The Dark Knight

I am a lucky guy sometimes. Doing what I do for a living allows me to get some pretty awesome hook-ups once in a while. Like tonight, I got to see a screening of The Dark Knight at the Imax theater in NYC.
Let's just start by saying that I'm a HUGE (literally and figuratively) Batman fan. I read and collected the comic when I was a kid and stood in line for hours to see the Michael Keaton Batman film back in '89. Loved it. The Val Kilmer nippled version not so much. George Clooney... so-so.
Batman Begins was my favorite super hero movie from the world of comics ever. Chris Nolan absolutely killed it and turned this franchise based on the Dark Knight Returns Frank Miller Batman series style into a real film, not just a superhero movie. So, my anticipation for the next Christian Bale film was at a "super" high level (so to speak).
I hate spoilers, so I'm not gonna be that guy. But this film was nothing short of spectacular. Heath Ledger's Joker was legendary. The Imax filming was literally stunning. This is an instant classic... I'm going back next week.

Summer Bangers Hour 3

Well folks, here it is. Hour 3 of the Summer Bangers, leading up to the Top 5! As promised, here they are....

5. Notorious B.I.G. "Big Poppa"
4. Naughty By Nature "Hip-Hop Hooray"
3. Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg "Nuthin' But a G-Thang"
2. Public Enemy "FIght the Power"
1. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "Summertime"


The above pic was take from my rooftop during the "company BBQ." We got lucky and had a beautiful day.

Blackberry Thunder Keyboard

If you are like most blackberry users, the main thing that freaks you out about an Iphone is the lack of traditional button based keyboard. There is something to be said for the tactile feedback of pressing buttons. Hell, it's the way we are taught to type without looking. So at first when the Blackberry Thunder stuff leaked (see below) I was concerned that there wasn't a keyboard. Well, this little update is a real confidence booster. Check out the reasons (clicks, a button feel, electric impulse) that this might actually work! Sounds a bit far fetched but let's trust the RIM people for now (assuming these rumors are true). Thanks to Neilchemist for the link.

Shady Baby

A new Rosenblog is entering the world very soon. As such, I have been thrust into the world of baby products head first. While checking out a store in SoHo today, I saw this product. I guess it's some sort of mesh net for portable baby caves or something. But, Phil, Ted- what's up with the biting? We got baby beef now? Sheesh.
Seriously though it is very cool that Marshall has permeated culture to the point that he has influenced mass market baby products. One day I will show the little Rosenblog. And she wont really care. But all of you can tell her one day- your dad was cool at one point, little Rosenblog. He was.

Summer Bangers Hour 2

Here, ye faithful can check out the second hour of the Shade45 Summer Bangers special. I need something with a photo for these posts. But I don't have anything relevant really. My rule on this blog is that I only post photos that I've taken myself or that were taken of me or by someone I know. That way we stay 100% unique. Like you care.

Summer Bangers Hour 1

As promised, press play below for the first hour of the Shade45 Summer Bangers special from 4th of July weekend on Sirius hosted by yours truly along with Reef and Lord Sear. The list is posted below, and the top 5 will be revealed when I post Hour 3 this weekend. Stay tuned, so to speak...

Blackberry Thunder!

Wait, hold the smartphone! Just when we thought we were gearing up for the summer release of the Blackberry Bold, this article was sent my way (thanks Do Ro) about the Blackberry Thunder! I'm not that keen on the virtual keyboard concept, as most Blackberry lovers aren't, but I'd give RIM a shot with it (2nd pun intended). This thing looks insane.

Summer Bangers List

I'm sure many of you didn't have a chance to check out the Shade45 Summer Bangers Special with myself, Lord Sear and Reef yesterday evening on Sirius. So here, as a tease, is the list of our top 30, omitting the Top 5 of course... Those will be revealed next week when I post clips of the show.

30. Warren G./Nate Dogg "Regulate"
29. Erick Sermon "Music"
28. Busta Rhymes "Put Your Hands…"
27. The Notorious B.I.G. "Juicy"
26. A Tribe Called Quest "Check The Rhyme"
25. 2Pac "I Get Around"
24. Ahmad "Back In The Day"
23. LL Cool J "Boomin' System"
22. N.W.A. "Express Yourself" Remix
21. Craig Mack/Various Artists "Flava In Ya Ear" Remix
20. Crooklyn Dodgers "Crooklyn"
19. Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice"
18. Raekwon/Wu-Tang Clan "Ice Cream"
17. Ice Cube "It Was A Good Day"
16. Three 6 Mafia/Various Artists "Stay Fly"
15. Eminem/Dr. Dre/Xzibit/Snoop Dogg/Nate Dogg "Bitch Please II"
14. Outkast "Elevators"
13. Jay-Z/UGK "Big Pimpin"
12. 50 Cent/Mobb Deep "Outta Control" Remix
11. EPMD "You Gots To Chill"
10. Smif-N-Wessun "Bucktown"
9. Main Source "Live @ Tha BBQ"
8. Youngbloodz "Damn!"
7. Black Moon "I Got Ya Opin" Remix
6. Group Home "Supastar"

The pic above was taken from my rooftop Friday night. The Macy's fireworks on the eastside were cool for about 10 minutes, then the smoke combined with cloudiness got so thick you couldn't even see them any more. Oh well, cheap thrills for a few.
Stay tuned this week for segments from the special, and the TOP 5!

Dog Day

Every 4th of July at Coney Island's legendary Nathan's Hot Dogs they hold the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Surf and Stilwell in Brooklyn. I've always been pretty fascinated by eating competitions. Its utterly ridiculous that they are broadcast on ESPN as a "sport" (but I feel the same way about Poker). But there is something seriously bizarre about people who force their stomachs to the limits by eating massive quantities of food as quickly as possible. So I watch it. Every year. The broadcast is full with sports announcing cliche's and comparisons to other sports. "It's a game of fractions", "this is like 4th and inches", "true competitor's spirit" and "who wanted it more" were some of my favorites from this year. So, the competition is to see who can eat the most cooked hot dogs, with buns, in 10 minutes. Last years champ, Joey Chestnut, ate 60 dogs. His only real competitor is Japanese competitive eating pro Kobayashi, who won Nathan's and various other eating contests (eggs, noodles, pie) for like the prior 10 years. This year, for The Mustard Belt,Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi TIED at 65 dogs. It was a photo finish!So what's the tie breaker? Who can eat 5 dogs the quickest. Joey took Kobayashi out in the sudden death overtime in truly disgusting form. Next year I want to be there in person. I say that every year. Dart, we gotta roll.
Editor's note: this entire entry is hereby "paused."

Summer Bangers on Shade45!

Tune in this 4th of July on Sirius's Shade45 for the Summer Bangers Special hosted by yours truly along with The Mighty Lord Sear and Reef! The show airs tomorrow, July 4th from 4-7pm. We will be counting down our favorite top 30 summer rap songs ever and running down memory lane to get everyone in the summer holiday spirit. Check out the promo below. Later next week I will post the list along with segments of the show. If you miss the show on Friday, it will be re-aired on Sunday, July 7th, from 5-8pm.

Eminem: Wanted?

In 2004, Top Cow comics released a comic book series called Wanted which was created by Mark Millar. This comic became very popular and eventually the various issues were bound into a graphic novel.
Some time in late '04 or maybe '05 it was brought to my attention that the main character in the comic book, Wesley Gibson, bears a striking resemblance to one of my prominent superstar clients.
Shortly thereafter, we heard via my client's agents that the guy that created Wanted was running around Hollywood claiming that he had Eminem attached to play the lead in the film adaptation of the series.
After being peeved at the manner in which this guy attempted to end-around Em's possible involvement in the film (really, you are just going to draw a character that looks exactly like him and just assume that's going to cause him to want to be in the movie?) we really didn't consider getting involved. That's just not the way we do business and we left it at that.
Since the movie comes out this weekend starring James McAvoy as Wesley. I figured it was time to talk about how it really went down. Here is an article that pretty much gets the story right except for the director claiming that it was his choice to not cast Em. It actually just wasn't an option available to him.

It's a shame too, because the movie looks fun. I don't know how good the film is because I've only seen trailers but the action certainly looks sick, as does Mrs. Pitt..
Next time guys how about a quick convo, e-mail, or whatever laying out the plan. It might actually work if people aren't so put-off by your methods.

B.o.B. 12th Dimension EP

Everyone (OK not everyone but at least loyal Rosenblog readers) please go purchase B.o.B.'s EP, 12th Dimension today! It's available on Itunes and other find digital music sales platforms. Tell 'em Shady Music Publishing sent ya.
UPDATE: My B.o.B blog posting was blogged about by The Fader's blog. Blogs blogging about blogs. Now what if they blogged about me blogging about them blogging about my blog?

White Guys Do Weezy

I don't even know where to begin. So much to talk about. Thanks to Neilchemist for the link.

Cashis, Mickey Slick & Young De

Check out this video for "Can't Move Me" with Shady Records' own Cashis, Diego's Mitchy Slick and Young De. Pay attention to the shots of Cash in the graffiti hall with his very inked up torso.

Barack Da Vote

MY good pal Sheck has directed the following insane and funny video with his artist Keith from Up Da Block. Wierd Al who?

Barack Da Vote from Keith From Up Da Block on Vimeo.

B.o.B on the Strings

Uh oh... Shady Publishing's own B.o.B is learning how to play the guitar. This could be fun!

Rosenblog Grounded- The Update

For those of you that know and care about me (and those that don't and don't) I really mangled my ankle. Turns out that when I made the stupid step out of my truck into a hole in the cobblestone and rolled my ankle like dough that I tore 3 ligaments. One of them completely. And ruptured a tendon. So, I didn't break anything (as you can see from the x-ray above, or not) but I'm going to be in this stupid boot for another couple of weeks. Then, physical therapy! Hooray! The whole process should be a quick 6 months of healing. 6 months... are you serious??? What a dumb, dumb injury. At least I am off crutches now but I have to inject blood thinners before I get on a plane so that I don't get clots. Awesome.

$164 Million Lottery Winner

I'm Voting Republican

Eminem Pranks LL Cool J

Last night Em pulled a fast-one with Tony Touch on Shade45's Toca Tueadays on Sirius Satellite Radio. Check out the call below and hear Em rap some LL.

Lord Sear 18 Years!

Who celebrates their 18th Anniversary? And, really, when did this all start? Who decided that Sear is "in the game"? Was there a meeting about it? Did someone jump him into the game? All may be explained, at this event! Listen to Lord Sear and Rude Jude on The All-Out Show every M-F 4pm-8pm on Sirius Satellite Radio's Shade45.

Mello In the D?

The Detroit Free Press reported today in this article that the Detroit Pistons are eyeing Denver Nugget Carmello Anthony as an addition to the team. If true, this would obviously be a major move and the Pistons will lose someone major in the event of that trade.

Cab Fare and 'No Nose'

Check out this very strange article about stupid people. Something about this smacks of hogwash, particularly the photo of 'No Nose'. It's pretty interesting nonetheless, and if not true, quite creative. However I think it's more Coen Brothers than Tarantino as the writer suggests. Article provided to Rosenblog by The DBK.

Flip Fired

The inevitable occurred this morning when Detroit Pistons' Head Coach Flip Saunders was canned. He has one more year on his contract for $5+ million dollars that will be paid out while he sits this year, I understand why he's being let go. As Joe Dumars explained in today's press conerence, he had seen enough in the last 3 years with Flip to know that he didn't want a lame duck season during his final contract year, and didn't feel strongly enough to sign him for a longer period of time.
As the Pistons' General Manager further explained, no player is safe after this season- "everyone is in play". It appears that Joe is adamant about making some major moves this off-season, and that he also is adamant about coming back stronger. As Joe reasons, there is no rebuilding. As long as he is with the organization, he expects to compete at an elite level. He cut himself short from saying "rebuilding years are bullshit". Gotta love this guy, he's so no-nonsense and keep-it-real.
As for me? Yeah I'm disappointed for sure. I feel like we could have and should have beat Boston, especially in games 5 & 6. But we didn't, and that's that. I'm still very proud of our team, they have been the clear dominant contenders in the East for the past 6 seasons, and we still have that ring in '04. I believe in Joe D. and we'll be back.

Travis Barker- Busta Rhymes "Don't Touch Me" Remix

The latest and greatest from our drum hero Travis Barker!

Rasheed AF1's, Game 6

Tonight is obviously a "big game". They all are in the playoffs. Momentum swings like a pendulum, which is half of the fun of the NBA playoffs. Before every series starts, everyone talks about how important Game 1 is because it "sets the tone for the series". Then Game 2 is really important because if you go down 0-2, it means you can't win on the other team's court. Then Game 3 is so important because it's the first game home or away... blah blah. They are all important. Period.
One thing I do know is that the Pistons wont lie down. Everyone else knows that too. It's unfortunate that all of my friends who are Laker fans, and plenty of new bandwagon LA douche fans, are all crying for Detroit's head to be severed by Boston. We know why, you are scared. Scared that you could be handed defeat in your cocky purple and yellow jersey's in the toughest city in the USA. You know the feeling, and you don't want to relive it. I understand, I wouldn't either.

In honor of tonight's "big game" I have included photos of my recently purchased Nike AF1 Rasheeds. Sheed is one of the only pro-players I know of that wears Nike AF1's on the court and he has forever. I first heard about these new Sheeds on the great Pistons blog Need4Sheed, and sent the troops hunting for some size 13's (thanks Ed!). The charcoal grey pair are my favorite, the leather was treated with that 3M reflective coating and they are the most subtle of the pack. Yes, I bought all three color ways. Yes, Rasheed is my favorite Piston. Yes, I do think he might get another T tonight because he can't control his mouth. Yes, I don't need any more sneakers and it's ridiculous already.

The thing I admire most about Sheed is his unbridled passion for the game. It can both hurt us and help us, and I was disgusted following last year's elimination. But for a player to care as much as Sheed does and to play hard every game and wear his heart on his sleeve like that is what us fans love. Now, if he was on another team, I'm pretty sure I'd hate him like all of them do. Until then, Sheed will have my support (even when he gets on a terrible roll of shooting and missing 3's from Flint). OK, and no more KG hugging!
BONUS: Rasheed's MTV Cribs Episode (pre-Pistons)

Andy Rooney on Memorial Day

I meant to put this up yesterday, obviously.
Andy Rooney has a good take on this holiday... really worth watching. This isn't my kind of thing normally but I caught it on Sunday and thought it was pretty special.

West & Ritchie

A couple of weeks ago (shortly following the Jay/MJB show) at Madison Square Garden in NYC I went to the Kanye West and Kid Rock shows (a couple of nights apart). Well, let me tell you, what a difference between these. Everything from the crowd to the merch to the flow of the show and the style of sets, etc. was 180 degrees opposite. I know I'm pointing out the obvious, but I've included a personal photo collection to show you what I mean. See if you can guess which photo is from who's show. Duh.
So Kanye's set was pretty awesome. He had one of the best live bands playing hip-hop in the style of the original recordings that I've ever heard. Shame that they were hidden in an orchestra style pit the entire show, only to be revealed at the end. Kanye commanded the stage very well, and his 2001 bits connected the show theatrically. I don't want to give away any surprises, but I missed any puppetry as implied by his supposed work with Jim Henson's studios. The only drawback was that he was up there solo for the entire set until the end when Lupe joined him for "Touch the Sky", which delivered a welcomed freshness. That kid jumps around on stage like a spring.
As for Kid Rock, well I've seen him headline a bunch of times, as he's an old friend from Detroit. From back in the day at Majestic Theater (when a certain rap group opened up for him) to the later shows at Joe Louis and Auburn Hills and even MSG before. One thing you always know with Rock is that he puts on a show. I mean in the old-school give 'em a good time rock & roll sort of way, the guy delivers every time. The great highlights that set this tour apart (for me) of course were the guest performers. On this tour, Bob brings out Peter Wolfe from the J. Geils Band and does "Freeze Frame", "Centerfold" and "Love Stinks". I was a big fan of J. Geils in the 5th grade so this was awesome for me (I had the Freeze Frame album on cassette). Later on, Bob brings out Rev Run and does a Run-D.M.C. medley with him that includes "Here We Go", "Rock Box" and "King of Rock", amongst 5 or so other straight classics. The idea of Run performing these songs without Darryl Mack may put some off, but in this situation with Rock pitching in it just works. I felt like a kid at the Fresh Fest at Joe Louis Arena in '87.

I highly recommend going to check out either or both of these very different shows. At one (because of the surrounding crowd) you may feel a little old, at the other you may feel a little hickish, but if you like either acts' music, you will enjoy them both. Do NOT, however, drink beer through a straw at either.

Hiedly-Ho, Neighbor!

This guy was sitting next to me on my flight from Chicago to NY last Wednesday, hours before The Ankle Incident. He looks EXACTLY like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons. If there was ever a contest for Ned Flanders look-alikes, they should holla at this dude. P.S. Imagine how fun this blog is going to be when the new Blackberry with a video camera comes out.

The Trophy, The Champions

As promised, behold the Trophy of Champions for the 1st Annual Shady/G Unit/Sedlmayr & Assoc. Bowling Tournament right where it belongs- at Shady Records' NY office. This trophy will circulate amongst our offices if anyone is good enough to beat us in the next tournament scheduled for September this year. Should be plenty of time to heal up my ankle and take the back-to-back high score title and keep the Trophy of Champions in the Shady building.

Rosenblog Grounded

Yesterday evening, on my wife's birthday, I got out of my truck on a cobblestone street and stepped with one size 13 foot into a pothole of missing bricks. I turned my entire foot under my ankle and screamed bloody murder, then threw my cell phone on the sidewalk and hobbled home. After a trip to the ER last night and the ortho today, I have a severe sprain in 3 places and torn ligaments. The MRI is next week. So, what is a guy to do on Memorial Day weekend when he can't walk? BLOG! I've been slipping a bit lately anyway due to travel, so keep you eyes out for rants and randomness and Pistons encouraging. By the way, what a win tonight in the Gahden for the Bad Boys! Yes indeed.

Smack That In Hebrew

An Israeli artist has done a Hebrew language version of Akon featuring Eminem "Smack That", with an accompanying NSFW animated video. This is really fun to listen to. Don't ask me what he's saying but I think its pretty naughty.

Iron Man Original

I collected comic books like crazy when I was a kid, mainly from the time I was around 9-12 years old. Back then, Iron Man was one of my favorite books. While I read comics plenty, I have to admit that even back then I was interested in realizing profits and investing. I'd always look through the printed annual comic book price guides and estimate the value of my own collection, and dream of owning insanely rare titles like Detective Comics No. 1 where The Batman first appeared. So, when I got a little older and had more than a few bucks a week to buy them, I started looking into picking some of my rarer favorites up. Yes, its like fulfilling a childhood fantasy- so what? I don't think there is anything wrong with that as long as you aren't foolishly spending savings for things like your kids' college tuition. So one of the items that I picked up is Tales of Suspense #39, which was the debut of The Iron Man! I got this through an auction about 5 years ago, and while its not in VF condition (I think it was listed as "fair", there is yellowing and a stupid ink date stamp on the cover) its still something I cherish.
Things in the original book were a little different as you can see... Yinsen (below)was an Asian man, and the story differs in some other regards. But I really like how they made the original, first rough suit look so much like the suit in this comic book. Iron Man 2, they say, is already being written.

Sit This One Out, Chauncey

With Mr. Big Shot sidelined due to a strained hamstring (don't you hate when announcers just call it a 'hamstring' like 'Chauncey is out with a hamstring'... no kidding, we know he has a hamstring), the Detroit Pistons managed to do what no team has done yet this second round of NBA playoffs- they won one on the road. Quite an accomplishment. Kobe and them couldn't pull it off, neither could Boston. Gotta give it up to Rip Hamilton with his 32 points and amazing fourth quarter play, in addition to The D's most solid player thus far in the post-season, Tayshaun Prince (of Compton). Now if Rip can just play that well in the same game that Sheed is poppin' and we have Chauncey back look out. Unbeatable... everyone knows it. Look for the Pistons to put this one away in Detroit on Tuesday night, and have some time to rest up for their SIXTH consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

Blackberry 9000!

For 'Berry nerds only... equipped with a video camera, youtube viewing capability and a real keyboard. Iphone who?

Tom Sachs @ Lever House

One of my favorite modern-era artists is multi-medium NY genius Tom Sachs. On Tuesday night, Tom had an opening for his new works commissioned by our buddy Aby Rosen for display at Midtown building Lever House. I am proud to say that I own a few of Tom's pieces, but nothing the likes nor proportions of which were unveiled Tuesday night.
Pictured at the top is a "Hello, Kitty!" made entirely from bronze (later treated to turn white somehow), and it stands about 3-4 stories high. I ran around the party asking people to tell me how much this thing weighs (because I have a small bronze piece of Tom's that you can hold in one hand that weighs 40lbs easily). I guessed around 2 tons. Later, to my (still) disbelief, I was informed that it weighs 8 TONS. They had to haul it across Park Avenue with a crane. I wish I was there for that, people must have thought it was Thanksgiving again with a giant Hello, Kitty float.
One of the things Tom has been doing lately is taking interesting objects and casting them directly in bronze and finishing them so that they are identical in size and form to the real objects (unlike bronzed baby-booties say, which just are like a hollow wax mold). The Hello, Kitty!'s on the other hand are also created in bronze, but they are cast from hand-made models that Tom makes out of foam-core type construction material. So, also included in this show were a set of bronze skateboard quarter ramps (which Aby's kids were delighted to be skating on in the lobby of the building), and various stacks of bronzed car batteries (not sure why but they looked cool).

Also, there was this polished bronze mini-garbage dumpster. What a nifty wastebasket! Additionally, the smaller (probably 10' tall) Kitty fountain, complete with water shooting out of its eyes. Go, TOM!

(Please excuse the photo quality, I only had my Blackberry camera).

Jay-Z & Mary J. at the Garden

Tuesday night we went to check out the Jay/Mary show at Madison Square Garden in NYC. This was quite a grown-folk affair which is a little different than other Jay concerts I've seen at the Garden, but still very effective. Both Mary and J had elaborate full bands, Mary with a full string section and Jay with a horn ensemble. The transition between acts was seamless as not only did Jay come out and perform a couple of numbers during Mary's set, but Mary came on later and did the same for Jay. Also, both used the same stage set, which allowed for very little turnover time between them. The difference in the set appearance was accomplished by elaborate video programming on the several LED screens which comprised the majority of the set. The highlight for me was when Method Man came out of nowhere for his special guest appearance performance on "All I Need" with Mary J. Classic material, like this airbrush backdrop concert photo souvenir (insert irony). Thank you Meneilly for the great seats (he could be seen conducting from the sound board).

Shady v G Unit v Sedlmayr Bowling Night

On Thursday, May 1st, 2008, the staffs from Shady Records, G Unit Records and Sedlmayr & Associates met for our first ever bowling competition. There was no prize at stake except for the opportunity to say "we the best!"... which Shady was able to do since we had the highest total average scores.

As this score screenshot shows, yours truly had the 2-game highest 10-frame score, with a 164. I came out of the gate very strong with a "Turkey" (3 strikes in a row). It's probably honestly one of the best games I've ever had... but I'll take it. Our dear friend Theo, as you can see, always wears suits- even when he's bowling. I can't say that I recall ever seeing a man in bowling shoes and a suit- what a treat.
So, we came up with the idea to make a Stanley Cup style bowling trophy that will travel from office to office depending upon who wins the tournament, which it looks like we will commit to hold once per season. Photos of the trophy inside the Shady domain will be available exclusively here, at paulrosenblog.com. Special thanks to Chipper for organizing the whole affair.

The Shrek Incident, Part 2

More of Councilwoman Conyers and the eccentric Charlie LeDuff. If someone told me this was a Saturday Night Live skit, I'd beleive them.

The Shrek Incident

Sit back and watch in awe as Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers gets leveled by an 8th grader. This is one of the most remarkable videos I've seen in a while.

I think they should put a special seat on the Council for young Kierra Bell.

How Chauncey Got His Groove Back

I don't know exactly what it is... But the Detroit Pistons routinely do what they aren't supposed to do in the NBA playoffs. In '04 they weren't supposed to beat the Lakers in the finals (especially not in 5 games), in '07 they weren't supposed to lose to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals- hell, they aren't even supposed to originally have been in the Eastern Conference Finals for the last 5 seasons. There are more examples of this.
So now, in '08, we are playing the young Philadelphia 76'ers in the first round. Philly is not considered to be one of the top tier Eastern Conference teams (#7 compared to the Pistons who are the #2 seed with the second best record in the league). But we are having a tough time with them, and of course that's not supposed to happen. But the 'Sixers are hungry, young and fast. And they are destroying the Pistons on fast breaks, hustle, aggression and offense in-the-paint I almost would have liked it better if the Pistons had squeaked into the playoffs and then my expectations would be a lot lower. But instead, we have every analyst, player and human being in front of an electronic voice-amplifying device spreading their opinions about how Detroit doesn't care, they are too relaxed, they aren't hungry, Flip Saunders resembles Huey Lewis (ok, they don't say that but Fisher and I do), etc. Even rejected former Piston and Detroit native Chris Webber has weighed in on the matter (see this article).
So what is a Pistons fan to do? My suggestion is to do like Chauncey does lately and don't even show up until the second half, if at all. Watching the first half is pretty frustrating in these playoffs, so just skip it. As a matter of fact, skip game 1 of the next series altogether if you are a Pistons fan. It will be beyond exasperating as you watch the Pistons relax strolling into the second round, cockily, to face another team they will underestimate, the Orlando Magic. I tested this theory on Sunday as spousal obligations prevented me from seeing the first half fiasco. I settled in to watch the second half comeback, without living any of the pain. I highly recommend it. And yes, I have skipped to the second round. We got this...

Pistons vs. 'Sixers Game 2

We went to the Palace of Auburn Hills last night for Game 2 of the first-round of the NBA playoffs. Luckily, Rip remembered that he can sink baskets and our man Maxiell really came alive and made a difference so we clobbered Philly like we are supposed to. Unluckily for the poor older woman at the game she was seated next to me, and those seats aren't too big. So I think I kind of cramped her style, as evidenced by the expression on her face. What are ya gonna do? My brother is blurred on the left.

Keak Da Sneak Feat. Prodigy & The Alchemist- That Go (Remix)

Check out our boy Al in Keak's new clip.

Springtime for Naomi in Soho

Out for a walk today on a balmy 75 degree Saturday afternoon, minding my own business... We were in the, dare I say, Euro-trashy section of W. Broadway near Downtown Cipriani when we spotted Naomi Campbell's doppelganger. This wasn't a photo shoot though, she just wanted to stand in the street talking to the super awesome dudes driving sports cars. You know, your normal typical scenario.
A few blocks ahead, the van pictured below eagerly stood... You know the Pope is in NYC today!

CBGB's Goes Varvatos

A few weeks ago, the world famous punk rock bar/club CBGB's was reopened as clothing designer John Varvatos's new LES boutique. I had a chance to go over there last weekend and snap a picture inside before I was (very politely) asked to not continue to do so. I know that CBGB's is sacred ground and that a ton of people were heartbroken and depressed by it's closing, and I knew there would be protest about it like this article in the New York Post. But I must say, given the spectrum of things that could have been put in there, and the very conscientious preservation effort that Varvatos undertook to pay homage to the club, people should really count their blessings. What would they prefer it became, a Starbucks or a Burger King? At least with what Varvatos did (keeping some original graffiti covered walls, bringing in vintage speakers, amps and instruments, and vintage rock photographs and posters) pays serious homage to the club's legacy. Sure, he sells high-price faux-aged denim, but so what? I think folks should reconsider and appreciate Varvatos's efforts just a bit, even if it is for a high-end retail commercial endeavor. Sure, be sad that the original classic is gone, but don't take it out on the guy trying to do the right thing.

Not 8 Mile

Shouts to AM and Sear for the link.

Tracy Morgan @ Caroline's

I am a huge Tracy Morgan fan. I've really enjoyed his brand of humor starting with his days on Saturday Night Live, followed by his stand up and subsequent 30 Rock success (let's just forget that The Tracy Morgan Show ever happened). On Saturday, myself and Mr. Dart Parker went to check out Tracy do his thing at Caroline's Comedy Club in NYC. We've both seen Tracy perform stand-up in person around a half-dozen times, mostly in NY and once in Detroit. One thing you have to know about Tracy's stand-up routine is that its super filthy. I'm not talking like Dice or Eddie Murphy raunchy, I mean like cringe-your-face-that's-so-gross-why-is-he-even-saying-that brand of filth. So it was even more entertaining when the family pictured here (Dad, Mom and Son) were assaulted for most of the show by Tracy. In part of the clip I posted you can see some of the jabs. But he spent a few minutes (which I don't have) explaining to the parents that their son spends most of his time masturbating in his room on the Internet and so he's used to all this filth. I'll save you the description of what Tracy said the poor kid's room smells like. The parents and the son were pretty good sports, though. I've seen people literally walk out because they were so disgusted by his bits. If you have the opportunity, definitely go check him out (as long as you aren't offended by graphic sex comedy). It's great, classic stuff from an underrated modern comic gem. (Thanks to Tracy and Yee for the tickets and drinks!)

The Knux- Sucker Free Blog 2

Here is Part 2 of The Knux on Mtv's Suckerfree Blog.

The Bird

With the slow start of the Detroit Tigers this season, I did some reminiscing on some of my former favorite Tigers teams and players. I don't think that anyone stands out in my mind more than Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. This guy was Rookie of the Year in 1976 and pulled the Tigers out of their 1975 league-worst record. But even more memorable was this dude's antics. He used to sweep the dirt around the mound and mold it with his hands, as well as talk to himself and the ball constantly in between pitches.
Check out this 1985 follow-up interview with The Bird well after his retirement. If you have the time, stay tuned until the end. Because just when you think that maybe the man is actually normal and he was just getting a bad rap, he starts going off about not being invited to be on Magnum P.I. with other Tigers star players. His bountiful Massachusetts accent is enough entertainment on it's own.

It's archived stuff like this that really makes YouTube incredible.