DFW Sports, Music and More

A Big Day?

2009-01-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

A sincere wish of good luck to Barack. The burden which you're stepping into is unfathomable to me.

Random Begin of '09 Thoughts

2009-01-16T08:56:00.001-08:00

I guess '09 could have started a little better. Fresh off Christmas, I got a 36 hour bug very much like Montezuma's revenge. Good times. This week, I got a cold that I'm finally getting over. Took a half day off from work this Wednesday but that didn't help much. These damn shifts in weather temps are killing a brother! Mucinex please?

Plans for the remainder of the month remain pretty simple. Stay healthy, get a good dose of Stars and Mavs games in & get my ass back in gear with Cubase. I still need to repartition the computer but I got a passive monitor controller and the system sounds real good.

The '09 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame balloting is in. You can check the inductees out here but two notables not listed are Rush and The Stooges. Boo HOF and eff Metallica!

Nuevo Ano - 2009

2008-12-31T10:51:00.001-08:00

Look at the .gif below if you want to roll all of my thoughts of this Cowboys season into one. Failure.

Entre 2009, a year filled with...well I guess we'll see, probably not a Rangers World Series victory. That's a safe bet.

I have a couple big resolutions I'm going to need your help with. 1) Getting back into shape and 2) Busting my ass trying to get a cd out and who knows, maybe a live show or two. We'll see if I can get some audio clips on here.

Wishing a Happy New Year to you and yours.

-Jake, BACM & Kitos

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

Ah yes, another glorious holiday season comes upon us, we sip a little egg nog, BACM comes in from Arizona. Catch a cold, catch some good/bad college bowl games, go shopping for gifts and feel malaise as a result of family events.

Pops turned 65 last week and we celebrated his b-day yesterday. He looks good for his age. Would be a different story if he didn't clean up his act in his early 40's and quit drinking and smoking. Guess I'll have to deal with those habits too at some point, I just don't know what I'll replace them with.

Most of the shopping is done and I got the gift I bought for myself last week, my new tv. Satellite comes in manana, can't wait. Couch Potato McGee.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

In Memoriam - Belle

2008-12-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

You will be missed Bellzebub. Thanks for taking care of my younger brother the past 8 years.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it is late November again, almost time for the holidays. This year has run by way too fast, I've turned 30 (which ain't a big deal), friends of mine had a kid and I have a new neighbor that I get along with great although she has a Central Market addiction.

All in all I have much to be thankful for. A solid job which isn't taken for granted seeing the climate of the economy, family/friends that while spread apart get along pretty well and Mary who keeps me company and listens to my shotty music ideas.

While not New Year's yet, I have a feeling that '09 will involve more live shows and exercise. Can't keep up the current build for much longer.

Happy Thanksgiving. Two-fingered sign to your families and significant others.

I Used to be Good

2008-11-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Eastgate, youngest ever to win the WSOP. $9mil for a 22 year old. Fair to invest more than half or put gold bricks under your bed? Morris?

Halloween Plans and Civil Duties

2008-10-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend...good times to be part of the apartment life because you don't get harassed by kids, etc. Should I leave some candy out?

I don't have any plans tonight but I'm heading off to Dallas tomorrow to celebrate my mom's birthday. All of my other siblings will be out of town so I thought I'd garner up a few heaven points and eat with her tomorrow and see my nephew in the process.

I met my neighbor for lunch downtown yesterday and afterwards we went and hit the booths for early voting. After I left work I called my father and explained that voting this time may have been one of the toughest choices I've had to make during my short-lived voting life. Usually I'm one to keep my views to myself but my neighbor and I had a little giggle after voting because we basically cancelled each other's vote out. Well, at least I don't have to defend myself from voicing opinion (not that I do) cause I did vote, jackass.

I'm for a system where some form of intelligence exam or test is needed before you can procreate or vote. For the most part people are sheep and if you need any evidence please pick up 'Our Dumb World' published by The Onion.

Bickering aside, I'm ready for a chill weekend and I hope you have the same.

My prediction for the Sat. matchup - Texas 27, Tech 31. Enjoy the box in Lubbock Dad and Sis. I'll be there next year.

Me, My Date and a Post

2008-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Why do I keep punishing myself? I got home yesterday, cleaned up a few things then turned on World Series Game 5. A couple hours later it begins raining in Philly and they postpone the game to resume tomorrow. BTW, I picked Philly in 5. Should've bet that!

No, I don't own a Lambo but I had fun last night with my rental, in the F-Dub no less.

Morris sent me a couple links last week regarding the Dallas band Sorta's last show. Too bad I only got to see them a couple times, mucho taliente. Here. Here. Go pick up their cd. I'll review it after I get my mitts on a copy.

Enjoy your week.

My Bling Arrives Today

2008-10-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

My new piece of candy, the T-Mobile G1, is in-transit to mi casa. I preordered this sucka late last month and can't wait to get my hands on it. Most of the early reviews hate on the hardware part of the phone but that's not why I got it. The OS is Android, an open-source (Linux-esque) format for cell geeks and developers. Hopefully lots of cool applications will result of this phone coming out.

That's about all I have good going for me. This last weekend (including my day off Friday) I was sick. I got a lot of rest but the weather was beautiful and I would've preferred to be outside.

Congrats to Tech on the win this last Saturday and to Texas remaining in its #1 spot. Can both teams please lose in their head-to-head matchup?

Halloween Much?

2008-10-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

I thought about getting something similiar for my dog Mary's costume this year. Pretty great! No? Okay then.

This week has been pretty painless thus far and I'm off tomorrow so I'm contemplating on what I should do with my spare time. Sleep? Play a round of golf? Write some tunes with the robot drummer?

Speaking of tunes, a couple of my younger co-workers have introduced me to a couple bands that I should know about by now (my closer brethren know I don't listen to the radio so how should I know any better?).

Two pretty freakin' solid albums are The Shins - 'Wincing the Night Away' and Death Cab for Cutie's 'Plans'. The latter is not as 'emo' as their other records but I can say I'll use it as a reference album while recording. It's polished and the songs run together very smoothly. Check 'em out!

Blogs/Sites to pay attention to

2008-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd list off several of my favorite blogs and websites that I read daily.

The Stashdauber - Ken is a writer and long-time Fort Worthian. I get many show dates (concerts/good grubb) from his site.

Sports Sturm - Bob Sturm from 1310AM The Ticket is a blog mainstay. I'm sort of the resident pot-stirrer over there. Sturm knows his sports and you can easily tell he puts a lot of thought and research to his blog.

LoneStarBall - Adam Morris writes about the Texas Rangers on a daily basis and goes into some sabermetric stats that I've never even heard of. Nonetheless, necessary reading for any baseball fan.

Websites:

Cellular - EngadgetMobile, BoyGeniusReport and TMONews are my favories. These sites are for all the cell phone geeks out there.

Check out GearSlutz and Harmony Central for music gear reviews, forums and all musician jackassery.

More to come later...

A Slight Reprieve

2008-10-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

A couple brave individuals that read this rubbish requested that I get back to posting more often so here goes. Unfortunately, it's been hard these last couple months to get online, especially with the holidays approaching. Working for a retailer only adds fuel to the fire.

A few random thoughts:

I'm thinking that OU will beat Texas in the Red River Shootout tomorrow by a couple touchdowns. I think OU's offense against the Texas defense is the key matchup but ultimately, Bradford and crew will prevail.

I had lunch today with my father and realized that today might have been the first time he was truly interested in what I do for a living. I don't feel hurt or any disdain about the observation, I just picked up on it. Lately I've been thinking what little my job adds to the world, but I'm pretty happy with everything so who gives a damn?

Have a great weekend. If you're downtown tomorrow, I'll be at the Flying Saucer celebrating Octoberfest and enjoying many adult beverages. Prost!

America, RIP Bernie Mac

2008-08-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

RIP Bernie Mac, the best of the Kings of Comedy.

Lighten up the mood with this clip...America

Looks like the Ridglea Theater survived a foreclosure a couple weeks ago. Great venue for music, not sure why they book so many 'Metal' acts.

Gotta get some sun, hitting the Guadalupe River in a couple weeks.

How is Clay Aiken a father? Thought he played for the other team, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Vacation Day I

2008-07-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Manny is gone:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3513383

Pudge is gone to you know who WHO:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3512307

And Griffey goes to the Southside: Gangsta Ozzie speak up anytime:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3512553

You are welcome for the update. Go Rangers?

2nd Place Is...

2008-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

The first loser. For your Texas Rangers, it is fact. Last night's win over the Chi-Sox combined with an A's loss to the Tribe leaves the Rangers in 2nd place in the A.L. West. Woohoo!

Your Texas Rangers

2008-07-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Per BACM's request, I decided that a Rangers update was in order.

Going into the All-Star Game, the team was 4 games over .500, pretty surprising considering that their starting pitching and bullpen were lacking. It seems as though the Edinson Volquez/Josh Hamilton trade between the Rangers and the Reds has been mutually beneficial. Volquez is a 10 game winner and Josh Hamilton entered the All Star Game with 95 RBI's.

Josh Hamilton was dropping bombs in the Home Run Derby and the dude will remain crazy good if he can keep his mind on ball. If the Yankees want him (rumors warrant), they'll have to wait another 5 years...bitches.

The Rangers started their series with the Minnesota Twins yesterday and dropped both yesterday's game and today. Typical 2nd half Rangers meltdown? Remains to be seen. I'll be at a couple games in late July and Aug. 2nd so I'll post impressions post game.

Keep the faith and sign Milton Bradley, please.

Morbid Jazz

2008-07-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I'll set my browser to Pandora and customize a radio station in the hopes of discovering new music that I'll enjoy. Today marks another day, but unfortunately (again), I read on wikipedia or google that a founding member has passed away due to disease or death.

Today I stumbled across E.S.T. (Esbjorn Svensson Trio) and noticed full on piano-based jazz which I don't hear too often (minus Lyle Mays jamming for Pat Metheny). Complex, even haunting at some moments of their last studio album. Shortly thereafter I read that Svensson died in June of this year in a scuba accident.

Much like him, Michael Brecker, but of disease. Damn fine musicians, such a shame.

Happy 4th

2008-07-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Another year to be thankful we don't have a man holding us down.

Today will be quite boring for me as the marrieds have plans and no one's planning of hitting the ranch. I'm thinking of heading over to my dad's place soon to grill out. Burgers, beans and beer. Good times.

BACM, think you would enjoy a mankiki or brokiki? Read the comments here on Amazon. Nice.

Poison, Baseball and Robot Drummers

2008-07-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Back in the day Poison was my favorite rock band. Seriously, they still rock. I came across a story I didn't hear about until today. Apparently Rikki Rocket, the drummer for Poison, was believed to have raped a woman last year but has now been exhonorated. Read about it.

My Rangers are now 3 games above .500, going for the sweep against the hated Yankees. Last night's game was so entertaining, especially in the ninth when Ian Kinsler hit a double off of Mariano Rivera and then stole third to give the Rangers a one run win. We most likely will not make the playoffs this year but I'm starting to get a little excited about this thing. My DFW peeps should be too.

Yesterday at work I decided to plop down a good chunk of coin on a robot drummer. Actually, it isn't a robot as much as a piece of software that is now being released by ToonTrack. Check out Superior Drummer 2.0 here...nice. I know keep promising some audio posts but with the new desk look and this thing under my computer hood, I really think I'll be in business soon. Stay tuned, hoarsmouths (for my little bro).

Buddy's 30th, My Slacking

2008-06-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Did the ghetto bowling for a buddy's 30th b-day tonight, good times. Talked to BACM, good to hear he's tracking on. Get in town soon.

If the new JOB wasn't rocking and rolling I'd give some of you a little bit more. Sorry about that.

Would love to see Stone Temple Pilots Sunday but no tickets, egads.

Will try to post more.

J

FW Weekly Music Awards, T.O. Owens, Expensive Benchwarmers & Studio Desk

2008-06-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Fort Worth Weekly holds their annual music awards show(s) this Sunday from many downtown bars. Here's the schedule with my picks in bold.

8.0
9pm -- Pretty Baby
8pm -- Calhoun
7pm -- Collin Herring
6pm -- Pablo/the Hemphill 7
5pm -- The Campaign
4pm -- Stephen Pointer

BENT LOUNGE
9pm -- Stella Rose
8pm -- The Great Tyrant
7pm -- Titanmoon
6pm -- Stumptone
5pm -- Telegraph Canyon
4pm -- Jefferson Colby

FLYING SAUCER
9pm -- April Geesbreght
8pm -- Elizabeth Wills
7pm -- The Burning Hotels
6pm -- Black Tie Dynasty (acoustic)
5pm -- PrinceRodriguez
4pm -- Blackland River Devils

PADDY RED’S
9pm -- KatsuK
8pm -- Goodwin
7pm -- TTXQ
6pm -- Merkin
5pm -- Lifters
4pm -- the cut*off

SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE
9pm -- Whiskey Folk Ramblers
8pm -- Josh Weathers Band
7pm – Rivercrest Yacht Club
6pm -- Maren Morris
5pm -- Panther City Bandits
4pm -- JZ & Dirty Pool

Apparently T.O. Owens has missed another day of Cowboys mandatory training camp for 'personal reasons'. Hopefully nothing too serious. Here.

Ran across this Forbes article listing the highest paid benchwarmers by sport. Our own Frank Cat of the Rangers made the list though he's a pretty decent utility outfielder. Overpaid? Maybe so.

Here's a picture of the main desk in my apartment project studio. I got a LCD monitor recently and it really opens up the desk space.

Thought of the day: "If I am tardy to work again, am I re-tardy?"

I Golf For Fun

2008-06-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

I played another round this last weekend at SugarTree just outside of Weatherford. First off I'll disclaim that I'm a pretty bad player; Second that I don't take much of the game that seriously, otherwise, I'd be paying to go postal. SugarTree is a pretty solid muni course for $40/round. Short but well kept. I'll definitely play there again.

I don't write much about my father on this blog (Happy Father's Day) but he is an avid, good golfer. I opened up my big mouth yesterday describing my Saturday round and he mentioned that I need to take a few lessons first. I hear ya Dad, I hear ya but I go out there to have fun. I've been competitive at most everything in my life to this point, can't I just go out there and hack it, enjoy the company and get some sun?

Back to work...

A Nice Random Entry

2008-06-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Mobile Phones:

Much to the anticipation of many fanboys out there, Apple unveiled the iPhone 3G yesterday and will be sold beginning July 11th. Apparently the major additions were 3G capability, GPS and a 'lower' price. What Apple failed to mention was that monthly data plans will increase by $10 every month.

I'm really not sure if I want to opt-out of my contract for one of these bad boys. My phone bill is around $90-100 a month currently and if I get an iPhone it would probably increase to $120/month or so. Any plan over $100 seems a little excessive to me. Besides, RIM is supposed to release the Blackberry Bold and Sony-E with the Xperia. Both will impress I'm sure. I guess I'll hang onto the phone I have now and see.

Music:

I haven't been to any live shows as of late but you need to check out The Rivercrest Yacht Club if you have a moment. Apparently, via Ken, Lucas White will be taking over drums for the group. If they're anywhere close to as good as their MySpace clips live, I'm so there, especially with the talented Lucas on board. Nice guy, better drummer :)

Sports:

Yesterday Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th homerun, virtually assuring his hall of fame induction. This is the guy that I thought years ago would shatter all the homerun records but due to various injuries, he will not. I also think Griffey is one of the most naturally gifted players I've ever seen play, unfortunately, his legacy will be cast around as one of the 'steroid era', which he probably never put in his body. Bittersweet moment indeed.

Check out a great forum here along with LoneStarBall for excellent baseball analysis.

Good Luck with your new job Jake

2008-06-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

So Much Happening

2008-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Apologize to the poor people that read this blog. I've been an absentee parent lately because I've had so much happening.

A buddy of mine and me took a trip down to Port Aransas/Padre Island/Corpus Christi this last weekend mainly to clear the head, hit the beach and play a little golf. Never has a sunburn felt better. We tried Pyrat rum for the first time, not bad. Went down pretty smooth but I think the store owner pulled a marketing gimmick on us because it was quite expensive. Cooked jerk chicken the first night, red snapper the next and finally went out the last night for some pork chops/ahi tuna. Very nice.

Another announcement in the world of DFW Sports, Music and More is that I am being promoted at work (probably not for blog posting). My new position will begin next week and I'm pretty pumped about it. I need to find more time for writing music though...been so unmotivated.

Cowboys camp anyone?

Tribute to BACM

2008-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

'All My Friends Are Dead' - Freddie Gage

MB III / Hello Newman

2008-05-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Good news. Marion Barber and Terrance Newman have been re-signed with the Cowboys until 2014. Read.

P.S., clap for the Stars. Great run during the playoffs. Yeah, and I had my 30th birthday last Sunday. Such an old bastard.

Game On!

2008-05-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Game 1 starts tonight between the Wings and the Stars in Detroit. This series really could go either way. Here's hoping momentum is still up for the Stars. If it isn't, it's going to be a long, beatdown of a series. Go Stars!

I write music very similar to John Mayer.

Western Conference Finals Preview - SB-12 Style

2008-05-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Exerpt from the blog's own SB-12:

"The Stars have defeated the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference semi's in an epic, four overtime game that measured as the eighth longest in NHL history. The fact is that the Stars have dispatched the Stanley Cup champs and a team favored to win the Stanley Cup this year. Where to now? It's on to Detroit for a series with the evil empire of the NHL , the Red Wings.

The Stars and Marty Turco have been the team to talk about this post season with their mostly disciplined play and timely scoring across the roster. The Stars will need the momentum of the previous two series to have a hope of breaking through to the Stanley Cup finals. We all know the troubles and the proverbial hex that the Red Wings have had on the Stars, post 2000. Although this troubles me, I can see the Stars taking this series if they show up and play their game.

If "Captain Clutch", Brendan Morrow, and his line can set a tone in their first shift, I think it will bode well for a great, competitive series. The Stars are deep and so are the Red Wings with phenoms Datsyuk and Zetterburg, and the blue liners of Schneider, Lidstrom, and the ageless Chelios. The Stars won't necessarily have to shut down the Red Wings' skill players, but they will have to answer with offense and key saves from Turco.

Game 1 this Thursday will be an important game to win if the Stars hope to move on. The past two series have featured the Stars as underdogs, and by the time they got back to home ice, the series' were already 2-0 Stars. A split in the first two games at Detroit is a must. Turco has turned a huge corner this year dispatching the playoff demons of the past with unbelievable stops on world class talent. Turco also has a regular season shutout against the Wings, and hopefully momentum from that win can spark a great series performance.

It's not too late to hop on the hockey band wagon folks. The Stars are something to watch considering the early exits of all Dallas based teams lately. A recent report of the four overtime win showed the highest rating in a long, long, time for a playoff game. This team has the right ingredients and focus to make it to the Cup."

As always, thanks SB-12!

Gay much?

Stars 4-2 Over the Sharks! Western Conference Finals

2008-05-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

BloodFace

Wow, just wow. Went over to Kitos' house last night and watched a good 5 hours of hockey, welcome to Awesometown! I may be suffering today at work but that game was so worth it.

Please go to Bob's Blog for a more in-depth analysis of Game 6 and tune in HERE later in the week for SB-12's thoughts re: the upcoming Stars-Red Wings series.

Good weekend, good Cinco de Mayo. Happy Birthday shout out to my little bro in Colorado. 27? Crazy.

Stars Revised

2008-05-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the series between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars is 3-2.

Sunday night, biatches! On FSN.

Go Stars!

Stars Schedule, NFL Draft, Rangers Rant - Go Sports!

2008-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd start out with some positivity here. The Stars start their series against the San Jose Sharks this Friday. Beginning the series in San Jose is one thing but Games 1 & 5 on the Versus Network? Are you kidding me? I'm going to have to be social and go somewhere besides the casa to watch this? Terrible.

Series schedule:

1 - Friday, April 25 at San Jose 9:00 pm VERSUS

2 - Sunday, April 27 at San Jose8:00 pm 27

3 - Tuesday, April 29 at Dallas 6:30 pm 27 (HD)

4 - Wednesday, April 30 at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)

5 - Friday, May 2 at San Jose 9:00 pm VERSUS

6 - Sunday, May 4 at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)

7 - Tuesday, May 6 at San Jose 9:00 pm TBD

SB-12 offers his analysis on the post below.

The NFL Draft begins this Saturday. Check out the Ticket's Bob Sturm as he offers his draft analysis. HERE. Even if the NFL commish grants the Cowboys PacMan Jones I still say we draft a cornerback and a backup/3rd down running back.

Onto Rangers talk. Troubled is a mild way to describe the situation in Arlington. This team is pathetic and Ron Washington's days are limited as head coach. I've heard crazy scenarios such as G.W. Bush buying the Rangers from Tom Hicks, firing GM Jon Daniels, promoting Nolan Ryan to GM and Ryan hiring Bobby Valentine to be head coach. Stranger things have happened but if that scenario saw the light of day I wouldn't complain. I just can't stand the current organization of this team. Texas, specially DFW, is a prime sports market and the Rangers continue to be a disgrace. [/rant]

Go Stars!

Your Dallas Stars!

2008-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

It is still undecided who the Stars opponent will be during the second round of the NHL Playoffs but it's either the Colorado Avalance or the San Jose Sharks. SB-12 offers up his Round 2 analysis:

"Dallas Stars fans had something great to wake up too this Monday morning. That something great was the simple fact that the Dallas Stars broke through the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season against the Edmonton Oilers. That's right, a professional Dallas team has made it to the second round!

Dallas pulled the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Anaheim Ducks, for the first round this year, and aside from two hicup games, owned the defending champs. Dallas took the series Sunday night in a packed barn at the AAC with a commanding 4-1 win. All aspects of the game were in sync and the Stars looked determined for a full 60 as opposed to the regular season when they sat back and defended when getting a lead. The absence of veteran blue liners Sergei Zubov and Phillipe Boucher were of minimal concern with the excellent "step up" play of three rookie defensemen. Matt Niskanen, Mark Fistric, and Nicklas Grossman played a man's game this first round helping to shut down the Ducks' threats of Selanne, Getzlaf, Pronger, Niedermeyer, and Perry.

The series had the Ducks running over the Stars, and the Stars answering the call with a well disciplined, non-retalitory attack capitalizing on the powerplay. Excellent finishing by veterans Stu Barnes and assists from Mike Modano were also key in the series shifting the scoring across all the Stars assembled lines. The home crowd was electric and deafening at the AAC, and the mood this year in the building was one of hope and expectation rather than mal-ease at the thought of another first round exit. Upon seeing the Stars exit the locker room to take the ice in game 6, I saw a team determined in finishing the job and sending the Ducks home to set up tee times for the off-season. My thoughts were confirmed when the Stars scored 4 goals in the 3rd period to crush the Ducks.

ONTO THE SECOND ROUND! With a Sharks win today in a crucial game seven with Calgary, the Stars will face the Pacific Division champs in the second round. I like our chances with the Sharks. The last meaningless game of the season saw 150+ penalty minutes setting up a great playoff series between these two western conference jugernauts. The familiarity of the two teams playing so often in the regular season bodes well for the Stars. The confidence built from beating the Ducks should carry over through the second round, and home ice should not be a curse for the Stars this year. The Stars did well at the shark tank going 3-1 with an overtime loss, and the Sharks did well at the AAC going 4-0 with an overtime win. The Sharks would have home ice giving the Stars the advantage. I take the Stars in 7 in a hard fought second round.

In the event of a Sharks loss tonight, the Stars will pull the Colorado Avalanche for the semis. The Stars did well in the regular season going 2-1 in the series with a 6-1 win and a 3-0 shutout. The only thing is that the Avalanche sent the Stars packing early in two consecutive first round wins. The Avalanche acquired Forsberg and Foote back into their lineup reminiscent of the 96 cup winning team. All recent history aside, this would be a great matchup as well, and I'd take the Stars in six against the Avs.

No matter who the Stars play in the second round, expectations are growing for a great playoff run to continue. This team's confidence is growing with each win and the national spotlight has shined down on the Stars with their first round success. This is uncharted territory with Dave Tippett at the helm, and you could figure that the law of averages should be going the Stars way. I'm looking forward to catching each and every game of the second round. GO STARS!"

Thanks SB-12!

Late Night Stars Rangers Post

2008-04-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

Not good for either Stars or Rangers

Turco cannot let Game 5 worry him too much. Sunday at Dallas. It's on!

Go Stars!

Yamaha Light Synthesizer

2008-04-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Tenori-On. I don't know about you but I think this concept is pretty bitchin'. It will be available in early May only in selected U.S. markets (only 1,000 or so will be produced). I'd get one but $1200 sounds a little much for a visual Kaoss pad. One of the big synth manufacturers needs to create a synth out of the Microsoft Surface Pad currently in AT&T stores. That would be the bomb.

Drums and Money

2008-04-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

So I stroll into Guitar Center yesterday, a place I despise, to get a couple cables and a set of electric strings to re-string my neglected Mexican strat. I walk around for awhile, the place is a mess, another reason to avoid it completely. Out of nowhere, I hear some beats coming out of the drumroom. Weird time signatures, jazz-big band sounds eminate so I look to see who's playing. A young black man, couldn't be more than 10 years old. Stunned. He, his dad and myself leave around the same time and I couldn't help thinking --- If I were a multi-millionaire, I would've bought this kid the drumkit of his choice if his father ok'd it. Hope the boy keeps his head on his shoulders instead of the clouds. We don't need another musician out there like that...

Check out Adam's Texas Rangers Blog if you haven't yet at LoneStarBall.

We agree on the season thus far to a T.

The Dallas Stars lose Game 3 against Anaheim last night. Guess that 'blackout' didn't work as expected.

Go Stars!

NFL Schedules Released

2008-04-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Check it out. Maybe Kitos will chime in to give us his bold predictions for the Cowboys season after the draft?

Game 3 - Stars v. Ducks tonight, let's get out to a 3-0 start!

Tracks coming...

2008-04-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let the readers know that some audio might be coming their direction.

Will definitely make this public and not charge (see Radiohead/NIN). Let me know if the track(s) are alright or if they're lacking (sucks.)

It might take a couple weeks but I'm pretty pumped about the instrumentals.

Peace.

***ears***

Stars Playoff Hockey - Starts this Thursday

2008-04-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am not a hockey dummy but I care about you and you getting your read on so I asked a 'pro' to give his analysis on the upcoming NHL playoffs.

Thanks SB-12!

" The end of the season was wrapped up in barbaric fashion Sunday afternoon against the Sharks here at the AAC. A miniscule 160 penalty minutes were handed out between the two teams in the regular season finale setting up what would be a feisty and entertaining 2nd or 3rd round series with the pacific division champs. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Our first round draw will be against the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Anaheim Ducks.

Ah yes, the Ducks, the enigmatic team that slouched it’s way through the first half of the season until Selanne and Niedermeyer decided to quit playing golf and help the team in it’s quest of a back-to-back cup win. The Stars have won the regular season series (5 of 8 matches) and that will prove to be valuable coming into the first round. The Ducks are a pacific division foe we see eight times a season...which will be the difference in this year’s playoffs for the Stars, familiarity. Last season’s loss was to a Canadian, non-divisional team, and the rivalry wasn’t there in the regular season. This year, the tale will be of goaltending matchups with Marty Turco and J.S. Giguere minding the twine at both ends of the rink, and of how much offense the Stars can muster. Considering a ranking in the top ten for goals for this year opposed to the twenties last year, I think that the Stars could take the series deep to seven and win it. Add Sergei Zubov to the mix from his injury in the second round, and you could see a different outcome in the playoffs from the years before.

All in all, try to catch as many first round matchups as possible. If memory serves me correctly, there are at least five divisional rivalries in the first round. This year should be an entertaining Stanley Cup run for both conferences and the upsets may be early going. Go Stars!"

The action begins Thursday night...

I Dare You...

2008-04-05T14:55:00.001-07:00

To sit through this video without head explosion:

Sorry.

The greatness of Charleton Heston, RIP.

Too soon?

Your 2008 Texas Rangers

2008-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Analysis time, shortly after the Rangers completed their first series finishing 1-2 against the Seattle Mariners.

I don't think I have to explain the malady of being a Rangers fan but every year I cross my fingers and hope for the best, just to see my team end up as AL West cellar dwellers.

Let's break it down from last year:

Key additions:
1) Josh Hamilton (CF) - Hamilton completely ripped up the pre-season stretch, batting around .600. As you probably know, he's battling drug addiction and sans relapse, he should be a major contributor with outstanding defensive range at The Ballpark. Stud athlete, gray past.

2) Milton Bradley (DH/RF) - Everyone in the league knows that this guy is a serious baller with a good bat. Barring significant injury and/or personality conflicts with head coach Ron Washington, good things will happen. Apparent headcase.

Key losses:
1) Akinori Otsuka (P) - Otsuka was a pretty solid contributor last year when Eric Gagne left the Rangers. Awkward delivery was one of Otsuka's best assets as a closer. Will C.J. Wilson thrive as the closer this year?

Prediction Man:

Like many of the pundits out there, I see the 2008 Rangers staying on the path of 'rebuilding mode' until the 2009-2010 season. I do not believe they have all the necessary parts (can you say bringing in a no-questions-asked #1 starting pitcher?) to seriously contend this year. I anticipate better things from Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla and Gerald Laird (how much worse can it get from 2007 for Laird?) than last year but I think this team will lose many close late-inning games (due to either lack of clutch hitting and/or late reliever troubles). Lack of quality starts will continue to plague this team and will be largely noticable when #3 to #5 starters hit the mound.

Overall though, I don't have a problem with the way the Rangers conducted themselves in the free agent market this offseason. Apparently they stuck out on an aging Torii Hunter which, if Josh Hamilton pans out, will be a moot point and significant revenue will have been saved. I guess I'll save next season for 2009 (Hicks better be in the free agent playpen if there's a solid #1 starter though).

Texas Rangers 2008 finish: 75-87 (3rd in AL West)

La Pequena (Pants Go Crazy)

2008-03-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

This has to be a guy. Needless to say, who's capable of making you hotter hot than La Pequena?

Red Grimace?

2008-03-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

WTF? Really not sure what a Hilltopper is supposed to look like, but I'm certain it's not supposed to be a red blob. Attended the UClA vs. WKU game last night and forgot how much people annoy me. UCLA fans have now surpassed TU fans on my alltime douchebag list with Aggy a close third.

Also wasn't aware that no alcoholic beverages are served during the NCAA tourney. Next time I'm watching it from my couch with a bag of meth and some Bud Light.

Have you seen my baseball?

2008-03-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Baseball season is approaching and I can't say that I'm too excited about the Strangers chances this year. In fact I predict a meltdown for all professional DFW sports this year ala Mavs. Had the chance to attend a Rangers Spring Training game last week and even though Josh Hamilton is hitting .600, I still smell a 2nd to last place finish in the West. However, the Little Ticket was there and what do you get when you mix Drunk Zach with Corby on the Hardline? Pure radio gold.

Click here for more information about the songs
Click here to create your own MySpace Playlist

Defeat

2008-03-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

A combo of a stressful week, a sunburn and the Mavs loss to the Lakers last night, I leave you with some rather morbid thoughts, etc.

I'm with this guy. Johnny 45 is waiting outside my cubicle if I press the start key on my remote.

The only thing that gives me solace today is the greatness of Nolan Ryan.

BACM's drunken interview with Corby of 1310 The Ticket to come.................................................

Wasn't Me

2008-03-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yowsers. Too many schooners?

Watching Mavs vs. Rockets

2008-03-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Early in the game, the Rockets are draining their shots, we'll see...

If you're an astronaut in orbit, would you want to hear this playlist?:

This was the winning selection, which beat out 1000 rivals from 10 countries:

- 'Here Comes The Sun' - Beatles (greatness)

- 'Come Fly With Me' - Frank Sinatra

- 'Rocket Man' - Elton John (too much karaoke)

- 'Up Where We Belong' - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes (huh?)

- 'Imagine' - John Lennon (again, greatness)

- 'Flashdance - What A Feeling' - Irene Cara (80's style)

- 'Walk of Life' - Dire Straits (Put Me In Coach)

- 'Fly' - Celine Dion (No)

- 'Rockin' All Over The World' - Status Quo (what is this?)

- 'I Believe I Can Fly' - R Kelly (what a role model)

BACM makes Favre cry (he is greatness, not greatest):

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=foxsports&vid=3f83a49b-a552-4468-b53e-3ae7c203896f

For Snott:

Just got back from Beaver Creek skiing in Colorado, wish I had more funds to see Pat Metheny tonight at the Bass Hall. He is greatness.

Misc. Videos

2008-02-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

I am insane now:

Asian Baby Sings Hey Jude - Watch more free videos

Stick to RockBand (Listen to Linkin Park much)?:

Watch more DIY videos on 5min.com

Mr. Ferrell, please give movies up for awhile and bring this guy back:

Ahh SuperBowl

2008-02-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

First off my apologies for this post being so late. It seems the powers that be at work think I should be working on credit card fee analysis rather than blogging.

Well the Super Bowl happened to be in Glendale, AZ this year for those who didn't know. Shaunna ended up getting tickets to several events over the weekend through Anheusher Busch. Here is a brief recap of the debauchery:

Friday Night: Snoop Dog Bud Bowl Party
1st and probably last time I will see him live
I no longer partake in the herb but would most definitely fail a UA from 2nd hand smoke
VIP area was definitely the way to go, wish I was single that night.

Saturday: Circle K Celebrity Flag Football Challenge
Extremely hungover, but continued drinking
Met Chad Johnson, complete douchebag
Doug Flutie and his brothers have a band, they suck
Billy Blanks is in better shape than I will ever be

Saturday Night: Kid Rock Bud Bowl Party
Definitely better than Snoop
High Fived Dan Majerle
Took on the persona of a pro golfer for the evening, FBR Open was in town
Signed a couple of autographs until my cover was blown

Overall it was a really good time, however I felt like I was 60 after it was all over. I have a lot of respect for my liver after that weekend.

Recording - Trip to Dallas

2008-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty exciting weekend. First I decided that I'd have a couple friends over to lay some guitar tracks over at the place on Friday. Nothing fancy, just did it so I can burn everyone a cd copy to listen at our leisure. I've got to say...damn, it didn't sound that bad, especially considering they were my first tracks exported out of Cubase. No mics, straight out of my little Tech 10 amp, headphone output no less. Sure, adding additional tracks will get much trickier but it was fun and good to see some fruits come about now and then.

Saturday a bunch of my Fort Worth friends went out to Dallas to meet up with an old friend. Good times, good times. O-Bar, The Loon, Quarter Bar & Tribeca, all in one night, crazy. Will post a pic of HOP as soon as I can. He's radio-ing it in.

A thing I thought was lost...

2008-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Just entered my life again yesterday evening at my father's place. The item I speak of: my Andres Gallaraga baseaball card collection. I really thought I lost it years ago when my parents where still together in Ridglea Country Club Estates but back it came.

Seems pretty inconsequential, but it also makes me think about the people that enter and exit our lives both for a temporary time and others permanent. You know, everyone runs into people (both friendly and intimate) that they 'knew' in their past and it either rekindles a relationship or makes one or both parties glad they have little association with that person anymore. Of all scenarios, it makes me most happy to embrace people and things BACK into my life. Here's to you Big Cat!

50th Grammys

2008-02-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Alicia Keys shows up in an unflattering green gown, a gospel choir rips up 'their' version of The Beatles 'Let It Be', and Amy Winehouse gets New Artist of the Year, probably from a London re-hab. All signs of the apocolypse, needless to say I've turned this garbage off. Seriously, freaking garbage.

Bummer

2008-02-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

Today I checked out the website of one of my favorite cover bands (Led Zeppelin), Swansong, and it turns out their future Fort Worth dates have been cancelled, notably, several dates at Sarah's Place off of Camp Bowie Blvd. One main reason I liked Sarah's Place was its closeness to mi casa, a few rocks throws away. I'm bummed as a result. Last time, our group got introduced to the lead singer during a show there. Rob is really a good entertainer and frontman (their 4th?), sucks that I might not be seeing their show for a couple months now. Perhaps something happened at Sarah's last time (besides the stripper-esque chicks dancing to the jukebox between their sets)???

Also, I missed Goodwin at The Moon Bar off of Berry in TCU land last night. Should've looked their schedule up before. Again, bummed. At least the weather's nice.

CD Review: Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'

2008-01-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

So I strolled over to the local Best Buy yesterday to use some of the holiday gift certificate and I picked up a couple cds. The first of which was Beck's 'Sea Change', which, if you read this dribble you'd know I think it's greatness (just don't listen to it if you take lithium or have depression issues, it will make you bottom of the barrel crazy). I didn't have the whole copy and I thought what the hell, it was Rolling Stone's #1 CD for 2002.

Which brings me to Radiohead's 'In Rainbows', released at the end of '07 in an internet downloadable format (you name your own price). While I am still skeptical of the business model they came up with, I wanted a listen so I picked the actual cd copy up. I'm sure you could do without ANOTHER review, but here goes anyway.

First impression that came to mind: definitely Radiohead. You couldn't confuse their sound with anyone else, which is partly their bag, they're immistakeable. Tracks such as 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' and 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place' are tracks I certainly could envision as hits. Track 7, aptly named 'Reckoner', takes me back to Moby's 'Play' album, swingin' as hell.

The rest of the album is rather 'soulful' if I had to choose an adjective to describe it. Not bad, but not as aggressive as the Radiohead of old. 'In Rainbows' has already been listed as one of the best albums of '07. I'm not sure of that, but then again, I didn't listen to much of the '07 class. Check it out for yourself, it definitely isn't a waste of money.

Radiohead - 'In Rainbows' ***1/2

(trick question: Who produced both 'In Rainbows' and 'Sea Change'?)

My Profound Thoughts on MySpace

2008-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I decided I try the mega-popular web-based friend interactive platform, MySpace. Generally it's really easy to operate and edit around in, probably a huge reason why it is so popular with the young 'ens. So far I have about 20 'friends' in my network but I'm a loser so consider me lucky. The whole MySpace thing raises questions in my mind, most if not all of which have been discussed somewhere else before.

First, is it a good idea to post personal information about yourself on the internet? Sure, I leave some personal info here but other than the contributors on this site you all probably know next to nothing about me other than my first name, which isn't very unique (dammit, why couldn't my parents have named me Apple! Sorry, saw Coldplay on Austin City Limits last night, my dream gig). Think of it from the perspective of an employer. You do know that some employers will Google your name and/or check MySpace and Facebook, don't you? I realize that you can keep your information private unless you approve your 'friend' to view it but for the most part people are lazy and won't take the time (mental note: only make your profile visible to friends).

Second, what is the appropriate age to bid a farewell to MySpace/Facebook? I'm 29 and approaching 30 and I feel that I'm just too damn old to be there anymore. Will I cancel my account? Somebody convince me.

All in all it's a pretty neat little tool for contacting ones that you haven't seen in awhile but I prefer this blog, leaving my thoughts here for you to criticize and make fun of.

(By the way, that pic ain't me, he's way better looking)

I am insane now.

2008-01-23T08:46:00.001-08:00

Kool Aid Killer - More bloopers are a click away

Have a great day!

So I've decided to become a professional...

2008-01-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Kalimba player. For you folks at home, a kalimba is basically a thumb piano that is played with...your thumbs.

Ever since I ran across a couple YouTube videos of kalimba playing and Pat Metheny's DVD of 'The Way Up' I've taken to the instrument. I ordered one with a built in pickup so I can plug it into an amp and get some psy-adelica tunes a rockin'.

This is the one I bought, a nice little 8 note piece:

By the way, thought I'd let all you Funkytown cats know that the greatness of Swan Song is playing live at Sarah's Place off Camp Bowie this Friday, Jan. 25th. (817) 731-7337 for details.

My Favorite City

2008-01-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

Why do you love Fort Worth (via MSNBC)? The Stock Show? Vigilante dads?

BTW, I will not be posting about the Cowboys playoff loss. Not today, not evar. We'll see what happens this offseason.

The Great Gordo (The Bill Breadly Blog Edition)

2008-01-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I'm a pretty big fan of Gordon Keith. Gordon is part of The Musers every weekday morning on 1310 The Ticket, A.M. radio style. I thought I'd do my best Gordo impression and give you some classy stuff today. Enjoy.

Courtesy of Texas (my lovely state)

Kittens, Cats and random felines.

There's a reason why I'm single. (somewhat raunchy)

J. Simpson's latest CD back cover. Good luck Tony.

Two Dark HitMan Movies

2008-01-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Those that know me relatively well know that I don't go out much to see movies in the theater and usually stick with my DVD collection for the classics. I decided during the weekend to buck the norm and grab a couple movies which, for the most part, were ho hum. That, however, wasn't the weirdest thing about my choices (both involve murderers, and serial at that).

Zodiac wasn't a particularly bad film and made some critics best of 2007 lists. I didn't think the movie was that great, especially knowing that the police never captured the Zodiac or without question knew who he was. I did like the acting and the screenplay though, especially with trouble-ridden Robert Downey, Jr., still a hell of an actor. It just seemed to drag on, Gyleenhaal became more and more obsessed with the killer and except for Downey, all other characters seemed underdeveloped.

So last night I skipped SuperBad again (which I hear is greatness) and rent the moderately reviewed Mr. Brooks starring Kevin Costner. Pretty good acting by Costner here, however, the movie just reminded me too much of American Psycho and especially got over the top at the end. Not exactly a time waste but certainly not that great.

I just need to remind myself next time before I have a movie weekend that I need to go online first and see what to rent. SuperBad, here we come.

2007 (Part Deux)

2007-12-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

As 2007 closes (at midnight tonight to be exact), I know I will look back at it in memory for years to come. A close relative & a family pet left this world to be in another, my dad got married again and a good friend got engaged to be un-engaged a couple weeks later. Things go up, things go down, life just works that way.

I know I'll try to look at the positives but I know that the majority of the feelings I experienced during the year weren't so good, which is why I can only expect great things for 2008. I need to start writing music again, and regularly. I need to quit smoking, which I do when I imbibe in adult beverages. Start working out again but nothing crazy. Those are my resolutions for the new year. What are yours? Eat more, watch less pron, become more confrontational?

2007

2007-12-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the few readers we have!

I moved to Scottsdale a little over a year ago to get some direction in my life. I think I've found the heading and am finally on the right path. That being said I leave you with my "2007" Letter:

THINGS I'M GRATEFUL FOR:

My friends, family and Shaunna Patrick
The Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Tech Raiders
The ability to buy booze on Sundays
Designated Drivers
Convenience Store sales

THINGS I DESPISE:
$6 Cigarettes
Sherrif Joe Arpaio
UT Football and the AZ Cardinals
Scottsdale, AZ

I miss my Fort Worth Boys and enjoyed seeing you guys while I was there. Hope everyone has a great holiday.

Stay Hard,

Zach Thoms

'The Year the (Music) Industry Broke'

2007-12-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Through the past 10 or so years (the evolving state of the internet), we have witnessed record labels lose money at an alarming rate. Music is easily downloadable, relatively easy to steal online using bit torrent sites and consumers are buying fewer and fewer compact discs year-to-year.

This isn't surprising to me. Although I still maintain I'm a CD believer, I understand why records sales are declining. Welcome to the age of all for nothing. Although I blame MTV much for the downfall of music sales and music in general (more shows than videos), they posted a pretty good article describing 2007 here.

Here's the key budding musicians (if you want to make money, take note): Tour, tour, tour. No-one can steal a live concert, ticketholders are charged heavily (to the benefit of you and Ticketmaster) and with better recording tools you can record your next album (which will be stolen anyway online) for very little.

The Second Loss

2007-12-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Eagles 10, Cowboys 6

Romo's thumb, T.O.'s slips/drop and key offensive line injuries (Gerode) had much to do with one of the most boring games I've experienced in my lifetime and a Cowboys loss, their second of the season.

Didn't see this coming yet I wasn't surprised either. Divisional opponents are supposed to raise their intensity for these types of games but apparently neither the Eagles or Cowboys did. Philly just happened to score more points. Westbrook showed his prowess again and perhaps idiocy by falling down at the one yard line to end the game. Classy (seriously).

Think about it: Do you think the rest of the league view Dallas as the luckiest team in the NFL? Did Westbrook lay down because he could not be sure Dallas wouldn't pull of another miracle ala the previous Lions game and Buffalo earlier in the season? I don't know.

Romo Greatness

2007-12-15T16:02:00.000-08:00

Dallas Cowboys - NFC East Champs

2007-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Cowboys 28 - Lions 27

Hard fought game today in Detroit. The Dallas defense was extremely slow and shaky but the offense found a way to win in the final 20 seconds. Dallas's 12th win clinches their NFC championship, Witten and Romo are good and Jon Kitna's a whiny b****.

How about them Cowboys!

To Your Potential

2007-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

To your potential...what does that mean exactly? Does every child have the potential to be President of the United States, an astronaut or a professional athlete? No, so it's all relative, right?

I happened to grow up privileged by most standards. White, male and was raised with parents that stayed together until I graduated from college. Have I lived up to my potential thus far? Some days I think I have, others not, but for the most part I try not to be so reflective. I think looking back can cause you to lose confidence, in other cases, it can be used to stroke your ego or blame your shortcomings on others.

This potential thing had me thinking to music. Do you consider The Smashing Pumpkins reunion a reunion? 2 out of the 4 founding members left, are they touring for $$$? Lynard Skynard? How many surviving members do they have left, do they get tired of playing 'Freebird'? Pearl Jam. What have they done since 'Vitalogy'? They still release albums?

What if these bands stayed together, avoided plane tragedy or didn't go after Ticketmaster and retool their lineup? Did they all live up to their potential? I don't think anyone can make that call.

Let's Get Married

2007-12-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

Not quite half of my friends are married yet, am I old? Being a single narcissistic male is hard work ladies, enjoy your time with me until I leave you. Seriously, perhaps someday I will take a leap into the confined world of marriage, and when I do, I want it done exactly like this. I have my Scrubs moments at work everyday.

Oh yeah, A&M hired Mike Sherman as the football head coach, the Mavs won last night, the Rangers are still sorry, Cowboys are 11-1 and hockey, hockey?

Texas 30, Texas A&M 38, Coach Franchione Resigns

2007-11-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

The Aggies take another game from Texas tonight and afterwards, Coach Fran resigns. Best of luck to you coach.

Yes, my Aggies looked good tonight but after too many national TV losses, see you Coach Fran.

I wonder who the replacement coach will be. Spurrier, Jason Garrett? Funny.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to the very few of you that actually read this dribble I call a blog. I have much to be thankful for, especially this year, it's been a hard one.

Lost my grandmother earlier in the year who lived to be 94 year old matriarch. I got to see her in the hospital in Dallas shortly before she passed. I'm thankful for that. She didn't want me to leave her hospital bedroom. I didn't know she'd leave us so soon. She had her faults like we all do but 99.9% of her was all love. Great conversationalist, great bridge player. She's with her husband now. Better places, better places.

Lost my mother's boyfriend very early this year. Good guy and very smart, I wish I could have known him longer.

Lost one of my dogs a couple months ago. That was hard, especially on my other dog Mary. Anyone that tells you that caring for dogs isn't like caring for children either doesn't own dogs or isn't a good pet owner. Peace Casper.

Sorry, I didn't want this post to be a downer, in fact, even hard times make you thankful in some way. Whether family, friends, or even pets, everyone has something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

A&M Bonfire - 11/18/99

2007-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I still remember it as it was yesterday, I was in College Station in college at the time, Junior year. Received a call from my parents at 6:30 the morning after wondering where I was. I can't believe it's been 8 years since. I want Bonfire back but I understand the concerns.

Was It Me?

2007-11-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Wasn't me.

Here are couple good clips:

'Lost Cause' performed by Beck. Sea Change is a hellava album.

I feel like doing this after work sometimes, no kids though.

Go Cowboys! 8-1 dawg.

Jamming

2007-11-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, had a music jam with a few buddies tonight and I felt awkward as ever. The chops aren't good, the ear isn't better, but I guess it was good (in a bad way).

I wish I knew enough about guitar licks and finger positions so I could follow but I don't and I'm sure I looked confused.

Knowing my keyboard prowess (or lack thereof) isn't what it used to be is hard on my ego, but again, practice in a 'live' setting is always good and I think I'll get better. Just frustrating having so many good thoughts that don't materialize.

Rant over, friend's wedding and nephew's first b-day tomorrow, good times.

Sushi Axiom

2007-11-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well tonight I took Pops to dinner at Sushi Axiom off of Hulen near Arlington Heights and Central Market. Appetizer and soup were lacking but my entree and sashimi were nice. I tried the Teriyaki Tenderloin and albacore/mackeral for my sushimi dish. At around $17 for the tenderloin, I recommend highly. I've had better Japanese but Sushi Axiom isn't bad, especially the view. Toss up between it and Edohana, but I'll take Royal Toyko in Addison over both anyday. Hello Heiko-San.

Funny that I noticed that I'm the conversation starter with my dad, guess he was just interested in what I had going on. Not so much, dad. He's getting old, but aren't we all?

Maybe I need a date???

The Economies of Halo 3

2007-11-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

I ran across a good article today that describes the economies of Halo 3, the shoot 'em up/tactical game on a couple game console platforms. The reason I found this article pretty compelling was that is very similar to my experiences in Quake 2 in college. Basically what this article does is explain the rationale for suicide bombing in video games, especially first-person-shooters. While I in NO means support suicide bombing in real life, I'm a big fan of it in video games, and I'll explain why:

Basically their are 2 separate social economies in online gaming. One group consists of teenagers and those that support themselves out of their homes, i.e. entrepreneurs if you will. The other group consists of people like me, 9-5 job, with kids, without kids, let's just say, worker bees. I would venture to say that the first group are the ones with more time to play online games and hone their skills, but not always. The second group are the people that might have an hour or so every day to get out there and venture around. This guy's article suggests that in many cases he resorts to suicide bombing to even the talent pool when he plays.

Believe me, I used to do it in college playing Quake 2. I wanted to even the pool. This is kind of like the reference in the poker movie Rounders where they're at the table and they describe their play like the Nature Channel. Their not working together but they aren't working against each other either. That's the best explanation/analogy I can come up with, if that makes sense at all.

Another way to look at it is that the second group's (the group I fall into) opportunity cost is higher, meaning, it is more valuable for them to be doing something else during this time but they like the gameplay, yet don't have the time to be Billy badass. If you're in a tight match with a superior opponent, throwing in a suicide bomb here and there might be decent strategy.

Surely there are others out there, right? Maybe I just stink at gaming.

Elementary School

2007-11-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

I distinctly recall in middle school being asked by the school counselor along with some other people to meet in the library. We weren't sequestered because we were in trouble, we met because we all knew Stephen Hill in elementary school. Stephen had died, a victim of starvation brought upon by his parents. I didn't see any signs of trouble before. What I do know is that I didn't treat him as poor as some people did but I didn't stick up for him either. That's why I still haven't forgotten about him those many years ago, I will never forget.

I remember he was a slow learner and socially awkward but not a bad kid. He, like me, had an appetite for crackers and that's what stands out in my mind.

More than anything, I want to thank him for giving me the integrity to stand up for things that I don't feel are right, specifically, any bully I encounter, whether personally or professionally. I didn't do that for you Stephen but I would now. Thank you, RIP.

Cowboys v. Eagles, Amazing Race

2007-11-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a peaceful Sunday after a crazy weekend. BACM was in town and we pulled a college night out on Friday, body was hurtin'. Woke up Saturday at a buddy's house, came home for a couple hours, watched football at said buddy's house, watched 1st half of A&M game, passed out from 7:30 to 11:30 last night. Yikes.

Cowboys in Philly tonight, big game. Amazing Race too at the same time. Will have to flip channels.

Wonder what I'll do on my day off tomorrow? Sleep? Check.

Mavs 92, Cavaliers 74 (Season Opener)

2007-11-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Mavs returned to fine regular season form last night as they handed Cleveland a loss in the NBA season opener. Jason Terry was money off the bench last night scoring 24 points, while Diop was equally impressive both defensively and offensively inside the paint. Not a bad start to the season, holding Lebron James to 10 points on the road.

How do you think this '07-'08 Mavs squad will do? Playoffs? Finals? Championship?

Breaking: Romo Contract Extension

2007-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

6 years, a little over $10 million a year, not bad. He deserves it.

The 'Dumbing Down' of America

2007-10-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been exposed (as I'm on vacation) to what I believe contributes to the 'dumbing down' of America: daytime television. I'm not talking about cartoons or stations that help children learn during the day when they are too young for school. I'm talking about your generic soap-operas, Judge Judy's of the world and certain gameshows.

Soap-operas, I believe, exist to bring a little drama into your life, that apparently, some people need more of. Not me.

Judge Judy shows of the world exist to belittle people. I just don't see any value-added service or idea that these provide.

Certain gameshows exist for people's want, not needs. (Hell, at least when you're watching 'Everyone Wants to be a Millionaire', you might learn something.)

Perhaps I'm just venting, perhaps it's true. I believe it is true. I've experienced parents that eventually become beaten down and need relief, and what better way than to pop on the tube? I've got an idea for you: Start a business from home, do work around the house or start a daytime book club. Contribute. Not that I am, I'm on vacation.

Two Musicians

2007-10-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a couple of musicians that I have been listening to lately, largely because I haven't been that devoted to writing music lately and these artists leave me feeling inspired to start again. At least I'll have this week to do whatever I choose (bless vacation), so we'll see what happens.

Andy McKee - "The Friend I Never Met"

Brandon Heath - "I'm Not Who I Was"

Whew...Trip to Lubbock, Win for Tech, Loss for Fran

2007-10-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

Texas A&M - 7 Texas Tech - 35

8 hours in the car, 3 1/2 hours for the game, all in the same day. I'm exhausted. The family originally planned to stay in Salado just outside of Lubbock for the game tonight but decided we'd head in tonight to be able to sleep in Sunday.

Onto the game:

Watched the game in the box of one my father's friends that is a big wig in the Texas Tech academic system. All I can say is nice. Shaking hands and introducing myself to Governor Rick Perry wasn't bad either even though I'm not particularly on his bandwagon.

As I expected, Tech beat the Aggies in front of a large home crowd. Also expected, the number of good looking girls on Tech's campus.

To the unexpected. I was quite surprised to see Tech win by a 28 point margin, especially after A&M's first drive touchdown. After that drive, the A&M offense became anemic, taking chances on pass plays when it seemed their running game could not be stopped. To Tech's credit, they began stopping A&M 3rd down plays. From then I knew that this one was over.

A&M and Tech are now tied in the Big 12 standings, but it is evident that A&M is a much weaker team, perhaps not talent wise but coaching wise. I think this is the last nail in the coffin for Dennis Franchione's coaching tenure at A&M. I am grateful to Tech players and fans for that. Originally I gave Fran a 3 year window, which has now become 5 years. These are his players, he recruits well, but has clearly lost the edge he had at TCU. He is transparent, it is apparent.

And, for those that don't know, my mother was a baton-twirler for the Red Raiders in college. Upon entering Jones AT&T Stadium today, she is pictured in a mosaic near the escalators.

Looking good Mom.

Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech - Biased Analysis

2007-10-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

As I make my every other year trip up to Lubbock this year, lots of questions surround both the Red Raider and Aggie football squads. The past decade (and you could argue longer) hasn't been particularly kind to the Aggies when they step into the flatlands of Lubbock.

Every year, and it seems more so each year thereafter, the 'rival' discussion is thrown around by Tech and Aggie faithful. Tech fans don't understand why many Aggies don't believe Tech is a rival of theirs. The perceived notion is that Aggies are arrogant cult members, some of the sheep fancy. A&M fans perceive Tech to be below them, classless pests neglected like a red-headed stepchild.

My belief, while biased to one side, is that the yearly football game played between both teams make up what a rivalry is all about. It is a rivalry, no question about it. One caveat though...this game will never be as strong as the rivalry between A&M and the University of Texas.

So what do I (corporate peasant, part-time musician) think of this years matchup?

For Tech to win, Harrell needs a strong outing. Danny Amendola and Michael Crabtree (of Dallas Carter) need to get their catches against the pourous secondary of A&M. Short passing routes present problems to defenses because they exploit weak tackling. The Tech defensive LB's will have to stop the up the middle running game of Javorskie Lane and Michael Goodson. Keep the ball on the ends, get a couple option based fumbles from the A&M offense and all is well in Lubbock.

For A&M to win, their offense must show up and eat up clock minutes. If the A&M passing game isn't opened up to keep the Tech defense honest, this could spell trouble for the Aggies. The A&M defensive front 5 must get adequate pressure on Graham Harrell and eliminate the big play.

With tomorrow looming and the VIP controversy surrounding Fran (and his job in Aggieland), I find it hard to find light where shadows exist.

Prediction - Texas Tech 41, Texas A&M 27

Pwned Halo 3 Style

2007-10-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thought this video was pretty amusing in a video game suicide kind of way.

If I had an X Box 360 my work would suffer...hard.

Johnny Fairplay (Survivor) vs. Danny Boneduce (Psycho)

2007-10-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Greatness

2007-09-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Had the opportunity to see DMB last night at Cricket Pavillion. It was my first DMB show and probably my only one but I have to say that the 2 1/2 hour show he put on was pure gold.

P.S. Dear Sam Houston State,

Please beat Oklahoma State this weekend after the horrible showing from Tech

Pretty Big Win vs. Bears

2007-09-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

I guess we'll have to see what this team is made of when they match up with the Patriots in October. Looks like my initial pre-season predictions were off, 2 weeks straight. Enjoy Cowboy fan.

Gig 'Em......Or Not!

2007-09-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Maybe the biggest homer prediction ever.

From The Battallion:

Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies will have one of the best offenses in the Big 12, and one of the most experienced. They will take care of the preseason schedule, including winning at Miami, and they will finally beat the Red Raiders in Lubbock......

Pretty bold.

Go build a bonfire............

Two Great Fridays

2007-09-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars accordingly for some happenin' live music the next two Fridays:

Fri., Sept. 21st - Goodwin @ The Moon Bar on Berry St. in Funkytown. Best damn live band in Fort Worth, straight up. And the Moon has been expanded.

Fri., Sept. 28th - The Theater Fire @ The Wreck Room off 7th. Final Wreck Room performances that weekend folks, so come by and get your groove on... or set the building on fire. Get it...fire? Dad.

(thanks to Simon and Liz for showing me a good time last Saturday. I needed it after a rather trying week. For those interested, old Mary is adjusting well.)

In Memoriam - Casper

2007-09-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

( RIP 9/14/07)

For you I write or pen a song

I am truly blessed you lived so long

I suffer mixed emotions sending you off

To keep you here or give you to God

Choose to remember me as you were young

I know I'll try the same my son

You leave behind an aging girl

For whom I'll love more than the world

God Bless good boy

Bad News

2007-09-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you have heard, Carter Albrecht, guitarist and keyboardist of Dallas's Sorta, was killed late Monday night. Apparently he was shot by his neighbor after a supposed altercation with his girlfriend. Though I never met Carter, I always considered those guys one of the premier Texas acts. Listening to Danny on The Ticket this afternoon was rough. I hope I don't ever experience something like this. More on Gordon Keith's site.

My "Vacation"

2007-08-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

Whew... During the 3 days vacation I've had so far, nothing much has been memorable except golf, Cowboys pre-season football, boredom.

Watched the Rangers spare it up again against dominant Twins/Orioles pitchers. Depressing. Can we have Santana on our team?

Seeing the Boys dominate looks good. We'll see through the season which predictions listed below pan out. Romo, be good, real hard.

Gave the blog a promise to post more. Will do, though have done again and again.

Live Links?

Your Tax Dollars Hard at Work

2007-08-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised I wasn't highlighted this new footage :)

Funny story: Around 2003 I was with a buddy at a local bar and a couple TABC agents and us got into a conversation re: underage drinking. While we don't condone it, my buddy started listing bars that were known to serve underagers and they actually went there! No problem blog-reading friends, you wouldn't want to be caught dead at those places anyway.

http://view.break.com/350346 - Watch more free videos

Football Preseason!

2007-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

I can breathe again tonight as football starts and thoughts shift away from baseball and the Rangers miserable season (and probably 2008 as well).

Pre-season football tonight, Dallas vs. Indianapolis, 7 PM. Pre-season football, meaningless? Yes. Meaningful? Maybe. Make sense? Probably not.

I can't hate on the defending Super Bowl Champions much either (minus Manning). Dungy is a class act, let's see what this Phillips guy can do for Big D.

So, with that, I bring you my season predictions, game by game.

Sun, Sep 9 NY GIANTS (NBC) Sponsored By PEPSI 7:15 pm (Dallas win)

Sun, Sep 16 @ Miami (FOX) 3:05 pm (Dallas loss)

Sun, Sep 23 @ Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm (Dallas loss, don't panic)

Sun, Sep 30 ST. LOUIS (FOX) Sponsored By FORD Noon (Dallas win)

Mon, Oct 8 @ Buffalo (ESPN) 7:30 pm (Dallas win)

Sun, Oct 14 NEW ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm (Dallas loss)

Sun, Oct 21 MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon (Dallas win)

Sun, Oct 28 BYE WEEK

Sun, Nov 4 @ Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15 pm (Dallas win)

Sun, Nov 11 @ NY Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm (Dallas win)

Sun, Nov 18 WASHINGTON (FOX) Sponsored By DR PEPPER Noon (Dallas win, woohoo, 3 straight divisional wins)

Thu, Nov 22 NY JETS (CBS) Sponsored By MILLER 3:15 pm (Dallas win)

Thu, Nov 29 GREEN BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm (Dallas win)

Sun, Dec 9 @ Detroit (FOX) Noon (Dallas win)

Sun, Dec 16 PHILADELPHIA (FOX) Sponsored By MOTOROLA 3:15 pm (Dallas loss, Philly steals one away)

Sat, Dec 22 @ Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm (Dallas loss)

Sun, Dec 30 @ Washington (FOX) Noon (Dallas win)

Overall: 11-5, divisional champs, 2nd round playoff loss

Optimistic? Crazy? I've been called all those adjectives before.

Let's get it on.

I am Insane Now, Twice

2007-08-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Stormtrooper Nerd-Tease

See more like this on kontraband.com

I started a band

2007-07-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Jake you would be proud.

Headed to Vegas

2007-07-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well boys off to Vegas for the weekend. I leave you with this pic from the Running of the Bulls.

As Promised, WSOP Updates

2007-07-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

I should have nominated BACM over this past week to be the official World Series of Poker correspondent for the blog since he was going to Vegas. Anywho, get your updates here. They're down to 2 tables, everyone guaranteed at least $380,000. Not too shabby.

Acoustic Alchemy - This Way

2007-07-07T02:02:00.000-07:00

As I realize the few (maybe 3) that look at this thing called a blog...

I like the new style of "This Way" for Acoustic Alchemy, not going to find these songs on the greatness and now departed 107.9 The Oasis. I can go on and on about nothing peaceful on the radio now.

The album is relatively solid, but like many of their albums, a few little jems. "This Way" is pretty gold, especially when they get into the middle of the track.

I've only seen them live once but it was gold with Kitos. You could see how people could follow them, especially the wine crowd :)

Give "This Way" a listen online, but I promise, it's better as a whole. I can only hope they shun the drum loops and put out a great live album. FWIW...St. Lucias doesn't count, and I'm not hatin'.

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