Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The ONLY reason to oppose the voter ID law is because you can't get your way without cheating... so much for impartial judgement.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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.
It links to an interview with Will Carroll from FoxSports, who references that the defense team actually replicated the failed test for the panel.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
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.
"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.
There's my one petty post about the whole Braun situation. Enjoy.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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
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
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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?
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?
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