The Haps with J Will

The Lombardi Project

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:45:06 +0200

On Sunday, September 9^th, the NFL regular season, for all intents and purposes, begins. Yes, the Giants and Cowboys already played on Wednesday, but fans of the other 30 teams are salivating with anticipation as the 2012 season kicks off. I am absurdly excited for this year. Yes, expectations for my hometown Broncos are high – although seemingly only in Denver at this point – and that makes a colossal difference. Last year, going into the season, I was excited to watch football, but was as apathetic as I can ever remember about my own team. That changed during the season, but before it, I was resigned to watching the donkeys drop a huge deuce at midfield. Long story short, yes, this year I am excited for the Broncos and it only enhances my anticipation for the NFL as a whole. However, in general I am giddier about America’s most popular sport than I can remember in recent years.

Why? Honestly, being away from my sports here in Europe is starting to wear on me. When someone from Spain or wherever tells me, “I don’t understand your football,” it gets on my nerves. At first I didn’t mind, but after realizing it is a little bit of a slight against Americans as we don’t play “real” football at the highest level, it started to bug me. I have come to enjoy soccer very much, but for anyone to tell me those field fairies are playing “real” football and our warriors aren’t is a joke. If you watched the Olympics, you probably realized along with me that our Women’s National Team could take any Men’s European soccer club in a cage match any day. Those girls are fierce. These dudes are not.

Furthermore, football for many has become the one beacon of hope in the midst of all other sports disasters. When other things go downhill, at least we have football. I think this might be the biggest factor for me this year. My basketball team got bounced in the first round AGAIN. My hockey team (which I continue to care less and less about) finished another season of mediocrity. And my baseball team was the laughingstock of the entire league for 3 months this summer. I kept asking myself, “is it football season yet?”

Finally, I can answer, YES! It is football season, and my Broncos can win the whole thing. As I have said before, that doesn’t mean they will, but it means they can. Outside of BroncoNation, it doesn’t seem like anyone thinks that we have even a puncher’s chance. Which is ironic because when we signed Peyton Manning everyone crowned us AFC West champs. But ever since then, it’s been, “let’s nitpick every single detail about the Broncos to prove they have no chance.” Let us go through some of these points:

Even if Peyton Manning returns to his 2010 form, he wasn’t actually that good. Really? You mean the season when he passed for 4,700 yards, 33 TD, and 17 INT. The season when he led the Colts to their 9^th consecutive 10-win season, and was only one year removed from his 4^th league MVP. Is that the season you speak of? I’ll take that every day and twice on Sundays. Literally.

Yes, but what if he gets hurt? I assume you are talking about his neck, which I concede scares any Bronco fan. However, if it is something apart from his neck, does that mean Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, or even his brother Eli don’t have an equal chance of being injured? Before his neck surgeries Peyton never missed a game in his entire career.

Peyton isn’t used to the new guys, so they will struggle. Certainly a case could be made for this for a few weeks. But after that, I don’t see it. Over a 16 game season, don’t you think he’ll figure it out? If you don’t then you haven’t ever watched Peyton Manning play.

The defense is average. I disagree. At times last year, the defense seemed porous; however it was that same defense that saved our asses more than once. And they have improved. There are more run-stuffers on the line, and although we might miss D.J. Williams while he is serving his 6-game suspension (for being a moron – not really, but basically), the linebackers can handle it. It may not be a super deep unit, but if Von Miller improves at all against the run, he might be the best defensive player in the NFL by the end of the year. Elvis Dumervil is healthy again, and for some reason people have forgotten that the Broncos have the best cornerback in the history of the game playing for us. He is older, but I’ll give you Asomugha, Haden, Flowers, and Woodson, and I’ll take Champ Bailey. I’ll give Revis his due, but he’s the only one that I MIGHT take over Champ. Champ does this thing most other cornerbacks forgot how to do long ago, tackle. So overall, I think the defense will be plenty fine, especially under Jack Del Rio. He just looks like a bad dude on the sidelines.

But the second-team looked weak in the preseason. Because teams depleted with injuries have a great track record when it comes to winning the Super Bowl. I concede, if there are multiple major injuries (obviously Manning included), the Broncos will not win the Super Bowl.

Ok fine, the team is pretty good, but that schedule is brutal. True. But can this be the only good argument? First of all, all the Broncos have to do to win the Super Bowl is get in the playoffs. In the past, being a wild card was a consolation prize. It meant you were in the playoffs but were definitely not going the distance. However, that clearly isn’t the case anymore. The Giants JUST did it. And actually, the Broncos did it once for their first championship in 1998 (1997 season). Furthermore, the Broncos best chance this year is most likely winning the division. Everyone has to play each other twice, and everyone has to play the same two divisions outside of your own. For the AFC West this year it is the AFC North and the NFC South. (More or less) same schedule, 4 teams. Do the other juggernauts scare you? Let’s see, Kansas City. That Matt Cassel is pretty sweet. Oakland. Carson Palmer combined with the Raiders organization makes my argument for me. San Diego. Are you ready to pick the Chargers after they inexplicably kept Norv Turner? And after they have been favored for the past millennium to win the Super Bowl and have excelled in displays of epic failure? Good luck. With that.

So I’m picking the Broncos to win the division. After that, who knows? I certainly won’t pick them to win the Super Bowl. That’s a terrible omen. But hopefully Peyton will be “comfortable” enough and the team can ride a hot quarterback all the way. That is the formula these days.

I’m taking a deep breath and being thankful that football season is finally upon us. After last year I was a little bummed to see Tebow go. However now, I can see clearly, and I know that we would have never won a title with him at QB. I wanted to believe, and did for a long while, but I can see clearly. We are now in the more than capable hands of Peyton Williams Manning. Look at that, we share a name. Coincidence? Probably. But let’s get this over with and get this shit started.

The Lombardi Project.

Hard Knocks

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 01:18:55 +0200

Why do we watch Hard Knocks? Sure, if it is your team, you’re watching, but HBO has never covered my team. Actually, once they covered a team that I hate, and even if I don’t hate that season’s team, I certainly don’t care. For example, the Dolphins this year. I’ll get into more of their boringness later, but I could care less about the Dolphins. Last year, there was no Hard Knocks because of the lockout, so the most recent installment before this year would have been the Jets in 2010. They were interesting for certain, but not anywhere near the circus they are now. We don’t care about these teams (at least most of us), but we watch. And it’s definitely not just me, as HBO wouldn’t keep making the show if it wasn’t killing in the ratings.

My other conundrum would be, why do these teams let us in? If the Dolphins hadn’t done the show this year, nobody would be talking about them. Ever. Some would say you want that publicity. However, after watching this incarnation of Hard Knocks the only publicity the Dolphins are getting (and rightfully so) is wow, they are going to be bad. Like really, really bad.

Let’s assess. Their receivers are awful. Nobody really knows who they are, and the only one who people did know – Chad Johnson, formerly Chad Ocho “kiss the baby” cinco – head-butted his wife so they had to cut him. Which, by the way, was absolutely the right thing to do. Their running back makes more headlines in the tabloids than on the field, although Reggie Bush claims that he will “lead the league in rushing.” Right Reggie; and I’ll get my wish of having a toilet made out of solid gold. Their defense traded away its best player because he’s a dipshit and forgot to come into training camp in shape. And….the quarterback. Mike Sherman (Miami’s offensive coordinator) was Ryan Tannehill’s coach in college, which is not a coincidence. Somehow the other coaches also “fell in love” with the quarterback who for the most part was a receiver in college and who doesn’t know who plays where in the NFL. Maybe that doesn’t exactly translate to failure on the field, but it is not a good sign. Tannehill said “I wasn’t a big NFL fan growing up.” Guess what dude, you’re a top 10 pick, if you’re acting dumb now would be the time to stop. Furthermore, the rest of how he comes off on the show makes his HOT new wife seem like more of a babysitter than a significant other.

Ok, so that’s out of the way. The Dolphins are going to suck. But, like I said, it doesn’t really matter to me. If they suck, if they’re great, if they’re alright but basically average. It’s all gravy. I don’t hate them, I don’t care for them. But I watch, and I get excited to watch. Why? We love football. Football has become as American as anything else we have. Hard Knocks is there to tell us that our gladiators are also normal people. I really enjoy getting some of the back stories, which is definitely what humanizes these players the most. They have families just like us, and they experience off-the-field problems just like us. We also watch because we get to see things with the coaching staff, their meetings, inside the locker rooms, and other general day-to-day operations that we would never have any idea about if the cameras weren’t there. In some ways I think we extrapolate the things we see and apply them to our own team. We say, oh, this is how this works, and this is how that works. Does my team do the same? Do they do it better? Worse? So, I guess in a way even though we may not care about the teams that are on Hard Knocks everything reverts back to our basic instincts.

Like I said, we love football. And as the show comes on concurrent with training camps, perhaps it makes us that much more excited. Count me as one of those knuckleheads who can’t get enough of it. The Dolphins may suck this year, but I’ll say thanks for making me want to yell, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

PS - Why else do we watch Hard Knocks? Because Liev Schreiber’s voice is like butter.

True Blood: A Three-Quarters Assessment

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:48:52 +0200

Of a typical 12 episode season for True Blood (and most summer shows for that matter), here we stand 9 deep with the last 3 remaining. I chose to write this piece and reflection about the current season of the show at this time because this is usually when the plot starts to lose its understanding of boundaries and go straight up bananas. For the most part, the homestretch of a True Blood season is really enjoyable in this way. All hell breaks loose, and just before we see the point of no return, the writing team corrals everything in time to set up details and hints about the next season. Based on where this season has been, is, and is going, I’m not sure I’m ready or that much anticipating what the resolution will look like. There have been instances along the way where I felt like I had the old show back, but for all the times its peered towards the edge over the course of almost 5 full seasons, my gut tells me my interest may be slowly slipping for good now.

The start of any season of True Blood up to this point has me intrigued and to a certain extent mad with anticipation. There were signs from season 4 (the were-panther arc, the end of the Marnie story, countless plot holes without explanation) that could have hinted that the show was losing its way, but I repressed those thoughts in favor of happier ones as to not cloud any judgment. And then came the first episode. IMHO, an absolute dud. At no point did I say to myself, “Awesome!” It was more like, “Is this what the whole season is going to be like?” There was the revelation that Tara was alive, a total bummer for me – ironically her arc has been one thing I’ve really enjoyed this season – because she was my least favorite character; sounds harsh, but it’s a TV show, come on. Then the anticipation left from last season’s finale about Russell only to realize he didn’t show up here (or the next few hours either). And of course, the extremely odd part with Steve Newlin and his obsession with Jason. We knew he was going to be a vampire, but their immediate direction with him was very anti-climactic.

To the show’s credit, the next few episodes definitely picked up the pace, only to seemingly plateau again soon after. We had the stagnant arc of Terry and that guy from Felicity going all PTSD, simultaneously accompanied by Bill and Eric’s and their condemnation to the Authority building. Forever. Like I mentioned, there have been bursts of brilliance, harkening back memories of near flawless seasons like 2 and 3. However, a pattern that began to emerge in season 3 (werewolves) continued in season 4 (witches, fairies) and was headed in a direction GOK coming into this season may stain whatever is left. With so many characters involved in so many narratives, it appears as if this was better served when we were dealing with vampires, and them alone. The introduction of other supernatural creatures like clockwork and an attempt to integrate it all seamlessly is grinding the gears to a point that may have even the actors thinking, “what the hell is going on here?”

With all of that being said, perhaps the final 3 episodes will impact me so much I will rescind any bad thing I ever said about the show. And to be honest, the capacity for that actually exists. Furthermore, when I said my interest may be slowly slipping away for good, I did mean slowly. My obsession may never return to its peak but I will continue to watch even as my interest declines. I hope the next three weeks are telling in the best way possible.

Some other lowlights that I wanted to mention:

Christopher Meloni’s part – underwhelming; more the writing (he tried REALLY hard) than anything else. I WANT MORE LAFAYETTE. The relapse of Jason into utter stupidity; he’s funny that way, but he showed last season he can be funny and evolving at the same time. The absence of a naked Jessica. WAY too political; perhaps it’s Alan Ball’s drop the mic moment as fades into the sunset. Bill’s transformation; believed Eric’s last season, having a hard time with Bill now. Eric calling Nora his sister; just because vampire babies are made different doesn’t change what they did as incest. Having a child vampire as the bad guy – no fun for anybody. Weird fairy parties.

There have also certainly been some highlights:

Lafayette’s mom and her one, glorious scene. (She deserves to be isolated)

Alcide just being a total badass and sensitive at the same time. Eric; he grows on me every season, a nod to Skarsgard and his versatility. Andy’s one liners. The return of Bud Dearborne, if only too brief. When Russell finally came back and actually contributed to the plot; be careful with him writers of True Blood! The dynamic between Pam and Tara as maker and progeny; I actually care about Tara’s story now! Don Bartolo – I just love that name.

Concerning all of the lowlights, the highlights, the good and the bad, the weird and the nauseating, I’ll be doing a more in depth season review after the last episode.

If you’ve seen most of the season do you agree? Disagree? Don’t care anymore and just want to see more blood and sex? Me too.

The Dark Knight Rises

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:48:14 +0200

SPOILERS!!!

After taking some personal time (to digest the tragedy and see the movie again), I have decided it appropriate to muse on The Dark Knight Rises and its artistic merit. I’ve already touched on the horrific events surrounding the premiere, so this is just to talk about the movie itself.

This has truly been an epic trilogy. In many ways it has redefined the way the general public has perceived what a superhero movie should actually look like. After the laughingstock that was the last two Batman films in the 1990’s, DC and Warner Bros. rightfully looked at themselves in the mirror and realized that the Bruce Wayne saga needed some fresh voices. They took a chance on a relatively unknown director back in 2003, and nine years later here we are. While there was The Prestige and even the smash hit Inception sprinkled in between the three Batman movies, right now thinking about Christopher Nolan means thinking about Batman. It means thinking about intricate, and at times over-the-top and unnecessary, plot devices. It means thinking about the new gloom of Batman, and how despite those sometimes unnecessary plot strategies, these films work on so many levels.

For all intents and purposes The Dark Knight Rises was fighting the unwinnable battle. Driving up a steep hill that it could never summit as it tumbled back to the beginning. You see, because when you make something like The Dark Knight, how do you answer it? In that regard preemptively separating the two and not trying to link them in every possible manner is the way to go. Impossible, but the way to go. Would Bane be as good as The Joker? (No). Could we be as enthralled from beginning to end by this as we were by the $1 Billion predecessor? (No). But is this a great film? (Yes).

Taken in an overall scope, the plot of The Dark Knight Rises is more complicated than either Batman Begins or The Dark Knight. However, it seemed tighter (script-wise) than both, perhaps a sign of how much the Nolan brothers continue to perfect their craft when they work together. It’s not to say that there weren’t times we were all looking at the screen and thinking, what? Did Bane just imprison Bruce Wayne somewhere in Asia and get back to Gotham in time for dinner? Did that guy in said prison heal Wayne’s BROKEN back by simply guiding a stray vertebrae into place? In any superhero movie (especially one under the pretense that our superhero doesn’t have any superpowers) that lasts nearly three hours questions as such will arise. But as previously stated, tight, strong, and low on cheese.

However, speaking of cheese, what was with that scene where Marion Cotillard’s Talia al Ghul dies? This is an Oscar winning actress, and for most of the film she was brilliant as always. However, that scene took me back to the cartoonish nature of the last sad incarnation of Batman on screen before Nolan, Batman & Robin. Also, one more quick issue to raise before getting back to the good stuff. When we see that the last scene is Bruce and Selina in an Italian setting imagined by Alfred earlier, I felt really iffy about it. It was when Batman makes the ultimate sacrifice by flying the bomb out over the water and saving Gotham that had me smiling. Not because Batman was supposed to be dead. But, like many others also thought, the trajectory of Nolan’s arc pointed to Batman dying at some point in this movie; and the way it happened was valiant and appropriate. Now some have asked is the last scene reality (there are always questions with Nolan), but we have to assume based on the eye test that Batman used the auto pilot and survived.

In The Dark Knight everyone except for Maggie Gyllenhaal brings it hard. For whatever reason I never believed in her performance and actually thought Katie Holmes did a better Rachel Dawes in Batman Begins. In this movie the female lead, Anne Hathaway, kills it. I didn’t know going in how I would feel about her as Catwoman (which they never say by name), but her sinister and vulnerable sides both came through as sincere to me, and really elevated the movie overall. Christian Bale once again does Batman/Bruce Wayne a good service, especially as to not try and overplay and steal scenes when he could because there is not THAT much Batman here for a three hour long escapade about Batman. Fine performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and again from Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman have this final chapter right there with The Dark Knight.

Save for one thing: as gallantly as Tom Hardy plays a great villain in Bane, The Dark Knight Rises lacks Heath Ledger, The Joker, and the best performance I’ve ever seen on screen. Everything Bane does is convincing, as he seems to be as menacing as he is calculating. His overwhelming stature shines through and genuinely tells the audience how much of a physical test this is for Batman. I really liked this film, will watch it many times over, but even with a tighter script, fantastic directing as always, and great performances across the board, The Dark Knight will always stand above because of a talent that unfortunately left this world much too soon. Even in absence the legend of Heath Ledger’s turn as The Joker remains.

7-20-12

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:17:00 +0200

Let me begin by saying this, more than anything, may be necessary for ME. Even with some great friends around me, I still need some type of emotional catharsis. I need to put in words and flush out some of things I’m still feeling.

My state has been through it recently. With a devastating array of different wildfires wreaking havoc on homes and people’s lives, along with a mass shooting in a movie theater, this is a time for grieving in Colorado; a time to embrace the ones closest to us. Now, personally I’m about as low on the totem pole in terms of those “affected” as possible. My house, on the verge of being sold, is still standing. My family and friends are safe, and my excitement about seeing the newest Batman movie resulted in me viewing it, and I’m still here writing this today. But like many, I’m still very shaken. There are 12 people who were probably just as excited I was to see The Dark Knight Rises and based on their decision to see the first showing possible, they lost their lives. I have tried to imagine the situation, but like many others have said before me, I simply can’t. I wasn’t there so I can’t.

Neither can I imagine the motivation to go on a crazed rampage and destroy the lives of the innocent. The mental consequence reaches far beyond the 12 that were killed and the other nearly 60 that were injured. School shooters that are bullied mercilessly deserve better. But there are countless young people bullied everyday who make the smart decision to not turn their frustration into vengeance and kill people. Things like bullying need to be changed culturally, but what school shooters did and do is inexcusable and will never be right. Likewise, whatever comes out about the mental state, background, etc. about the theater shooter can in no way justify what he did. He is a monster, and a coward, and shouldn’t be remembered any different.

On Friday, being 8 hours ahead of Colorado time here in Spain, I woke up excited as ever, but slowly started to understand what was going on snippet by snippet. From that point on, I went through a range of emotions that I can only describe ending up as strange. But it was a strange that was so strange (and obviously shocked) I was at the point of being physically ill. I’m sure I wasn’t alone. I resolved to go and see a later showing of the movie with my roommate and her sister, and came home planning to somehow try and make Saturday different.

To cap off that strange and awful day of emotions, I was informed late on Friday after I had returned home, that earlier that day we had to put the world’s best dog, our golden retriever Davis, down at the local vet. I shed hard tears. Partly because I didn’t know what else my heart could deal with, but also partly because even as I was weeping tears of sadness, I felt his joy and the almost 14 and ½ years he gave us. We knew that he wasn’t going to live forever, but it hits you like a ton of bricks all the same. His sister and litter mate, Lucy, passed away about 5 years ago, and with his death I am left in a situation that I haven’t been in since I was 10 years old; I’m without both of my childhood animal companions that have left an indelible mark on my life. Davis was my future guardian angel. Now he is simply my guardian angel. All dogs truly do go to heaven.

Davis gave my family strength. To hear some of the tales of strength that came out of the shooting are genuinely amazing. I’d like to think that I would do the same. But I can’t say for sure because you never know in horrific moment like that. The eyewitness accounts verify that some of those present looked at another person in the theater and said, “Your life is more important than mine.” While I believe the Nolan trilogy to be more than generic superhero fodder, Batman is simply a representation on screen. In Aurora you had living, breathing superheroes knowingly sacrifice themselves so that others could live.

My own spiritual beliefs are something I keep very personal because I don’t think anyone else needs to be affected by them. I would like to think I respect everyone else’s beliefs enough to not encroach my own on theirs. In this case, I must express the overwhelming sensation I felt of God’s Grace in seeing these stories, because in this context, with it I saw the power of human strength and bravery. Now, that Grace won’t un-wound those still living, and it won’t give the lives of the deceased back to their families. But I saw it. I saw it in the aforementioned heroes in the theater; in the police on the scene in almost no time; in the hospital staff that gladly sacrificed any semblance of sleep to make sure no one else died on their watch; and in recognizable faces like members of the Broncos and Christian Bale who showed commendable humility in visiting those still in the hospital. All of these people demonstrated why we can still believe in each other. There are bastards out there. However, in my world travels I have realized how many sincerely great human beings we are fortunate to have around us. There are so many who have done much more than I could ever hope to.

At some point early in our childhood we come to realize that our time on earth is finite. We may envision terrors of a car or an airplane crash, an unforeseen illness, or even innocuous delusions of aliens in our closets or beasts underneath our bed. Never do we see ourselves becoming victims in a movie theater. That’s part of the horror of this act. That it shattered a piece of innocence we had all been familiar with. However, The Dark Knight Rises made over $160 million dollars domestically over the weekend. $30 million of that was made in pre-sold tickets, which means although there were people that chose not to go for clearly legitimate reasons, more than $130 million worth of Americans saw news of the shooting and said they still believed and trusted in our great country. I believe in America. I believe in Colorado. And I am proud to be from both.

Book Club: 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 23:07:26 +0200

Some Plot Spoilers!!

For Whom the Bell Tolls is the result of Ernest Hemingway’s time spent in Spain during their civil war in the 1930’s. It is a brutal look at the physical and mental struggles that impact those involved in, and affected by, war. Although it isn’t my favorite Hemingway work, I just recently finished it for real (when it had been a required reading, I spark noted that shit), and wanted to pen some thoughts I had about it.

The novel’s pace initially had me lukewarm. A timespan covered in the first 50 pages of The Sun Also Rises (which is my favorite Hemingway book) eclipses the entire length of Bell. 4 days, 3 nights, 500 pages. While his customary terse prose is still in effect, it doesn’t seem to flow as well as I thought it would. Although, with the entire scope of the book itself, it wasn’t one of the things taken into account primarily.

By far, the most interesting aspect of how the book is written is its narrative structure and use of language. For the better part of the first half, it is almost all in third person. As it continues on however, it exchanges between third person and first person inner-dialogue, mainly that of the main character, Robert Jordan. It is a technique that emphasizes the escalating mental strain endured by the ensemble Hemingway familiarizes us with. Furthermore, the language – including literary keywords like syntax, and diction! – is something that can be frustrating, and also fascinating. Obviously, the novel is told in English, with the idea that it has already been translated from the Spanish the characters are speaking. This results in Hemingway using things like false friends (ex., “molestar” does not mean “molest” it means bother, as in “me molesta” = “it bothers me” where he uses “it molests me”), direct translations (“voy” means “I go” but in reality we would use it in the continuous form, “I’m going,” but again Hemingway keeps “I go”), and grammar techniques used many times in Spanish but almost never in English (“que me digas” is a common way to say “tell me” but would literally be said as “that you tell me” which Hemingway uses). This permeates the entire novel, in no small part influenced by his immersion in key Spanish cities reporting during the war.

One thing that left me in a bit of a conundrum about his use of language was that, as a Spanish speaker, I can understand what he is trying to say in all of the instances where it doesn’t seem like sound English. Also, he many times uses Spanish, which he sometimes translates immediately after, but sometimes doesn’t. Again, I can understand the Spanish, and in that sense it doesn’t affect me one way or another, but towards the end he also uses a little French, which I don’t speak, and I realized how vexing it could possibly be to attempt to translate key things that characters may be saying. Overall, the narrative structure and language hadn’t really enhanced the book in my eyes, because of the above mentioned.

Another thing I was a little on the fence about was the character of Maria. In a way her relationship with Robert seems rushed and disingenuous. However, the relationship itself helps explain the vulnerability of her character and the fragility of so many young people left without families as a result of the war. I believed in the history of Jake and Brett from The Sun Also Rises more; he was left impotent by a war injury, leaving Brett physically unsatisfied whenever she is with him, but emotionally still very in love with him. However, the deeper nature of Maria’s story exposed through her relationship with Robert is chilling, and in the end, necessary.

However, anything talked about involving this book is secondary to the analysis of Robert Jordan. Tasked by a Russian general to blow up a bridge between Madrid and Segovia with the help of a guerilla band fighting for the Republic, Robert ends up getting involved in guerilla politics within the guerilla warfare. At one point, in an incredibly tense scene, the entire band is eating dinner inside of the cave they have taken as shelter, and Robert, thinking to himself, wonders whether he should kill the band leader, and resident drunk, Pablo. The crazy part is that everyone is expecting him to do it, including Pablo, who seems to be resigned to the fact. Why? It all seems to come back to the principle thought of war. Normal conventions of interaction are suspended because there are no rules in war.

Towards the end of the novel, Robert beings to think more and more about death. Not that it hadn’t come up before, but in a way he becomes obsessed by it, as do all the characters we meet. And in this comes a startling revelation: even before the events of the book start, Robert knows that death is the only conclusion. The fact that it is because his horse gets shot after he blows up the bridge and it collapses, breaking his leg and leaving him immobile, is secondary. At times he tricks himself into believing that he’ll survive the ordeal (mostly with Maria), but it is clear that he’s always known. And his death will be worth something because he fought for it. He makes this clear distinction when he brings up his father’s suicide and how it makes him think his father was a coward. An extremely eerie premonition for Hemingway’s own life, especially considering he sees himself in many of his leading characters.

Like I said, it’s not my favorite Hemingway. What it is, is an expose on something he fixated on his entire life, war. His straightforward dialogue and descriptions pull no punches and paint a grim reality. It’s also painful to think that it’s written from the Republic point of view, knowing full well the Fascist side ends up winning the war and ushering in Franco for decades to come. It was also both creepy and rewarding to read it while living here in Spain. He vividly describes areas that are a 5 minute walk from my flat, implanting the idea of turmoil in a place I’ve always seen as inspiring. It was a months-long journey that I certainly do not regret, and solidified my respect for Hemingway for what he is: an ultimate badass.

The 'Person of Interest' Dilemma

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:12:02 +0200

A little while ago, I had somehow made my way out of my bat cave (inside jokes are the best!) because our internet had decided not to work for the better part of 48 hours. sidenote: the cable had been unplugged and we didn’t have internet because it was the last thing we checked. #firstworldproblems

During this time I was watching Spanish television for one of the seldom times I had all year long, and stumbled upon ANOTHER American procedural entitled Person of Interest. Before I go any further, and I warn you whether or not you should watch this show, remember this: the CBS drama stars Jesus. Food for thought.

The problem in today’s television world and procedurals is their number. Originally, CSI was a pioneer. It built off the success of a show like Law & Order and providing the viewer with a weekly show that, if chosen that way, could be consumed through that hour alone. Now, of course, there are overarching storylines that permeate each procedural, but nothing is required before any one episode like it would be essential in something like Lost. However, if you think about it, what show isn’t a procedural, especially on CBS? Their ratings are through the roof, but they have the CSI franchise, Criminal Minds, and Blue Bloods just to name a few. Oh, and Person of Interest. So where does this one land?

Well, it has a million things that relate to every other cop show that we’ve ever seen. Foremost, barring some multi-arc episode or season finale, the conflict presented at the start of the episode will be resolved by the end. There is a season long arc involving a crime boss, but it is very rarely played into a single-episode plot. And if it is, it isn’t essential except for once, which hardly qualifies as a prerequisite.

In essence none of the above mentioned present the dilemma I want to speak of. The dilemma first presents itself in my “do I actually like this show?…a lot?” Yes, and, no. I do like it. It was created by Jonathan Nolan, brother to the most gifted director in Hollywood. Speaking of those brothers, one speaks American and one speaks British…awkward. It, by necessity, follows every convention of previous procedurals. It has to because it’s a network and it needs ratings. But no, the dilemma here comes from the embracement of the main characters.

The show is based upon the idea that a genius invented a machine that can predict violent crime (see: previous-terrorism) but he is meek and needs a physical vigilante to carry out justice. This is where Jesus comes in. He plays a total badass, a la Jesus Cristo, and each time he comes up against a foe I’m waiting for the hammer. The show establishes early that this is a man, come upon hard times, with a special set of skills (…and then I’m going to kill you). So, unless he comes upon a CIA operative, he’s going to win. And I relish the moment where he pwns them. It’s great.

No, the dilemma here comes from Jesus acting like for some reason, in the world’s busiest city, he is constantly in a library. It seems like the producers said, ‘play this real serious.’ And then, when he played it as is, they said, ‘whoa! way too serious!’ Does he have a vocal chord issue? Did something happen to him where he needs to constantly whisper?

Whatever it is, it won’t stop me from watching the show. Now, does this say more about me as part of the mass viewers these days? Or that I notice refreshing writing when I see it? I’ll take the latter. On a parlay.

#thedarknightbecomescloser

Take Care

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:14:27 +0200

After some time of leaving his music to the burner, for the past few weeks I have been able to do nothing but listen to Drake’s Take Care. I could have been quoted at some point during this time as telling one of my roommates, “Drake got me through work today.” And I wasn’t even joking. Since my good man DJ Fergs (twitter: @DJFergieFerg) introduced me to the newest member of ‘Young Money’ back in the summer of ’09, I’ve been on that ‘Jimmy from Degrassi: The Next Generation’ bandwagon. Remember? He got shot and ended up in a wheelchair. Later on that summer “Best I Ever Had” blew up, leaving many to forget that track was actually off a mixtape. But don’t worry, Aubrey Graham made sure to remind us on “Forever.”

And that’s one thing that has translated throughout his short career, again on this album, that I really appreciate. He can be cocky, but he backs it up; and at the end of it, he gets introspective in a way that not so many MC’s can nowadays. What started on Thank Me Later Drake finishes here. You could tell after his debut that he had sold even himself a little bit short, that it may have been rushed after all the hype, and he was ready to put out a complete piece of art last November.

Much of the material on Take Care comes sourced from girls and women in place of bitches and hoes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m down for my occasional bitches and hoes, but Drake really opens the window to some of his past relationships and the emotional damage they inflicted on him.

Additionally, we know now that if Drake is featured on a new track, he’ll probably slay it. (see: “Say Something”) However, murdering hooks and overshadowing others on their own tracks doesn’t always translate to a full length LP. Here, it does. Not only does he masterfully blend melodies and flow, but his lyrics are relevant. More so on a full album than I’ve heard anytime recently. I know I could never dream of having a flow like Drake, but wondering whether I might not be able to touch his chorus hooks is both a little depressing and wonderful as a fan.

My favorite song on the album is “Shot for Me.” It is what I would call ‘sensitively arrogant.’ He’s telling all the girls from his past that they made a big mistake – just look at how famous he is! – but later wrestling with the fact that he still does miss them, and he’s hurt by some of the rumors that went around when he was with them. And after all of it, he seems to sincerely wish them the best while realizing that they are most likely beat up inside as well. It has an understated beat/melody and works beautifully as a pseudo-start to the album. (As the 2^nd track)

I also must say that I have been shamelessly using YOLO recently. Some of my friends and I have been abusing it, realizing that it’s a bit ridiculous while also not caring because most of my American friends have left me for good or at least for the summer. I’ll also always take solace in the fact that not only did Drake drop YOLO on us, but listening through Take Care for the umpteenth time on repeat last weekend, I felt as if Rick Ross was personally speaking to me with ‘You Only Live Once!’

#YOLO

#DGAF

J Will Out…

3MSC

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:33:00 +0200

Tres Metros Sobre El Cielo or Three Meters Above Heaven is a Spanish film that came out late in 2010 based on an Italian novel of the same name. It follows the story of two young lovers from different worlds and the inherent problems that come from mixing divergent backgrounds. After seeing promos for it on TV and around the city of Madrid when it was first premiering, I was intrigued and had some ‘ganas’ to see it. The closest this had come to actually happening before last week was last fall when a family I tutored tried to give it to me through a pen drive. It didn’t take and I more or less forgot about it.

However, on the 4^th last week, while doing my patriotic duty by drinking Budweiser and correcting some papers, it came on TV and I thought I’d start watching it just to see. It pretty much immediately grabbed my attention, so I left the papers to the side (luckily commercial breaks here last about 8 minutes so I did both) and become engrossed by what I saw.

It follows a storyline we’ve all seen before. Good girl, bad boy. Good girl falls for bad boy. Bad boy gets good girl in trouble. Good girl is torn emotionally. And to that effect, it could have been just another one of those stories. But for many reasons it wasn’t. Principally, with all the odds stacked against it, the film does its best to avoid cheesy. Not completely, but mostly, which is more than the majority of like films can claim. Also, the chemistry between the leads is paramount to oblige the audience into their own belief of the story. Individually, they both give their characters a necessary depth beyond just “I really like this person.” And it didn’t hurt (at least on my part) that the lead actress, Maria Valverde, had me in love with her (like all other Spanish women I ever see) from the first interview I saw her do for promotion a year and a half ago.

The dialogue is crisp and relevant, the directing is solid, and the overall story is emotionally strong. While watching, you really feel for the characters and what is to become of them. A sequel just came out (based on the subsequent Italian novel) and I’m definitely in on that. If you ever get the chance to watch what some in the Spanish media have dubbed as ‘Romeo and Juliet 2.0’ I suggest you take that chance. It really is one of my favorite foreign films I’ve seen in a while.

Euro 2012

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:24:00 +0200

It’s been over for about a week now, and even before it was all through it seemed to leave us just as quickly as it came into our lives. Euro 2012 was a three and half week whirlwind that gave us some unbelievable displays of the beautiful game. Disregarding an odd choice of venue in Poland and the Ukraine (of course two soccer POWERHOUSES), it was a visceral experience that in no small way is mired by the realization that major soccer tournaments like this only happen once every two years. And although my single greatest moment as a soccer fan (and one of my favorite USA! USA! moments) came in a cramped living room at 7:00 in the morning in San Diego, CA after Landon Donovan scored in stoppage time to send the yanks through past the group stage in the 2010 World Cup, this month of June – living in Madrid – trumps all other “goosebump” like experiences because of the atmosphere.

Sure, it doesn’t hurt that Spain has transformed itself into a soccer giant the past 4 years. And although there were other countries that came into the tournament with a legitimate shot at winning, it would have been foolish to think that Spain wasn’t the favorite. After securing a 1-0 victory in Euro 2008 and backing it up with its first World Cup in 2010, there was some type of aura surrounding this team. Add in the fact that the roster is made up largely of players from Real Madrid and Barcelona club teams (two of the most formidable clubs in recent memory), and the expectations materialized themselves without any outside pressure.

We watched Spain’s first game in an English bar in Mallorca while on vacation. The irony, however small it was, isn’t lost on me. Mired in a cloud of sunburns and beer, La Roja limped to a 1-1 draw in what most certainly would have been a loss if not for the brilliance of goalie Iker Casillas. As group stage games came every 4 days (4 groups, 1 day each per group), we didn’t have to wait long to see the next one. The last two group games were watched at Real Madrid’s stadium, equipped with large HD screens (sponsored by Hyundai obviously), and a local café. After Spain qualified unimpressively for the knockout stage, we checked out a different café for the quarterfinal against France and ended up watching the semifinal against Portugal at home. However, during the final against Italy, a group of friends and I went back to the stadium. Group stage game ≠ final game at stadium. Think, “this is fucking crazy” and you’re halfway there. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible, and being there during the insanity with Spaniards is something I’ll never forget.

One of the consequences of the final, other than a third consecutive major tournament win for Spain, was the “there’s really no more soccer” moment. We got spoiled. And it’s over. Especially for an American like me, Euro 2012 was a welcome addition to the early dog days of summer, when most of my days are spent pining for the return of American football (even if it’s only training camp). I’ve become a bigger soccer fan for each of the last 3 tournaments and it has corresponded with a dominance by my adopted team rarely seen in the world of international soccer. I can’t wait for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But everything about Euro 2012 comes back to the fact that I was in the middle of lunacy from beginning to end. I was able to ride the metro after a game hearing unified chants of joy from people who had never met each other. I was able to make even more excuses to go out than I had before. I was able to attend the victory parade this Monday, putting the players no more than 30 feet away from us. In some ways, it made me yearn for a time when I can talk about things like this with the US team. No sport unifies people on a national stage more than soccer. We will be proud when our basketball team wins gold at the Olympics this year, but to a man everyone on that team would trade a gold medal for an NBA title. Not in soccer. The World or Euro Cup is the ultimate prize, and maybe one day we can revel in the triumph of the Red, White, and Blue. For now, Spain proves once again it has no equals on the biggest of stages.

NBA Finals Preview

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 01:01:00 +0200

Before I get into all things Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, a quick point about the Boston Celtics. The fact that the Celtics had to lose the final two games of their series against the Heat to end their season is remarkable. Now twice in the past three years (this and the 2010 Finals against the Lakers) they have defied the process of time and aging, and made it further than they should have. Although I’m by no means a Celtics fan, I badly wanted them to beat the Heat (for reasons I will expand on soon). And I was legitimately disappointed when LeBron went all LeBron in game 6 and essentially ended the series by himself. With all that being said, I feel fairly confident in saying this Celtics team has seen its last stand.

Also quickly, I’m not going to go all “journalism” here and refer to the Heat or Thunder as “it.” They ARE teams, so THEY will be referred to in that way.

Tonight is game 1 between the two, and I am proud to say that I do care about the outcome. For better or for worse, I’m riding the Kevin Durant and “crew” train. Why? Because I hated the decision; the collusion; the egos; because for some weird reason I don’t want LeBron to win; and because nobody roots for Miami, not even those from Miami. So I want them to win, but will they?

My gut says yes. Kevin Durant is a great player, probably top 3 in the league, but LeBron is still better. However, I don’t see a superhuman LeBron single-handedly winning a 7 game series. The Thunder have a better team, and an inconsistent D Wade and a most likely still somewhat injured Chris Bosh will not be enough to win against a fully healthy Thunder team. If the Thunder do suffer an injury or give away any games, the Heat may steal these Finals.

Based on what I’ve seen during each respective Conference Finals, the key matchup in my opinion will be who can guard James Harden if he gets hot. Not that KD and LeBron will necessarily cancel each other out, but if LeBron if forced to give all of himself on the defensive end against Durant, and D Wade can stop (or slow down) Russell Westbrook, that leaves Harden matched-up against a lesser perimeter defender. The way he can attack the rim and make something out of nothing on a broken play is something that can tip a series.

However, one thing the Thunder must be wary of (other than LeBron, once again, going all LeBron) is a potential regression of Westbrook. He has been much more efficient and aware this postseason compared to last, especially in realizing who the best player on the floor is – and spoiler alert! It’s not him. However there were times in the San Antonio series when it looked like he forgot Durant was on the court, and that cannot happen. He is too superior in his athletic gifts to get sloppy or greedy on offense. Understanding, at times, that simply passing the ball to the best scorer in the game would be his best move will do wonders for his team.

On the flip side, something that Miami can secretly be hopeful for is Dwayne Wade becoming 2006 Dwayne Wade and Batman #2 all series. Think games 4 and 5 against Indiana EVERY game now in the finals. He may still be a little banged up, but his overall play against Boston won’t get it done against Oklahoma City. The reason simply is that the Thunder are much more complete than Boston was. If the Heat underperform for a few games (or possibly even one), they will lose the series. However, having LeBron and Wade play their best together gives them a shot.

Like I said, my gut tells me this is the Thunder’s series to lose. And the basketball world, including this Miami “super” team and my Denver Nuggets, better get ready if they win a year before they are really ready. Sports are always unpredictable, but this team has all the makings of a dynasty. They have Durant and Westbrook locked into long term deals, and they make up part of a core of players all under 24. If Miami can’t somehow steal this one, their ‘…not one, not two, not three’ prophecy might stay stuck at ZERO for the foreseeable future.

(Cue John Tesh’s “NBA on NBC” for nostalgia’s sake)

It's Back!

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:48:55 +0200

#waitingsucks

Well, figuratively AND literally in the world we’re talking about. The insanity that is True Blood returns for a 5^th season this Sunday, June 10^th. For the last few weeks I’ve been: recapping season 3 with YouTube clips, watching season 4 in its entirety online, and previewing season 5 over and over again. I’m all in, and have been since the start of season 2. To be honest, when I started getting in to the show back in the summer of 2009, I had NO idea what I was watching. It went a little like this: “What the fuck?!”…“Oh, ok”…“This show is awesome!” The show in and of itself has become something of a societal phenomenon, with ratings through the roof (although ratings aren’t vitally important on a pay-for-viewing setup like HBO) and cultural one-liners everywhere. Sookie! Vampires! Lousiana!

So what will this season bring? Any other answer than “who knows?” would seem naïve. Each season brings something new into the fold. Werewolves and Witches. New characters with supernatural powers we didn’t even know existed in the world of fantasy. Different nuances of the vampire sector. What I love about the show is how it manages to corral the insanity. There is so much going on at any given moment, with the things that are going on being seemingly ridiculous, but we remain engaged. Why? Well, each hour of True Blood is a roller-coaster ride that leaves you in the mindset of “Can’t wait til next week!” It’s also really funny. It can sometimes be overt, sometimes subtle, but overall the humor is underrated. And whether it’s exciting, dramatic, or funny, each episode is always wildly entertaining. And each season is something during the summer I’m always looking forward to.

So you should watch. If you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late. To catch up on 4 seasons seems tough, but whether it’s online, Netflix, or whatever, it’s an addicting process. Set a few days aside and do work. I promise that you won’t regret it. However, also be careful who you watch it with. It’s sexual. It’s violent. I’d like to tell my parents in the nicest way possible that I NEVER PLAN TO WATCH THIS WITH YOU AGAIN. It was awkward. It gets away with things that only HBO could think of.

So it is back. Sunday. Let’s do this. I’ll plan on writing a longer piece sometime during the season, but for now – The wait is over!

#teamalcide

John Mayer’s Born and Raised

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:46:00 +0200

Two and a half years removed from the release of his last album, and two years removed from the release of himself from the public light, John Mayer presents with Born and Raised. He has always been in my mind an amazingly gifted musician in three separate aspects: composing, vocals, and guitar-playing. However, he had in recent years added a fourth aspect to his gifts – douchebag extraordinaire. From interviews with various publications and this aura he had put on as to say “I’m cooler than you, and I’m going to do everything I can to prove it…” He may have forgot that the sentence ends with “…I’m a big douche.”

In his self-isolation and promotion of the album – which won’t see a tour because of throat surgery – he, up to this point, seems genuinely remorseful for some of the things he said or did. It seems like he understands why there was so much backlash. If true, it can only mean good things musically.

John Mayer can drop the hammer lyrically like few others. My favorite song off his last album Battle Studies, “Edge of Desire” contains the bars: ‘Don’t say a word just come over and lie here with me/Cause I’m just about to set fire, to everything I see/I want you so bad I’ll go back on the things I believe/There I just said it, I’m scared you’ll forget about me.’ Basically, he is a great writer. However, his greatest attribute is strapped over his shoulder. For my money (and clearly I’m no expert) John is one of the 20 most blessed human beings to ever pick up a guitar. He is capable of things good guitar players couldn’t even dream of. And while Born and Raised doesn’t have a “Gravity” or a blues homage like “Crossroads,” part of experiencing anything he ever does is seeing him live. It makes it even more of a downer that he can’t sing for a while, because when he is on his game, watching him manipulate the guitar is a sight. Maybe I’ll be back in the states by the time he is promoting this album, and be able to watch as he turns a 4 minute “Queen of California” into a 12-15 minute clinic.

With all that being said, let’s get more album specific.

Some highlights:

“Shadow Days” – The lead single certainly sets the tone for the rest of the record. Lyrically strong and open with a certain twang in the melody to boot, I could certainly see myself pumping this on the stereo during a road trip into the wilderness. Possibly my favorite line on the whole album resides here in the second verse: ‘It sucks to be honest/And it hurts to be real/But it’s nice to make some love that I can finally feel’

“Something Like Olivia” – For whatever reason, the first couple of times that I heard this one, I was lukewarm. However, the more I listen, the more I find myself engrossed. The blues melody is jive-worthy, and is boosted by some understated but sweet organ during the verses. I thought the lyrics were average at first, but then I realized they didn’t need to be great and I’m beginning to think they are actually much better than I first thought. A first-rate blues ditty.

“Born and Raised” – I’ve always been partial to album titles that aren’t named after a song on the record, and Mayer has never done that. However, this happens to be the first JM album that makes use of a title track. The decision here makes sense because this is the best and most complete song on the album. In a poetic and brutally honest matter, John tells us about his parents recent divorce: ‘Still got time/Still got faith/I call on both of my brothers/I got a mom/I got a dad/But they do not have each other.’ Just one of the highlights of a highly introspective song that really gives credence to the idea that he’s learned from his mistakes. And it reminds us that none of us stand free of our own blemishes.

“Love is a Verb” – On John’s answer to Extreme’s “More than Words” he simply states: ‘Love ain’t a thing/Love is a verb.’ Another understated track, I can’t help but feel John may have also been pointing the finger at himself with his advice.

“Fool to Love You” – This bonus track is certainly worth the price of whatever iTunes determines ‘bonus’ material to be. Love the harmonica, and the “I’m Gonna Find Another You’ feel. This blues-inspired song highlights where he is at his best – his roots.

Now I’m not ready to declare this the best JM album to date. I believe that still goes to Continuum. However, it feels appropriate and in some ways necessary, which is all you can ask as an artist like John who has his celebrity. Time will only tell if his admittance of transgressions and readiness to repent is sincere. But in the mean time we have another complete Mayer record to thoroughly enjoy.

Maroon 5's "Payphone"

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:03:00 +0200

Maroon 5’s newest single/hit “Payphone” tells us all we need to know about: a) the current state of pop music and b) the direction of Maroon 5 for the foreseeable future. There are numerous issues I have with the song in general, but the more important realization would be that the song is catchy as hell - precisely the reason that from a and b above we can determine that it will be a smash, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Gone are the days of “She Will Be Loved” and “Better That We Break.” Gone are all of the guitar/piano-driven melodies that remain understated post-production. In are the synthesizers; the “big-name” producers; the over-budgeted music videos; and the rap hooks. Now, don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t always spell a recipe for bad music in general or simply a bad song. However, in a way that breaks from who Maroon 5 once was, this seems another large step towards the proverbial “sell-out” - which again, might not always be the worst thing. It’s an observation, not a judgment.

Something that really befuddled me recently about the group was an appearance they had last fall on Saturday Night Live. Coming off last years’ success of “Moves Like Jagger” it was no surprise they chose that as one of their two performances. But when they chose “Stereo Hearts” - a Gym Class Heroes’ song, with only a hook from lead singer Adam Levine - I found it odd. Travie McCoy came out to sing the verses, however this performance would give the impression that it was Maroon 5 ft. Travie McCoy, when in fact the “band” aspect of the original recording - all apart from Levine - had nothing to do with Maroon 5. It was a sign to me that their new intention was to remain relevant in the top 10 of the Billboard charts at whatever cost.

Maybe I’m wrong; maybe they are all still making the exact type of music they really want to make. But ever since Levine became more of a public figure with his spot as a judge on The Voice it doesn’t seem like we’ll see songs that came off Songs About Jane anytime soon. I would bet we are in for a heavy dose of “Moves Like Jagger,” “Payphone,” and those types.

In “Payphone” Levine sings ‘If happy ever after did exist/I would still be holding you like this/All those fairy tales are full of shit/One more fuckin’ love song I’ll be sick.’ Combine this with the beat produced by Benny Blanco and you certainly have something to sing along to. However, I can’t believe he didn’t have any help dumbing said lyrics down when I remember, ‘Tap on my window, knock on my door/I want to make you feel beautiful/I know I tend to get so insecure/It doesn’t matter anymore.’ Levine is a talented writer, but he doesn’t get to showcase it anywhere on “Payphone.”

Which brings me to my last point. The lyrics aren’t bad. More than anything they are generic, bland. But with average lyrics and a catchy hook, some songs are saved and/or enhanced by what can come after the second chorus: a rap verse. Listening to the song for the first time, and knowing that Wiz Khalifa was the one coming in with his verse, I had hope that an average song could be lifted into ‘good’ territory with some great rhymes. I was…wrong. Some of my favorite rap verses in recent memory have come as hooks on pop songs. Think Andre 3000 on John Legend’s “Green Light” or Jay-Z on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” This is not one of those verses. This might actually be my least favorite in quite some time. Not only are the only things he raps about cars and money, if you told me Wiz wrote his verse without ever hearing the song, or simply the concept of the song, I would believe you. It makes no sense, and based on some stuff I’ve heard from him I expected better.

A quick note on the music video. It clearly had a big budget and doesn’t make much sense. This is certainly more acceptable as “art” than Wiz’s verse. But I just can’t seem to get over the slow-mo shot of Levine and his love interest making a run for it in the bank while one of the robbers empties an entire clip of his automatic weapon from point-blank range and doesn’t connect once. Fascinating.

Like I said, it’s catchy, and the lyrics are by no means awful. That’s why it’s already a top 5 hit. But I’d venture to say this isn’t going to stay with us, or me at least, like “She Will Be Loved,” “Sunday Morning,” or “Nothing Lasts Forever.” Those songs had deeper lyrics and musically-superior melodies. Maybe Maroon 5 will give us something like again, but I’m not holding my breath.

And who uses a payphone? Seriously.

Podcast #1

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:09:14 +0200

Podcast #1:

Check out a short, 15 minute podcast to bring the blog up to speed!

The Denver Nuggets' 2011-12 Season in Review

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:53:42 +0200

This wasn’t how this piece was supposed to start. I was supposed to be enraged, bitter, and disheartened. Once again. This was supposed to come after Game 5 of the Lakers series when the Nuggets finished another disappointing first round in less-than-stellar fashion.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The loss in Game 7 still stings. Bad. However, what I saw in Games 5, 6, and 7 changed my perspective drastically. For the eighth time in nine years, my Denver Nuggets have come and gone in the playoffs without winning a series. The singular exception came in 2009 when they gave a different Laker squad all they wanted in the Conference Finals, but fell in 6. Overall, it sucks. Getting to the playoffs but flaming out in the first round every year hurts a fan’s heart.

But is this be different? Maybe. It all depends on what happens next season (and a full, normal regular/post-season to boot). However, the aforementioned Games 5, 6, and 7 have already altered the expectations for the 2012-2013 Nuggets. Pushing a superior-talented Laker team the distance, along with the fact that they ran the Lakers out of the gym during Game 6 (and straight-up embarrassed the city of Los Angeles), has made next season’s Nuggets a team to watch. But before we briefly look at what those specific expectations could be, let’s take a quick look back.

Coming into this season, no one really knew what to expect from any team apart from maybe the Miami Heat and their big 3. With the lockout-shortened schedule, a lot of things were up in the air. Especially with the Nuggets. Being as it would be the first full (ish) season without Carmelo Anthony, a step back wouldn’t be a big surprise. The signings at the eleventh hour of Nene and Arron Afflalo raised hopes a little, but long-term success during the season was immediately put to the test with a litany of injuries. Nene, Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari, and Rudy Fernandez among others missed significant time. Midway through the season the team was literally and figuratively limping into the All-Star Break, hovering around playoff contention.

Shortly after the break, the Nuggets surprised many (including myself) by trading away Nene, a lifetime Nugget, for a raw talent in Javale McGee. At the time, it was a move for the future (acquiring a younger player, moving a big contract) that seemed a little like throwing in the towel on the season as a whole. The team continued their mediocre play for the next month and a half, again hovering around the eighth and final playoff position in the Western Conference. However, to a man the Nuggets stepped up nearly all aspects of their game in the last two weeks to claim the sixth seed and a match-up with the Lakers.

And so now that the season is officially (and begrudgingly to Nugget Nation) over, what are some realistic expectations for the year to come? When healthy, the Nuggets have proved to be a top-4 team in the West. Again, when healthy. And the front office did a nice job during the season of taking care of some contracts before they became an issue. Gallo, Afflalo, Wilson Chandler, and Kenny “The Manimal” Faried are all locked in long-term. But some contract questions remain: can they sign McGee after a breakout performance against the Lakers? Can they lock up Ty Lawson before he becomes a free-agent after next season? Is Fernandez, who is a free-agent, going to come back to the team after his season-ending back injury, or try and play somewhere else?

And above all, can the team, both individually and as a whole, continue to make significant strides next year? If they do, and if they stay healthy with the young nucleus in place, there is no reason to whether expectations. A valiant first round battle ended the Nuggets’ season this year, but by this time next year the same result won’t be acceptable.

NBC: Where Good Television Goes to Die

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:06:00 +0200

If a promising series makes its way to NBC these days, should we expect disaster at some point?

Well, for whatever reason, nothing great has been happening business-wise at the peacock for a significant time now. Taking away certain highs (owning the rights to broadcast each Olympic games along with some share in America’s overwhelmingly most popular sport, American Football) and ugly lows (a completely botched attempt to hand the late night reins over to Conan) and focusing solely on scripted television, the current climate and future outlook are pretty grim. NBC shows routinely rank 4th (or lower) out of the big 4 networks, and for whatever reason they can’t find that ONE show they need everyone to talk about. The country’s leader in ratings for sometime now has been CBS. And, as I’m sure they would admit to some degree, they’ve hit some home runs without being completely positive about their outcome at first. For example, CSI became one of the most successful shows of all-time, and while I believe it to be a good show, who could have predicted the insane success it had almost immediately? Furthermore, hitting with CSI meant two more guarantees in CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. Based on the franchise’s success in general, CBS took advantage of the popularity of the procedural that oddly enough probably began with Law & Order (broadcast by NBC). With shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS, CBS knows it has sure things that will always bring in solid ratings/shares. However, there is more to a network’s lineup than police procedurals, and the truth is CBS, ABC, and FOX have hit on an alarmingly higher rate with all drama/comedy/crime/etc. than NBC. Shows like How I Met Your Mother, the new 2 Broke Girls (CBS), Lost, the new Revenge (ABC), and even Glee and New Girl (FOX) just continue to dominate all competitors on NBC. So, what’s the problem?

I’m not really sure, however let’s look at a case study for possible insight. In its prime, The Office was one of the best shows on TV. Definitely one of the funniest, but more than that, a great half-hour of television every week. Developed from a limited sample in the UK version, the show may have run its course by now, right? But wait. Because The Office remains one of its highest rated shows (mediocre by most standards), NBC has decided to try and elongate said ratings and take a once excellent show and run it into the ground. And then talk about potential spin-offs. Really? It seems to me Steve Carrell knew exactly what he was doing when he bounced towards the end of last season. However, here we stand over a year later, and The Office is bordering on trainwreck status.

Based on this, what conclusions can be made about NBC brass? I have absolutely no idea, but there seems to be a fundamental concept/development/marketing issue that the network as a whole is a ways from fixing.

Which brings me to the real reason I wanted to write this piece. Two of my favorite shows on at the moment may be done after this season. One, Awake, is most likely only going to get a 13 episode run before it is shelved. The other case, Parks and Recreation, might see one of the funniest and most well-executed shows in recent memory be banished after four (not all full) seasons. It really is a shame (see: Arrested Development). Both are tanking in the ratings, but I’d like to take a moment to tell you why you should watch (most likely) the end of the two.

Awake is a show about a detective who, after experiencing a car crash with his wife and son, lives in two realities that he cannot distinguish. One where his son survived, and the other where his wife did. In each episode there is a procedural element as the main character must solve whatever case (s) he is working. However, the real fun begins when he starts connecting potential dueling cases by using clues from the other reality. It appeals to me because there is both a procedural and overarching element to each episode. And it has the two things I value most on screen, acting and writing. The lead in Awake is played by Jason Isaacs who some may recognize from the Harry Potter movies. He is nothing short of Emmy worthy. And as a Brit, he overcomes one of my biggest pet peeves with TV nowadays: British actors playing American characters who can’t pull off the accent. His delivery is flawless. Also, the writing is dense, well thought out and well paced. If you haven’t seen Awake, I’m sorry. It is excellent television.

What can I say about Parks and Rec that viewers don’t already know? And for those who haven’t ever seen it, stop reading now. You’re f***in out! The writing is great, the dynamic between the characters is amazing, and above all it’s a show about city government in a made-up town in Indiana that is 100% hilarious. That by itself earns a trophy.

Both shows are doomed to NBC hell at this point. A great concept and solid execution that eventually is bagged because NBC sucks at getting people to watch it. Maybe my next favorite show will be on PBS…at least we KNOW that has a chance. Oh s***…..THE GOVERNMENT

AVENGE YOURSELF!!

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:31:00 +0200

First off, I’ll try and do this without giving away anything plot wise. This will be strictly a review in that sense.

Let’s look at this through the glasses which I generally use for any film I’m interested in - Rotten Tomatoes. This movie is fresh to death. The Avengers currently holds a 97% freshness rating on the Rotten Tomatoes site, and I have no disagreement. In regard to many aspects of undertaking a project such as this, things could go wrong along the way. A loose script (probably the easiest aspect to become lazy with), overacting, effects that muddle the action, and so on. But somehow, “they” (being whoever held the most power in the film’s brain trust) nail it.

I’m a pretty big nerd when it comes to comics and superheroes, especially when they make it to the big screen. That’s why I get overexcited when something is great (see: The Dark Knight), and disgusted when something flops (see: Spiderman 3). I’ve also seen all of the individual titles (Ironman 1/2, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor) that comprise the makeup of the “Avenger Initiative,” and for the most part enjoyed all of them - loved the Ironman movies, was lukewarm on Thor (mainly because of all the outerspace stuff). However, when I heard about “The Avengers” film project I was very skeptical.

Why? Well, the script itself seemed like too daunting of a task. I didn’t think blending all of these stories, backgrounds, and for that matter actors together would work. There was also replacing Ed Norton with Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk/Bruce Banner because of contract breakdowns, and I’ve been back and forth on some of the work I’ve seen from Ruffalo. Lastly, when Joss Whedon was attached to the project I was a bit put off. I’ve always thought of Whedon as an elitist who thinks (and sometimes rightfully so) he is smarter than everyone else and thus tries to prove it with his material. However, The Avengers is not an elongated plot drawn out through seasons and seasons and arcs and arcs of television like Buffy. It’s one shot; two and half hours. Hit or miss.

I’ll go in order here. The script was nearly flawless. There were a few bits and pieces with the writing in regards to The Hulk and his transformation that I thought to be unbelievable (yes, even in the “Avengers” universe). But other than that, it was tight, engaging, well-paced, and actually very funny at the right times. The acting was excellent, and the dynamic with Ruffalo played out very well. The two shining works of art were Downey Jr. as Ironman/Stark and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. The latter played a brutal yet captivating villain and gave the film the edge it really needed. The rest of the cast did a good job (kudos to producers for casting Jeremy Renner - that dude is talented), and I had no complaints, even with Thor. And Whedon. Yes, I still feel like he can come off snobbish, but he really did do an incredible job of picking his spots and letting his actors drive the film instead of being ancillary parts to feed his own ego. I am but one measly fan, however his wiggle room with me is exponentially greater than it was going into the theater.

All in all this was my favorite comic movie since The Dark Knight in the summer of ‘08. And it will stay that way until….well, The Dark Knight Rises rules the summer of ‘12.

State of the State - Sports in the "303"

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:10:00 +0200

Sports pretty much….run my life. I am an avid sports watcher, follower, analyzer, you name it. I enjoy a game between two teams in which I really could care less about the outcome. I like sports, and therefore like watching them whenever I can. During games like this, I may find myself starting to root for one team or the other, but in the end it doesn’t matter. But let’s be real here; let’s not get it twisted. I’m not an objective fan. I live and die with MY teams, all of which happen to be from Colorado - probably because I spent the first 18 years of my life there. So today, I’m going to take a look team-by-team to surmise where Colorado lies as a whole in the sports stratosphere. I hope to finish this piece optimistic….

Denver Broncos

Denver is a football town. We have great fan bases across the board, but first and foremost is our love for the Broncos. No matter the season, an important Broncos story will trump all else. Always.

As I have written in a separate blog a while back, the acquisition of Peyton Manning means the Broncos CAN win a Super Bowl. By no means WILL they absolutely win a Super Bowl, but hope springs eternal. As a fan you hope defensive needs are addressed in the upcoming draft, the Broncos will pick up where they left off last year in terms of the running game, and, oh yeah, that neck thing Peyton may or may not be dealing with will be ok.

Overall, however, the moves by the front office and the play on the field last year give us a reason to believe. And believe we will.

Denver Nuggets

A lockout shortened season will leave crazy things in its wake, but the Nuggets season has been extra weird. It’s our first season (full) in the post-Carmelo era. Most agree that the trade to ship Melo off to New York (good riddance) returned a wealth of talent and was executed better than satisfactory by Nuggets executives. The future still seems to be bright; however, injuries, roster movement, and the aforementioned wild schedule of a lockout season do leave some questions.

Will the Nene trade work out in the long run? After laboring over contract negotiations in the offseason until finally getting a deal done, the exec team flipped the switch at the trade deadline and cut bait with the lovable big man. At this point, simply the cap room saved seems to make this deal worth it.

Can Gallo be a star? The old adage that you can’t win in the playoffs without a bonafide star will once again be tested by the Nuggets this year. Danilo Gallinari hasn’t yet come into his own, but a plethora of injuries grants him at least another season before he can be fairly judged as the centerpiece of the Knick trade.

What can the Nuggets do this offseason to improve? Signing Wilson Chandler to a long term deal was a relief for us fans. Until he got hurt and won’t play again this season. The Center position remains tepid at best, however inspired play from Kenneth Faried gives hope to the frontline. It does seem GM Masai Ujiri will need to be active once again to improve the Nugs chances next year with a full schedule.

For now, the Nuggets sit in the sixth position in the Western Conference with two games remaining before the playoffs. A valiant effort from a team with many moving parts, it remains to be seen if this squad can do any damage in the first round and beyond. We do know that the Nuggets have made the playoffs for 9 consecutive years, and the core of young talent gives us hope. Go Nuggies and unleash the Manimal.

Colorado Rockies

After a surprise World Series berth in 2007, a second playoff run in 2009, and a great season with an unfortunate September collapse in 2010, the Rockies entered the 2011 season with high hopes. A torrid April did nothing to whether expectations, as after the first two weeks, the Rockies had the look of the best team in baseball. Somewhere along the way it all went horribly wrong. The pitching staff (as with the history of the Rockies) could only be described as a nauseous roller coaster ride, and everything fell apart around them. The best pitcher in Rockies history was traded, and a minor “rebuilding” was in the works.

Here is what we do know 15 games into the 2012 season. At their peak, the Rockies have 2 of the best 5 players in the MLB, and CarGo and Tulo aren’t going anywhere. They both have struggled a bit out of the gate, but Tulo is by far the best SS in the game, and Carlos might be the most all around gifted player on any team. The pitching is once again an issue already. Suffice to say without any other explanation, although 49 year old Jamie Moyer is a great story, the fact that he made the starting rotation is a problem.

Only time will tell (and with baseball, that means A LOT of time) if the Rockies young arms, including Drew Pomeranz who was the main piece in the Ubaldo trade, can develop into solid starters. Without an above average rotation, it is next to impossible to win in a 162 game season.

Let’s just all be thankful it’s no longer the early 2000’s. I think I just threw up in my mouth thinking about those Rox teams…

Colorado Avalanche

Ever since the NHL lockout during the 2004-2005 season, I haven’t been the hockey fan I once was. I used to breathe hockey, but it has since fallen down my ladder of importance.

I got slightly back into the Avs when they gave San Jose a run in the first round a couple of years ago, but at this point I’m resigned to being invested in exclusively playoff hockey, which the Avalanche have been absent from more than not since the lockout.

Clearly some work to do with the Avs going forward.

Colorado Rapids

No comment.

Living in Europe and being presented the best the beautiful game has to offer on a weekly basis makes the MLS seem like nothing more than a minor league.

Case in point: The Rapids won the MLS cup two years ago and zero s**** were given on my end.

P.S. speaking of the beautiful game, big ups to the boys from Chelsea for valiantly (with some admitted luck) sending those fairies from Barcelona home whining the whole way, and making to the Champions League final May 19th. Go Blues!

Colorado Buffaloes

Well, in football, the Dan Hawkins era was nothing short of a complete disaster, and the start of the Jon Embree era is certainly more promising - but how much?

Next season will hopefully bring an upgrade at QB, as well as an upgrade of overall talent. However, the Pac-12 experiment will take a few years to take shape and see where CU stands overall in the conference. Let’s call it…guarded optimism.

The real future for the Buffs is on the basketball court. After a year of overachieving following an NCAA snub, Tad Boyle brings in 2 nationally rated recruits to headline a fantastic recruiting class that will join Andre Roberson and a team on the rise. Replacing seniors such as Carlon Brown, Nate Tomlinson, and Austin Dufault will be a challenge. However, the Jeff Bzdelik for Tad Boyle coaching switch is looking awfully good for the home team right now.

Colorado State Rams

C’mon. Seriously?

So it does in fact look like I can be optimistic about my sports teams. Having this many teams relevant (including a constant NATIONAL story with the Broncos) is a nice feeling. We have moved on from the days of the Nuggets trying to get to 10 wins and the Rockies somehow being eliminated before the season even started. The days after Chauncey left when CU basketball was a joke, and Gary Barnett was damaging the reputation of a once proud program.

There is still work to do with ALL of these teams, of course. And the only thing that makes any of this analysis worth it is a title. Let’s all take a deep breath and hope we get there soon.

So What's Up With "The Artist"?

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:23:30 +0200

CONTAINS SPOILERS!

I know I’m late. I just saw The Artist last weekend after making plans time after time for the last few months.

“It’s everything a movie should be”

“I would gladly pay again to see it in theaters”

“Overrated. How did it win Best Picture?”

“It was ok”

These were primary sources of what I had heard about the film before seeing it myself. So I presume to a point, I just had to know. What was it really like?

First off, I inadvertently gave away a huge plot point to myself by asking my roommate Daniel a question about the silent film star in the movie being American. He attempted valiantly to dodge said question, but remembering this while watching the film, I knew something was up when the main character’s decline begins with the rise of the “talkies” and was of course confirmed at the end with the only dialogue in the film, as it is revealed he is in fact French - and with a heavy accent.

Putting this aside, I MUST lean towards the first two quotes above, as they align with my overall take of what I saw. In a way I may have never seen before, rigid technicality meets grandiose art. At almost no point did I even want to complain, or for that matter even realize, that there is no spoken dialogue. The fluidity of the narrative is so spot on, the viewer is engaged regardless. Taking into account everything that makes up bringing a narrative together, The Artist stands apart.

The acting is superb; main kudos going to Jean Dujardin as the title character. The way he conveys and portrays the character without words is a spectacle in and of itself. The movie fails without a strong lead. The leeway for a silent film is already tightened to begin with. It certainly would not survive an even mediocre performance from its main actor. Some have criticized Berenice Bejo’s performance in the female lead as average. I would disagree, for the simple fact that when watching her, I believe her sincerity. Starting from a nobody to perhaps the most famous film star of the era (in the film obviously) could be both under or overacted. However, like I said, I believed in her story, and thought she gave a fine performance in a film directed by her husband.

Speaking of the husband, writer/director Michel Hazanavicius - Wow. What a masterful job of executing a vision. The film itself was born out of a desire to pay tribute to the era of silent films it portrays. Looking back on certain scenes or arcs, it is clear that a fantastic amount of research was done. In this regard I would compare the research and attention to detail on par with that of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo which I also saw recently. However, the artistic element that Hazanavicius blends into everything is quite remarkable. Absolutely deserving of his honor as this year’s winner of Best Director at the Oscars.

The cinematography was also beautiful. The music and the way it was integrated into the narrative was very well done, and helped make up for the lack of dialogue. Also, a special shout out to the dog in the film, who played a huge role - maybe the biggest I can remember for any animal (Air Bud of course notwithstanding). Some had been clamoring to give him an honorary Oscar nomination, which may have been a little overboard. Nonetheless, the film isn’t the same without a well-trained dog.

So What’s Up With The Artist? A worthy Best Picture winner is what.