After one listen to “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To,” it’s clear that Rivers Cuomo knows how to write a huge pop-rock hit. But that’s never been Weezer’s problem–the band’s past is filled with strong lead singles like “Hash Pipe” and “Pork and Beans.” The problem for most Weezer fans is that, in their minds, nothing has lived up to Pinkerton, the initial flop, turned must have album for any emo kid and cred-searching hipster. Rivers has always written poppy songs with quirky lyrics. Pinkerton was a little more dark and personal, but not a severe departure from their overall sound when looking at their catalog. I think all of these obsessive fans and rock journalists have it wrong. Pinkerton is the anomoly, not the measuring stick for the career. Keep reading →
Soy Sauce
Sesame Oil
Chopped Scallions
Angel Hair Pasta
This shouldn’t even be considered a recipe because it’s so easy. This a quick and simple side that packs solid flavor. Boil the pasta and set aside. In a large bowl mix two parts soy sauce to one part sesame oil. Stir in some chopped scallions. Toss in the pasta and you’re done. Serve hot (preferably) or cold. Boo yea.
If you must have measurements start with a half pound of pasta, half cup of soy and a quarter cup of sesame.
The League finally premiered last week, and despite extremely high expectations, I think the show delivered. Decent, stereotypical characters, enough realistic football talk and solid jokes made the pilot rather enjoyable. My favorite scene had to be when Paul Scheer’s character offers to give a toast and none of the other guys give it a shit. It was subtle, but extremely effective in developing their relationship. I only worry about the stoner friend; he just seemed a little too obvious. I mean there’s always a guy in the league who doesn’t give a shit and does well anyways, but I hope he’s just not in the show for easy comic relief and pot jokes. It will be interesting to see where the show goes, but as long as they keep the crude humor and fantasy stuff realistic, then I’ll be on board for the whole season.
The Teams
2-1 on the weekend; 1-1 in pay leagues; 6 game losing streak in one pay league; 4th straight week losing after going into Monday night with the lead or a chance to win from behind. 5-3 in one pay league, tied for second; 2-6 in one pay league, tied for last; 4-4 in the lame league that doesn’t play for money. O people willing to trade with me and 0 people worth picking up on the waiver wire. FMFFL. Keep reading →
I really don’t know what took so long. Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A” was released on August 11, 2009 and the first time I heard the song, I knew it would be massive. Not to brag, but I was an early adopter on the silly teen tune. But even after her somewhat risque performance on Nickelodeon’s Teen Choice Awards, the song didn’t really do much. What should have been an end of the summer/Labor Day anthem was sort of just out there.
But then something happened over the past few weeks. The song has been a mainstay on iTunes’ top ten and climbed to number two on the Billboard chart. It seems like every female group of friends is rediscovering girl power, commemorating Facebook photo albums and embracing the cheese of “U.S.A.” (ironically or not; I don’t think it’s a bad thing). The lyrics are utterly silly but the song proves that if you have a hook, you can sing about abortion or pollution or just being a hick going to L.A. for the first time and people will eat it up. I’ll give most credit producer to Dr. Luke (“Since You’ve Been Gone,” “Circus”, “I Kissed a Girl,” etc.) but studio magic or not, Miley really hits the last “Britney song was on–!”
The race is over. “Party in the U.S.A.” Song of the year.
The best overall run of the season so far was delivered by the one and only “All Day” Adrian Peterson this past Sunday. Peterson takes a routine dump down pass and absolutely flatens Steeler’s defensive back William Gay. Aside from being a sick play, the above clips serves as the perfect metaphor for fantasy football players like myself. Some weeks you’re Peterson, whooping ass and winning by a huge margin. Other weeks, you’re William Gay–in position, ready to meet the competition head on, but then get run over by an opponent whose players just go off.
Unfortunately, I’ve been feeling my like Mr. Gay this season. I’m 4-3 and 2-5 in my pay leagues and 3-4 in the queer league. I would have pulled off wins in both pay leagues this week if I started my boy Ochocinco, but alas, who would have predicted a Bengals offensive explosion against the Bears. As for my two readers, it will make you happy that I’ll be attempting to pick up Shonn Greene in a desperate move across the board. It’s really make or break time with only a few weeks left until the playoffs. Luckily, no one has really established themselves as the team to beat, so the opportunity is still there.
I’m a big fan of Top Chef but I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in the dishes produced by the cooks on the show. It seems like every episode someone is presenting a ceviche or a plate with a scallop on it. I just don’t get it.
There’s a new show coming to FX next week called “The League.” It’s about a group of friends and their fantasy football league. I imagine that the show will hit a little close to home for me. Hopefully the show will be done right and not just some cheap attempt to capitalize on the popularity of fantasy football in the 18-45 demographic. Now, FX has a pretty good history with comedies and they produce some of the best shows on TV (Rescue Me, Nip/Tuck, Sunny). There are plenty of reasons for The League to be good, but it could easily be corny and unwatchable. The writers need to somehow combine humor with the real human emotions that come with rejected trades, sleeper picks, blow-out wins and vultured touchdowns. Full review to come next week. Keep reading →
