It's almost always easier to bitch. Plus, it's generally more fun. But sometimes it's a pretty fair idea to step back and realize that, as it turns out, things are pretty good. I was reminded of that a couple times in the past few weeks. So it seemed a good idea to share.
The first was at Kathleen Edwards's show at Irving Plaza (or FNYaIP, if you prefer). It was her biggest venue for a headlining show in New York City, and she seemed a little frazzled for the first few songs of her set, even copping to as much when she noted that the first time she played in NYC was at the Living Room to about ten people. Now she was playing to a not-quite-sold-out-but-still-pretty-full crowd at Irving Plaza on a weeknight, probably riding the wave of the good reviews her pretty damn good "Asking for Flowers" CD has gotten but also finally seeing the results of developing a fanbase in New York City after three albums and a heavier touring schedule.
She shook off her nerves early on and eventually settled in with her band for a show that was without a doubt one of the best I've seen this year. Then, as she came to the last song of the night, her badass "Back to Me" from her last CD of the same name, she gently chided opening act Dan Wilson for getting more people to sing along to his songs than she was able to get for hers. So, as she started the song she left some space to hear if anyone in the audience was singing along, seemingly not expecting much. But as she kept on going through the first verse, the singalong kept getting louder until the chorus, when it became a pretty decent-sized roar. A huge smile came over Edwards's face and when the biggest singalong roar came back to her ears, she screamed, "Oh my God--that's never happened before!"
It was a moment that you really should've been there for. In that one moment, you could feel Edwards's joy, feel what it's like to realize that all that plugging away, all those miles traveled, all of it was worth it. And when she left the stage, saying "Holy fuck! Thanks so much!" she was floating and if you had any heart, you were floating too. It was everything a live concert moment should be.
And there was some more of that last night at the Lakeside Lounge, where Chip Robinson and the Roscoe Trio capped off a largely morose (but exceedingly good) set with an all-out asault of the Rolling Stones' "Sway" that featured Eric "Roscoe" Ambel passing off his guitar to fellow Yayhoo Keith Christopher. I should start by saying that it was already a pretty damn joyful day for me, as I got to visit my friends and their two-week-old daughter, who, despite her Rangers onesie (parental cruelty at its ugliest) was awfully cute. And then I stepped into the Lakeside about five seconds before the show started with a cover of Dylan's "I and I." I love it when a plan comes together.
Anyway, back to that cover of "Sway." Christopher was sitting in front of Ambel when Ambel came over and placed his guitar strap over Christopher's shoulder and urged him to let 'er rip. The result was such a beautiful and righteous noise that a guy in a wheelchair outside stopped to watch and listen. He was soon joined by another random passer-by and, by song's end, two other guys who were also roped in by the sound. And as Christopher kept stretching out, the four guys outside and all of us inside just went along with him, swinging heads, stomping feet, and just generally testifying to the power of good rock and roll. I dug "Shine A Light," but nothing on that giant IMAX screen even came close to that solo.
That's why I go to a lot of shows. Sure, you don't get the feelings I got at these two shows every night. But when you do get them, you're so damn glad to be part of such moments. Glad to find and share such joy. Glad to be alive.
Here's to joy.
4.21.2008
4.14.2008
A trip down memory lane
While listening to part one of the Stuttering John spotlight on Sirius today, I was taken back to those sweet glory days that I spent in the lobby of the NBC building waiting for autographs from celebrities I probably only had a marginal interest in. In Stuttering John's "interview" with Chevy Chase (best question: Did you ever think that Garrett Morris's career would be more happening than yours?), you can hear a guy in the background rambling and then telling Chevy to mail him an autographed picture. That guy's name was Ron, or when collectors were feeling more cruel (which was quite often), Al Roker, because of a very passing resemblance to the portly weatherman. He wore a light blue shirt and navy blue pants almost every day, suggesting that he was either a stickler for consistency or just had one outfit. Hard to say which was true.
There was something off about him. I'm not sure what but it wasn't anything so profound that he couldn't function as a human being. And, to be honest, someone who was mentally off blended in just fine with the allegedly "normal" collectors on most afternoons. In any case, he was there just about every day (or at least every day I was there, which was maybe two times a week, sometimes three) and occasionally knew the celebrities whose autographs he wanted but often enough didn't. This led to many an exciting afternoon when someone dressed nice would come off the elevators and Ron or one of the other equally clueless celebrity worshippers would approach this person for an autograph. Good times. For awhile I became the Unofficial Music Celebrity Sighter, which looks nice on a résumé.
But if someone came off the elevators accompanied by NBC Security, Ron knew it was a celebrity of some sort and would thrust an index card to be signed. If the celeb wasn't in a rush, there would be some inane chatter from Ron, which the celebrity would either ignore or greet with an attempt at a polite smile. Then after Ron got that index card signed, he would give the celebrity another index card with his address on it and request that the celebrity send him (and/or, in later years, his fiancee) a signed 8x10 photo. Half the time, celebrities would take the card and say that they would indeed send a signed photo. But the other half of the time, the celebrities would just stare it and say, "What's this?" They were understandably confused that their "thank you" for signing an autograph was a request to send another one as soon as they got the chance.
And while Ron was waiting for the celebrities, he would seize upon the frequent noticeable tourist and strike up a conversation. After a few minutes of chitchat, he would whip out one of the DIY business cards and ask the tourist to tape his or her local news program and mail him the tape. Some people actually seemed completely up for the assignment, which I guess is a testament to people's willingness to please. I can't say that if a strange guy came up to me while I was visiting a new city and asked me to tape my local news when I got back if I would jump at that opportunity. Maybe I'm just mean.
When I heard Ron on the radio today, I wondered whatever became of him. Toward the end of my NBC collecting days, Ron stopped showing up. Maybe he and the fiancee moved away. Maybe he just got tired of waiting around for celebrities every day and enduring the other "normal" collectors snickering at him behind his back. And maybe Ron's at home right now, surrounded by index cards signed by people he never really knew and watching a 1995 newscast from Eugene, Oregon, still waiting for a signed 8X10 from Chevy Chase in the mail.
Godspeed Ron, wherever you are.
There was something off about him. I'm not sure what but it wasn't anything so profound that he couldn't function as a human being. And, to be honest, someone who was mentally off blended in just fine with the allegedly "normal" collectors on most afternoons. In any case, he was there just about every day (or at least every day I was there, which was maybe two times a week, sometimes three) and occasionally knew the celebrities whose autographs he wanted but often enough didn't. This led to many an exciting afternoon when someone dressed nice would come off the elevators and Ron or one of the other equally clueless celebrity worshippers would approach this person for an autograph. Good times. For awhile I became the Unofficial Music Celebrity Sighter, which looks nice on a résumé.
But if someone came off the elevators accompanied by NBC Security, Ron knew it was a celebrity of some sort and would thrust an index card to be signed. If the celeb wasn't in a rush, there would be some inane chatter from Ron, which the celebrity would either ignore or greet with an attempt at a polite smile. Then after Ron got that index card signed, he would give the celebrity another index card with his address on it and request that the celebrity send him (and/or, in later years, his fiancee) a signed 8x10 photo. Half the time, celebrities would take the card and say that they would indeed send a signed photo. But the other half of the time, the celebrities would just stare it and say, "What's this?" They were understandably confused that their "thank you" for signing an autograph was a request to send another one as soon as they got the chance.
And while Ron was waiting for the celebrities, he would seize upon the frequent noticeable tourist and strike up a conversation. After a few minutes of chitchat, he would whip out one of the DIY business cards and ask the tourist to tape his or her local news program and mail him the tape. Some people actually seemed completely up for the assignment, which I guess is a testament to people's willingness to please. I can't say that if a strange guy came up to me while I was visiting a new city and asked me to tape my local news when I got back if I would jump at that opportunity. Maybe I'm just mean.
When I heard Ron on the radio today, I wondered whatever became of him. Toward the end of my NBC collecting days, Ron stopped showing up. Maybe he and the fiancee moved away. Maybe he just got tired of waiting around for celebrities every day and enduring the other "normal" collectors snickering at him behind his back. And maybe Ron's at home right now, surrounded by index cards signed by people he never really knew and watching a 1995 newscast from Eugene, Oregon, still waiting for a signed 8X10 from Chevy Chase in the mail.
Godspeed Ron, wherever you are.
4.13.2008
Lush Life
I first started reading Richard Price because I was bored and homesick. He was speaking at Cornell while I matriculated at the People's Favorite college in Ithaca, and I'd heard his name before, so I figured it was worth a shot (I used the same theorizing to attend an event with Phillip Glass...bad call on that one). So I went downtown to the Autumn Leaves bookstore, bought a copy of The Breaks, and went over to hear Price read excerpts from a book he was working on (which later became Freedomland). I got him to sign The Breaks at the wine-and-cheese reception that followed but probably didn't get around to reading the book until after I was done with Freedomland and Clockers. Pretty soon, though, I was all caught up with the Richard Price ouevre and ever since have kept a lookout for something new from him. The list of authors whose books I look forward to grows a little smaller every year (though I'm giving you one more chance with the next one, Ellroy), and Price is always at the top of that list.
So, a few months ago, I was pretty jazzed to see that Lush Life was due out. Price's books are always good, fast-paced (as opposed to quick, which implies a certain degree of lightness) reads, and Lush Life is no different. It's killer. You oughta read it.
That's really all I have to say. You can find reviews by people who do that sort of thing for a living elsewhere on the Internets. But just take my word for it--Richard Price is a literary ass-kicker. And you can tell him so yourself at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum in NYC on Tuesday. C'mon...the chance to hear a writer talk about his book in the very area of the city where much of the book's action takes place? It's a slam dunk. Be there.
(As a side note that should in no way influence you reading the book or going to the event, I would like to register my one complaint about Lush Life--what's up with all the dropped question marks in dialogue? Author's decision? Shoddy copy editing? I want answers. But I feel too nerdy/copyeditorish to ask Price in person on Tuesday. Feel free to do so yourself, though. 6:30 p.m.)
4.09.2008
Run, boy, run
While taking a well-deserved and not-at-all-unnecessary break from doing work, I saw two blogs (here and here mention Charlie Daniels's Soap Box entry detailing his dislike for the way "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is used in Guitar Hero III. Specifically, he writes, "I want any of you parents out there whose children have this game to know that I did not grant these people my permission to pervert my song and am disgusted with the result." His main concern is that, unlike the story he told in song, the Guitar Hero version of the song finds the devil sometimes winning. Unacceptable.
Of course, I, along with the several dozen readers of my still easily purchasable book, know already of Mr. Daniels's occasional looniness and so wasn't terribly surprised to see the "Guitar Hero" rant. But, with my interest in the Soap Box (once daily reading) renewed, I took a look at the current Soap Box entry on the "bald faced power grab" that is global warming. Again, not really surprised that Mr. Daniels doubts that global warming exists. And I'm used to reading anti-global warming screeds because of the journals I copyedit at the day job, so no big whoop.
But I was a little taken aback when I saw the responses to Mr. Daniels's words. It was an experience that reminded me that there are a lot of odd people in the world. And they apparently love the fiddle.
My two favorites:
"Never once have I seen Al Gore and his band of earth loving sycophants riding in a Yugo but given the oppertunity, he'll make you drive one."
I like the use of "earth loving" as an insult. I also look forward to Al Gore making everyone drive Yugos. I'll admit that I will question his sanity when he does that.
"I hope John McCain selects Condelleza Rice as a running mate. That would be a certain 8 more years for the Republicians. I can see Opry right now saying: " Oh I Love you Obama, but I got to go with my black girlfriend, Connie". And my tip for Al Gore: You and Tipper just shut up already. We're not stupid out here in the USA, cretin's."
I've gotta be honest here--I can't see "Opry" getting on her television show and saying "Oh, I Love you Obama, but I got to go with my black girlfriend, Connie." But that's just me. I'm probably one of the cretin's.
Of course, I, along with the several dozen readers of my still easily purchasable book, know already of Mr. Daniels's occasional looniness and so wasn't terribly surprised to see the "Guitar Hero" rant. But, with my interest in the Soap Box (once daily reading) renewed, I took a look at the current Soap Box entry on the "bald faced power grab" that is global warming. Again, not really surprised that Mr. Daniels doubts that global warming exists. And I'm used to reading anti-global warming screeds because of the journals I copyedit at the day job, so no big whoop.
But I was a little taken aback when I saw the responses to Mr. Daniels's words. It was an experience that reminded me that there are a lot of odd people in the world. And they apparently love the fiddle.
My two favorites:
"Never once have I seen Al Gore and his band of earth loving sycophants riding in a Yugo but given the oppertunity, he'll make you drive one."
I like the use of "earth loving" as an insult. I also look forward to Al Gore making everyone drive Yugos. I'll admit that I will question his sanity when he does that.
"I hope John McCain selects Condelleza Rice as a running mate. That would be a certain 8 more years for the Republicians. I can see Opry right now saying: " Oh I Love you Obama, but I got to go with my black girlfriend, Connie". And my tip for Al Gore: You and Tipper just shut up already. We're not stupid out here in the USA, cretin's."
I've gotta be honest here--I can't see "Opry" getting on her television show and saying "Oh, I Love you Obama, but I got to go with my black girlfriend, Connie." But that's just me. I'm probably one of the cretin's.
4.07.2008
Comedy Tonight
*Last week, I reached another easily attainable goal (set your goals low, kids, and you minimize the chance of disappointment) and got Chevy Chase to sign my VHS cover of "National Lampoon's Vacation" (previously signed by Randy "Cousin Eddie" Quaid, Anthony Michael "Rusty" Hall, and Jane "Cousin Vicki" Krakowski...Chevy Chase's is the one you can't read above). It was surprisingly painless, and the event that preceded it--an edition of the UCB Theatre's "Inside Joke," where every month a comedian is interviewed about his/her career--was surprisingly uneventful. Chase told some interesting stories (including the background behind the famous Richard Pryor job interview skit from SNL's first season) and admitted a few faults (he never watches his work but recently saw "Caddyshack" and marveled at how awful he was), but overall, the interviewer seemed ill prepared and the audience was so enamored of Chase that they laughed at just about everything, which got annoying after awhile. I was reminded of the time I watched one of the Andy Kaufman specials in one of the theaters at the Museum of Television and Radio and sat behind two people who laughed during the setups to Kaufman's elaborate punchlines. And that drove me crazy. Laugh at the funny stuff, people. And stop pretending that everything the comedian you're watching says is uproariously funny. It's not.
*I'm just about done with the book Comedy at the Edge and it's pretty good, though not incredibly revelatory. So far, my favorite anecdote, which I've probably heard at some point before, involves Larry David, an admittedly hypersensitive, uncomfortable performer:
One night at Catch [a Rising Star]...David came out, silently scanned the audience, muttered "I don't think so," and walked off without saying another word. David confirms that the story is not just urban legend. "I just didn't like what I saw," he says.
The book could use more quick shots like that, and probably would've been better as an oral history, but it's still a good read.
*BET ran a "Diff'rent Strokes" marathon Sunday, and I think it's safe to say that that show may have been the most consistently horribly acted show ever. Of course, I came to that conclusion after watching about eight episodes in a row, so there's clearly something wrong with me. But since the marathon featured shows from different points in the show's run, I became fascinated with Gary Coleman's descent into hell, starting off as the cute little kid and gradually turning bitter right before your eyes. There was a point in one of the later episodes where there was a clear moment for a "Whatchutalkinbout, Willis?" but all that comes out of Gary's mouth is "Wha?" I can just picture the director begging Coleman to do the old softshoe there. Poor guy.
*I ate at the Cozy Soup 'N' Burger near Astor Place for the first time tonight and quickly became fascinated with one of the autographed pictures on their wall. It was a signed 8X10 of ALF (or, as they knew him on Melmac, Gordon Shumway). And it was signed from ALF. Intriguing. So, ALF came in there one day? Man, that must've been cool. But way odd for the other diners there that day. Only in New York, kids.
4.01.2008
Are You Ready for Some Fleecing?
Every few months I check in with the Hank Williams Jr. website to (a) see if he might be crossing the Mason-Dixon line to do a show and (b) to see the latest addition to the vast Bocephus merch catalog. So when I went to the site and saw the banner on the page advertising "The Ultimate Meet and Greet," my interest was piqued. I've only been to one meet and greet, but I'd go to more, well, if there were more current country artists I wanted to actually meet and/or greet. Bocephus would be one person I'd be interested in meeting and greeting, which is something I can't really explain. I'm just fascinated with Hank Williams Jr., as evidenced, of course, by the two singing and dancing Bocephi in my apartment. We've discussed this before.
Anyway, I figured I'd check out the info on this "Ultimate Meet and Greet." And I soon experienced the horror that enveloped me when I researched that card show last month. I need to stop spending time on the Internet.
Here are the particulars:
A LIMITED number of TEN fans will be offered the opportunity to meet Hank Williams Jr. in person, each night of the Rowdy Frynds Tour!!!
Selected participants will be escorted backstage PRIOR to Hank’s performance to meet Hank Jr. and have a photo taken with him.
Rules:
The Ultimate Meet & Greet opportunity does NOT provide you admittance into the concert or the Rowdy Frynds Tour. You must purchase a ticket to the show.
Hank Williams Jr. will NOT be signing autographs. If you would like something signed, please join the fan club or purchase a signed photo through the fan club.
Photos taken at the meet & greet will be posted at www.hankjr.com for fans to view and print out. We will NOT be sending printed copies of the photos to recipients.
Hank Williams Jr. will meet fans before his show. If you are late or not at the designated area to be escorted backstage, you will lose your meet & greet privilege and your money will NOT be refunded.
Thanks and we look forward to seeing you on the road in 2008!!!
The Hank Williams Jr. Fan Club
OK, so let's take a look at this "ultimate" experience. Hank Jr. will not be signing any autographs for you, making me question the "ultimate" claim. But, hey, with ten people to attend to, you can't expect Bocephus to invest all that time he would have to spend signing an autograph. Fair enough. I'll just buy one off the website. Oh wait, it's $100? A hundred dollars?! Maybe I'll pass on that.
But at least you'll get a picture with him, probably by a "professional" photographer like that card show. Cool. What? You'll have to print it out from the website? Oh.
Well, that's fine. So I'll get to meet Hank Williams Jr. and maybe take a picture with my own camera. That'll be interesting, I guess. Yes, it will be. I'm in. Let me just join the fan club or pay the fee or whatever it is I have to do. So, that'll be...
Five hundred dollars?
Really?
April Fools?
No?
For $500, Bocephus oughta take a picture with me, sign however many autographs I want, let me wear one of his dad's suits, and sing "Fax Me a Beer" until I get tired of it (shouldn't be too long). I guess "Monday Night Football" doesn't pay Rockin' Randall enough, or at least not enough that he doesn't need to toss another $5,000 a night into his pocket courtesy of his fans.
I'm not sure what depresses me more--the fact that Hank Jr. is doing his best to erase the years of goodwill the country music industry has established with its fans or that the Charlotte and Detroit meet and greets are sold out.
Luckily, I got this and two (horribly scrawled) autographs awhile ago:
Total cost: $0. Much better deal.
Anyway, I figured I'd check out the info on this "Ultimate Meet and Greet." And I soon experienced the horror that enveloped me when I researched that card show last month. I need to stop spending time on the Internet.
Here are the particulars:
A LIMITED number of TEN fans will be offered the opportunity to meet Hank Williams Jr. in person, each night of the Rowdy Frynds Tour!!!
Selected participants will be escorted backstage PRIOR to Hank’s performance to meet Hank Jr. and have a photo taken with him.
Rules:
The Ultimate Meet & Greet opportunity does NOT provide you admittance into the concert or the Rowdy Frynds Tour. You must purchase a ticket to the show.
Hank Williams Jr. will NOT be signing autographs. If you would like something signed, please join the fan club or purchase a signed photo through the fan club.
Photos taken at the meet & greet will be posted at www.hankjr.com for fans to view and print out. We will NOT be sending printed copies of the photos to recipients.
Hank Williams Jr. will meet fans before his show. If you are late or not at the designated area to be escorted backstage, you will lose your meet & greet privilege and your money will NOT be refunded.
Thanks and we look forward to seeing you on the road in 2008!!!
The Hank Williams Jr. Fan Club
OK, so let's take a look at this "ultimate" experience. Hank Jr. will not be signing any autographs for you, making me question the "ultimate" claim. But, hey, with ten people to attend to, you can't expect Bocephus to invest all that time he would have to spend signing an autograph. Fair enough. I'll just buy one off the website. Oh wait, it's $100? A hundred dollars?! Maybe I'll pass on that.
But at least you'll get a picture with him, probably by a "professional" photographer like that card show. Cool. What? You'll have to print it out from the website? Oh.
Well, that's fine. So I'll get to meet Hank Williams Jr. and maybe take a picture with my own camera. That'll be interesting, I guess. Yes, it will be. I'm in. Let me just join the fan club or pay the fee or whatever it is I have to do. So, that'll be...
Five hundred dollars?
Really?
April Fools?
No?
For $500, Bocephus oughta take a picture with me, sign however many autographs I want, let me wear one of his dad's suits, and sing "Fax Me a Beer" until I get tired of it (shouldn't be too long). I guess "Monday Night Football" doesn't pay Rockin' Randall enough, or at least not enough that he doesn't need to toss another $5,000 a night into his pocket courtesy of his fans.
I'm not sure what depresses me more--the fact that Hank Jr. is doing his best to erase the years of goodwill the country music industry has established with its fans or that the Charlotte and Detroit meet and greets are sold out.
Luckily, I got this and two (horribly scrawled) autographs awhile ago:
Total cost: $0. Much better deal.
What I Liked About March
*Core of the Four Weekend, Uniondale, NY
*The Pogues/Billy Bragg/William Elliott Whitmore, Roseland, NYC
*Robbie Fulks, Mercury Lounge, NYC
*Easter Weekend in Ocean Grove, NJ
*The cover of the Daily News on March 29
*Terry Adams Rock and Roll Quartet, Turning Point, Piermont, NY
*Alex Meixner, Barbés, Brooklyn, NY
*The Best Show on WFMU Marathon Show w/ Ted Leo, Patton Oswalt, and Ben Gibbard
*U.S. Open Pro-Am, North Brunswick, NJ
*Wussy, Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ
*The return of "Celebrity Fit Club"
*The willingness of people with cars to drive me places
3.28.2008
Richard Dawson: Tinsel and Rot Hall of Famer
As you, the subtly attractive T&R reader, no doubt know, the game show genre holds a special place in that place in Tinsel and Rot where a heart would be. It's a very populist genre (its contestants are, by and large, more real than your average reality show participant), and we're populist kind of people, so it's a natural fit. But sometimes the common foolk aren't enough to take a game show to the next level. Sometimes you need a host that can tie it all together.
The Hall of Fame has already welcomed the Game Show King, Mr. Chuck Barris, and today we would like to honor another of the true greats in game show history, Mr. Richard "Dickie" Dawson.
If Mr. Dawson's career consisted solely of a starring role in a sitcom with perhaps the most unlikely "sit" of all time (that would be, of course, "Hogan's Heroes," which brought us the lighter side of Nazi Germany), it would be worth noting. But it wasn't until Mr. Dawson's post-"Hogan's" career as a game show icon that he earned his induction into the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame. First came "Match Game," where Mr. Dawson was a world-class bickerer with host Gene Rayburn and fellow panelists Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly and the go-to guy in the Super Match round. And he also honed his shameless flirtation techniques.
Mr. Dawson really upped the flirtation on "Family Feud," where he became legend. Ray Combs did a decent job after Mr. Dawson left, but every host that followed was so awful that they only highlighted the brilliance that was the Dawson Years. And in those years, Mr. Dawson kissed every female he laid eyes on--young, old, pretty, homely...he kissed 'em all. Aint that a man?
There are many fine, fine moments from Mr. Dawson's tenure as "Family Feud" host, but these two are genuine classics.
Then, after leaving "Family Feud," Mr. Dawson delivered a stellar performance as the heartless Killian in "The Running Man," likely Tinsel and Rot's choice as Favorite Schwarzenegger Film (Non-Comedy Division).
We salute you, Richard Dawson. Survey says you're in the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame has already welcomed the Game Show King, Mr. Chuck Barris, and today we would like to honor another of the true greats in game show history, Mr. Richard "Dickie" Dawson.
If Mr. Dawson's career consisted solely of a starring role in a sitcom with perhaps the most unlikely "sit" of all time (that would be, of course, "Hogan's Heroes," which brought us the lighter side of Nazi Germany), it would be worth noting. But it wasn't until Mr. Dawson's post-"Hogan's" career as a game show icon that he earned his induction into the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame. First came "Match Game," where Mr. Dawson was a world-class bickerer with host Gene Rayburn and fellow panelists Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly and the go-to guy in the Super Match round. And he also honed his shameless flirtation techniques.
Mr. Dawson really upped the flirtation on "Family Feud," where he became legend. Ray Combs did a decent job after Mr. Dawson left, but every host that followed was so awful that they only highlighted the brilliance that was the Dawson Years. And in those years, Mr. Dawson kissed every female he laid eyes on--young, old, pretty, homely...he kissed 'em all. Aint that a man?
There are many fine, fine moments from Mr. Dawson's tenure as "Family Feud" host, but these two are genuine classics.
Then, after leaving "Family Feud," Mr. Dawson delivered a stellar performance as the heartless Killian in "The Running Man," likely Tinsel and Rot's choice as Favorite Schwarzenegger Film (Non-Comedy Division).
We salute you, Richard Dawson. Survey says you're in the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
3.25.2008
Random Thoughts About the 2008 PBA U.S. Open Pro-Am
Rather than fill your screen with a recap of an event I already gave you a recap of last year, here are just some quick hits from yesterday's fun at the Brunswick Zone Carolier in North Brunswick, NJ.
*You know a bowling alley is cool when it has its own barber shop. Hats off to the person at Brunswick Zone Carolier who thought to add that feature.
*Personal shoutout to Web pioneer Tim Lynch for sending me a box full of the 1990 Kingpins bowling cards you see above. As soon as they arrived a few months ago, I knew I was destined to wind up back in North Brunswick getting them signed. Since they're almost two decades old, most of the bowlers in the set have long since retired, but I was still able to get 12 signed yesterday, shooting their value from five cents each to somewhere between a dime and a quarter. Thanks, Tim. But I won't be sharing my windfall with you.
*I'm glad I didn't need to get up at 6 in the morning to get to North Brunswick for the first practice session, but I still wish Hall of Famer Mark Roth didn't drop out of the tourney a week ago. I probably would've gotten up early for him. Just so you know.
*Yesterday, I witnessed what is surely an all-time Top 5 moment in my sports-watching career. Toward the end of the first pro-am, someone at the front desk called the winning number for the 50/50 raffle, which would net the winner $215. While waiting for his turn to come up, PBA Hall of Famer--and second all-time money earner on the PBA Tour--Pete Weber looked up at the number, left his lane, and yelled to get the attention of his wife, who was sitting in the bleachers a few lanes over.
''The number!" he yelled. "Check the number!"
Yes, Pete Weber, one of the greatest bowlers in PBA history desperately wanted to know if he and the wife won $215.
He didn't.
Good luck this week, Pete.
*Though we're rooting, as always, for Mr. Weber (the defending U.S. Open champion), Tinsel and Rot suggests you keep an eye on Wes Malott this week. We like his chances to win it all. And we think Chris Barnes will hold off Walter Ray Williams Jr. for Player of the Year honors.
3.23.2008
Yahoo! News Reimagined, Vol. 2
Yahoo! News Headline: "Kid from Brooklyn gets NY Phil Debut"
NEW YORK--Most people don't go to New York Philharmonic shows expecting hours of senseless vulgarity and relentless shouting, but that's just what the crowd at Avery Fisher Hall got when the delightful Internet superstar "The Kid from Brooklyn" made his debut with the Philharmonic.
Beginning his time on stage with a hearty "Hey! The Big Man's Back!" the tank-topped Kid (he changed to a terrycloth robe for the second half of the evening's performance) earned a rousing ovation with his thoughtfully crafted treatises on bachelorhood, foreigners, postage stamps, Starbucks, and, in the grand finale, a brand new work on rush-hour traffic. The Kid was backed by the Philharmonic's equally tasteful arrangements, which were created in collaboration between the musicians and the Kid, who is a fervent classical music fan.
"Hey! What a great [expletive deleted] show that turned out to be, heh?" the Kid said at a post-concert reception. "Oh, man! The Kid was {expletive deleted] on fire, [expletive deleted]! I [expletive deleted] can't [expletive deleted] wait to [expletive deleted] do it [expletive deleted] again! [Expletive deleted] yeah!"
Jeffrey Bornstein, who helped book the Kid for the show, explained the reasoning behind the appearance.
"In the modern age, it's tough to get people interested in what the Philharmonic is doing," Bornstein said. "So, we came up with the idea of having various stars of the Internet world do guest spots at shows. The response so far has been overwhelming, which is just so, so gratifying."
Bornstein said the Philharmonic will welcome Zay Tonday in June. The event has already sold out.
NEW YORK--Most people don't go to New York Philharmonic shows expecting hours of senseless vulgarity and relentless shouting, but that's just what the crowd at Avery Fisher Hall got when the delightful Internet superstar "The Kid from Brooklyn" made his debut with the Philharmonic.
Beginning his time on stage with a hearty "Hey! The Big Man's Back!" the tank-topped Kid (he changed to a terrycloth robe for the second half of the evening's performance) earned a rousing ovation with his thoughtfully crafted treatises on bachelorhood, foreigners, postage stamps, Starbucks, and, in the grand finale, a brand new work on rush-hour traffic. The Kid was backed by the Philharmonic's equally tasteful arrangements, which were created in collaboration between the musicians and the Kid, who is a fervent classical music fan.
"Hey! What a great [expletive deleted] show that turned out to be, heh?" the Kid said at a post-concert reception. "Oh, man! The Kid was {expletive deleted] on fire, [expletive deleted]! I [expletive deleted] can't [expletive deleted] wait to [expletive deleted] do it [expletive deleted] again! [Expletive deleted] yeah!"
Jeffrey Bornstein, who helped book the Kid for the show, explained the reasoning behind the appearance.
"In the modern age, it's tough to get people interested in what the Philharmonic is doing," Bornstein said. "So, we came up with the idea of having various stars of the Internet world do guest spots at shows. The response so far has been overwhelming, which is just so, so gratifying."
Bornstein said the Philharmonic will welcome Zay Tonday in June. The event has already sold out.
3.19.2008
Have some class
Something about that Celebrity Fit Club weigh-in room makes people go nuts. Following in the grand tradition of the Screech vs. Harvey battle comes this gem from Toccara, who really is just fantastic. I know almost nothing about what makes her a celebrity, but this screaming fit makes her my new favorite celebrity. And, if there is any justice in the world, it will catapult "Have some class" into everyday speech. Please enjoy (contains language not suitable for work, unless you work in a factory or some other place that turns a deaf ear to high-pitched screaming and cursing):
Or you can see it on your TV screen when the episode airs Thursday night on VH1. All my expectations for this season have been met, and we're only two episodes deep. How is "American Idol" more popular than this show? So unfair.
Or you can see it on your TV screen when the episode airs Thursday night on VH1. All my expectations for this season have been met, and we're only two episodes deep. How is "American Idol" more popular than this show? So unfair.
3.17.2008
O-u-t-r-a-g-e-d
As the dozens of people who have read and, no doubt, thoroughly enjoyed the literary masterpiece Critical, but Stable know, I represented the great borough of Staten Island in the 1990 Daily News Spelling Bee (snazzy jacket awarded above). I finished tenth, which I considered pretty impressive...after I stopped crying when I was eliminated.
I kind of wanted to win the whole thing and get the trip to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, but I figured it was a longshot based on the words in the study guide that helped you prepare for what you would be asked to spell in front of a Town Hall audience full of your peers and anyone else deranged enough to watch a six-hour spelling bee. I was confident enough in the first two groups, but when Sister Eustace (my coach) made it over to the third group, I had a feeling a glorious victory might not be in the cards. There was just no way I was gonna be able to nail those ridiculous words when the time came, no matter how many roots and language origins I knew.
So, it came as quite a shock when I read about the two winners of this year's Daily News Spelling Bee, which is now split into two days, with a winner crowned at each day's end. The first winner (I will mention neither winner by name, lest they Google their names and find a 31-year-old man casting aspersions on them) took home the prize by spelling "anomaly" correctly. Seriously? Anomaly? And, the Daily News reported, this was his third try at the title. The first two times he crapped out on "debris" and "psalm." Hoo brother. The second winner "earned" the trip to Washington by spelling "magisterial" and "agility" right. What? You're kidding. Has the spelling bee sunk this low?
Do you know what word was my demise? "Toolach." What? Never heard of it? No kidding. Ninety-nine percent of the world hasn't either. "Agility," "magisterial," and "anomaly" are a bit better known. And the bee went on past my word. I don't remember what the winning word was, but I sure as heckfire know it was something loftier than "agility."
Kids today. Bunch of losers.
3.13.2008
Rejoice!
I've clearly been reading too much, because I completely blanked on the season premiere of "Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp." By the sheer grace of a benevolent God, I was able to catch the last 20 minutes or so and thus see the triumphant return of Dustin "Screech" Diamond to the Fit Club stage as part of the alumni team, which will be taking on newcomers Erin "Joanie" Moran, A.J. "The Guy Who Slapped Stuttering John" Benza, Sommore "whose one-name moniker prevents me from adding a descriptor," and Brian "Hey Remember Me? I Was Once the Cohost of 'American Idol'" Dunkleman.
Screech's return was, however, overshadowed by team member Toccara, who threw a fit because (a) she doesn't want to lose weight and (b) there were cameras filming her every move. I almost forgot how awesome this show is.
And if those two weren't enough, there was the sight of Willie Aames, who I think has finally reached the top of Bizarre-Looking Mountain.
(photo credit: Mingasson/VH1)
The Aames/Diamond/Toccara troika (supplemented by Tina Yothers) is almost enough to make up for Busey not coming back. And definitely enough to make me watch every glorious episode.
Hooray for television!
Screech's return was, however, overshadowed by team member Toccara, who threw a fit because (a) she doesn't want to lose weight and (b) there were cameras filming her every move. I almost forgot how awesome this show is.
And if those two weren't enough, there was the sight of Willie Aames, who I think has finally reached the top of Bizarre-Looking Mountain.
(photo credit: Mingasson/VH1)The Aames/Diamond/Toccara troika (supplemented by Tina Yothers) is almost enough to make up for Busey not coming back. And definitely enough to make me watch every glorious episode.
Hooray for television!
3.11.2008
The Week in Dylan and Willie
Two developments in the world of the two greatest living songwriters:
(1) Crazy woman somehow gets up close and personal with Dylan; Dylan vaguely affected (2:24 in the clip)
A few notes about that clip. First, when are people gonna learn not to try to sing along at Dylan shows anymore? He's not gonna sing "Like A Rolling Stone" the way you remember it. And no one wants to hear you sing it like the record. So, stop. You're embarrassing yourself and annoying everyone around you.
Second, hats off to bassist and bandleader Tony Garnier for his quick moves since I guess security doesn't feel it necessary to station anybody by one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I also think Garnier is the only guy currently in the band who is likely to actually inflict pain on someone crashing the stage. I certainly don't see Donnie Herron stopping anybody.
And, lastly, the unflappability of Bob Dylan in situations like these (see "Soy Bomb Incident") is commendable It barely even fazes him.
(2) Willie Nelson changes guitar straps
(Photo by Jan Janner)
It's not quite retiring Trigger, but the news (from Austin360.com, via Still is Still Moving) that Willie Nelson had to change guitar straps because his red, white, and blue strap was hurting his neck concerns me. It reminds me that Willie Nelson is mortal and, thus, will die someday, which I don't like to be reminded of. Plus, that's the coolest guitar strap going, and he looks weird without it.
(1) Crazy woman somehow gets up close and personal with Dylan; Dylan vaguely affected (2:24 in the clip)
A few notes about that clip. First, when are people gonna learn not to try to sing along at Dylan shows anymore? He's not gonna sing "Like A Rolling Stone" the way you remember it. And no one wants to hear you sing it like the record. So, stop. You're embarrassing yourself and annoying everyone around you.
Second, hats off to bassist and bandleader Tony Garnier for his quick moves since I guess security doesn't feel it necessary to station anybody by one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I also think Garnier is the only guy currently in the band who is likely to actually inflict pain on someone crashing the stage. I certainly don't see Donnie Herron stopping anybody.
And, lastly, the unflappability of Bob Dylan in situations like these (see "Soy Bomb Incident") is commendable It barely even fazes him.
(2) Willie Nelson changes guitar straps
(Photo by Jan Janner)
It's not quite retiring Trigger, but the news (from Austin360.com, via Still is Still Moving) that Willie Nelson had to change guitar straps because his red, white, and blue strap was hurting his neck concerns me. It reminds me that Willie Nelson is mortal and, thus, will die someday, which I don't like to be reminded of. Plus, that's the coolest guitar strap going, and he looks weird without it.
3.09.2008
Rigoddamndiculous
I got started collecting autographs in, I think, about 1985. I remember going to my first baseball card show on Staten Island (maybe St. Dorothy's...my memory's not that good) and getting Rusty Staub to sign an 8X10 and my copy of the 1985 Mets Information Guide. I'm not entirely sure where those two items are now, but I do know that was the start of a childhood full of baseball card shows, from smaller ones on Staten Island (Kevin Elster and Keith Miller at the Nansen Lodge, Matt Williams and Eddie Mathews at St. Teresa's, Willie Mays, Warren Spahn, Dave Magadan, and a ton of others at a school auditorium I'm blanking on) to larger ones in New Jersey (a Brooklyn Dodgers reunion at the Hilton in Hasbrouck Heights) to megashows in Manhattan (a 1969 Mets reunion at one of the piers and countless shows at the Penta Hotel/Hotel Pennsylvania across from Madison Square Garden). God bless my parents--they took me to just about whatever show I wanted to go to and gave me money to get signatures from whomever I wanted. So I assembled a pretty nice collection before autograph prices got too out of hand. It's not a collection that will ever make me a multimillionaire, but I got to meet some pretty cool people.
Nowadays, I will occasionally head to a show or a signing at a memorabilia store for old times' sake (and, of course, Chiller because (a) I'm a loser and (b) I need photos for my Holiday Greeting). But most autograph prices are absurd today, and I kinda do the old-man "wow, times have changed" thing in my head and then spend a few moments feeling grateful that I was able to get autographs when they were cheaper through the magnanimity of my parents, who not only funded me but alsooften patiently waited hours as I stood on lines to meet baseball players I'd only read about in books.
But occasionally, I will come across a show whose prices are so ridiculous that I am legitimately taken aback. Such was the case the other day when, feeling bored, I started checking out websites for local card shows. Triumph Sports runs a lot of megashows in New Jersey, and their upcoming show is called "The Football Spectacular." They have an impressive lineup of football legends, including seven members of your Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (striking while the iron is hot); former Cowboys Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Ed "Too Tall" Jones; and legendary quarterbacks John Elway, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino, among others. Some prices aren't too crazy ("Too Tall" Jones and Paul Hornung are $35 each), some are ridiculously high, but at least somewhat justifiable based on the athletes' careers (Elway, Montana, and Marino are $200), and some are just stupid (Eli Manning is $150, Reggie Bush is $125, and Brady Quinn, who has played a game in the NFL, is $75). But, whatever-- such is the state of card shows today.
Then, I clicked on a link titled "Photo Booth" to see what that was all about. It turns out you can get your picture taken with some of the guests by a "professional" (their quotes, not mine) photographer. "Oh," I think, "that's a cool idea, especially if you're paying so much for the autograph. At least you're getting your money's worth." But wait, at the end of the page, there's this:
“Photo Booth” tickets do not include an autograph of that guest. Autograph tickets must be purchased separately.
"Fair enough," I think, "It probably is a hassle to hold up the line; you'd have to expect that they'd need a little extra to make up for that convenience. Let me click on one of these player links to see how much the Photo Booth ticket is. Let's try Dan Marino. Aaand scroll down aaaand...Oh my God."
350 dollars.
Meaning that if you want to get an autograph from and a picture with Dan Marino, it'll cost you 550 dollars. Unless you want a mini-helmet or football ($575) or a pro helmet or jersey ($600). And tack on $75 if you want an inscription on any of those autographs.
Alternatively, you could just punch yourself in the balls for free. I recommend that option.
Nowadays, I will occasionally head to a show or a signing at a memorabilia store for old times' sake (and, of course, Chiller because (a) I'm a loser and (b) I need photos for my Holiday Greeting). But most autograph prices are absurd today, and I kinda do the old-man "wow, times have changed" thing in my head and then spend a few moments feeling grateful that I was able to get autographs when they were cheaper through the magnanimity of my parents, who not only funded me but alsooften patiently waited hours as I stood on lines to meet baseball players I'd only read about in books.
But occasionally, I will come across a show whose prices are so ridiculous that I am legitimately taken aback. Such was the case the other day when, feeling bored, I started checking out websites for local card shows. Triumph Sports runs a lot of megashows in New Jersey, and their upcoming show is called "The Football Spectacular." They have an impressive lineup of football legends, including seven members of your Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (striking while the iron is hot); former Cowboys Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Ed "Too Tall" Jones; and legendary quarterbacks John Elway, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino, among others. Some prices aren't too crazy ("Too Tall" Jones and Paul Hornung are $35 each), some are ridiculously high, but at least somewhat justifiable based on the athletes' careers (Elway, Montana, and Marino are $200), and some are just stupid (Eli Manning is $150, Reggie Bush is $125, and Brady Quinn, who has played a game in the NFL, is $75). But, whatever-- such is the state of card shows today.
Then, I clicked on a link titled "Photo Booth" to see what that was all about. It turns out you can get your picture taken with some of the guests by a "professional" (their quotes, not mine) photographer. "Oh," I think, "that's a cool idea, especially if you're paying so much for the autograph. At least you're getting your money's worth." But wait, at the end of the page, there's this:
“Photo Booth” tickets do not include an autograph of that guest. Autograph tickets must be purchased separately.
"Fair enough," I think, "It probably is a hassle to hold up the line; you'd have to expect that they'd need a little extra to make up for that convenience. Let me click on one of these player links to see how much the Photo Booth ticket is. Let's try Dan Marino. Aaand scroll down aaaand...Oh my God."
350 dollars.
Meaning that if you want to get an autograph from and a picture with Dan Marino, it'll cost you 550 dollars. Unless you want a mini-helmet or football ($575) or a pro helmet or jersey ($600). And tack on $75 if you want an inscription on any of those autographs.
Alternatively, you could just punch yourself in the balls for free. I recommend that option.
3.06.2008
Cheating on you
I've been focusing on hockey lately. but after watching the Islanders play tonight, I have a feeling that I won't be focusing on that much longer. So it'll be busier here as March goes on. In the meantime, those who like to see pictures of old hockey players--with and without me--are invited to check out my thoughts and pics from the Islanders' Core of the Four (the players who were on all four Stanley Cup teams from 1979-80 to 1982-83) weekend over at the Palm Isle. Nineteen playoff series wins in a row. I don't think that will ever be duplicated. So at least I have that to hold onto as the current Islanders continue their mastery of medicority (even if I barely have a recollection of any of those series wins).
3.03.2008
What I Liked About February
*Slo-Mo/Sue and Steph, Chapter House, Ithaca, NY
*The birth of Samuel Louis Heindl
*Scoring another great Johnny Bond record at Autumn Leaves, Ithaca, NY
*Dollar Store, Knitting Factory, NYC
*A $10 seat to see the Islanders play the Devils
*Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit/Will Hoge/Dawn Landes, Bowery Ballroom, NYC
*Red velvet cupcake, Babycakes NYC, NYC
*Partying with the Chambalas, Johnson City, NY
*Bowling with the Presidents II, Bowl-Rite Lanes, Union City, NJ
*Pierogies at Sava Polish Deli, Jersey City, NJ
*Levon Helm, Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ
*The willingness of people with cars to drive me places
2.26.2008
Gary Busey: Tinsel and Rot Hall of Famer
I was all set to induct someone else into the Hall of Fame this month, but that person will have to wait. Sunday night, someone grabbed the attention of the Tinsel and Rot Board of Directors and kissed them on the neck.
I am speaking, of course, of Gary Busey and his performance on the red carpet at the Academy Awards:
I didn't think anyone could make me upset that I missed the red carpet arrivals. Leave it to the genius of Mr. Gary Busey.
I'll be honest: I haven't seen a lot of his film work ("The Buddy Holly Story" is on as I write this, but since I'm trying to watch a hockey game and listen to a radio show, something's gotta give). In fact, I would probably label his star turn as Chet "Rocket" Steadman in "Rookie of the Year" as my favorite Busey cinematic performance, though I recall enjoying him in "Lethal Weapon," too.
But his recent rebirth as a batshit crazy reality show guy has dazzled me at every turn. "I'm with Busey" was a bona fide gem, a show that you knew was fake to some degree but didn't really care, because Busey's craziness was clearly real (I want my DVD!). Then there was "Celebrity Fit Club 2," where he became the show's breakout star. And, as Sunday night proved, there seems to be no end to his insanity. I am of the same opinion as Howard Stern when it comes to his assessment of Busey's attack on Sunday: E! or the TV Guide Network should have him wandering around the red carpet at every awards ceremony. And I will go one step further: there is no show on television that could not be improved by the addition of Gary Busey--not Gary Busey playing a character, but Gary Busey playing Gary Busey, just wandering around and saying crazy things and inappropriately touching people. C'mon, Hollywood. Make it happen.
Gary Busey, welcome to the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Some of Busey's greatest hits:
Busey as Buddy Holly
Busey the Philosopher
Busey on "Late Night with David Letterman"
YouTube yanked the insane Busey/Paul Butterfield/Rick Danko performance of "Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer," but you can find it here. I think that's definitive proof that he was crazy before the motorcycle accident.
And if you want to watch the glorious "I'm with Busey," you can find episodes here.
I am speaking, of course, of Gary Busey and his performance on the red carpet at the Academy Awards:
I didn't think anyone could make me upset that I missed the red carpet arrivals. Leave it to the genius of Mr. Gary Busey.
I'll be honest: I haven't seen a lot of his film work ("The Buddy Holly Story" is on as I write this, but since I'm trying to watch a hockey game and listen to a radio show, something's gotta give). In fact, I would probably label his star turn as Chet "Rocket" Steadman in "Rookie of the Year" as my favorite Busey cinematic performance, though I recall enjoying him in "Lethal Weapon," too.
But his recent rebirth as a batshit crazy reality show guy has dazzled me at every turn. "I'm with Busey" was a bona fide gem, a show that you knew was fake to some degree but didn't really care, because Busey's craziness was clearly real (I want my DVD!). Then there was "Celebrity Fit Club 2," where he became the show's breakout star. And, as Sunday night proved, there seems to be no end to his insanity. I am of the same opinion as Howard Stern when it comes to his assessment of Busey's attack on Sunday: E! or the TV Guide Network should have him wandering around the red carpet at every awards ceremony. And I will go one step further: there is no show on television that could not be improved by the addition of Gary Busey--not Gary Busey playing a character, but Gary Busey playing Gary Busey, just wandering around and saying crazy things and inappropriately touching people. C'mon, Hollywood. Make it happen.
Gary Busey, welcome to the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Some of Busey's greatest hits:
Busey as Buddy Holly
Busey the Philosopher
Busey on "Late Night with David Letterman"
YouTube yanked the insane Busey/Paul Butterfield/Rick Danko performance of "Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer," but you can find it here. I think that's definitive proof that he was crazy before the motorcycle accident.
And if you want to watch the glorious "I'm with Busey," you can find episodes here.
Answers to Questions Posed in the Subject Headers of Spam, Vol. 1
Today's Question Posed in the Subject Header of Spam:
Ever heard the sound of a huge one slapping against a tight woman's butt?
Answer: I'm not entirely sure what "one" refers to (clearly you could use some work on being more specific in your writing), but I think I have a good idea. And if that idea is correct, and I'm being honest, I'm gonna have to say "No." And, since I'm being honest, I'm not sure I'd really want to. Nothing personal. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would--again, if my assumption of what you mean by "one" is correct. If I'm wrong, then I can't really be sure. I would ask you to clarify, but maybe it's best if we just let it be.
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Ever heard the sound of a huge one slapping against a tight woman's butt?
Answer: I'm not entirely sure what "one" refers to (clearly you could use some work on being more specific in your writing), but I think I have a good idea. And if that idea is correct, and I'm being honest, I'm gonna have to say "No." And, since I'm being honest, I'm not sure I'd really want to. Nothing personal. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would--again, if my assumption of what you mean by "one" is correct. If I'm wrong, then I can't really be sure. I would ask you to clarify, but maybe it's best if we just let it be.
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Pledge Time
WFMU's Annual Music Marathon is now under way. And that means you should donate to Jersey City's finest contribution to the world of music (or at least tied with Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show's Dennis Locorriere, but he's not asking for donations, at least as far as I know). Now. Or, preferably, Tuesday night during "The Best Show on WFMU," which is still, in fact, the best show on WFMU. But there are other good shows, too.
So, give the free-form folks at 'FMU some of your cash if you've got some to give. It'll make you feel better.
So, give the free-form folks at 'FMU some of your cash if you've got some to give. It'll make you feel better.
2.25.2008
Time to Start Getting Real: Part III
OK, let's wrap this up so you know how to vote.
Roommate You Love to Hate
Nominees:Beth (Los Angeles), Coral (Back to New York), Puck (San Francisco), Trisha (Sydney), Tyler (Key West)
T&R Analysis: The casual RW watcher looks at the category and says, "Gotta be Puck." Not so, though he probably comes in as runner-up, easily out-distancing Coral, Trisha (who?), and Tyler. But he can't hold a candle to the incessant annoyance that is Beth from L.A. My skin still crawls at the sight of her on the various Challenges/Gauntlets/etc. (which I'm back into after a long absence...I may not fully be an adult after all!). Oh, that voice.
T&R's Choice: Beth (Los Angeles)
Biggest Playa
Nominees: Brad (San Diego), Cara (Chicago), Colie (Denver), David (New Orleans), Syrus (Boston), Teck (Hawaii)
T&R Analysis: I think I may just have to go with who I like best out of the nominees, as I'm having trouble recalling their playa behavior...excuse me, behavia. So, let's knock out Brad and Colie first, then take out Syrus. I liked Teck, and he was indeed a playa, but I'm gonna have to say no. That leaves Cara and David. David and his monster jam "Come On Be My Baby Tonight" hold a high spot on my list of all-time favorite Real Worlders, but Cara, to the best of my recollection, was definitely a bigger playa. I hate tough decisions.
T&R's Choice: You can't go wrong with either Cara or David, but I'm gonna give this one to Cara (Chicago)
Phone Call Gone Bad
Nominees: Dunbar (Sydney), Flora (Miami), Jacquese (San Diego), Montana (Boston), Paula (Key West), Shavonda (Philadelphia)
T&R Analysis: A two-(w)horse race between Flora and Montana (though upon first viewing, the Dunbar phone call is pretty entertaining). Montana gets bonus points for having a boyfriend named Vaj, which I didn't really appreciate the humor of until now (kinda like a few years ago when I really thought about Rusty Kuntz), but Mitchell screaming "Hello?!?!" still makes me laugh all these years later.
T&R's Choice: Flora (Miami)
Gone Baby Gone (a/k/a Best Departure)
Nominees: David (Los Angeles), Irene (Seattle), Puck (San Francisco), Shauvon (Sydney), Trisha (Sydney)
T&R Analysis: Finally! A nomination for Irene! That makes this one a no-brainer. Puck and David's departures were surely memorable, and I guess the Sydney girls were fine, too, but Irene is the greatest. I would, however, like to take this time to point out that I have David's autograph, but that's because he used to hang around with Dave Chappelle and when Chappelle did the Letterman show about fifteen years ago, I asked Dave for an autograph thinking he was Chappelle (I know, I know, they look nothing alike). When I told him how much I enjoyed him in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," David informed me--quite nicely I might add--that I had the wrong Dave. And that, dear readers, is by far my most embarrassing moment in autograph collecting.
T&R's Choice: Irene (Seattle)
Best Dance Off
Nominees: Adam (Paris), Jenn (Denver), Johanna (Austin), Melissa (New Orleans), Tyler (Key West)
T&R Analysis: This really needed to be a category? Best Dance Off? Is this some sort of "Dancing with the Stars" tie-in? (Note to that show's producers: If I didn't watch when Slater was on, I'm not watching Guttenberg...keep trying, and maybe someday I'll cave). After watching the clips, I've narrowed it down to Melissa and Johanna, the latter just because I think she's hot (probably should've at least gotten a nomination in that one). Melissa's is funnier, so we'll go with that.
T&R's Choice: Melissa (New Orleans)
There you have it. Now you know how to vote. Last day for voting is February 29. The big show is a month later. Look for postshow reactions here. Unless I find something else to do that day.
Roommate You Love to Hate
Nominees:Beth (Los Angeles), Coral (Back to New York), Puck (San Francisco), Trisha (Sydney), Tyler (Key West)
T&R Analysis: The casual RW watcher looks at the category and says, "Gotta be Puck." Not so, though he probably comes in as runner-up, easily out-distancing Coral, Trisha (who?), and Tyler. But he can't hold a candle to the incessant annoyance that is Beth from L.A. My skin still crawls at the sight of her on the various Challenges/Gauntlets/etc. (which I'm back into after a long absence...I may not fully be an adult after all!). Oh, that voice.
T&R's Choice: Beth (Los Angeles)
Biggest Playa
Nominees: Brad (San Diego), Cara (Chicago), Colie (Denver), David (New Orleans), Syrus (Boston), Teck (Hawaii)
T&R Analysis: I think I may just have to go with who I like best out of the nominees, as I'm having trouble recalling their playa behavior...excuse me, behavia. So, let's knock out Brad and Colie first, then take out Syrus. I liked Teck, and he was indeed a playa, but I'm gonna have to say no. That leaves Cara and David. David and his monster jam "Come On Be My Baby Tonight" hold a high spot on my list of all-time favorite Real Worlders, but Cara, to the best of my recollection, was definitely a bigger playa. I hate tough decisions.
T&R's Choice: You can't go wrong with either Cara or David, but I'm gonna give this one to Cara (Chicago)
Phone Call Gone Bad
Nominees: Dunbar (Sydney), Flora (Miami), Jacquese (San Diego), Montana (Boston), Paula (Key West), Shavonda (Philadelphia)
T&R Analysis: A two-(w)horse race between Flora and Montana (though upon first viewing, the Dunbar phone call is pretty entertaining). Montana gets bonus points for having a boyfriend named Vaj, which I didn't really appreciate the humor of until now (kinda like a few years ago when I really thought about Rusty Kuntz), but Mitchell screaming "Hello?!?!" still makes me laugh all these years later.
T&R's Choice: Flora (Miami)
Gone Baby Gone (a/k/a Best Departure)
Nominees: David (Los Angeles), Irene (Seattle), Puck (San Francisco), Shauvon (Sydney), Trisha (Sydney)
T&R Analysis: Finally! A nomination for Irene! That makes this one a no-brainer. Puck and David's departures were surely memorable, and I guess the Sydney girls were fine, too, but Irene is the greatest. I would, however, like to take this time to point out that I have David's autograph, but that's because he used to hang around with Dave Chappelle and when Chappelle did the Letterman show about fifteen years ago, I asked Dave for an autograph thinking he was Chappelle (I know, I know, they look nothing alike). When I told him how much I enjoyed him in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," David informed me--quite nicely I might add--that I had the wrong Dave. And that, dear readers, is by far my most embarrassing moment in autograph collecting.
T&R's Choice: Irene (Seattle)
Best Dance Off
Nominees: Adam (Paris), Jenn (Denver), Johanna (Austin), Melissa (New Orleans), Tyler (Key West)
T&R Analysis: This really needed to be a category? Best Dance Off? Is this some sort of "Dancing with the Stars" tie-in? (Note to that show's producers: If I didn't watch when Slater was on, I'm not watching Guttenberg...keep trying, and maybe someday I'll cave). After watching the clips, I've narrowed it down to Melissa and Johanna, the latter just because I think she's hot (probably should've at least gotten a nomination in that one). Melissa's is funnier, so we'll go with that.
T&R's Choice: Melissa (New Orleans)
There you have it. Now you know how to vote. Last day for voting is February 29. The big show is a month later. Look for postshow reactions here. Unless I find something else to do that day.
2.24.2008
Time to Start Getting Real: Part II
Can you still feel the excitement surrounding the Real World Awards? I sure can. Unless that excitement is really the flu.
In any case, let's take a look at the next four categories.
Steamiest Scene
Nominees: Alex and Jenn in the shower (Denver), the Austin cast in the hot tub and shower (Austin), Brooke and Jenn (and Tyrie) in the hot tub (Denver), Steven, Trishelle, and Brynn in the hot tub (Las Vegas), Tyler and Bhakti in the pool (Key West)
T&R Analysis: Oh boy. Can I go with the Monty Brewster vote and go with "None of the Above"? I only actually saw two of these, and I don't really find either of those particularly steamy. I've checked the clips of the others on the site, and I'm not really feeling any of those, dawg (Brooke and Jenn "making out" just looks disturbing). Tough call.
T&R's Choice: Let's call it for Steven, Trishelle, and Brynn (Las Vegas).
Best Brush with the Law
Nominees: Robin arrested on the same night as Brad (San Diego), Brad arrested on the same night as Robin (San Diego), Johanna steals a rose (Austin), Tyrie peeing (Denver)
T&R Analysis: I've actually seen all of these. I think I almost made it through the whole Tyrie peeing episode, making it my favorite Denver episode, but still not a winner here. Johanna stealing a rose was stupid, so that's out, leaving us with the double-arrest night in San Diego. The circumstances of the Robin arrest are funnier, but I'm a sucker for a meathead yelling at people in the middle of the street. Man, the people of San Diego must've really hated the "Real World" kids.
T&R's Choice: Brad arrested on the same night as Robin (San Diego)
Best Meltdown
Nominees: Brooke is in hell (Denver), Brooke is so the prettiest girl (Denver), Melissa opens Dan's mail (Miami), Paula's not right (Key West), Rachel yells at Nehemiah (Austin)
T&R Analysis: Again, MTV's anti-Irene bias is stunning. Not including her farewell breakfast speech (where she goes from laughing to crying to laughing in, like, five seconds) is incomprehensible. Clearly, Irene doesn't play the political game well enough to get a nomination. Disheartening.
Anyway, I don't need to be an avid Denver watcher to know that Brooke is the favorite in this one. Both of her meltdowns are pretty epic, and certainly trump Rachel's drunken shouting and Paula's hysterics. But, as you can tell, Tinsel and Rot is old school. I have a hard time giving an award to the new kids, even someone as clearly deranged as Brooke. And, man, did I love that Dan and Melissa fight. Sorry, Brooke.
T&R's Choice: Melissa opens Dan's mail (Miami)
Favorite Love Story
Nominees: Alton and Irulan (Las Vegas), Amaya and Colin (Hawaii), Cohutta and KellyAnne (Sydney), Danny and Melinda (Austin), Pedro and Sean (San Francisco), Steven and Trishelle (Las Vegas)
T&R Analysis: Another category in which I'm having a hard time determining a favorite, mainly because they were all kind of annoying. Amaya and Colin? I don't think so. Cohutta might be the most annoying Real Worlder ever, which, unfortunately for him, is not a category. Danny and Melinda? Eh. I've already given one award to Vegas, so those two couples are out. And that leaves me with Pedro and Sean, whom I'm not picking for some righteous, progressive reason, but because they are the least annoying of the lot, probably because they had the least camera time (I'm guessing on Cohutta and KellyAnne...I see that dude on the screen and I find anything else to watch).
T&R's Choice: Sean and Pedro
UP NEXT: Wrapping it up with Roommate You Love to Hate, Biggest Playa, Phone Call Gone Bad, Gone Baby Gone, and Best Dance Off
In any case, let's take a look at the next four categories.
Steamiest Scene
Nominees: Alex and Jenn in the shower (Denver), the Austin cast in the hot tub and shower (Austin), Brooke and Jenn (and Tyrie) in the hot tub (Denver), Steven, Trishelle, and Brynn in the hot tub (Las Vegas), Tyler and Bhakti in the pool (Key West)
T&R Analysis: Oh boy. Can I go with the Monty Brewster vote and go with "None of the Above"? I only actually saw two of these, and I don't really find either of those particularly steamy. I've checked the clips of the others on the site, and I'm not really feeling any of those, dawg (Brooke and Jenn "making out" just looks disturbing). Tough call.
T&R's Choice: Let's call it for Steven, Trishelle, and Brynn (Las Vegas).
Best Brush with the Law
Nominees: Robin arrested on the same night as Brad (San Diego), Brad arrested on the same night as Robin (San Diego), Johanna steals a rose (Austin), Tyrie peeing (Denver)
T&R Analysis: I've actually seen all of these. I think I almost made it through the whole Tyrie peeing episode, making it my favorite Denver episode, but still not a winner here. Johanna stealing a rose was stupid, so that's out, leaving us with the double-arrest night in San Diego. The circumstances of the Robin arrest are funnier, but I'm a sucker for a meathead yelling at people in the middle of the street. Man, the people of San Diego must've really hated the "Real World" kids.
T&R's Choice: Brad arrested on the same night as Robin (San Diego)
Best Meltdown
Nominees: Brooke is in hell (Denver), Brooke is so the prettiest girl (Denver), Melissa opens Dan's mail (Miami), Paula's not right (Key West), Rachel yells at Nehemiah (Austin)
T&R Analysis: Again, MTV's anti-Irene bias is stunning. Not including her farewell breakfast speech (where she goes from laughing to crying to laughing in, like, five seconds) is incomprehensible. Clearly, Irene doesn't play the political game well enough to get a nomination. Disheartening.
Anyway, I don't need to be an avid Denver watcher to know that Brooke is the favorite in this one. Both of her meltdowns are pretty epic, and certainly trump Rachel's drunken shouting and Paula's hysterics. But, as you can tell, Tinsel and Rot is old school. I have a hard time giving an award to the new kids, even someone as clearly deranged as Brooke. And, man, did I love that Dan and Melissa fight. Sorry, Brooke.
T&R's Choice: Melissa opens Dan's mail (Miami)
Favorite Love Story
Nominees: Alton and Irulan (Las Vegas), Amaya and Colin (Hawaii), Cohutta and KellyAnne (Sydney), Danny and Melinda (Austin), Pedro and Sean (San Francisco), Steven and Trishelle (Las Vegas)
T&R Analysis: Another category in which I'm having a hard time determining a favorite, mainly because they were all kind of annoying. Amaya and Colin? I don't think so. Cohutta might be the most annoying Real Worlder ever, which, unfortunately for him, is not a category. Danny and Melinda? Eh. I've already given one award to Vegas, so those two couples are out. And that leaves me with Pedro and Sean, whom I'm not picking for some righteous, progressive reason, but because they are the least annoying of the lot, probably because they had the least camera time (I'm guessing on Cohutta and KellyAnne...I see that dude on the screen and I find anything else to watch).
T&R's Choice: Sean and Pedro
UP NEXT: Wrapping it up with Roommate You Love to Hate, Biggest Playa, Phone Call Gone Bad, Gone Baby Gone, and Best Dance Off
2.19.2008
Time to Start Getting Real
Now that the strike is over, we can fully devote all our attention to the big awards show coming up. We can fill out ballots for the office pool, weigh the merits of the worthy contenders, and decisively choose the nominees we believe deserve that most prestigious of prizes.
I am speaking, of course, of the forthcoming Real World Awards, due to air (as if I have to tell you) on MTV at the prime viewing time of 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Oh, it's still a long ways off, but Internet voting ends in just 10 days! And with 13 categories, how ever will you have the time to fully dissect all the nominees?
Fear not. Tinsel and Rot is here for you.
Today, we will look at the first four categories: Hottest Female, Hottest Male, Favorite Season, and Best Fight.
Hottest Female
Nominees: Cameran (San Diego), Irulan (Las Vegas), Jacinda (London), Jamie (San Diego), Jenn (Denver), KellyAnne (Sydney), Mallory (Paris), Melinda (Austin), Svetlana (Key West), Trishelle (Las Vegas)
T&R Analysis: OK, first things first: I've never seen a Sydney episode, I vaguely remember Key West, and I forgot there even was a Denver season. So I'm gonna have to knock those three out of the running right off the bat, despite two out of three piquing my interest after watching the 30-second clips on MTV.com. If Las Vegas ended after two episodes, maybe Trishelle gets the nod. But it didn't. Irulan also would've benefitted from a severely shortened Vegas season (if I remember correctly, that Vegas season lasted 18 years). Cameran from San Diego started strong, but gradually had the Hottest Girl in the House crown wrested away from her by Jamie, who, alas, suffers from not being a camera whore and thus not providing a strong enough sample. Jacinda was a looker, but, if I'm gonna be honest, I was a Kat man in London. So I'm gonna have to take Jacinda out of the race. Melinda's a solid candidate, but she falls just short of the person who may have been the only reason I watched the Paris season.
T&R's Choice: Mallory (Paris)
Hottest Male
Nominees: Alex (Denver), Alton (Las Vegas), Brad (San Diego), CT (Paris), Chris (Chicago), Danny (Austin), Eric (New York), Isaac (Sydney), Eric (New York), Jason (Boston), Johnny (Key West)
T&R Analysis: Do you really think I'm gonna analyze this one? Like I need to scare off any other women who question my heterosexuality. But I do know some women who would be outraged that David from Seattle wasn't even nominated. Honest. I know women.
T&R's Choice: Um, how about we give one to the old school? Eric (New York) it is.
Favorite Season
Nominees: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Back to New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, San Diego, Philadelphia, Austin, Key West, Denver, Sydney
T&R Analysis: OK, right off the bat, you knock off any season near a beach. Adios, Key West, Miami, San Diego, and Hawaii. Vegas is out next, for reasons explained earlier. Then you take out Denver and Sydney because they provided nothing compelling enough to make me watch more than 10 minutes. Next out are London and Paris, for reasons I shouldn't have to explain to anyone who's seen those seasons. Austin, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Back to New York are the next to exit because, well, who needs a reason? (If you really need one, how about "they were inconsistent," or, in the case of Philadelphia, "it blew"?) I've let New Orleans stay this long merely out of respect to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. So, we're left with the Final Four: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. It's tough to knock the first two seasons out (especially New York), but I don't think they stand up to the other two. San Francisco had the Great Puck and Pedro Battle, but Seattle had David's Boston-inflected screaming in a car, Lindsay's friend's suicide, and the War Between Steven and Irene, culminating in the Great Slap.
T&R's Choice: Seattle
Best Fight
Nominees: Brynn throws a fork at Steven (Las Vegas), Tami and Dave screaming match and blanket pull (Los Angeles), Tyrie punches a garage door instead of Davis (Denver), Pedro and Puck face off (San Francisco), Julie and Kevin discuss racism (New York)
T&R Analysis: I thought this would be a lot tougher than it is, mainly because Steven and Irene's fight is inexplicably off the ballot. I need answers on that one, MTV. Until I get those answers, this one's easy as pie. Brynn throwing a fork was lame, the clip of Tyrie and Davis bores me, the Pedro and Puck battle doesn't have the fire to take the prize, and Julie and Kevin's sidewalk shouting falls just short of legendary status. There is only one legend in the category. If it doesn't win, the voting process needs to be examined.
T&R's Choice:Tami and Dave screaming match and blanket pull (Los Angeles)
NEXT TIME: Steamiest Scene, Best Brush with the Law, Best Meltdown, and Favorite Love Story
I am speaking, of course, of the forthcoming Real World Awards, due to air (as if I have to tell you) on MTV at the prime viewing time of 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Oh, it's still a long ways off, but Internet voting ends in just 10 days! And with 13 categories, how ever will you have the time to fully dissect all the nominees?
Fear not. Tinsel and Rot is here for you.
Today, we will look at the first four categories: Hottest Female, Hottest Male, Favorite Season, and Best Fight.
Hottest Female
Nominees: Cameran (San Diego), Irulan (Las Vegas), Jacinda (London), Jamie (San Diego), Jenn (Denver), KellyAnne (Sydney), Mallory (Paris), Melinda (Austin), Svetlana (Key West), Trishelle (Las Vegas)
T&R Analysis: OK, first things first: I've never seen a Sydney episode, I vaguely remember Key West, and I forgot there even was a Denver season. So I'm gonna have to knock those three out of the running right off the bat, despite two out of three piquing my interest after watching the 30-second clips on MTV.com. If Las Vegas ended after two episodes, maybe Trishelle gets the nod. But it didn't. Irulan also would've benefitted from a severely shortened Vegas season (if I remember correctly, that Vegas season lasted 18 years). Cameran from San Diego started strong, but gradually had the Hottest Girl in the House crown wrested away from her by Jamie, who, alas, suffers from not being a camera whore and thus not providing a strong enough sample. Jacinda was a looker, but, if I'm gonna be honest, I was a Kat man in London. So I'm gonna have to take Jacinda out of the race. Melinda's a solid candidate, but she falls just short of the person who may have been the only reason I watched the Paris season.
T&R's Choice: Mallory (Paris)
Hottest Male
Nominees: Alex (Denver), Alton (Las Vegas), Brad (San Diego), CT (Paris), Chris (Chicago), Danny (Austin), Eric (New York), Isaac (Sydney), Eric (New York), Jason (Boston), Johnny (Key West)
T&R Analysis: Do you really think I'm gonna analyze this one? Like I need to scare off any other women who question my heterosexuality. But I do know some women who would be outraged that David from Seattle wasn't even nominated. Honest. I know women.
T&R's Choice: Um, how about we give one to the old school? Eric (New York) it is.
Favorite Season
Nominees: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Back to New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, San Diego, Philadelphia, Austin, Key West, Denver, Sydney
T&R Analysis: OK, right off the bat, you knock off any season near a beach. Adios, Key West, Miami, San Diego, and Hawaii. Vegas is out next, for reasons explained earlier. Then you take out Denver and Sydney because they provided nothing compelling enough to make me watch more than 10 minutes. Next out are London and Paris, for reasons I shouldn't have to explain to anyone who's seen those seasons. Austin, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Back to New York are the next to exit because, well, who needs a reason? (If you really need one, how about "they were inconsistent," or, in the case of Philadelphia, "it blew"?) I've let New Orleans stay this long merely out of respect to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. So, we're left with the Final Four: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. It's tough to knock the first two seasons out (especially New York), but I don't think they stand up to the other two. San Francisco had the Great Puck and Pedro Battle, but Seattle had David's Boston-inflected screaming in a car, Lindsay's friend's suicide, and the War Between Steven and Irene, culminating in the Great Slap.
T&R's Choice: Seattle
Best Fight
Nominees: Brynn throws a fork at Steven (Las Vegas), Tami and Dave screaming match and blanket pull (Los Angeles), Tyrie punches a garage door instead of Davis (Denver), Pedro and Puck face off (San Francisco), Julie and Kevin discuss racism (New York)
T&R Analysis: I thought this would be a lot tougher than it is, mainly because Steven and Irene's fight is inexplicably off the ballot. I need answers on that one, MTV. Until I get those answers, this one's easy as pie. Brynn throwing a fork was lame, the clip of Tyrie and Davis bores me, the Pedro and Puck battle doesn't have the fire to take the prize, and Julie and Kevin's sidewalk shouting falls just short of legendary status. There is only one legend in the category. If it doesn't win, the voting process needs to be examined.
T&R's Choice:Tami and Dave screaming match and blanket pull (Los Angeles)
NEXT TIME: Steamiest Scene, Best Brush with the Law, Best Meltdown, and Favorite Love Story
2.18.2008
Bowling with the Presidents 2008!
For those interested in the results of the 2nd Annual Bowling with the Presidents at Bowl Rite Lanes, Union City, NJ, here they are (last year's results here:
Game 1: JAMES MADISON (120) def. Benjamin Harrison (117)
Game 2: MARTIN VAN BUREN (124) def. James Garfield (116)
Game 3: JAMES MONROE (152) def. John Tyler (121)
Game 4: HARRY S TRUMAN (162) def. Gerald Ford (100)
Game 5: RICHARD NIXON (132) def. William McKinley (116)
Game 6: DWIGHT EISENHOWER (163) def. George Washington (107)
Game 7: JIMMY CARTER (122) (unopposed)
Tough day on the lanes for me personally, as aside from an inability to make spares, I bid farewell to the bowling shoes that carried me from high school to the man I am today. The right shoe literally came apart in Harry S Truman's final frame (karmic payback for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?), and the left soon followed. The shoes received a proper burial at the Ninth and Congress Light Rail Station in Hoboken, NJ. Goodbye, old friends.
2.15.2008
Random Thought Born While Listening to BackSpin on Sirius
I wonder if Weird Al Yankovic thought about doing a parody of Ice T's "Colors" called "Crullers" but backed off because he was afraid of Ice T. Because it really seems like a natural to me. And a damn shame that it never happened. What a missed opportunity.
I suppose I will just have to make my own parody in my head. Feel free to do the same.
I suppose I will just have to make my own parody in my head. Feel free to do the same.
2.12.2008
Feeling proud
15-for-15 on this "Saved by the Bell" quiz. All those years spent watching the show have really paid off. It's a lesson to you kids out there.
2.11.2008
Train keeps a rollin'
Big ups to 17-time Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr, who took home the Grammy for Best Polka Album last night. Man can't be stopped.
And congratulations to T&R-approved artists Willie Nelson & Ray Price, Levon Helm, and the Soweto Gospel Choir, too. (We'd congratulate Steve Earle, but we think that album blows.)
And congratulations to T&R-approved artists Willie Nelson & Ray Price, Levon Helm, and the Soweto Gospel Choir, too. (We'd congratulate Steve Earle, but we think that album blows.)
2.04.2008
Don't-Be-Ridiculous Tuesday
When historians look back on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, they will remember it as a monumental occasion for celebration.
Will they do so because it was the day the improbable Super Bowl Champion New York Giants were feted on the Canyon of Heroes?
Nope.
Will they recall it as the day the future President of the United States won a decisive victory in his or her party's primary?
Nonsense.
Will they remember the Dances of Joy that enveloped the nation when the first two seasons of "Perfect Strangers" were finaly released to a hungry public?
Of course they will. Don't be ridiculous.
Yes, dear friends, before I could wrap up the "I Want My DVD: Perfect Strangers Edition" blog entry, the powers that be at Warner Brothers have decided to release a two-disc set of the first two seasons of the adventures of Balki and Cousin Larry. The rain and thunder. The wind and haze. I'm bound for better days.
There was a time in young Tinsel and Rot's life where there was no cooler show than "Perfect Strangers" and no cooler peron than Bronson "Balki Bartokomous" Pinchot. I'm pretty sure that time has now passed, but it was quite a ride. I'm extremely hesitant to watch the DVDs, because I'm certain the show will not be as good as it was when I was 12 (most things, in fact, aren't). But I will watch anyway, and likely sing along to a theme song that still holds strong in the Top 10 TV Themes of All-Time.
It is a bit frustrating, though, that it's only the first two seasons. As we all know, the show didn't hit its stride until season 3, when Larry and Balki ditch Twinkacetti and get jobs at the Chicago Chronicle. There's the Carl Lewis guest spot. And the episode with the plumbing misadventures. And, of course, the bibbi-babka episode, an all-time classic. Warner Brothers better get to work on the season three disc. If the entire run of "Full House" can be out there, there's no excuse for "Perfect Strangers" episodes to be held back. For crying out loud, "Perfect Strangers" was the original TGIF anchor (original lineup: "Perfect Strangers," "Full House," "Mr. Belvedere," and "Just the Ten of Us"--no weak links, at least in my 12-year-old mind), and, lest we forget, indirectly begat Urkel ("Family Matters" spun off from "Perfect Strangers"). Respect must be paid to Balki and Cousin Larry.
OK, need to calm down, be glad the first two seasons are out there, then do Dance of Joy.
Balki 4 Life!
Will they do so because it was the day the improbable Super Bowl Champion New York Giants were feted on the Canyon of Heroes?
Nope.
Will they recall it as the day the future President of the United States won a decisive victory in his or her party's primary?
Nonsense.
Will they remember the Dances of Joy that enveloped the nation when the first two seasons of "Perfect Strangers" were finaly released to a hungry public?
Of course they will. Don't be ridiculous.
Yes, dear friends, before I could wrap up the "I Want My DVD: Perfect Strangers Edition" blog entry, the powers that be at Warner Brothers have decided to release a two-disc set of the first two seasons of the adventures of Balki and Cousin Larry. The rain and thunder. The wind and haze. I'm bound for better days.
There was a time in young Tinsel and Rot's life where there was no cooler show than "Perfect Strangers" and no cooler peron than Bronson "Balki Bartokomous" Pinchot. I'm pretty sure that time has now passed, but it was quite a ride. I'm extremely hesitant to watch the DVDs, because I'm certain the show will not be as good as it was when I was 12 (most things, in fact, aren't). But I will watch anyway, and likely sing along to a theme song that still holds strong in the Top 10 TV Themes of All-Time.
It is a bit frustrating, though, that it's only the first two seasons. As we all know, the show didn't hit its stride until season 3, when Larry and Balki ditch Twinkacetti and get jobs at the Chicago Chronicle. There's the Carl Lewis guest spot. And the episode with the plumbing misadventures. And, of course, the bibbi-babka episode, an all-time classic. Warner Brothers better get to work on the season three disc. If the entire run of "Full House" can be out there, there's no excuse for "Perfect Strangers" episodes to be held back. For crying out loud, "Perfect Strangers" was the original TGIF anchor (original lineup: "Perfect Strangers," "Full House," "Mr. Belvedere," and "Just the Ten of Us"--no weak links, at least in my 12-year-old mind), and, lest we forget, indirectly begat Urkel ("Family Matters" spun off from "Perfect Strangers"). Respect must be paid to Balki and Cousin Larry.
OK, need to calm down, be glad the first two seasons are out there, then do Dance of Joy.
Balki 4 Life!
2.02.2008
What I Liked About January
*Photo time with Bob Nystrom and Clark Gillies, Bryant Park, NYC
*Grown-Up Dinner Party, Cash/Lyons Estate, Malden, MA
*My Sirius Stiletto Radio
*Paul Thorn, Living Room, NYC
*The short but magnificent tenure of Frenchy on "Rock of Love 2"
*Swath, The Delancey, NYC
*Pizza night, Balber/Sherman Estate, Hoboken, NJ
*Nicole Atkins, Union Square Barnes & Noble, NYC
*Meeting Johnny Bower in Saugus, MA
*John Train, Fergie's Pub, Philadelphia, PA
*Will Kimbrough/Amy Loftus, Living Room, NYC
*The willingness of people with cars to drive me places
1.28.2008
Yahoo! News Reimagined, Vol. 1
Behold, the first in an occasional series that was conceived years ago when I saw a Yahoo! News headline that read something like "Carter busted for DUI." Carlene? Deana? Jimmy? Turned out it was Nick, whom I hadn't even considered, and which made the story completely uninteresting to me. Was the vagueness of "Carter" meant to rope me in? Do the people at Yahoo! News like to tease? Could I make a better story in my head? I only know the answer to one of those questions. Thus, I present Yahoo! News Reimagined.
Headline: Morrison endorses Obama for president
Fresh off an explosive victory in South Carolina, Barack Obama's presidential hopes got another blast this weekend from Tommy "The Machine" Gunn.
Former heavyweight champion and "Rocky V" star Tommy Morrison threw his support to the Illinois Democrat during a lull while signing autographs at a celebrity convention in Burbank, Calif.
"Senator Obama has the heart and fire to knock out the competition on his way to the White House, " Morrison said. "He has the soul of a champion, just like Rocky."
Morrison, seated next to currently undecided Tonya Harding at the Showstopper Stars Spectacular, decided to publicly announce his support for Obama in an attempt to counteract recent criticism from former President Bill Clinton and give the senator momentum heading into Super Tuesday on February 5.
"When you look at that final fight between Rocky and I at the end of 'Rocky V,' you can't discredit the impact that the crowd at the bar had on that brawl. They willed Rocky to victory," Morrison said. "I hope to do the same for Senator Obama."
When a reporter pointed out that Morrison seemed to be having trouble separating fact from film fiction and that it sounded like the Obama campaign was feeding him lines, the former boxer took issue.
"I'm nobody's puppet! Nobody's boy!" Morrison screamed, catching the attention of several people on line to meet film legend William Zabka.
A member of Morrison's entourage quickly calmed him down, and Morrison apologized for his outburst before excusing himself to attend to a gentleman holding three "Rocky V" action figures.
Carl Weathers and Lawrence "Mr. T" Tero are expected to reveal their endorsements before next Tuesday. Burt Young could not be reached for comment.
Headline: Morrison endorses Obama for president
Fresh off an explosive victory in South Carolina, Barack Obama's presidential hopes got another blast this weekend from Tommy "The Machine" Gunn.
Former heavyweight champion and "Rocky V" star Tommy Morrison threw his support to the Illinois Democrat during a lull while signing autographs at a celebrity convention in Burbank, Calif.
"Senator Obama has the heart and fire to knock out the competition on his way to the White House, " Morrison said. "He has the soul of a champion, just like Rocky."
Morrison, seated next to currently undecided Tonya Harding at the Showstopper Stars Spectacular, decided to publicly announce his support for Obama in an attempt to counteract recent criticism from former President Bill Clinton and give the senator momentum heading into Super Tuesday on February 5.
"When you look at that final fight between Rocky and I at the end of 'Rocky V,' you can't discredit the impact that the crowd at the bar had on that brawl. They willed Rocky to victory," Morrison said. "I hope to do the same for Senator Obama."
When a reporter pointed out that Morrison seemed to be having trouble separating fact from film fiction and that it sounded like the Obama campaign was feeding him lines, the former boxer took issue.
"I'm nobody's puppet! Nobody's boy!" Morrison screamed, catching the attention of several people on line to meet film legend William Zabka.
A member of Morrison's entourage quickly calmed him down, and Morrison apologized for his outburst before excusing himself to attend to a gentleman holding three "Rocky V" action figures.
Carl Weathers and Lawrence "Mr. T" Tero are expected to reveal their endorsements before next Tuesday. Burt Young could not be reached for comment.
1.23.2008
Rethinking the Songs of My Youth: Robert Palmer Edition
On my recent excursions with my Sirius Stiletto radio, I've been listening to an unhealthy amount of the Big 80s channel, which is my go-to music channel until Outlaw Country agrees never to play a Jimmy Buffett or Eagles song ever again. Because the Stiletto lets you record songs as you hear them, I've been filling up my library with songs that strike my fancy. And my fancy was struck hard when I recently heard Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible."
I'm guessing that if you think about Robert Palmer at all, you think about the videos, and the robotically swaying women that populated them. But I would like to declare the moment in "Simply Irresistible" right before the title is sung in the chorus as a genius moment in music. It sounds like steel hitting steel, and there's really no musical reason for it to be in the song, but hot damn, it's my new favorite 80s music moment.
I think we need more steel-like sound effects in songs. Maybe the Arcade Fire can work that into their next CD.
And you also have to give it up for "She's so fine, there's no tellin' where the money went."
Y'know, I think I have to buy some Robert Palmer CDs.
It's amazing what a little steel can do.
I'm guessing that if you think about Robert Palmer at all, you think about the videos, and the robotically swaying women that populated them. But I would like to declare the moment in "Simply Irresistible" right before the title is sung in the chorus as a genius moment in music. It sounds like steel hitting steel, and there's really no musical reason for it to be in the song, but hot damn, it's my new favorite 80s music moment.
I think we need more steel-like sound effects in songs. Maybe the Arcade Fire can work that into their next CD.
And you also have to give it up for "She's so fine, there's no tellin' where the money went."
Y'know, I think I have to buy some Robert Palmer CDs.
It's amazing what a little steel can do.
1.22.2008
Hockey Night in Blogland
Desperate for a hockey blog to fill that hole in your life? Head on over to The Palm Isle, where I will occasionally be contributing and others will, if the first few days are any indication, be contributing a lot more than occasionally. Rangers fans welcome, provided they shut their stupid mouths.
Coleman Pants Update
$400,000 winning bid from a buyer with perfect feedback. I am torn between wanting that to be a fake bid and wanting to meet the person who would really pay $400,000 for Gary Coleman's autographed pants.
And when I say "meet," I really mean "see a picture of." I don't want that kind of crazy anywhere near me.
And when I say "meet," I really mean "see a picture of." I don't want that kind of crazy anywhere near me.
1.15.2008
Roger Miller: Tinsel and Rot Hall of Famer
Back in the heady days of 2006, Tinsel and Rot inducted its inaugural class into the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame. Our Board of Governors took 2007 off. They were exhausted and didn't feel like inducting anyone. You got a problem with that?
Anyway, the Board of Governors has decided to induct another 12 lucky folks into the prestigious Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame (location of actual physical structure TBD). But why induct them all at once? (Are you enjoying these rhetorical questions? Are you?) So, Tinsel and Rot will be inducting one person a month in 2008. Exciting!
And, so, please welcome Roger Miller into the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Since I really only knew Roger Miller from "King of the Road," I'm not sure why I picked up the cassette with the green cover at J&R Music World in the late 1990s. I'm sure a low price had something to do with it, and I'm guessing that the fact that Side Two had songs called "My Uncle Used To Love Me But She Died" and "You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd" probably gave it the edge over the other Roger Miller cassettes in stock. Whatever the case, I wore that tape out (and maybe the patience of anybody who had the pleasure of driving me around in the months that followed my purchase), rewinding furiously and listening over and over to "Chug A Lug" (Track 1, and, coincidentally, the first one I became obsessed with), "Dang Me," "Do Wacka Do," and the aforementioned two on Side Two. It was probably the last cassette I listened to obsessively.
I bought a few other cassettes after that (most memorably, "King of the Road: The Genius of Roger Miller," a three-tape boxed set), a bunch of CDs (including the eternal road trip go-to "The Best of Roger Miller"), and even some LPs. And I find it difficult to declare any song on any of those a clunker. The man does no wrong in my eyes. My general aversion toward musicals prohibits me from judging whether "Big River" was any good, but I bet it was just fine.
When I went to Nashville for the first time, I didn't really have a lot of info about hotels in the area. Then, while poring through Travelocity, I discovered a fact that sealed the decision. The current Days Inn by the stadium used to be called Roger Miller's King of the Road Hotel. I booked immediately. Sure, I rethought that decision when a guy threw a can at my head down the road from the hotel and when the people in the room next door were in the middle of a particularly boisterous sex session. But I was still oddly pleased that I had stayed someplace that used to have Roger Miller's name on it. Yes, I'm weird. But so was Roger Miller, so at least I'm in good company.
Tinsel and Rot is pleased to induct Roger Miller into the hallowed (virtual until the fundraising campaign reaches its conclusion) halls of the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Five Roger Miller Songs You Should Hear:
"Kansas City Star"
"I've Been a Long Time Leavin' (But I'll Be A Long Time Gone)"
"In The Summertime (You Don't Want My Love)"
"It Happened Just That Way"
"My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died"
Visit the Roger Miller website for great biographical info and a plethora of awesome clips.
And here are some great YouTube clips:
Roger on "The Johnny Cash Show"
Roger singing "In the Summertime"
Roger's greatest hits medley with the Muppets
Anyway, the Board of Governors has decided to induct another 12 lucky folks into the prestigious Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame (location of actual physical structure TBD). But why induct them all at once? (Are you enjoying these rhetorical questions? Are you?) So, Tinsel and Rot will be inducting one person a month in 2008. Exciting!
And, so, please welcome Roger Miller into the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Since I really only knew Roger Miller from "King of the Road," I'm not sure why I picked up the cassette with the green cover at J&R Music World in the late 1990s. I'm sure a low price had something to do with it, and I'm guessing that the fact that Side Two had songs called "My Uncle Used To Love Me But She Died" and "You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd" probably gave it the edge over the other Roger Miller cassettes in stock. Whatever the case, I wore that tape out (and maybe the patience of anybody who had the pleasure of driving me around in the months that followed my purchase), rewinding furiously and listening over and over to "Chug A Lug" (Track 1, and, coincidentally, the first one I became obsessed with), "Dang Me," "Do Wacka Do," and the aforementioned two on Side Two. It was probably the last cassette I listened to obsessively.
I bought a few other cassettes after that (most memorably, "King of the Road: The Genius of Roger Miller," a three-tape boxed set), a bunch of CDs (including the eternal road trip go-to "The Best of Roger Miller"), and even some LPs. And I find it difficult to declare any song on any of those a clunker. The man does no wrong in my eyes. My general aversion toward musicals prohibits me from judging whether "Big River" was any good, but I bet it was just fine.
When I went to Nashville for the first time, I didn't really have a lot of info about hotels in the area. Then, while poring through Travelocity, I discovered a fact that sealed the decision. The current Days Inn by the stadium used to be called Roger Miller's King of the Road Hotel. I booked immediately. Sure, I rethought that decision when a guy threw a can at my head down the road from the hotel and when the people in the room next door were in the middle of a particularly boisterous sex session. But I was still oddly pleased that I had stayed someplace that used to have Roger Miller's name on it. Yes, I'm weird. But so was Roger Miller, so at least I'm in good company.
Tinsel and Rot is pleased to induct Roger Miller into the hallowed (virtual until the fundraising campaign reaches its conclusion) halls of the Tinsel and Rot Hall of Fame.
Five Roger Miller Songs You Should Hear:
"Kansas City Star"
"I've Been a Long Time Leavin' (But I'll Be A Long Time Gone)"
"In The Summertime (You Don't Want My Love)"
"It Happened Just That Way"
"My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died"
Visit the Roger Miller website for great biographical info and a plethora of awesome clips.
And here are some great YouTube clips:
Roger on "The Johnny Cash Show"
Roger singing "In the Summertime"
Roger's greatest hits medley with the Muppets
1.09.2008
A New Low (Pun Not Intended, But Acknowledged)
Fresh off his co-starring role on this year's Holiday Greeting, Gary Coleman (or someone in Utah who has access to Gary Coleman's wardrobe) is selling a signed pair of his pants on eBay.
Let's examine the three most frightening aspects of this eBay posting.
(1) Gary Coleman's pants (purchased at Gap Kids) are being auctioned off on eBay. I don't think we need to examine that any further. Stands on its own.
(2) In the picture accompanying the posting, Mr. Coleman looks very scared, even more so than either the time Arnold and Kimberly were kidnapped while hitchhiking (it now occurs to me how ridiculous that episode was...who hitchhikes in Manhattan? Am I forgetting some important detail that explains that?) or, well, you know, the time he and Dudley were in the bike shop guy's apartment. I hope he has not been captured by a renegade Mormon.
(3a) Bids are currently at $41 with a week still to go.
(3b) This is the second Gary Coleman Pants Auction. The first pair went for $203.49.
Diff'rent strokes indeed.
(By the way, mad props to The Ithacan's Big Spoon blog for alerting me to the initial Coleman Pants Auction. I knew there was a reason I still read my college newspaper. Ithaca Forever!)
Let's examine the three most frightening aspects of this eBay posting.
(1) Gary Coleman's pants (purchased at Gap Kids) are being auctioned off on eBay. I don't think we need to examine that any further. Stands on its own.
(2) In the picture accompanying the posting, Mr. Coleman looks very scared, even more so than either the time Arnold and Kimberly were kidnapped while hitchhiking (it now occurs to me how ridiculous that episode was...who hitchhikes in Manhattan? Am I forgetting some important detail that explains that?) or, well, you know, the time he and Dudley were in the bike shop guy's apartment. I hope he has not been captured by a renegade Mormon.
(3a) Bids are currently at $41 with a week still to go.
(3b) This is the second Gary Coleman Pants Auction. The first pair went for $203.49.
Diff'rent strokes indeed.
(By the way, mad props to The Ithacan's Big Spoon blog for alerting me to the initial Coleman Pants Auction. I knew there was a reason I still read my college newspaper. Ithaca Forever!)
1.08.2008
Yeah, you turn it on...
Tinsel and Rot congratulates Richard "Goose" Gossage on his selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame. His autograph is the only Yankee autograph that has ever held a place of honor in my apartment. Why? Because it was next to a printout of this tirade (WARNING: Wow, there's lots of bad language coming your way if you decide to watch this. Lots. I'm not kidding. Not suitable for work, unless you work for, say, Kevin Smith.)
Maybe the greatest minute in the history of the English language. He deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame just for that.
Hats off to Goose. Down with all the f***in' negative motherf***ers who say he doesn't belong.
Now when does Lee Elia get in? (Remember what I said before the Gossage clip. Keep that in mind before you follow that link.)
Maybe the greatest minute in the history of the English language. He deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame just for that.
Hats off to Goose. Down with all the f***in' negative motherf***ers who say he doesn't belong.
Now when does Lee Elia get in? (Remember what I said before the Gossage clip. Keep that in mind before you follow that link.)
1.07.2008
Drew Glackin RIP
I didn't know Drew Glackin. I might've talked to him once or twice after a Mary McBride show, or said hello at any number of other shows where he was either playing or just watching as a fan. He always seemed like a good guy, though, someone you'd want to know. And from what I've been reading for the last couple of days, that assessment seems like it was right on the money.
Glackin died at the age of 44 Saturday afternoon. According to a statement released by his bandmates in The Silos, Glackin had an overactive thyroid condition that led to severe heart damage.
Friends have shared better memories (see Roscoe's Blog), but I can remember Glackin ripping away on his lap steel at Great Lakes in Brooklyn while backing Mary McBride and Dan Baird as they traded songs. That was probably the first time I saw him play, though I'd seen him around at other shows. And every time I saw him, whether on stage or off, he always seemed to pretty much be having the time of his life. It's a shame that the world won't get to see that anymore.
Rest in peace, Drew.
Glackin died at the age of 44 Saturday afternoon. According to a statement released by his bandmates in The Silos, Glackin had an overactive thyroid condition that led to severe heart damage.
Friends have shared better memories (see Roscoe's Blog), but I can remember Glackin ripping away on his lap steel at Great Lakes in Brooklyn while backing Mary McBride and Dan Baird as they traded songs. That was probably the first time I saw him play, though I'd seen him around at other shows. And every time I saw him, whether on stage or off, he always seemed to pretty much be having the time of his life. It's a shame that the world won't get to see that anymore.
Rest in peace, Drew.
1.04.2008
Update: Tinsel and Rot Looks for Guidance
Tinsel and Rot headquarters has been alerted to breaking news regarding one of the celebrities we need to hear from before deciding who we want to be President. International superstar Corey Feldman recently posted the following on his website (NOTE: reeeeeeally bad music plays when you go to the site):
"Also, I would like to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton & ask that everyone voting for the Iowa Caucasas to do the same. Our country is in big trouble & I do believe that we as a country are in desperate times, and as we all know, desperate times call for drastic measures. I feel that Senator Clinton is the best idea for a positive change in our economy, our environment, and stopping the bloodshed in Iraq, and around the world. The idea of a female President and having Bill Clinton behind the scenes in The White House again, will motivate the world to look at us through a new pair of glasses. I do not feel that the country as a whole is ready for a President like Senator Obama and may sway voters from voting democrat if he were to win the nomination, therefore losing democratic votes and allowing the Bush policies and way of thinking to remain in power. Please consider this strongly as you make your decision. Thank you and God bless."
After this inspiring summation, I'm inclined to lean toward Hillary, despite her poor showing in the Caucasas. (For more aggressively non-spell-checked fun with Corey, spend some time at his blog.)
Anxiously waiting for Guttenberg's opinion.
"Also, I would like to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton & ask that everyone voting for the Iowa Caucasas to do the same. Our country is in big trouble & I do believe that we as a country are in desperate times, and as we all know, desperate times call for drastic measures. I feel that Senator Clinton is the best idea for a positive change in our economy, our environment, and stopping the bloodshed in Iraq, and around the world. The idea of a female President and having Bill Clinton behind the scenes in The White House again, will motivate the world to look at us through a new pair of glasses. I do not feel that the country as a whole is ready for a President like Senator Obama and may sway voters from voting democrat if he were to win the nomination, therefore losing democratic votes and allowing the Bush policies and way of thinking to remain in power. Please consider this strongly as you make your decision. Thank you and God bless."
After this inspiring summation, I'm inclined to lean toward Hillary, despite her poor showing in the Caucasas. (For more aggressively non-spell-checked fun with Corey, spend some time at his blog.)
Anxiously waiting for Guttenberg's opinion.
1.02.2008
Lists and such
Five Really Really Good CDs from 2007 (in no particular order):
1. The Avett Brothers, Emotionalism
2. Slo Mo, Smokey Mountain
3. Amy LaVere, Anchors and Anvils
4. Scott Miller and the Commonwealth, Reconstruction
5. Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind
Five Really Really Good Concerts I Saw in 2007 (in no particular order)
1. Split Lip Rayfield, Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
2. Willie Nelson/Ray Price/Merle Haggard, Radio City Music Hall, NYC
3. Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble, Beacon Theatre, NYC
4. Drive By Truckers, Castle Clinton, NYC
5. Chuck Berry, Cranford Music Festival, Cranford, NJ
Two Heartbreaking LIve Concert Moments in 2007
1. Kirk Rundstrom telling Wayne Gottstine that he physically couldn't do an encore
2. The everybodyfields' Jill Andrews crying as she sang "Lonely Anywhere"
Three Really Really Good Moments from Older or Dead Guys on CDs Released in 2007
1. John Fogerty saying "Pocatello" on Revival's "Somebody Help Me"
2. Warren Zevon telling his road manager (and the audience), "Get up and dance! Get up and dance or I'll kill you! And I got the means!" on Stand In The Fire's "Poor Poor Pitiful Me"
3. Paul Anka swaggering through "Time After Time" on Classic Songs: My Way
The Three Movies I Saw In a Theatre This Year
1. Knocked Up
2. Superbad
3. Juno
Four People I Want To See on a VH-1 Celebreality Show in 2008
1. Billy Ocean
2. Lark Voorhies
3. Mark Linn-Baker
4. James Ellroy
The Two Books That Actually Made Me Enjoy Reading in 2007
1. Dead Boys, Richard Lange
2. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Crystal Zevon
My Three Favorite Years of Schooling
1. Fourth grade
2. Junior year of college
3. Kindergarten
1. The Avett Brothers, Emotionalism
2. Slo Mo, Smokey Mountain
3. Amy LaVere, Anchors and Anvils
4. Scott Miller and the Commonwealth, Reconstruction
5. Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind
Five Really Really Good Concerts I Saw in 2007 (in no particular order)
1. Split Lip Rayfield, Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
2. Willie Nelson/Ray Price/Merle Haggard, Radio City Music Hall, NYC
3. Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble, Beacon Theatre, NYC
4. Drive By Truckers, Castle Clinton, NYC
5. Chuck Berry, Cranford Music Festival, Cranford, NJ
Two Heartbreaking LIve Concert Moments in 2007
1. Kirk Rundstrom telling Wayne Gottstine that he physically couldn't do an encore
2. The everybodyfields' Jill Andrews crying as she sang "Lonely Anywhere"
Three Really Really Good Moments from Older or Dead Guys on CDs Released in 2007
1. John Fogerty saying "Pocatello" on Revival's "Somebody Help Me"
2. Warren Zevon telling his road manager (and the audience), "Get up and dance! Get up and dance or I'll kill you! And I got the means!" on Stand In The Fire's "Poor Poor Pitiful Me"
3. Paul Anka swaggering through "Time After Time" on Classic Songs: My Way
The Three Movies I Saw In a Theatre This Year
1. Knocked Up
2. Superbad
3. Juno
Four People I Want To See on a VH-1 Celebreality Show in 2008
1. Billy Ocean
2. Lark Voorhies
3. Mark Linn-Baker
4. James Ellroy
The Two Books That Actually Made Me Enjoy Reading in 2007
1. Dead Boys, Richard Lange
2. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Crystal Zevon
My Three Favorite Years of Schooling
1. Fourth grade
2. Junior year of college
3. Kindergarten
1.01.2008
What I Liked About December
*The Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning Window Display Run, Manhattan, NY
*The Anthony Iaffaldano 30th birthday celebration, Ithaca, NY
*Marah/Adam and Dave's Bloodline/The Shalitas, Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA
*The Mitchell Report
*Main Squeeze Orchestra, Living Room, Manhattan, NY
*Giving and receiving Christmas loot
*Beef stew, Hobson's Choice, Hoboken, NJ
*Winning a vintage Jimmy Sturr t-shirt on eBay
*Maybe Pete/Mike June and the Dirty Doves/Mark Linskey, Clash Bar, Clifton, NJ
*Juno offering the proper assessment of Sonic Youth
*Hayday (Luna Lounge) followed by Public Enemy (Warsaw), Brooklyn, NY
*The willingness of people with cars to drive me places
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