The Sunday Rounds, Volume 131
“It’s April 21st [22nd] and everybody knows today is Earth Day
Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday to whoever’s being born
And now I’m trying hard to think of something meaningful and worthy
Kinda earthy, to make everybody asks themselves just…
What are we doing here?
And what ware doing to her?
I don’t know
What are we gonna do?”
- Dramarama, from their song ‘What Are We Gonna Do?’
That should cover Earth Day. If you’re on the Friends List and want to read more check out my ‘Bad Thoughts’ entry from yesterday.
Barring that, raise a mug of fair trade, organic coffee (or something) and, if you’ve got the time, do your part to save the planet. How can you do that? I’m no expert but melting down the CDs (or deleting the MP3s) by Nickelback fans would be a good start.
On to The Rounds…
”Downpour”
Opening Day of Little League got rained out. Well, mostly. We all got to stand in the rain and wait for team pictures to be taken but the games were cancelled. The kids were bummed. Their mother and I, however, were relieved. This two sports (soccer and baseball) routine is exhausting. Mind you, it’s exhausting for the kids too but they get the fun and endorphins from playing; we just get to sit there and hope that none of our fellow parents on the sidelines act inappropriately or say something that will embarrass themselves or their kid.
A few weeks ago on NPR I heard a commentator talking about watching his son play baseball. He comes to bat, there are a couple of his teammates on base, and when the kid hits a liner to the outfield and it’s clear he is going to drive in a run or two his father shouts, “Way to go, hon!” The kid runs down the first base line and just glares at him. Can you blame him? I sympathize with the father, though. Sometimes you say something to your kids without conscious thought. One of these days I am sure I will offend somebody and have a Howard Cosell-ish moment by shouting, “Go you monkey, go!”, as I have nicknamed both of my kids ‘Monkey’. Thus far as a sports parent I tend to err on the side of caution and stick with the generics: “Go (insert team name)!” and “Way to go Number (X)!”
On a sunnier day I promise I will get some pictures of the boys in their baseball gear because they do look very cool in their uniforms. Gavin is a Mariner and is way psyched that his team sponsor is the local comic book store. Bailey is a Pirate and his team sponsor is a local heating company. They’re boys and they’re brothers so, of course, Gavin has been bragging about how much cooler his sponsor is. And his team colors, too. “My shirt is blue! Yours is yellow! Mine is better!” Bailey’s retort is equally classic: “But you’re still short!”
”Love Spreads”
This past week I sent of a mix CDR of one of my favorite bands who, because the music industry is lame and life isn’t fair (take your pick), have not been heard by near enough people. Normally I feel “icky” about making a “single artist” mix but I sent the mixes to two people I knew would go out and buy albums if they liked what they heard.
I thought of this mix that I made and about the recent news that EMI Music - one of the bigger record labels - will soon make MP3s available via i-Tunes that do not contain security locks. This has two effects: One, those files will be playable on almost any MP3 player. This a major bonus because anyone who has a player that isn’t an i-Pod knows that files you buy at i-Tunes won’t work on a non-Apple player unless you convert them via a complicated, pain-in-the-ass process. One of those processes involves using a program that effectively “unlocks” the file anyway. Which leads to the second factor of EMI’s decision: By lifting the locks they are also making it easier for users to share those files.
Given the decline in music sales I think it is a fair argument to say file sharing has hurt the music industry. But, at the same time, I think file sharing has helped new artists break out. Take for example Lilly Allen. Her CD was out in the UK for months before it arrived on these shores. But her first week sales in the U.S. were tremendous, which is not necessarily typical for a new artist Why the strong sales? Because a lot of people here had already heard her album (via file sharing) and, because her CD is good, they bought it. Still, file sharing is ultimately bad for the music biz but it would seem EMI has seen the forest through the trees: You’ll never stop file sharing. Now they’re gambling that by making paid-for files more adaptable to MP3 players it might deter some from illegal downloading. I have my doubts about whether that theory will hold true but it is nice to see a major music company at least try to take a step in the right direction.
It should be noted that the music industry has itself to blame for part of this: If they’d been on the cutting edge of new technology ahead of some 19 year-old kid in his dorm room (Shawn Fanning, inventor of Napster) they could have alleviated a lot of their current problems. Media companies - from film to radio to TV to books to music to magazines - need to be one step ahead (at least) if they’re to remain successful. Some day history will look at the music business circa 1999-2001 and see a massive collective dropping of the proverbial ball.
”Remember I Said That…”
I am not an American Idol follower but the show has, as it turns out, given us another reminder of the following golden rule: Don’t tape yourself having sex! Seriously. Just. Don’t. Do. It.
Apparently one of the show’s contestants, Olivia Mojica, is about to become the next amateur porn star.
So…let’s go over this again and remember the rules:
1. Men - Don’t hold the camera
2. Women - Don’t go along with it
3. Note: Gender roles of Rule 1 and 2 can be reversed, mutual, or whatever
4. No matter what either party says, it is not “Just for us.” Sooner or later he or she will show it to their friends. If you get famous he or she will sell it to the highest bidder. He/she will not erase it. Somehow, some way they will create a back-up copy.
The main thing: Leave the porn to the professionals. They have drug habits to support.
”The Story Is You”
Okay, last chance to join in the Soundtrack fun. I’ll be recording and editing the next show, “Open-Climax-Fade”, later this week. Truth be told, I have enough song sets provided by some (thank you!) to fill the hour but I would love more to choose from. (And I apologize in advance for anyone who’s submissions don’t make the show.)
Here is the deal: Think of your life thus far and the life you want as a movie. Now, via three songs, give me the following: Opening Credits song, Climax Scene Song, and Closing Credits song. For example, if I was Jim Morrison I would go with this:
1. “One More Round” - Love/Hate
2. “Lit Up” - Buckcherry
3. “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” - John Lee Hooker
I am being a cynic with the Morrison thing but you get the idea.
”A One-Game Series”
The only exact prediction I have made so far (there may be more) was Buffalo in 5 games over the Islanders. My biggest botch was predicting Atlanta over the Rangers in 7 games because, ouch, not only did the Rangers sweep the Thrashers in 4 games but it wasn’t even close! I was off by one game in Ottawa’s defeat of Pittsburgh; I said 6 games but it only took the Senators 5 games to send the Penguins to the golf course. New Jersey could prove me right later this morning if they beat Tampa, as I predicted the Devils in 6.
Out West I accurately predicted San Jose over Nashville but I was off by a game. I said 6 and they did it in 5, and in damn impressive fashion to boot. The Sharks are for real and I pity the pour bastards who have to play them next. Anaheim also looked mighty impressive in what may very well have been the most boring 5 game series I’ve ever seen. I swear…the style of hockey the Minnesota Wild play should be banned.
Two series in the West are still up for grabs: Detroit vs. Calgary and Vancouver vs. Dallas. As much as it pains me to say it, I think even if the Flames can force a Game 7 with a win today they will still lose the series. Detroit have been impressive, especially so at home. I still don’t think they have the pieces to get past Anaheim or San Jose over the long run but you gotta give props to the Wings for how good they’ve looked. If The Flames could actually win a game on the road I might alter that outlook but, at this point, its Detroit’s series to lose. And as much as I truly do despise the Wings (these days mostly because of the presence of Todd Bertuzzi) I found Calgary’s display of goonery in the closing of yesterday’s thumping in Game 5 to be completely classless. From Jamie McClennan’s deliberate slash to Jarome Iginla’s stick work, the Flames had a meltdown.
The Vancouver story is more interesting. They had a 3-1 series lead, only to let the Stars battle back and even it up at 3-3. Dallas dominated Game 6 and they’re going to carry that momentum into Game 7. Although I initially predicted Vancouver to win in 6, here is why I think Dallas will win Game 7: Brendan Morrow, their Captain. It’s not that I think he will be the key or pot the winning goal (like he did in Game 5). It’s a leadership thing more than a skill thing. Last night, late in the game with Dallas up 2-0 and clearly on their way to a win, Vancouver’s Alex Burrows slashed Morrow’s leg with his stick and then went for a line change. Morrow literally hobbled one leg over to the Vancouver bench and shoved Burrows. He was ready to fight on one leg! Vancouver doesn’t have a player with that kind of fire anywhere on their bench and they haven’t since Mark Messier was with them. Only 20 teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-1 series deficit to win out. Four of those 20 did it against the Vancouver franchise. It is that lack of killer instinct that has plagued Vancouver for the past several seasons and it will defeat them again. Dallas will advance.
Conn Smyth Trophy (Playoff MVP) Watch: I would have to say the candidates for the trophy thus far, based on First Round play, would have to be Martin Brodeur (New Jersey), Michael Nylander (New York Rangers), Chris Drury (Buffalo), Marty Turco (Dallas), and Patrick Marleau (San Jose).
That’s all I’ve got this morning. I’ll try harder next week.
J
**********************
The Weekly Survey
1. What are your thoughts on Earth Day?
2. What sports team has the best logo/uniforms?
3. If every online music retailer sold downloads that were guaranteed to be security free and playable on any player on the market, would you be more inclined to pay for music? Why or why not?
4. See the topic header “The Story Is You” and participate if you wish. Thanks.
5. What is the last song you listened to?
Thanks for stopping by.
Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday to whoever’s being born
And now I’m trying hard to think of something meaningful and worthy
Kinda earthy, to make everybody asks themselves just…
What are we doing here?
And what ware doing to her?
I don’t know
What are we gonna do?”
- Dramarama, from their song ‘What Are We Gonna Do?’
That should cover Earth Day. If you’re on the Friends List and want to read more check out my ‘Bad Thoughts’ entry from yesterday.
Barring that, raise a mug of fair trade, organic coffee (or something) and, if you’ve got the time, do your part to save the planet. How can you do that? I’m no expert but melting down the CDs (or deleting the MP3s) by Nickelback fans would be a good start.
On to The Rounds…
”Downpour”
Opening Day of Little League got rained out. Well, mostly. We all got to stand in the rain and wait for team pictures to be taken but the games were cancelled. The kids were bummed. Their mother and I, however, were relieved. This two sports (soccer and baseball) routine is exhausting. Mind you, it’s exhausting for the kids too but they get the fun and endorphins from playing; we just get to sit there and hope that none of our fellow parents on the sidelines act inappropriately or say something that will embarrass themselves or their kid.
A few weeks ago on NPR I heard a commentator talking about watching his son play baseball. He comes to bat, there are a couple of his teammates on base, and when the kid hits a liner to the outfield and it’s clear he is going to drive in a run or two his father shouts, “Way to go, hon!” The kid runs down the first base line and just glares at him. Can you blame him? I sympathize with the father, though. Sometimes you say something to your kids without conscious thought. One of these days I am sure I will offend somebody and have a Howard Cosell-ish moment by shouting, “Go you monkey, go!”, as I have nicknamed both of my kids ‘Monkey’. Thus far as a sports parent I tend to err on the side of caution and stick with the generics: “Go (insert team name)!” and “Way to go Number (X)!”
On a sunnier day I promise I will get some pictures of the boys in their baseball gear because they do look very cool in their uniforms. Gavin is a Mariner and is way psyched that his team sponsor is the local comic book store. Bailey is a Pirate and his team sponsor is a local heating company. They’re boys and they’re brothers so, of course, Gavin has been bragging about how much cooler his sponsor is. And his team colors, too. “My shirt is blue! Yours is yellow! Mine is better!” Bailey’s retort is equally classic: “But you’re still short!”
”Love Spreads”
This past week I sent of a mix CDR of one of my favorite bands who, because the music industry is lame and life isn’t fair (take your pick), have not been heard by near enough people. Normally I feel “icky” about making a “single artist” mix but I sent the mixes to two people I knew would go out and buy albums if they liked what they heard.
I thought of this mix that I made and about the recent news that EMI Music - one of the bigger record labels - will soon make MP3s available via i-Tunes that do not contain security locks. This has two effects: One, those files will be playable on almost any MP3 player. This a major bonus because anyone who has a player that isn’t an i-Pod knows that files you buy at i-Tunes won’t work on a non-Apple player unless you convert them via a complicated, pain-in-the-ass process. One of those processes involves using a program that effectively “unlocks” the file anyway. Which leads to the second factor of EMI’s decision: By lifting the locks they are also making it easier for users to share those files.
Given the decline in music sales I think it is a fair argument to say file sharing has hurt the music industry. But, at the same time, I think file sharing has helped new artists break out. Take for example Lilly Allen. Her CD was out in the UK for months before it arrived on these shores. But her first week sales in the U.S. were tremendous, which is not necessarily typical for a new artist Why the strong sales? Because a lot of people here had already heard her album (via file sharing) and, because her CD is good, they bought it. Still, file sharing is ultimately bad for the music biz but it would seem EMI has seen the forest through the trees: You’ll never stop file sharing. Now they’re gambling that by making paid-for files more adaptable to MP3 players it might deter some from illegal downloading. I have my doubts about whether that theory will hold true but it is nice to see a major music company at least try to take a step in the right direction.
It should be noted that the music industry has itself to blame for part of this: If they’d been on the cutting edge of new technology ahead of some 19 year-old kid in his dorm room (Shawn Fanning, inventor of Napster) they could have alleviated a lot of their current problems. Media companies - from film to radio to TV to books to music to magazines - need to be one step ahead (at least) if they’re to remain successful. Some day history will look at the music business circa 1999-2001 and see a massive collective dropping of the proverbial ball.
”Remember I Said That…”
I am not an American Idol follower but the show has, as it turns out, given us another reminder of the following golden rule: Don’t tape yourself having sex! Seriously. Just. Don’t. Do. It.
Apparently one of the show’s contestants, Olivia Mojica, is about to become the next amateur porn star.
So…let’s go over this again and remember the rules:
1. Men - Don’t hold the camera
2. Women - Don’t go along with it
3. Note: Gender roles of Rule 1 and 2 can be reversed, mutual, or whatever
4. No matter what either party says, it is not “Just for us.” Sooner or later he or she will show it to their friends. If you get famous he or she will sell it to the highest bidder. He/she will not erase it. Somehow, some way they will create a back-up copy.
The main thing: Leave the porn to the professionals. They have drug habits to support.
”The Story Is You”
Okay, last chance to join in the Soundtrack fun. I’ll be recording and editing the next show, “Open-Climax-Fade”, later this week. Truth be told, I have enough song sets provided by some (thank you!) to fill the hour but I would love more to choose from. (And I apologize in advance for anyone who’s submissions don’t make the show.)
Here is the deal: Think of your life thus far and the life you want as a movie. Now, via three songs, give me the following: Opening Credits song, Climax Scene Song, and Closing Credits song. For example, if I was Jim Morrison I would go with this:
1. “One More Round” - Love/Hate
2. “Lit Up” - Buckcherry
3. “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” - John Lee Hooker
I am being a cynic with the Morrison thing but you get the idea.
”A One-Game Series”
The only exact prediction I have made so far (there may be more) was Buffalo in 5 games over the Islanders. My biggest botch was predicting Atlanta over the Rangers in 7 games because, ouch, not only did the Rangers sweep the Thrashers in 4 games but it wasn’t even close! I was off by one game in Ottawa’s defeat of Pittsburgh; I said 6 games but it only took the Senators 5 games to send the Penguins to the golf course. New Jersey could prove me right later this morning if they beat Tampa, as I predicted the Devils in 6.
Out West I accurately predicted San Jose over Nashville but I was off by a game. I said 6 and they did it in 5, and in damn impressive fashion to boot. The Sharks are for real and I pity the pour bastards who have to play them next. Anaheim also looked mighty impressive in what may very well have been the most boring 5 game series I’ve ever seen. I swear…the style of hockey the Minnesota Wild play should be banned.
Two series in the West are still up for grabs: Detroit vs. Calgary and Vancouver vs. Dallas. As much as it pains me to say it, I think even if the Flames can force a Game 7 with a win today they will still lose the series. Detroit have been impressive, especially so at home. I still don’t think they have the pieces to get past Anaheim or San Jose over the long run but you gotta give props to the Wings for how good they’ve looked. If The Flames could actually win a game on the road I might alter that outlook but, at this point, its Detroit’s series to lose. And as much as I truly do despise the Wings (these days mostly because of the presence of Todd Bertuzzi) I found Calgary’s display of goonery in the closing of yesterday’s thumping in Game 5 to be completely classless. From Jamie McClennan’s deliberate slash to Jarome Iginla’s stick work, the Flames had a meltdown.
The Vancouver story is more interesting. They had a 3-1 series lead, only to let the Stars battle back and even it up at 3-3. Dallas dominated Game 6 and they’re going to carry that momentum into Game 7. Although I initially predicted Vancouver to win in 6, here is why I think Dallas will win Game 7: Brendan Morrow, their Captain. It’s not that I think he will be the key or pot the winning goal (like he did in Game 5). It’s a leadership thing more than a skill thing. Last night, late in the game with Dallas up 2-0 and clearly on their way to a win, Vancouver’s Alex Burrows slashed Morrow’s leg with his stick and then went for a line change. Morrow literally hobbled one leg over to the Vancouver bench and shoved Burrows. He was ready to fight on one leg! Vancouver doesn’t have a player with that kind of fire anywhere on their bench and they haven’t since Mark Messier was with them. Only 20 teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-1 series deficit to win out. Four of those 20 did it against the Vancouver franchise. It is that lack of killer instinct that has plagued Vancouver for the past several seasons and it will defeat them again. Dallas will advance.
Conn Smyth Trophy (Playoff MVP) Watch: I would have to say the candidates for the trophy thus far, based on First Round play, would have to be Martin Brodeur (New Jersey), Michael Nylander (New York Rangers), Chris Drury (Buffalo), Marty Turco (Dallas), and Patrick Marleau (San Jose).
That’s all I’ve got this morning. I’ll try harder next week.
J
**********************
The Weekly Survey
1. What are your thoughts on Earth Day?
2. What sports team has the best logo/uniforms?
3. If every online music retailer sold downloads that were guaranteed to be security free and playable on any player on the market, would you be more inclined to pay for music? Why or why not?
4. See the topic header “The Story Is You” and participate if you wish. Thanks.
5. What is the last song you listened to?
Thanks for stopping by.