Detroit Rock City! The fight for the Lombardi trophy is on. Just for the record and so you all know who has what on the line for Super Bowl XL here is how my blog homies have weighed in so far.

Seahawks
Chad (Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands)
K (me fools!)
Peen (Emerald Life)
Kevin (So Much Silence)
JT (Feed Me Good Tunes)
Colbs (Bendermenz)
Matt B. (Don't Need Anything)

The Steel Curtain aka The Steeler Cats
Cannot Be Trusted (Kiss and Ride)
Erik (Can You See the Sunset from the Southside?)
Goose (Veritas Lux Mea)
JDS (Lat 44.2 North)

Are you my friend and I missed you in the Steelers v. Hawks showdown? Drop it in the comments and I will add you to the list. Put your blog where your mouth is punk. Let the "Shakedown" begin.

Now this is cold.

Exxon Posts Record Profits, $10.7B In Fourth Quarter...
...Wants The $5B It Has To Pay For Alaskan Oil Spill Back...

Source: The Huffington Post.

"[The Bush Administration] feel their job is to be this censor of information going out to the public." Dr. Hansen, lead Scientist at NASA on Global Warming.

Its already known that Bush thinks this global warming stuff is hogwash, crap science. Only believed by loonies. However, outside of Bush and his pals, global warming is something that most scientists (not on an oil company's payroll) agree on.

With more and more scientists agreeing on the existence of global warming the central debate has shifted to whether climate change is progressing so rapidly that, within decades, humans may be helpless to slow or reverse the trend. Dr. James Hansen, who directs NASA's Goddard Institute of Space Studies, last week confirmed that 2005 was the warmest year on record, surpassing 1998.

Earth's average temperature has risen nearly 1 degree Fahrenheit over the past 30 years, Hansen noted, and another increase of about 4 degrees over the next century would ''imply changes that constitute practically a different planet." Well all this data and facts that Hansen is giving out is seen as a threat to the administration's position of not thinking...I mean not believing in science, slipped there sorry.

Anyways, Hansen who is no slouch (he's the top climate scientist at NASA) says the Bush administration has tried to stop him from speaking out since he gave a lecture last month calling for prompt reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases linked to global warming. Wow, we have heard of Bush putting the pressure on when it comes to hiding the fact that he was a rich Connecticut Yale grad with a hankering for the nose candy, but now he is picking on scientists? Geeze isn't that like punching a kid with glasses or knocking your grandmother down the stairs?

Many of the directives to stop talking were made through phone calls, so there is no paper trail, Hansen said. However, other officials at the New York-based Goddard Institute have supported his claims that there were efforts to restrict what he was saying.

This all makes perfect sense to me. Lets use our government resources to pick on a 63 physicist who has worked for NASA since 1967. Hansen believes the information he has is imperitive if we are to protect the future of the planet. Protect the future of the planet? Who cares about the future? What about the future?

Links:
Climate Expert Says NASA tried to silence him by Andrew C. Revkin (Ny Times)

I am going to continue to hype the electronic coming into the new week. Modeselektor is a german duo who released their first full-length album Hello Mom! in October 2005.

AMG hails that:

Modeselektor takes modern pop radio's own reworkings of more obscure electronic forebears as a source of inspiration--(and are) unafraid of being slick and immediate, but at the same time not exactly "normal" either.

The techno album has a wide range of sounds and moves from hip-hop, to modern electro, to industrial with ease. "Hasir" has a downplayed RZA type vibe, while "Ziq Zaq" is straight up techno goodness.

Mp3: Modeselektor - "Hasir"
Mp3: Modeselektor - "Ziq Zaq"

Check out this record if you haven't already. It is definitely a fresh addition to any music lineup. A band that describes their sound as "electro-IDM, booty house, Euro-crunk, continental grime, ghetto-bass, dub-step" definitely samples some unique stuff.

Buy Modeselektor's Hello Mom!.

Doctors without borders have compiled the ten most underreported humanitarian crises of 2005. While the US concentrates its efforts on the Middle East in the form of war and bringing Bush-style democracies to the countries of Afghanistan and Iraq, countries in Africa and South America particularly, struggle just to survive.

This special expose takes you past the flashy headlines into the areas where human suffering is unparalleled. Click on a specific area to learn more or click here to see the list in its entirety. I am certain that these are not the only areas where people are suffering outside the media spotlight.

1. Democratic Republic of Congo (AG article here)
2. Chechnya
3. Haiti
4. R&D For HIV/AIDS
5. Northeastern India
6. Southern Sudan
7. Somalia
8. Colombia
9. Northern Uganda
10. Ivory Coast

"People all over the U.S. tell us how much they want to show solidarity and do more to help others in crisis around the world. But how can they when a crisis is virtually invisible?" Nicolas de Torrente Executive Director of MSF in the United States said. "Millions of people are struggling through crises in places that rarely, if ever, get mentioned in the U.S. news, and in our experience, silence is the best ally of injustice."

Donate to Doctors without Borders.

There is a week to go till Super Bowl Extra Large. Of course I am going with the Hawks given I was born and raised in Washington. I was all Bears but they lost and I am actually pretty excited about the Seahawks and Seattle finally getting to the big show. Mens championship sports haven't taken place in Seattle since the Sonics played the Bulls in the 1996 Finals. As my friend pointed out and I forgot, the Storm did win the Championship in 2004. Men in Seattle haven't been so lucky. The Mariners have teased us but have never done much in terms of post season success. The Sonics did win the NBA Championship back in 1979.

Anyways here are some mp3s to get you amped for the game. Play before, during, and after the game to celebrate the 2006 Super Bowl champs. "Welcome to Seatown" is my favorite, the rest are pretty weak, but funny none the less to stick it to that Steeler fan friend.

Mp3: "Welcome To Seatown"
Mp3: "Take It To the Bowl - The SuperBowl"
Mp3: "Flap Yo Wings"

Just to show how weak some of this stuff is check out the Steeler song:
Mp3: John Wood - "Here We Go!"

Uhh yeah. Lets hope the Steelers can bring it a bit stronger than that for the game next Sunday. Don't forget westside is the best side.

What is the deal with Virginia Tech? Is there something in the water down there? Is kicking part of their athletic program? VTech coach, "Ok fellas after we work on conditioning drills its straight to kicking drills then we move to the eye gouge."

Seriously, first Marcus Vick was kicked off the football team for being caught on tape stomping on the left calf of Louisville All-American Elvis Dumervil (he also would later brandish a gun at some kids teasing him in a parking lot). Now, Deron Washington is suspended for one game for driving his foot into the face of a Duke player in Thursday night's 80-67 loss.

As you can imagine Virginia Tech is taking an image beating nationally. It also should be noticed that this has significance to me given I work with a friend who got his Masters Degree from Virginia Tech. I am going to have to stay on my toes, maybe take a self-defense class or something. Next thing you know I could be in the supply room chatting it up and he drops me with a kung fu kick to the face. You have no idea, these guys are thugs, hell it wouldn't suprise me if they were trained in dragon style freshman year.

Looks like VTech is the new Miami, watch yourself.

Links:
Teach the Good Kids by John Feinstein
Va. Tech Suspends Washington for One Game Washington Post
Macus Vick's Troubled Time at VTech ESPN

Well the little lady and I went out on the town Wednesday. Which in Montpelier doesn't entail much town, for the math nerds its 26.6 km² or 10.3 mi² to be exact. We met up with some of my girlfriend's fellow aspiring lawyer friends for some good old Vermont politics talk.

But, its not your run of the mill talk like: Hey did you see what Senator so and so from Cabot did? What do you think about the new cropping on animals ears and tails legislation? You know like stuff you would hear if you listened to NPR. Its more along the lines of wow did you see H.0697 bill? How unbelievable was that? So as you can imagine if you're not a lawyer or work at the State Legislature you're flat out of the loop. I was able to jump in here and there but much of the time I was out of my league.

Halfway through drinks "The Name Dropper" arrives. You know the guy. He makes sure you are well aware that he went to some prestigious university, his dad owns some billion dollar methane producer in Montana, he played 2 on 2 versus Brad Pitt and George Clooney in basketball last weekend...blah be dee blah blah...and I just bought a $100,000 pair of leather pants, a giraffe, and drive my Ferrari two blocks to my internship and on top of that my underpants are made of diamonds so there!

The name dropping trait is an interesting one. It must act as a type of validation that you're not some smuck. That you are smart and witty and fun to be around. Except in my experience dropping names makes you look silly and conceited.

Well, there was music too. We went to the "World Famous" Charlie O's in Montpelier and saw a Jazz trio called Vorcza. For the noodlers out there the pianist for Vorcza, Ray Paczkowski plays in Trey Anastasio's band (I should mention Trey is the lead of Phish if thats not your scene. The mention of Phish will probably boost my hits as well...so one more Phish for good measure...maybe even New Phish Album! ok sorry).

So, Charlie O's is a pretty small spot and is a total local brown bar. The sound is far from state of the art but its all about the experience going there. Also its not bad given its just down the street from our Apartment. Vorcza has a good sound they are kinda Medeski sounding with a bit more baseline and not quite as loose. Check these local Vermonters out.

Mp3: Vorcza - "Elements"
Mp3: Vorcza - "Three Car Crunch"
Mp3: Vorcza - "Friendly Galaxy"

Buy their albums from the band's website and don't be that guy.

Its over (did it ever really begin?). This has been an AG topic since it began (here and here). Samuel Alito is all set to become the new US Supreme Court Judge. The democrats today stated that they don't have the votes to kill it. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid admitted Friday he and fellow Democrats lacked the votes to block President Bush’s nomination of conservative appeals judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. He will almost certainly be confirmed Tuesday. Kerry is maybe going to do some type of fillabuster but it seems pretty foolish at this stage.

How ironic Bush has chosen to replace a woman with a women hater (don't cry Mrs. Alito its true). They have elected a man that thinks he knows what is best for a women, a man that believes a woman must inform her husband if she is going to have an abortion, a man that after graduating for Princeton thought it was in Princeton's best interest to keep women and minorities out.

The president has every right to nominate Samuel Alito, I realize that. But on the other side I have the right and responsibilty as a citizen to oppose a Judge that I see as a threat to the Supreme Court. Alito replaces O'Connor who has been the swing vote on 5-4 rulings that maintained abortion rights, preserved affirmative action and limited the application of the death penalty. Well looks like you can change that.

These Democrates have joined in the support of Alito to my knowledge:
Tim Johnson of South Dakota
Ben Nelson of Nebraska
Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia

Drop them an email with your two cents and tell them to stop acting foolish. Read more about the confrontation of Alito at Truthout.org.

"For the Palestinian people, the only path to independence and dignity and progress is the path of democracy." GW Bush November 2003.

I don't think Bush envisioned this. A Fatah party loss and a victory for the radical Islamic organization Hamas in the Palestinian elections demonstrates that democracy and terrorism are not mutually exclusive. Arrgg this is no good. This is a grey area with no right or wrong. Ick its rough when this happens. Bush being the savvy dude that he is was all over it though.

He said the elections "remind me of the power of democracy" and added, "I like the competition of ideas." There we go, right on. Competition of ideas that's pretty cool but what about Hamas' position that Israel needs to be the eradicated? Seems like that could get dicey given Israel is one of our largest allies. Both Israel and the US say they refuse to deal with Hamas unless it changes its platform.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, one of Bush's strongest allies in the war on terror said the result of the election was "very, very, very bad." There we go, some straight up talk. Somebody giving it to you straight whether you agree or disagree.

Slate characterized it best by saying that Bush's "black-and-white world has suddenly gone gray."

This situation is really fragile given that we have sovereign people who have elected for themselves their leadership, but the intentions of those people are called into question given their history of violence. Moyer of Tension blog sums up the situation "If in general, all terrorism should be destroyed, logic follows that Hamas should be destroyed, not legitimated, and much less courted."

I am not sure that out right destruction of an elected government is the best idea. It is difficult to say with my limited knowledge of the situation what exactly should be done. I would think that the the win will moderate Hamas as it becomes the ruling party of a country rather than a revolutionary group. Outright hostility to the ruling party does not seem like the best course. US and its allies might want to deal with Hamas on the basis of what they do, not who they are.

A topic for another discussion entirely is that the US and others are demanding that Hamas prescribes to peace and renounce violence. The question then must be asked if the US has made such a promise?

Links:
Hamas win heralds new reality by BBC UK
Hamas victory redraws political map by Reuters
Hamas shock victory poses new Middle East challenge by The Guardian
Hamas Apparent Hub of New Palestinian Government by LA Times

Here is a couple posts and things I want to make sure don't get buried this week in blogdom. (1) A great new hip hop artist (2) top 50 list not to be missed (3) great mp3 blog mix tape.

1. Be sure not to miss Ohmega Watts. This wholesome MC has a great sound. MOKB has a nice write up on him and offers up some great mp3s.
   Mp3: Mind Power
   Mp3: A Request
   Mp3: The Find
   Watts takes aim at the very thing I hate most about commercial hip hop, materialism. He puts skill before money and has a sound that even the non-hip hop heads will love. He has gotten some great reviews and deservedly so. Clash magazine called him, "an exciting talent has been set loose."
   Check out some of these samples of the new Ohmega Watts' The Find LP. These are straight taken from MOKB so be sure to stop by and give him some love, he even has some new graphics going on.
2. Number deuce on the 'don't sleep list' is The Beast's 50 Most Loathsome People of 2005. Remarkable stuff going on with this list. They present the charges, the evidence, and the sentence. American justice for you this isn't France. Check out this list for some great laughs. Here is a sample from one of the most annoying people in politics, Robert Novak.
   Exhibit A: The sheer, dreadful, angler-fish ugliness of the man, which can only be explained by the gradual accumulation of several lifetimes worth of misanthropy, or possibly possession by demonic entity.
   Sentence: Finds himself chained to a desk with James Carville; figures out he's in hell only after several weeks pass without winning a single argument.
3. The third and final item is 'The great cystsfts mixtape project' by Eric over at Can You See the Sunset From the Southside? He took submissions from readers to create a mix tape for his wife. Cool stuff and a vereclecticic mix check it out. You can download the Reader's Mix and his Wife's mix.
   
   That is all don't miss this stuff its great.

More evidence came out yesterday that the possibility for friends is out there. An international team of researchers including astronomers (73 scientists from 12 different countries) discovered the smallest planet detected outside of our solar system.

The planet is just 21,500 light years away and an estimated 5.5 times the mass of Earth. Don't believe the CBN hype that we are alone. Not sure what everyone is believing these days, but I am of the belief that the universe is an infinite or infinite space-time continuum in which all matter and energy exists. In the past 12 years, astronomers have logged at least 170 new planets, according to records at the Paris Observatory.

So, the universe is endless, no stopping. While it makes my head hurt to think about the idea that there is no limits to space it seems like a concept pretty much accepted by a majority of the scientific community. I think that there is much more than the 170 planets its just our technology hasn't gotten to the point were they can be observed. So what we can see becomes the universe or observable universe. There is also that whole cosmic inflation thing about how the universe is actually expanding driven by a negative pressure vacuum energy density. But I don't really understand all that. Ok enough of the Donnie Darko stuff for today.

All I know is that in honor of this monumental discovery I am going to name my first child (when I have one) after the planet. OGLE-2005-BLG-390L b she shall be named! Just rolls off the tongue right? It will be Ogle2005 for short, of course.

Links:
Search Finds Far-Off Planet Akin to Earth
by Dennis Overbye (Ny Times)
Discovery of Earth-like planet brings hope of finding alien life
by Steve Connor (The Independent)
Gains in the quest for Earth-size planets
by Peter N. Spotts (The Christian Science Monitor)

To update on a past AG article concerning head coaching hires, ESPN has put together a slew of resources to illustrate just how badly the NFL messed this one up. With the Bills latest hiring only the Raiders remain without a headcoach. There were 9 NFL head coaching vacancies this offseason, 8 have been filled with 7 first-time coaches and one so-called "retread." Of the eight hires, none was a minority. We shall see what Oakland does, but even 1/9 if it were to happen is pretty sorry given that 65% of the league is black.

Minority candidate pool runs deep by ESPN
Great article displaying all the qualified minority canidates that were passed over by NFL teams.

Other links:
Race an issue, but networking is still the key by Michael Smith (ESPN)
2006 NFL Coaching Changes by ESPN
Race still a factor? by Michael Silver (CNNsi)

In efforts to bring in some new cash the Gorillaz have released 'The Feel Good Inc.' EP today via iTunes. The disc features a Soulwax remix 0f Dare (been posted on blogs before) along with a couple new tracks in "Spitting Out the Demons" and "Bill Murray."

Of course Feel Good Inc. was one of the best singles in 2005. These newest additions to the Gorillaz catalog are pretty dope. Check them out.

Buy at iTunes.

Update: Songs are available at MOKB here.

Here are 12 tracks dug up from various places on the net for you to enjoy. Most all of them were tracked down from the respective label site or Insound. Check them out and enjoy.

Hip hop:
Anomaly-Reborn.mp3
Buck 65-Centaur.mp3
Charlie Parker-Bebop (Choco and RZA Remix).mp3
Kano-P's and Q's.mp3
K-Os-Bboy Stance.mp3

Of the electronic variety:
David Axelrod-Big B Plus.mp3
Giant Robot-Best Match.mp3
Jaga-Oslo Skyline.mp3
Nobuo Uematsu-For the Reunion.mp3

Indie:
Broadcast-America's Boy.mp3
Cat Power-The Greatest.mp3
Cat Power-You Are Free.mp3
Deerhoof-Milkman.mp3

I did snag the videogame track from the fellas at Feed Me Good Tunes so thanks to them and the Charlie Parker remix from So Much Silence. This week I tried to move a bit away from the solely hip-hop stuff to show that I am a man of taste and sophistication. Ok so I didn't show that, but at least you can check out some other stuff.

I realize I was a bit heavy handed with the last post so here is a bit of music to lighten the mood.

1. EL-P-Collecting the Kid.mp3
2. Sixtoo-Germ.mp3
3. John Legend - Ordinary People (Illmind Remix feat. Hezekiah).mp3
4. Prince Paul-Sucker for Love.mp3

The Breakdown:
1. EL-P is hip hop at its finest. Buy Collecting the Kid here. For those that don't know EL-P is hip hop producer and a member of Company Flow. He is also owner of the Def Jux label. (Buy it sucka).
2. Next track is from Sixtoo aka Vaughn Robert Squire (above) signed to Ninja Tune is probably most noted for his production skills. He is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who now lives in Montreal, Quebec. You think he and Kid Koala ever get together to have a scratch off or something? I picked up Chewing On Glass and Other Miracle Cures, 2 years ago definately an album to own. The dude even has a blog! (Buy it you dig it).
3. I'll be honest I don't listen to much contemporary R&B, but I do listen to John Legend and Craig David. This is a remix from the people at Okay Player featuring Hezekiah. I don't know anything about Hezekiah so I won't pretend to. Just check out the remix, its good. John Legend's album, Lifted is one of the best of 2005 so check it out too if you haven't. (Buy it).
4. You don't know Prince Paul? Get off my blog immediately...just kidding Mom I am sorry comeback. (Buy now).

It is no secret that US military spending dwarves that of any other nation. The 2005 US military budget was larger than the military budgets of the next twenty biggest spenders combined and six times larger than China's (2nd to US in spending).

The administration of President George W. Bush received $400.1 billion for the military in 2005. The U.S. military budget request for 2006 is $419.3 billion. The 2006 figure does not include money for the Afghan and Iraq wars ($49.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2006), or Homeland Security funding ($41.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2006).

In all, the administration plans to spend $2.8 trillion on the military over for the period FY '06 through FY '11. Some Americans might find this reassuring, knowing that we could give the proverbial ass kicking to anyone who opposes us. However, on the flip side it has to be intimidating to other countries as we use our fall inline or else philosophy. This hard stance becomes very scary when you throw nuclear armaments and religion into the mix. I have never been one to back intimidation and fear as an appropriate international strategy to achieving what you want. Also I don't think war and religion mix but it seems I am being proven wrong more and more. James Madison stated in 1795 that,

"War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes...known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few...No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."

Clearly, the spike in military spending is a result of a loss in faith that the US can persuade countries based on values alone. We have chosen to get ourselves into armed conflicts that have little prospect of resolution (chasing a man through the mountains or fighting in country that doesn't want us there). This balloon in military spending which is linked directly to the loss of the power of persuasion.

The US is no longer able to convince people by using the power of appeals in the place of force. But, maybe I am naive about the nature of global politics. George Orwell stated, "We sleep peaceably in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf." Maybe it is these men that keep global order. These men that keep "rogue" nations from destroying the nations concerned with bringing democracy and freedom to all. Yet if our way is right shouldn't it be convincing enough that we wouldn't have to us force?

I am certainly over simplifying things, but violence is spread by one basic fact and that fact is a lack of understanding. This lack of understanding can be mutual or one sided. Again George Orwell touched on this more eloquently then I ever could.

"If he were allowed contact with foreigners he would discover that they are creatures similar to himself and that most of what he has been told about them is lies. The sealed world in which he lives would be broken, and the fear, hatred, and self-righteousness on which his morale depends might evaporate."(1984).

Ok, sorry to get all heavy on you this has just been something I've been pondering. It seems at our most basic level we are all people and we have much more in common then we are lead to believe. They are taught to think we are monsters and we are taught to think they are monsters, yet I would bet that most of us are not monsters, and we are just people trying to do what is best for our family, friends and loved ones. And 'they' refers to many different sociological, racial, religious, ethnic, and economic interactions people have.

Also, I always find it a hard pill to swallow that we as a country spend so much money on death and destruction and so little on our future by investing in education, the environment, health care and infrastructure. Ok rant over thanks for lasting this long.

Peace.

Links:
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Big Boost for US Military Spending by BBC

No old school AFC west showdown like I wanted given the Broncos loss, but the Seahawks are up 17-0 with 11:00 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter. They are making the Panthers look very regular. Pretty much everyone was predicting a Hawks implosion here.

Seahawks are looking to put the 30-14 loss to the Los Angeles Raiders in the AFC Championship game back in 1984 behind them. I remember the game like it was yesterday. I was 4 and even then I knew the Hawks totally got robbed. Hopefully they can keep the momentum and I don't jinx them.

Update: Ok I just made this post and as soon as I hit the publish button Steve Smith takes a punt to the house. I am going to shut up now.

Update 2: Good I kept my mouth shut long enough for the Hawks to win. What a smack down 34-14. Don't sleep on Shaun Alexander I hear he is pretty good. Steelers versus Hawks it is. Lets go Sea Birds! Vegas is going Steelers as favored out of the gates for the Super Bowl. I might need to throw some money on that, I think the Hawks can do it.

Beards are cool. I just wish I could sport one of such density. Mine is a pretty sorry excuse for a beard, all patchy and thin. Now damn Mr. Plummer sir, that is a fine look. So Colorado, so mountain man.

I remember this guy playing for ASU and let me tell you I think Denver did well in picking this guy up. He had a bad rap, but when you spend a majority of your career playing for the Arizona Cardinals that will happen to a guy.

Anyways I'm sounding like Plummer's girlfriend here so lets get to some NFL action. Its set to kick off here in a couple hours with the Broncos-Steelers game. I am going to be rooting for the AFC west of old now that the Bears are out. So go Seahawks and go Broncos.

I can't stand the Steelers mainly because of Mr. Frowny Pants Bill Cower (yes I am 12) and of course I hate the Panthers for knocking out the Bears. I also love how all the sports people are freaking out about no Deshaun Foster, dude it doesn't matter they have Steve Smith! That guy is a one man wrecking crew. Now if they didn't have him that would be something to poop your pants about.

Is it me or is Jake Delhomme the biggest dope in football? I can't stand his run around like a madman demeanor on field. He just strikes me as a guy that is not in the least bit stable.

Update: Crap the Steelers are giving it to the Broncos. They are making me look like an idiot, well that probably isn't the fault of the Steelers. Lets hope for a strong second half from the mountain man.

Update 2: Ok so Mr. Frowny Pants wins one. The Mountain Man loses. But in his defense and mine, Deadspin had this to say, "They gave up 34 points at home, and Plummer was under constant pressure. I don’t think John Elway would’ve been able to beat this Steelers team today, so I’m not going to be too hard on Jake." Damn straight Deadspin, damn straight. I hope somebody can take out the Steelers they are annoying as hell.

I finally bit the bullet and signed myself up for some cable this week. So, there will be no more messing around when it comes to college hoops. I can check out a good 3-4 games a week and I am pretty high on that. I do fantasy NBA as you know, but NBA is pretty weak to watch. They don't play any sort of defense, don't push the ball up quickly, don't hustle for rebounds, hell half the time they don't look like they are even enjoying themselves.

Well that isn't so for college hoops. There were some pretty big upsets this weekend with Duke falling to Georgetown and Pittsburgh getting beat by St. Johns. Hopefully I will be able to catch the Washington Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks tonight. Might not happen given my current east coast status but we shall see. You know Badger fans are incensed with Wisconsin getting slammed by the Bison of North Dakota State at home. Deadspin had a great recap.

"Really, it was only a matter of time before the homegrown basketball talent in North Dakota just took over. I mean, when you talk about hotbeds for basketball talent, there's New York, Chicago, and Fargo. Was there any doubt that they'd recover from that tough loss to Utah Valley State? Wisconsin had won 27 straight at home against non-conference opponents. Ouch."

I am still loving the game Gonzaga brings to the table with plenty of scoring. UW Huskies play similarar type ball the question is if they can bring the defense needed to run the table. The combo of Shelden Williams and JJ for Duke are going to be real tough to beat especially come tournament time. Daniel Gibson for Texas had a ridiculous game today scoring 37 pts on lowly Baylor. Michigan State looked impressive as well in their beatdown of Iowa.

Update: I forgot to post that Florida was also upset by Tennessee. They went into the game as the last undefeated and didn't stand up to the test. Many had predicted an upset here. Florida always seems to have promise but doesn't ever do much come tournament time.

One of my all time favorite turntablists has to be Kid Koala. He was born and raised in Vancouver BC just north of the border from where I went to college. I am not sure if he is stalking me but he is now based out of and went to school in Montreal which is now just north of where I live.

Anyways, Eric San aka Kid Koala is signed to Ninja Tune and has released two solo lps, Carpel Tunnel Sydrome and Some of My Best Friends Are DJs. While his music isn't the most accessable to those that don't like turntablism and hip-hop, it is surely some of the best. Third world lover is probably the most accessible of the selections.

Mp3s:
Kid Koala and Dynamite D-Third World Lover.mp3
Kid Koala-Skanky Panky.mp3
Kid Koala-Scratchcratchratchatch.mp3
The Free Design-An Elegy (Kid Koala & Dynamite D Remix).mp3

Purchase:
Some of My Best Friends Are DJs (2003).
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (2000).

It appears Senator Patrick Leahy from Vermont is not fooled by this Alito character. Leahy stated Thursday that he will not vote for Alito because he did not believe the conservative judge would be independent of President Bush and the executive branch in his future rulings.

"At a time when the president is seizing unprecedented power, the Supreme Court needs to act as a check and to provide balance,"Leahy said at a discussion at Georgetown University Law School. This shouldn't come as much suprise to anyone who listened to/slept through the hearings.

Leahy along with of course Ed Kennedy where his strongest critics. In all there are 5 senators who have stated opposition to the conservative right wing zealot. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.; and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. is expected to vote no as well. Salazar added that he feared Alito would close courthouses "to the weakest and poorest" in society.

If you question whether Alito will live up to his ultra conservative background Bill "persistent vegetative state" Friest has assured Republican Party activists on Friday night that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito will be the "worst nightmare of liberal Democrats." Wow, worst nightmare! Now that has a really promising ring to it!

Well, I just hope that the release of this new information about Alito being opposed by 5 senators just doesn't make his wife cry, again. Criticism can just be so tough sometimes especially when you try to keep black people and women out of your college.

Links:
4 more senators say they'll vote against Alito by Seattle Times
3 Judiciary Democrats Turn Their Backs on Alito by LA Times
More Democrats Say They Will Oppose Alito by Washington Post

Get this the Japanese don't eat cow spine. Ridiculous I know. They don't even want our delicious beef anymore!

Don't they look at the Americans with envy? At our double quarter pounders with cheese? Our enormous waistlines? Well the story gets worse for beef eaters. The tissue Japan found was spinal column (backbone) tissue from veal. This tissue is allowed in the American food supply because it comes from animals younger than 30 months of age but not Japan's.

Ok, first there are some issues at play here. If you eat veal you're either a heartless bastard or a complete fool with no comprehension of the suffering an animal goes through to be veal. The shipment was from veal calves younger than 6 months of age. The second issue is that don't you think its a problem that Japan is turning away something for health reasons that the US thinks is ok for Americans to eat?

This issue all boils down to profits and capital. Exports of American beef were worth $3.9 billion in 2003; Japan alone was worth $1.4 billion. America has turned its farming culture into a massive corporation that turns out food products with no regard for ethics and morals. Its profit before care, profit before health, profit before the environment. Its disgusting and wrong and I am glad Japan is calling us out on it.

Guess they don't dig on cow spine. Hopefully we see a trend in this country that begins to say no to the massive exploitation of animals. Eat some tofu suckers. I promise you are no less of a man if you do.

Links:
Renewed Japan Beef Ban Prompts U.S. Probe
by Libby Quaid (Washington Post)
Japan Again Bars U.S. Beef After Finding Banned Cattle Part
by Vikas Bajaj (NY Times)

One of my all time favorite shows is Late Night with Conan O'Brien. One of his best skits is Conan showing Walker Texas Ranger clips. I have lined them up in terms of my favorites. Click on the link to view the clip. Have a couple laughs on your Friday.

Conan O'Brien-Walker Texas Range w/Haley Joel Osment
Conan O'Brien-Walker Texas Ranger Lever Machine
Conan O'Brien-Walker Texas Ranger Lever Machine 2
Conan O'Brien-More Walker Texas Ranger

Check them out. You will not be disappointed. Chuck Norris is so underrated as a dramatic actor.

Whelp its another Thursday and another Thursday on top for 'The Kamaniacs.' I have to dedicate this week to the play of Caron Butler (no. 4 overall for the week) and the play of newly acquired Jameer Nelson.

I foolishly traded away Boris Diaw, but luckily I was able to pick up this cat who has been playing out of his mind since Steve Francis pulled a "Scottie Pippen" a week ago refusing to enter a blowout game. Nelson, a second-year player from Saint Joseph's is averaging 22.8 points on 53.5 percent shooting in eight games in January and has 58 assists and 27 turnovers.

While Nelson has been great I have also been a bit disappointed in the play of Andre Iguodala as of late. While he hasn't been awful he has yet to improve on his stellar rookie season. I drafted him thinking he was going to be a 5 cat monster, but he really has yet to pan out.

The player I got in the Boris Diaw deal has turned out to be garbage. James Jones was aquired to fill up the 3 point category however he has been extremely inconsistent since The Kamaniacs got him a month ago. At the time of the deal it didn't look bad, Jones will tickling the twine from deep on a regular basis, now though it just looks silly. Here are a couple players that might break out here soon and if you play fantasy basketball you should keep an eye on.

Earl Watson--Point Guard--Nuggets
Not sure if they are shopping this guy or what but hes playing very well as of late. Denver has started him the last 3 games at sg. If you need a pg I would look into seeing if he is available really more because of his value if/when they trade him.

Andres Nocioni--Forward--Bulls
Gotta give a Chicago Bull some love. He has been playing well since he was sent to the bench. He hits the 3, shoots for a good percentage from the field, and drills his free throws.

Kendrick Perkins--Forward/Center--Celtics
You are going to have to see what goes down with the Kandiman trade but Marc Blount is out of Boston and LaFrentz is garbage. Perkins has been playing strong as of late and started the last three games. 12.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 56% shooting in nearly 30 minutes per game is sweet out of a FA center at this stage in the season.

So far there has been 7 head coach hirings: Rod Marinelli (Lions), Sean Payton (Saints), Scott Linehan (Rams), Eric Mangini (Jets), Mike McCarthy (Packers), Brad Childress (Vikings) and Gary Kubiak (Texans). The Raiders and Bills are the only NFL teams left with a head coach opening.

Hmm. Something seems conspicuously absent from this group. If you guessed pigment you are absolutely correct. All these guys are white. I am continually surprised by the lack of diversity in the NFL when the hiring process comes along.

6 teams out of the 32 teams have black head coaches. 65% of the league is black. The 6 teams headed by black coaches have a combined record this year of 51-45 (0.531). You take out the lowly Cards and Jets and you get a winning percentage of 42-22 (.656). Arguably the best teams (Bears, Bengals, Colts) during the regular season where headed by black coaches. This combined with the fact that the teams being inherited by these coaches aren't the best either. The Bengals, Bears, and Browns weren't teams exactly lighting the league on fire. All of them have had dramatic success with their new black coaches. Smith and Dungy finished 1 and 2 in Coach of the year polls this season.

You would think with the success of Lovie Smith, Tony Dungy, Marvin Lewis, and Romeo Crenel you would see the hiring of more black coaches. Not the case. Bears' Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and New York Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis were all rumored to be interviewed for head coaching positions. Thus far with only one opening to go, none of them have been hired. Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera who is hispanic tied to the Rams job wasn't even hired. The Texans interviewed wide receivers coach Kippy Brown for their spot, but looks like they are going with Kubiak. The Bills today interviewed Bill great James Lofton for its head coaching job.

So far in terms of diversity the NFL is 0 for 7, and that number shouldn't make anyone happy. The NFL had an opportunity to make great progress unforuntately they are going to get sacked in their own endzone when it comes to diversity. There are far to many good black coaches out there for this trend to continue. We will have progress when 65% of coaches are Black, not 12 percent.

Links:
Race again is factor in NFL by Kevin Blackistone (Dallas Morning News).
Racism and Coaching in the NFL by Dave Zirin (Alternet).
Some day NFL hiring will be fair to all by John Saraceno (USA Today).
NFL coaching searches become more inclusive by Chris Jenkins (AP).
Black Coaches Rise to Top in NFL Poll NPR.

Not sure who is familiar with Larry H. Miller, the Utah Jazz and movie theater chain owner (yes that is really him to the left), who caused a controversy for pulling the highly aclaimed Brokeback Mountain at the very last minute from his multiplex in Salt Lake Utah, no explanation offered.

According to the Salt Lake City Tribune, Miller didn't know the subject matter until a radio interviewer asked him about it the day it was supposed to open. Less than two hours after the interview, "Brokeback" was pulled from the theater, with a typewritten note stuck to the ticket window that read: "There has been a change in booking and we will not be showing 'Brokeback Mountain.' We apologize for any inconvenience."

Anyway the hater was asked a couple questions about why he pulled the movie. But, as the radio reporter approached him for a comment as he was entering a hotel ballroom to deliver a speech at the local NAACP’s annual Martin Luther King luncheon he flipped his lid. I know the irony is unbelievable. A hot and bothered Miller slapped the microphone away, saying “I said everything I had to say when I pulled the movie. Okay? Anything else you want to know?” Well the best part is that the whole exchange was caught on video (video here).

There is really a couple shocking things at play here. One, he decided to lash out violently at a Martin Luther King luncheon. Two, he was even invited. Three, that his theater continues to show six screenings a day of Hostel, a movie deemed as "pure exploitation, ineptly made, and completely repulsive." And finally that he is old, fat, white, and bald. Ohh wait scratch that last one that is completely logical.

Links:
A New Commandment by Salt Lake Tribune.
Why Isn't Jazz Owner Under Fire? ESPN Page 2.
Larry H. Miller On Brokeback Ban: Talk To My Fists by DeFamer.

"The authority claimed by the attorney general is both beyond his expertise and incongruous with the statutory purposes and design.''
-Justice Kennedy

Bush is getting hit with lawsuits about his spying program left and right and now this. Man the conservatives are getting dosed. What goes around comes around I guess. Well, yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Oregon's doctor-assisted suicide law, rejecting the Bush administration attempts to stop physicians from prescribing life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients and boosting efforts to pass similar laws in California and other states.

Its a solid ruling, a 6-3 decision saying that the federal government had no authority to use its narcotics laws to override the decision of a state and its voters that a physically ill, but mentally sound patient may enlist a doctor's help in dying. The majority was made up of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, along with Justices John Paul Stevens, Justice Anthony Kennedy, David H. Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Stephen G. Breyer.

The real shock was that Roberts sided with Scalia and Thomas?! Well it wasn't really a shock. It looks like Bush has his new ultra-conservative judge so he has chosen wisely. Some sources are calling this a hint to the courts future, but anyone who didn't already have "the hint" needs to probably stop following politics.

What should be interesting with the parting of O'Connor who tends to be the swing vote in close decisions will be the emergence of Kennedy as that key middle ground judge. scAlito will assuredly tow the conservative line on Supreme Court rulings once he is put to a vote sometime next week.

As stated this ruling is a rejection of former Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft's end run around states' rights and the Bush administration. The majority found that Ashcroft's decision was beyond the expertise and outside the authority of the attorney general. Kennedy writing for the majority stated that Ashcroft had claimed a power Congress hadn't given him. The federal drug-control act of 1970 gave the attorney general the power to combat "drug dealing and trafficking as conventionally understood," not the power to tell doctors how they may use legal medications.

The right to life is your own and nobody should be able to take that away from you.

Links:
Supreme Court Upholds Oregon Right-to-Die Law by LA Times.
Fraught Issue, but Narrow Ruling in Oregon Suicide Case by NY Times.
Suicide and states' rights by Chicago Tribune.
Assisted-suicide decision may bring new effort here by Seattle Times.

Al Gore you crazy. First you invent the internet. Then Bush tops you by discovering the second internet. Then he showboats by stealing your presidency from you. You decide that being president isn't all that its cracked up to be so you take a pass and let him steal it.

Ohh, but not so fast my friend. Al Gore is not the chump you think he is after all. All of a sudden the guy has some balls. He is ready to tell Bush he's a chump. Monday, Gore dissed Bush by saying "our Constitution is at risk," and for the public to resist "a gross and excessive power grab." Zing! Ohh but he isn't finished!

"A president who breaks the law is a threat to the very structure of our government," Gore said. "Whenever power is unchecked and unaccountable, it almost inevitably leads to gross mistakes and abuses." Hot diggity! Where was this guy in 2000? He could have saved us all a bunch of headaches (and a hell of alot of money) by fighting for what he believed in back then.

Instead of fighting he offered back in 2000, "for the sake of our unity of the people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession"blah, blah, blah. Garbage I say! You fool Al Gore! Unity under George Jr.? He was obviously delirious at the time.

Well, he has come to his senses obviously and is starting to speak the truth. Gore's major speech in Washington accusing President Bush of "repeatedly and persistently" breaking the law by authorizing the NSA wiretaps makes him the most prominent political figure in America to weigh in on the wiretapping scandal (well outside of my post here).

One last parting shot from Big Al, "The president of the United States has been breaking the law repeatedly and insistently." Lets see the the Bush Leaguers spin this one.

Looks like the days of frontin' on Al Gore are over.

Links:
Strange Bedfellows v. Bush and Cheney by Michael Scherer.
Groups Sue to Stop Domestic Spying Program Guardian Unlimited.
Domestic spying challenged in courts Reuters.

Here are some of my favorite tracks from the past week unearthed on mp3 blogs, cyberspace, and other places. Hope you enjoy. Its all of the hip hop varity this time around.

Dissent-Fight or Flight.mp3 --(buy it)
Lyrics Born-Always Fine Tuning.mp3 --(buy it)
Shing02-"Avatar" Four Heads (Remix).mp3
Mike Ladd feat. Company Flow-Bladerunners (Company Flow Remix).mp3
Blackalicous-Powers.mp3 --(buy it)
Blackalicious-Release.mp3
Saul Williams-Talk to Strangers.mp3
Mr. Lif feat. Aesop Rock - Success.mp3
Wu-Tang feat. Aesop Rock & DEL-Preservation.mp3
Quasimoto-Planned Attack.mp3 --(buy it)
J-Live feat. Soulive-Here.mp3 --(buy it)
DJ Krush-Edge of Blues.mp3
Mr. Scruff-Championship Nibble.mp3
Aceyalone-Heaven.mp3
Jel-Nice Last.mp3 --(buy it)
Jel-All Around.mp3

Special thanks again for those that hosted some of these tracks: Feed Me Good Tunes, Think Tank, Ear Fuzz and So Much Silence among others.

Back from Boston where I went to visit some friends. I watched all the football games and of course the game between the Bears and the Panthers.

I am still in denial from what occurred. Let me set the scene. We were in a bar called "Champions" in downtown Boston. It was a good sports bar considering there was more than ample space dedicated to big screens, flat screens and projection televisions. Really you couldn't turn or go any place in the bar without a view of a tv showing football. This prospect of football at every turn might be nightmare to some, but it was cool for me.

Another bonus was that I located myself next to a couple groups of Bear fans (one sporting probably the best 1980s era Ditka sweater ever seen), which helped immensely, especially since there was a family rooting for the Panthers.

I was lucky enough for my friends to join me. Not sure if they were rooting for the Bears to be nice or because they wanted them to win, but they all cheered, clapped, and jumped up and down with me which was great.

What was not great was the beginning of the game and really the play that killed the game and the tempo. I know football isn't won or lost on one play but hear me out on this one. Ok, if you saw the game you know the play. Charles "Peanut" Tillman trips and eats grass allowing Steve "I am the Carolina Panthers and Nobody Can Stop Me" Smith to go in for an easy score on the Panthers second snap of the game. Not to mention he made Mike Brown look absolutely ridiculous (I think the reason why Brown left the game was out of embarrassment), but anyways.

The Bears proceed to try and get right back into the game by having Grossman gun it the next two times they have the ball. Its a marathon not a sprint damnit! Somebody must have forgotten that the Bears where/are a running team. So the Bears continue to sputter falling further and further behind, which forces them to stick with the pass. Grossman isn't bad, but hes not Manning, he was 17-41 in the game. The Bears have no business passing 41 times and thinking they can win.

The Bears had some impressive scoring drives don't get me wrong and Grossman's drive leading into the half was very nice. Again though they need to be running, grinding the clock down, resting the defense, playing ball control. With Grossman throwing they simply weren't eating the clock enough. He was not efficient enough. Nor was he consistant. A QB that is consistant wins you football games.

This was compounded by the fact that the defense decided the playoffs was a great time to not show up. Corners were falling over themselves and for some reason they forgot Steve Smith was the best wide receiver in the game or the fact that he had 14 catches in their first meeting. Well I am sure his 12 catches, 218 yards and 2 tds will haunt the Bears for awhile. They are not going to be forgetting that.

Perhaps we should be happy that a team picked to finish last in the NFC central did so well. But, talk of next year and talk of over achieving is ignored and forgotten when a team like this, with a city like Chicago behind it, falls short. The tantalizing prospect of making it to the NFC championship was so close. Just one game! I am not going to be focusing on the Bear's next year until draft time.

Technically growing up in Olympia I could root for the Seahawks, but the tradition is not there. I will root for them, but the pain and joy I get from football really only applies to the Bears. Hopefully the Hawks can do well. They have a lot of quality people and I have always thought Homegren was a standup individual.

Links:
Bears QB not the best. Not even close.
Deadspin's game commentary.
Chicago Tribune's Full coverage.

"We must learn together as brothers or perish together as fools."

"Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right."

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that."

Today marks the birth of the greatest human being America has ever known. His drive, his pride, and his vision is unparalleled. His cause and promotion of non-violence and racial equality is still being fought today. He would have been 77.

For peace.
For justice.
Rest in peace Dr. King.

Enjoy this day of remembrance and don't forget that the struggle is far from over.

Links:
The King Center
Remember Segregation
Martin Luther King, Jr. audio and video resource page
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project
Dr. King's FBI File
The Martin Luther King You Don't See on TV

I am going to be gone in Boston all weekend.

Just wanted to state Go Bears for the record and that I will be hanging out in Boston rooting for them. Who knows maybe I will find another Bears fan.

What I do know is that the Patriot fans are going to drive me nuts. Have a good one everybody.

Maryland has become the first state to pass a law forcing big employers to pay more for health care. A bill which forces Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to spend more on employee health care won approval from state lawmakers Thursday, overriding Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich's veto.

The "Walmart Bill" requires that companies with more than 10,000 employees working in the state to spend at least 8 percent of their payroll on health-care benefits or to contribute the difference to a state fund toward health insurance for Maryland workers.

Here is the kicker, while several other companies are large enough to be covered, only Wal-Mart, with 17,000 Maryland employees, is believed to fall short of the minimum spending. Oh go figure! Only Wal-Mart is treating its employees like garbage. Who would have guessed? I hope this is only the beginning for big corporations to start showing their workers some respect and provide heath care coverage. The fact that America is a 'leader' in the world and doesn't have universal health coverage is obscene.

Links to Articles
Seattle Times
Chicago Tribune
Washington Post
New York Times

Uhh, don't think so. Seems as though Page 2's , Skip Bayless is the latest to jump on board the Vince Young bandwagon after the upset of USC 41-38. Look, I don't doubt for one second that Young is a gifted player and leader. He is. But if you read people for the Houston Chronicle you would think hes the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Is Vince Young better then David Carr? Certainly. But, I would rather have Carr and Reggie Bush, then Carr and Young, and Rhodes/Wells in the backfield. They are screaming for Houston's native son to come home to the Texans. Ok so they draft him...then they have two first round quarterbacks. Carr is one of their 1st round quarterbacks who they have invested massive amounts of time and money. He has started 53 of the franchise's 58 games. If you draft Young you can conceivably trade Carr, but that isn't so easy just ask the Chargers about Phillip Rivers. But Bayless would say I am a fool,

"No, the Texans simply must take Young -- and trade Carr. That's the educated guess: That Carr will be paid the $8 million bonus that keeps him from becoming a free agent, then he'll be traded, possibly to Miami, hopefully for a first-round pick. Carr isn't bad. But he isn't Vince. He isn't much of a leader."

Why does the quarterback have to be the leader? Well we will save that for a later discussion. That scenario makes sense I guess because Miami desperately needs a QB. Maybe a Carr for Ricky Swap? Now that would make the Texans pretty tough. I am getting off track...Bayless calls Young, "...deceptively Jordanesque." For his ability to take over games. This is ridiculous just like Morrison isn't Bird, Young isn't Jordan.

Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player ever and perhaps even the greatest athlete of the 20th century. Young has played college football for three years and dominates a suspect USC defense and now he is the next Jordan? Here is my main point, why must all sports writers compare players to another player? And not just another player but one that is truly great and has proven so on the highest of levels. Look Young is good, he is no Vick (who he is most often compared to), because he has more athleticism and is a pass first QB. He also is more humble and a far better leader. Vick thinks he deserves something, Young earns it.

I don't know if the Texans are going to choose Young with the first pick it makes sense really to choose either. I would go with Bush, but who am I? What I can tell you for certain though is that San Francisco is crying a very very sad song as they see the wealth of options at the number 1 slot this year and then look at what they got last year.

I would still think it will go:
1. Bush (Texans)
2. Leinart (Saints)
3. Young (Titans)

Ohh and I almost forgot, I think that the Bears should draft a Tight End with their first pick. A great recieving TE could really help out the young Bears QB's along with stretching the field out a bit for the Jones/Benson combo for next season. The top 3 TEs are Vernon Davis, Leonard Pope, and Marcedes Lewis. Davis is 6-3 the other two are 6-6+. Davis has the most physical tools. I suspect the Bears to grab him if he is around when they are on the board.

I bought the Super Collider album my sophmore year on a whim and was pleasantly suprised. Super Collider was British producer Jamie Lidell and techno producer Cristian Vogel. The album was pretty cool sounding. Well, Jamie released Multiply in 2005, a very soulful album.

The release is described as "a refreshingly modern update that retains all the power, pop and emotion of singers like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Al Green and even peak period Michael Jackson, immersed in the energy and virtuosity of production masterminds like Quincy Jones or Herbie Hancock, done in inimitable Jamie Lidell style. Hold onto your hats, ladies and gentleman -- a new vocal star is about to take flight."--Allmusic.com

Wow that is impressive. The album is fantastic and definately deserves a listen if not a purchase.

Check out some tracks:
Jamie Lindell-When I come back around.mp3 --(via Hey Andy...)
Jamie Lindell-Multiply.mp3 --(via In house with Jeremy)

While I wasn't crazy about Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (I love all of Wes Anderson's other films) the music, as usual, choosen for the soundtrack was awesome. If you are not familiar with it, its by Seu Jorge and is all Portuguese versions of David Bowie tunes (well except for Team Zissou written by Jorge).

Jorge was raised in the slums of Rio, Brazil. The linear notes have a quote by David Bowie himself, stating that "Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs acoustically in Portuguese I would never had heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with."

The Highlights include:
Seu Jorge - Team Zissou.mp3 --(via Radio Free Internet).
Seu Jorge - Rebel Rebel.mp3 --(via No Way Computer).
Seu Jorge - Changes.mp3 --(via Camera as Pen).

Buy Seu Jorge's The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions Album here.

First, I updated the Adam Morrison post, check it out (here) for a brief discussion how race is involved with player comparisons.

Second, as I mentioned before I am pretty into fantasy sports. If you aren't then ignore this post. I am currently winning my fantasy basketball division. While part of it was the absolutely ridiculous numbers that Marcus Camby (16-13, 1.5 stls, 3.1 blks) was putting up at the beginning of the season the play of Dwayne Wade and Elton Brand have been huge and kept me on top.

My MVP so far though has been Chris Kaman (who my team is named after, "The Kamaniacs"). When you have Camby as your starter you know its just a matter of when not if he goes down to injury. Luckily for me Kaman so far has filled in nicely. He is averaging 10.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, he has even sprinkled in a 22-22 game! Pretty much since Dec. 21nd he has really stepped up his game playing well above his 10-8 average.

Pickups are big in any league as well. As players like Boris Diaw, David West, Jameer Nelson, Bobby Jackson have helped fill in injuries to Manu and a slacking Crawford at shooting guard. The real key to winning your league in my opinion is good pickups, timely trades, and a bit of luck at the beginning.

Two grown men getting testy (video link). Senator Kennedy proposes issuing a subpoena to obtain records from the organization CAP (Concerned Alumni of Princeton) regarding Supreme Alito's membership.

Alito for some reason has the inability to recall details about his membership which he listed on a Reagan administration job application in the 1980's in the conservative organization that was opposed the admission of women and minorities at Princeton University.

Chairman Specter responded angrily to Kennedy's unannounced request. Read this post on Daily Kos about CAP and Alito's role (here). Also see a clip (here) of US Senator John Cornyn calling Alito, Scaltio, not once, but twice!

Damn, right when I was about to head to bed I get this little tidbit of info. It seems that the Govenator didn't have a motorcycle license when he smashed up his motorcycle over the weekend. Wha? His son was sitting shotgun in the side car and was supposedly injured in the accident as well. Arnold said it wouldn't stop him from riding however...the accident that is, not the law.

Ohh in other news, aside from basketball, I guess this Iraq War thing is getting pricey. A report out today said it could cost $2 trillion dollars! The study was done by a Columbia University economist Joseph E. Stiglitz and Harvard lecturer Linda Bilmes. Harvard and Columbia? $2 trillion dollars?

Pfft, chump change, crap Universities. I blow at least a mill a weekend here in Vermont. Whatever happened to 1 trillion? I must have been sleeping when we passed the 1 trillion mark. Wow $2 trillion dollars on blowing stuff up just so we can build it again, sounds like a book I read once.

But seriously, what else you going to spend $2 Trillion on? Education? Too late we are too far behind. The Japanese have their kids doing quantum mechanics at 2 months. Plus, I hear to build a school costs as much as a bomb does these days. Can you believe it? How about the poor you say? They wouldn't know what to do with it. Plus there are too many. So pass me another AGM-114N Metal Augmented Charge Hellfire missile and lets keep blasting our way to 2 trillion!

Link:
Cost of Iraq war could top $2 trillion by Joseph Szep

My home, Washington State is were the hooping is. University of Washington is ranked 13th in the country, Gonzaga is 6th, and even Washington State University got 4 votes to be in the top 25. ESPN's bracketology dropped recently as well.

You may think we are only good for microbrews, rain and apples, but you better watch yourself. Hell if it goes like the Bracketology has it, it could be an all eastern washington sweet 16 with the Zags v. WSU...pretty huge.

Zags are going to be tough with Morrison (projected #2 in this years NBA draft)(28 ppg), Batista (18.6), and Ravio (13.5) come tournament time and I love the way Romar coaches the Dawgs (UW). Looking forward to March.

Once football season is over and the Bears have gone to the Superbowl I can focus my attention upon College Basketball.

Links:
ESPN's Bracketology

UPDATE: Morrison just dropped 34-6-5 on Santa Clara...not exactly Duke but still. Page 2 is bringing up the Bird comparisons again this time with a bit of perspective. Chuck Klosterman hits it, if Adam was black and had the same game would he still be compared to Bird? I don't think so. He's good but until he goes pro and does similiar things he is no Larry. I guess both have the nasty staches going for them. Chuck says:

"Adam Morrison is kind of like Larry Bird. He's not exactly like Larry Bird, but he's closer to Bird than any college player of the past 20 years. This similarity, it would seem, is obvious. However, I find myself uncomfortable writing the sentence, "Adam Morrison is kind of like Larry Bird." I am well aware some people will consider this sentiment to be potentially racist, and my unconscious, internal reaction is to mildly agree with them."