You Say It Best

Sometimes the smartest decisions that you can make is to say nothing at all. A lot of times the opposite of this thinking ends relationships or turns you into Ozzie Guillen; Either way, not good. But the recent run of the Tampa Rays has led me to believe that I am a genius when I say nothing.

Just before the dormant period of the blog, I had compiled a list of what I thought to be projections for the Major League Baseball season. On there, I had that the Yankees would miss the playoffs and that the Detroit Tigers would win more than 110 games. Very hit and miss. However one thing I was dead wrong on, were those Tampa Rays whom I predicted as the worst team in baseball. I've been pretty close so far, right?

Looking then and even now on paper they are average. The pitching staff is a venerable who's who of castaways bunched closely to Scott Kazmir to make them look good. Offensively, their best addition was Eric Hinske, a player who has not been a factor on any team since his rookie season in Toronto. Now with almost two months of ball in the books, the Rays sit alone in first in the top heavy AL East.

There is still quite a bit of season left, but the best off season pick up may be the Rays deal with Troy Percival. While Percival may not have the lights-out stuff that turned him into a top tier closer in Anaheim, he does bring an attitude that is accustomed to winning. A presence that had seemingly lacked even throughout the now forgettable Lou Pinella era in Tampa. Watching them play a home series against the Yankees and game one of a weekender in St. Louis, the effort and determination does remind me of the 2003 Anaheim Angels.

Do the Rays have enough to win it all? That is definitely a stretch, even for a hypothetical. But regardless of the fan turnout in Tampa or lack there of, this will be their first winning season in franchise history. While that may seem like baby steps, it is eons beyond where this team has been before. With key players like Kazmir, Pena, Upton and Longoria signed for five or more years we could be quickly approaching the era of the Rays.

Hypothetically.

Top 5

What do you talk about when you have nothing to talk about? How about a list? It's simple, easy and fun. Good times are shared by all.

Since I am a little more sports-minded than even my mind would like to be, I figured why not start with the top five sports moments of your lifetime. For whatever reason, they are special to you. FYI, I was born in March of '86 so if you see me throwing in Buckner's error or the Miracle on Ice, you can totally call me on it.

5. Kentucky Chomps New #1 - The year was 2003 and Florida basketball was apparently building a tradition. Fresh off the heels of becoming the new top team in the country floppy-haired Matt Walsh, greasy-haired Billy Donovan and no-haired Anthony Roberson ventured to Rupp Arena to take on the Cats. It was a slaughter. At no point during the pre-game did I suspect that we'd be fortunate enough to defeat the Gators by ten points, much less put them packing for Gainsville before the start of the second half. It was the kind of game that a fan only dreams of- Your rival on your court being put to shame as millions watch on ESPN. It was unbelievable. And I got my first car that day too so that was cool for other reasons.

4. Baseball returns after 9/11 - This is not so much about sports as it was about making things in general seem normal. All of us that were fortunate enough not to have lost someone on the day of the attacks were affected in a different sort of way. Not that baseball is the mold of a society or that I would be so foolish as to say that, but frankly I was scared. I think we all were. The hours following would give us few details and the one's that we got were vague at best. But a week after the events, we dried the tears and came out of the shelter to see that life could go on. And waiting to help us escape (if only for 2 and half or 3 hours) was baseball. The games itself are nowhere near as memorable as the normalcy that came with turning on the television and being able to watch a game that night.

3. Giants win Super Bowl XLII - What's with all the somewhat recent stuff, right? Well, this is one of the biggest shockers that I've ever seen and can only now (three months later) accept what happened. As a Jets fan, any time that the Patriots are beaten is a good day. However, after the amount of hype that went into the 2007 Patriots season, it was only fitting that the game itself crumble below them. The Giants front four was amazing all night, but with that late Moss touchdown I thought they were going to be able to squeak out another one. But, amongst other things, "The Catch" was able to rebound the Giants and allow Peyton's little brother to hoist the trophy.

2. Baseball Strikes Out - The last labor stoppage that I've ever cared about happened in '94. If you've been laid off or out of work since then, I'm sorry. When baseball not only announced the end of its season, World Series and even tossed around the idea of replacement players (Yuck) my eight year old world was crushed. Baseball is the sport that I loved since I was an infant. There is another memorable moment in my life that took place two years earlier at old Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati when I was constantly yelling at Andre Dawson from our right field seats during a Cubs visit. I digress. At the time I probably did not even realize what the strike was concerning, but I did understand that no World Series would be played or games would be watched.

1. Laettner Kills My Six Year Old Soul - If I would have known the word, "Fuck," or that it was an adequate word to use in that situation, I would have screamed it. Luckily, I was too young to understand the passion that would evolve from a general love for Kentucky basketball. Having an older brother makes you understanding when it comes to sports, but I think even he (all of ten) was at a loss. Looking back at the game now, I still watch it every time it comes on ESPN Classic. Laettner played an amazing game and our guys battled every last second. There is still some bitterness that comes with it, but most of that is washed away when I hear other people talk about what a truly great basketball exposition that was the game. BTW, Pitino should have guarded Hill on the baseline. I'm pretty sure I remember Clyde saying that amidst the disappointment.

Where BORING Happens.

The NBA playoffs are the only part of the season that I even care about during their year. Like standing in front of a bunch of people at an AA meeting that already know what I'm there for, like they say, it is better to say it aloud. Makes it seem more real of something.

Anyway, the NBA is the playoffs. The past couple of playoffs have been head-turning, "Did you see the score to last night's game," type affairs, but this year is significantly different. In a first round that had me drooling with the match up possibilities only one (and even that was the one that I cared the least for) lasted a full seven games or even seemed to spark players interest. The Pistons struggled a bit and so did the Cavaliers, but did you really think that Sixers or Wizards were going to take the series at any point during those games? Me neither.

So far, it has been more of the same. While only two of the series have even played two games, both of which home court has served, they do not look to be entirely competitive. I would never count out the Spurs as long as they have a game left, but the match up problems put forth by the Hornets are giving them fits in what is a comparatively short distance from San Antonio. On the other hand, the Magic just do not have the playoff savvy of the Pistons who are collectively dwindling down on one of the last great runs this team can put together.

There is hope in all of these series and to reiterate, none of the 2-0 series are even close to being done, but their is a side of me that just wants this to last forever. I mean every series ending on a buzzer beater opportunity in the seventh game. I guess that's what we all want every time we turn on the television, but for now I would settle for just one game of super competitive basketball with the outcome not stamped by the start of the fourth quarter.

Eight Belles (2005-2008)

Whatever we may do with our lives is defined by the dash that seperates the year we were born from the year of death. Most people do not know the whole story. Eight Belles, we hardly knew ye. Truly.

OK, while that is a true exploitation of what a bastard I am, the truth is that yesterday defined my complete feelings about horse racing. Horses themselves are majestic creatures and horse racing is coined as the, "Sport of Kings."

However both ends of this tangled spectrum were illustrated yesterday as one horse, Big Brown, won the 134th running after less than a handful of races. The other of course is the euthanizing of runner-up Eight Belles. Beauty and elegance is reduced to a tragedy with death taking place on the infield.

Honestly the only funny part was of how I found out about this. I did not get a chance to watch the Derby although I watched a few of the earlier races. I turned on ESPN later in the evening to see what had happened and saw that line that said that the place horse was euthanized. I assumed it was for punishment for losing, instead of the reason that we all know now.

Unfortunately, You're Still Chris Baker

As you may have read about on ESPN.com on Monday night, Jets tight end Chris Baker is highly upset about being the lowest paid on his team at that position. After the free agent acquisition that landed an aging Bubba Franks and this weekends first-round selection of Dustin Keller, Baker, the starter, has decided to sit out until rewarded.

Rewarded for what? Baker had what some are daring to call a breakout season in '07 with 40+ catches that racked up in excess of 400 yards and three scores.

That's it. And while anything out of the tight end in New York is considered nothing less than a Godsend (see Anthony Becht...better yet, don't) those type of statistics are still poor. In hopes to improve an offense that struggled to look like one last season, the Jets have pulled various strings through free agency and the draft to improve their stagnancy.

"I've been here for six years," Baker led into his heated message on Monday. That is maybe where he should have ended it, because even a die hard Jets fan like myself only remembers the past few mediocre seasons.

"I needed to let it be known that I'm not happy and nothing is being addressed with my contract," Baker later added.

And now with him as expendable as ever, nothing appears to be in the near future. I appreciate where Baker is coming from as a guy who just wanted the franchise he tried so hard to help to return the favor. But this is the nature of this beast that we call professional football and apparently Chris does not watch ESPN as guys like Shaun Alexander (who has put together a slightly better resume) are cut on a daily basis. He should find his remote though, because by the look and sound of this, he could be seeing his name strolling on the bottom line any day now.

Andre' the Giant

So originally we all thought Andre’ would be a top 10-15 pick. At one point I remember having a conversation with one of our former readers about how Dre’ would be off the board by the time the Bears picked in the first round (guess that prediction was a little wrong). Then he started slipping and we heard late first round….then 2nd-3rd round. Turns out he was picked with the 198th pick in the draft, toward the end of the 6th round by the New York football Giants. The odds of him making their roster seem unlikely with Peyton’s little bro, J-Lo, and one of the most disappointing #1 picks in NFL history (David Carr, not Tim Couch) currently under contract. Honestly, I don’t completely understand why Dre’’s draft stock plummeted but hopefully he can use this slight as motivation and have a solid career (as long as its not with the Bengals, Browns, or Patriots).

60 Minutes

I know that for many people the NFL Draft is nothing to watch, but everything to read about the next day. However, today is that rare exception.

If you can find your way to a television about 4 P.M. today, you will see Commish Roger Goodell step to the podium and announce that, "With the sixth pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets have selected..." If McFadden is still on the board and the first syllable is not "Dare", expect half of Radio City Music Hall to make ears bleed with their chorus of disdain, while the other half unfasten their belts in hopes of hanging themselves with the strap.

Jets fans take over the draft every year and even stuck it to Mike Nugent, whom they drafted in the second round and desperately needed. One of the first years that I can remember being a Jets fan, the faithful allowed their feelings to be known when Kyle Brady was selected above one W-Sapp. That response will pale in comparison should the announcement of a defensive play maker like Vernon Gholston is announced leaving McFadden to fall to seven and the New England Patriots.

Here is to hoping that some sanity is left in this world when I go to bed tonight.

Are We Still On?

I'm completely aware of the now seemingly defunct nature of this blog and can only apologize to anyone who was actually a regular viewer. The most honest answer I can give is that sometimes life gets in the way of reporting regularly to a blog where you're not entirely sure what to say anyways.

On a less broad topic, I must say that as I'm at home listening to the 'Best of Bowie', I cannot help but think about the past. Not the whole past, but my past in regards to David Bowie. For the record I love Bowie and think that he is just the personification of pop. However the funniest part of the whole story is that the first David Bowie song that I remember hearing and knowing that it was Bowie was the tragic "I'm Afraid of Americans" that is actually on this record. It's a horribly overdone attempt by an aging Bowie to get with the industrial sound that was the later portion of the 90's. He even brought in Trent Reznor (whose ego during this portion matched Bowie's during his heyday) to help in this attempt for a rebirth. And while the song is not exactly the worst that I've ever heard or anything, it just makes me smile thinking that to twelve year old me, David Bowie was an synthesizer-driven industrial rocker who talked about Johnny (the every-American) and hated harmony.

I just cannot help but find some humor in all of that.

Song of the Day

Song: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House"
Artist: LCD Soundsystem
Album: LCD Soundsystem (2005)

What? This hasn't already been Song of the Day? I checked the archives before posting this, and it's true. Somehow I've managed to maintain a blog for several months now without posting this tune. What can I say about James Murphy, frontman and mastermind behind LCD Soundsystem that hasn't already been said? He has the upmost versatility as an artist, with the ability to both stretch the limits of creativity musically while managing to write thoughtful lyrics that the listener can still relate to. "Daft Punk..." is simple and playful. It's a hook-laden romp about everyone's favortie French house/electro duo playing a show at Murphy's house...an undoubtedly false story, but fun as hell nonetheless.



The band's 2007 album Sound of Silver was my #3 favorite album of last year. Check out this energetic live performance of All My Friends, one of the album's standout tracks.

Song of the Day

Song: "Lysergic Bliss"
Artist: of Montreal
Album: Satanic Panic in the Attic (2004)

Sweet vocal harmonies on this abbreviated, acoustic version of the second track from Satanic Panic in the Attic. This one puts me in a good mood. "If we were a pair of jigsaw puzzle pieces, we would connect so perfectly..." Seems like a simple solution to many of life's problems to me.

Song of the Day

Song: "Brandy Alexander"
Artist: Feist
Album: The Reminder (2007)

This song is one of the more underrated tracks from last year's fantastic release, The Reminder. It's low-key, simple, and very hummable (maybe snappable?). Kind of has a Motown vibe to it, which makes it ideal for a day spent in anticipation of another crazy snow storm or for driving around a small town while snapping along to the beat with one of your blog's co-authors. We're all about versatility here at the OBS. There are some talented people that come up with stuff for YouTube. This was directed by a guy named Michael Boylan and features a really cute ballerina. And in case that cuteness isn't enough for ya, you can always check out this clip by Feist that made us all go out and buy an iPod.

Song of the Day

Song: "Keep Your Eyes Ahead"
Artist: The Helio Sequence
Album: Keep Your Eyes Ahead (2008)

I've been blowin' up this song on my iPod for a month now...finally there's a video to go with it. And it's a cool video, too, which is something I don't usually say (a lot of videos just kinda suck). The title track from this Portland band's fourth album is upbeat with anthemic and whirling melodies that are springy (springy as in seasonal and as in bouncy). Anyway, I suck at describing stuff, so just give it a listen.

Song of the Day

Song: "Sultan"
Artist: What Made Milwaukee Famous
Album: What Doesn't Kill Us (2008)

Indie pop from Austin in the same vein as Spoon and a less dramatic Okkervil River. Nice video with an unexpected cameo from Lance Armstrong. The rumors have already begun than WMMF are using performance enhancing drugs.

sultan

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Song of the Day

Song: "The KKK Took My Baby Away"
Artist: The Ramones
Album: Pleasant Dreams (1981)

A word to the wise: if a gal you care about decides to go to LA around the holiday season, you may want to go with her. Otherwise, you may never see her again.

Song of the Day

Song: "Phantom Limb"
Artist: The Shins
Album: Wincing the Night Away (2007)

Sometimes you just want to hear a pop song. Nothing more, nothing less...just a good pop song. That is especially true when it is near 70 degrees for the first time in months and you are enjoying a drive in the country. I've gotta say, I had written this album off for the longest time last year. But when I finally gave in and gave it a spin, I was pleasantly surprised. For me, the charm that The Shins possess is that they won't, in fact, "change your life" as Natalie Portman suggested (cutely suggested). As you might expect from them, "Phantom Limb" is a great pop song.

Song of the Day

Artist: Lo Fidelity All-Stars
Title: Battleflag
Album: How to Operate with A Blown Mind

With birthday's comes nostalgia. Here is one from the seemingly distant past.

Song of the Day

Song: "That Summer, at Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy"
Artist: The Twilight Sad
Album: Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters (2007)

This song has strong undertones of a sense of something changing. At this particular point in my life, I can relate. James Grahm's sullen Scottish accent only adds to the tune's nostalgic charm. He can sing lines like "kids are on fire, in the bedroom" and make it sound bittersweet. This band was a great find last year...looking forward to seeing where they go in '08.

Song of the Day

Song: "Attack of the Ghost Riders"
Artist: The Raveonettes
Album: Whip It On (2002)

It's the Cramps meets Sonic Youth meets seedy horror movies in this 2002 tune from the Raveonettes debut EP. Someone they manage to mix garage rock and atonal noise and make it sound great.

Throw From Your Window Your Record Collection

I’ve always had a thing for lists, but lately I’ve been into really short lists. Don’t ask me why. So my question for today asks you for a short list. If you are cast away to a deserted island with just a record/CD player and you are only allowed to bring 3 albums to get you through the rest of your days, which 3 albums would you bring? I say 3 albums because it is kind of an uncomfortable number. You don’t get the luxury of the usual top 5, but it’s not as much all out pressure as picking only 1. So think about it for a bit...3 albums to listen to for the rest of your life. Mine would have to be...

Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker
I always rely on this record to keep me grounded. It reminds of my roots…of where I’m from. It lets me know that it’s okay to hurt sometimes or to be vulnerable sometimes. It is a beautiful album thanks in large part to its sheer simplicity. The album possesses a certain honesty that has kept me listening to it year after year. It always seems to evoke some sort of emotion from me, and it changes with nearly every listen.


Wilco – Summerteeth
This is kind of the opposite end of the spectrum from Heartbreaker. It is full of quirks and bells and whistles. But they all seem to come together so effortlessly and eloquently. It doesn’t make me forget about all of life’s hardships or problems, but it does sort of move them into a room with different lighting so that I can get a new perspective on them. I seem to hear something new every time I hear this album, so I think it would be a natural choice to take with me.

Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
This album would give me hope for a change. This is one that has remained completely refreshing and unique for a decade now. Whenever I hear Jeff Mangum singing on this record, I feel like he is really saying something. I’m not always sure what it is that he is saying, but it is a voice that demands to be heard. This one kind of runs the full gauntlet of emotions, but leaves you fulfilled in the end. I think this album would make me feel like it’s okay that I’m on a deserted island.

So...what are your three?


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Blah...College Basketball...Blah

I'm not sure what everyone else took away from the Saturday night matchup between Memphis and Tennessee. And I'm also not sure what you can take away from this, but this is what I got:

For the first time in nearly a five or six years, I don't have a clear favorite for a National Championship here in February. Until that group was beaten last season, I liked the Florida Gators from beginning to end. It's trite, but true. The year before, hyped to death by a close friend of ours here at the blog, I bought into UCLA and also had UConn in the mix. Of course, UConn fell victim to the Colonials of George Mason and lead by Farmar, Afflalo and the emergence of to that point, disappointment Ryan Hollins, UCLA went to the championship game. This year though, I know that the polls will have Tennessee as the number one team, but I'm not sure at all that they can make it to the Elite Eight, muchless be the champions. Unfortunately, I feel that way about everyone. I've got gut feelings about both North Carolina and UCLA, but most of that is just built up hype that never got released from early in the season. Overall though, I like them because of their ability to defend and they both have big guys who can convert and get to the free throw line. At this stage in the basketball season, neither of them have convinced me that they are worth my unwavering praise as the team to beat to get to the title.

I also realized that the piece that I wrote earlier this season about Memphis was unwarranted. I added them in a piece titled, "Will They Ever?" and in that I came to the conclusion that this was their best chance at winning it all. Looking at the evidence that they put forth on Saturday, I can tell you that this team is great, but not the best I've seen from the Tigers. The teams from the last two years to me, were better all around. Rose and CDR are great, but last night they missed two or three contested shots before realizing they were not hot. And then the free throws. This has played to death in regards to this Memphis team, but the truth hurts. Last nights game was no exception and the inability to put away the Vols from the stripe eventually killed them. I'm not saying that Memphis is incapable of making the Final Four or even cutting down the nets. What I am expressing is that after a loss to the Vols, this will be their last test before Selection Sunday. They are so far ahead of the curve when it comes to Conference USA that losing their last meaningful game before the tournament may prove to be too much for this team.

Lastly, this was an ugly basketball game. Someone that hasn't watched basketball since 1983 would haved barely recognized this game whose scattered play was only saved by television timeouts. The up and down pace reminded me of playing against a rival in high school where we were not concerned with winning the game nearly as much as we were trying to keep the home fans excited. Memphis and Tennessee both bring a ton of energy to any contest they are involved in, but they also pack a few terrible shots and unexplainable turnovers. At certain points during this game, and I know that I cannot be alone on this one, the game was hard to watch. And while this frantic pace is where we are now, I did find myself wishing that just once someone would run some offense. They both are extremely gifted teams loaded with truly blessed athletes, but what I wanted to see was something that could not be so closely compared with motion sickness. Every rebound could have been whistled for going over the back, every possession seemed to have at least one poorly chosen shot and every other possession was a breath away from a turnover. I enjoyed seeing the intesity that this game brought, but overall I did not enjoy watching it.

Another thing that I realized is that if Bruce Pearl would speak to me at the beginning of every day, I would get a lot more accomplished. He's a gifted speaker. I lack motivation. What can I say?

The college basketball home stretch is officially underway. In just three short weeks the dreams that every team shares will be a realistic chance for only 65. I'm incredibly excited, but I guess you kind of figured that one.

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Song of the Day

Song: "Keep the Car Running"
Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible (2007)

All 72 members of the Arcade Fire perform this track from 2007's Neon Bible on a British late-night TV show. Great song for a drunken Friday night/Saturday morning.

Song of the Day

Song: "A Postcard to Nina"
Artist: Jens Lekman
Album: Night Falls Over Kortedala (2007)

Jens Lekman is a funny guy. He also writes amazing songs. This is a live version of one of my favs from last year's critically acclaimed (especially here at the OBS) album Night Falls Over Kortedala.

Song of the Day

Song: "Skinny Love"
Artist: Bon Iver
Album: For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

Wisconsin native Justin Vernon has just re-released his fantastic debut album under the moniker Bon Iver. Vernon actually self-released the album in late 2007, and after garnering much critical acclaim, Bloomington, IN record label Jagjaguwar (Okkervil River, Ladyhawk, Sunset Rubdown) picked up the album. For Emma, Forever Ago is a refreshing debut that is ideal for wintery days and/or ice storms. Lyrics to "Skinny Love" can be found by visiting Bon Iver's myspace page.

Song of the Day

Song: "Where Have All the Rudeboys Gone?"
Artist: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Album: Hearts of Oak (2003)

My favorite song of 2003...which was probably around the time I started keeping track of such things. This is the single version, so it's a little shorter than the album version, but it's still a great tune.

Song of the Day

Song: "For Real"
Artist: Okkervil River
Album: Black Sheep Boy (2005)

This song has been on my list of favorites since the first time I heard it. It captures a sense of urgency and desperation, while somehow managing to keep confidence and swagger throughout. I've always been a huge fan of really good lyrics, and the words to this song don't just paint a picture, but they capture a dynamic. If you're a fan of great lyrics, you should check them out here. The video is kinda dark and creepy, but the song more than makes up for it.

Random Rambling

Unfortunately, Tuesday night was more of a funeral than I could have imagined earlier that morning. Although the committee is still roughly a month from locking themselves into a room for a day and coming out with 65 teams that will take part in the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky has just sealed their fate for March.

It was no surprise that they were on the bubble here in the second week of February. You could argue that it was more of a surprise that they lasted there long enough to even have this discussion now, instead of a month and a half ago when they were losing to UAB and San Diego at home. With the record loss to Vanderbilt on Tuesday though, the ticket to the NIT has been punched for the Cats. With the recent hot streak they were on, nobody could have predicted this one.

Sticking with college basketball, can anyone explain the luck of the Georgetown Hoyas? Seemingly every game they win is the lead story on SportsCenter coupled with the caption, "Bad Call". It was just three weeks ago that Bob Huggins had to use every Rage-aholics Anonymous technique to keep from destroying the referee that decided to chew his whistle when Ewing Jr. goal-tended a last second Mountaineer basket. Now, 75-feet away from the basket, a different ref decided the outcome of Monday nights game against Villanova by opting to blow the whistle on a meaningless bump.

The saddest part of this to me, is that on Tuesday Big East coordinator of officials Art Hyland, publicly backed the call made on Monday saying, "A foul is a foul". C'mon.

The refs who called the 2006 NBA Finals where the Mavericks were whistled when they breathed to close to Dwayne Wade thinks that call is a total joke. The truth is that we fans can live with a judgment no call, but putting a kid at the line with .01 second left in a Big East game is inexcusable.

Congratulations and Good Luck to the Indiana Hoosiers. I'm glad that I'll get to see you in the NCCA Tournament this year and look forward to watching Gordon in the pros, but if the damning evidence surrounding coach Sampson rings true, then Indiana and Kelvin are done for a while. This makes the second consecutive year that Sampson has received a letter from the NCAA saying that his recruiting practices are in violation of their rules. And while one could easily argue that the entire NCAA could be getting these letters and that the rules are a joke at best, Sampson continues to find himself on the wrong end. His arrival to Bloomington was met with charges stemming from his time at Oklahoma and now it appears that this is a pattern instead of just a single lapse in judgment.

Finally, to tail away from college basketball into some sad and bizarre news. As if the skate that a hockey player took to the carotid artery this weekend did not humanize sports enough for you, Vikings defensive lineman Kenechi Udeze has reportedly been diagnosed with leukemia. Leukemia? A four year pro out of USC, Udeze who stands in at about 6'3", 280 lbs., does not look like the type of guy who could be mentioned in the same breath with cancer, certainly not leukemia.

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Song of the Day

Song: "Oxford Comma"
Artist: Vampire Weekend
Album: Vampire Weekend (2008)

If you have the internet, you've probably heard the hype surrounding this band. This is a rare case of the hype being well-deserved. Their self-titled debut album is a breath of fresh air. It's one clever, catchy tune after another. And it reminds me of summer, which is always a plus when it is less than 20 degrees outside, as it is here right now. Pour yourself a glass of lemonade and enjoy the breeze.

Song of the Day

Song: "Foam Hands"
Artist: Destroyer
Album: Trouble in Dreams (2008)

This is a clip of Dan Bejar performing the first single from the forthcoming Destroyer album Trouble in Dreams (due 3/18/08) at a festival in Calgary last summer. Is this my most anticipated release of '08 thusfar? Possibly. Is this more of the same sweet sounding musical landscape that is Dan Bejar? Definitely. You should also check out Dan and his main squeeze Sydney Vermont performing as Hello, Blue Roses if you haven't yet heard them, or if you need a Bejar fix to tide you over until March. The happy couple's album The Portrait is Finished And I Have Failed to Capture Your Beauty is out now, and just in time for Valentine's Day! Awwww....

Song of the Day

Song: "Have You Forgotten"
Artist: Red House Painters
Album: Songs From A Blue Guitar (1996)

Absolutely beautiful song. Kind of a cool fan-made video of a drive through North Carolina to accompany it. Great stuff! Sentence fragments.

Song of the Day

Song: "Waving Flags"
Artist: British Sea Power
Album: Do You Like Rock Music? (2008)

This is a great track that was actually released as a single in late 2007. The album officially drops on 2/12/08, and it is definitely worth picking up if you have not yet heard it. You can check out their new video for the song "No Lucifer" over at the band's myspace page. It's tough to go wrong with any track by this band.

Really? Why?

Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix??

Somebody please tell me how this makes any sense. King? Harris?

This potential trade is almost as crazy as if Chris Webber signed to play with the Warriors or something like that. I mean, think about it, an old post player with no spring in the legs becoming a member of a team that runs constantly and doesnt really ever utilize a halfcourt offense. What? Webber DID sign with GState??

Song of the Day/Prediction

The Super Bowl is today. Finally. Much has been made about the Giants chances of ruining or making history tonight. While I do not expect them to be overwhelmed by the spectacle, I do expect them to be floored by New England. I actually had this predicted to be a close game earlier in the week until Sen. Specter mentioned them. Now they're going to use this as fuel to send a message. That is if you don't consider running over the rest of the league all season a message.

My prediction is lame, but I see the Patriots 38, Giants 14. I would be shocked if this were a game and completely floored if the Giants won. In other lame prediction news, look for Brady to win his third Super Bowl MVP. I know he needs one like he needs more sex with beautiful women, but it just cements his and the Patriots place in history.

And with that, here's your song of the day. Only one to choose from really.

Artist: Bears Shufflin' Crew
Song: Super Bowl Shuffle

Bluegrass Song of the Day

Artist: Larry Sparks
Song: Tennessee 1949
Apparently this was recorded at the 2006 Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival (whatever that is).



The audio isn't the best in the world, but its good enough to appreciate the beautiful simplicity that makes bluegrass music special. I know its not for everyone, but if you like bluegrass, it doesnt get much better than this.

Song of the Day

Song: "Cut Your Hair"
Artist: Pavement
Album: Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)

This song and video make me feel old. But I kinda am old, I suppose, so it's okay. That doesn't mean it kicks any less ass. The video makes me laugh every time because it is so damn weird.



Best line: "Songs mean a lot/when songs are bought/and so are you"

What to Do?

Bare with me when I say, the Super Bowl is almost here. I personally hate the Super Bowl worse that just about any other sporting event in professional sports history. Much is made about how the game never lives up to the hype that surrounds it, which is true yet false. The game itself is a hype machine that envies only that of the "journalists" over at Extra who kill themselves for footage of Britney Spears taking body shots off her two year old.

I should probably preface this rant with the fact that if the Jets were in the Patriots spot, I would not have slept since the AFC Championship game for fear that they would lose in one of my dreams. The truth is that the game is meaningless, yet more meaningful than any before it. People like my mother for instance have the game on in the background just so they can be the first to view the funniest new commercial that the new year has to offer. It's a barrage of celebrities, pre-game performances and of course, the halftime show. Simply put, it is impossible for one game to live up to coverage that is more hyped that the season itself. Well until this year when the word "Patriots" made your upchuck reflex tickle a bit.

Luckily there are a few more stories that are headlining the medium and one of them happens to be the announcement of the NBA All-Star starters. While the game is just for thrills and the suspects themselves are usual, this year highlights a few points in the game today. For starters (no pun intended), this years ten players have a combined twelve years of college experience between them, with only Tim Duncan and D-Wade having stayed longer than two seasons.

Also, congratulations are in order to recruits everywhere. Kobe Bryant, arguably the best player in the game today, is the only player that was not drafted in the top 5 of his respective class to be selected as a starter. Five of them were number one overall picks, with three of them (LeBron, Carmelo, D-Wade) belonging to a single draft class.

Another story that has caught my eye is the circus that we now refer as this baseball off season. What the Mitchell Report accomplished is a discussion off to itself, but after the allegations that were brought forth against Jose Canseco this week, I can honestly say that I've had enough. Though he was and still is the most credible voice about steroids, this is why I hate Canseco. The moment he is upset with you, he begins to threaten. When no team in the majors would touch him, he decided to grab a pen, paper and began to recall from a impeccable memory. Maybe that is an aspect of steroids that is not highlighted that much.

Since the report, we've been met with numerous denials while others have the classic excuse, "Well I took them, but it was just to get over an injury."

Yeah, that's kinda what they were made for in the first place. Faster recovery.

My idea is that from now on, any player that is caught using performance enhancing drugs will not miss a single game. Instead, we place them on performance deteriorating drugs like cocaine, ecstasy or heroin. This way, the fans who were cheated before now find redemption as Andy Pettite tries to find the strike zone after three hits of acid. If nothing else, just for the comedic value should Rangers youngster Josh Hamilton be busted for steroids. All that bettering your life for nothing, kid.

So sports fans, we are in that nasty transition period. The football season's are essentially over, basketball has yet to get to meaty part and spring training is a little over a month away. To make matters worse, the writer's strike continues. Long story short: Should you have anything important to do, don't put it off any longer. Do it now and enjoy what lies ahead of you.

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Song of the Day

Song: "Art Isn't Real"
Artist: Deer Tick
Album: War Elephant (2007)

If you've been hanging out in my room for the past 3 weeks or so, chances are you've heard this song a bunch of times. Like, a lot. But you haven't been hanging out in my room, or I would have probably seen you...unless you were there while I was asleep, in which case you are just being really creepy. In any regard, you should do what I've been doing and rock out this tune every day for weeks on end. It's a truly enjoyable experience, no matter what your genre of preference is.



Best line: "Cause I gotta get drunk, I gotta forget about some things"

A few thoughts from the UK/Tennessee game

I realize this makes two consecutive posts for me about UK basketball, but I can't help it.. since the Steelers got eliminated, this UK team is all I have to cheer for. So, if it would interest you to read some of my thoughts about tonight's upset over Tennesse, read on....


1. When was the last time you saw a UK team actually improve over the course of the season? Granted, part of this team's "improvement" has been because they've gotten a little healthier. But I swear I can see the team starting to mesh, they're starting to not only buy into the program, but also actually understand the program. They are literally getting better as the season goes on... what a crazy thought. How come Tubby never thought of that? There are still plenty of rocky times ahead for this team this season, but as long as there is progress like we've seen recently, I'll continue to be very optimistic about where the program is headed.

2. How about the play Billy G drew up to get the ball inbounds against UT's press with ~12 seconds left? When I saw Ramel inbouding the ball, I had no clue why we would elect to have him throwing it in b/c he is obviously the guy we wanted at the charity stripe. But when Jasper stepped out of bounds to receive the pass from Smoove, all at once you could just see the brilliance that is Coach BCG. It was a very simple, very obvious play, yet it was so beautiful from a coaching standpoint that it kinda gave me chills.

3. I love how this team hits their free throws. Bradley, Meeks, Patterson, all were money from the stripe when the game was on the line. That can't be underestimated when it comes to winning close games.

4. Nice to see Perry Stevenson actually step up and play like a man. I like it when he catches the ball, gives a few pump fakes to get his defender off the ground and then dunks the piss out of it. Of course, this can only work for a limited time, b/c eventually everyone will remember that he can't shoot and they'll just stay on the ground and contest his dunk whenever he goes up for it. But lets enjoy it whilst we can.

5. Maybe the highlight of the game was when Brad Nessler combined Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford's names to make a player named "Bradford". I have lots of respect for those who combine names (and words in general) to simplify things.

6. Lastly, and most importantly, as always fuck Tennessee.



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Songs of the Day

Song: "I've Underestimated My Charm (Again)"
Artist: Black Kids
Album: Wizard of Ahhhs EP(2007)




Song: "Wish You Were Here"
Artist: Ryan Adams
Album: Rock N' Roll (2003)

Cool acoustic version from a live in store appearance in Amsterdam. Sigh.

Song of the Day

Song: "How to Fight Loneliness"
Artist: Wilco
Album: Summerteeth (1999)

This version is from the bonus DVD that came with I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. Really feeling the lyrics on this one today for some reason. Oh well...we are just a couple of hours away from the AFC/NFC Championship games. More to come about those later (hopefully). If you haven't heard Summerteeth, you should do yourself a favor and change that. It is just brilliant.



Best line(s): "And the first thing that you want/Will be the last thing you ever need/That's how you fight it"

and, of course: "How to fight loneliness?/Smile all the time"

Darius Miller game winner against LexCath

He'll be at UK next season. Get excited. This is from last night's game between two of the top teams in the state of KY.

Song of the Day

Song: Let's Build A Home (live on Conan)
Artist: White Stripes
Album: De Stijl

After listening to a few albums of thought provoking metaphors and catchy riffs, it's good for the soul and mind to refresh a little. What better way to do so, than to have Jack White nearly make you pass out just from watching him? Although I've seen this clip personally quite a few times, I still think that if you were trying to explain to someone what it meant to play rock music, you'd show them this. Enjoy.

My Song of the Day

Song: Bull In the Heather (live on Letterman)
Artist: Sonic Youth
Album: Experimental Jet Set, Trash & No Star

After watching Juno, the underlying theme I walked out with was Sonic Youth. Weird, I know. Without giving anything away from the movie the line, "It's just noise!" resonates when talking about the band. Although some songs are a little too experimental even for my taste, this song is one of the first that I remember hearing from the band (I was 8, I think) and I came away thinking that I have to hear more from this band. While this performance from Dave may not be the best in their arsenal, it makes the Juno experience come full circle as a very pregnant Kim Gordon leads the group.

Song of the Day

Song: "Get Up"
Artist: Sleater-Kinney
Album: The Hot Rock (1999)

This is one of my favorite SK songs. I wasn't a huge fan of The Woods, their last effort released in 2005 before calling it quits a year later, but all of their stuff prior to that was just phenomenal. This song epitomizes what Sleater-Kinney was all about. Thoughtful and insightful, yet fun and playful. Everyone should give this a listen.



Best line: "Fall down on the world before it falls on you"

As a bonus note, fans of drummer Janet Weiss can hear her laying down the beat on the new Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks song "Baltimore" right here.

I...Uh...What?

Two things I want to add about yet another day in sports I (again) missed.

1. In general, I dislike the NBA. Sunday was the exception as two great, young and exciting teams squared off in the Blazers and Raptors. The owners of the past two number one overall draft picks squared off in a double OT thriller that saw the Torontosaurus' come out victorious. Although I (along with others), think that the season is eons to long and the post season wraps up about a week before the tip of a new season, the NBA has potential with good young teams like this. It is what the other professional sports, that are currently being monopolized by a few teams, lacks.

2. Philip Rivers and Eli Manning were traded on draft day about four years ago and now find themselves with the opportunity to face each other in the Super Bowl. While I find the possibility of one making it to be daunting (both would be impossible, sorry), you could not genetically create two more different people. Eli is emotionless to a fault sometimes and his lack of vocal authority has been the topic of more than a few 'Barber Shop' conversations. On the other turn of the hand is Rivers who finds no problem becoming involved in heated tirades with fans and fellow mediocre QB's. Two thumbs way up to the guy that gave Rivers the finger(s) after the Colts defeat, for not only letting Rivers know that he was not the reason they won that game, but as kind of a "Thanks for letting the Patriots have an easier road to the Super Bowl," from the rest of us.

I will leave with this memo to former UK standout, Marlon McCree; Should you get an interception against Brady this year in a closely contested game- Please go down, immediately!

Gameplan to Beat the Patriots

1. Every time you touch the ball in regulation you MUST score a touchdown and convert the PAT
2. Win coin toss in OT (b/c you're not gonna be able to stop them, the best you can hope for is to get into OT at 49-49 or something like that)
3. Score on first possession of OT... you can kick a FG at this point


If you turn the ball over, have to punt or kick a FG in regulation, they're probably gonna beat you. They are that good.

The other option is to kick the ball onsides a bunch of times. Best case scenario is you recover at least one onsides kick and steal a possession or two from them. Worst case scenario is they recover it and have a short field to work with. But really who cares...they're gonna score anyways, so why does it matter if they have to go 70 yards or 40 yards to score? Any other ideas?

Song of the Day (Part II)

Song: "I Wouldn't Know What to Do"
Artist: The Honeydrips
Album: Here Comes the Future (2007)



Best line: "If it's the last thing I ever do, I'm gonna get you"

Song of the Day (Part I)

Song: "Paranoia in B-Flat Major"
Artist: The Avett Brothers
Album: Emotionalism (2007)



Best line: "I'm so tired of being wrong"

Song of the Day

Song: "This is Hardcore"
Artist: Pulp
Album: This is Hardcore (1998)

An artsy-smartsy camp-fest set to a dark and catchy soundtrack. Jarvis Cocker should win some kind of award for his facial expressions alone in this video. Fantastic.



Best line: "Leave your make-up on, and I'll leave on the light"

LSU/tOSU thoughts

Ok, so it turns out the BCS extravaganza I had envisioned for this blog didn't quiet come to fruition. So here are a few quick last minute thoughts about the game:

1. LSU (and the SEC as a whole) has more speed than Ohio State (and the Big 10 as a whole). That's all we've heard ever since Florida destroyed the Buckeyes in last year's championship game. Is it possible that Ohio State has heard that all year (and especially in the weeks leading up to this game) and they are just flat out tired of it? And is it possible that LSU has heard how they are so much faster than tOSU at every position and they believe it enough that they won't bring their A game? If that happens, Buckeyes win. Could the SEC's reputation as the dominant football conference wind up biting them in the ass in the biggest game?

2. Is Glenn Dorsey healthy? If he is, look out!! He could terrorize the Buckeyes running game by being tough up the middle and put tons of pressure on the passing game. At the very least, a healthy Dorsey has to be double teamed. If he's not healthy, he could be a liability on defense, especially if he plays timid b/c he has his eyes on the #1 draft pick and the NFL $$$ that goes with it.

3. How much will the "home field advantage" mean to LSU in this game? Unquestionably, playing the game in N'awlins should hurt tOSU but I dont think it should have a very large influence on the outcome. I think the crowd (especially the LSU and SEC fans) expect the Bayou Bengals to romp the Buckeyes, so if tOSU can handle the initial onslaught, they should neutralize the hostile crowd.

4. How about the competition these two teams have faced over the course of the season? LSU has been thru the fire this season, narrowly escaping with victories in instant classics against Florida and Auburn and losing in multiple OTs in instant classics against the Bobby Petrino, er, Houston Nutt led Pig Sueys and some other team (I cant remember who though). They also beat VaTech, Rocky Top, and Bama. Ohio State lost to Illinois and beat Michigan. That's pretty much it for their quality competition. If the game is close, does tOSU have enough experience in the face of adversity to pull out a victory against a battle tested LSU squad?

My prediction: Great game.... LSU's defense gets a big stop late to pull out a 33-27 victory. Go Bayou Bengals.

Manning Leaves Panties in NY, Brings Big Boy Pants to Tampa

20 out of 27 completions, 185 yards, 2 TDs...not staggering numbers by any stretch of the imagination. Eli Manning may not have set the box score ablaze today, but I was utterly amazed at the player I saw on the field today. Did Peyton somehow hoodoo his way into a Giants jersey and lead the G-Men today? I am by no means annointing Eli (as many sportswriters were already doing in the 3rd quarter today) as the next John Elway, but I was overwhelmingly impressed with his play today.

Manning played four quarters of heady football today. I heard the whispers all week long about how solid he looked last Saturday against New England. Unfortunately, I was at one of my really good friend's stupid wedding and didn't get to see the game firsthand. But I kinda thought it was a fluke. After all, Eli Manning is pretty much like a woman. Sometimes he looks nice and impresses you. You want to see him again next week. When you do, he looks sloppy and timid and things are just awkward. Was all that jazz last week just a put on? So you're done with him. It's off. You're moving on. Then you hear about him on SportsCenter, and he's had another great game.

Ok, before the (not so) vaguely homosexual innuendos go any further, the bottom line is Eli is inconsistent. You can't trust him...like a woman. Ok, ok...I'm done. But today he was a leader, and I think that is the one aspect of his game that New York Giant fans have been longing to see. He was reading the defense, calling audibles, checking down to his open receivers, and making big plays when they needed to be made. Perhaps his biggest mark on the box score in today's game was a 0, as in 0 interceptions...nearly unheard of for Eli in a big game situation.

I've never been a big Eli Manning fan. I'm still not. But it's hard not to root for him at least a little bit. Dude's spent his entire career in his big brother's shadow...his big, goofy-ass shadow. So now Eli and the G-Men have to travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. This means that I will be rooting for Eli again next week. Who knows which Eli we'll see in the Big D (and I DO mean Dallas), but if he plays like he did today, NY has a chance to win. Ever since their big win against Green Bay at the end of November, Dallas has played less than stellar football. Here's hoping they have another off week next week, and Peyton's little brother can continue to grow as a QB. Maybe if they can pull off a win, Jessica Simpson will go out with him instead of Romo.

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Whistle While You're Not Watching Sports

Working is never all that fun.

Working through the best college bowls, UK/UL game and opening round of the NFL playoffs is Hell.

For anyone out there wondering what I've been doing during this feasting of great sports action, it mostly consists of working, sleeping a little and eating even less. Unfortunately, that leaves little to no time for me to update my end of this blog or even view it on most days. The creative juices are drying up now that all of my sports viewing consists of SportsCenter.

I guess if their is any solace to be found in all of this working, I unlike my companions on this blog, actually get paid (a little) for my services. Just for the record though, I would gladly work for free if it meant that I would be home in time to watch these games. My life is just that depressing.

Song of the Day

Song: "Apartment Story"
Artist: The National
Album: Boxer (2007)

I am reluctant to post a single song from this album, as I feel it is something that needs to be heard in its entirety. It is quite an amazing piece of work. But I am alarmed at the number of people I have talked to that have not heard this band. So I thought I'd offer up a sampling of the brooding sweetness that is Boxer. Apartment Story is just one of its many great songs.



Best line: "Oh we’re so disarming darling, everything we did believe/
is diving diving diving diving off the balcony"

Crank Dat Soulja Boy Instructional Video

This is a video I just wanted to share with all you loyal orange-blossom-special.blogspot.com readers. After watching this video, if you are ever somewhere where dat soulja boy is being cranked, you'll know what to do. Enjoy.



I think the best part is when he explains how to do the "Superman" part of the dance.

Song of the Day

Song: Sanford and Son Theme Song/The Streetbeater
Artist: Quincy Jones



Just an amazingly funky tune.

Song of the Day

Song: "Time Bomb"
Artist: Dismemberment Plan
Album: Changes (2001)



Best line: "I am a time bomb and I lay forgotten at the bottom of your heart/I'm fine/Ticking away the years/'Til I blow your world apart"

Song of the Day

Song: "Good Year for the Roses"
Artist: Elvis Costello
Album: Almost Blue (1981)

Elvis Costello covered a bunch of old country tunes on this album. I think his voice sounds great on this version of "Good Year for the Roses". Maybe 2008 will be a good year for the roses.



Best line: "I guess the reason we're not talkin, there's so little left to say we haven't said"