CAN HE SCORE?

Ok, I had a pretty bad week last week.  Nate Washington, a lock against Indy?  Not so much.  Did anyone see Mike Sims-Walker sitting out last week? (At least he got some!)  Or how about Derrick Mason laying a big, fat goose egg?  No and no.  And it's not like this week's predictions (guesses) are gonna be any easier.  And that's what makes fantasy sports worth playing.  One week your Nostradamus, the next your Mel Kiper (Really, does anyone get paid MORE money to be wrong on a yearly basis?).  

So this week, as with all weeks, remember the picks here are relative to you and your team.  If you have a better option and you know it, ignore what I say.  Never sit a stud for a one week flyer!

TOP FIVE, LET 'EM FLY

Jets D-  The Bills offense laid an egg last week at home against an awful Browns team and this week they're on the road against a blitz happy Jets squad.  I expect the Jets to post decent stats in sacks and passing yards allowed. 

Randy Moss-  The stretch run of tough defenses ends this week as the Patriots get the league's 2nd worst unit against the pass.  Expect Moss to approach his projections and maybe even go above them. 

Kellen Winslow-  Winslow is the number one option for a terrible pass offense in a week where they play the number two pass defense.  I still like the inexperienced QB Johnson to look for him enough to make Winslow a must start.

Santana Moss-  He won't approach the crazy numbers of Miles Austin from a week ago, but he is the 'Skins number one receiver, which makes him a must play against the Chiefs.

Bernard Berrian-  He's the team leader in targets and the way you defeat Baltimore is through the air. 

The Top Ten Women of MEET-AN-INMATE.COM

Kia Hanna #91047

Release Date- 5-1-2010

"I'm a little bit country and a lot of rock-n-roll!  I'm vivacious, energetic, witty, yet lonely.  Transplanted from the lush Texas soil to the avid desert of Nevada.  I'm looking for that certain someone who can make me... BLOOM AGAIN!  Let's 2-step together.  The sky's the limit...unless you count the stars!"

    Ericka Hitchcock #X08362

Release Date- 11-4-2041

"I've been incarcerated since the age of 17, and it has changed my entire outlook on life.  I'm seeking true friendship, companionship, and overall positivity.  I think a free and gentle spirit would best describe me.  Hopefully you are someone who wont judge me on my past, and instead embrace the young lady I really am inside.  I just want someone who is wiling to write and get to know me for me.  I love music and love to dance.  I enjoy sports and am very athletic, so I'm in pretty good shape.  I'm intrigued with intellectual topics, but at times I can be silly.  If I sound like someone you'd like as a new friend, write to me and I'll be sure to respond." 

CAN HE SCORE?

TOP FIVE, LET 'EM FLY

Nate Washington- Scored in three straight and the Titans are going to have to throw to keep up with Indy.  If you got him, start him and if you don't, get him.       

 

Vernon Davis- I initially had Vernon Davis down as a "Sit" this week.  But then I realized how bad the Falcons are against the run, how bad they are against the pass and also the fact that Davis has four red zone targets this season.  So, um, yeah, he might do pretty good tomorrow.  (And for those saying "But Vernon Davis doesn't run the ball", remember, the run sets up the pass.)

Glen Coffee- Remember the part where the Falcons can't stop the run?  Couple that with the fact that the 49ers offense is 15th in rushing YPG and Coffee seems like a lock for close to twenty points.

Nate Burleson- Plays well at home, plus he gets Hasslebeck throwing to him again this week.

Mike Sims-Walker-  Seattle's D is 17th in passing YPG and Sims-Walker seems to be Garrard's favorite target at this point.  You have to go with the hot hand, and there have been few hotter than Sims-Walker these past few weeks.

SHUT 'EM DOWN

Steve Smith (CAR)-  His value is tied entirely to Delhomme's ability to find him.  Until his QB gets his act together, bench Smith unless better options escape you.

Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson-  The Bills offense stinks right now.  Sure, there's a chance they could run up the score on a pretty bad Browns team, but knowing which of these guys will do the most damage is nigh impossible at this point.  Avoid starting either guy until a clear front runner emerges. 

Eli Manning-  He might post decent stats, but surely won't go big enough to win your game for you.  Once they get up, and up they will get, they're going to go to Jacobs and Bradshaw to milk the clock.  Plus, there is always the risk of a recurrence of the heel injury from last week.

Pats Defense-  Too much lost talent from last year to now, too many injuries to be a reliable start.  The worst part of this matchup is that they're former offensive coordinator knows these guys well enough to exploit their weak spots and exploit McDaniel will. 

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SLEEPERS

David Garrard-  I expect both defenses to struggle here, making a shootout quite likely.  Jacksonville passes well enough to take advantage of the matchup.  

Mohamed Massaquoi, Jerome Harrison-  The Browns have effectively re-started training camp, going with a new QB, WR and RB all in the past three weeks.  They need to see what these new/old toys can do, so expect them to be force fed the chance to suck as their predecessors once did. (Garbage points are points nonetheless.)

Jabar Gaffney- Facing his former team and backed by a coaching staff that knows the Pats very well, I like Gaffney as Orton's safety net this week.

Brandon Pettigrew-  With Stafford nursing a knee injury, Duante Culpepper gets the start.  Rookie/Mediocre/Bad QB's tend to use the Tight End as a crutch and Culpepper isn't a Rookie or mediocre, so throw to Pettigrew he will.











Can He Score? is the fantasy blog at rexdeaz.blogspot.com.  It is written by a guy whose best served not trying to date women from Ivy League Universities (Currently 0-4, ouch!).

Me, In Real Life

I got a job today.  Now, don't get too excited, because I am most assuredly not excited.  For 9 hours a day I'm going to be bugging people at a call center in Tustin, CA, selling "Vehicle Service Contracts".  Not warranties, but "Vehicle Service Contracts".  I know, you're asking "But, does it work like a warranty?"  And the answer is yes, but I'm not supposed to tell you that (pretend like you skipped the first paragraph).

The environment, upon first, third and fifth viewing reminds me of the movie "Boiler Room".  There are phones and computers everywhere, wall to wall, for three floors.  The guys all look like they're former something or others trying to make a quick buck so they can pay for the car they can't really afford and keep the wife satisfied.  ( A brief respite:  I call a former something or other a guy who looks like he hasn't been in shape since the weekend after his last "big game" back in high school/college/semi-pro/European basketball, and is now working in a competition based environment so he can expend some of his mental energy and because he didn't bother to learn any skills applicable to any other type of job.)  The men have beer guts, shiny shirts and Payless Shoes (I've bought five pair of Payless shoes this year, I know what I'm looking at), while the women have on too much makeup, slutty boots and tight jeans.  Mind you the dress code calls for "business casual", not "crusing for casual sex".   

Can He Score?

You Should Be Angling For................

 Tashard Choice and Matt Forte

Everyone and their momma knows that they should be trying to acquire the only, truly healthy piece of a rushing attack that has gone for more than 400 yards the last two weeks, so we'll call Tashard Choice kind of a no brainer pick up this week.  But, try working a deal for the Bears' Matt Forte.  No need to run all of his stats from this year, he's been awful.  I'll just drop one on you instead: He touched the ball 27 times last week.  Considering we know what his production ceiling is you have to figure that a consistent string of performances that include 25 attempts/receptions can and will lead to bigger and better things.  If you have the spare parts to do it, steal Forte from an impatient, irrational owner.

You Should Be Benching.......................

Bernard Berrian and Andre Johnson

Considering where these guys were drafted in most leagues this is gonna be a tough pill for some to swallow.  But think about this:  In 9 games against the Packers, Berrian is averaging less than two catches per game, with only one touchdown.  Ever!  Andre Johnson has it even worse, as he becomes the latest high flyer to go up against Nnamdi Asomugha.  Johnson's ceiling for this game sits somewhere near his 3 catch, 50 yard average against the Raiders, but the potential for a pitfall is too great to take that risk.  Look at last season's 2 catch, 19 yard stinker as proof.  If you don't have better options, then by all means give em a go.  But don't be surprised if you lose by the amount these guys should have contributed.

You Should Be Starting................

Bengals Defense and Julian Eddleman/Wes Welker

The Bengals D has played with some kinda chip on their shoulder all season and with the awful, awful Cleveland Browns up next, they're worth at least a spot start this week.  Unless you have a premier defense already in place, swap out your mediocre squad for the Bengals this week. 

Don't be fooled by the "resurgence" of Fred Taylor.  No way the Patriots commit to as many runs this week against the excellent Baltimore defense.  Instead, look for the two headed monster of Eddleman/Welker to produce their usual stat line.  Whichever one of these guys is healthy and starting is the guy to go with, as the Pats love to use them as the main alternative when running the ball proves too tough.




Can He Score is the fantasy football blog at rexdeaz.blogspot.com.  It is written by the two-time defending champion of Center Court One Fantasy Football, based out of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. 

My National Debut

(Written for Big League Stew, June 16th, 2009)

 

An on-the-ground account of Rick Vaughn bobblehead night

By 'Duk

'Duk note: Loyal Stewie David Connor (better known 'round these parts as rexdeaz was at the Brewers-Indians game on Monday night and was nice enough not to only snag me a souvenir — what have the rest of you done for me lately, by the way? — but write about his quest as well as the journey of other Major League fans he met. His words follow below.

* * *

As you might have heard, Monday finally brought Rick Vaughn bobblehead night at County Stadium Progressive Field. Major League sits squarely at No. 2 on my list of favorite movies. It was the film that gave a dying city hope and inspired the most improbable turnaround of any franchise in recent memory. (Rocktober and RockJune notwithstanding, of course.)

Of course, I'm not the only one with an affinity for the film as I was able to meet people who had driven from all over to celebrate "Major League Monday" and one of the most memorable characters from a baseball movie.  

For example, on the way to last night's contest I noticed something quite strange: Canadian accents! Tyler, Aaron and Justin were Blue Jays fans that made their way down from Ontario to see the Tribe, "support ballparks near Toronto" and, yes, "to get bobbleheads."

I then noticed a woman headed to the restroom wearing the jersey of the Wild Thing himself. Waiting for her to reappear, I ended up beginning a conversation with her husband Chris instead. A Mets fan from New York, he had bought the gift for his wife as her 50th birthday present. He and his wife Nancy had planned on coming to the game since mid-April and Nancy claimed to have seen the movie "at least 15 times". 

After finishing my conversation with the couple, I spotted three guys who obviously weren't from around here. Jason, Dan and Matt were all diehard Brewers fans who had decided to come to the game back in February, way before the promotions schedule had even been released. That they'd be heading back with a cool souvenir made the trip all the better, though they said they'd only seen the movie a combined five times or so — even with their own broadcaster, Bob Uecker, appearing in the film (and throwing out Monday's first pitch).

Quick tangent: The coolest part of the night was seeing the onslaught of old school jerseys for popular players on either team. Represented in the best 80's fashion last night were: Corey Hart(notes), Prince Fielder(notes), Ryan Braun, Grady Sizemore(notes) and even Pedro Cerrano, Rick Vaughn and Roger Dorn! Strangely, though, neither team wore their old uniforms.

By far, the award for the coolest fans of the night went to Amy and her husband Ben, who hailed from Chicago. Ben had purchased three Major League jerseys for Christmas — Dorn, Willie Mays Hayes, and Vaughn — one for himself, one for his brother and one for his dad. He and his wife heard about the giveaway on a radio show and decided to make the drive over to Cleveland. I asked them to try and remember how many times they'd seen the movie and they both responded with "too many to count!" We began going over some of the film's more famous quotes, with Amy spouting out most of them. Note to Ben: She's. A. Keeper.

(So, really, what we had here were Cubs fans wearing fake Indians jerseys while in town to watch the Brewers. Do we need any other reason to keep interleague play?)

As for my own Vaughn bobblehead quest, getting the first didn't prove to be much of a problem. They were handed out to all fans.

But getting bobblehead No. 2 to give to the venerable and esteemed editor of this here blog? Well, that was a bit tricky as the guards at the gates were locking us IN to limit us at one bobble. But determined I was to deck out 'Duk with a Rick Vaughn of his own.

I gave security a puppy dog face, told them I had to go back to work and I was free and on my way to gate A! I stuffed bobblehead No. 1 in the bottom of my bag, under my gym shorts, gym socks and dress shoes. I was hoping like heck that they wouldn't thoroughly check the bag as I attempted to enter on the opposite side of the ballpark. As I approached the security guard, I informed him that I had gym shorts in my bag and he responded by not even going past the first layer of shoes! Bobble No. 2 will now have a nice home at Stew HQ.

Of course, there were plenty of Brewers fans at Progressive Field on "Major League Monday". Their connection to the film is nearly as deep as ours. The movie was filmed at their park, and it co-starred their longtime announcer. It was a truly great night indeed.
Up until the 8th inning for this Tribe fan, of course. 

* * *

A little trivia for you: Who led the Tribe in homers in 2003?
Hint: I got to watch his sweet swing during the last group of Brewers BP.

* * *

A big BLS head nod goes out to C. Trent Rosecrans, who drove up to the game from Cincinnati and shot the above photos for his award-winning blog.

"Welcome to the darkside..."

Those were the words said to Ryan Atwood, lead character on "The O.C.", as he entered his first Orange County house party.  And while I had been in Southern California for several days by the time we went, it was a trip to Venice Beach that brought me into a darkside of my very own.  There were junkies, jugglers, gangbangers, milfs, bodybuilders, tourists, break dancers and even a film crew. 

For those that know me, I'm no stranger to the camera.  I've been interviewed for the news close to a dozen times and when I sit in the fancy seats at sports stadiums the camera guys always seem to find the "average, non threatening negro" to show off to the rest of the crowd.  So it came as no surprise that this film crew on Venice Beach wanted to get a word with me and the people I was with.  The rest of the video is pretty self explanatory.  Enjoy!

10 Years Ago Today I........................

(Written on the 10 Year Anniversary of the Columbine Shooting Massacre, April 20th, 2009)

 

 

Woke up, took a shower. Maybe I ironed my clothes, but probably not. Made my way down from the 14th floor, out to my mom's car. I rode in the front, my sister in the back. I played my mix tape, a combination of "The Barenaked Ladies" and "The New Radicals", while my mother and sister listened to "The Tom Joyner Morning Show". We made our way from Euclid, up the highway, and reached our destination of John F. Kennedy High School. My mom let us out in the easternmost driveway, next door to the fire station. I wasn't in any particular type of mood that day, I just didn't wanna go to school. So soon as my sister made her way inside and my mom turned around to head towards work, I hopped on the number 15 bus. We lived about a half hour away driving, but on the bus the trip home would take about 2 hours. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts, got a sausage, egg and cheese croissant sandwich and proceeded to wait for the number 34. About 10 minutes into the hour and 15 minute ride a pretty girl got on. She sat across from me and we struck up a conversation, much to my surprise. I forget her name, or even what she looked like, but I do remember sharing a piece of Big Red with her. We spoke for the entirety of her ride, she got off on Euclid and I still had another 30 minutes to go. I made my connection to the number 39, the entire time wondering if the cops were gonna finally see me and ask what I was doing out of school at such an early hour. But alas, I made the trip back home unharmed. I went back up to the 14th floor, mentally preparing myself for a day of junk food, Canadian TV and video games. As I cut the television on I found the same thing on every major channel. I assumed something had happened downtown and all the cameras were there to capture it. Then I noticed all the people running. Next came the S.W.A.T. team breaching a door. The newscasters weren't able to make much sense of the event and neither was I. Was it a school? And if so, was it here? In Ohio at least? It took some time, but eventually they let on that it was a school, and that that school was in Columbine, Colorado. Shots were being fired, people continued to run for cover and the news was there to capture it all. They carried out bodies, dead or alive I couldn't tell. One boy was able to bust out of a second story window and was carried to rescue. And then, almost as quickly as it started, it ended. Initially there was no confirmation as to how many gunmen there were, turns out there were two.

Students Evacuating Columbine High School. Daniel Rohrbough's body is visible at the base of the stairs.

I wondered why. I still wonder why. I knew there needed to be an explanation for this or these events would get blown out of proportion quickly. In the coming days, weeks and months the shooter's lives would be dissected and opened up to public scrutiny. Everyone had an answer, everyone drew their own conclusions. School systems across the country would begin to crack down on the most benign things. No more trench coats, rainy day or not. No more black eyeliner. And most especially (Trust me, I know first hand) no more off color remarks about death or suicide. The personal freedom and individual growth you're expected do in high school was now only allowed to happen if you "fit" the mold. Fall in line or be treated as if you were a witch, to be burned at the stake for fear you were the next Eric Harris or Dylan Klebold. Good intentions, poor execution. The knee jerk reaction displayed by those in charge did nothing to stop the problems that spawn such terrible occurrences. There are still bullies, still classes and cliques that exclude folks who appear differently. Ten years ago today I saw something that I thought would change my life and the lives of those who followed. But, ten years later, I'm not so sure.

Davey's 2008 Music Awards, Part VI

The Songs of the Year 2008



So here we are, at the end of my awards. The song of the year started back in 1995. I was a chubby kid (Read: fat) who had nothing better to do during the evening than watch Simon Rex on MTV. From that small exposure to the world of music, I've since made it a year long pursuit of mine to find the best new, exciting, thought provoking, angry, upbeat tracks from all corners of the globe. I began commemorating the year's best in CD form back in the winter of 2001. With the limited amount of space provided (700 MB or 80 Min., whichever comes first.) I restricted that first year's disc to only 18 songs. It became a tradition, much like a pro sports league only allows a certain amount of teams in its post-season. So here I will list the top 17 songs from 2008, with the 18th song being the year of 2007's best undiscovered track.



Song of the Year

Beck

Chemtrails

For all of the accolades I heap upon artists year after year, Beck came into 2008 having yet to win any of them. It was with no shock that he released a quality CD this year, but upon first listen I noticed something had changed. Even with the fact that I go into every Beck disc not knowing what to expect, this new sound caught me off guard. There was a very good reason for that. On 2008's Modern Guilt, Beck teamed with Danger Mouse (one half of Gnarls Barkley) to produce the catchiest collection of conspiracy theory songs to date. "Chemtrails" is the standout in the bunch. (I'll direct you all here for the explanation of what a "Chemtrail" is, isn't or might be.) The song combines the melodies of a soft voiced Beck with the absolutely fantastic drums that Danger Mouse lays behind them. The full effect is not unlike a roller coaster ride, as Beck lulls you into a false sense of safety, while the drums are hell bent on making your heart leap from your chest. The Song of the Year 2008 manages to make paranoia cool, like it was 1957 all over again.


The Songs of the Year 2008:

• 1. Chemtrails, by Beck
• 2. The Escapist, by The Streets
• 3. Creator, by Santogold
• 4. Re-Education Through Labor, by Rise Against
• 5. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, by Vampire Weekend
• 6. When Cold Air Goes To Sleep, by The Radar Bros.
• 7. Detroit '67, by Sam Roberts
• 8. L.E.S. Artistes, by Santogold
• 9. Dancing Choose, by TV On the Radio
• 10. Rising Up, by The Roots
• 11. Home, by Gym Class Heroes
• 12. The Day That Never Comes, by Metallica
• 13. Death To Los Campesinos!, by Los Campesinos!
• 14. Golden Age, by TV On The Radio
• 15. Pretty Buildings, by People In Planes
• 16. Dead Memories, by Slipknot
• 17. Hit The Wall, by Brendan Canning
• 18. Black Mags, by The Cool Kids
Thanks to all those that have read, I might end up doing this once a month. Let me know what you think, and I hope that at least one of you has decided to try something new based on what I've said. There are few things I find more fun in than finding new music. Who's the next "Vampire Weekend"? I can't wait to find out!!!

Davey's 2008 Music Awards, Part V

"Santogold", By Santogold

Album of the Year, 2008

I've sat on this award for two days, unable to make a decision. And ultimately what it came down to is that this is a record I would've wanted to make. Former record executive Santi White mixes indie rock, R&B, and hip-hop on her debut album like she has an identity crisis. This marks her first solo effort, as her last two discs were as the lead singer of the punk rock group Stiffed. She's written tracks for Ashlee Simpson, and toured with M.I.A. and Coldplay. With a track record like that it becomes easier to understand how one artist can hop from genre to genre on the same disc. The single most impressive part about Santogld is that she sounds authentic on each and every one of them. (Plus, when I saw her in concert last year, she pointed right at me during the bridge of L.E.S. Artistes ".)

Santi White, A.K.A. Santogold

For a taste of her versatility take a listen to the original version of You'll Find A Way and the remix found as the last song on the CD. The Cd was too pop the be hip-hop, and too hip-hop to be rock. Its got something for everyone, capable of opening doors for your ears to try new sounds. In my mind, the music of the year 2008 will be defined by the crashing of barriers. No longer is a certain type of sound reserved for a certain type of artist. The match lit by M.I.A. on 2007's Kala, has now grown into a full fledged, call "Smokey the Bear" forest fire thanks to Santi.





Other Albums of Note: Local H- 12 Angry Months
TV On The Radio- Dear Science,
Los Campesinos!- Hold On Now, Youngster...
Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend

Davey's 2008 Music Awards, Part IV

"Rising Down", by The Roots

Rap Album of the Year


There really isn't much I can say that hasn't been said about The Roots already. Black Thought's breath control, Questlove's beats, the nearly immaculate reputation they have with fans and other artists. The Roots have been about as close to clockwork as you can get in music, producing quality discs for the better part of 15 years. On this year's "Rising Down" they maintain the high standard set for themselves several years ago, managing to make a listenable CD out of subjects like corporate layoffs, racial profiling, and robbery born out of desperation.

The Roots

Asking their fan base to turn their attention to the uglier parts of society, while still giving folks a reason to turn the bass up to 10 is why "Rising Down" is my Rap Album of the Year, 2008.





"I Will Not Apologize"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciSDKDqGXr0

"Rising Up"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5HGPD3rWqA

Davey's 2008 Music Awards, Part III

The Escapist, by The Streets

Rap Song of the Year

A common joke about Mike Skinner, who performs under the moniker of "The Streets", is that he's Britain's best rapper, because he's their only rapper. Yes, there are other hip-hop acts across the pond, but make no mistake, Skinner does outclass them all. This marks the second time Skinner has earned the Rap Song of the Year, with the first coming on the strength of 2004's "Fit, But You Know It".

Mike Skinner, A.K.A. The Streets

Skinner's best quality is his ability to craft a story in his music. At times he's capable of weaving through several different points of view in a single song, while other times choosing to focus on a single character or idea. He employs the latter method in "The Escapist" to tell the story of an ambiguous being, a ghost, a type of spirit. The song is pure poetry. Skinner breaks down the simplest of life's pleasures as his protagonist reflects on things lost. There's so many vivid images to take away from this track I recommend putting it on repeat until they sink in. Britain's best lyricist demands that type of attention.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2c6g6eG1mQ

Davey's 2008 Music Awards, Part II

The second round of awards that I'll be handing out are actually some of my favorites, though I somehow managed to fail to mention them in the introduction. So tonight we'll rundown what I feel was best in three categories: The Song of the Summer; Funniest Song; and the 18th Song Award (I'll explain what that is a little later.)


"Buzzin", by Shwayze

Adler, and Shwayze

Song of the Summer

Shwayze and producer Cisco Adler combine breezy lyrics and subtle guitar to make "Buzzin" the perfect companion to many hot nights, and laid back afternoons. The song goes down about as smooth as a Corona, the exact thing I want in a song that defines an entire summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1rbOM7vbg



"Jizz In My Pants" by The Lonely Island

Lonely Island members Schaffer, Samberg, and Taccone.

Funniest Song of the Year

For those that know me, was there any doubt? It's a song about pre-mature ejaculation, in several of the most unfortunate circumstances. I plan on growing up one of these years, but for right now I'll keep "Jizz" as my ringtone for another month or so. (And if you were wondering why the movie "Hot Rod" and the SNL skit "Dick In A Box" were so funny, it's because these guys wrote those too.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4


"Black Mags" by "The Cool Kids"

Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks

The 18th Song Award

(This award goes to the best song from the previous year that I somehow missed.)

It's easy to get caught up in the bass of this track and fail to notice that two nerds are having a verbal love affair with their BMX bikes. They do for two wheeled transportation what Jay-Z did for the Maybach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b34U3-CutuU

Davey's 2008 Music Awards

Wassup everybody, for those of you new to this (that makes around 87 of you) its time for my annual music awards to be handed out.  This is a little thing I started back in 1995, when I was in 6th grade.  At that time the only award was "Song of the Year", with the year's winner being "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" by "The Smashing Pumpkins".  The competition has now expanded to include Best New Band, Best Overall Band, Rap Song/Album of the Year, Alternative Rock Song/Album of the Year, Overall Album of the Year, and my favorite, The Song of the Year 2008.  I'm gonna make this a week long event, introducing to you, tonight, the winner of the first pieces of hardware.  (The hardware doesn't actually exist, and even if I had something to give away, I'm nearly certain the winner would toss it along with any leftover pizza.)  So, without further ado, away we go!!!!!!!!!!!!


Los Campesinos!

Best New Band, Best Overall Band

7 performers.  Two guitars, bass, glockenspiel, keyboard, melody horn, 2 vocalists, and a drummer.  With so much going on you might assume the group sounds a mess, and at first they do.  The creativity comes at you from many different angles, the musicality overwhelming your thoughts.  It's hard to catch the rhythm, let alone pay attention to the lyrics.  And one day it hits you, you get the idea, what all the fuss was about, and you feel better for it.

To borrow a reference from Blender magazine, imagine "The Arcade Fire" meets "The Ramones".  Yeah, it's that deep.  The songs of "Los Campesinos" last anywhere from 1:45 to 6:15.  The ideas stretch from lonely afternoons of heartbreak, to contemplating the soundtrack to the end of the world.  The band had so much to offer the globe in 2008, they decided to release two discs.  The first "Hold On Now, Youngster" dropping in February, while the second "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed" coming in late October.


"Los Campesinos" is a group without a true genre, without marketability, devoid of a niche fan base.  Their records this year do not speak to a time, nor do they tell of a certain place.  The unbridled nature of the discs, guitar solos that come out of nowhere, toe tapping beats that threaten to force your car off the road are all pieces of what makes this not just the best new band of the year, but also what sets them above stalwarts like "Metallica" or Kanye West.   



Youtube: "My Year In Lists",    "Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #1"

25 Things about you did NOT wanna know!

 This was such a big hit the first time I ran it that I decided to bring over to the main blog as well.  Some pundits credited the "25 Things" fad as being the final tipping point in the Facebook Vs. Myspace page click war.  I like to think my retarded but helped a great deal!





1. I pick the dead skin from the backs of my heels every other week with a small pocket knife.

2. I punch doors as a way of coping with difficult situations. (I have since extended the punching to include bathroom stalls, sorry IHOP.)

3. I manscape. (i.e. I shave my pubic hair.)

4. When I overheat I get tiny bumps on the back of my neck and the insides of my forearms.

5. As I've said on here before, I probably have had, still do, or will have a crush on your girlfriend.

6. I get jealous really easily.

7. I've been on 6 dates. Ever.

8. I kissed one girl. Ever.

9. I used to weigh 275 lbs. I am very self-conscious as a result.

10. I get nervous in situations where I don't think I fit in.

11. I do a body-builder pose EVERY time I look into a mirror when my shirt is off.

12. I bought a chocolate scented teddy bear for a girl for Valentine's day 2 years ago.

13. I still own the bear. :(

14. I take on the personality of the main character from whatever movie I just got done watching for at least 5 hours after.

15. The Bee Gees Live From San Francisco was the 3rd CD I ever owned.

16. I broke my nose on a foul tip my senior year of high school, and enjoyed every ounce of blood lost.

17. I was at one point and time one of the top 32 players in the world on Rockstar's Table Tennis video game.

18. I started watching and reading porn on the same day.

19. The psychiatrist who told my mom I was ok when was 10 was WAAAAAAYYYYY off!

20. I get lonely. A lot of times it's self induced to prevent myself from being hurt. Other times it's cuz people lie and don't want me around.

21. When I leave town, I'll secretly miss all of you, no matter what I write or say.

22. I was the smelly kid in class till I was 12.

23. I get my temper from my dad.

24. The first time I cut my own hair was also the same night O.J. was arrested.

25. I think about how much I miss "The O.C." everyday.

The Opening Title Sequence

I have been on the west coast for the better part of two weeks now and I decided "Fuck complacency, I'm gonna write some shit!"  (Excuse me for devolving into my default "hood" voice.)  I left behind a lot of things, I left alot of people and most of all I left myself.  Ever since somewhere around the fifth grade I've been the kind of guy who "packs it in early."  I showed up to the park late and I was outta the door before the game even ended.  I haven't tried to be great, or even come close to realizing my true potential for almost 16 years now.  It was time for a change.

So to the opposite side of the country I flew.  The area of Southern California has all the ingredients I need to make myself into who and what I want to be.  It has the school (Cal Sate Fullerton), the weather (having asthma in a midwestern winter blows), but most of all it has, or should I say doesn't have, you.  No offense to anyone one person in particular, but there was never going to be any growth in myself if I continued to surround myself with people who only saw me a certain way.  The baby brother, the class clown, the friend who needs a ride everywhere, the underachiever without his degree. 

This is as much a quest to get an education and prepare to earn a living as it is a quest for self realization.  So, to those who didn't/never/still don't believe I'm worth a damn, this blog isn't/wasn't ever/won't be for you.  To those that have lent their unending support to this great mission, I say thanks and I hope I don't let you down. 

In the meantime let this be a space for comedy, music reviews, random musings and the occasional Tom Brady post.  Hitch your wagon to the bus now, cuz once it's left the station, it's gone for good!