I went down on Friday night to Charlottesville to see Shooter Jennings at Starr Hill. Great venue (@250 person capacity), and Charlottesville in the spring isn't to be passed up.
Got to the show @ 9, opening band was miserable (standard garage band music) and ended at 9:45. I figured it would lead to a long set by SJ. By 10:30 he was not on stage.
11:00 - nothing
11:30 - nothing
Finally at 11:39 his band saunters on and he shortly follows, stumbling, dragging a bottle of JD (which looked not to be open). His voice was awful, he sounded holllow and tired, and he proceeded to play the first four songs from his new album. In order. No rest, just twenty minutes of off-key rambling and incoherent babble. Awful.
The next 30 minutes didn't improve, as his cocky personality/insobriety were lost on anyone in the crowd with a discerning ear to good music. Worst show I have ever seen. I left after fifty minutes, and it was already 12:45.
In summation, you can't keep a crowd waiting for almost two hours and dispense verbal vomit, especially if you are a no talent hack, succeeding on a combination of your lineage and an extremely savy producer capable of alchemy; able to take your piss voice and garbage musical ability and produce a decent album (Electric Rodeo). The only problem is when it comes to playing live, you are overshadowed by your album, making it obvious you had little input on the final product. Thankfully, your music career will probably be resigned to tantalizing the screetching 17-year-olds and local simpletons who seemed to be enjoying your drivel; guaranteeing you no critical acclaim for what you pass as country, but is really a contrived mixture of PR promotion delivered in four minute intervals.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Outside Opinion
A quick question to those outside of DC; are DC politics considered the laughingstock of the country, based on the antics of Marion Berry, and the fact he is still electable? His latest switch from chastising the Ted Lerner group, to snagging a photo-op in 48 hours in mind-boggling.
What DC Deals With
What DC Deals With
Social Security II
Information Regarding SS
I researched the SS trust fund being depleted in 2040, which means the surplus of funds paid out v. collected for SS, which is being distributed elsewhere, will have been exhaused and SS benefits will be paid at a rate of 74%.
Only yesterday did I realize the % of my salary that goes to SS (6.2%), which is matched by my employer. It is astounding that SS receives 12.4% of 106.2% of every individual's salary, and is going to deplete to being unable to pay benefits in 2040. If 74% is the projection for 2040, what is the projection for 2050...
I cannot believe the demographic that stands to be royally screwed by SS, the 25-40 sect, has no say in where their SS funds. It is literally throwing money down a black hole. I googled SS PAC, and brought back nothing.
Would it be possible to start an age specific PAC (25-40) aimed at partial privitization of SS ?
I researched the SS trust fund being depleted in 2040, which means the surplus of funds paid out v. collected for SS, which is being distributed elsewhere, will have been exhaused and SS benefits will be paid at a rate of 74%.
Only yesterday did I realize the % of my salary that goes to SS (6.2%), which is matched by my employer. It is astounding that SS receives 12.4% of 106.2% of every individual's salary, and is going to deplete to being unable to pay benefits in 2040. If 74% is the projection for 2040, what is the projection for 2050...
I cannot believe the demographic that stands to be royally screwed by SS, the 25-40 sect, has no say in where their SS funds. It is literally throwing money down a black hole. I googled SS PAC, and brought back nothing.
Would it be possible to start an age specific PAC (25-40) aimed at partial privitization of SS ?
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Social Security
I've got a simple question for those more in the know regarding Social Security than I. On last night's news, they projected Social Security will run out of funding in 2040, ironically, the year I turn 62.
Does this mean that I will have contributed to the Social Security pot for 35+ years, and reap nothing?
Does this mean that I will have contributed to the Social Security pot for 35+ years, and reap nothing?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Foxfield
Foxfield 2006 was amazing, my 11th Foxfield in the last 12 years, which really makes me sound old. The weather in Charlottesville was gorgeous, I applied ample amounts of sunblock, and don't look like a Christas stocking. Granted, I am still tired and dehydrated, but a late lunch outside made my afternoon bearable. After the races I went to a barbeque while the sun set, and perpetuated my "state" until @ 1:00 AM Sunday. All in all, an amazing weekend. Being that I will be eclipsing 30 in 2008, will next year be my swan song at the races? Based on the good returns for 2006, I may have more mileage in the tank than previously thought.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Lucas Glover
Golfer of the Week at Zurich. I sung his praises earlier in the year; time to cash in your chips. Fired -6 in the AM wind yesterday, hopefully he can produce a decent round this afternoon.
Crappy TV reached its zenith last night in the last five minutes of 'Date My Mom'. Some guy passed on two models, and got stuck with a heifer. Best five minutes of TV ever.
Off to Foxfield tonight, which will be the 10th installment (of the last 11 years). Many good stories to abound next week, hoping for good weather tomorrow!
Crappy TV reached its zenith last night in the last five minutes of 'Date My Mom'. Some guy passed on two models, and got stuck with a heifer. Best five minutes of TV ever.
Off to Foxfield tonight, which will be the 10th installment (of the last 11 years). Many good stories to abound next week, hoping for good weather tomorrow!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Gilbertology
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/basketball/nba/golden_state_warriors/14363020.htm
Does he lose $1500 at halftime, become enraged, put $2500 on the Wizzzz to cover, and play like a man possessed in the 2nd half, taking 28 shots?
Does he lose $1500 at halftime, become enraged, put $2500 on the Wizzzz to cover, and play like a man possessed in the 2nd half, taking 28 shots?
Brandt Jobe
My chosen golfer for the Shell Houston Open is Brandt Jobe, and I've spent the past 24 hours trying to discern my thought pattern in January when I picked Mr. Jobe. I cannot remember if I was impressed with his T69 in 2005, or the fact that he always plays the Shell because he is extremely fond of the five-cheese burrito at the Mexican restaurant down the road from Redstone. It is a bad sign that in a pool with 60+ participants, I am the only person who picked Brandt Jobe. So when your watching today/tomorrow, please root for Mr. Jobe, he/I need all the help we can get.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Verizon Heritage
Congrats to Aaron Baddeley for winning the Verizon Heritage Open at Harbour Towne. From what I understand, from my Australian friends, he is regarded as a bastard in his homeland, for choosing to play abroad instead of building his game on the Australasian Tour, and is chided for not returning to play in native events (Adam Scott, by contrast, is adored). Sucks for him, but he grew up in a family dedicated to travel (father was a Formula One crew chief) and I can't fault him for doing what he considers to be in his best interest.
As happy I am with his win, I am just as contented that Furyk lost. Baddeley chose to sack up on 16 and his a 223 yard 6-iron that skirted trouble and set up a two-putt birdie for a one stroke lead. Furyk, chose to play to the relative inexperience of Baddeley, and lay up (9 iron) for an approach attempt at birdie. Essentially, Furyk decided to play a passive role and wait for Baddeley to screw up, rather than try to win the tournament on his own merit. Glad he failed. Of course, if he had made one putt in the final four holes (none longer than 15 feet), I'd be whistling a slightly less-harsh tune.
Is there anyone slower on the greens than Furyk? His method of standing over a putt, before backing away repeatedly, is insanely annoying. He may still be backing off his birdie putt on 18. He backed off at least five times. In 2000-2002 when Sergio was practicing the repeated waggle he was criticized harshly, but Furyk gets a free pass because he is a "former HS QB and an intense competitor". He's also a Srixon sellout with a terrible pre-putt routine, which I believe to be worse than Sergio's since-corrected malfeasance.
As happy I am with his win, I am just as contented that Furyk lost. Baddeley chose to sack up on 16 and his a 223 yard 6-iron that skirted trouble and set up a two-putt birdie for a one stroke lead. Furyk, chose to play to the relative inexperience of Baddeley, and lay up (9 iron) for an approach attempt at birdie. Essentially, Furyk decided to play a passive role and wait for Baddeley to screw up, rather than try to win the tournament on his own merit. Glad he failed. Of course, if he had made one putt in the final four holes (none longer than 15 feet), I'd be whistling a slightly less-harsh tune.
Is there anyone slower on the greens than Furyk? His method of standing over a putt, before backing away repeatedly, is insanely annoying. He may still be backing off his birdie putt on 18. He backed off at least five times. In 2000-2002 when Sergio was practicing the repeated waggle he was criticized harshly, but Furyk gets a free pass because he is a "former HS QB and an intense competitor". He's also a Srixon sellout with a terrible pre-putt routine, which I believe to be worse than Sergio's since-corrected malfeasance.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Masters Draft Results
Unfortunately, I was unable to repeat for the 3rd straight year. I was forced to put the Green 'Cousin Eddie' Dickie on G Nelson. We've passed the title back and forth, Tiger/Phil style, for a number of years. His winning team consisted of:
Tiger Woods
Luke Donald
Davis Love III
Chris Dimarco
Steven Ames
John Daly
Tim Clark
Brandt Jobe
Which was greatly aided by the Tim Clark value pick in Round 6. We had a tight grouping who finished 1-4 (within 6-10 spots of eachother, scoring determined by low cumulative order of finish for your top 3) and I'm too lazy to figure the final finish. Vijay dropping for T3 to 8 with the short yank on 16 killed my chnaces.
While our pool had a strong 1-4, Leland was not in the hunt, as his picks were extremely poor:
David Toms
Geoff Ogilvy
Darrren Clarke
Stuart Appleby
Lucas Glover
KJ Choi
Bernard Langer
Vaughn Taylor
I am looking forward to the new RHCP album. Have they released anything since Californication, which was the album of the summer of '99, i.e. before my fourth year in college?
Tiger Woods
Luke Donald
Davis Love III
Chris Dimarco
Steven Ames
John Daly
Tim Clark
Brandt Jobe
Which was greatly aided by the Tim Clark value pick in Round 6. We had a tight grouping who finished 1-4 (within 6-10 spots of eachother, scoring determined by low cumulative order of finish for your top 3) and I'm too lazy to figure the final finish. Vijay dropping for T3 to 8 with the short yank on 16 killed my chnaces.
While our pool had a strong 1-4, Leland was not in the hunt, as his picks were extremely poor:
David Toms
Geoff Ogilvy
Darrren Clarke
Stuart Appleby
Lucas Glover
KJ Choi
Bernard Langer
Vaughn Taylor
I am looking forward to the new RHCP album. Have they released anything since Californication, which was the album of the summer of '99, i.e. before my fourth year in college?
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
2006 Masters Draft
On Monday night we held our 2006 Masters Draft. Being the two time defending champion afforded me no breaks, as I was left to pick 7th out of 8. My team is as follows:
Vijay Singh
Sergio Garcia
Mike Weir
Robert Allenby
Stewart Cink
Justin Leonard
Tim Herron
Mark O'Meara
Sadly, there is no one on my team I can root for, and I don't see any of my team members having the "out of the blue" potential that resulted in my wins the prior two years (DiMarco - pick 17 in 2005, KJ Choi - pick 39 in 2004, plumb-bobbing for eagle from 210 out on the 11th on Suday).
In picking my team, a lot of the guys who I was interested in, even as a reach, were taken ahead of my reach picks (David Howell - 17, Lucas Glover - 21), resulting in picks being more reactionary than finely crafted. My team doesn't even have a decent player-coach to rally the troops on Sunday for a spirited charge. Raymond Floyd would have been the perfect player-coach to motivate the guys.
Vijay Singh
Sergio Garcia
Mike Weir
Robert Allenby
Stewart Cink
Justin Leonard
Tim Herron
Mark O'Meara
Sadly, there is no one on my team I can root for, and I don't see any of my team members having the "out of the blue" potential that resulted in my wins the prior two years (DiMarco - pick 17 in 2005, KJ Choi - pick 39 in 2004, plumb-bobbing for eagle from 210 out on the 11th on Suday).
In picking my team, a lot of the guys who I was interested in, even as a reach, were taken ahead of my reach picks (David Howell - 17, Lucas Glover - 21), resulting in picks being more reactionary than finely crafted. My team doesn't even have a decent player-coach to rally the troops on Sunday for a spirited charge. Raymond Floyd would have been the perfect player-coach to motivate the guys.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Water Hazard
The greatest shot. Ever.
Normally consisting of a double Wild Turkey, or 151. Too large or nasty a shot to be consumed at once, resulting in...
1 - In
2 - Out
3 - Back In
Normally consisting of a double Wild Turkey, or 151. Too large or nasty a shot to be consumed at once, resulting in...
1 - In
2 - Out
3 - Back In
Monday, March 27, 2006
He's Lost It
Further evidence to bolster my claim
This is bad in so many areas, I apologize for making you waste three minutes of your life to read.
This is bad in so many areas, I apologize for making you waste three minutes of your life to read.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Wow
I don't think I will ever see a game as amazing as the George Mason upset of UConn. Having attended all the DC games, I feel fortunate and blessed. After UConn was given the game on Friday night against UW (Worst. Officiating. Ever.), which gave Calhoun a stump to complain about the fact higher seeds should be protected, and his team was at a disadvantage against GMU (outrageous), they thought they could walk to the Final Four, and were undone by bad coaching, and a coach that has no control over his players. My hatred of UConn will now fester for eterinty.
The crowd at the Verizon Center was amazing, fully partisan towards GMU. Tony Skin played at a frenetic pace, and GMU switched their defense with a regularity where UConn never got comfortable, and once they lost their shooting touch, were at a disadvantage to the inside presence of GWU. Amazing basketball.
Amazing.
The crowd at the Verizon Center was amazing, fully partisan towards GMU. Tony Skin played at a frenetic pace, and GMU switched their defense with a regularity where UConn never got comfortable, and once they lost their shooting touch, were at a disadvantage to the inside presence of GWU. Amazing basketball.
Amazing.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
You Make the Rockin' World Go Round
Based on my recent Avis rentals, I've got 18 free iTunes to augment my '80s collection. I've already purchased Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen & Hit Me with your Best Shot - Pat Benetar. I am soliciting suggestions for the other 18.
Eric, your talk of a golf penalty makes me want to take a more introspective review of our local summer golf matches, the RCI (Ruth's Chris Invitational), where the winners (best ball) pick a restaurant of their choosing for a nice dinner to celebrate the event. We've modified the format over the years (2006 = RCI III), and have implemented numerous stipulations, the latest being that all errant tee shots are OB, and require a re-tee, with the exception of areas clearly marked. We got burned last year when our opponents fired darts on a 460 yd. par-4 after "generous" drops by a lake off the fairway, and had makeable putts for par. The ball cleaning may be a bit extreme, but I've purchased the most recent rule book, and play to make use of it.
Eric, your talk of a golf penalty makes me want to take a more introspective review of our local summer golf matches, the RCI (Ruth's Chris Invitational), where the winners (best ball) pick a restaurant of their choosing for a nice dinner to celebrate the event. We've modified the format over the years (2006 = RCI III), and have implemented numerous stipulations, the latest being that all errant tee shots are OB, and require a re-tee, with the exception of areas clearly marked. We got burned last year when our opponents fired darts on a 460 yd. par-4 after "generous" drops by a lake off the fairway, and had makeable putts for par. The ball cleaning may be a bit extreme, but I've purchased the most recent rule book, and play to make use of it.
Friday, March 17, 2006
NCAA Day One
- If your team is in the NCAAs, you don't want them on TV. If they are on TV, they are playing a game that is much closer than anticipated, and the possibility of losing exists. The only shot you want of your team is the 'Cut Away' as time expires, the PG is dribbling in the corner past halfcourt, and people are beginning to shake hands.
- CBS is doing a lousy job of switching between games, or at least providing highlights of other games during timeouts. While UT/Winthrop was compelling, I would like highlights of Alabama sleepwalking to start the 2nd half and let Marquette back in the game.
- The first halves of NCAA games are meaningless. After watching Alabama dismantle Marquette on the boards, with a 2 guard who was on fire, and Marquette's guards being totally inept, I thought they would breeze. Same for the GW/UNCW, Gonzaga games.
My NCAA informal bracket rules, by which I semi-abided in 2006.
- Live or die by Duke. You don't want to be the guy missing the bandwagon when they go all the way.
- Go long on teams UVA beat during the season (UNC, BC).
- Go long on good coaches (Izzo, Roy Williams)
- Undue favoritism given to pod teams.
Is there anyone more inept/miserable to watch than Bruce Pearl?
- CBS is doing a lousy job of switching between games, or at least providing highlights of other games during timeouts. While UT/Winthrop was compelling, I would like highlights of Alabama sleepwalking to start the 2nd half and let Marquette back in the game.
- The first halves of NCAA games are meaningless. After watching Alabama dismantle Marquette on the boards, with a 2 guard who was on fire, and Marquette's guards being totally inept, I thought they would breeze. Same for the GW/UNCW, Gonzaga games.
My NCAA informal bracket rules, by which I semi-abided in 2006.
- Live or die by Duke. You don't want to be the guy missing the bandwagon when they go all the way.
- Go long on teams UVA beat during the season (UNC, BC).
- Go long on good coaches (Izzo, Roy Williams)
- Undue favoritism given to pod teams.
Is there anyone more inept/miserable to watch than Bruce Pearl?
NCAA Day One
- If your team is in the NCAAs, you don't want them on TV. If they are on TV, they are playing a game that is much closer than anticipated, and the possibility of losing exists. The only shot you want of your team is the 'Cut Away' as time expires, the PG is dribbling in the corner past halfcourt, and people are beginning to shake hands.
- CBS is doing a lousy job of switching between games, or at least providing highlights of other games during timeouts. While UT/Winthrop was compelling, I would like highlights of Alabama sleepwalking to start the 2nd half and let Marquette back in the game.
- The first halves of NCAA games are meaningless. After watching Alabama dismantle Marquette on the boards, with a 2 guard who was on fire, and Marquette's guards being totally inept, I thought they would breeze. Same for the GW/UNCW, Gonzaga games.
My NCAA informal bracket rules, by which I semi-abided in 2006.
- Live or die by Duke. You don't want to be the guy missing the bandwagon when they go all the way.
- Go long on teams UVA beat during the season (UNC, BC).
- Go long on good coaches (Izzo, Roy Williams)
- Undue favoritism given to pod teams.
Is there anyone more inept/miserable to watch than Bruce Pearl?
- CBS is doing a lousy job of switching between games, or at least providing highlights of other games during timeouts. While UT/Winthrop was compelling, I would like highlights of Alabama sleepwalking to start the 2nd half and let Marquette back in the game.
- The first halves of NCAA games are meaningless. After watching Alabama dismantle Marquette on the boards, with a 2 guard who was on fire, and Marquette's guards being totally inept, I thought they would breeze. Same for the GW/UNCW, Gonzaga games.
My NCAA informal bracket rules, by which I semi-abided in 2006.
- Live or die by Duke. You don't want to be the guy missing the bandwagon when they go all the way.
- Go long on teams UVA beat during the season (UNC, BC).
- Go long on good coaches (Izzo, Roy Williams)
- Undue favoritism given to pod teams.
Is there anyone more inept/miserable to watch than Bruce Pearl?
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Virginia Transportation Woes
It is a wonder any legislation gets passed at the state level. Virginia is having trouble earmarking funding for transportation issues, as the issues stem primarily from congestion and poor grids in two areas, NoVA and Hampton. Representatives from outside the areas are loathe to fund projects which have no impact on their region and their constituency.
I am sure NoVA funds the majority of the state tax coffers, and provides benefits to the rural VA areas (farm subsidies, whatever), but it is frustrating legislators refuse to fund state areas of need, as they are not directly impacted. I am not sure if seats are determined proportinally, if the House is bicameral, etc. It is frtutrating the rural areas are turning their backs on their northern brethern, even in cases where NoVA is the VA tax cash cow, but it is hard to fault the representatives, as they must fufill the requirements of their constituents.
I am sure NoVA funds the majority of the state tax coffers, and provides benefits to the rural VA areas (farm subsidies, whatever), but it is frustrating legislators refuse to fund state areas of need, as they are not directly impacted. I am not sure if seats are determined proportinally, if the House is bicameral, etc. It is frtutrating the rural areas are turning their backs on their northern brethern, even in cases where NoVA is the VA tax cash cow, but it is hard to fault the representatives, as they must fufill the requirements of their constituents.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Back in Action
Just returned from an extended weekend in Hilton Head. The weather was gorgeous, I found out I enjoy renting bikes to tour an area, and I found out what good key lime pie actually tastes like (smooth start, flavor is released and you begin to chew, and easy finish). But I just wanted to drop a quote from Friday's UVA win over VT in the ACC tournament.
It was a slightly different story Thursday night, when freshman forward Lauris Mikalauskas had his first career double-double, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore forward Adrian Joseph, who made 3-pointers on his first two shots of the night, finished with 10.
"Mikalauskas either fouls out in the first five minutes or he gets seven offensive rebounds," Greenberg said. "Unfortunately for us, tonight he had seven offensive rebounds."
Read: "I am a perpetual whiner, and instead of giving credit to a UVA team that beat me three times this year, I'd rather call out their players. Why actually point the finger at my bad coaching."
As miserable as Greenberg is, I'd rather deal with his clown antics, as he is more concerned with the efforts of his opponents than improving his own team. I hear ECU will have an assistant coaching vacancy in 2008, keep you fingers crossed!
How is it the first nice weekend of the year in DC always coincides with the ACC Tournament. It brings back memories of playing hooky in high school to watch the Friday games.
It was a slightly different story Thursday night, when freshman forward Lauris Mikalauskas had his first career double-double, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore forward Adrian Joseph, who made 3-pointers on his first two shots of the night, finished with 10.
"Mikalauskas either fouls out in the first five minutes or he gets seven offensive rebounds," Greenberg said. "Unfortunately for us, tonight he had seven offensive rebounds."
Read: "I am a perpetual whiner, and instead of giving credit to a UVA team that beat me three times this year, I'd rather call out their players. Why actually point the finger at my bad coaching."
As miserable as Greenberg is, I'd rather deal with his clown antics, as he is more concerned with the efforts of his opponents than improving his own team. I hear ECU will have an assistant coaching vacancy in 2008, keep you fingers crossed!
How is it the first nice weekend of the year in DC always coincides with the ACC Tournament. It brings back memories of playing hooky in high school to watch the Friday games.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Awful Article
From Gene Wojciechowski:
"Earlier Tuesday afternoon, about an hour or so before Team USA's game, Alex Rodriguez was asked about the death of Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, who died a day earlier from complications stemming from a major stroke.
"One of the saddest days in baseball for me," said A-Rod.
I felt the same way Tuesday. This time it was the death of a reputation.
Barry Bonds, rest in peace."
I find it terrible that GW would juxtapose two events that are so diametrically opposed. Terribly rude, and done without thought.
Is there anything worse in the workplace than a yellow button-down? Paired with a tie, or on its own, I find them to be miserable. It is even worse than french-blue, which went out in 1999.
"Earlier Tuesday afternoon, about an hour or so before Team USA's game, Alex Rodriguez was asked about the death of Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, who died a day earlier from complications stemming from a major stroke.
"One of the saddest days in baseball for me," said A-Rod.
I felt the same way Tuesday. This time it was the death of a reputation.
Barry Bonds, rest in peace."
I find it terrible that GW would juxtapose two events that are so diametrically opposed. Terribly rude, and done without thought.
Is there anything worse in the workplace than a yellow button-down? Paired with a tie, or on its own, I find them to be miserable. It is even worse than french-blue, which went out in 1999.
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