Wow, Suzy Favor Hamilton... so I get the "favor" part now, but the real question is "Who was the fastest out of the blocks?"

Congrats to Montee Ball on the career TD record... but the real story is yet another example of poor coaching, IMO.

The late TD to get within one of Penn State should have been followed by a 2pt try. And for those that think this is second-guessing after the loss, I said at the time they had nothing to gain by playing OT.

1. WIS is already in the BIG10 championship game
2. They're on the road
3. Why subject your players to more injury opportunities

Sure, the team isn't a world-beater & are horribly inconsistent, but that situation screamed for 2pt.

I guess this is the new "pistol-whipping"?

You don't need a degree to understand that raising taxes is short-sighted. Open your eyes, people... It's a spending issue, not a revenue issue.

Let this sink in a little, then try to explain how Robin Hood economics is a good real-life philosophy.

I think the ladies in my family were drinking too much from the huge jug of wine in this video...

Al Gore is the gift that keeps on giving... is it possible to be a caricature of a caricature?

I'm salivating for the first Ryan/Biden debate. Biden trying to debate Ryan is like Screech trying to play Beethoven... When the camera's not on you, it's believable. When the red light goes on, you're just another member of The Zach Attack.

Another KISS thing... I'm listening to an interview from Peter Criss in '04 & he sounds so much more sincere & thankful than Gene or Paul has EVER sounded. Peter's thoughts are on integrity, yet G&P seem to be all about the dollar.

Let's be honest, KISS IS Ace & Peter, cuz Gene & Paul are caricatures of what they started out as.

Romney names his VP tomorrow... my money is on Paul Ryan. Young, energizing, & knows a little bit about how to add & subtract. Exciting pick, if that's the way he goes.

Lifelong KISS fan, but if this ever happens,I will not continue to fly the flag.

It's bad enough that Tommy & Eric are "playing" the Spaceman & Catman parts, but to have 4 entirely unoriginal members continuing as KISS? Absolutely disgusting to me.

Though, I learned long ago nothing is sacred in the world of Paul & Gene. They talk about their fans, yet continually treat them like low-level morons.

The first image from the Curiosity on Mars just in...

- George Takei on Twitter

Pure genius, Mr. Sulu, pure genius

Class move by the world's fastest man. Many, athletes & non-athletes, could learn a little something from this small show of respect.

If the rumor is true... Getting back Elvis Andrus & young pitching for Zach+ is fine with me. Like I said, the core is there, it's a matter of building around it & '13 will take care of itself.

Ted Thompson should be eternally lauded for the intestinal fortitude to pull the trigger on the Aaron Rodgers era. #12 has proven to be quite the spokesman for GB & the antithesis of his predecessor.

Bucks 2012-13 schedule released.

Call me crazy, but I'm a little excited about this team. Some excellent guards & post presence.

#Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he is working on trade involving C George Kottaras, who was DFA'd. Hopes to complete it in day or two - Tom Haudricourt on Twitter

Doug showing once more the quality of person he is, working the phones to find George a major league situation. Class act, as always.

Hunter Morris with two more dingers tonight for AA Huntsville.

Sure seems like a guy playing for a 1B opening in 2014, incidentally the year following the end of Hart's deal

I'm getting a little pissy at all the short-sighted Brewer fans recently. Just because they're out of the playoff race, doesn't mean you can't support them. Hell, any team, no matter how bad, that still has Ryan Braun up 4 times a game is worth a watch.

First, Grienke was destined to leave anyway. He reportedly turned down a 100 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT! You don't do that unless you're testing the market. And with the new compensation rules, we'd only get one pick if he walked at season's end, not 2 like years past.

The only mainstays I would call off limits would be Braun, Gallardo, & Lucroy. However, I don't see a complete rebuild as there was in years past. The core is still there, as is some decent young pitching. This is more like a "reload" in my opinion.

It's a shame that the entire bullpen picked the same year to shit the bed, but remember this: Without the Narveson/Marcum injuries, Estrada & Fiers are in the bullpen, thus strengthening that group. Dominos fall.

From the VA Tech shootings 5 years ago...

I don't hunt, nor do I own a gun, but I'm steadfast in my belief that if you remove all guns, only the criminals will have them. Do you lock your door at night? Of course you do, it makes you feel safe. But here's the rub: a lock only keeps out the honest people.

Here's an absolute truth: Make all the laws you want... criminals don't abide by laws. Laws are created for the law-abiding, always have been, always will be.

So I'm a realist in many ways... The Brewers have serious middle relief issues. The bullpen has 19 losses this year vs. 23 all last season. Split that in half & they're a couple out starting July. As it stands, I think they're underperforming at the moment & have every opportunity to catch the Reds, & at the very least compete for that extra Wild Card.

Doug's in a very precarious spot right now: They're a couple weeks from being right in the mix & a couple weeks from shitting the bed for the year. My gut tells me that Zack should be dealt, preferably for some arm talent & SS talent. Also, what to do with Mr. Hart... I love how well he has transitioned to 1B, but he'll become real expensive after next year.

Really, if the Crew does sell this year, you can rest assured the core will still be here. It's not a complete rebuilding in the slightest sense. Mark A don't play that game.

Geek alert: NHL draft today. The Penguins of Pittsburgh traded young 3rd line center Jordan Staal for center Brandon Sutter, defenseman Brian Dumoulin, & a draft pick that brought in defenseman Derrick Pouliot.

Sutter is a former 1st round pick in '07, who has proven durable & has improved every year. Dumoulin was a 2nd round pick in 2009. Pouliot compares to Letang, as slightly undersized, but skates very well & can move the puck.

They also sent Michalek to Phoenix for defenseman Harrison Ruopp, goalie Marc Cheverie, and a third-round pick.

The transformation continues. Once Crosby's deal gets done, & rest assured it will, it looks like the Pens are gearing up for a slew of solid two-way players to add to their uptempo, scoring style.

Utterly self-serving & pathetic. Though, not totally unexpected from a POTUS so out of touch with his own country. "Hey, you don't need that... Stuff... gimme it instead so I can continue to do nothing of substance & get paid for it"

Socialism has never been proven to work, & it sure as hell isn't making any inroads since '08.

And to think this sick bastard could've been stopped back in '98... men of cowardice protecting themselves & ignoring what's right in front of them. Simply sad

Had to say goodbye to a friend today, though he couldn't hear me. A victim of a senseless crime committed by two idiots with a rap sheet longer than my arm, let out on probation.

I'll miss Kerby the most the next time I walk into Day's Bowl-A-Dome just because I'll never hear this familiar greeting: "Mr. Shawn, how are you today?". If you want the details, look up the Wausau Daily Herald. I have no interest in rehashing the sheer ridiculousness of this tragedy. What I do know is I will miss my friend... and that sucks.

I think it's safe to say the Crew should just make the Hart at 1b move permanent. At worst, he'll be league average defensively, or close to it. His offense is easily passable there.

Dana Perino, Megyn Kelly, and Meghan McCain... Just as beautiful with the sound up.

New York to ban "large" sizes of sugary beverages, because they know what's best for you...

We're about 5 years away from employing "Shakers" to wiggle your dick after pissing.

EDIT: Today Bloomberg deemed it Donut Day in NYC, giving out free donuts... Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick! I think my head may explode

Innate desire for reason in a haphazard world causes normally rational people to place blame on innocent institutions - Jim Breen on Twitter, in a reply to people blaming the Brewers training staff for injuries.

I just thought it funny: isn't that how religion works, too?

Read this line in Extra Mustard/Hot Clicks on SI.com today & it's been bugging me ever since: The Mets were down 7-0 when Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks hit a deep home run off D.J. Carrasco and then admired it before running to first. Carrasco exacted revenge on the next batter, Ryan Braun, by plunking him in the shoulder.


Bold added by me. watch the video... if THAT is admiring a home run, what the hell do they call it when Pujols, Griffey, or Sosa stand around? Dude, if you're gonna write something that many people read, at least take the time to actually WATCH what you're commenting on.

I don't think Rickie has EVER admired a home run. In fact, his "head down & running" is the direct opposite of what is the norm in baseball today.

First things first, I give less than a rat's ass about gay marriage. Hey, if two adults wanna enter into a bond to pay more taxes & keep divorce lawyers in business, then lisp away, my friends. But to think this is actually a real voter issue is ridiculous to me. This is a religion issue & if you ask me, organized religion is the basis for many of the world's problems in the first place.

To see BarackO come out & support gay marriage now cannot be seen as anything but a cheap political ploy in an election year. This guy flip-flops more than the goldfish at the end of Faith No More's "Epic".

First pet peeve of Facebook: The attention-seeking, cryptic posts, such as "Some people need to..." or "Can't believe how some people...". Hey, jackass, if it's that damned important to you, put a name to it. And just so we're clear, that post about "someone" doing you wrong only interests YOU. Don't expect me to ask what's wrong, care what's wrong, or sympathize.

Second pet peeve of Facebook: The incessant self-help, half-assed wisdom, and "If you love your Mother/Father/Children" posts. If I wanted to read someone elses musings on life as stolen by you to supposedly give me some insight into your soul, I'd simply ask you. This isn't Joel Osteen, dillhole.

Third pet peeve of Facebook: The idiotic, moronic, try-to-play-on-emotions, if-you-don't-do-it-you're-an-asshole "retweet this if you..." posts. Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick! These are as bad as those chain letters from years ago. Hey, Skeezix, try writing something for yourself, and while you're at it, make it not so douchey.

The sad thing is there are many who will believe this sort of crap instead of using common sense. Dinosaur farts?! Cripes sakes.

Well "global warming" became "climate change" when they admitted the science was falsified.

I can just see two guys in a bar after a night of brandy snifters:
"Dude, let's write a story about dinosaur farts"
"Yeah, and we can correlate it with rising temps"
"Oh, man, someone's GOTTA run with that story"
"Whatdya mean 'someone'... I'm the editor, I'll throw it on the front page"

Home Plate ump, Dan Iassonia, basically pulling strike calls out of a hat in the bottom of the 2nd. The strike three to Corey was easily 18" inside. The K ball to Izturis was just under his shoulders. Lazy, ignorent, confrontational, overpaid. Every one of them. If I were Estrada, I wouldn't throw a pitch over the plate.

EDIT: & if I were Estrada, I'd turn around after that K & ask that I get that pitch called a strike, too. Good gracious...

EDIT: Well, he was piss-poor for both sides. I guess "consistently shitty" is good enough.

This easily trumps any bad call ever made. Literally. Ever.

Braun. Hamilton, Longoria. Plus who knows how many pitchers. Yet MLB does next to nothing about injury prevention - Will Carroll on Twitter


I'm confused, Will. What exactly can MLB do about oblique strains and hamstring pulls? Play the game on paper? Lawn Jart competition? Doesn't the term "shit happens" apply here?

Cool news coming from Eddie Trunk... Jake E. Lee finishing up a new album, with the help of Ronnie Mancuso of Beggars & Thieves. Sounds like it will feature different singers. They're currently looking for a singer to take on the tour.

Most remember Jake from his time with Ozzy, but for me Badlands was the shit. Their debut was outstanding, but the second disc "Voodoo Highway", while more bluesy & less accessible, was the pinnacle. Phenomenal 70's blues-based riffs & great singing from the late Ray Gillen. Their cover of "Fire & Rain" was a great reworking of a soft-rock classic.

Wow, STL is hands down Yo's kryptonite... 14 ER vs. StL this year, 4 vs. everyone else. At this point, it's all mental. He's a great pitcher, but runs into a brick wall against the redbirds.

He may be a Diamondbacks fan, but I like this John McCain. Wish he would've shown more of this in '08.

Packers draft DE/OLB Nick Perry from USC, hoping a fellow Trojan will free up the other Trojan. I know next to nothing about the young man as I don't follow college FB all that closely. However, I'm sure The Brother To Be Named Later has a full scouting report, complete with whether he likes long walks on the beach.

I'm so far out on the limb here I can hear it cracking, but if the ChiSox are shopping Peavy, could the Crew get involved?

Sure he's owed a buttload the rest of the year, but get the Sox to pick up 3/4 of that and who knows. It may cost some minor league pieces MIL can't really afford to get rid of.

Somebody call the police immediately! There's a group of talentless hacks murdering Queen songs on American Idol. Not since hearing Bjork have I wished more that I had no ears.

Good gracious, is this how far the show has fallen? What happened to the Clarkson's & the Underwoods & the Daughtry's? THIS is the best America has to offer?

If Axford can nail this down, he'll tie Brad Lidge for 4th all-time on the consecutive saves list with 47 straight.

EDIT: And there it is, 47 in a row.

9 run outburst, 4 home runs, with nary a hit from RB8.

The offense is just fine, folks.

Love that Carlos Gomez... even his home run trot is a whirling dervish. My goodness, I can't even THINK that fast.

The Brewers need to shore up the middle relief. Someone is going to have to step up & be that guy. I like Veras' stuff, but like the others, the consistency is just not there. On the other hand, it's still early & we still have a great bullpen backend.

Too many Houdini acts and eventually the secrets of the trick are revealed.

We'll stop apologizing for success at home and never again apologize for America abroad - Mitt Romney . Patriotic, and a nice zinger all in one.

The incomparable Jeff Scott Soto will be on American Idol Wednesday with the Queen Extravaganza, singing with some of his own idols, Brian May & Roger Taylor. I'm pretty pumped to see JSS get the opportunity to wail for 20 million-plus on live TV.
Here's some Queen he's already done in the past:
I Want It All
Queen Medley
or visit him here: jeffscottsoto.com

USBC Queens on ESPN2 right now. The very lovely Stefanie Nation is sitting #2 on the board, but #1 in my heart.

Allright, Brewer fans, buckle up. After the horrendous umpiring on Sunday, we're rewarded with three games of everyone's reason for coming to the ballpark (other than that pesky baseball being played), "Cowboy" Joe West. I think I'll keep this airplane puke bag close by.

Crew exploding up & down the lineup late in this one... could the offensive worm be turning?

I swear, Braun enjoys hitting with 2 strikes, down in the count... like hitting a round ball with a round bat isn't tough enough, he wants some added challenge. Missed a 2-dinger game by a foot and settled for a triple after loafing to 1st.

The drawn in infield by the Rockies finally hurts them. Gomez is really tagging the ball consistently this year. I said earlier, he brings much more to the table than Nyger, I don't see how he won't be the "starter" soon, no matter who pitches.

Rickie finally getting one of those tagged balls to fall, barely missing a HR to center... it's AB's like that that I don't worry too much about the K's. His OBP is still high & that power from 2nd base is an asset.

The reports of a Braun demise have been greatly exaggerated... that was a booming 444-footer in the same spot as the one he hit to win the division last year.

@MikeVassallo13: #Brewers LHP Chris Narveson placed on the 15-day DL w/ left rotator cuff tear. - Testing depth early

Well, here you go... 7 Inning game with K-Rod & Ax. After that beautiful suicide from Aoki to take the lead, the blueprint is in place.

I really like the player that Lucroy has become. Pretty solid defensively, especially blocking balls in the dirt. He seems to have started to take a leadership role, too. A wonderful example of learning in the majors & working hard, much like Rickie.

With Gonzalez out, Carlos Gomez is the backup infielder tonight. I can't be the only one who secretly wishes he'd get in so he could track down a popup by the 1st base dugout from the SS position, can I? He can be frustrating sometimes, but the kid does what is asked of him, works hard, and plays with reckless abandon. And that ungodly speed is soooo fun to watch.

Announced today that the Brewers have sold their 2 millionth ticket in record fashion... Simply amazing in MLB's smallest TV market and a testament to the efforts of Mark A.

So I've been sitting on this since watching the "hockey game" between Philly & Pittsburgh yesterday. I have to say, as a Penguins fan, I'm thoroughly disgusted with the way they acted. It was almost as if they were resigned to losing, as long as they could act like thugs & dish out some punishment. I'm all for playing hard & physical, but what that turned into was a pathetic display by a team who not only lost all composure, but became what they've been railing against since last year's Winter Classic. Obviously, Philly is not blameless, but after Penguin management had been so vocal about head injuries, to see Neal & Asham go at the head & throat of the Flyers, it's pretty clear there was an agenda early on in that game. I'm embarrased by what transpired on Sunday to the point I may just not watch Game 4.

Plays like the one Heyward just made don't usually bode well for visiting teams... those are game changers.

It was said that Prince could carry a team when he was hot... Corey Hart is a player in that category. And to me, it looks like he's taken to a more leadership role this year.

Don't be surprised if Carlos Gomez plays his way into the starting CF job. He's consistently grown up, done what he's asked, & visibly is improving. Besides, I'm in love with that raw speed.

I see the owner of the Saints is buying the Hornets. I wouldn't be one bit surprised to see Mark A. own the Bucks in the near future, either.

Fun With Music: The Prince Edition

Fun With Music returns!!... which is probably only interesting to me, but what the hell, it's my blog. On tonight's episode we delve into the softer side of his Royal Highness' catalogue. Ask & most people will tell you I'm the rock guy, but truth be told, Prince is my favorite all-time artist for many reasons. Mostly, it's due to his emotive vocal styles & exquisite lyrics. So without commercials, here goes... the 10 greatest Prince ballads:

10. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World - For those that forget, this was the first single released by Prince after his name change to a symbol only dolphins can vocalize. Warner Brothers wouldn't release anything at the time, so Prince, or 0(->, released it himself on NPG Records. What resulted was the highest charting single since "Diamonds and Pearls", peaking at #3.
9. Adore (from Sign 'O' The Times) - One of the few "less dirty" love songs, Prince uses a plethora of vocal tracks in different octaves to create a cacophony of smooth jazz-like vocals. This track is a veritable "who's who" of Prince's many voices.
8. Sometimes It Snows In April (from Under The Cherry Moon) - Haunting track with a beautiful understated vocal, almost introspective. A phenomenal closing tune to an eclectic album.
7. I Love U In Me (The Hits/The B-Sides, disc 3) - A rare ballad sung in his lower register, laid back, with exquisite harmonies. "I promised myself not to cum until she does, then she took both hands and a liar I was"... dirty, yes... bad taste, possibly... in the context of the song, brilliant. "When we're making love it's like surgery... and she says "Ooh, ooh, I love U in me". See, it's a love song.
6. Free (from 1999) - Ahh, the fogotten track. Prince was just finding his ability to switch from lower register to falsetto within the same track. Almost seems "power-ballady" at times, with some phenomenal guitar work at the end.
5. Nothing Compares 2 U (from The Hits/The B-Sides) - Live track featuring the imcomparable Rosie Gaines. Beautiful duet that, to me, punctuates the lyrics more than the sparse popular version. Less somber, more soulfull & hopeful. Their voices were created for each other. I've been hearing this version for almost 20 years & it still moves me.
4. Do Me, Baby (from Controversy) - Prince's classic falsetto in all it's glory. Pretty straight forward sensual love song. When you consider the original 1981 release date, you can almost hear the direction that would become "Purple Rain".
3. Speaking of Purple Rain, here it is. Written in one evening in response to why songs by Bob Seger were going over so well in the Midwest, Prince created his magnum opus. Soaring orchestration, melody, insightful lyrics, and some of the most Hendrixy guitar work of his career, this song transcended genres. Recorded live at 1st Avenue for the album and, thankfully, that energy comes through.
2. The Beautiful Ones (from Purple Rain) - If you want to know what raw emotion can sound like in a recording, this is it (after you get through the french start & ad). You can almost hear the conflict between the music, lyrics, & Prince himself. The ending screaming is almost gutteral, a man lost within his own pain.
1. The top spot belongs to a song most don't know & most misinterpret: If I Was Your Girlfriend (from Sign 'O' The Times) - Written by Prince as a plea to Wendy Melvoin's sister, Susanna, it remains one of the only true looks into the man's psyche. I implore you to click here & check out the lyrics. They remain, to me, some of the most vulnerable lyrics written by a man for a woman in history. The depths of his voice really bring the subject matter to the forefront: a man haunted by not receiving the reciprocal love of a woman he can't get.

So there it is. Done mostly in vanity, but I hope I imparted some new listening upon you and maybe a little more appreciation for one of the most brilliant performers this little orb has seen.

Excellent all-around game by the Crew today, downing the Cards 6-0 behind Zack & Corey. Forget the over-hyped opener, this performance, I think, will be more indicative of what to expect going forward.
Greinke was filthy good, locating his fastball & slider early, then dominating with the curve as the game wore on. As bad as Yo's location was yesterday, Zack's location was a complete 180 today.
Hart started it off with an absolute bomb to LF, followed by a monster to center in the 6th.

Again, the only ones upset about showing proof that you're a legal voter, are those that enjoy the advantage ILLEGAL voting gets them...

Jeff Scott Soto "Damage Control" review

I've now lived with the highly anticipated follow up to JSS's 2008 "Beautiful Mess" release, aptly, yet unnecessarily, entitled "Damage Control" for about a week. I say "unnecessarily" because JSS took some flak for turning to a more mature, introspective angle on "Beautiful Mess", rather than stay with the tried & true heavy AOR he's known for.
I have always tried to stay open-minded with Jeff, mostly because his vocal range is so dynamic, if you ignore one aspect of it, you'll miss some amazing stuff. This slab of tunes is a wonderful mix of all that is great about JSS & why I hold him in such high regard. Let's get to it...

The album lead, "Give A Little More" kicks in with a nice modern riff. In fact, this entire song feels like it could have been on the criminally underrated "Lost In The Translation" from '05. Good, solid hard rocker to open.
Next up is "Damage Control". Andrew from MelodicRock.com felt this song was Jeff's way of saying "Thanks for coming with me on the last cd, here's the classic Jeff" and I can't disagree too much with that. The chorus "Put aside my vanity, this is damage control" may explain that, but really, this tune has some LOTT & BMess in it: more modern, crunching riff, melodic bridge.
First single & video "Look Inside Your Heart" brings the soaring vocals to the forefront. This song is in the vein of the phenomenal W.E.T. project a couple years ago. This is Jeff's wheelhouse & he offers up a wonderful slice of melodic rock here. If you do nothing else with this review, click on the link & enjoy.
"Die A Little" may well end up on many Song Of The Year lists. JSS knows how to write a hook & on this one he pulls in the big marlin. The bridge alone is enough, but then the chorus hits & you're singing into the end of your hairbrush before you realize it.
And lest we forget JSS can metal-up when needed, here comes "Take U Down". Very reminiscent of the Talisman project with the late Marcel Jacob. Grooving riff & Jeff gets to throw a little gravel on the voice. This tune is only available on the Deluxe Edition, though.
"If I Never Let Her Go" is a nod to the Prism/LOTT era. If you don't whistle this after hearing it, you may be dead inside.
"Tears That I Cry" has a driving rhythm in the verses that gives way to a chorus that could've come off the last W.E.T. disc.
The ballad finally makes an appearance with "Bonafide", which could've been on Beautiful Mess. Classic, classic, classic JSS vocals, full of warmth, feeling, & nuance.
Deluxe Edition #2, "Elena" is another W.E.T./Prism groove, with a soaring bridge & flowing chorus. Nice mid-tempo rocker in true JSS style.
"Krazy World" is krazy indeed. Not at all out of place on LOTT, another reminder that JSS can metal with the best metalers on the planet.
"How To Love Again" carries us back to the AOR side of the ledger, again with tinges of W.E.T. & Prism very prevalent. Awesome background vocals in the bridge & chorus, which is melodically soaring & memorable all at once.
This song features some amazing harmony vocals in all facets.
"Afterworld"... Yes, this please. Heavy, attitude, reminds me of the vocal style from LOTT. Again, Jeff seems to be saying "You like those melodic grooves, here's some of the rough"
"Neverending World" starts off with a child reciting the Lord's Prayer, segueing into a moody verse section & less obvious chorus.
Final Deluxe Edition track "Afraid To Die" could've come from the Evanescence catalogue. Moody groove, modern sound. In fact, if JSS had gotten Amy Lee, this song may have entered another level.

Overall, if I was going to present a career overview of Jeff Scott Soto, this disc would be Exhibit 1. A great mix of career influences & catalogue. On top of the great songwriting & vocals, JSS has assembled a backing group comprised of the great Dave Meniketti from Y&T & Joel Hoekstra of Night Ranger, among others.
A solo disc 4 years in the making and it doesn't disappoint. Everything you expect from one of the greatest voices in rock, you get ad infinitum.

Nice little victory speech from Romney in WI tonight. No hope & change jargon, just sensible talk about returning America to it's core values. He may not be "sexy" as a candidate, but his message is very clear.

Pretty much just to vent, but here goes:

Affect & Effect are different... learn them America
Their, There, & They're are different... learn those too, America
"Definitely" has no "a"
"Separate" has no second "e"
The proper term is "STAMPING grounds", not "STOMPING grounds"
Also, it's "CHAMPING at the bit", not "CHOMPING at the bit"

And to anyone who says that popular usage has changed the meanings... F@#$ you, popular usage is lazy & moronic. Use the language the way it was meant to be used. When you don't, you sound like an idiot.

I will now step off my soapbox...

Coolest album cover ever, considering the scope & sound of the band. What are your fave classic covers?

The ONLY reason to oppose the voter ID law is because you can't get your way without cheating... so much for impartial judgement.

Some interesting things NOT being reported by the sports media.

It links to an interview with Will Carroll from FoxSports, who references that the defense team actually replicated the failed test for the panel.

No medication, no supplement, no vitamin is to be taken without the approval of a team's medical staff. Players are routinely warned to be cautious about taking anything that hasn't been approved.--MLB.com

"So, thinking out loud here, if a prescription or combo caused the positive test, all a player has to do is get permission from the team's medical staff, and it is allowed? I recall rumors of a flurry of scrips for Adderall, a stimulant used to treat ADD. That's what Angel Salome tested positive for years ago.

If you have a legitimate need for a drug, and the team okays it, it is apparently all right. I wonder if this will be brought out tomorrow or not...right now, Braun looks guilty, but got off on an error in the process. The way Braun insisted he was not guilty, without knowing how long the fella kept it in his fridge, tells me, and any logical person, there is more to the story." - Al's Ramblings

First, nice analysis by Al, I couldn't do better so I stole his. Second, give him some hits. His humor is nice & dry, his politics are good & sane.

Just to get this out of my system: Hey, Mike & Mike, Skip "Clue"less, "Bluster" Olney, and the countless other dillholes that feel their court of public opinion is the only one that matters, I hear Crow is best eaten in a light honey-glaze & BBQ sauce... I hope you choke on it.

There's my one petty post about the whole Braun situation. Enjoy.

RB8 to address the media tomorrow at 11am... hot ticket if you can get one

Rosenthal with several good points on the Braun decision

On the other hand, I find it funny that MLB looks like a poorly run Mickey Mouse organization if their rep thought FedEx was closed & just took the sample home for the weekend... uh, Google, anyone. Maybe a phone call. How about just driving by "just to see".

THAT'S where the questions are going to begin for other players: How do we know we won't have to deal with the same thing?

Here's an interesting point of view from Brewers player rep Chris Narveson

As I said from the beginning, RB8 has spent too much time on his public persona, has too much to risk as the face of the Crew, and has been nothing but a stand-up individual since his debut to risk it all for no reason.

To the haters that insist this is exoneration due to a technicality, "chain of command" is mentioned 33 times in the MLB Drug Policy... it's a real issue & one many current players now have to worry about in light of the poor follow-thru & indefensible leaking that MLB engaged in.

RB8's full statement... sure it's full-on politician, but he sure is a well-spoken young man.

Off-topic, I bet a friend the Pack would franchise tag Flynn now that Finley signed. Sure there's the off-chance you'll pay your backup 14 million & 6 million more than the reigning MVP, but the lure of those Ted Thompson-beloved draft picks is SO enticing...

Dan Knobler with a nice succinct overview of today's great news

Braun Exonerated

I know, I'm late to the party. I've been trying to process the entire soap opera in between sobs of joy.

Near the end of the Bucks game tonight, they played Jeff Scott Soto "Stand Up And Shout"... phenomenal... just a minor man-crush, nothing to see here.

Van Halen - A Different Kind Of Truth review

So the time has finally arrived. The bow is off the present. The Rapture is here. And let me say if the actual Rapture is this good, I hope I have a front row seat. I've already touched on the lead song & first single "Tattoo", so I won't rehash that. So... here goes.

After "Tattoo" comes a song born in the early VH years, "She's The Woman". Starting off with a groove straight out of Fair Warning, this short tune is quite rollicking. The classic VH groove is very evident, as is the lack of Michael Anthony's high end vocals. Dave is sounding tight & minus the younger screams, shows some good chops.
Up next, is "You And Your Blues", which sound-wise seems to borrow heavily from the Balance era. A moody verse moves into a sing-songy bridge, then into a strong chorus with a little different vocal styling from DLR. Straight-ahead rock & shows some updated VH sounds.
HOLY OPENING!!! Welcome back, Mr. Van Halen. "China Town" is a manic ride in the "I'm The One" or "Atomic Punk" vein. Uptempo, aggressive, yet melodic. And a fantastic Eddie ending to boot.
"Blood And Fire" is my vote for best tune. The clean opening seems quite playful, leading into the verse which plays with the same vibe. The driving beat is classic Halen. It almost ROLLS throughout the song. Another example of Eddie's underappreciated rhythm talents. This may be my new windows-down, summer song. And I rather enjoyed Dave's little aside "Told you I was comin' back". Would've fit on Women & Children First easily.
"Bullethead" returns to the aggressive nature of the opening songs. This one seems almost like it could've come from the Cherone era. Not a favorite, but features some great musicianship.
"As Is"... ain't that the truth. Monstrous drums to begin this song, then breaks into just good-time guitar wanking like only EVH can provide. Another aggressive song. Some heavy Metallica-style tapping in the solo, followed by a classic Dave "a little more volume in the headphones please".
Get past the title of the next song "Honeybabysweetiedoll" and there's a damn good tune in there. Powerful, dirty opening & verse riffs. Heavier than you would expect from such a goofy title. This tune features some sweet stretching in the solo section.
"The Trouble With Never" features two of my favorite lines on the entire disc: "When was the last time you did something for the first time" & the Diamond Dave via Confuscious gem "When you turn on your stereo does it return the favor". Possibly the next single.
"Outta Space" runs with an aggressive riff throughout. Typical Dave simple chorus. Phenomenal EVH solo, deploying all the typical tricks. I could see this tune ending up on VHII.
Next up is my second favorite tune on the disc, "Stay Frosty". Most will compare this to "Ice Cream Man" from the debut, but I think it's more in line with a Women And Children First track. This song displays all the fun of VH: goofy lyrics, rambling guitar riffs, & superb changes... and the denouement guitar jamming is sublime.
Second to last comes "Big River", featuring a simple, yet silky-smooth rhythm groove, which is something EVH is very overlooked for. A nice reflection on what Halen is and always should be. The solo is special because the backing guitar track is dropped, conjuring up thoughts of the debut.
And the big finish, "Beats Workin'"... just a wonderful send off for those fortunate enough to listen to the full disc. Another great groove, consistent with anything from the classic Roth era. The bridge into the chorus is fun as hell when the band drops leaving EVH to emphasize chords over. The breakdown section is everything we've hoped this album would be... groove provided by Alex, rollickin bass line from Wolfie, & tricks galore from Eddie.
I absolutely love this disc... though I think if you dropped "Tattoo" it would be stronger. DLR is spot on vocally, more mature, yet playful as ever. Alex pounds the skins as hard as he pounds the cymbals. Wolfie displays some serious chops (if it is Wolf), and EVH... well EVH is EVH. This guy is in his 50's, right? It's no coincidence that the band has reworked/rerecorded no less than 7 tunes from the classic years. Yet, they hold up so phenomenally, that after listening to it, I can't help but be sad that we haven't heard material like this for 15+ years.
Easily the best disc of '12, and it will take a yeoman's effort to beat it in my ears.

Aaron Rodgers is the NFL MVP

In a 48-2 vote, Aaron Rodgers became the first Green Bay Packer MVP since Brett Favre shared the 1997 award with Barry Sanders.

Single season NFL record 122.5 passer rating, first QB since the merger to have 11 straight games of a 110+ rating, 45/6 TD:INT, 15-1 season without much help on the defensive side or the running game. (click here for a list of all Rodgers' accomplishments)

We were blessed with 17 years of Favre and have seen some special play from his successor since '08. Happy times in WI

I'm absolutely beside myself that liberals would cheat to get what they want...

Fun With Music, the "gimme the gun, Trey" edition

When last I left you, we were immersed in the sea of unknown bands I think you should know. Our journey continues...

First up is W.E.T. comprised of members of Work Of Art, Eclipse, and Talismen. Featuring the phenomenal writing of Eric Martensson of Eclipse and the powerhouse vocals of Jeff Scott Soto. Succulent ear candy & a helluvan album to cruise with the windows down.

Next up is within the previous lineage, as we hit Jeff Scott Soto. Those in the know may remember him as the voice of the original Steel Dragon singer in "Rockstar". Others may know him as the singer on Yngwie Malmsteen's first two discs. Or on tour with Trans-Siberian, or a couple years with Journey, or self-professed Prince & Queen fan, or... you get the point. As versatile a singer as there is around and one of this author's favorite artists ever.

Well, since we're on the W.E.T. train, let's touch on Work Of Art, hailing from Sweden and sounding out some serious AOR tunes.

We'll go back a little into the 90's for Pretty Maids, doing a helluva rendition of the Lynott/Sykes composition "Please Don't Leave Me".

Let's go a little new breed with Big Cock... ya, goofy name, but monstrous tunes. Incidentally, the singer, Robert Mason, is now featured in Warrant.

Breaking tradition on the melodic train, here's Cavo, a band I was turned on to by my buddy Dale & his wife Kelly. Drivin' groove on this tune.

That's about all I have for this session. Please feel free to sample many of the options from this list & the previous... expand your musical knowledge. It's fun, therapuetic, & awesome to clean the house to.

Playing bachelor this weekend while the wife is off on a birding expedition near Eagle River. I'm torn between going out for a steak dinner Friday, or just staying home & cooking up my own. I'm leaning toward making some steak concoction with the help of a nice bottle of Merlot.
Saturday I'm thinking something chicken, with a Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe lemon/pepper...
Then it's the entertainment question: do I go with the extended Lord of the Rings, successive Harry Potter's, seasons of Entourage, or Criminal Minds?

I, for one, am SHOCKED, just shocked. And another reason they didn't want public records made public.

If you need to cheat to win the recall, you were already beat before you started...

GAB finally agrees to post signatures, as per public record laws. I suppose when everyone can see that Mickey Mouse & Adolf Hitler apparently hold a residence in WI, it might put a little damper on your recall.
As for the concern about domestic abuse victims names being released, they should've been informed of the public record aspect when they signed... which I doubt was explained to anyone as the signature was the all-important goal.

10-year Old Shoots 800

I was still deciding which GI Joe was my favorite at age 10. This little guy just reached the pinnacle of his sport.

I'll vote for my goldfish before I vote for another four years from an administration that backs these Occupy fools. Get off the streets & try & occupy a job. The lack of denouncement from Obama is telling...

Fun with Music, part deux

This list differs from the last in that this is my top 20 bands you should give a chance, in no particular order. Now they'll be outside the realm of what radio tells you is popular & if you don't like melodic guitar & soaring vocals, you may just need to look elsewhere. Click on the band name for a tune of my choosing. At any rate, it'll be interesting. Enjoy.

Harem Scarem - This Canadian band I will champion till I'm dead. Too awesome to have not been more popular. This is what melodic rock should always sound like.

Khymera - Italian band. I couldn't find it here, but if you get the chance listen to "The Damage Is Done". Massive vocals on that one. Here is "Beautiful Life", which begins with a wonderful guitar line & driving groove.

Eclipse - Awesome band from Sweden. And as you'll see, they don't sit still. Features the many talents of Erik Martensson, who isn't making his last appearance on this list.

Pink Cream 69 - Get past the goofy name and you'll be amazed by the vocals of David Readman & the production of Dennis Ward. Some bad-ass German shit here.

Evergrey - Another German powerhouse. Sometimes reminds me of Fate's Warning.

EndeverafteR - Is a little band out of Sacramento. Think Poison, but good at their instruments. They run the gamet from the power pop of "Gotta Get Out", to soaring ballads like "Next Best Thing", to my sample "From The Ashes Of Sin", which borrows many NWOBHM tricks.

Gotthard - Another Swiss band, featuring the vocals of the late Steve Lee. Driving rhythyms, HUGE choruses. Good stuff.

We'll end tonights session with a fun one. A band called Bad City that I stumbled across on MelodicRock.com. A little ditty named "Call Paul Stanley".

I'll see you soon with another batch of discoveries.

"I feel proud of the opportunity we were able to give him here, and he capitalized on it... What else can you ask? The guy plays every day, every inning, and he brought a lot of great emotion to this franchise" - Doug Melvin, Brewers GM

Compare that to the LeBron/Cavs fiasco. That's why Doug is so respected within MLB.

Godspeed, Young Fielder

Good for Princey... I have nothing but good things to say about Prince Fielder: he played hard, he played often, & he loved the game. He helped turn the Brewer franchise around & for that, he'll always be remembered warmly by me.

Dan Patrick hearing that RB8 will be exonerated soon... take it for what it's worth, but at least it's good news for once.

EDIT: More comments, with a link to the podcast

Good story from Joe Lemire over at SI.com on Braun's speech last night. One of the very few that doesn't have him hung in effigy before the process is done.

“Sometimes in life we all deal with challenges we never expected to endure. We have an opportunity to look at those challenges and view them either as obstacles or opportunities. I’ve chosen to view every challenge I’ve ever faced as an opportunity and this will be no different. I’ve always believed that a person’s character is revealed through the way they deal through those moments of adversity.
“I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball. Everything I’ve done in my career has been done with that respect and appreciation in mind. That is why I’m so grateful and humbled to accept this award tonight.”
- Ryan Braun accepting the NL MVP award tonight.

He's a stand-up young man, regardless of the upcoming verdict. The Crew had a contingent on hand, including Doug, Gord, & Mark A. And while I'm sure they're proud of his on-field accomplishments, Braun's continued well-spoken nature & general character should make them feel alright that he's the future face of the franchise.

I understand your anger, Duff, but you're seriously going to wonder why the "music fans" aren't against internet piracy of music?
I know you have a finance degree, but this is relatively easy ... because they get it for free.

KISS Album Poll

A poll on the best KISS song per studio album.
A little fun on a Saturday morning, but really people, the highest voted songs on nearly every album are the singles. Dig a little deeper... there's no way "Rock And Roll All Nite" trumps "Rock Bottom". "Heaven's On Fire" couldn't hold "Thrills In The Night"s jock strap. And don't even get me started on "I Love It Loud"... top to bottom that may be the weakest song on Creatures.

Watching High Voltage Festival 2011... which reminds me, revisit Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime. From start to finish, it may be the most cohesive, complete concept album ever laid down, apologies to the Who & Floyd. 24 years later it still holds up, both musically, lyrically, & message-wise.

1.9 million signatures...just under the actual votes in the last WI state election...
Well, I suppose, when Hitler, M. Mouse, Joey Shitpants, & Elvis Presley are considered good signatures with a corresponding WI address, you can spin it any way you want it.
I guarantee that there are not 2 million disallusioned Wisconsinites, based solely on the dedaction of "rights" to collectively bargain taxpayer-funded salaries & benefits. What a collosal waste of time & money, again footed by the taxpayer... though I shouldn't expect any different from liberals.
And to those that damn me as a conservative Republican swine, I could care less about gun or abortion issues. I'm interested in what makes fiscal sense for everyone, especially myself. I think for myself, not along party lines. I was raised Democrat and decided I'd form my own opinions based on how they affect me, not my parents or grandparents.

Presumably, RB8's arbitration hearing is complete. Whether we know something within days or weeks is unclear. For my wife's sake I hope he's exonerated... she's having a rough time as half her wardrobe carries the name & number.
Again, we all want our sports heroes to be humble and clean and Beaver Cleaver, but reality is always an amalgomation of the best and worst.

I personally believe Braun's spent too much time on his public persona to jeopardize his standing as the face of the Brewers to do something so blatant. That being said, the MLB testing is extremely black & white.

For those that love hard rock & heavy metal, do yourself a favor & get iheartradio or find Q104.3 online. Friday nights at 10pm eastern, Eddie Trunk. Good guests, fun info, & jamming tunes for 3 hours.

Shame on Scott Walker for being fiscally responsible with WI taxpayer's money. Strange how you need to dig for stories on this, but a gaggle of self-serving fools carrying in boxes of half-bogus names to the Capitol get top billing.

Tip o' the cap to Al's Ramblings

I'm an avid bowler and I don't know Glenn Carano from Adam... but I do know his daughter. Absolutely gorgeous young lady.

Here we go, Crew fans... Braun's appeal heard today.

For a group allowing Adolf Hitler & Mickey Mouse to sign, I would estimate maybe 75% of those million to be legit.
I remember when California recalled Gray and got... The Terminator, who we all know had NOTHING to do with the outstanding financial state CA is in now. Recalls are a waste of money & time. Voters have opportunities every 2-4 years to make their voices heard. In fact, Walker ran on the very changes he's made, so the "outrage" of forcing a heavily-debted state to become undebted should not be a surprise.
I'm tired of hearing the "take from the rich" because everyone should pay their share... that's what the whole point of the public union issue is: pay your share. I'm lower middle-class & when I hear idiots like The Ed Show spew that Walker is balancing the budget on the backs of the middle class, I get a little pissy. A teacher making 60-100 grand on my taxes alone is NOT middle class. My taxes have gone down, my state is finally returning to health, so what's the problem? You're gravy train has been put in the station? Tough times, tough choices. That's your Greater Good.

The Niners coming out jacked up, as most young teams are apt to do. The key is to have the energy to keep that edge for 60 minutes. The Saints are clearly not out of this, even being down 17-0 midway thru the 2nd quarter, but they can't afford any more turnovers.
Give the Niners a short field, they have their share of weapons too.

I'll tell you what, if I'm a Packer player I have to be wondering what more we need to do to get some love. It seems like every pundit is annointing the Giants as the dominant team. I don't think I've ever seen a 15-1 defending SB champion be so universally regarded as an afterthought.
Ranking defenses by total yardage is asinine... last I checked points won games. And while GB is not the '85 Bears, they're also not the sieve they're made out to be.

Van Halen inks a new "Tattoo"

18 years in the making... New VH dropped today, with first single "Tattoo" from the upcoming album A Different Kind of Truth.

The classic VH harmonies are immediately evident. However, the lack of high range courtesy of one Michael Anthony is noticeably absent. Unlike other VH hardcore's I'm not too upset with the lack of the former Mr. Sobolewski. He's got a pretty good gig going on with Chickenfoot these days.
The opening riff is very reminiscent of the groove & chorus of "Hear About It Later" from Fair Warning. Go ahead, check 'em out back to back. I think you'll hear what I do.
It was quite clear that the band chose to let Wolfie groove during the opening verse, as he, perhaps, will be the most scrutinized band member.
Lyrically, it's about what you expect from DLR: campy, half-sung, half-spoken, tongue-in-cheek... essentially, fun. Musically, the tone is recognizable as Balance-era, "Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do". A cleaner tone than the Roth-era Brown Sound, but pleasing nonetheless. The real star of this tune is, of course, the solo. Chock full of melody, tricks, squeals, taps, arpeggios, and whatever other trick EVH has bestowed on the 6-string world.
Overall, this tune actually does a great job of growing better with successive listens. After diving into the original 6 Roth discs over the last few weeks, I think this one may just live up to the hype. If nothing else, it's nice to hear the sweet cymbal work of Alex & EVH staking claim to the throne he deserted a decade ago.

I'm sitting here, like everyone else in Wisconsin, wondering what the Packers will get for Matt Flynn now. And with a high draft pick in exchange for his services, the rich get richer. - Mike Hunt, JSOnline


Unless the new labor deal has been significantly altered, a team gets nothing for a free agent, Mr. Hunt. And to think, soon you can pay to read the drivel provided by the Journal Sentinel & it's pantheon of "writers".