I went to New York City two days ago. Even though the weather was basically horrible, I had a great time. We got on the train at 7:55 AM and pulled into Penn Station at about 10:45 AM. Then, we headed to Bubba Gump's for lunch.
After eating, we went to the Titanic artifacts exhibit. It was, in a word, amazing. I saw the Lucy exhibit a few weeks ago, so I kind of knew what to expect. However, I do have to say that the Discovery people really went above and beyond what I expected. I actually felt like I was on the Titanic.
We had our picture taken twice, so we made a stop at the gift shop to purchase some photos. After buying an 8x6 of our staircase picture for twenty ridiculous dollars, I went back get my newly printed photo.
Of course, as luck would have it, there was something wrong with the printer. "Maybe you could wait until we fix it," the girl said. "Umm...how long? Because I have a basketball game to get to," I replied. She didn't know. Eventually, two more people came up to the desk to try to fix the printer. Again, they told me I could wait. "I have to get to a basketball game," I said. "Maybe you could come back later," they added. "After the game, I have to get on a train and go back to Pennsylvania," I explained. All they could say was, "Oh."
After waiting for about ten minutes, I finally got my photo, which turned out to be not that great anyway. Go figure. "I hope you win your game!" was the last thing one of the guys said to me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I don't actually play for the Phoenix Mercury.
We got to Madison Square Garden at about 2:20. I didn't want to go to Borders, since I was already carrying a bunch of junk in my Nike bag and didn't feel like carrying around even more junk. We finally decided to line up at about 2:45.
When we got down to the court at about 3:15, Cappie Pondexter was the only Mercury player shooting around. I almost shouted, "Let's go, Cappie!" but I didn't want to break her concentration. I ordered a soft pretzel, since I was still pretty full from lunch. I sat in CRT 29, Row C, Seat 3. The two seats next to me remained empty for the entire game, much to my delight. The rest of the row was occupied by veteran Liberty season ticket holders, who looked more than a little annoyed that I (a Mercury fan) would dare to sit next to them. Still, they remained pretty calm and chose to ignore me rather than antagonize me. It was a welcome change from the Complete Psycho I had to sit next to in 2007. Side Note: I took a few pictures of CRT 18 but didn't see Complete Psycho. Maybe I'll have the pleasure of seeing her in a few weeks.
When the Mercury players came out for the pre-game shoot around, my dad said, "Taurasi will score at least 30 points today."
The Mercury had a rough start, and I was afraid the game was turn out to be a repeat of last year's travesty.
Eventually, though, the Mercury came back and took over the lead. Then, the Liberty came back. It was actually pretty exciting. Not as exciting as Sue Bird hitting the winning shot in the 2007 game, but exciting nonetheless.
About halfway through the game, WNBA President Donna Orender sat two seats in front of me. During the game, I saw her sit in several seats. Being the president must be nice. It's not like the security people are going to be like, "Ummm...you can't sit there. You don't have a ticket."
Then, the Mercury took over, the Liberty fumbled, and the fans started leaving. All 11,200 of them. Yes, there were really that many people there. It was Kids Day AND Dads and Daughters Day. My ears are still recovering. The Mercury won 94-88. Taurasi had 34 points, leaving my dad to feel like the world's leading authority on women's basketball.
On the way out, I saw Teresa Weatherspoon signing autographs. A recent Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, T-Spoon was honored before the fourth quarter. I wanted to try to get her autograph, but there was an angry man blocking the way down to her. So, I gave up and left. She goes to almost all of the games, so I'm sure I'll eventually sit behind her or something.
As we headed out to the main entrance, we saw that it was pouring outside. It was at that moment that I decided to abandon my idea of waiting outside to get some Mercury autographs.
At 7:00 PM, we boarded the train and headed back to PA. I didn't get up until 11:45 AM yesterday. I must be getting old.
My next WNBA game is just over two weeks away. I'll be wearing my Sylvia Fowles jersey, but I'll be sitting behind the Chicago Sky bench, so I should be ok.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Brandi Carlile Tour Dates
So, Brandi's fall tour was just announced.
And she isn't coming anywhere near me. Of course.
I was not born with the ability to read a map and actually get to where I'm going, so I would have to find someone who would be willing to drive me to Baltimore or D.C. I rode the light rail a long time ago (to go to an Orioles game), and I was scared out of my mind.
And since I pretty much don't know anyone (other than my parents), it's looking very unlikely that I will see Brandi Carlile in concert this year.
Tour Dates that are sort of near me (and why I can't go):
October 3 - New York City, NY (I'll be in Philly that day, searching for ghosts at Eastern State Penitentiary)
October 6 - Philadelphia, PA (I'd have to take the day off work in order to get there in a timely fashion, and I'd probably have to stay the night because the trains won't be running after the concert. So, I'd be using two of my personal days just one month into the school year)
October 7 - Washington, DC (Again, it's in the middle of the week, and I haven't been to D.C. in over a decade)
October 8 - Baltimore, MD (I know very little about getting around Baltimore, and this date is also in the middle of the week)
I am SO moving to Seattle as soon as I pay off my college loans.
And she isn't coming anywhere near me. Of course.
I was not born with the ability to read a map and actually get to where I'm going, so I would have to find someone who would be willing to drive me to Baltimore or D.C. I rode the light rail a long time ago (to go to an Orioles game), and I was scared out of my mind.
And since I pretty much don't know anyone (other than my parents), it's looking very unlikely that I will see Brandi Carlile in concert this year.
Tour Dates that are sort of near me (and why I can't go):
October 3 - New York City, NY (I'll be in Philly that day, searching for ghosts at Eastern State Penitentiary)
October 6 - Philadelphia, PA (I'd have to take the day off work in order to get there in a timely fashion, and I'd probably have to stay the night because the trains won't be running after the concert. So, I'd be using two of my personal days just one month into the school year)
October 7 - Washington, DC (Again, it's in the middle of the week, and I haven't been to D.C. in over a decade)
October 8 - Baltimore, MD (I know very little about getting around Baltimore, and this date is also in the middle of the week)
I am SO moving to Seattle as soon as I pay off my college loans.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Smile, though your heart is aching....
If you watched the Michael Jackson memorial and didn't have some sort of emotional reaction to Paris Jackson saying goodbye to her daddy, then you might want to visit a doctor because you have no soul.
Goodbye, King.
Goodbye, King.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Letter to Seattle Storm
Dear Seattle Storm:
If you look to the right, you will see a picture of Storm, the cat. Whenever you lose a game, a geyser of tears flows from his little eyes, and he is forced to drown his sorrows in a bottle of organic catnip.
Do you really want to put a cute kitty through all that pain and sorrow?
During the LA game, Storm had to bury his little head in a pillow because he couldn't bear to watch you get your asses handed to you by a team that had something like eight healthy players on its roster.
So please, for Storm's sake, and for mine, beat San Antonio on Tuesday.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Inevitable Post
So, for the past several days, I've been sitting here, trying to put into words how I feel about Michael Jackson's legacy. I'm still not sure if I've found those words. So, I will just leave it at this:
Make sure you sing to the angels, MJ. We'll miss you.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A great day for PA hockey
The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 to win their third franchise Stanley Cup.
The Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1 to win their tenth franchise Calder Cup.
And the LA Sparks will never win their third WNBA Championship if they keep losing like they lost last night. The Seattle Storm, however, are looking very good. Of course, I am just a little biased.
The Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1 to win their tenth franchise Calder Cup.
And the LA Sparks will never win their third WNBA Championship if they keep losing like they lost last night. The Seattle Storm, however, are looking very good. Of course, I am just a little biased.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Go LifeLocks!! (Plus concert reviews)
Today, the Phoenix Mercury announced a new partnership with LifeLock, the identity theft protection company. As part of the deal, the Phoenix/Mercury labels on the jerseys will change to the LifeLock label, with the team name relegated to the top corner of the jersey.
It's just like soccer! Only not as cool. Soccer teams never really made a huge deal of having huge team logos on their jerseys anyway, so I find it pretty easy to overlook the sponsorship logos. And while we're on the topic...Boston, you silly, silly team. You let Sky Blue FC beat you!!!! And don't you even think about blaming it on the fact that Kelly Smith only played the first half. Oh, and go Natasha Kai!!! Take that, US National Team!
I'm going to a Mercury game this summer. I can't wait to see how stupid the jerseys look in person. You can buy one from the WNBA store. I think I'll pass.
In other news, the WNBA season tips off this Saturday!
The Little Big Town concert was on May 18th. It freaking rocked, of course. Karen told everyone that she was the boss, and that we were allowed to get up and dance. AMT usually pulls in a more conservative (i.e. old as dirt) crowd, and the band was quick to notice that no one was getting up. At one point, I said, "The hell with it! I'm getting up to dance!" I was the only one in my row who got up, and I really didn't care.
They didn't sign after the show. A fan won the chance to hang out with them backstage, so they had other obligations. I've already met Phil and Jimi, and I had to go to work the next day, so I didn't much care.
LeAnn Rimes was May 24th. My dad and I got to the theatre late, about one song into the opening act. As soon as we sat down, I immediately felt like I was sitting in the middle of a nursing home. The average age of the people in the audience had to have been 80. The man next to me was actually SLEEPING during the opening act. For a second, I was kind of worried that he had died.
No one danced. NO ONE. LeAnn was all, "Put your hands up!" and everyone was like, "But I can't! I have arthritis!" Not really, but you get my point. I wanted to get up, but I figured the old people sitting around me would yell at me and/or grab at me with their leathery fingers.
The show lasted for a mere 70 minutes. I honestly can't blame her. She's been one of the biggest names in country music for the past fifteen years, and no one responded to her. Maybe they thought they were going to see the Osmonds or something.
We were parked near the tour bus, and there were a few people waiting around for autographs. But it was raining and I could see lightning flashing through the sky, so I decided to just head home. I think the excitement of meeting celebrities is starting to wear off. I have a whole collection of autographs, but very few of them are even displayed in my room. If I had a choice between having a 5-minute conversation with someone and getting their autograph, I would choose the conversation. A few years ago, Jessi Alexander and I had a nice little chat. And come to think of it, Phil Sweet and I actually talked for a few minutes. Seriously, that was the second best moment of my life. Meeting Sue Bird is obviously first, but I was in such a dream state that I barely remember it.
Go LifeLocks!
It's just like soccer! Only not as cool. Soccer teams never really made a huge deal of having huge team logos on their jerseys anyway, so I find it pretty easy to overlook the sponsorship logos. And while we're on the topic...Boston, you silly, silly team. You let Sky Blue FC beat you!!!! And don't you even think about blaming it on the fact that Kelly Smith only played the first half. Oh, and go Natasha Kai!!! Take that, US National Team!
I'm going to a Mercury game this summer. I can't wait to see how stupid the jerseys look in person. You can buy one from the WNBA store. I think I'll pass.
In other news, the WNBA season tips off this Saturday!
The Little Big Town concert was on May 18th. It freaking rocked, of course. Karen told everyone that she was the boss, and that we were allowed to get up and dance. AMT usually pulls in a more conservative (i.e. old as dirt) crowd, and the band was quick to notice that no one was getting up. At one point, I said, "The hell with it! I'm getting up to dance!" I was the only one in my row who got up, and I really didn't care.
They didn't sign after the show. A fan won the chance to hang out with them backstage, so they had other obligations. I've already met Phil and Jimi, and I had to go to work the next day, so I didn't much care.
LeAnn Rimes was May 24th. My dad and I got to the theatre late, about one song into the opening act. As soon as we sat down, I immediately felt like I was sitting in the middle of a nursing home. The average age of the people in the audience had to have been 80. The man next to me was actually SLEEPING during the opening act. For a second, I was kind of worried that he had died.
No one danced. NO ONE. LeAnn was all, "Put your hands up!" and everyone was like, "But I can't! I have arthritis!" Not really, but you get my point. I wanted to get up, but I figured the old people sitting around me would yell at me and/or grab at me with their leathery fingers.
The show lasted for a mere 70 minutes. I honestly can't blame her. She's been one of the biggest names in country music for the past fifteen years, and no one responded to her. Maybe they thought they were going to see the Osmonds or something.
We were parked near the tour bus, and there were a few people waiting around for autographs. But it was raining and I could see lightning flashing through the sky, so I decided to just head home. I think the excitement of meeting celebrities is starting to wear off. I have a whole collection of autographs, but very few of them are even displayed in my room. If I had a choice between having a 5-minute conversation with someone and getting their autograph, I would choose the conversation. A few years ago, Jessi Alexander and I had a nice little chat. And come to think of it, Phil Sweet and I actually talked for a few minutes. Seriously, that was the second best moment of my life. Meeting Sue Bird is obviously first, but I was in such a dream state that I barely remember it.
Go LifeLocks!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Lilith Fair
A few weeks ago, my mother and I were talking about the current state of women in music.
Well, I was talking and she was sort of listening.
I mentioned how music seems to move in waves, and that there are currently a lot of great female musicians. Then, I said, "That's why Lilith Fair needs to run again. It's time."
A few days ago, I learned that Lilith Fair will be returning in 2010. As of right now, all they're talking about is a two week trip through Europe. But considering the fact that Sarah McLachlan is still involved with the tour, I'm sure it will be expanded to North America.
Here is who I would like to see, in no particular order, other than the Indigo Girls being very near the top, since they weren't at the Hershey concert in '98 or '99:
Sarah McLachlan (obviously)
Brandi Carlile
Missy Higgins
Indigo Girls
Tegan and Sara
Corinne Bailey Rae
Uh Huh Her
Dido
A Fine Frenzy
Heather Nova
Jen Foster
Shawn Colvin
Dixie Chicks
Melissa Etheridge
P!nk
Toby Lightman
Sara Bareilles
Sheryl Crow
But I suppose I could live with just a handful of those artists at one concert. Of course, some of them (A Fine Frenzy, Jen Foster, Toby Lightman) would be on one of the smaller stages.
Plus, as I like to say: As the Indigo Girls go, so goes Brandi Carlile.
This is so awesome. Maybe I'll finally be able to replace my Lilith Fair '98 jacket with a brand new Lilith Fair '10 (or 2010) jacket.
In other news, I'm probably going to go see Sara Evans again. I mean, I paid $65 for a membership to AMT. I should probably take advantage of it. I saw her at the same venue a few years ago, but our seats weren't great. The tickets don't go on sale for two weeks, so I still have some time to decide.
Well, I was talking and she was sort of listening.
I mentioned how music seems to move in waves, and that there are currently a lot of great female musicians. Then, I said, "That's why Lilith Fair needs to run again. It's time."
A few days ago, I learned that Lilith Fair will be returning in 2010. As of right now, all they're talking about is a two week trip through Europe. But considering the fact that Sarah McLachlan is still involved with the tour, I'm sure it will be expanded to North America.
Here is who I would like to see, in no particular order, other than the Indigo Girls being very near the top, since they weren't at the Hershey concert in '98 or '99:
Sarah McLachlan (obviously)
Brandi Carlile
Missy Higgins
Indigo Girls
Tegan and Sara
Corinne Bailey Rae
Uh Huh Her
Dido
A Fine Frenzy
Heather Nova
Jen Foster
Shawn Colvin
Dixie Chicks
Melissa Etheridge
P!nk
Toby Lightman
Sara Bareilles
Sheryl Crow
But I suppose I could live with just a handful of those artists at one concert. Of course, some of them (A Fine Frenzy, Jen Foster, Toby Lightman) would be on one of the smaller stages.
Plus, as I like to say: As the Indigo Girls go, so goes Brandi Carlile.
This is so awesome. Maybe I'll finally be able to replace my Lilith Fair '98 jacket with a brand new Lilith Fair '10 (or 2010) jacket.
In other news, I'm probably going to go see Sara Evans again. I mean, I paid $65 for a membership to AMT. I should probably take advantage of it. I saw her at the same venue a few years ago, but our seats weren't great. The tickets don't go on sale for two weeks, so I still have some time to decide.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
WPS
So, the Washington Freedom suck.
A lot.
I like the look of the Boston Breakers, so I'll be rooting for them from now on. At least they're on the east coast.
If this league makes it to a second season, I'll probably root for the Philly team.
At 6:00 today: Sky Blue FC at Chicago Red Stars
A lot.
I like the look of the Boston Breakers, so I'll be rooting for them from now on. At least they're on the east coast.
If this league makes it to a second season, I'll probably root for the Philly team.
At 6:00 today: Sky Blue FC at Chicago Red Stars
Monday, March 30, 2009
Women's Professional Soccer
So, as I sat there watching the LA Sol beat the crap out of the Washington Freedom, I thought to myself, "Of course. My team had to be the one with the old goalie and the player who broke her leg 9 months ago."
I refuse to root for anything that comes from LA, and I always try to pick a team that is semi-local, at least during the early years of a league. So, I went with the Freedom. I suppose I could also go with Sky Blue FC.
Has anyone checked Marta for some kind of internal rocket booster that allows her to be all over the field at one time? Seriously. She was killing the Freedom. Damn, she's good.
The TV schedule is pitiful. Of course, since I've also been a WNBA fan for 12 years, I'm used to it. FC Gold Pride hosts the Boston Breakers next Sunday. That translates to Brandi Chastain!?! and Tiffeny Milbrett hosting Kristine Lilly. Wait a second. This is 2009, right? Kelly Smith and Heather Mitts also play for Boston; Leslie Osborne and Formiga will be suiting up for FC Gold Pride.
Sky Blue FC will take on the Sol at 4PM, but that game isn't on TV.
Some of these teams have the dumbest names ever. I'm sorry, but they do. The only good names were carried over from the WUSA, which isn't saying much. The Sol is a cool name, but it was already used for a WNBA team that folded after only three seasons.
In other news, Geno Auriemma and the Huskies came back from an early eight point deficit---which commentators Pam Ward and Rebecca Lobo thought was the end of the world---to beat Cal by double digits.
Oh, and I can't wait for the WNBA to start.
I refuse to root for anything that comes from LA, and I always try to pick a team that is semi-local, at least during the early years of a league. So, I went with the Freedom. I suppose I could also go with Sky Blue FC.
Has anyone checked Marta for some kind of internal rocket booster that allows her to be all over the field at one time? Seriously. She was killing the Freedom. Damn, she's good.
The TV schedule is pitiful. Of course, since I've also been a WNBA fan for 12 years, I'm used to it. FC Gold Pride hosts the Boston Breakers next Sunday. That translates to Brandi Chastain!?! and Tiffeny Milbrett hosting Kristine Lilly. Wait a second. This is 2009, right? Kelly Smith and Heather Mitts also play for Boston; Leslie Osborne and Formiga will be suiting up for FC Gold Pride.
Sky Blue FC will take on the Sol at 4PM, but that game isn't on TV.
Some of these teams have the dumbest names ever. I'm sorry, but they do. The only good names were carried over from the WUSA, which isn't saying much. The Sol is a cool name, but it was already used for a WNBA team that folded after only three seasons.
In other news, Geno Auriemma and the Huskies came back from an early eight point deficit---which commentators Pam Ward and Rebecca Lobo thought was the end of the world---to beat Cal by double digits.
Oh, and I can't wait for the WNBA to start.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Random Musical Musings (plus Kelly Clarkson ticket info)
I recently read that Andrea Corr got engaged. Because I'm sure that will help The Corrs make a new album. I was listening to The Corrs today---it's my March/St. Patrick's Day tradition---and I realized that I hate some of their songs. I've never experienced this with Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, etc. I mean, "Afterglow" didn't change my life or anything, but I can still listen to it.
This evening, I managed to stumble upon the Corrs Online messageboard. After blinking several times to convince myself that it still exists, I found a thread about everyone's least favorite Corrs songs. "Time Enough for Tears" seems to be the winner, if you can call it that. And it really does deserve the honor, since it's quite possibly the worst song ever recorded. "Lifting Me," which I think I may have heard once, also appeared on several lists.
I actually like "Home." Imagine that. An album, by an Irish band, that actually sounds Irish. After making two trash albums that caused the near destruction of their career, they finally realized what type of music they should have been making. Sometimes, I wish that 2004 never existed. Sure, the Olympics were great and the Storm won the WNBA championship, but it also gave us "Borrowed Heaven." And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Andrea Corr's solo album, which I special ordered for $30 and maybe listened to once.
But moving on to musicians who didn't peak a decade ago.....
I managed to score 5th row, center stage tickets to the Kelly Clarkson concert.
And I'll be sitting in the 6th row for LeAnn Rimes and the 9th row for Little Big Town.
I have had the song "Stand and Deliver" (Amy Ray) in my head all day. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that I probably listened to it yesterday while I was looking at websites.
I ordered a Buffy car decal from Amazon. I'm such a loser.
This evening, I managed to stumble upon the Corrs Online messageboard. After blinking several times to convince myself that it still exists, I found a thread about everyone's least favorite Corrs songs. "Time Enough for Tears" seems to be the winner, if you can call it that. And it really does deserve the honor, since it's quite possibly the worst song ever recorded. "Lifting Me," which I think I may have heard once, also appeared on several lists.
I actually like "Home." Imagine that. An album, by an Irish band, that actually sounds Irish. After making two trash albums that caused the near destruction of their career, they finally realized what type of music they should have been making. Sometimes, I wish that 2004 never existed. Sure, the Olympics were great and the Storm won the WNBA championship, but it also gave us "Borrowed Heaven." And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Andrea Corr's solo album, which I special ordered for $30 and maybe listened to once.
But moving on to musicians who didn't peak a decade ago.....
I managed to score 5th row, center stage tickets to the Kelly Clarkson concert.
And I'll be sitting in the 6th row for LeAnn Rimes and the 9th row for Little Big Town.
I have had the song "Stand and Deliver" (Amy Ray) in my head all day. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that I probably listened to it yesterday while I was looking at websites.
I ordered a Buffy car decal from Amazon. I'm such a loser.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
More Dollhouse, plus Kelly Clarkson and Lauren Jackson
So, the second episode of "Dollhouse" was so much better than the pilot that it was almost impossible for me to believe that both episodes were part of the same show.
Also, the reference to "The Most Dangerous Game" was great. I'll have to mention it to my students on Monday. I didn't actually pay attention to whether or not they mentioned the guy's full name at the beginning of the episode, but I definitely caught it at the end. Big ups to Joss and Co. for naming him "Richard Connell" and not "Zaroff" or something way too obvious.
While watching Echo run for her life, my dad kept saying, "Where's Buffy when you need her?" My response was, "You wouldn't even need Buffy if the idiots at the Dollhouse had imprinted her with some combat skills."
I fell asleep during "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." My dad, of all people, had to tell me what happened. In other news, my Dish Network guide now lists the show as "Connor Chronicles." I think that's actually quite appropriate, seeing as how Sarah Connor's chronicles are usually overshadowed by her annoying son and the singer (Shirley Manson) I used to like before she joined the show.
In other news, I'm going to see Kelly Clarkson in September. I know someone who knows someone who can get really good tickets, so I'm still waiting to see where the seats are. This is like the official Best Year of Concerts. Other than the fact that Brandi Carlile and Missy Higgins are nowhere to be found. Except Philly, of course. And a cruise ship. With Shawn Colvin. Which, quite frankly, wouldn't be too bad, seeing as how I never got to see her at Lilith Fair. Holy fragments, Batman!
Yolanda Griffith just signed with Indiana. But the Storm just re-signed JB, who sat out last year, and Suzy Batkovic, who hasn't played in the W since about 2005 or so. Fantastic. Really.
So, as I was sitting there thinking, "Well, at least Batkovic and LJ are both Aussies," I happened to read that LJ may not come back to the Storm. So much for Seattle being the only U.S. city that reminds her of home. She may play for the Mercury, which would actually be quite humorous, seeing as how I'm going to the Mercury at Liberty game this summer. I suppose I could wear my LJ home jersey and dream of better days.
Michelle Snow was picked up by the Dream, who recently let go of Betty Lennox. Yeah, that sounds like a great decision. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall at some of those meetings. "Well, if we get rid of the only player on the team who can actually score, we can maybe pick up a post player who's been spotty at best for the past two seasons. Yeah! Let's do it!"
Is the Holdsclaw trainwreck really going to happen this season? I haven't heard anything about it recently. I think Atlanta plays the Lib on a Saturday or Sunday, so I could probably go to the game. And I would get tickets behind the Atlanta bench, just to see it all unfold.
I probably sound ultra-snarky today, but it's with good reason. A major stomach flu has been tearing through the school for the past week, and a bunch of students and teachers have been sick. And when I woke up this morning, I felt horrible. This would so be the worst week for me to miss a day, so I'm kind of irritated.
Plus, I really didn't get any work done today. And right now I really don't care.
Also, the reference to "The Most Dangerous Game" was great. I'll have to mention it to my students on Monday. I didn't actually pay attention to whether or not they mentioned the guy's full name at the beginning of the episode, but I definitely caught it at the end. Big ups to Joss and Co. for naming him "Richard Connell" and not "Zaroff" or something way too obvious.
While watching Echo run for her life, my dad kept saying, "Where's Buffy when you need her?" My response was, "You wouldn't even need Buffy if the idiots at the Dollhouse had imprinted her with some combat skills."
I fell asleep during "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." My dad, of all people, had to tell me what happened. In other news, my Dish Network guide now lists the show as "Connor Chronicles." I think that's actually quite appropriate, seeing as how Sarah Connor's chronicles are usually overshadowed by her annoying son and the singer (Shirley Manson) I used to like before she joined the show.
In other news, I'm going to see Kelly Clarkson in September. I know someone who knows someone who can get really good tickets, so I'm still waiting to see where the seats are. This is like the official Best Year of Concerts. Other than the fact that Brandi Carlile and Missy Higgins are nowhere to be found. Except Philly, of course. And a cruise ship. With Shawn Colvin. Which, quite frankly, wouldn't be too bad, seeing as how I never got to see her at Lilith Fair. Holy fragments, Batman!
Yolanda Griffith just signed with Indiana. But the Storm just re-signed JB, who sat out last year, and Suzy Batkovic, who hasn't played in the W since about 2005 or so. Fantastic. Really.
So, as I was sitting there thinking, "Well, at least Batkovic and LJ are both Aussies," I happened to read that LJ may not come back to the Storm. So much for Seattle being the only U.S. city that reminds her of home. She may play for the Mercury, which would actually be quite humorous, seeing as how I'm going to the Mercury at Liberty game this summer. I suppose I could wear my LJ home jersey and dream of better days.
Michelle Snow was picked up by the Dream, who recently let go of Betty Lennox. Yeah, that sounds like a great decision. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall at some of those meetings. "Well, if we get rid of the only player on the team who can actually score, we can maybe pick up a post player who's been spotty at best for the past two seasons. Yeah! Let's do it!"
Is the Holdsclaw trainwreck really going to happen this season? I haven't heard anything about it recently. I think Atlanta plays the Lib on a Saturday or Sunday, so I could probably go to the game. And I would get tickets behind the Atlanta bench, just to see it all unfold.
I probably sound ultra-snarky today, but it's with good reason. A major stomach flu has been tearing through the school for the past week, and a bunch of students and teachers have been sick. And when I woke up this morning, I felt horrible. This would so be the worst week for me to miss a day, so I'm kind of irritated.
Plus, I really didn't get any work done today. And right now I really don't care.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Dollhouse
So, I know this is a music/sports blog and everything, but I feel the need to say something about the premiere of "Dollhouse."
The only problem is that I really don't know what to say. There was way too much going on, and I was completely lost by the first commercial break.
I love Amy Acker, but Joss really needs to stop mixing Buffy/Angel/Firefly people. Thank God Summer Glau and Nathan Fillion are on other shows right now. I half expected Amber Benson or James Marsters to come popping out from behind a door and yell, "Boo!" It's like when I saw Caroline Dhavernas fans talking about how she should guest star on "Pushing Daisies." And I thought, "Are you serious? That would just be weird." So, when Diana Scarwid freaking appeared on the show, I just sat there, shook my head, and said, "Well, Tracie is on 'Cold Case,' so this can't get any weirder."
I love my shows, don't get me wrong. But when they end, the cast should go their separate ways. Expand their horizons. Stay away from FOX.
I give both "Dollhouse" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" four weeks. And I'm going to say that "Dollhouse" will switch its episode order by about the third episode, just like "Wonderfalls" and "Firefly" did before they were cancelled.
I think Joss is great. I think Eliza is great.
But FOX? Really? After they've both been screwed by it.
Look at it this way. I have absolutely no social life, but I still had a hard time getting into "Dollhouse." That's not good.
The only problem is that I really don't know what to say. There was way too much going on, and I was completely lost by the first commercial break.
I love Amy Acker, but Joss really needs to stop mixing Buffy/Angel/Firefly people. Thank God Summer Glau and Nathan Fillion are on other shows right now. I half expected Amber Benson or James Marsters to come popping out from behind a door and yell, "Boo!" It's like when I saw Caroline Dhavernas fans talking about how she should guest star on "Pushing Daisies." And I thought, "Are you serious? That would just be weird." So, when Diana Scarwid freaking appeared on the show, I just sat there, shook my head, and said, "Well, Tracie is on 'Cold Case,' so this can't get any weirder."
I love my shows, don't get me wrong. But when they end, the cast should go their separate ways. Expand their horizons. Stay away from FOX.
I give both "Dollhouse" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" four weeks. And I'm going to say that "Dollhouse" will switch its episode order by about the third episode, just like "Wonderfalls" and "Firefly" did before they were cancelled.
I think Joss is great. I think Eliza is great.
But FOX? Really? After they've both been screwed by it.
Look at it this way. I have absolutely no social life, but I still had a hard time getting into "Dollhouse." That's not good.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Jewel
So, the Jewel concert was on Wednesday night. We had snow on Tuesday night, and my mom didn't want to drive. Now, my dad and I get along much better now than we did a decade ago, so I didn't have a problem with him going in her place.
We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel and then headed to the theater. The concert was scheduled for 8, so we stood around for a while. I bought a t-shirt and a poster. At about 7:30, we went to our seats, which were freaking amazing. They were nine rows back, straight across from the microphone stand.
At 8, some guy from the theater came out to tell us that the original opening act had cancelled, and that they had booked another act. So, I'm thinking, "Great. It's probably some local band that sounds like crap." He went on to say that this "woman" is a "songwriter" who has toured with a bunch of people I actually listen to.
Toby Lightman. Freaking Toby Lightman. The same Toby Lightman who made her way into my world about five years ago, before being trampled by the Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Simpson, and a variety of other talentless bimbos. So, as I'm thinking, "Where in the hell has she been all this time?" she makes her way onto the stage. I was freaking out because I actually know who she is, and my dad was completely oblivious. She started playing songs from her brand new album, which I immediately decided I needed to buy, and she was adorable. She played a few slow songs, before breaking into "Let Go." The audience went crazy, so she was like, "Um...I'm not usually this angry. You guys just seemed so quiet and everything. Do you want to hear another angry song?" We screamed, "Yes!" so she played "I'm Gonna Break His Heart," and we all clapped along to the beat.
At the end of her set, she said that she wanted to meet all of us, so I rushed out to the lobby and snatched up a copy of "Let Go." I got her to sign it (it was a madhouse, so she wasn't taking pictures with people) and told her that I had bought "Little Things" five years ago and was so glad that she was still making music. She smiled and thanked me profusely. I think I'm getting better at meeting celebrities. I can actually form whole sentences now.
So, Jewel eventually made her way onto the stage at 8:50, as I'm sitting there thinking, "I have to type two tests by tomorrow morning." She started off with an a cappella version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that was better than Kat McPhee's. Then, she proceeded to play a bunch of her songs, in a sort of reverse chronological order. She started with a bunch of "Perfectly Clear" songs, basically skipped "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland" (a shame) and "0304" (a gift), and then went into "Spirit" and "Pieces of You." A few songs, such as "Life Uncommon" were sort of thrown in the middle, possibly to make it less obvious that she was leading up to "You Were Meant For Me" and all that jazz. I personally didn't care, as "Life Uncommon" is one of my favorite songs, and I almost pissed my pants when I heard it.
About thirty seconds into "Stephenville, TX," she completely forgot the lyrics and had to ask two audience members, who happened to be sitting in row 8, just a few seats to my right, what they were. After they helped her out, she started over and managed to make it the whole way through. I personally don't blame her for messing up because the verses to that song have, like, no melody. It's a great song, but it has a weird structure. After the song was over, she asked the two girls if they would like to request a song that she "knows the words to." They requested "Nicotine Love," which I've never heard and which Jewel didn't remember. So, they tried again. "Passing Time" was a song that Jewel was pretty sure she could play. Before playing it, she casually mentioned that she'd been practicing "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland," and asked if anyone wanted to hear it instead. Applause was heard from myself and one other person. Go figure.
The concert ended at about 10:45 or so. All in all, I have to say that it was freaking amazing. As I sat there, I couldn't help but think, "I've been waiting over twelve years for this." I remember buying "Pieces of You." I didn't yet have a CD player, so I bought it on cassette. In sixth grade, I decided to sit and read her poems instead of playing in the lame teachers versus students softball game, and the PTO moms acted like I was reading something scandalous.
Little Big Town and LeAnn Rimes are both coming to AMT in May. I'm going to buy a theater membership so I can buy advance tickets.
Missy Higgins and Brandi Carlile are still not playing near my hometown, which sucks. AMT tends to attract stars who either used to be really, really famous (like Jewel) or people who are sort of up and coming (like Little Big Town). Maybe Sarah McLachlan will tour again soon. That would be amazing.
We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel and then headed to the theater. The concert was scheduled for 8, so we stood around for a while. I bought a t-shirt and a poster. At about 7:30, we went to our seats, which were freaking amazing. They were nine rows back, straight across from the microphone stand.
At 8, some guy from the theater came out to tell us that the original opening act had cancelled, and that they had booked another act. So, I'm thinking, "Great. It's probably some local band that sounds like crap." He went on to say that this "woman" is a "songwriter" who has toured with a bunch of people I actually listen to.
Toby Lightman. Freaking Toby Lightman. The same Toby Lightman who made her way into my world about five years ago, before being trampled by the Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Simpson, and a variety of other talentless bimbos. So, as I'm thinking, "Where in the hell has she been all this time?" she makes her way onto the stage. I was freaking out because I actually know who she is, and my dad was completely oblivious. She started playing songs from her brand new album, which I immediately decided I needed to buy, and she was adorable. She played a few slow songs, before breaking into "Let Go." The audience went crazy, so she was like, "Um...I'm not usually this angry. You guys just seemed so quiet and everything. Do you want to hear another angry song?" We screamed, "Yes!" so she played "I'm Gonna Break His Heart," and we all clapped along to the beat.
At the end of her set, she said that she wanted to meet all of us, so I rushed out to the lobby and snatched up a copy of "Let Go." I got her to sign it (it was a madhouse, so she wasn't taking pictures with people) and told her that I had bought "Little Things" five years ago and was so glad that she was still making music. She smiled and thanked me profusely. I think I'm getting better at meeting celebrities. I can actually form whole sentences now.
So, Jewel eventually made her way onto the stage at 8:50, as I'm sitting there thinking, "I have to type two tests by tomorrow morning." She started off with an a cappella version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that was better than Kat McPhee's. Then, she proceeded to play a bunch of her songs, in a sort of reverse chronological order. She started with a bunch of "Perfectly Clear" songs, basically skipped "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland" (a shame) and "0304" (a gift), and then went into "Spirit" and "Pieces of You." A few songs, such as "Life Uncommon" were sort of thrown in the middle, possibly to make it less obvious that she was leading up to "You Were Meant For Me" and all that jazz. I personally didn't care, as "Life Uncommon" is one of my favorite songs, and I almost pissed my pants when I heard it.
About thirty seconds into "Stephenville, TX," she completely forgot the lyrics and had to ask two audience members, who happened to be sitting in row 8, just a few seats to my right, what they were. After they helped her out, she started over and managed to make it the whole way through. I personally don't blame her for messing up because the verses to that song have, like, no melody. It's a great song, but it has a weird structure. After the song was over, she asked the two girls if they would like to request a song that she "knows the words to." They requested "Nicotine Love," which I've never heard and which Jewel didn't remember. So, they tried again. "Passing Time" was a song that Jewel was pretty sure she could play. Before playing it, she casually mentioned that she'd been practicing "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland," and asked if anyone wanted to hear it instead. Applause was heard from myself and one other person. Go figure.
The concert ended at about 10:45 or so. All in all, I have to say that it was freaking amazing. As I sat there, I couldn't help but think, "I've been waiting over twelve years for this." I remember buying "Pieces of You." I didn't yet have a CD player, so I bought it on cassette. In sixth grade, I decided to sit and read her poems instead of playing in the lame teachers versus students softball game, and the PTO moms acted like I was reading something scandalous.
Little Big Town and LeAnn Rimes are both coming to AMT in May. I'm going to buy a theater membership so I can buy advance tickets.
Missy Higgins and Brandi Carlile are still not playing near my hometown, which sucks. AMT tends to attract stars who either used to be really, really famous (like Jewel) or people who are sort of up and coming (like Little Big Town). Maybe Sarah McLachlan will tour again soon. That would be amazing.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
WNBA News
So, Candace Parker is pregnant.
Yay!
That means the Storm may actually have a chance this year. Of course, the Sparks are trying to get their greedy little hands on Lauren Jackson, who has already said that she refuses to play for anyone but Seattle. They're also going after Tina Thompson, who just can't play for them. I seriously won't allow it. It's bad enough that the Comets went kablooey. Now, their star may play for the Anti-Christ of the WNBA. Man, I really hate the Sparks.
Also, Erin Thorn left the Libs and signed with the Sky. What the hell am I supposed to do with my customized #5 jersey, Erin?
In all seriousness though, I wish her nothing but the very best in the windy city. Maybe they'll actually play her.
Yay!
That means the Storm may actually have a chance this year. Of course, the Sparks are trying to get their greedy little hands on Lauren Jackson, who has already said that she refuses to play for anyone but Seattle. They're also going after Tina Thompson, who just can't play for them. I seriously won't allow it. It's bad enough that the Comets went kablooey. Now, their star may play for the Anti-Christ of the WNBA. Man, I really hate the Sparks.
Also, Erin Thorn left the Libs and signed with the Sky. What the hell am I supposed to do with my customized #5 jersey, Erin?
In all seriousness though, I wish her nothing but the very best in the windy city. Maybe they'll actually play her.
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