19 March 2009

Is it still spring break?

I do wish it was. I think every student does. Here is the recap of my wonderful spring break:

-Drank a lot of booze in the Wisconsin Dells in a sweet ass condo at a water park for 4 days.
-Meet a girl at aforementioned water park.
-Worked for 4 days.

That is it. Nothing more, nothing less. I enjoyed the shit out of it, and would totally do everything all over again the same way. Well maybe this time I wouldn't have brought tequila...

Well with all of that and St. Patty's day now done, my attention turns not to my ever growing pile of schoolwork, but to my March Madness brackets. This year I was ambitious and filled out 3. In one I have Wisconsin winning (had to do it) and in the other 2 I have Pittsburgh. I am pretty consistent in my final four picks: Pitt, Louisville, UNC, and Memphis were generally what I came up with. I threw in Syracuse in one of them seeing as it will probably be a sexy final four pick for most everyone else, and I wanted to stay with the "trend". But I am really banking on Pitt. Fields just plays every game as if he loses, well I'm not really sure what he is thinking, but it is probably something negative. As for my personal opinion, if Wisconsin makes it to the sweet sixteen, well then that is just as good as a championship for me. GO BADGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I am listening to: A lot of Muse songs, which seems weird.

23 February 2009

Spring Goals.

The spring semester has started. And I am back.

So far, the first month has been filled with hard essays, a lot of reading, and...some drinking. Some. Okay fine. Whatever.

Mankato has been all over the place so far; nothing short of what I expected coming off a "chill" winter break. Now that March is right around the fucking door, here are 2 goals I have with spring approaching:

Goal #1: Attend 2 Twins games before April 30th
This should be easy. The Twins' home schedule in April is great. A 4 game set vs. Seattle in the first 2 weeks (the return of Griffey) and a 3 game set vs. the Rays at the end of the month (defending AL champs). These two series will be important for the Twins because of this. The Mariners sucked (they really freaking sucked last season) yet of course, they gave the Twinkies a fucking 100 Years War effort during every game, and got the better of us too many times. That can't happen out of the gate this season. We have to win 3 out of the 4 games for sure. Looking at the Rays series, we just have to get a good effort out there as well. If we win 1-2 games out of the 3, I will be happy. They almost won the World Series last year; that has been documented already. We have to hit them quickly in order to take their place from last year.

Goal #2: Spring Break
Is this a goal? I already have spring break plans (4 days and 3 nights at a water park in the Wisc. Dells) and I know what I am going to do there (.............) so I am still trying to figure out how to say this. I guess my goal is to not have any booze left when I leave...but that could entail someone stealing all of it. So I don't know. I will get back to you on this.

I am fairly confident about these goals. I would really have to fuck something up in order to not accomplish them. But, I have done that before.

What I am listening to: The Glass Passenger by Jack's Mannequin

26 December 2008

Taking Down the Basketballs in the Hall

My 4 word review on the NBA Christmas Day games:

I hate the Spurs.

I could leave it at that, but I will add some more words.

New Orleans vs. Orlando
Result: Orlando 88 New Orleans 68

This game was a lot less entertaining and competitive than most people thought. New Orleans was completely flat, and had nothing to counter anyone on Orlando's roster, even J.J. Redick, who chipped in with 3 points. The underrated "Big Three" of Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard, and Rashard Lewis combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds; the top 3 scorers for New Orleans (David West, Devin Brown, and Chris Paul) combined for 37 points and 12 rebounds. In today's league, that is really the only stat line you need.

Memorable Moment: This has to be Stan Van Gundy's interview after the 3rd quarter. A lot of voice cracking, a lot of hand movements, all the while trying to make a serious point to his team.

San Antonio vs. Phoenix
Result: San Antonio 91 Phoenix 88

As I said before, I cannot stand the Spurs. I am not a big Phoenix fan, but I was on their side big time for this one. For what seems like forever, the Spurs have played with the Suns like a cat plays with a yarn ball in the Western Conference Playoffs. It seems no matter what the Suns do to the Spurs, San Antonio has a larger and more painful rebuttal. The Suns took a solid 27-18 first quarter lead, and stayed ahead or close behind the whole game only to have "the new Sun killer" Roger Mason Jr. stab their heart with a 3 pointer to win it with time expiring. Even though it was just a regular season game, and even though the season is still young, this one still visibly hurt Phoenix.

Memorable Moment: Even though it pains me to say it, it is Mason Jr.'s game winning shot. If the Spurs put on any type of run to end the season, or make some noise in the playoffs, this will probably be looked at as the "spark" that got them going. I hate the Spurs.

Boston vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Los Angeles 92 Boston 83

This was the big one. It was hyped up to be that really, really big present under the tree that you have no idea as to what it is, but you know that it is going to be good. Luckily (for the all important television aspect), the game delivered. Both teams came out swinging, the game was physical, and Trevor Ariza decided to fly around the Staples Center, sending Jeff Van Gundy into a frenzy. It was a close fought game until Pau Gasol decided he was sick of KG tossing him around all game, and scored 7 points in the final 3 minutes. The Celtics' 19 game winning streak came to an end; the 17 Boston turnovers didn't really help their cause. Phil Jackson got his 1,000, win, Kobe scored a lot of points and won, and at least until the playoffs, the ball is in L.A.'s court.

Memorable Moment: For me, this is the hardest game to come to a conclusion on. I want to say Ariza's athletic ball saves (something that was my speciality in high school), but I am going to choose the fact that the Lakers finally played defense. Going up against "The Big Three" and one of the hottest players in the league in Rajon Rondo, the Lakers stepped up and showed some grit.

Washington vs. Cleveland
Result: Cleveland 93 Washington 89

Being a T-Wolves fan, I know what the Wizards are going through. It has been a rough season. They easily could have stepped down and let the Cavs take this one easily, but they really stood up in this one. The Wizards and Cavs have had some heated games in the recent playoff past, that most likely won't continue this year, but the game had a strong atmosphere. Even with Caron Butler's off night (6 points on 3-13 shooting) the Wizards gave it all they had. Mike James finally decided to play a good game of basketball and chipped in with 26 points, but Washington only shot 57% from the charity stripe, and LeBron James was unveiling a new shoe (which KG should own the rights to), so of course, the night belonged to Cleveland.

Memorable Moment: It wasn't part of the action, but the Lebron pregame ritual of throwing chalk into the air was taken to the next level, as Nike provided fans sitting behind the scorers table with confetti to throw with James. You have got to be kidding me. This has been a staple of Kevin Garnett's game for probably over a decade. But he is now gone. Along with Johan Santana. And Randy Moss. Please Mr. James, stop it. Stop it right now.

Dallas vs. Portland
Result: Dallas 102 Portland 94

Probably the least intriguing game to most on Christmas, this turned out to be a solid game. Physical play, technical fouls, ejections, (c'mon Josh Howard) and a high foul count on Greg Oden; I'd rank this game in a second place tie with Spurs - Suns on the day, after Celtics - Lakers. Portland had no answer to Dirk Nowitzki's 30 points, and combined with Oden's continued foul trouble woes, the young crew of Portland simply did not have enough to fight the veteran Mavericks. Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez (deemed the Spanish Armada by Reggie Miller; I like the nickname) led Portland's bench which chipped in 39 points, and even with the loss, the Blazers have a lot to look forward to. If these teams ever meet in the playoffs, I can easily see Portland winning the series, but if Nowitzki keeps up his recent play, I think he might have a strong voice in that discussion.

Memorable Moment: Either the color on color jerseys (the Mavs wore their alternate green jerseys, while the Blazers wore their alternate red jerseys in spirit of the holiday) or the fact that Greg Oden cannot contest a shot without committing a really bad foul.

So there it is. 5 quality games of basketball on Christmas Day? Now that is a present. Hopefully the NBA keeps up the tradition in the future. I am really getting sick of watching Jingle All the Way all day.


What I am listening to: Ah, I would have to say anything by Kings of Leon or Jack Johnson right now.

25 December 2008

Deck The Halls With Basketballs

Merry Christmas.

So in today's fast paced sporting world and shitty economy, it has become harder and harder for sporting leagues not named the NFL to make an impact on everyday Americans. However, one league is finally starting to make some ground.

NBA games on Christmas have really begun to take off. The league has been playing games on Christmas for a long time, but the first "marquee match up" was when Shaq was traded to Miami, and the league paired the Heat against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his former teammate, Kobe Bryant in 2004. The league wanted to make a splash and have basketball be the talk of the town as all the other leagues took the day off. They had the right idea.

Essentially, the league was in a transition period. The 2000 Lakers dynasty was done, LeBron James was only in his first year or so, and Michael Jordan's 18th comeback was finally over. The dominant teams at the start of the decade (L.A., Portland, Sacramento, New Jersey) were starting their demise, and rising teams (Orlando, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix) were beginning to make an impact. The idea was great; no other league had a claim to Christmas Day like the one the NFL has to Thanksgiving, or MLB to the Fourth of July, so the league finally decided to try and put Christmas onto the NBA court. Millions of fans have the day off, and nothing to watch but Christmas movie classics (such as Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way). L.A. - Miami was a hyped up match up against 2 mediocre teams, and I didn't really pay attention (I think Chris Mihm was involved, the Heat won in overtime). It wasn't the best match up at the time, but there was enough publicity to get some people to notice.

As time has passed, the league has increased the number of games, and the quality of the match ups. Today we have New Orleans vs. Orlando, San Antonio vs. Phoenix, Los Angeles vs. Boston, Cleveland vs. Washington, and Portland vs. Dallas. There are many subplots in all the games: the "new" Boston - L.A. rivalry, the bitter battles in the past between the Spurs and the Suns, and of course LeBron James bring LeBron James (I will have more on him and his supposedly "unique" dust throwing ritual before games in a later post).

How they will turnout, I don't know, but this San Antonio - Phoenix game is wildly entertaining. As Mike Turico just said, "Celtics - Lakers can wait." With the game tied at 88, and a little over 30 seconds remaining, I will log off.

Look forward to a recap of all these games. Something big will probably happen, and LeBron James will most likely do something really "cool".

What I am listening to: Brushfire Fairytales by Jack Johnson

17 December 2008

C'mon Chris Paul

If Chris Paul can give me 30 total points in fantasy tonight, I will be happy.

K.G. chipped in with 34 total points, and Paul Pierce had 18 total. So far, I am beating Joe 144-58 tonight. Party.

So far, NBA Fantasy Basketball (and my Madden 08' original xbox Dolphins franchise) has been the highlight of my break. A lot of people get excited for winter break, but I really don't. It is just another opportunity for your parents to yell at you for your grades while you watch your debt grow larger and larger. You sit around, watching DVD box sets of shows that have long been canceled, wishing you were pre-gaming for a party at your friends house. Sure, it is nice to watch old O.C. episodes, and it is nice to see some of your old friends, but once you hit season 4 of The O.C., or run into that one 'crazy bitch' ex-girlfriend, you want out.

For me, it is a bit different. I am far away from any of my old friends or girlfriends, and I have season 3 & 4 of Rescue Me, a show still on air. I am working part-time so I have more money to throw into my 'fantastic' academic gear, and I have my Dolphins franchise. Or should I say dynasty. It is a bit less stressful than being in my true hometown, for which I am glad I am 8+ hours away from, but I do miss Mankater. I shall return soon.

Anyway, what I truly mean to say it thank you NBA Fantasy for giving me an outlet this break, it is much appreciated. Now c'mon Chris Paul.

What I am listening to: LA Woman - The Doors

12 December 2008

break.

Winter hibernation has set in. I have a thick enough beard for it, so I am ready. Totally in full winter mode right now. I went to a hockey game last weekend. I am wearing boots. I bought a Christmas present today. Those are improvements.

What I am listening to: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends by Coldplay

04 December 2008

Chinese Takeout On A Thursday Night

This fudge is so good. Got it from a outdoors type store.

Thursday nights around here are exciting. More happens on a Thurs. night than a Fri. night. Well, sometimes. It is like half and half. But I have a lot of good memories from Thurs. nights. I hope that trend will continue tonight.

I am finally done reviewing Chinese Democracy but I think I am going to keep listening to it. I like the album. I gave it a 6/10, but that keeps going up every time I listen to it. I don't know what it is about the album; maybe the Spanish guitar on track 5. I think that this is going to be an album that people wont appreciate right away, but 10 years from now, it will get the credit that 13 years of work on it deserves. There is a lot to this record, both musically and non-musically, and it takes awhile to comprehend everything. The die-hard fans will love it, the casual fans will be confused, and anyone who loves rock n' roll will soon see what Chinese Democracy is: a kick in the sack to someone (their identity is still unknown).

Now it is off to another Thursday night. I'll cross my fingers for another memory.

What I am listening to: Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses

03 December 2008

Playing the Night

I'm alive. It's kinda hard to do things like this nowadays. I hear the music below me. It is something I can't comprehend it, but I feel it.

A Super Nintendo, electronic tobacco smoking devices. They are both within my reach. But what I really need...a pack of Marlboro lights.

Nothing too long tonight; for the night is young, and I will have more to write in the morning.

Out.


What I am listening to: Chinese Democracy (yeah I know, I am primarly listening to tracks 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 & 11, so like half of the album is out) by Guns N' Roses

28 November 2008

A Project

I am involved in a personal, MASSIVE music genome project right now. Completely organizing, labeling, sorting out my music library according to about every category possible. The main objective is...well, I am just really anal about my music. I want it to look nice. And be labeled correctly. I believe I am like this because it is something I can easily have control over, and it is a good escape. The songs don't yell at me (unless it's a Guns N' Roses song...more on that in a bit) and I am able to sit back and look at, tinker with, and enjoy the songs that I enjoy. Here are some gems I have discovered so far:

"Shackler's Revenge" - Guns N' Roses

This is a good song. The album is a toss up; a couple of highlights, a couple of bad misses, and a couple of gems. "Shackler's Revenge" falls into the latter category. It seems as if Axl is carrying out a personal vendetta (only could guess against who) and he is pissed off. There are elements of classic GNR in here, not exactly 'down to the bone' GNR, but when you listen to it, you get a bit of that vibe. The transitions are decent as well, they should be, seeing how long it took to record the album, and there are many different sounds coming from whoever are playing the instruments (no one can really be sure at this point). People can say what they want about the album, but I am glad I found this song.

"Crawl" - Kings Of Leon

I do not know why it took me so long to get into this band; I shame myself for that. But once Only By The Night came out I decided to give it a listen. "Crawl" is the second track on the album, and it is a real kicker (that's the only word I can think of). From the snare drum/feed back intro to the confusing yet captivating guitar solo at the end, the song carries your attention extremely well. It maybe not as catchy as the first single off the album "Sex On Fire" but it still grabs your ear. Probably my favorite on the album so far, and one of my favorite songs of the year without a doubt, "Crawl" is hands down a good rock n' roll song (glad I got another word to describe it).

I will continue to divulge myself into my music library, adding songs, removing songs, adding album art, and I will definately continue to be anal on the labeling. Hopefully I will make it out intact.


What I am listening to: Yeah, I know...Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses

25 November 2008

The Oasis Guide to Drinking as Written by Me.

Throughout your life of drinking, you are going to run into some certain bands or songs that are just going to preach the words of life to you. In some cases, the songs and or bands in question are going to set you on a course for a fine life. In other cases, the songs and or bands in question are going to destroy you. Oasis is a fine example of the first mentioned group. So kick back, open a bottle of whisky, and follow this guide; you will reach a promised land of some type.


#1. The Pre-game Drive Song: "Hello"
This song is short, sweet, and it gets to the point. On your drive to the location of the alcohol, you want to get there as fast as you fucking can, and that is exactly what this song is saying, just as you walk into the door.

#2. The Buzzed Song: "Rock ˜N' Roll Star"
After you have had a couple beers, mingled with some girls, and tell the totally awesome story of how you totally did so many drugs before you arrived to your friends, you are feeling like, well, a Rock ˜N' Roll Star.


#3. The "I Am Superman?" Song: "Morning Glory"
Your enhanced level of self-confidence and esteem has risen to near mammoth proportions, and you want this to "the day that all the world will see." So you decide to rip that bottle of vodka from the table and take a 10 second shot from it. Yes, you will need a little time to wake up in the morning, but fuck, right now, YOU ARE THE MORNING, THE SUN, AND ALL THAT IS MAN!


#4. The On the Path to Destruction Song: "Roll With It"
At the start of this song, Liam Gallagher tells you to "roll with it" and "say what you got to say." Not the best advise at this point, but seriously, who is going to care about the time you hooked up with your friend's sister. Oops, I guess he did. Oh well, "SEND OVER THAT BOTTLE OF UV BLUE TO ME! IF YOU PUSSIES CAN'T FINISH IT, LET A REAL MAN PUT HIS LIPS TO THE LIQUOR!"


Now depending on your tolerance for alcohol, you will either continue onto song 5, or you will skip ahead to song 6.


#5. The "Oh Fuck Did I Just Eat that Cigarette Butt Instead of that Chip?" Song: "My Big Mouth"
At this point, you are touching, smelling, attempting to drink and running into everything that has matter to it, which is well, everything. There is a 95% chance that you will have no memory of your actions during this time, and that is often a blessing. "Guess who's going to take the blame for my big mouth?" Yep, that is you buddy.


#6. The "I Promised Myself I Would Never Drink This Much." Song: "The Girl in the Dirty Shirt"
"The girl in the dirty shirt knows exactly what she means to me." Chances are that at this point, you will be saying these very words, to either a cat, or that empty bottle of UV that you "totally destroyed" earlier. Hey, that couch has some type of dirty shirt on it...


#7. The Don't Worry Dude, All of the Puke got in the Toilet Song: "Champagne Supernova"
It is 3 AM, you think. You have just emerged from the bathroom a wounded, but victorious human being, and you hear a calling to the living room. As the words from this song beckon you to ask yourself, "where was I when they were getting high?", you collapse on the couch, just as an exhilarated guitar solo starts, leading you on your journey to sleep, which takes about 20 seconds.


#8. The Holy Crap, My Piss is Oak-Brown Song: "Don't Look Back in Anger"
As you walk into the kitchen, you realize that look from your friend "isn't going to burn your heart out." He's cool about last night and the whole hooking up with his sister thing, alcohol was involved, and you said you would never do it again. At least not until Tuesday. But seriously, don't look back in anger, last night was the best night of your freaking life, don't lament on it.

So there you have it. Not too in-depth, but most things that involve drinking aren't complex. Just go buy a bottle, or a case. Gather these eight songs, and try to take something from it. In today's world of 2008/scared beyond piss of everything, what else can you do?

What I am listening to: Chinese Democracy By Guns n' Roses