It Comes But Once Every Four Years...

Yes, it's 'Leap Day' and I think I'm posting just for the sake of letting others know that yes, I am indeed still among the living. I survived my work 'marathon' (albeit barely) and spent today cleaning my apartment and getting my life back into a semblance of order. I'm so behind on everything now that it's darn near scary - but at least I have clean socks. So, rather than freak out and try to accomplish everything in a day, I parked my kiester on my couch this afternoon and watched a few episodes of the phenomenon that I missed until now: The Tudors. I highly recommend it to any of you out there that might like to watch the corruption and smut of the 16th century.

And with that, I think I shall return to my divot on the couch and refuel for tomorrow...

YESSSSSSS!

Super G-Men

They beat Dallas - in Dallas.

They beat Green Bay - in Green Bay.

They proved everyone wrong.

Now they've landed in Pheonix to play the Patriots for all the marbles.

Go Giants Go!!!

And even if they don't win (although I have a firm belief that they will; albeit in a squeaker), I'll still be smiling...

Ready, Set, FAWM!

Welcome to a very special Friday edition of 'NRT'. Today, Friday, February 1st, marks the first day of FAWM (February Album Writing Month) 2008. Bring on 29 days of music making joy!

For those of you unfamiliar with the joys of FAWM, here's the quick and dirty:Back in 2003, four music lovers in Madison Wisconsin got together with the idea to make the darkest, coldest and shortest month of the year something special - each of them write 14 songs in 28 days. Needless to say, they had more material for the weekly 'open mike night' at the campus pub than ever before and plenty of folks (myself included) were quite impressed that most of the work was completed in just a day or two.

Now, it's five years later and there are over 1300 FAWMers taking the challenge! So, in honor of all the greatness that is FAWM, this month's NRTs will feature FAWM artists and their music (whether it be FAWM created or not). Consider this week's Ear Candy link to be a preview of the great things to come.

And with that, let the onslaught of demo uploading begin!!

An Arsenal of Sound

Greetings and welcome to another edition of NRT (albeit a day late). This week, I thought I would change it up a bit and feature a female fronted group. Say Wa??? Yes, it's true... From time to time I actually do enjoy listening to the sound of someone from my own gender category. OK then, now that the shock of that is over, let's get down to business shall we? Put your hands together for:

Hot Bitch Arsenal

HBA is Christina - gifted with a smooth as silk made for jazz voice who does her own thing with her friend Kim - a man and his laptop (no, I'm not kidding). Now, I probably wouldn't have discovered their smooth, relaxing sound if it had not been for a funky, super-cool remix of their tune Double Down Quick done by the artist Nebulae. To hear this gem click here and then click on the Double Down Quick (Nebulae Mix) link (it's the last one on the list in the player found to the left of the page).

Then, enjoy the smooth sounds of this duo by treating yourself to a warm drink and...

All Along The Chilltower

From The Start

You Bet I Will

Sailing On Right By

For an extra goodie (a surprising, and fabulous cover), check out the Ear Candy link on the sidebar.

What's A Girl To Do?

The Giants won!!! So now, they head to Green Bay to play my

other favorite boys for the NFC Championship. **SIGH**...

This is tough to say, but months ago I had said that I would love

to see The Pack play New England and have The Pack win in
a squeaker. So, (and I'm sorry NY) GO PACK!!

I think I'm in love...

Today, I present lyrical genius Jonathan Coulton - a Yale grad who quit his day job as a computer programmer to focus on writing/performing music. Granted, I may have a bias given that he sings about all things science and geeky (and seems to have an affinity for monkeys!!); but damn, his stuff is catchy! All the tunes speak for themselves; so I'm going to keep it short and just let you decide (like I have) that this man deserves to a have a shire erected to him someplace.

I Feel Fantastic

I Crush Everything

Skullcrusher Mountain

The Return Of NRT

So I totally admit that I've been slacking when it comes to ye olde blog. Especially when it comes to one of the reasons that I initially started it up in the first place - to expose readers to music. Thus, one of my resolutions this year is to do a better job with the music exposure and to bring back the weekly post of NRT (New Release Thursday for those who may have forgotten). Also, I am going to attempt to use NRT to expose brand new or under-exposed artists. And with that, let's get back to the music, shall we?

The first NRT of this new year brings you probably the best rock band you've never heard: Tenpenny Joke. Five amazingly talented guys from Down Under; the band is influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. On first impression, they may come across as five average guys in yet another cookie-cutter alternative band; but they are anything but average. Lead singer Anthony Casey conveys such deep emotion with his voice that he draws listeners into each and every tune (many of which contain powerful, eye-opening lyrics) . While there, your ears are delighted with the amazing musicianship of guitarist (and sometimes vocalist) Brian Rimmer, drummer Jay Pinfield, guitarist Pete Coon, and bassist Jules Senserrick (what's not to like when they've got a guys named Jules?). Their sound is unlike anything I have ever heard and I was hooked the first time I heard the amazing She. And if you like (and I'm certain that many of you will) please take a listen of other gems Black Satellite, Don't Go, Sense, and of course this week's ear candy link. Enjoy and then find their website and demand that they finish up that new record and get themselves state side pronto. I'm still trying to find a way to get my hands on a hard copy of the current album as it seems to only be available in Australia. Bah.

And with that, I will allow you to entertain your ears with the magical sounds of Tenpenny Joke. While you're at it, feel free to check out the new primate spot as well.

Happy New Year!!

They got started late, but the Mummers have begun to strut their stuff down Broad Street here in Philadelphia. Thus, 2008 may officially begin!! Seriously, nothing is better for a New Year's hang over than a bunch of middle-aged men in elaborate costume carrying parasols down the street to the sound of a plucking banjo.

So, gather your sequins and feathers...




Grab your banjo...

And whatever you do, for heaven's sake, don't forget your parasol!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Benazir Bhutto 1953 - 2007

I wasn't sure that I wanted to 'blog' this particular topic as each time I think about it, I get quite emotional one way or another. Mostly angry, but I am also quite sad about this. So, rather than sit here and ravage my opinion on the Pakistani government and all of the horrors that could be, I have decided instead to pay my respects to former Prime Minister Bhutto by paying tribute to her legacy - not only as a politician, but a woman of power in an Islamic state who spoke the true beliefs of Islam - peace, good and equality for all.

I myself am one-half Middle Eastern. You wouldn't know it to look at me, but I am. Due to this, I had what most consider to be a unique upbringing and can guarantee that my household was the only one in our middle class NJ neighborhood tuned into late night world news so my father could keep up with the happenings in the Middle East. Thus, we were front and center in 1988 when Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister. My father, of course, had his opinions on the situation; but I was completely mesmerized by the fact that this strikingly beautiful, incredibly intelligent woman was being sworn in to lead an Islamic nation even though I know I was too young to understand the brevity of the situation.

I was saddened, and angered, to see her dismissed from power in 1990 due to corruption charges; and when she was re-elected in 1993 I hoped things would be different. Sadly though she was once again dismissed and then fled into self-imposed exile in 1998. When she announced she would return to Pakistan this past summer I had mixed feelings about it. I was of course elated that she was going to return to Pakistan, but feared that she would encounter violence that even she could not have imagined given the sweeping changes in view point that have taken place during the last five years in the Middle East. But, when she knelt down to kiss the ground upon arriving back in Pakistan, I knew that she would either change the world, or die trying. Sadly, it is now the latter. I commend her bravery and hope that her supporters continue to fight for her beliefs in her honor. May every man, woman and child around this Earth take a page from her book and come to understand that all persons, no matter sex, color, religion or economic status, are equal. Finally, may Allah keep Bhutto by his side and keep all she loved from harm.

Exit, Stage Left...

I guess it's time that I just suck it up, face the music, and make it official...

Last week, I made the decision to withdraw from my graduate program and did so on Friday after several meetings and obtaining umpteen signatures (yes, I realize that I will not be receiving a tuition refund). It's a decision I had been struggling with for a while, and just finally concluded that the path I was on wasn't the right one for me. It's not that I couldn't handle the work, it's just that I wasn't really all that happy; and finally saw the light on a dream that I've been chasing for seven years now. I guess it comes down to that you can want something so badly that you block out everything else. Then, once you get it, your eyes are able to see the other things you've been missing. I think this is what happened to me; and now I've got a world of possibility ahead of me. In all honesty, I'm excited and scared to death all at the same time.

Should I Even Bother?

'Cause you know if I post this, then it's only going to change. Oh well, here goes nothing...

I was burning the late night oil (HUGE midterm today - over now - phew!!) and had ESPN on for background noise. Well, after the highlight reel from yet another Brett Favre history making moment (Go PACK!!), 'As the NY Yankees Turns' proceeded to have diarrhea of the mouth so to speak. Highlights:

Girardi coming in as Skipper.

Works for me.

A-Rod leaving.

I say good riddens. I can't wait to see what we can stock the bullpen with now that his over-inflated salary will need to be put to good use elsewhere.

Donnie Baseball says bye-bye.

Say WHA?!?!?!

Joe Torre may go to the Dodgers and take Don with him.

I'll wait for the next conflicting report to emerge on this one given that the Dodgers need to buy out Grady Little first.

Now, as thinking too far into this will most likely result in giving me a brain cramp, I think I'll just leave it at that. I need to retain the few neurons that I have left in order to make it through class later anyway...

Yup, It's Baseball - AGAIN...

Hi all. First, my sincere apologies to Ourika and those of you who have messaged me in disappointment of seeing the musical reference only to discover that the post was about Baseball. However, that's just the way it is right now. I'm finding that when I have a bit of time away from school, work, and life in general that the only thing that is making me truly happy is Baseball. I've always been a rabid fan, but this season I found myself more in tune with the game than the last five years. I think it's because when I'm taking a break (whether it be at 8pm or 2am) that I can turn on the tube or hop on the net and find it. Also, I don't have to feel bad 'hanging up' on a game when I have to get back to work. So, please forgive me, but chances are that Baseball is going to be the topic 'round these parts for a while.

OK then, on with the show...

Turns out that we still don't have an answer from Steinbrenner, Inc and won't have one until the end of the World Series. Thank you Bud Selig who seems to believe that if the Yankees announce who the new manager will be that it will distract from the Series. Hello? The only thing distracting (or perhaps I should say repelling??) people from the Series right now is the fact that Boston is up by 2 games. Blech. So, as I wait patiently to see who will be leading my boys next season, I will do what all Yankee fans are bred to do: ROUTE AGAINST BOSTON! Although I was big time apathetic during the NLCS after Philly got knocked out, I am now riding the Rockies band wagon...

GO ROCKIES!!!!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I Love Ya, Tomorrow! We're Only (possibly) A Day Away...

But, who will it be????

Mattingly?

Girardi?

Pena?

The Latest Chapter...

As the soap opera that is the New York Yankees continues to spin along its merry-go-round, enter Don Mattingly - Donnie Baseball; Number 23; Mr. Eight Time Gold Glove Winner; Mr. .407 Career Slugging Percentage; whatever you would like to call him... will head to Tampa this coming week to meet with the Steinbrenner, Inc. regarding the open manager's position.

I know I should be excited; but, instead, I'm somewhat torn about this. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the man (sat along the first base line many a time during the late eighties and early nineties just to watch him in action); and believe that he will make an excellent manager. But, I'm not sure that this is the 'right' time to do it. I always knew that he would be a Yankee forever and would ultimately rise to the position of skipper; and was totally delighted when he moved from hitting coach to bench coach this last season. However, I'm fearing that the front office is looking to perhaps take advantage of the vulnerability of the team and may look to hire Don under some sort of 'situational contract' that could ultimately cause all kinds of turmoil. What will Steinbrenner do if he hires Don and the 2008 team fails to make it to the Series, or even to the playoffs? Could Don sadly turn into the next Billy Martin? OK, not that bad, but you know what I'm trying to say. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this pans out...

So, as the interviewees (former catcher Joe Girardi and current first base coach Tony Pena are also scheduled) descend upon Tampa, I will hope that Steinbrenner, Inc. pulls their collective head out of it's ass and does this in a decent and professional manner. After all, we ALL only want what's best for the Bombers.

Ah yes, some final words before I get back to work...

GO TRIBE!!!!

Oh Joe, Say It Ain't So...

This is yet another one of those times that proves that all good things must come to an end. Yes, boys and girls, the news is true... After 12 years as skipper of the Bronx Bombers, Joe Torre is leaving. And as sad as I am, I really cannot blame him. What Steinbrenner, Inc. did to this man was not only incorrigible, but down right insulting. Seriously, who looks to give a manager who lead a team to 12 straight post season births a one year deal with incentives for going to the postseason along with a clause that says that the position will only be tenured if the team makes it to the Series? Talk about sad. Sad for the whole Yankee family - except for those who planned this perfectly; and who were no doubt clanking their champagne glasses together after Torre's news conference earlier today.

Oh yes, George, Hal, Hank, this means you. For 10 days you sat around and tried to figure out a way to get this to work in your favor without actually having to fire the man. Well, you may have gotten your way, but you're all still looking like the southern end of the north bound horse thanks to this little stunt.

Joe, I'll miss you - deeply. I will also miss those players who will no doubt now take leave of the team as you will no longer be there to guide them. However, please know that I do not, and will not, think any less of any of you; but rather, will continue to hold the memories that you have given me over the last decade. My twenties were, thanks to you and your players, the best of my 'baseball years'; but I know that there will be more to come.

Best wishes to you Joe. You will certainly be missed...

Some End Of Season Parting Words...

To my boys:

I LOVE you no matter what and always will.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Steinbrenner (aka - the jackass of the front office):

For you, whom I do not care for one iota; I have an all together different message:

If you fire Joe Torre, I will personally come to NY and stage a one woman riot in right field. I have been a Yankee fan since I found out what the word 'baseball' meant nearly 30 years ago; and can say with all honesty that firing Joe would be the STUPIDEST move you have EVER made. And you sir, have made more than a few stupid moves...

Wanna Know What Turns Me On??

Many thanks to Vemrion over at Electric Monkey Pants for the introduction. I'm drooling like Homer Simpson over this puppy and am fantasizing about the amazing things I could build. Yes, I'm a geek, but you already knew that. Just imagine 3D models of brain regions in full color detail...

Watch this baby in action!!

Puppets Rock!

Confession time...

This summer I watched reality TV. WTF?!?! Yes, apparently, even I am capable of sucomming to the horrors that cable brings us in the off season. How did this happen you ask? Well, there I was, flipping around, when I came across NBC's America's Got Talent. There was this dude with a giant puppet wearing a feather boa on his arm. I thought to myself 'Oh goodie. Yet another douche bag who thinks he's capable of getting a couple of yucks from bantering with a puppet. Here's hoping I don't see his lips move.' I settled in with every intention of making a full on negative commentary. Then, the son-of-a-bitch made me eat my words. I was captivated and he totally blew me away!! Shit, I started to tune in just to see him. And then, when it came to down to the final, I freely admit that I voted - multiple times! Yes, I got on my phone and then proceeded to use up my votes on TX ventriloquist Terry Fator.

Needless to say, I'm delighted that he won. I wasn't able to catch Tuesday's finale due to class, but give thanks for the internet. And now for those of you who may not have been sucked into the AGT abyss (or perhaps were spending your evenings on some other guilty pleasure), I give you the amazing Terry Fator and his friends. ENJOY!!!


My first encounter

Simply brilliant (my personal favorite)

The big winner (the final four performance)

The show stopper (too brilliant for words!!)

Holy Cow...

I lost a hero today. Well, yesterday. But thanks to microbiology, etc... I didn't find out until just now. Phil "The Scooter" Rizzuto died yesterday at the ripe old age of 89. He was one of the greatest shortstops ever to bless the diamond; and he was the best damn sports broadcaster ever. Because of the Scooter, I wanted to be a shortstop and I wanted to be on the radio. Thankfully, I managed both. The first not as well as I would have liked; but with the second I pretty much cleaned up. I honestly believe that I have him to thank for my radio success as he showed me at the tender age of three what could be accomplished by a voice across the airwaves with his unmatched ability to call the game while adding endless color commentary. In addition, this October marks the 29th anniversary of when I hid under my blankets with my portable radio listening to the Scooter call the 1978 series into the wee hours (well, at least for a four-year-old). I gave thanks for my carpet square and made good use of my nap time at preschool just so I could hold out long enough; but I never did make it to a game end. My mom or dad would always have to come in to turn off the radio and my mom recalls finding me more than once hugging it in my sleep. Thus, I can pretty much say without a doubt that the Phil Rizzuto was my first 'real' hero. I will never forget those nights as they are some of my fondest childhood memories; and I will never EVER forget the Scooter.

I never thought I would ever do this, but to quote Steinbrenner:


"I guess heaven must have needed a shortstop,"



And so, in honor of #10, I close with this:
(thanks to Steve Berry's website)




And This...

The Scooter At His Best (Audio)