You could break me by the bones, until you break me inside.

So, I decided I'm going to run a half-marathon on August 5th. Yup, that's 13.1 miles. 13 miles, 192.5 yards to be exact. Figure, I've been running for almost a year now. I've gotten a lot faster and stronger. I've yet to top a long run of more than 6 miles, but think that gradually over the next four months, I can easily get up to at least 10, if not more. I'm not trying to set world records here or run in
outer-space, just trying to stay in shape and feel good about myself. needed a bit more of a challenge than doing 3-4 miles three or four days a week. The plan is to run sub-2 hours. This is a nice long-term goal, with a bunch of short term goals in the meantime. Planning on doing a 5k and 10k as a warm up over the next few months too. Depending on how well I do in the training, the race, and well, really, how my knees and ankles hold up, I may look into doing a marathon in 2008.


Just saw A-Rod hit another bomb to win the game. Man he is on fire. The other night I was out with some buddies, and they both seemed to think Alex could easily hit 60 homeruns. I argued, that he would top out at about 48. However, just seeing him over the past few days, maybe they are right. He keeps this up, he could very well hit sixty. His stroke just looks really short and compact, and he's getting around on pitches a lot better than he was last year. And having Bobby Abreu hit in front of him has been really good for him too. That guy makes pitchers work, making them throw plenty of pitches. I say the number of hits A-Rod hits will be based on how well Giambi and Matsui are hitting late in the season. If they aren't hitting well, A-Rod will get walked a ton. Man, last night I was hoping they would save some of those runs for the Boston series this weekend. Hoping those bats don't go cold over the short flight up to beantown.


Listening Pile:
Have been listening to Idlewild's new disc, Make Another World a bit lately. Being a huge fan of their 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Part, I was definitely underwhelmed by the last two discs. Maybe their label was as well, as they saw a departure from Capitol. And I don't even think Make Another World has actually been released in the US on current label Sanctuary. To put it best, the two earlier albums, just rocked enough and had better and more interesting arrangements. And, for some reason, those records just pop. They sound great. 100 Broken Windows being close to a perfect album, the Remote Part, not far behind. Warnings/Promises left a lot to be desired, yet had a few quality tracks, most notably, "Love Steals Us From Loneliness", "I Want A Warning" and "El Capitan".

Now on Make Another World, is not a bad record by any means. There are some really nice melodies and good guitar lines. There are some decent songs on here, "Finished It Remains", "A Ghost In The Arcade" and, easily the most propulsive song on the album, "If It Takes You Home". However, if you've ever seen this band live, you know they rock, and rock hard. And that to me, is the thing missing most from this album. It just noodles back and forth, with an occasional rocker here and there. The ballads and quiet songs, just don't have that lyrical hook you expect. On their earlier works, I just found that the lyrics were sharp, poignant and witty. The guitars were crunchy, as the rhythm section stayed just enough out of the way to make things interesting. Here, there is just too much teetering on the mundane here. However, I am quite interested to see them live again. I bet a bunch of these songs would sound great in a live setting.

Quarters are for parking meters and we're in the record industry.

The MLB clubhouse stores across the country will soon be selling Alyssa Milano’s new Touch line of baseball apparel. Funny it's called touch, as many a star hurlers have actually touched Milano. Everyone from Crazy Barry Zito, to Brad Penny and even the Rajah of Rehab himself, Carl Pavano. Little Samantha Micelli's product line is specifically designed for women, and is available for all 30 major-league teams...including the Red Sox.

“When I go to baseball games, I want to wear fan gear to support my team, but I've found that the product mix offered in the current marketplace does not address my everyday fashion needs. Women should be able to look stylish while cheering on their favorite team.”

I am just dreading the game when we see a heffer chowing down two hot dogs wearing one of those criss crossy ones...
It's bad enough they make stupid products like this, but really! That criscross one is just not suitable for a game. I think if they want to address my needs at the ball game, I might need a Yankee logo on one of these. Someone's gotta make that happen. And everyone knows how I feel about the new hats. Ugh!

Man, you gotta love Tony Victory. And not just for making it, "Your Label, Your Music". The label owner announced it will remove its music catalog from online music store eMusic. Dude is hating on digital music services, saying it's making music "disposable." Tony Victory had a similar beef with Steve Jobs and iTunes, accusing them of bolstering their profit margin at the expense of independent labels like Victory Records. Apparently, Senor Jobs had a little more juice, as Tony Victory in an about-face, decided to license his company's catalog to Apple. As much as I've heard about that guy and his shady business practices, he did put out a couple really solid albums in the late 90's, by the likes of By The Grace Of God, Grade, Boy Sets Fire, Deadguy, Thursday and even some Refused material.



Listening Pile:
Spiritualized's Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space which originally came out in 1997 has been rocking the random party shuffle on my iTunes. Jason Pierce(aka J. Spaceman) is, a total geniuses and extremely talented musician. Ladies And Gentlemen... captures that innovative magic. Originally, the CD coming wrapped in foil and accompanied by dosage instructions like "Play twice daily" and "May cause dizziness." The contents of the package, was powerful, dense music starting with the opening title track. Emotional, adventurous and otherworldly psychedelic symphony topped off with "I Think I'm In Love." At times the album is almost too much to take. That's why this is a perfect album to take in small, daily doses I suppose.

Some news out of the Radiohead camp about the new album. A video posted on the Vapour Bros. site with some random tunes and footage from the studio. Can't wait to hear some of those songs they played live fleshed out and in album form.

Now pitching for the Yankees, Number Forty-Five, Mr. Glass Ass

So on Monday, I decided to play hookie and head up to the Bronx for Opening Day 2007 at Yankee Stadium. Not too many of these left, as 2009 is the launch date for the new Yankee Stadium, Version, 3.0 or The House That Jeter Built.
It began with a wonderful commute via the NY Transit Subway system. Which, from what I heard about driving there, actually didn't seem so bad despite the constant smell of urine/feces and bombardment of drunk frat guys from New Jersey. Took the F train up to West 4th, then transfered to the D(we'll discuss this more later). When I walked out of the subway, I took a peak over to Macombs Dam Park, where we now see the new stadium going up. It's kinda weird I have to say.
Anyhows, after the almost 1/2 hour it took us to get to our seats, we finally sat down just as the players finished warming up and the first pitch was about to be tossed by Carl Pavano, aka Carla, aka Mr. Glass Ass, aka the Rajah of Rehab. He tossed it, without getting hurt too, and didn't pitch so bad, considering his teammates behind him seemed to be fielding with frying pans instead of gloves. But, alas, it's opening day and we begin the most wonderful six months of sports.

Here are my seven things i think i think about opening day:
1. We arrived just in time for the first pitch, so we didn't see line-ups and players announced. So, maybe that's why I didn't notice it until later in the game when Jeter was announced to bat, but Bob Sheppard apparently left halfway through the game. It's pretty strange not hearing Sheppard announce the players coming up to bat, or coming into pitch. "Now batting for the Yankees, Number Two, Derek Jeter". Doesn't sound quite right unless good ole Bob is doing it. Be a sad, sad day when he's not able to do it anymore. Really glad to see Bobby Murcer in the booth and get a huge ovation from the crowd, plus Johnny Damon and Jorge coming out onto the steps in the dugout and pointing up towards him, egging on the crowd. Good to see him doing well, after his brain-cancer battle this winter. Very, very nice tribute to Cory Lidle before the game, and his widow and son throwing out the first pitch. Very strange for a guy that was a career journeyman and only played for the Yanks for two months. But he died as a Yankee, and was honored like one. Pretty classy if you ask me.

2. A beer cost, $8.50. Yes, you read that correctly. A 16 ounce Miller Lite, MGD, Budweiser, or Bud Light costs more than a decent bottle of wine. A beer also costs more than, a six pack of any of those beers. In fact, in some places of the country, it probably costs more than two six packs of each of those beers. A hot dog, costs a whopping, $5.00.
More than the subway ride, to and from the stadium. Yes, for the price of one hot dog, you can purchase about a dozen at the grocery store. Or, think of this. If you got to 15 games, and eat 3 hot dogs per game, as does your spouse, buddy, whomever you take the to the game, and you throw in one beer each per game. You'd have enough to buy your own hot dog cart. Crazy huh! Hopefully, we won't have to sign a new 1st baseman this year. I don't want to have to take out a new mortgage to pay for concessions at the game. At least it's not Fenway. The most expensive park in all of MLB. You need two mortgages to pay for stuff there.


3. Who is the person that decides what music gets played while the players are coming up to bat. REALLY? Giambi comes up to Linkin Park. Jeter comes up to Jay-Z, as always. Jorge Posada, to some salsa or latin pop-hit. Damon comes on to some undeciperable rock band. Mariano Rivera comes on to Enter Sandman by Metallica when he closes games. I'm thinking, there's gotta be someone who decides this stuff. Is it the player themselves? The player's agent? Who? Can I get some help here? The Mets' goldenboy has the Wright idea. Let the fans decide. If the bombers are looking for someone to occupy this role, I know someone who has a great background in music and loves them some Yanks. Of course, I'd keep the "It takes two" by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock when they turn the double-play. That's always a hot one! I guess it's better than the . Allman Brothers

4. What the hell was up with Minky and A-Rod both having the high socks look? Crazy Kyle Farnsworth too! And maybe even big Brian Bruney too. Not that I hate it, I actually love the old school high socks look. I had read a lot about A-Rod and Minky being best buds in high school and training together in the off-season, but come on. What's really going on here? While we're at it, what's up with Johnny Damon looking a little stockier? I know he said in spring training, chicks like it when you look good with your shirt off, but Johnny, I think they meant muscles. Damon looks like he swallowed Pedro's lucky midget. And don't ever get me started on the baggy pants look. Seriously! This is baseball, not night at the thug-life mansion. Manny Ramirez, I am blaming that look on you. I guess no one remembers the eighties and guys like this.

5. What is up with the Dunkin Donuts Subway Line Challenge? Everyone that actually takes the subway, knows the three trains competing, can't seriously be expected to compete, when one of them doesn't even go all the way up to 161 Street/River Ave. The B train actually stops at 125th, and you have to get off and wait for an already packed D train to get up to the stadium! The 4 train, an unmitigated disaster in itself, since it's the nicest of the actual trains, with all new cars on the line. Never mind the fact that it runs local for a small part of it's route, but it occasionally, doesn't even run on the weekends. So, in conclusion, how does a train that mostly runs express all the way from West 4th to the Bronx, not win this silly challenge every time. Ugh, there's probably nothing in that whole stadium, except the inexcusable bathroom and atm lines that drives me more crazy. Nothing!!! Ugh! Now, here is a real subway challenge, and here is a nice article on the subway's history throughout the various incarnations of Yankee Stadium

6. I'm not sure if I really like this 2 first basemen, one outfielder, and one futility infielder bench. As Damon left the game with tight calves on Monday, Melky Cabrera went in to replace him. Leaving only the Miguel Cairo disaster as our only possible outfield option should something happen. I've read a few different places, that the plan for Melky is to spell the three outfielders whenever possible, and have Giambi try to play first one a week or so. Which means one of the 3 outfielders getting his cuts as a DH. Now, with all the egos and limited number of at bats. What are we to do if Melky continues his hitting woes and say one of the outfielders lands on the DL. If I remember correctly, Melky wasn't hitting that well in Spring Training either. Considering when Damon gets back, Melky could get only 10 at bats a week. Who picks up the Yanks? Not like we have an extra outfielder, or even a decent 2nd option. My thinking is, carrying Minky, Josh Phelps and Jason Giambi, is really, really going to hurt this team at some point.

7. While the New York Yankees came from behind to beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, I wondered, how many more times am I really going to be coming to this stadium and experiencing, what to this point, has always been one of my favorite things to do in this world. Now bear with me for a moment. I attended my first game back in the mid 80's. A double-header with the Seattle Mariners. I barely remember it, aside from seeing lots and lots of green grass, the gross Mariner uniforms, some of my favorite players, Mattingly, Winfield, Randolph, Pags. I even got a coffee mug with a team picture on it, that I had up until the early 90's. I've shared numerous memories, not only with those 50,000 plus fans, countless teams and players, but with my family and friends. I've attended probably about 200 games in the last 20+ years. From the first with my father and brother, to many with both and my mom. To a bunch with friends, including the very first Yankees/Mets game, which we cut school for and I drove too. My first drive into the Bronx. To now with my girlfriend and good friends who are married. It's sorta strange thinking, that despite all the wonderful new accommodations and endless bathrooms, atms, and vendor locations, something will be missing. I thought about it some more. And if you think about it, there are a lot of changes going on around the Yankee way of life. And somehow, i wonder, is this going to change my life. I mean, just to think about it, I won't be able to take my son or daughter and tell them about the countless games I went to with my father. I won't be able to show the spot where Jeter dove into the stands to make that catch in that Oakland playoff series. I won't be able to show where I was sitting when I was seven years old and Rickey Henderson gave me the finger. It'll be really weird someday sitting in a new stadium. Really weird.

Listening Pile:
Ash's fifth full-length album, Twilight Of The Innocents, is due in stores next week, April 10th. Tim Wheeler and the now trio, sans guitarist Charlotte Hatherly, recorded their new album here in NYC in their very studio and produced the sessions all on their own. That's the way to do it boys. It was kinda strange seeing those dudes around here all the time. Tim takes a moment and talks about the upcoming tour dates, the album release, b-sides, being big in Japan(who isn't these days) and taking on Razorlight, head to head.

You can peep a few of the songs on their Myspace page. Scroll down and you can check out the video for lead single, "You Can Have It All", as well. Man, didn't Mariah Carey do a video there too? The one where she's roller skating all around. You know, before she went all crazy Mimi on everyone. Not sure how many Star Wars references there will be on this album, but "Princess Six" is looking pretty suspicious.

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio

Here are my predictions for the American League. Lots and lots of predictions. From the A.L. East and the battle between long time rivals, the Yankees and Red Sox, to the possible emergence of the Toronto Blue Jays. There is a big question of a few Far East players, most notably Daiske Matsuzaka, and how they will adjust the the American version of the game. We already know how Wanger faired last year, winning 19 games and killing lots of worms. Now he's the envy of every Taiwanese citizen. No, really, look here. The A.L Central, thought to be the best and deepest division in the game, features the last two representatives in the World Series, the Tigers and Chisox, plus one of the most talented teams, the Indians. The West, as always could be a crapshoot. Maybe the Angels click and win the division, or maybe it all connects for Oakland or Texas. Here's what I think will go down.

A.L. East
Yanks taking a tight division. Just nudging out the Red Sox late in September. A-Rod bounces back and has a huge MVP type season, though he gets stiffled by the writers for being so, "good looking and talented". A-Rod finishes a close 2nd, and the 2nd best player on the AL Central winner wins the award(congrats to Gary Sheffield). Carl Pavano, goes on a crazy tear after getting dumped by his model girlfriend and wins Comeback Player of the Year, winning 16 games, with an ERA in the high 3's. Clemens comes back to the Yanks, but misses considerable time after pulling a hammy yelling at Mike Piazza in a late June contest. Melky Cabrera spends a lot of time in the outfield and shines brigthly, though you'd like a little more pop in that bat, as Abreu and Damon both spend some time on the DL, and Matsui plays DH once a week. Mussina and Pettiite has solid years and Phil Hughes arrives in August, but doesn't contribute as much as one would have thought, as Kei Igawa picks it up when he's challenged for the #5 spot. Wanger spends a lot of time on the DL this year, as does Giambi. Jeter has a fantastic season, but once again, doesn't even get a whiff of the MVP. Robby Cano has a solid season, but doesn't even lead the team in batting. He does however develop a little more pop. Big Papi has a huge year and Manny being Manny has his worst year in the past decade, and asked to be traded by the All-Star break. He goes nowhere, except the DL with some leg ailment. Matsuzaka has a good year, 15 wins, mid 3's era, but gets hit hard in the summer, after guys are seeing him a 2nd time. He'll make adjustments though and pick it up in September. Schilling cries about his contract all summer on his blog http://38pitches.com/, yet pitches well, to a tune of 16 wins and high 3's ERA, plus a ton of K's. Beckett gets his hard early, but has a solid 2nd half. He finally figures out that you do a lot better when the ball stays in the park. Jon Lester comes back from his cancer scare and has a very solid 2nd half. JD Drew spends a lot of time on the DL, but comes back just in time to help save off the Blue Jays in September. Toronto, no slouch though, wins about 85 games, though they would have won more if Frank Thomas and AJ Burnett didn't spend so much time on the DL. Alex Rios picks up where he left off early last year and has a breakout year, hitting 28 hr's and knocking in 100 runs. Vernon Wells doesn't lead this team in RBI. After getting that ridiculous contract, he becomes the third best hitter on this team. Tampa finishes 4th with big years from Carl Crawford, Delmon Young and Scott Kazmir. Elijah Dukes has a fantastic start to the season, however he gets sent back to the minors once he begins struggling, smoking the ganja and decides to go ape-shit on a second basemen, ala his dad, Albert (don't call me Joey) Belle. Baltimore is even worst than last year, despite Eric Bedard and Danny(don't call me Rick Vaughn) Cabrera coming into their own under Leo Mazzone. Miguel Tejada, is traded to Anaheim just hours before the trade deadline. Nick Markakis does his best Dale Murphy impression, and carries the team along with Ramon Hernandez and Melmo. Peter Angelos says, "At least we're not the Nationals, boy do they suck! Does anyone have Cal Ripken's number?"

A.L. Central
Detroit takes the division, behind a monster season from Sheffield, and a breakout year from Jeremy Bonderman, your A.L. Cy Young winner with 22 wins, over 200 K's and 3.05 era. Joel Zumaya, who I see taking the closing duties just after Todd Jones blows something out around All-Star Break. He's banned from playing Guitar Hero the day Jones goes down. Also, the team gets career years out of the underappreciated, Carlos Pena and Placido Polanco. Craig Monroe stops swinging for the fences, and cuts down his K's, while hitting 35 HR and knocking in over 100 RBI. The pitching holds up, despite lots of innings the year before. Verlander doesn't make it to September though. He's got elbow problems around All-Star break and makes a comeback in mid August before shutting it down for the season. Cleveland comes up with big years from 30-30 man, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez. Josh Barfield makes a splendid adjustment to the A.L., and also swipes 25 bags. C.C. Sabathia has a stellar year leading the team in most pitching categories, but Jake Westbrook and Cliff Lee are inconsistent for too much of the year. The bullpen struggles, as it did last year, and blows too many leads late in games. In July, they ask Atlanta for Bob Wickman back. Eventually, they try calling Rod Beck out of retirement. Minnesota, behind Santana (after almost getting traded and getting a big contract extension) Garza, and Bonser, and despite regression from Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, wins about 80 games, and just bests Chicago for 3rd. Torii Hunter gets traded at the deadline, and hurts himself dancing in the dougout. Chicago, is the big bust in the division, finishing fourth, as Jermaine Dye doesn't repeat his 2006 performance, and the pitchers just don't have the juice to contend with Detroit. Daren Erstad has a good comeback year, but spends the end of the year on the DL, along with Jim Thome and Mark Buerhle. Bobby Jenks loses his closing duties after blowing 2 consecutive saves in July and an expletive laden tirade from Ozzie Guillen ensues. KC has a decent year, despite not having any pitching or hitting. But the future looks bright with Alex Gordon, David DeJesus, and Zach Greinke all having solid years. Somehow, the Reggie Sanders trade, will yield them a solid set-up man for Octavio Dotel, who also has a solid comeback year.

A.L. West
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California, win a tough division, taking it in the final week of the season. Garret Anderson, has a big year, though he misses considerable time with injuries through the summer. However, he comes back strong in September and October. Big Vlad, Tejada and Anderson, carry the team through the late months, getting some help from breakout star, Howie Kendrick. Juan Rivera, Chone Figgins and Casey Cotchman, who has a breakout year at First for them, all come back from injuries/illness and contribute big-time. Brandon Wood comes up in August and goes on a crazy tear, begging the question, can the rookie of the year only have played a third of the season? No, Alex Gordon from KC still wins it. Oakland and Texas beat up on the each other all season long, and both fall short of Anaheim. Texas has a big year from Kevin Millwood. Akinora Otsuka, Mark Texeira and Michael Young, though barely anyone else contributes. Who'd of thunk they would miss Mark DeRosa and Sarge Jr. Eric Gagne pitches about 25 innings before blowing out his elbow, shoulder and hip all at once and never pitching in the majors again. Oakland has a solid year from Danny Haren, who leads the team in Wins, innings pitched, and K's. Huston Street, finally is healthy the entire year and is one of the most dominant closers in the game. Mike Piazza, lets the mullet do his talking, hitting 30+ HR and making everyone ask, "Frank who?". Rich Harden despite having a Cy Young type first half, does his best Carla Pavano impression, and misses most of the 2nd half with a pulled oblique, time is also missed by Eric Chavez, after doing his best porn star impression, and Bobby Crosby, who apparently hurts himself getting out of bed in the morning. Seattle seriously considers trading Ichiro at the deadline, but balks when Boston won't pick up a chunk of Manny being Manny's salary. Felix Hernandez has a breakout year, but manages to only win 15 games after getting no run support. Richie Sexson strikes out a lot, though gets moved at the trading deadline. Adrian Beltre, has a solid year, hitting 30 hr, but manages only 85 RBI as no one except Ichiro can ever get on base. Jeff Weaver and Miguel Batista contribute a lot more than you would think, but seriously beg the question, "really, this was the best we could do?"

OK, that's it man. In the words of the legendary, Mel Allen, How About That.



A bit of sad news to report, today is the first day of the last year for Astroland, the Coney Island amusement park and home of the landmark Cyclone roller coaster. I guess those lame commercials they've been running for years, haven't helped business enough. Soon, there will be large-scale redevelopment and the "2,640 feet of rattling, wheezing terror in lumber and steel" will be left standing. However, the starter rides that lead you there, like the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars and even, everyone's favorite, Shoot The Freak, will be goners. Go pay tribute, before they are distant memories of times past. The development plans include drawings of high-tech arcades, a glass-enclosed water park, an indoor ski hill, giant Ferris wheel, along with hotels, restaurants and waterfront condos.

Listening Pile:
Simon & Garfunkel's, "Mrs. Robinson". Thinking about Coney Island, and times past, made me want to throw on this song. Truly the best song ever mentioning the Yankee clipper. Truly a classic gem.

Also, came across this the other day. The Setting Suns, which is a side project featuring Adam Franklin of Swervedriver and Sam Fogarino of Interpol. Pretty good stuff. Sorta loopy and hazy tunes, with Adam's signature vocals and echoey guitars on one song, and gently piano keys on the other. Let us not forget Sam's drumming. He's totally one of the most underrated skins pounders out there. Just listen to the first half of "Turn On The Bright Lights." Can't wait to hear more of this stuff.

Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today

What you're about to read is the first annual baseball preview. This week we'll get crazy, but not in that Ugueth Urbina kind of way, and talk about what we predict will happen in the National League. From the N.L. East, Central to the West. Lots of predictions on what's going down this year. From the Mets' chances at repeating in the tough N.L. East, to the World Champion Cardinal's chances in the Central. All the way to the Padres(that means fathers in Espanol), and Dodgers in the stacked N.L. West. From last to first, we talk about all the happenings. Trust me, I read this thing already, twice! It's hot!

N.L. East
Philadelphia just nudges out the Mets to win the division. The Phillies are sparked by MVP Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, as well as your N.L. Cy Young runner up, Cole Hammels. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Pat Burrell have solid years too. The pitching comes up clutch, with Jon Leiber, Jamie Moyer, Freddy Garcia and Brett Myers(who doesn't beat anyone up) all have solid years. Adam Eaton blows out his thumb half way through May, boy are they happy they didn't trade Leiber. The Mets get out to a good lead in the division early in the season, getting big contributions from John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez. However they struggle in the 2nd half, as Pedro struggles to find his stuff, Glavine and Hernandez spend time on the DL and David Wright struggles through the summer. They do however hold on to the wildcard, and just miss out on the division, with solid years from Wright(who bounces back in Sept), Reyes, Beltran and the NL Rookie of the Year runner up, Lastings Milledge, who takes over right in early May, after Shawn Green takes off for Passover and comes back with a bum knee and bat. Florida has a solid season as well, despite regression from their young guns and bats, and losing their fire, as that skipped town w/ Joe Girardi. Dontrelle Willis wins 23 games and has an era in the high 2's. Though, he comes in third in the Cy Young race. Atlanta struggles mightily without Tim Hudson, Chipper Jones and Bob Wickman, who all spend considerable time on the DL. Mike Hampton doesn't find his stuff until late August and Andruw Jones hits .245 despite having 40+ bombs and walking away to a new contract. Jeff Francour just misses his 40th homer, but nails that 140th strikeout. John Smoltz tries his best to keep the staff together, but even his 20 wins, mid 3's era, and 7 complete games, can't help the team. Washington gets sold again. No really! And this time, management sells off Chad Cordero and John Patterson to the highest bidders at the trade deadline.

N.L. Central
Your division winners are the Milwaukee Brewers, with a paltry 83 wins. They get big seasons from N.L. Cy Young winner, and a healthy, Ben Sheets, winner of 22 games, leading the NL in K's and ERA, plus breakout seasons from Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall, despite those 3 combining for over 350 k's. They also have the NL Rookie Of The Year, in Ryan Braun, who takes over for Craig Counsel at third in mid-May. The staff comes in clutch too, with Chris Capuano K'ing over 200 and winning 15 games, plus David Bush and Jeff Suppan are solid, Bush maybe even turning a corner this year if he can get that ERA down and strikeout a few more batters. Defending World Series champs, St. Louis, struggles behind Chris Carpenter. Al Reyes and Adam Wainwright are decent, but they have no 4th and 5th starters, and the bullpen struggles, as Izzy spends time on the DL. Pujols has 4 and 1/2 spectacular months of the season, but misses time with a sprained forehead after complaining about how Ryan Howard is getting more All-Star votes, when his team didn't even make the playoffs last year! Houston falters when Carlos Lee accidentally eats Roy Oswalt. No, really. Ok, well... not really. But Lee has trouble putting up big numbers when he lands on the DL with various ailments, leaving Lance Berkman looking very, very shaky by himself in the weak hitting lineup. However, he gets a little help, but oh so late, when Craig Biggio gets his 3000th hit, then mysteriously ends up on the DL so he can be replaced at 2nd by Chris Burke, and Hunter Pence finally gets his shot in center. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds duke it out to be the middle child, though both have a sniff of the postseason until about August. Cincy pulls ahead when they call up Homer Bailey in August. He, along with Aaron Harang and Charles Bronson, er... Bronson Arroyo, make a formidable pitching staff at the close of the year. JR. Griffey only goes on the DL once, after having Ryan Freel dive into him trying to make a catch, playing the most games he's played since 2001. Adam Dunn still strikes out over 150 times, but manages to hit 45 HR's. Making him and Jr. Griffey, the only NL teammates to top 40 HRS. Oh, sweet Lou. Things looked so promising in April. The Cubs manage to knock the cover off the ball and contend in the Central through mid-May, when Carlos Zambrano ends up on the DL, with a balmy back, courtesy of carrying home all that cash the team decided to just give him to re-up. Mark Prior has a solid May and June, before ending up on the DL, again. And it's all downhill from there, literally. As the team depends on Rich Hill to lead a staff that also includes Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis. Lots and lots of windows get shattered outside Wrigley. Pittsburgh is improved, but not enough to move out of the cellar. They got solid contributions from 30 HR guys, Adam Laroche and Jason Bay. They get a bounceback year from Jack Wilson, plus a solid year from Freddy Sanchez and Xavier Nady. The pitching looks promising, but suffers from inconsistency. Ian Snell is the leader of the staff, posting 15 wins and almost 200 k's. Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny have decent years, but fail to turn the corner. The bullpen is also hurt, as they have problems bridging to closer Soloman Torres.

N.L. West
The Arizona Diamondbacks get huge seasons from Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and yes, the Big Useless himself, Randy Johnson. They combine for 60 wins. Johnson bounces back when he returns healthy in May. The young hitters all click at once, with Conner Jackson, leading the way and the NL in batting average. Carlos Quentin and Stephen Drew have a breakout year, Chad Tracy bounces back and rookie Chris Young steals 30 bases. The Dodgers stay in the race until the very end of the season. They too, get huge contributions from the pitching staff, as Randy Wolf, Derek Lowe and Jason Schmidt all have solid seasons. Jonathan Broxton is the closer by mid-June. James Loney gets into the line-up and makes the most of it. Nomar and Kent spend time on the DL. Andy Laroche is the starting third-basemen by mid-May when Wilson Betemit moves to 2nd to replace Kent. Andre Either has a solid 2nd season. Juan Pierre and Rafael Furcal, don't hit much, but make the most of when they do as both score over 100 runs. San Diego gets good pitching from Greg Maddux and Jake Peavy, but Chris Young regresses, David Wells eats a bad twinkee, and Clay Hensley gets murdered at home, to go along w/ his high road ERA too. Adrian Gonzalez has a huge 2nd year. Kevin Kouzmanoff has a solid year, as do the brothers Giles. But the rest of the team doesn't contribute much, except Mike Cameron who goes 20-20, but with 120 k's too. San Francisco has a tough year, and that's not even counting all the boos they get every time Barry Bonds steps up to the plate. Their ancient line-up spends considerable time on the DL. Dave Roberts pulls a hammy trying to get to 2nd to set up the tying run in a June game. Rich Aurilla, Randy Wynn and Ryan Klesko all spend time on the DL. The only comfort is the great season that their ace has. Yup, Matt Cain, puts up a 19 win season, with 200+ k's. Oh yeah, that Zito guy has an OK year, despite spending time on the DL for the first time in his career after he hurt himself altering his delivery again, either that or he was attacked by a cactus again. Colorado has big years from Matt Holiday, Garrett Atkins, and catcher, Chris Iannetta. They regret not pulling the trigger on the Todd Helton to Boston swap. As Helton spends time on the DL and hits an all time low in HRs, RBI and AVG, he makes them wish it was 97 instead of 07. Troy Tulowitzki, doesn't impress at short, and Clint Barmes somehow ends up with his job back and that pitching staff, regresses and ends up missing Jason Jennings a lot more than one would have thought.

Listening Pile:
"Centerfield" by John C. Fogerty. Yeah, you heard that right sucka! Actually, as I kept thinking of the Dodgers and that blooper when Tommy Lasorda gets knocked over with the bat during that All-Star game. That song came into my head. I think that's what they play during the Blooper Reels.

The Centerfield song mentions three legendary players by name: Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio AND one player (Joe Jackson) only by an expression "it ain't so." Did you know that every instrument on the entire Centerfield album is being played by John C. Fogerty? There's your trivia for the day. Don't say I never do anything for you.

Song two. "Breed" by Nirvana. 2K games has been running those spots for MLB 2k7 like crazy on TV. And that is one bad ass song. According to this story, it's got a pretty hot soundtrack, with Les Savy Fav, Editors, DFA 1979, Jealous Sound, Pixies and Thermals all up in there. Nice!

What Do You Want Me To Say?

It's now been over three weeks since I've posted. there are two things that attributed to this, SXSW and my intense preparation for it, plus the Austin hanta virus I came back with.

There were no highlights at SXSW. It rained on me like a MOFO on the first day. I went to some lame show at the Beauty Bar that night and then hit up a western themed gay bar, hip hop club and the Purevolume lounge. In that order. Remember, what happens in Austin, stays in Austin. Well, not really.

Wednesday had me working my ass off, including waking my ass up at 8am to get things rolling. Basically spent the day helping other people get ready for our showcase and putting up posters and handing out materials. Thursday, was pretty much the same thing. Friday, yeah, you guessed it. Saturday, I flew back to Newark and the lovely Northeast weather, with a cold. I don't remember much, as I was heavily medicated. All I do remember is my head felt like it was going to explode. Saturday night to Tuesday were a blur of sickness and sleep, mixed in with some TV watching and chicken soup.

So, now, as things have gone.
Seven things I think I think(SXSW-Austin Edition):

1. Maybe it's just me, but what the hell is up with the whole, "Keep Austin Weird" thing. That shit is gayer than Lance Bass at the Playboy Mansion. Ok, I get it. Austin is really free-spirited and democratic in a not so liberal state. Yeah, yeah, alright. But you still live in a state that elected George Bush governor and wants to build electric fences around it's borders so Paco can't enter the country. Oh, so having a couple music venues and festivals makes you guys an A-plus. Ok, my bad. "Lets Keep Austin Weird"

2. Mexican food, everywhere in Austin. It's like, "hello, welcome to Austin. would you like some BBQ or Mexican." Ate at this great authentic Mexican place on the "other side" of town called, El Azteco. For you non-Spanish speakers, that means " The Aztec". Man it was good. I was just waiting for a little homeless girl to come around and try to get me to buy flowers or chicklets. Margarita was top notch too. They didn't skip on the Tequila.

3. People down there are way friendlier than here in NYC. People's accents are great. I don't know how many times I used, "you know, I'm on the list. the band's list! they were supposed to leave a note at the door for me to get in" and actually got into a show. I mean, it worked for shit I had no clue being at. Somehow that couldn't get me into Bloc Party though. Man, I was rolling like K-Fed right before Brit dropped that ten ton hammer on his ass.

4. SXSW is like Mardi Gras. Yeah, I know I said that about South Beach too, but seeing as I've actually never been to Mardi Gras, I guess I don't really have any basis for either argument. Just based on the people vomiting, random acts of nakedness, and people consuming alcohol on the streets. And don't let me get started on Friday night. At some point, you have to start wondering, Hooker or really skanky UT student? It's no wonder things like Girls Gone Wild get made.

5. Seeing as I was at SXSW to work, I barely got to see any bands I wanted to see. I did however, get to see Snowden for a couple songs. I like their album, Anti-Anti. The songs I heard, which included my favorite from their album, "Like Bullets" sounded pretty good. I'll have to check out a full set of theirs sometime. Also, saw Youth Group play a very un-inspired set at the Fader Fort. Needless to say, it seems like they showed up for their free jeans and then were told they had to play. Some bands will do anything for those Levi's 501s. Also, got to see a bit of Pelican's set. I wasn't feeling it as much as I was hoping I would. They weren't very loud and didn't sound very good. Sorry guys. Better luck next time. Somehow I saw this band, Airbourne, from Australia. Uh...hey guys, the 80's called. They said they wanted their hair back. I thought the 80's revival died when Justin Hawkins split his pants up.

6. The traffic in Austin, well, it kinda blows. I am not sure how it takes 45 minutes to travel about 6 miles. But it does. Also, I hated how they shut off any block near the main drag, 6th Street. That meant I had to carry boxes that were way to heavy to really be carried in the first place, way further than necessary.

7. People are way proud that Whole Foods came out of Austin. I was with people that went there like eight times over 4 days. The Whole Foods headquarters in Austin, Texas, is located above its flagship store. Which, by the way, is impossible to get to unless you have a car. Cabs don't go anywhere near the place. Anyhows. It made me happy to see when I got home that the new Whole Foods at Bowery & Houston would be open on March 29th. I didn't think that thing would be open before summer. But all of a sudden, they busted a move and finished it in a hurry. I guess that's the power of Whole Foods for ya.

Listening Pile:
Not sure if this is news still, but it's an amazing story about Callum Robbins. Callum is the son of Jawbox/Burning Airlines/Channels J. Robbins and Channels' Janet Morgan. He suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type 1), a disorder that often leads to death at a very young age, and for which there is no cure.

Just read that a bunch of bands, including Jawbreaker, Travis Morrison, Channels, David Grubbs, Engine Down, Maritime, Joe Lally, and more, have contributed tracks to the Catlick Records 2xCD compilation For Callum, available for purchase here

Tons of support has been coming from the music community, including benefit shows by Ted Leo, Radio 4 and of course, the Dismemberment Plan reunion going down at DC's Black Cat. A second show has now been added. A bunch of info on all the happenings are listed here Bummed I'm not going down to DC to see the Plan, but I'm definitely gonna pick up a copy of the Compilation for Callum. And you should too.

And while we're at it, Spoon has announced a whole mess of details, including track listing and release date July 10, for their new album, which is rumored to be called Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Not sure if that's a Pitchpork ruse or not, but either way, I'm sure a whole lot of folks will do exactly that when it's available too. Spoon fans are serious folks man. Serious.

beep, boop, boop, crash, beep, loop, fwount, bang, beep, boop, loop, sing, sing, beep, boop, thanks you've been a wonderful audience

Seven Things I Think I Think (Florida Edition):
1. South Beach is like Vegas. There are lots of tanned people, barely wearing any clothing, doing whatever they please. You can just as easily see some girl with her tanned boobs popping out as you would someone drinking a cocktail on the street. I was just waiting
for a hooker to get killed on Ocean drive so I could see Caruso.

2. The weather is amazing. Granted, we lucked out the first 3 days getting temps in the high 80's, but even on the last day, with temps barely getting out of the 60's it was sick. I didn't wear shoes or socks for four days. And only wore pants to dinner one night and jeans the last day. I felt like the Big Lebowski.

3. Driving down there kinda sucks. Its like LA. Out of nowhere you're sitting in a logjam of traffic like the Truman Show. Not to mention that everyone down there seems to be on their cell phone and driving a BMW, Mercedes or Lexus. It's like Brittany with a baby on her lap down there. No lie, I saw at least 6 Lamborghinis.

4. It's like an episode of CSI-Miami, I swear. Even Fort Lauderdale. Everyone sort of looks the same, tan, sunglasses, dresses the same in white or pastels. The ladies are over the top, trying to be sexy. The guys look like super-guidos. It's sorta like summer at the Jersey shore, only more white pants.

5. I guess after the crazy partying going on during Spring Break in the 80's, the city of Fort Lauderdale is really trying to clean up it's image as a party town. It's all about trying to be slick and laid back. Down to the hotels and the beaches. Big ones starting to go up, a new W, Ritz Carlton and Trump Tower on the way. Plus, not once did I see Pauly Shore, beer-funnel or a wet t-shirt contest.

6. I don't get the Dwayne Wade fascination. Homeboy is good, even great. However, I've never ever, seen one sports figure so heavily represented in one area, ever. Everywhere you went, people were sporting one jersey, and that was D-Wade's jersey. Went to the beach, dudes playing volleyball wearing #3. Go to lunch, your waiter's got on the tre. Go to a bar, at least half a dozen guys. Nightclub, at least one or two dudes, even though there's a dress code. It's like, "well, you didn't wear the appropriate outfit, but hey, you got D-Wade on, step right in." It was a little strange, think the whole time, I saw one other Heat jersey, and it was for Antoine Walker! Not even Shaq. Antoine Walker's ocho. Crazy huh.

7. So, I attended my first spring training game, albeit a game between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. Fort Lauderdale stadium isn't as nice as some of the new spring training complexes, but it wasn't bad. Food wasn't that great, but that and the beer were fairly inexpensive, compared to the mortgage you have to take out at each Yankee game. Aside from being an exercise in how many fat sunburnt people you can spot wearing orange, the game was actually a pretty fun experience. We sat in the Left Field bleachers. You are so close to all the action. It's pretty cool. So when the Mets decided to have one of their pitchers start warming up, I could head over to the gate and stand literally 3 feet away from the catcher. Ambiorix Burgos was throwing some smoke. And man, is he big. like 6'4" and built like a truck. Saw Willie Randolph too. He makes it tough on a Yankee fan to hate the Mets. Orioles won and it took a long time to get out of the lots, but a good time was had.

Listening Pile:
If you've read here before, you know how much of a big fan I am of The Battles. Needless to say, I was psyched when I got my weekly email from the Warpbot, saying this, BATTLES : Atlas video + Exclusive Live Show Tickets. Yeah! New music. So I checked out the video, here. This shit is so fucked up, it's amazing! Sick distorted vocals by Tyondai and Stanier's pulsating drumming. Wow! I cannot wait to get my hands on the album.