hate using this as #1 since it's not really a positive song about the United States but... well, I love it. It's funny because the song gets used by so many people trying to sell it as being patriotic [including the aforementioned Hogan before using "Real American"] but it's really a song about a young kid who gets drafted and sent off to fight in Vietnam and the shoddy way he's treated when he comes back home. All flowers, sunshine, and rainbows, huh?
And that's that. Enjoy your holiday, folks!
Freedoms, you know?
Like... the freedom to use fireworks in areas where you're not supposed to use fireworks, threatening to start a massive fire because pretty lights make you happy.
Or perhaps the freedom to gorge ourselves on either badly under or overcooked hamburgers and hot dogs to the point of having our stomachs rupture, flooding the world with a sea of partially digested scorched animal flesh.
Here's a good one. The freedom to cheer on our favorite baseball team to victory despite their horrific record while playing in the worst [and most embarrassing] division in the league.
You've gotta love freedom. And you've gotta love America!
No, seriously, you do.
If you don't love America, the terrorists win, dammmit!
In honor of America, I proudly present...
The Top Five Songs Featuring The Word "America" Or "USA" In The Title In My ITunes Library
Honorable Mention: Neil Diamond's "America" - the sole reason it makes this list and probably the sole reason it doesn't make the Top 5 as well is some very vivid memories of a teacher in 4th or 5th grade trying to get us to perform this song at a school program with some fucked up arm gestures to "act out" the song. It was so bad, there was basically a class-wide mutiny which resulted in us getting to play our parents in a softball game instead. Good times.
5. American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
This is actually one of my favorite songs but it takes the bottom spot because it's more about the girl than America which was really the point of this whole exercise. It was also featured in Silence Of The Lambs when the Senator's daughter is singing along just before she gets grabbed. I'm not sure if that makes the song cooler or just creepy - you make the call!
4. Living In America - James Brown
The Godfather of Soul outdid himself in his comeback hit that was used as Apollo Creed's entrance music in Rocky IV. Of course - SPOILER ALERT! - Apollo got his melon smashed by Drago just moments later and died in Rocky's arms. But it was still a cool scene and an amazing song. Just all the crazy pomp and circumstance surrounding Apollo's entrance with James Brown himself made that death worthwhile. Besides, Drago got his in the end - JUST LIKE ALL EVIL COMMIE RUSSIANS DO! "And if I can change... and you can change... everybody can change!" Rocky Balboa making the world safer... one evil nation at a time.
3. America - Simon & Garfunkel
I'm not really sure what this song is about actually. Either I'm not deep enough or I've never been stoned enough, not sure. But I do know that the girly from She & Him in Almost Famous used it to explain why she was running away from home. Made sense to me. The song really soothes me actually. I like listening to it in the mornings usually - weekend mornings are even better. It's one of those, "Yeah, this world is cool" songs. Okay, now I sound like I've been stoned enough.
2. Real American - Rick Derringer
Hey! Fuck you! I know you're laughing at me for picking Hulk Hogan's theme song as one of my favorite songs with "America" in the title but come on... seriously... for someone who grew up in the midst of Hulkamania running wild, there was no song that made you feel more patriotic than "Real American." When the Hulkster was squaring off against some big, nasty foe from Russian or Iran or... France... and that music starting pumping and that big, vitamin-takin' genetic beast stormed out in the red and yellow with the American flag waving behind him, you knew America was about to get some payback, daddy!
1. Born In The USA - Bruce Springsteen
I really hate using this as #1 since it's not really a positive song about the United States but... well, I love it. It's funny because the song gets used by so many people trying to sell it as being patriotic [including the aforementioned Hogan before using "Real American"] but it's really a song about a young kid who gets drafted and sent off to fight in Vietnam and the shoddy way he's treated when he comes back home. All flowers, sunshine, and rainbows, huh?
And that's that. Enjoy your holiday, folks!
2008-07-03
Holy Frakkin' Shit
Just finished Season 3 of Galactica.
Oh. My. God.
Man, that show knows how to do a cliffhanger right. Good grief. I can't believe I have to wait until... man, I don't even know what I have to wait until to see the next part of it. It just finished on TV so DVDs won't be out for... gah, I can't even think about it.
I have Entourage Season 4 sitting on my computer now but I'm having some DVD burner issues and really hate to watch stuff on the computer if I can avoid it.
Next up? Looks like it's going to be Prison Break.
Oh. My. God.
Man, that show knows how to do a cliffhanger right. Good grief. I can't believe I have to wait until... man, I don't even know what I have to wait until to see the next part of it. It just finished on TV so DVDs won't be out for... gah, I can't even think about it.
I have Entourage Season 4 sitting on my computer now but I'm having some DVD burner issues and really hate to watch stuff on the computer if I can avoid it.
Next up? Looks like it's going to be Prison Break.
2008-07-02
RAMPAGE
I don't feel like writing so... in honor of this weekend's UFC show, one of my favorite MMA KOs from one of Saturday's PPV main eventers.
2008-07-01
Times They Are A-Changin'
Four years ago, I went with some friends to Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's One Year Anniversary show called The Reason For The Season. One of the big draws on the show was local superstar Super Dragon's first one on one matchup with a rapidly rising East Coast indy superstar. Everyone was quite excited to see the match between these two and the feeling in the building was quite electric. Myself, a huge Super Dragon fan, decided to give the East Coast invader a little grief during the match by shouting out, "DRAGON'S GONNA FUCK YOU UP!" loud enough that it could be heard in the ring. A few moments later, the East Coaster had Dragon cornered, slapping him around and screaming, "FUCK ME UP, DRAGON! FUCK ME UP!" while glaring in my direction. Awesome. Fan interaction at its finest and one of the reasons I love indy wrestling shows.
Just short of four years later, that East Coast invader walked into Monday Night Raw in Baltimore last night with a briefcase in hand...
...and walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion.
It's always fun to see someone become the top of their profession, especially someone you've been watching and rooting for for a long, long time. So, when I look at the two top promotions in the wrestling industry and see two wrestlers who I've followed for years from the very bottom of the foodchain when they were wrestling in front of a hundred people in a little gym carrying the respective World Titles for their companies, it puts a smile on my face.
Congrats, CM Punk.
Just short of four years later, that East Coast invader walked into Monday Night Raw in Baltimore last night with a briefcase in hand...
...and walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion.
It's always fun to see someone become the top of their profession, especially someone you've been watching and rooting for for a long, long time. So, when I look at the two top promotions in the wrestling industry and see two wrestlers who I've followed for years from the very bottom of the foodchain when they were wrestling in front of a hundred people in a little gym carrying the respective World Titles for their companies, it puts a smile on my face.
Congrats, CM Punk.
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