So, with my new style, Mondays will be sports days on the blog. I'm just gonna jump around today, a lot is going on and I'm not paying real close attention, but, I do love sports.
First off, I don't care how you feel about Jay Cutler's attitude, but he's one tough dude. He tried to go back out in that game with that knee injury and it was clear that if he forced himself to play, it would have been bad news. Even if you think every athlete should play in the playoffs even if they're falling apart, if they're not going to help their team, then they should probably sit out. This would be the case with Cutler. Besides, some injuries effect players more than others. Knee injuries are terrible.
Otherwise, it seemed like both games followed similar formulas. The favored teams got out to strong starts and then held off comebacks. I did not see all of the Bears game, but that third string quarter back did an excellent job. That kid has a bright future. As far as the Jets go, they arrived to the game late. About 2 hours late. What a terrible first half, there's not much more to say. Well, maybe that Ben Roethlisberger, no matter what your opinions of his personal life, is easily the most clutch quarterback in the league. It's almost like he plays better when the play breaks down and all turns to chaos.
Alright, that's it for football, I'll make an uneducated pick for the Super Bowl next week.
Now, hockey's All Star weekend is coming up. I will admit, I love how gimmicky it is. The "draft" reminiscent of picking teams on the playground or out on the pond, is a pretty awsome touch. Plus the skills competition is pretty fun. Though, like most gimmicks, it's one of those things where its mostly just fun to watch it every couple of years. But, since we missed it last year for the olympics, this should be a pretty fun one to watch. Though it's a shame there'll be no Sid. He always seems to get injured this time of year.
That's it for today, I'll do more in depth stuff in the future and probably more looks into specific hockey teams and players and how they're doing. For now I'm out.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New Blog Plan, plus, you probably already know this, but The Sword rules.
So I have a new plan for my blog, to keep me posting more often. I will give myself a couple flexible topics to talk about each week and try and keep up with them. I have decided that tuesday will be entertainment day. On tuesdays I will discuss music, art, books, movies, plays, operas, you name it.
My first line of business will be to talk about a band I should have discovered a long time ago. Many of my friends have listened to them for years, but I have only recently discovered The Sword. If you are like me and have been living under a rock, The Sword is a metal band from Austin Texas. Their style is classic in every way.
Their four man arrangement, guitar/vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer is classic. Their music echoes the classic styles of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Their riffs are classic and once you hear their album Warp Riders your first thought could easily be, this album is an instant classic. The "classic-ness" of this band goes above and beyond the retro style. The song structure, performance and energy are all superlative.
If you have a hankering for a sweet riff, look no further than The Sword. Warp Riders is filled to the brim with awsome riffage. Some are quick and energetic, some are sludgy and powerful, others are just melodic and catchy, but you are guaranteed to find yourself humming them when you're in the shower. They also have the impressive ability to take a riff and really develop it as the song goes, much in the way Iron Maiden is famous for.
The vocals are very reminiscent of Ozzy's early work with Black Sabbath. J.D. Cronise offers a hollow but powerful sound with a strong blues influence. On top of that, his lyrics are just fun. Warp Riders, for example, has a classic sci fi theme to it and the lyrics really just make you excited about space travel, witches and lawless lands. The best part of Cronise's lyrics is that they have a mythic quality to them. They talk of epic scenarios with a sense of both familiarity and folklore, all of it adding together to form an awsome listening experience. In other words: you probably already know this, but The Sword rules.
My first line of business will be to talk about a band I should have discovered a long time ago. Many of my friends have listened to them for years, but I have only recently discovered The Sword. If you are like me and have been living under a rock, The Sword is a metal band from Austin Texas. Their style is classic in every way.
Their four man arrangement, guitar/vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer is classic. Their music echoes the classic styles of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Their riffs are classic and once you hear their album Warp Riders your first thought could easily be, this album is an instant classic. The "classic-ness" of this band goes above and beyond the retro style. The song structure, performance and energy are all superlative.
If you have a hankering for a sweet riff, look no further than The Sword. Warp Riders is filled to the brim with awsome riffage. Some are quick and energetic, some are sludgy and powerful, others are just melodic and catchy, but you are guaranteed to find yourself humming them when you're in the shower. They also have the impressive ability to take a riff and really develop it as the song goes, much in the way Iron Maiden is famous for.
The vocals are very reminiscent of Ozzy's early work with Black Sabbath. J.D. Cronise offers a hollow but powerful sound with a strong blues influence. On top of that, his lyrics are just fun. Warp Riders, for example, has a classic sci fi theme to it and the lyrics really just make you excited about space travel, witches and lawless lands. The best part of Cronise's lyrics is that they have a mythic quality to them. They talk of epic scenarios with a sense of both familiarity and folklore, all of it adding together to form an awsome listening experience. In other words: you probably already know this, but The Sword rules.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Review: Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
Well let me say one thing, if nothing else, Robert Jordan loves the set up. Once again the pace has been a dead crawl for at least 3/4's of the book. Actually in this book its at a pretty steady but slow pace until the last 100 pages really. And this is a loooong book. However, I do like how things happen at the slow pace. Lots of great Forsaken drama going on in this one. There's more character development and chatter at the differences between men and women. There's the battle for power in Rand Al'Thor's head between him and the mad Lews Therin. And there are some other fairly interesting developments that I do not want to spoil.
But by the time you get to the oh, I don't know 800th page, you start to wonder, is this the book where no big huge thing happens at the end? Which is pretty much how all the books have been, though the first 3 had a lot more going on during the bulk of the book then the second 3. But, no disappointment once again Robert Jordan hits you with some pretty nutty occurrences. I won't go into detail, but know that crazy shit happens at the end.
So, just to talk a little about Robert Jordan's writing style, I'd like to bring up his pacing. This is one of the things that has bothered so many people who have read his books. This is the reason many people I know have never made it to the end of the series. I guess the issue is, that to call the climax of Robert Jordan's books a crescendo I think would not be correct. Instead they're more like an abrupt accelerando or tempo change. And the worst part is, by the way the books are written through the beginning, they make you think that it will go on at that pace for the rest of the series. Which is why I understand discouragement. At the same time, for me, the occurrences at the ends of the books are quite jarring. This may have been his intention, but at the same time it almost feels more like he was biding his time. Surely you don't want the important things to happen too quickly, but at the same time, you wonder why there's only one in each book. I guess I'm coming to the question "of are all the books necessary?"
Dangerous grounds surely. And it is his series not mine. Like I said, it may very well have been his intention. And I also admitted to enjoying much of the slow parts, even if some just seem like milling around. They do set up a lot of things and offer flavor and context. But the pacing manages to throw me off every damn time. Anyway, on to the next one "A Crown of Swords." We'll see how this one unfolds.
But by the time you get to the oh, I don't know 800th page, you start to wonder, is this the book where no big huge thing happens at the end? Which is pretty much how all the books have been, though the first 3 had a lot more going on during the bulk of the book then the second 3. But, no disappointment once again Robert Jordan hits you with some pretty nutty occurrences. I won't go into detail, but know that crazy shit happens at the end.
So, just to talk a little about Robert Jordan's writing style, I'd like to bring up his pacing. This is one of the things that has bothered so many people who have read his books. This is the reason many people I know have never made it to the end of the series. I guess the issue is, that to call the climax of Robert Jordan's books a crescendo I think would not be correct. Instead they're more like an abrupt accelerando or tempo change. And the worst part is, by the way the books are written through the beginning, they make you think that it will go on at that pace for the rest of the series. Which is why I understand discouragement. At the same time, for me, the occurrences at the ends of the books are quite jarring. This may have been his intention, but at the same time it almost feels more like he was biding his time. Surely you don't want the important things to happen too quickly, but at the same time, you wonder why there's only one in each book. I guess I'm coming to the question "of are all the books necessary?"
Dangerous grounds surely. And it is his series not mine. Like I said, it may very well have been his intention. And I also admitted to enjoying much of the slow parts, even if some just seem like milling around. They do set up a lot of things and offer flavor and context. But the pacing manages to throw me off every damn time. Anyway, on to the next one "A Crown of Swords." We'll see how this one unfolds.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Book Review: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
This is the story of an evil curse and one man's quest to defeat it through love. This is the story of a family of Dominicans and their immigration to the US. This is the story an obese uber nerd. There's a hundred ways I could summarize this book, and they all happen simultaneously. Couple this with writing that is at times deep like poetry but always fast paced and keeping you turning the pages. The book is epic, the scope impressive, this all coming from a guy who loves multi-volume 900 page fantasy epics.
The language in the book is striking. It is told in a conversational manner but mixes in Spanish expressions (if you don't speak Spanish, you can still get the gist or even figure out what the expressions mean. Junot Diaz is a master of this). Also every page is loaded with nerd references that will make even the slightest nerd go "what! no way Jose!" The book really almost reads too fast. Once I started it, I basically wanted to spend all my time reading it. But because of the pace, it would not be hard to finish it "by accident" in one sitting. Or at least less sittings than I'd rather have. It's a joy to read.
I knew the author was good, I had read his book of short stories Drown. The best part is, the stories of Dominicans in the US and Latin American immigration are a topic that has never really appealed to me. Or at least hadn't ever before. But in Drown I was so captured by the dudes amazing writing style. He pulls you in. When I heard that he had written the novel, and what the premise was, I knew I had to read it. Who else could basically turn a real life, legitimate fucked up Latin American dictator (Trujillo), into basically Sauron. Yeah he does this, but you won't know how until you read the book.
The language in the book is striking. It is told in a conversational manner but mixes in Spanish expressions (if you don't speak Spanish, you can still get the gist or even figure out what the expressions mean. Junot Diaz is a master of this). Also every page is loaded with nerd references that will make even the slightest nerd go "what! no way Jose!" The book really almost reads too fast. Once I started it, I basically wanted to spend all my time reading it. But because of the pace, it would not be hard to finish it "by accident" in one sitting. Or at least less sittings than I'd rather have. It's a joy to read.
I knew the author was good, I had read his book of short stories Drown. The best part is, the stories of Dominicans in the US and Latin American immigration are a topic that has never really appealed to me. Or at least hadn't ever before. But in Drown I was so captured by the dudes amazing writing style. He pulls you in. When I heard that he had written the novel, and what the premise was, I knew I had to read it. Who else could basically turn a real life, legitimate fucked up Latin American dictator (Trujillo), into basically Sauron. Yeah he does this, but you won't know how until you read the book.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Finals
The time has come. The forces do clash. Their thunder will be heard around the world.
The Blackhawks and The Flyers
Old heroes be dashed and monsters be slain, the final battle is upon us. There is no tactic the to base for the Flyers and there is no force fiercer than the tribe. It will be violent and hard fought, neither yielding an inch, the only ground to be gained is that which can be taken. Any second of underestimation could turn the battle on a dime. Every move will be a strike for the jugular. They have both fought long and hard to make it to this moment. To the victor, the spoils, to the fallen, bitter loss. Tooth and nail to the bloody end. Let the worthy rise.
Blackhawks in 5.
The Blackhawks and The Flyers
Old heroes be dashed and monsters be slain, the final battle is upon us. There is no tactic the to base for the Flyers and there is no force fiercer than the tribe. It will be violent and hard fought, neither yielding an inch, the only ground to be gained is that which can be taken. Any second of underestimation could turn the battle on a dime. Every move will be a strike for the jugular. They have both fought long and hard to make it to this moment. To the victor, the spoils, to the fallen, bitter loss. Tooth and nail to the bloody end. Let the worthy rise.
Blackhawks in 5.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Championships
Epic battles have been waged in the east, the long drawn out slaying of heroes, and the bizarre surges of the unexpected. All who should be weary, are too late. The damage is done. The odds have been beaten again and again as though the dice thrown have inverted themselves. Those who saw a clear path have seen those paths suddenly erased. There will be a new champion this year.
Eastern Conference Championship: Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers
The ghosts of many winters passed have been rising from the streets of old Montreal. They can feel it. Others saw the odds stacked against them, but they saw opportunity for glory and never missed a beat. They have defeated the Giants and the Heroes as though possessed. Their opponents may be stunned, but Les Habitants are merely looking forward to the next to fall.
The Flying bandits of Philadelphia have accomplished the seeming impossible. With their numbers down, on their last desperate breath, hope all but a memory, they have clawed their way back. Many would have called them mad or dim to even think about this day and yet here they are. They know more than any that it's not over till it's over and they will claw and tear and rip and scrape and do whatever it takes until they have been taken down for good.
Montreal Canadiens in 6.
Western Conference Championship: The San Jose Sharks and The Chicago Blackhawks
Apparently machines do not function very well in water. Corroded by rust and torn apart by vicious fish the winged wheel has sunk for good. But the fish are still hungry. Their sense of blood is stronger than ever, they can feel it in the water. Where will the next meal come from? They circle in anticipation ready to strike.
The tribes prepare for turbulent waters. The Canucks had been an annoying tick, now it is time to go fishing. Boats prepared, spears ready there will be blood in the water, but who's? Can they handle the furious strong fish or will theirs be the next boat to sink? They must bate their hooks carefully and hold on for dear life, spears ready, they will not have many chances and only those who persevere will survive.
Sharks in 6
Eastern Conference Championship: Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers
The ghosts of many winters passed have been rising from the streets of old Montreal. They can feel it. Others saw the odds stacked against them, but they saw opportunity for glory and never missed a beat. They have defeated the Giants and the Heroes as though possessed. Their opponents may be stunned, but Les Habitants are merely looking forward to the next to fall.
The Flying bandits of Philadelphia have accomplished the seeming impossible. With their numbers down, on their last desperate breath, hope all but a memory, they have clawed their way back. Many would have called them mad or dim to even think about this day and yet here they are. They know more than any that it's not over till it's over and they will claw and tear and rip and scrape and do whatever it takes until they have been taken down for good.
Montreal Canadiens in 6.
Western Conference Championship: The San Jose Sharks and The Chicago Blackhawks
Apparently machines do not function very well in water. Corroded by rust and torn apart by vicious fish the winged wheel has sunk for good. But the fish are still hungry. Their sense of blood is stronger than ever, they can feel it in the water. Where will the next meal come from? They circle in anticipation ready to strike.
The tribes prepare for turbulent waters. The Canucks had been an annoying tick, now it is time to go fishing. Boats prepared, spears ready there will be blood in the water, but who's? Can they handle the furious strong fish or will theirs be the next boat to sink? They must bate their hooks carefully and hold on for dear life, spears ready, they will not have many chances and only those who persevere will survive.
Sharks in 6
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The NHL Eastern Conference Finals
It seems the eastern conference has been inverted. The arrogant mighty defeated by the solidarity of those underestimated. But who will move on?
The Pittsburgh Penguins and The Montreal Canadiens
The bigger they are, the harder they fall. And an earthquake of fallen giants can be heard throughout the land. Whispers spread like plague, rumors that the mighty Capitals have been defeated. They quickly become stories of old ghosts possessing the leftovers charged with restoring their glory. New legends are born and the hum of hope flows up and down the Saint Lawrence River for the first time in ages. Could the elder gods be coming back to reclaim what is theirs? A legend only the future holds.
Steel in hand wrought from the great Steel City of their origin the flightless birds re-organize in anticipation. Their swords, washed in the blood of nobles, are still quite sharp. The coup in Canada was not as easy as planned, but nothing ever seems to go quite as planned these days. These are odd times. The rumors that travel along the rivers bring word of legendary defeats. Could their new foe be so strong to have defeated the might giants in the Capital? It seems ludicrous, but there has been talk of ghosts. The supernatural always seems to muddle things up. How will these ghosts fair against the edges of cold steel?
Penguins in 5
The Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers
Let it not be said that the old bears are weak. They are not stupid either. The Sabres proved too small to do anything with their speed and the fierce claws of the black and gold made short work of them. Heroes mean nothing when the rest of the company is battered to pieces. And so the Bear turns its face to a new foe. This one notorious for cruelty. The Bruins of Boston will face the Flyers like they always have, with the cold weight of duty and a look in their eye that cannot be distinguished between weary and fury.
To hell and back again, only this group of flying bandits could have done it. Only ones so base that they could match the Devil move for move. As they soon found out, most of the Devil's strength is just a facade. Pulling images from former years trying to ward off the truth, that even Devil's don't live in glory for ever. The losses however were grave. The payment was necessary but felt by all, no one gets out of New Jersey that easily. So now they turn to the old bears. The stalwarts, to stubborn to die. Now it is time to prove that even the stubborn can die.
Flyers in 7
The Pittsburgh Penguins and The Montreal Canadiens
The bigger they are, the harder they fall. And an earthquake of fallen giants can be heard throughout the land. Whispers spread like plague, rumors that the mighty Capitals have been defeated. They quickly become stories of old ghosts possessing the leftovers charged with restoring their glory. New legends are born and the hum of hope flows up and down the Saint Lawrence River for the first time in ages. Could the elder gods be coming back to reclaim what is theirs? A legend only the future holds.
Steel in hand wrought from the great Steel City of their origin the flightless birds re-organize in anticipation. Their swords, washed in the blood of nobles, are still quite sharp. The coup in Canada was not as easy as planned, but nothing ever seems to go quite as planned these days. These are odd times. The rumors that travel along the rivers bring word of legendary defeats. Could their new foe be so strong to have defeated the might giants in the Capital? It seems ludicrous, but there has been talk of ghosts. The supernatural always seems to muddle things up. How will these ghosts fair against the edges of cold steel?
Penguins in 5
The Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers
Let it not be said that the old bears are weak. They are not stupid either. The Sabres proved too small to do anything with their speed and the fierce claws of the black and gold made short work of them. Heroes mean nothing when the rest of the company is battered to pieces. And so the Bear turns its face to a new foe. This one notorious for cruelty. The Bruins of Boston will face the Flyers like they always have, with the cold weight of duty and a look in their eye that cannot be distinguished between weary and fury.
To hell and back again, only this group of flying bandits could have done it. Only ones so base that they could match the Devil move for move. As they soon found out, most of the Devil's strength is just a facade. Pulling images from former years trying to ward off the truth, that even Devil's don't live in glory for ever. The losses however were grave. The payment was necessary but felt by all, no one gets out of New Jersey that easily. So now they turn to the old bears. The stalwarts, to stubborn to die. Now it is time to prove that even the stubborn can die.
Flyers in 7
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