The Most Important Medium of Our Time

"Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult." 

-Michael Jackson

As many of you are aware, Michael Jackson invented the music video. Seeing as the music video is the most relevant and important artistic medium of the late 20th century, it occurred to this writer that some of his work might be gathered here for review. Here are the music videos that have defined the human condition as it exists today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYx3BR2aJA4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfJu_Bom2sA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqxo1SKB0z8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En-cHBv7UpA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tqYUTjQIc0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG5NhkxQJQc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex30DYwQlHU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVoJ6OO6lR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNl2Pm9-7Vk

And for more high-fidelity screenings:

http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Jackson-Video-Greatest-HIStory/dp/B00005A1T1/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5

Hilariously Sick Obama Products

Rocking out,

Obaaaaama! The name sells tickets, as well as many everyday products including:

--Basketball Shoes

Rhymes which are true and funny.

Women's Apparel

Bobble heads, stuffed animals, ice cream, and action figures. Also, notice another use of the Obama Llama combination.

His favorite brand.

For chicken and waffles.

Whatever it takes.

Hilarious black Obama cartoon.

hot sauce!

Gettin'er versus Ill

First Installment of Gettin'er versus Ill. It is very simple, one is either Gettin'er, obviously gettin'er done, or being ill, or illegitimate. We'll go 12 rounds:

Round 1: Canadian Music

Spending lots of time working up here in the Canada, I have been barraged by many different types of Canadian music with always the same pre-caution: Americans don't like Canadian Music. Not so fast. 

Gettin'er Canadian Music: The New Pornographers, Wolf Parade, Black Mountain, Sam Roberts, and Arcade Fire. Suggested Song of the group: Arcade Fire Rebellion it Rocks. 

Ill Canadian Music: Simple Plan, Nickleback (kill me), Three Days Grace, and William Shatner. If you haven't seen William Shatner's Rocketman Youtube video, save yourself the trouble and don't watch it. 

Round 2: Soccer

Gettin'er: The United States of America Soccer team made it to the finals of the Confederation Cup, beating probably the top playing team in the World Spain to get there. The Spain win was one of the biggest wins in US history, as Spain was on the longest winning streak in the country and probably favored by 3 goals of the US who beat them 2-0. In the Finals of the Confederation the United States went up 2-0 on BRAZIL at halftime and although they lost 3-2 to BRAZIL, when was the US Soccer team a. in the finals of ANYTHING, b. ever beating BRAZIL or c. beaten a WORLD #1 in SOCCER? Definitely GETTIN'ER!

Ill: Kaka. First of all your name is Cock-ah. Thats pretty Illegitimate you tool. Second of all, you turned down a record 107 million Euros to move to the Premier league, to compete at the highest soccer level available. If you want to be respected in soccer, play against the best, get paid the most, and "just do it." Don't be a pussy and not take the money because you don't know how good your team is going to be. Jump up on that horse and be a man. Besides, the economy sucks, 107 euros could really help you get your name changed dick. 

Round 3: Golf 

Gettin'er: Lucas Glover. You were able to keep your composure, even when you looked doomed to give the US Open away and pull a Ricky Barnes and bite it. But all through it all, you stuck in there and pulled out some very high pressured shots and my hat is off to you. You have been struggling with your game, and everyone loves a good comeback story. 

Ill: I hate to say this, but Tiger Woods, and the Tiger Woods hype. I have been a long time supporter of Tiger, and he is by far my favorite golfer today and will be of all time. But I am sick of every golf reporter picking him to win every event he plays in. Sure, he played phenomenal at the Memorial, and out of no where hit 14/14 fairways on Sunday to shoot 7 under and win, however, that wasn't Bethpage Black in the Rain, with plenty of dog legs, deep thick rough, and lightning fast greens. Unless he wins the British and PGA this year, we need to stop picking him to win every event. And on top of that, Golf reporters need to stop giving their "If not Tiger, than who analysis" because not one person picked Lucas Glover to win, Trevor Immelman to win the Masters, Cabrera in last years Masters, Padraig in his first Major win. Just say, they're all good, I like Mike Weir. 

Round 4: Real Pop Music

Gettin'er: Michael Jackson. Enough Said. 

Ill: Any crap they play on the radio these days. Again, nuff said. 

Round 5: Cell Phones

Gettin'er: This one is pretty obvious, but the iPhone 3GS. The new mobile me functions of the new iPhone are really cool. If you lose your phone, you can log on to a computer and locate your iPhone via GPS. If someone steals your iPhone, you can easily back up all the info in your mobile me before hand, clear the phone's records from a computer, and send your a phone a message that will display on the iPhone's screen such as "Hey ese, return my phone." 

Ill: Sprint and Sprint Phones. I have been with spring for a couple years, and have never like one phone they have ever provided. My palm centro is a P.O.S. and when I looked on-line today for a new upgrade, I didn't like any of your options. Thats ok, I'm getting an iPhone when I cancel my service this fall. 

Round 6: NBA DRAFT

Gettin'er: No Surprise here again, but the University of Louisville Cardinals. 2 Pitino boys were selected in the to 14, more than any other school, and probably the best nicknames in the draft: T-Will and E5. 

Ill: The Cleveland Cavaliers. You've got L money, the best player in basketball, you get him Shaq, for his farewell tour, and then out of no where, when you got rid of Ben Wallace, and could draft the next probably best rebounder in the NBA DeJuan Blair, you pick up Christian Eyenga: NEWS FLASH: They don't play basketball in Congo. 

Round 7: What's the point in doing 12 rounds without a little boxing

Gettin'er: Miguel Cotto. I loved your Clottey fight that went the distance. You made me a true believer of what you've got and that fight was probably one of the best I have watched since the glory days of boxing. After an accidental head bunt split open your right eye that bled the entire fight, impairing you vision and ability to see any of Clottey's right punches, you held in their the entire fight when there could have been a no decision before 4 rounds if you wanted to give up. Their shouldn't of even been a split decision, you won outright and If Margarito hadn't been loading his gloves, you'd still have an undefeated record. Can't wait for you to fight Mayweather... please?

Ill: Floyd Mayweather Jr. First time I truly saw you fight was against Oscar de la Hoya, who is my boy and I would have loved to have seen you guys fight when he was in his prime. Besides that, I was a believer of you after you dismantled Ricky Hatton in a blowout but then you just quit. You quit when Boxing is coming back into form with the rise of so many stars in the welters and middles. Right before Marquez, Pacquiao, Cotto, Clottey, Margarito (before the stuff) even Shane Mosley (although you beat him) is on the rise again. Now you were scheduled to fight Marquez and had to delay the fight because of a rib injury. Was this really an injury, or did you just not have enough time to prepare? Too busy partying and doing Sprint commercials? Step up, and show us you still got it. Ill see you Sept. 19.

Round 8: Jordans

Gettin'er: Michael Jordan, always and forever.

Ill: Jeffrey! My man! What happened! We used to be psychology buddies, and I love your Land Rover. I know Illinois has some sweet guards coming in this season, but you easily could have gotten some PT and into a leadership role. I know it must be tough living in your dad's shadow, but you were my boy. I thought we had something. I'm sorry Rory and I dominated you and Calvin Brock at CRCE, I won't do it anymore, I graduated, you can come back to the Illini. Gonna miss you

Round 9: Iran

Gettin'er: The poor story of the girl Neda going to school. Moussavi.

Ill: Ahmadinejad

Round 10: Social Networking

Gettin'er: Pirate Facebook setting, the "you like this" button on on comments, Myspace for Artists/Musicians, Shaq on Twitter. 

Ill: Myspace for 17 year old swampers, Facebook "profiles", Signing on twitter and having sex hotlines follow you, facebook advertising, donks friending you because it is cheaper than e-harmony.

Round 11: Moufs

Gettin'er: Megan Fox. Goodness.

Ill: Victoria Beckham, you got a breast reduction. What a shame to society. Its ok, you're still beautiful on the inside. 

Round 12: Rednecks

Gettin'er: They're all gettin'er. Especially John F'en Daly. He is my savior, especially when he uses a tall boy as a tee. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDqbfXj_Wp0

GA GA GA GETTIN'ER!

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Rocking out,

My fellow rockers, today is without a doubt a day that will stand in the mind of rockers forever, We lost one of our own today, as the greatest performer of all time has passed on. Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop", was more than just an artist. He was a global icon whose initials arguably make him the most famous MJ of all time. He was a smash sensation from the start, blessing the world with hits such as "ABC" and "I Want You Back" with his siblings in the Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 was synonymous with Motown, and even had their own cartoon show. With Michael as the frontman, things eventually started to speed up. Michael eventually went on to pursue his solo career, making countless number one hits and multi-platinum and even multi-diamond records along the way. His most popular album, "Thriller", is the best-selling album of all time, rumored to have sold over 109 million copies world-wide.

All the controversy and legal issues aside, we must remember Michael in a positive light. He did more to music than anyone else before or after him, and his legacy must go on. We must dance the "Thriller" with Philippino inmates. We must be "Bad". We must "Beat It" day in and day out. But most importantly, we must not forget the significance Michael Jackson made to rocking out. He certainly knew how to rock out, and he never faltered in that respect.

I leave you all with a quote from Jacko himself. “And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.”- Michael Jackson

Rest in Peace, Michael. I know you're doing the moonwalk up in heaven with the G-man himself.

Respectfully,

BA

White Denim - Fits

Today is a good day. White Denim just released a new album entitled, "Fits" in the UK only. Fortunately for me, we live in such a wonderful futuristic society that allows me to download it anyway. White Denim hail from Austin, Texas and have a much larger following in Europe than in the United States. This notion perplexes me, why a band that rocks out and gets er done, so hard with such an American sound has a pitiful fan base in the states. Anyone who knows me knows that I thought that White Denim rocked from their first album, Workout Holiday, and probably heard me drone on and on about how much they rock. Well here I go again. This album ROCKS. The thing that I like most about White Denim is just when any of their songs settles into a flow and you think you know the direction it is going to go, they always go the complete opposite direction. It takes a great deal of talent to craft a song that can do this successfully without losing the listener completely. Anyone looking for White Denim to expand much on their sound from the last album is going to be disappointed with this album because it pretty much follows the same formula that the last one did and that formula is upbeat, and furious bass combined with vocal intensity and grunge guitar that will literally melt your face. All I ever wanted from this band was more rock and this album does just that. Check out White Denim's myspace page here. The new album Fits has no definite United States release. This needs to change.

Identity Crisis

Rocking out,

One of the most anticipated mixtapes in the hip-hop world was dropped upon us today, and I must say..... It fucking rocks. The sophomore mixtape from B.o.B, aka Bobby Ray, is everything you would expect and more. On one side of his split personality is B.o.B, beat brainchild and lyrical mastermind. He brings back catchy, often throwback beats along with some serious flow that brings you back to the Who the Fuck is B.o.B mixtape.

His other schizophrenic side, Bobby Ray, continues his other love of rock-fused hip hop with the occasional reggae beat thrown in the mix. All in all, B.o.B or Bobby Ray, whatever the fuck you want to call him, really showed the world he wasn't a one hit wonder. These are songs that are sure to be rockin' all summer long. Doin' it, and doin' it, and doin' it......Wow. All we do is juke. Click on the link below to get the mixtape, holmes.

B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray Mixtape- Download

Jacko is backo, down with Blago.

BA

The Ebony Hillbillies

I'm not going to get into any sort of introduction for my first post, just going to head straight to the top, the top of rocking... New York Street Rocking, more importantly the subway of new york, where you will find some of the hardest rocking hillbillies known on the planet. They may not be rocking in the everyday use of the term, but The Ebony Hillbillies can play powerful bluegrass with the best of NYC's city music players. Once just a band trying to making a living on the streets, they've powered their way to two CD's and landed themselves in folk and bluegrass festivals across the country. Here is an excerpt from their website, www.ebonyhillbillies.com:

"The Ebony Hillbillies are not only one of the last black string bands in AMERICA, but they are the only string band based in NYC. Consisting of fiddle, banjo, washboard and bass fiddle, they have successfully created a following that has crossed over to audiences in pop, country, bluegrass, folk, jazz and beyond while maintaining their grassroots credibility. Their 19thcentury string band sound was popular in the 1920's and 1930's. This was a key element in the genesis of jazz and virtually everything after (blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock & roll, etc...). Those myriad influences can be heard to good effect on the group's debut CD, Sabrina's Holiday. The disc explodes with fascinating takes on such standards as "Liza Jane," "Granny Will Your Dog Bite" and a particularly edgy interpretation of "Cluck Old Hen" along with a couple of originals and the old folk song, "Shenandoah," which Norris sings with power and passion. 

Sabrina's Holiday is also a showcase for Norris' hard-charging dulcimer playing. "The dulcimer fits together with the violin in a different way than the banjo and the fiddle," Rique explains. Rhythmically, it's a completely different sound. [When Norris switches from the banjo over to the dulcimer], it's like 'here we go—now we're a different group!'"

Henrique Prince, lead singer and also known on the streets as just Rique, adds a great dynamic old timing voice that really bridges the upbeat bluegrass with an old time folk feeling. I'm checking them out at a festival in Vancouver in a couple weeks and will give you a final verdict. Check em out on youtube in Memphis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0glMIGvTlI

ga ga ga gettin'er

getyourbasketballon.com

Rocking out,

Remember Charlie Murphy from the "Rick James Bitch!" Chapelle Episode, well he morphed into Leroy Smith and become a basketball superstar. Check him out: getyourbasketballon.com

New Rock

Today a new by Brendan Benson song was released entitled "Feel Like Taking You Home". Brendan Benson is more famously known for his work with a band that really knows how to rock out known as the Raconteurs. Although his early work had a small following (More on this later I am trying to find it) this album will surely have more of a following because of his new success. The whole album is not going to be released August 18 so until then this is the only song we have to go by. I think that the track is pretty good and I am excited to hear the whole album. Anyway make your own call. Check it out here.

Welcome

Wow. The resemblance is uncanny. Yet I think it may not be as far out as you make it seem. I think the generic Lego looks like a douche and I think Blago looks like a generic douche. Please direct your eyes towards the right corner of the picture. Here is another case of Lego doucheism.

Welcome to the blog BA. Finally someone else managed to post something here. Look at all of the fucking contributors that we have. Now I don't have to read another post by The Other Dustin. No offense Dustin rocking out is getting er done?. It is a fact. But it is nice to read something else every once in a while.

Gettin er

Rocking the Blago-sphere

Rocking out,

Salutations to all those out in Rocksville, USA. Anyhoo, I was going about my normal Wednesday business (aka: humping random things in honor of hump Wednesday, farting underneath the covers and seeing which legos I could eat) when I came across a striking discovery. As I was seeing which Star Trek legos I could fit in my mouth, I noticed an uncanny resemblance amongst one of the lego-trekkies. Take a look at this space cadet:

Come OOOONNNN. Now tell me that isn't Rod "Put a Senate Seat on Fuckin' Craigslist" Blagojevich. The similarities are uncanny. The beady eyes. The skeezy smile. The unbelievably perfect hair. I mean it's almost like they just made one lego dude for both their Star Trek and Douchebag Governor Lego Sets. See for yourself:

COME ONNNN! I rest my case. Point Rocking Out.

Balls I gotta say is, "Briiiitnnaaaaaay WAAAARRRTTTCCCHHH!!" Big Aristotle out. Gettin' er done.

BA

Cristopher Scott Wickman: A Hipster Fantasy

Rocking out,

The man shown above is one Christopher Wickman, a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and fervent PBR supporter; in fact, on several occasions I have been reprimanded for asserting that better beer is worth it's additional cost. While I have been known to enjoy an genuine Miller Lite, and don't mind paying the extra dough. Truly, rocking out cannot be limited by cheapness or frugality; anyone seeking the approval of the rock gods should pursue a path of much greater understanding of quality.

This will ensure the process of rocking out and getting er done.

Sincerely,

Iranian Presidential Election: Rising Action

Rocking out,

If you haven't been paying attention to international news in the past few weeks then you are probably unaware of the epic presidential election which occurred this past Friday in Iran. The previously elected incumbent candidate, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has been accused of rigging the election and paying tens of thousands to line the streets of Iran's capital city, Tehran. CNN cameras have captured some of the events which had ensued including the use of tear gas and extreme riot control to stop protesters at the University of Tehran.

There are many who are making efforts to stop the terror, but their lives are not safe as the president has control of the Iranian armed forces and has wielded them repeatedly to stop the opposition. Some bloggers in Iran have asked for the help of hackers to infiltrate the country's propaganda database and disrupt it. Here's one of those articles: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/activists-launch-hack-attacks-on-tehran-regime/.

Bottom line being there is no evidence at this point to assure the public of the truth and as the President seeks more military power and control Iran will fall further into this illegitimate state.

Check it out for yourself:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/06/14/iranviews0614.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/15/AR2009061502253.html

Stephen Strasburg: Straight to the Majors?

Rocking out,

Today this man, Stephen Strasburg, was drafted number one overall to the Washington Nationals (not Natinals). His agent, Scott Boris (check out how many clients he has: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/scott-boras-cli.html), has been said to be looking for a guaranteed contract somewhere in the area of $50 Million. Now this is clearly an estimate, definitely an overestimation, which seems completely absurd considering Mark Prior only got $10.5 Million when he signed with the Cubs in 2001. Wow that was almost a decade ago. This contract remains the highest paid first year player in MLB history.

In addition, Strasburg is thought to be the first in many years to move directly from the draft into the majors. Boris is saying that his client has better stuff than most in the majors and could be in a five man rotation on any MLB team. Now this is pretty cool, if he has the capability to do this it would be quite an interesting experiment. Major ESPN journalists like Buster Olney & Tim Kirkjian have tread softly over Strasburg's future, but taboo didn't stop Woody Paige from proclaiming him a future hall of famer during today's "Around the Horn".

Aside from the facts, it just seems too far fetched to believe that this kid is going to come out of nowhere and steal the MLB spotlight. Now, he is unanimously considered by scouts to be the greatest college pitching recruit ever, which undeniably makes heads turn, but still how is it possible? Going into school at San Diego State he was known to be a chubby kid throwing his fastball for strikes at 96 mph; in a few short years he has turned himself into a physical specimen clocking his current fastball at 103 mph, that's fucking nuts. Still it is so hard to make these judgement calls and as always injuries can be a concern since a pitcher is so fragile.

Bottom line, this kid is gonna be fun to watch if he makes the most of his first few years in the league. As Greg Maddux has been quoted many times as saying that it isn't necessarily about the pitcher's skills, it is more about how they approach hitters and adjust as they get older. In the majors hitters are good enough to figure out if pitchers aren't making the proper adjustments and eventually a pitcher will get rocked as his secret is unveiled.

I'm pulling for this kid to be successful, and if the "Natinals" want to show the MLB they're worthy of still being a major league franchise, then they'd better make the right decisions with Strasburg. As of today Washington is far from rocking, with the addition of Strasburg next year they at least have a better chance of getting er done.

Big Zorny, how good is this kid?

The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

This coming Tuesday is the date that one of the most anticipated indie albums of 2009 is released. The Dirty Projectors newest album Bitte Orca has been blogged about incessantly for many moon now and the biggest question on my mind before I listened to it was, will it live up to the hype? Upon first listen my answer would have to be yes. Each song on the album is delicately crafted and soothingly draws the listener in. I recommend Bitte Orca to anyone looking for calming pop music that pushes the envelope of song writing just enough to make the album extremely interesting. Check out the full album stream here.

On another more serious note:

Right now the music world is in a rut. The popular music has all become the same formulaic garbage recycled over and over again. The rock music coming out no longer carries the same force that it had in the glory days of Rock N Roll. The down turn in rock music may have caused many to give up. Certain people who shall remain nameless have made extreme claims such as "rock n roll is dead". I scoff at this statement. ROCK N ROLL WILL NEVER DIE. I will admit rock may be bleak right now but one just has to know where to find the rock because I am sure that it lives on and will continue to live on forever. The day in which I can no longer rock the fuck out is the day that I will draw my last breath.

Bring Back The Stache BarCrawl

Rocking out,

Remember how great it was when things like this were going on? Bring it back!

Drew Sultan 'Rocking Out Is Getting Er Done?" Wants YOU!

Also Fuck Snuggies!

Will Ferrell and Bear Grylls: Men vs. Wild

Rocking out,

There was a time when a small magazine clipping of the great British adventurer, Bear Grylls, used to hang above my bed. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in courageousness. He's a man and he rocks. 

Discovery Channel HD is an excellent viewing experience, let alone the appearance of two great television heroes: Will Ferrell and Bear Grylls. I've been watching Man vs. Wild on reg for a couple of years now and have never been so captivated. Expectations among my contemporaries were very high, and the hour long program didn't disappoint; the brilliance of Ferrell's animated excitement drew on a great dynamic with the risk-blind grylls leading the way.

If you have not had an opportunity to see some of the episode, you should try and see some highlights; as you can see from the picture above Ferrell's appearance is reason enough to check out some youtube action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEcK8DDL2bw

Let me know what you think.

NBA Finals Preview

Rocking out,

Tonight the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic will be facing-off on the west coast for the first of a best of seven series, tip is at 9:00 p.m. EST. Since the entrance of the 2003 Draft Class (w/notables Lebron, Melo, Wade, Bosh, etc.) the NBA has been on the rise and each NBA playoffs has been getting more and more exciting as these players have evolved and matured in front of the limelight. The success of the USA Basketball has also contributed to the most recent increase in competitive attitude as the young learned from the more experienced, adopting important habits and training techniques.

The interesting thing about this year's finals is the unknown nature of this Magic team; do they have what it takes? Seemingly they were an incredible match-up for Cleveland, and that enabled them to take advantage of Lebron's one weakness, the four other players on the court who couldn't consistently knock down jump shots or do anything of note. In any case they earned the right to represent the Eastern Conference and definitely faced one of the more difficult playoff paths.

I am very excited for multiple reasons: 1) Kobe Bryant's killer instinct will be on display and I am hoping he doesn't disappoint, also there is room to increase his growing legacy 2)Dwight Howard hasn't been stopped throughout the playoffs when he's been running the court and finishing plays, will he be able to continue this against the 3-headed defensive monster of Gasol, Bynum, Odom? 3)How will the Magic take hard loss(es), knowing the history of Stan Van Gundy as his "panic" problems have effected the team in the past. Even if you don't give a shit about any of these things the game tomorrow will still be entertaining and as always the Laker crowd will be full of celebrities wanting to be seen.

My prediction is the Lakers in 6.

Buffalo Joe's of Evanston

Rocking out,

If you are not already aware I am obsessed with the suicide chicken wings at Buffalo Joe's in Evanston, IL. As a rule I would consider myself a lover of the whole chicken, but in this case I have an especially strong connection with the crispy morsels; this comes mostly due to the orgasmic hot sauce with which the deep fried wings are tossed. Some nights when I'm asleep I envision a trip south down Green Bay Road. As I make the left hand turn onto clark street my heart begins to flutter as last night's dreams of creamy cheddar chips and spicy CHICKEN are about to become reality.

Mostly I want to profess my love for Buffalo Joe's, and commit myself to future trips with whomever would like to join. The more the better: friends, wings, cheddar chips, RC Cola.

Please let me know what part of Buff Joe's you like or dislike the most. . . .

Derek Rose: Pro Sports, Are They Gettin Er?

Rocking out,

Ok so the Bulls' Derek Rose, the NBA Rookie of the Year, recently denied all allegations of knowingly having someone else take his SAT examination for him when he was attending Simeon High School in Chicago. Allegedly this was done so that he could be certain to get a high enough mark to attend Memphis the following Fall. Let's just think about that for a second. . . . . . . .  

If he needed someone to help him get into Memphis maybe he would have been better off playing in Europe for a year like Brandon Jennings, but that is just stupid in my eyes. In any case I know in my heart of hearts that Rose is smart enough to have achieved a high enough score, but whether or not he had the time or the motivation to do so I can not say. Over the past several years many professional athletes and others involved have been brought under the media spotlight for accusations of ethical or lawful misconduct. As a sports fan I spend a lot of my time watching a variety of sports and must say that many have disappointed when it comes to ethics. I'll take a quick second to name a few of the more prominent offenders:

-O.J. Simpson (Murder, B&E, Theft, Arrogance Beyond Recognition)

-Pete Rose (Gambling, No Will Power)

-Michael Vick (Dog Fighting, Stupidity)

-Tonya Harding (Conspiracy Theory, Semi-Pro Boxer, Jealousy)

-Manny Ramirez (Steroids, Greed)

-Ray Lewis (Murder, Psycho)

-NBA Referee: Tim Donaghey (Fixing Games, Greed)

-Roger Clemens (Steroids, Douchebag)

-Barry Bonds (Steroids, Oreo)

and honestly as you know the list goes on and on and on. So what can we, the common sports fans, expect and what is no longer realistic? Can these larger than life people accept their roles as examples for younger generations? For those who don't consider themselves responsible for being role models, will greed persist as the central goal?

As I perused ESPN I saw that the University of Memphis just reported on the investigations of the alleged false SAT test and found no evidence of such wrong-doing and reported these same findings to the NCAA. From what I can tell, and what I've seen in the past, nothing will come of this mishap making it even more realistic that these types of situations will continue to surface. Ethically this seems bad, but what about for sports and what about us the fans? Is this a good thing for the professional sports leagues? 

For D-Rose it rocks, but for the sanctity of college sports as well as professional athletic entertainment it just continues not to amaze me. I am a cynic and these types of incidences are just common-place enough to wizz by my eyes scrolling the daily sporting news. Unfortunately, I've become so immune to the inconsistencies and malpractices of such iconic superstars that I can no longer enjoy the game(s) in the pure way in which I once viewed them as a child.

As far as Derek Rose is concerned, his life is set. He's a hard working, stand-out kid and if he did have someone take the SATs for him then kudos because that way he had more time to work on his game. In the end, sports fans can either choose to push aside the obvious flaws and live in denial or they can embrace the talent of the next youthful generation as they rise to stardom. For me, Derek Rose gives me a reason to think positively about the Bulls and his antics, true or not, don't bother me. I'd like to think that people would learn from mistakes but very rarely does that occur. He's a professional and must do what is necessary to put himself in the best position to improve and succeed. I say he got er done when he needed to.

Jazz Music: Rocking the 1950-60's

Rocking out,

So a few years back I became very interested in Jazz music specifically Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and others. The type of jazz they perpetuated was called bebop and it is what dominated the New York music scene for decades. Set up in little clubs with cigarette smoke no doubtably filling the place, these innovators took from their predecessos (Charlie Parker, Dizzy G, Duke Ellington) and generated a revolution of sound which could not have been nearly as powerful without the volume of music being played and produced at that time. 

These guys were so legit they spent all of their time playing music and getting ripped on whatever drugs were the most popular at the time. It is noted that Coltrane and Davis both had overwhelming addictions to heroin. Now some don't judge fun based on music, partying, doing sweet drugs, or rocking, but in my opinion these individuals took advantage of their time in the sun and were productive none the less. More importantly than that they set forth a foundation for black musicians in the streets of New York City; their popularity would inevitably begin to pave the way for future generations of fusion music: rap, hip-hop, jam band.

If you haven't given jazz a try I believe now is the time. Start with Miles Davis: Kind of Blue and go from there.

Poor Lebron. . . .

Rocking out,

For a while I was beginning to believe that the NBA and its playoffs were rigged. Mostly it was the once laughable excitement of Jacob Isaacson during the Bulls vs. Celtics series; either way I realized once Cleveland was knocked that the whole thing seemed more kosher. I was already excited about the youth and power of the future NBA stars, but now with the epic nature of these playoffs the sport will once again increase in popularity. One that has come to the attention of many was the way in which Lebron James accepted, or didn't, defeat; as a 24 year-old should he be cut a little slack.

I'm sorry but my answer is a solid "NO". In the word of my very good friend Matt Zohn, "waaaaa!"

The other night Dwight Howard's Orlando Magic defeated the Chosen One, Lebron James, in the sixth and final game of the Eastern Conference Finals. After feeling embarrassed by the Magic throughout the series Lebron did not want to congratulate his opponents because quote, "[you] don't congratulate someone after you've just been beatin' up."

Now while I feel for King James as he did have one of the most incredible series of playoffs' performances out of anyone in recent history, it is still a cause for concern that he also refused his media requests; as a man who is striving to be the first athlete billionaire he really needs to keep his image squeaky clean. In addition you need to be a man and at least say good game to DWight Howard your "Redeam Team" (USA Basketball) teammate from the Olympics.

Bottom line I love Lebron, he's amazing and we are all witnesses, but please take example from the greatest of all time, if you're not man enough to be a gracious in defeat you'll never be considered an icon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USoDibfcLtQ

(Just watch the last minute)

Michael lost to Isiah and the Pistons twice in the Eastern Conference Finals before making it to the Finals for the first time; so Lebron it's time to grow up.

Vroom Vroom Party Starter: Bring Back the Combover

Rocking Out,

Normally I am not a follower of the daily "late night" shows like Leno or Letterman, but tonight's premier of the Conan O'Brien show caught my eye. The first night in his new Los Angeles studio was great; they brought out a replica of the letter "D" from the famous Hollywood sign on the hils; the first and only guest was Frank tha Tank, Will Ferrell, enough said the man is a genius; and above all Pearl Jam played and sounded pretty damn good. . . . . ROOOOCK!!!

In addition as a huge Bruce Springstein & the E Street Band fan I was also happy to see that Max Weinberg was still rocking the drums as band leader for the show.

Either way I might have to start devoting some of my TV viewing to Conan as he has proved himself to be quite the comedic icon and most likely the future face of late for many years to come; way to go big boy, yet another example of rocking out is getting er done

Let me know how you felt about the show.....

Let's Talk Eastern Philosophy: The Deeper Side of Rock

ROCK!

The deeper side of rock........

I have decided that in order for people to get a better idea where my head is at and what kinds of things intrigue me I am going to compose a series of pieces based on quotes from my favorite world thinkers. First and foremost the man, the myth, the legend: 

Confucius, "Master Kung"

--"Confucius said, the good man does not grieve that other people do not recognize his merits. His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs." (Analects I.16)--

The moral fortitude with which this ancient Chinese philosopher spoke emphasizes the importance of controlling one's ego and keeping life in perspective. A real man cannot be considered such if he is only concerned with his own achievements, because without the respect and interest of friends and family one can never be a true man. In my eyes friends and family are vital to our lives, not only for support and guidance, but most importantly they keep you involved. 

For some this excerpt may not be important; some might believe that Confucius simply wanted to guide the youth of future generations towards a more loving and caring communal atmosphere through the caring and understanding of others. In my eyes it should be seen as more than just wanting popularity or desiring the attention of others. Provided that every individual fulfills their role appropriately and respects the words and actions of others, as long as it is morally acceptable, then peace can be achieved. Confucius and I see eye to eye in that we each want the communities in which we live and raise our offspring to be nuturing and safe. Can this be achieved in such simplicity?

Each civilization over time has had differences in culture, language, tradition, food, etc. making it impossible to standardize such concepts of morality. What we can do is establish the obvious "rights" and "wrongs" deemed by local society and emmerse ourselves in these beliefs. As an individual who doesn't have great faith in government control and law enforcement I see it necessary to have the youth of our society read and understand the analects of all cultures. By gaining knowledge and background on the diverse nature in which humans live we will all live smarter, happier, and more in accordance with basic morality most humans can agree to. 

Confucius sought to make the youth of his state educated, skilled, and open-minded to the goodness of all people and the clarity of moral thinking.

AGREED!