Have any of you guys ever heard of Pandora? For those of you that don't know (I'm being facetious here) Pandora is a website that provides user specific music play lists based on personal preferences. Because I'm a Hip-Hop snob I never really believed the site could randomly select songs that would satisfy my listening needs. I'm complex and overly critical when it comes to lyrics and beats. To my surprise Pandora is much more intuitive than I anticipated.
That being said Pandora has confirmed my belief that Hip-Hop has evolved into something I don't particularly care for. I don't say this because I don't respect the artists of today or appreciate and understand what they are trying to accomplish, I say this because I'm old. Hip-Hop has always catered to the youth and now that it is mainstream the target market is even less reflective of my listening preference. If I had a choice between listening to songs from the golden age of Hip-Hop or present day I'll take the golden age.
Pandora helps me cut out all of the riff raff, the rapping Dalmatians of the world. I can listen exclusively to legends and MC's with lyrics that are thought provoking. In addition I find myself liking songs I previously found boring or corny. My wisdom, experiences, and reflection make it easier to relate to the content. If I can find new songs from the past it creates an infinite catalog of music to sample.
Because my generation is the first to grow up with Hip-Hop everything that happens is trial and error. There's no frame of reference with regards to this demographic on this subject. Some of us will sound like grumpy old men sporting sweat suits and Versace shirts while others might be sitting front row at a Two Chainz concert. In the end it's good to have the option to stay in my lane. Thank you Pandora.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
5 Reasons Kevin Durant Will Be The Next Great Laker
After rolling out the red carpet, posting massive billboards all over town, and having present and future Hall of Famers cater to his ego the Lakers came up short in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. On the surface it seems like a horrible mistake and a void that won't easily be filled, but take it easy Laker Nation. All is not lost.
Now that the Dwightmare is over it's time to focus on the future. The next two years will be painful and embarrassing, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. A REAL superstar will make his way to town and become the face of the franchise. When the Lakers need a game changer they always seem to get one and the next in line will be arriving via Oklahoma City. Here are 5 reasons Kevin Durant will be the next great Laker.
1. Kevin Durant Wants To Play In A Big Market
You can only be a big fish in a small pond for so long. Eventually superstars need to test uncharted waters to find out what their true potential is from a popularity and financial perspective. Kevin Durant eluded to this when he announced he would be switching agents when his current contract expires.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z isn't going to let one of his biggest clients continue to play in a city that can't offer huge off the court endorsements and considerations. If the goal is to push the Kevin Duran brand to an iconic figure status Oklahoma City simply isn't the place for him.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has never fully embraced the role of being the 2nd option. Although both of them claim there is no issue with regards to this it's going to become a problem down the road. To make matters worse Durant couldn't get the Thunder out of the 2nd round of the playoffs this year which only gives more credence to Westbrook's position.
4. The Window Is Closed
No one could have expected the loss of James Harden to impact the Western Conference to this degree, but it has. The Thunder no longer have a 3rd scoring option and after losing Kevin Martin to free agency their depth is becoming a concern. OKC is not a big destination for free agents so they are more reliant on draft selections than most teams. They are no longer the best team in the West.
5. Tradition
It's hard to say no to the NBA logo, the greatest scorer in the history of the NBA, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jack Nicholson, and your childhood idol who was also your teammate on the last two Olympic teams. The pressure to become a Laker will be intense and the rewards far outweigh any second guessing or feelings of loyalty he may have about his decision. The opportunity to join Magic, Kobe, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Worthy, West, and Baylor as one of the great Lakers of all time is simply too much to pass up.
Now that the Dwightmare is over it's time to focus on the future. The next two years will be painful and embarrassing, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. A REAL superstar will make his way to town and become the face of the franchise. When the Lakers need a game changer they always seem to get one and the next in line will be arriving via Oklahoma City. Here are 5 reasons Kevin Durant will be the next great Laker.
1. Kevin Durant Wants To Play In A Big Market
You can only be a big fish in a small pond for so long. Eventually superstars need to test uncharted waters to find out what their true potential is from a popularity and financial perspective. Kevin Durant eluded to this when he announced he would be switching agents when his current contract expires.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z isn't going to let one of his biggest clients continue to play in a city that can't offer huge off the court endorsements and considerations. If the goal is to push the Kevin Duran brand to an iconic figure status Oklahoma City simply isn't the place for him.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has never fully embraced the role of being the 2nd option. Although both of them claim there is no issue with regards to this it's going to become a problem down the road. To make matters worse Durant couldn't get the Thunder out of the 2nd round of the playoffs this year which only gives more credence to Westbrook's position.
4. The Window Is Closed
No one could have expected the loss of James Harden to impact the Western Conference to this degree, but it has. The Thunder no longer have a 3rd scoring option and after losing Kevin Martin to free agency their depth is becoming a concern. OKC is not a big destination for free agents so they are more reliant on draft selections than most teams. They are no longer the best team in the West.
5. Tradition
It's hard to say no to the NBA logo, the greatest scorer in the history of the NBA, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jack Nicholson, and your childhood idol who was also your teammate on the last two Olympic teams. The pressure to become a Laker will be intense and the rewards far outweigh any second guessing or feelings of loyalty he may have about his decision. The opportunity to join Magic, Kobe, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Worthy, West, and Baylor as one of the great Lakers of all time is simply too much to pass up.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Weekend Observations
After Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer lost in the early rounds of Wimbledon this year I fully expected Novak Djokovic to pick up another Grand Slam title. Little did I know Andy Murray would find a way to control his emotions and play some of the best tennis of his career. Murray became the first Englishmen since Fred Perry in 1936 to win Wimbledon by dismantling Djokovic in straight sets 6-4,7-5,6-4. Most of the experts (including myself) have overlooked Murray when projecting who will be the sports next dominant player, but he has beaten Djokovic in two consecutive Grand Slam finals and is the defending champion going into the 2013 US Open. Now that he's been able to win the big one on his native soil his game could soar to higher heights. I still got Nadal as the player to beat when he's healthy, but Murray's definitely in the conversation. Congrats to Andy. Here are some observations over the weekend.
I never thought I would say this, but Anderson "Spiderman" Silva got the snot piss kicked out of him on Saturday. I didn't think he was capable of losing a fight let alone getting knocked the fu*k out like D-Bo in Friday. I still think he's the best fighter in his division though. Am I in denial?
Yasiel Puig deserves to be an all star. Not because of the numbers he puts up, but because of the excitement he brings to the game. MLB desperately needs players that draw attention to the sport so letting Puig in the all star game was a wise decision.
Max Scherzer is 13-0 with a 3.09 ERA and he's not even the Tigers best pitcher (That's still Justin Verlander). With the reigning AL MVP in Miguel Cabrera and starting pitching that rivals anyone in baseball I'm starting to think the Tigers will be back in the World Series this year.
Dwight Howard's departure to Houston will hurt the Los Angeles Lakers short term, but in the long run they will be better off. In three years time when a REAL superstar comes to town Laker Nation will forget all about this temporary setback. More on this tomorrow.
I never thought I would say this, but Anderson "Spiderman" Silva got the snot piss kicked out of him on Saturday. I didn't think he was capable of losing a fight let alone getting knocked the fu*k out like D-Bo in Friday. I still think he's the best fighter in his division though. Am I in denial?
Yasiel Puig deserves to be an all star. Not because of the numbers he puts up, but because of the excitement he brings to the game. MLB desperately needs players that draw attention to the sport so letting Puig in the all star game was a wise decision.
Max Scherzer is 13-0 with a 3.09 ERA and he's not even the Tigers best pitcher (That's still Justin Verlander). With the reigning AL MVP in Miguel Cabrera and starting pitching that rivals anyone in baseball I'm starting to think the Tigers will be back in the World Series this year.
Dwight Howard's departure to Houston will hurt the Los Angeles Lakers short term, but in the long run they will be better off. In three years time when a REAL superstar comes to town Laker Nation will forget all about this temporary setback. More on this tomorrow.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Was The Brian Runge Firing A Wake Up Call For Professional Sports?
The job of an umpire or referee in professional sports is to maintain the integrity of the game. It is their responsibility to make sure no team has an unfair advantage and everyone is playing by the same set of rules. Although sports fans don't always agree with every call umps and refs make there is an assumption they are judging the games with a sound mind and free of personal bias. It appears as sports fans we have been somewhat naïve.
Longtime MLB umpire Brian Runge was fired recently for failing a drug test. It wasn't released what the drug was, but what if it was some mind altering hallucinogen? Since Runge has called 3 no hitters in his career and Philip Humber's perfect game last year should we question their legitimacy? Was the strike zone expanded during those games? Did the batters have a fair chance? Should we assume all of the bad call he's made over the years are a result of drug use?
Personally, I don't care if the guy was taking steroids to help with a nagging knee injury or using deer antler spray for a sore elbow, but if it was shrooms, crystal meth, or Oxycontin I'm a little concerned. Runge is a 3rd generation umpire so I'm almost willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, Vegas hasn't hit the panic button just yet and they are the ultimate barometer of these things. With billions of dollars exchanging hands they can't afford to have any funny business going on with the umps and refs.
It's probably asking too much, but baseball should break its privacy rule and tell the public what Runge tested positive for. With a job description predicated on split second decisions it's better to know if someone's personal habits are affecting the outcome of games and changing the course of history.
Longtime MLB umpire Brian Runge was fired recently for failing a drug test. It wasn't released what the drug was, but what if it was some mind altering hallucinogen? Since Runge has called 3 no hitters in his career and Philip Humber's perfect game last year should we question their legitimacy? Was the strike zone expanded during those games? Did the batters have a fair chance? Should we assume all of the bad call he's made over the years are a result of drug use?
Personally, I don't care if the guy was taking steroids to help with a nagging knee injury or using deer antler spray for a sore elbow, but if it was shrooms, crystal meth, or Oxycontin I'm a little concerned. Runge is a 3rd generation umpire so I'm almost willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, Vegas hasn't hit the panic button just yet and they are the ultimate barometer of these things. With billions of dollars exchanging hands they can't afford to have any funny business going on with the umps and refs.
It's probably asking too much, but baseball should break its privacy rule and tell the public what Runge tested positive for. With a job description predicated on split second decisions it's better to know if someone's personal habits are affecting the outcome of games and changing the course of history.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
The 206 Is Always The Bridesmaid
It seems like the new trend in professional sports is to use Seattle as the ultimate leveraging point. Teams use the threat of relocating to the 206 as a tool to get what they want. The city of Glendale recently agreed to terms on a 15 year lease that will keep the NHL Coyotes in Phoenix and Sacramento severely overpaid to keep the Kings in town spoiling Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer's plan to bring back the Sonics. Why is this tactic so effective?
It's the money and the market. Seattle has several fortune 500 companies that generate large amounts of revenue and insulate the economy. Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Costco, and Nordstrom are all headquartered in the Emerald city and they are loyal to the community (except Howard Schultz). Finding someone with the resources to purchase a franchise is no problem.
Secondly, Seattle is the 12th largest media market. Leagues that don't have a presence here are looking at ways to take advantage of that. Unfortunately other cities realize this and end up doing whatever it takes to keep their teams from moving to the greener grass.
Right now Seattle is feeling like a jilted stripper or a mistress whose heard too many empty promises from a cheating husband. We're the exotic flavor of the month or the new hot spot everyone talks about, but never the city that ends up with the goods. I don't know what it's going to take for a team to commit to the area, but I can tell you the process has been emotionally draining for Seattle sports fans. The 11th hour is not just a phrase around these parts, it's a recurring nightmare. Hopefully this trend is over soon because it's starting to take a toll on my psyche. Good thing football is around the corner. Go Hawks!
It's the money and the market. Seattle has several fortune 500 companies that generate large amounts of revenue and insulate the economy. Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Costco, and Nordstrom are all headquartered in the Emerald city and they are loyal to the community (except Howard Schultz). Finding someone with the resources to purchase a franchise is no problem.
Secondly, Seattle is the 12th largest media market. Leagues that don't have a presence here are looking at ways to take advantage of that. Unfortunately other cities realize this and end up doing whatever it takes to keep their teams from moving to the greener grass.
Right now Seattle is feeling like a jilted stripper or a mistress whose heard too many empty promises from a cheating husband. We're the exotic flavor of the month or the new hot spot everyone talks about, but never the city that ends up with the goods. I don't know what it's going to take for a team to commit to the area, but I can tell you the process has been emotionally draining for Seattle sports fans. The 11th hour is not just a phrase around these parts, it's a recurring nightmare. Hopefully this trend is over soon because it's starting to take a toll on my psyche. Good thing football is around the corner. Go Hawks!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Is The NHL Ready For A Little Color?
The NHL is the last major North American sport not to have a significant minority presence, but this year's draft could change that. With the 4th pick the Nashville Predators selected Seth Jones and with the 7th pick the Edmonton Oilers selected Darnell Nurse. Both Jones and Nurse are African American. Hockey has a handful of minority players at present, but no one that really impacts the game on a nightly basis. Is the NHL ready to embrace a superstar of color?
As much as I want to say yes, I have my doubts. At a time when the country has become more progressive and sensitive with regards to racial issues hockey has had some problems. There was a banana throwing incident in Toronto a few years back and Washington Capitals player Joel Ward received death threats after scoring the winning goal in a playoff game last year. I don't think two players can change the mindset of fans overnight.
That being said I also understand winning cures all things. If Jones and Nurse lead their teams to Stanley Cup contention it is unlikely they will be the target of ignorant comments, gestures, and slurs. Like with anything it could be a few bad apples spoiling it for everyone else and giving the impression negative attitudes are much more prevalent than they really are. I like hockey so I'm hoping Nurse and Jones have a smooth transition into the NHL spotlight. Your thoughts?
As much as I want to say yes, I have my doubts. At a time when the country has become more progressive and sensitive with regards to racial issues hockey has had some problems. There was a banana throwing incident in Toronto a few years back and Washington Capitals player Joel Ward received death threats after scoring the winning goal in a playoff game last year. I don't think two players can change the mindset of fans overnight.
That being said I also understand winning cures all things. If Jones and Nurse lead their teams to Stanley Cup contention it is unlikely they will be the target of ignorant comments, gestures, and slurs. Like with anything it could be a few bad apples spoiling it for everyone else and giving the impression negative attitudes are much more prevalent than they really are. I like hockey so I'm hoping Nurse and Jones have a smooth transition into the NHL spotlight. Your thoughts?
Monday, July 1, 2013
Weekend Observations
NBA free agency is officially upon us and the main topic of discussion is where Dwight Howard will end up. Although Howard had a sub par season last year Houston, Dallas, Golden St., Atlanta, and Los Angeles are all on bended knee begging for the opportunity to retain his services. The NBA is severely lacking quality big men and most of the "franchise" caliber players are spoken for, but does Dwight Howard deserve this much attention? Wasn't last season a total disaster? Wasn't he exposed as a player that's mentally weak and physically questionable? At his best Dwight Howard can be a dominant figure that gets you 20 and 12 every night. At his worst he's a moody goofball that becomes a distraction and a malcontent. If I had to handicap where Dwight will end up I'd say he'll end up in the ATL. They can give him big money, there's little or no pressure to perform at a championship level, and he'll be the biggest star on the team. A perfect environment for Dwight to excel in. Here are some observations over the weekend.
Two African Americans were taken in the top 10 of the 2013 NHL draft. Cedric the Entertainer's skit from the Kings of Comedy is coming to life. I wonder if this will be a turning point for the sport. More on this tomorrow.
Chris Davis is going ballistic in Baltimore. At present he is batting .332 with 31 home runs and 80 RBI's before the all star break. If he keep this pace up he could put up numbers we haven't seen since Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are the first team in the majors to reach 50 wins. Although they have great pitching and plenty of talented players I can't help but think they're going to choke down the stretch. They have been in this position for the last few years, but they never get over the hump.
Two African Americans were taken in the top 10 of the 2013 NHL draft. Cedric the Entertainer's skit from the Kings of Comedy is coming to life. I wonder if this will be a turning point for the sport. More on this tomorrow.
Chris Davis is going ballistic in Baltimore. At present he is batting .332 with 31 home runs and 80 RBI's before the all star break. If he keep this pace up he could put up numbers we haven't seen since Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are the first team in the majors to reach 50 wins. Although they have great pitching and plenty of talented players I can't help but think they're going to choke down the stretch. They have been in this position for the last few years, but they never get over the hump.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)