Some of my respect for one of our favorite TV shows, Lost, has disappeared. Josiah made a good point last week, they show you the absolute bare minimum they possibly can every week. It's kind of frustrating. If we weren't so addicted to the show, we'd probably stop watching. Don't get me wrong, I still think it's an excellent show, I just think they could do a little more. Jack was already down the hatch last week, now they backtrack and show us Lock and Kate? I think there are different writers now, and I don't know how much J.J. Abrams has to do with the show any more, and I think it's suffering. Anyway, hopefully it'll get better, it's just such a snail's pace right now, we're starting to get impatient.
Well, we've seen Flightplan (good) and rented couple more, but lately TV on DVD has been on the menu more than anything. So I'm going with the old standard for a blog entry: my recent playlist. As you can see, I'm stuck on music from the O.C.
1.Alone - Heart
2.Lately - David Gray
3.Fix You - Coldplay
4.Brushfire Fairytales - Jack Johnson
5.Salvation - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
6.Dreamgirl - Dave Matthews Band
7.Song For No One - Ian Broudie
8.Sunshine - Josh Rouse
9.Holiday - Madonna
10.You Make My Dreams - Hall and Oates
11.Blue Light - Bloc Party
12.In The Aeroplane Over the Sea - Matt Pond PA
13.A Good Man is Hard to Find - Sufjan Stevens
14.Just Dance - Jamiroquai
15.The Luckiest - Ben Folds
16.When September Ends - Green Day
17.The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix
18.Per Amore - Andrea Bocelli
19.I'll Be There for You - Bon Jovi
20.Nashville - David Mead
My worst fears came true. We lost to Michigan State. In overtime. By doing what we do best: giving up a lot of points at home to the Spartans. It was the picture of ugliness. Don't get me wrong, the offense played great. For the most part. But the breaks just didn't go our way. There were several bad calls, both by Weis the genius and the officials (a biased big-10 crew), and a couple of critical errors, missed tackles, etc. Let's run through the agony.
First, there was the offensive pass interference call on Maurice Stovall's 45 yard catch in the 2nd quarter. BS. Pushin and shoving goes on EVERY PLAY. It was a crap call, and they tried to "make up" for it later, but didn't succeed. This turned ND momentum around significantly. Shortly after that, we had a third and 10 in Michigan State territory, and they decided to run the ball, despite the passing success. Big mistake, and error on Weis's part. We missed the field goal, MSU got the ball back with plenty of time and scored a TD just before halftime to go in up a touchdown.
Ahhh, the second half. Forget the INT for a TD, that goes along with accidental. The big 'un was the fumble by the freshman fullback on first and goal at the 1. Why not give the ball to Walker there? He can power run as evidenced on a couple tough 3rd and 4th down runs in the game. Plus he's more experienced. Big mistake. Next, we have all of the momentum, are coming back, and we have fourth and 1 at the 20. Again they decide to give it to the fullback, again he's denied. Any one of these plays could have given us the win in regulation, and despite that, we had great field position with over a minute to go! The offense goes into hibernation all of a sudden, and MSU forces overtime. In OT, the officials come up big again for the Spartans, missing an obvious pass interference call in the end zone against Stovall. Ridiculous. They missed call after call. Including two "false-start" calls that were absolutely terrible, albeit not critical to the team. Cut to Zibikowski missing yet another TD-saving tackle (this guy is so overrated, I can't even STAND it), and some punk RB scores almost untouched from 19 yards out winning the game. Another home game against MSU, another loss. It doesn't get much more frustrating that this, especially when their D (who played much better in the 2nd half, although still not terrific) gave them every conceivable opportunity to pull this one out. I even drove the wife away to the mall in the 2nd half with my crazy frustrations. Good thing she saw that AFTER the wedding:)
The good news is the Indianapolis Colts Defense (nice segue, eh?). Man, they are stepping it up. Peyton has his worst game since World War 2, and we still pull it out. These are the games you have to win to get Super Bowls. I am proud of those guys. If the offense can come around, they are the NFL favorites in my book.
Probably my favorite singer/songwriter (i.e. solo artist, not band) is David Gray. He just released a new album on Tuesday, hence the title of this blog entry. It really made me rediscover why I like him so much. The opening third of the first track is absolutely gorgeous and it just continues strong from there. I think I like him so much, because not only do I have a special affinity for that type of music (acoustic, piano-driven, but very instrumental), but his lyrics seem so poignant and thought-out. I was reading through the lyrics on this newest album, and the thing about Gray is that he uses big words and a good vocabulary, not to show off, but because that's who he is. And despite that fact, he still isn't above writing catchy tunes that rhyme, and repeating choruses several times when he knows they are pretty. Plus he's written not just a couple songs that really encapsulate where I was or where I am at the time, and that is hard to do on a mass scale. Anyway, I highly recommend checking him out. Start with White Ladder, and move on from there.
I'm pumped about the newest media coming out! The new Harry Potter trailer is now online, and it looks fantastic. I can't wait! Plus, new Survivor tonight. Any guesses on who the 2 mystery castaways are?
Finally! We finally rented a really good movie. One that I thoroughly enjoyed and thought was extremely well made. The lucky film? Crash. This was a very thought-provoking movie made with style, sophistication, a killer script, and wonderful performances from the montrous cast. Names like Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, the list goes on for a while. The only problem with the movie, is that it was admittedly a little troublesome coming up with the actual point. I don't know what the director was trying to say. The story revolves around a couple days in the life of a number of different characters, who intertwine in numerous ways. And they all have to deal with different kinds of racism. In fact, it's very relevant to what's going on all over the country. But everyone is so racist in their own way, that I had a hard time figuring out what the filmmakers wanted to convey, other than the fact that everyone is racist! I still don't know. What I do know is that despite that, and despite the fact that it really copied Magnolia (good choice to rip off though), this is a great movie.
We started watching the TV show Lost this weekend on DVD. And, of course, we're hooked. Lacey stays a little bit more tense about it than I do, but I've been dreaming about that crazy island every night! Now I know what all the fuss is about, and it really is a great show. It's still not on the same level as 24, and I do like the O.C. better, but that doesn't take anything away from this very complex, very interesting show.
So Notre Dame pulled it out against the evil, hated Wolverines!!! It was a great game to watch, although very nerve-wracking. Lacey almost couldn't stand being in the same room. The defense really stepped it up, and the offense played well enough in the first half to win. Charlie Weis is still a genius. Last week, the offense needed to shine, so they prepared the offense, and kicked Pitt's butt. This week, the defense needed to shine, and so they obviously worked all week on that, and stymied a very good Michigan offense. It also helped that they got a lot of very timely plays (i.e. the interception and the fumble). I can't wait for the rest of the season!! In my mind, we have 4 more critical tests. First up, Michigan State. Then, Tennessee, Purdue, and the all-important USC. I don't think we have a legitimate shot of beating the Trojans, but you never know.
I've been on a Ben Folds kick here recently. I really like his newest album, and I've been reminiscing a touch on Rockin' the Suburbs as well. It's amazing, and I'm stealing this from Christin, that he has one of the saddest songs I've ever heard, and probably the most beautiful pop song I've ever heard on the same album. If you don't know what I'm referring to, get the album. You soon will. And I can't not listen to X&Y! The more I listen to it, the more I love it. Coldplay really is one of the top few bands in the world right now.
I figured it was about time for me to put some sports on this thing. It's been way too long, and things are heating up. It think it's going to be a great fall and a great 2006 for my teams. So buckle your safety belts.
First up, the Cards. St. Louis has been playing great ball all year long. In fact, if it wasn't for injuries, I'd be picking them as a shoo-in for the World Series again. But I'm worried. Rolen's out for the year, Pujols has a heel injury, Edmonds has been battling nagging injuries, Walker and his back, Grudzialanek...the list goes on and on. I'm not confident that they can put together a run and win it all. The good news is pitching. The dynamic 5 has been a force all year, so if they can figure out how to score runs in the playoff, watch out.
Next, Notre Dame. Watch out college football, here come the Irish. It's been said about a million times in the last year or so, but it bears repeating: Charlie Weis is a genius. Did anyone see how he ripped Pitt to shreds? Granted, they have a good offense, with a lot of returning starters, but Brady Quinn sure didn't look like that last year. I'm really starting to get excited about ND's chances for a good season. But I'm worried about Saturday. Really worried. I don't know if our defense can stop the powerful Michigan offense...at all. The good news is, the Michigan defense is not good either. I think it's going to be a shoot-out and I can only pray that the luck of the Irish comes up big in a hostile environment.
Third, we have the Colts. I think it's Indy's year. With the acquisition of Corey Simon, our run defense has been shored up, and with good drafting we have what could be a good pass defense. Add that to the best offense in the NFL, and it's a deadly combo. We just have to stay healthy. Now that Belichek has lost his coordinators, the time is ripe to get the Patriot monkey off our back and win it all. I'm completely confident that Peyton can finally get a championship and bring it back home to good ole Indianapolis.
Finally, the Pacers. Last year was a big disappointment with the fights and suspensions. I figured it was time to FINALLY win a championship after so many freaking close calls. And now Reggie's retired. It makes me sad, because the team looks amazing. With Artest back, everyone healthy, a good draft pick, and Larry Brown out of Detroit, it's definitely our year. Yes, there's still a small matter of a Shaq and some West beasts, but I think we can take 'em. With Carlisle (another genius) at the helm and a team that's ready to really gel, the NBA better beware.
Man, what I wouldn't give for a World Series title, a national championship, a Super Bowl trophy and an NBA championship in the next 10 months. It could happen.....
Well, Sahara was another disappointment. It was totally average. There were a lot of slow parts, and it just didn't grab my attention enough. I mean, it wasn't a bad movie. I enjoyed most of it. But I came away thinking that it should have been a lot better. And that I liked National Treasure a great deal more.
In better news, we went and saw two movies this weekend. The first was Must Love Dogs. I thought it was very well done. Of course it doesn't hurt that John Cusack is fantastic. He was brilliant as usual. But I thought it had that "something" extra. I loved the dialogue, the rich characters, the strong family and father figure...I really really liked this movie. Lacey just thought it was "ok", but she thinks Cusack plays pretty much the same role in all his movies. Which is untrue, but that's ok:) Anyway, as romantic comedies go, I recommend this movie highly.
The second we saw was the 40 year old Virgin. It was purely for comic relief, and fit the bill perfectly. However, be warned. Like Wedding Crashers, this movie is crude...but totally hilarious. I laughed myself sick. In fact, if Wedding Crashers didn't have Vaugh and Wilson (which put it over the top despite a script that wasn't much to shout about), this would have been better. Because the script and use of characters far outdid WC. Steve Carrell is one funny guy. He was fantastic. I mean, funny as hell! Anyway, beware of the R rating, but man, this movie is so freakin' funny...you just have to see it to understand.
Even though I'm a day late and a dollar short (I only have internet at work), I want to wish my wife a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY. Everyone remember to wish Lacey a Happy Birthday if you haven't yet. I know she misses family in friends down there in Monroe (as do I) and would love to hear from all of you. Come to think of it, she DID hear from most of you last night during our movie:) Anyway, Lacey I love you very much and Happy Birthday.
With all the destruction and devastation, everyone's thoughts are, of course, on those in the gulf coast, and rightly so. But in the midst of this crisis, I have to do something to take my mind off of it. So I'm gonna blog about something as inconsequential as possible (and yes, I agree with Gibbs, movies and music matter, but not in a life or death sort of way): what I always do, movies and music.
Lacey and I have gotten into a very bad habit lately of renting crappy movies. We saw Kung-Fu Hustle, which was cool and funny in parts, but overall not great. Then there was The Upside of Anger. More like the Upside of CRAP! We shut it off an hour in, because it was so stinking boring. I heard I missed a good ending, but it just wasn't worth it. Then there was A Lot Like Love. Good performances, decent concept, bad script. The writing was atrocious and the movie was pretty choppy. Last night, we watched Monster in Law. Ugh. It was so frustrating and annoying, I can't even describe it. There were some funny moments, but overall it was just a bad movie. Lacey loves Michael Vartan (Never Been Kissed) and even with that, she only gave it a 3.5/10. I have high hopes for Sahara tonight, because I've heard good things, but we'll see. I'm dying for a good rental. But I can't get my hopes up. Maybe I need to give up renting mainstream movies and go with all Independent/small budget movies, but it's hard to agree on those movies with Lacey. So I've decided that I'm totally engrossed in my TV phase. Now, I know that the golden age of sitcoms is definitely over. I'm not in denial over that. Which is why I'm firmly planted in the midst of a TV drama and reality show kick. Lacey and I are stocked with shows (24, Survivor, O.C., Amazing Race, Smallville, Apprentice, Big Brother, Real World, Laguna Beach, etc.) that engross me way more these days than the mediocre rentals that we have been flying through. Now don't get me wrong, I still love GOING to the movies, but it's so expensive and time-consuming that we are finding it harder and harder to get out to them...and we don't even have kids! Having DVR allows us to pause EVERYTHING, and with my job, that is pretty much a must. Let's just end this rant by saying that the upcoming fall season has me foaming at the mouth, like, infinity more than the possibility of renting a movie like Coach Carter or Hide and Seek (note the reference to Napolean Dynamite, the one rental that we got again because it was so good...an exception to the rule, definitely).
We still go OUT and see good movies for the most part. The latest was Red Eye. Lacey loves Rachel McAdams (Notebook), and it was actually very well done. I was on the edge of my seat, and Cillian Murphy is a great bad guy. I really liked the premise and execution of this movie, and it was a good one to see on the big screen. It reminded me of Cellular, and like that movie, was good without the ability to be great.
As far as music goes, I am listening to what I normally listen to, but instead of listening to albums, I'm on a playlist kick (thank the Dellpod for that). Right now I'm really diggin' on Michael Buble. He's the latest Frank Sinatra/Harry Connick Jr. crooner to come down the pipeline. I wasn't inclined to like him because I like the previous two so much, so I made the stipulation that he has to come out with something original that I like before I'll make a further listening commitment. Well, point taken. His song Home is fantastic. Lacey and I have been listening to it nonstop. You really should check this guy out, he's good. I wish that song would have been around at my wedding, because it definitely would have made the list. And while we're on the subject, I've been noticing other songs that would have been great for my reception. Yes, it was 15 months ago, and I thought the music was excellent (man, my ego could go down a few notches, eh?), but it's weird. I find myself thinking while listening to certain songs that I really missed the boat on my wedding reception playlist (just with a couple songs, not overall). Examples include Young MC's Bust a Move, and Jamiroquai's Canned Heat (from Napoleon's dance). Anyway, just a couple thoughts. Continue to pray for those affected by Katrina.