Grab Bag Fridays: It's About Time!

(1 Cent): Guess Who's Bizack!

I know, I know. A week late. I'm sorry to disappoint all two of my readers. Nevertheless, I'm back for the time being, so let's get to things.

There's so much to cover, I don't even know where to begin. I've purchased about 3 or 4 new CD's ... there have been 2 or 3 games that have passed by in my fantasy league ... the "brawl" in New York between the Knicks and the Denver Nuggets ... one of the best guards of all time, Allen Iverson, being traded to the said Nuggets for an average point guard, an expiring contract player who couldn't take me one-on-one, two late first round picks in the 2007 draft, and 14 pounds of meat (okay, I made that one up, but some soccer player in Europe did get traded for 33 pounds of meat ... how do you look your wife in the eyes again? How?) ... more pet peeves that I forgot I had ... some reader's comments ... and more!

First off, I'd like to give a rough outline of what things will be starting on January 1st, 2007. Although banks and other places are closed, I will be posting on New Year's. Yes sir! Starting off the new year right! Also, since my class for school has concluded, I will have more time to write ... but am still thinking about keeping the same schedule -- 3 times a week -- and just making more quality articles. What do you think?

Remember a couple of months back when I said that I was planning to apply for graduate school? Well, yes, that was the purpose of the class that I just took as a post-bacc. So, I had concluded the class ... did decent on my final paper to turn in with the graduate application ... had two of my three professors for a recommendation ... and then yesterday I took the GRE (General Records Examination). I think they should change the acronym to Great Reaming En-yo'-arse! So, before the real thing, I took a couple of practice exams ... one I did extremely well and the others I did so-so. Well, the real thing I did yesterday didn't seem too difficult while taking it. It starts off with the writing part (a 40-minute essay and then a 30-minute critique of a statement), then has the verbal section, and then the math section. Also, what I didn't know, it had another section that was some sort of *bonus* section, where it stated the GRE people were testing out these new types of questions and it made you do them ... but if you did well (i.e., you were in the top 100) you could receive a $250 check in the mail. I love bonus rounds ... except when they're at the tail end of a 3 hour test.

Anyway, so I won't look too pitiful, let's just say that I scored 100 points higher on the math section than the verbal. Yes, that was read correctly. I scored higher on the math section than the verbal section. Other than thinking to myself, "WTF?!?!", these things sped through my mind:

-- Was there a scoring error?

-- Has this ever happened before in academic history? (A person with a degree in English scoring higher in the math section than the verbal).

-- Who's throat do I punch?

-- I didn't even study for the math section ... I haven't even done a math question since 1999 ... I guessed on the entire section and completed it in like 15 minutes ... how, in all of God's green goodness, did I score higher on the math section!?!?!

-- Don't write any of this in your blog!

-- Should I now apply to some math oriented graduate program?

-- Where's a kitten to punt off a bridge when you need one?

-- The next time I want to get boned for $130.00, I'll go to Vegas -- at least there I will have attention grabbing lights, it will last longer than 3 hours, and I'll have a smile afterwards.

-- I'm a moron!

-- Which Greek god did I piss off this time?

Of course, there were some other thoughts that went through my mind, but I'll spare you and the FCC the details. But, for real, all kidding aside ... how could this happen? Is there a parallel event that I can compare this to?

Now, I'm left to pursuing other ventures such as freelance work ... uh ... my lil' book idea (hey, if Bill Simmons can do it, then so can I) ... hmmm ... haven't really thought about it. I'm still in shock from yesterday. Pray that I'll recover from this and bounce back like Amare Stoudemire and not Vin Baker.

So, there it is. Bask in the glory of my misery ... just remember one thing: I. Did. Not. Cry.

(2 Cent): Random Rewind

Instead of trying to write a ton of columns or 'cents', I figured it would be more time efficient to just give a thought here and there in one 'cent' to the many happenings and topics that are relevant (to me) ... yes, the quality articles start in '07:

Looking back, I should have scored DMX's album a little lower than an 8. Quoting myself, "I don't know if I like it more because it X-ceeded X-pectations ...." Well, maybe that was the case. Plus, this became more clear after I heard NaS' new album Hip Hop Is Dead. I will give the review for that next week (but to give a little sample of what it will be ... it gets my vote for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year). I think we should be satisfied with a score of 7 out of 10 for X. Still above average, but not in the upper echelon.

I have a couple of pet peeves that I was reminded of because of the holiday season ... even though it will be "late" I will save it for this Thursday on January 4th, 2007. Remember to send in yours! I don't know if I have another year's worth of pet peeves in me ... or do I?

Concerning the Knicks/Nuggets NBA fight ... I don't think it was that big of a deal. The biggest thing that concerned me was Carmelo Anthony -- from the mean projects of Baltimore, MD -- after he laid down a weak haymaker punch to a Knick player, started backpedaling across the entire basketball court. Weak sauce! It seems that he tries to have this persona and say he comes from a rough neighborhood ... he's all tatted up ... he's 6'9" and pretty filled out ... and he backpedals away from Jered Jefferies? The guy he didn't even punch? C'mon, 'Melo. You lost some respect from me. Hopefully, now that Allen Iverson is there, you'll toughen up. By the way things went down, I'd take the 5'11" A.I. over you in a fight any day.

To spare you many details, just know the Busdrivers VI (fantasy basketball team) is on a nice little 3 game winning streak, while being ahead this week by the score of 326.5 to 223. We're playing one of the three teams that have a 7-1 record. Our record is now 6-2, soon to be 7-2 (yes, I count all my chickies before they hatch). Next week, we're playing the team that had the owner quit (i.e., when he found out he couldn't choose his own players because of the CBS Sportsline mishap, he just up and quit ... and left his team for dead by starting retired Keith Van Horn, injured for the year Kenyon Martin, and leaving quality center Andrew Bogut and point guard Mike Bibby on his bench). Basically, next week I could field just 7 players (instead of 10) and still win big. Maybe I'll bench Kobe and Wade just to make it interesting ....

I don't know what to think of my Lakers so far ... starting two weeks ago, we beat the San Antonio Spurs ... the next game we lose Lamar Odom to a knee injury for at least 6 weeks ... we beat the Houston Rockets twice ... give up 60 points to Gilbert Arenas and lose to the Wiz ... get embarrassed on Christmas day by the Miami Heat ... beat New Jersey and Orlando on the road ... I just don't know. I suppose I'll never know how good they can be until Odom returns AND works himself back into All-Star shape -- because that's what he was playing like before the injury. You're in my prayers, Odom!

I hate snow ... I keep "almost falling" by slipping around like I was Bambi trying to walk for the first time. Then you have to shovel it off your porch ... off your car windshield ... just not cool.

I thought I had more interesting things to say ... I swear I had some during the past three weeks ... I need to write them down as I think of them from now on. That's one of my New Year's Rez's.

(1/2 Cent): Some Reader Feedback ... Sum It All Up

A couple of you were kind enough to post a question or comment ... thanks for that. Here they are:

Q: "The Blue Bombers made a good decision signing Randy Wolf. I think he's really underrated and can flat-out dominate when healthy. I had him on a fantasy team a few years ago when he was nearly untouchable, and he racked up the wins on a really bad Phillies team. If he can stay healthy that 1-2-3 Penny/Schmidt/Wolf trifecta will be really good." -- ax9

HCP: I agree. But don't sleep on Derek Lowe, either. He's an above average pitcher, too. I think this is the most excited I've been for a Dodgers season since we had Raul Mondesi, Mike Piazza, and Eric Karros hitting 3-4-5.

Q: "Here's a link that I found interesting that talks about "slacktivism" http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.htm I thought it was interesting and very poignant. In fact I feel inspired to change the way things are. If you are reading this add your signature to it and forward it to all of the people in your address book. Once we get 100,000 signatures we can submit it to congress and get a law against slacktivism passed! Down with slacktivism!" -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: Ha ... funny comment (you'll get the humor if you read the link). It's also funny that I have never heard of "slacktivism" (maybe that's why I didn't do too hot on the verbal section of the GRE) ... but it looks like this article was written some time in 2002. I'd say that this still holds some truth today. Good comment.

So, another person posted a comment/question ... which I found interesting (I edited the names out):

Q: "Hi. My name is Eugene _______. Perhaps we have met online, but more probably you don't know me from Adam. I monitor blogs for _________, and came across your post. I'd like to welcome you to look at __________'s blog. _______ - an anonymous Israeli politician - writes extremely controversial articles about Israel, the Middle East politics, and terrorism. ______ is equally critical of Jewish and Muslim myths, and advocates political rationalism instead of moralizing. Google banned our site from the AdWords, Yahoo blocked most pages, and Amazon deleted all reviews of _____'s book, ________: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict. Nevertheless, 170,000 people from 78 countries read the book."

HCP: So, basically this was kinda weird. I don't like the part where he states that we met online, because that's a straight up lie. When am I "online"? Also, if dude was banned from Google, Yahoo, and Amazon, then obviously something was a little too extreme. I left out his blog's name too and will not link it. Why would I want to risk getting banned as well? Plus, I'm not that much of a fan of arguing about politics, the Middle East, and all that jazz. If you have read any of the articles of Two And A Half Cents, then you'd know this is no where near a political platform. So, Eugene, no offense, but I think I'm going to leave this alone.

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Well, we're two days away from the New Year ... I hope everyone will have a safe night and ring in the new year with a bang! We'll be back on the 1st of January with Spmusic Monday. Good to be back!

HCP

Holiday Hangover!

**Special Note**

Okay, so I'm not hungover ... I just didn't get around to writing a Grab Bag Friday on the 22nd like I wanted to. Since yesterday (Monday) was Christmas, I didn't get around to a Spmusic Monday, either (which wasn't planned anyway).

After this Thursday passes (the 28th), I will be done with the GRE and be pretty much ready to go back to normal writing, starting with a special Grab Bag Friday, concluding 2006 and getting ready for 2007.

I promise (to all 2 of my readers) that there will be a new post Friday the 29th! Check it out!


HCP

Spmusic Monday: Re-Up and Wind-Down

(1 Cent): LA-LA Land!

It looks as though the Dodgers organization wasn't satisfied with only making the playoffs last year ... as they look to not only make it again in 2007 but actually win a playoff series or two. Which is good to me.

The most notable acquisitions that have been made thus far are:

-- SP Jason Schmidt: former San Francisco Giants ace pitcher and all star, he now joins our ace/all star pitcher Brad Penny ... very nice 1-2 combo ... Jason had a 3.59 ERA and an 11-9 W-L record, which should have been A LOT better but the Giants didn't give him ANY run support (i.e. in his 9 losses, here's how many runs the Giants scored for him: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 8, 1, and 3 ... and on the game where they scored 8, Jason only gave up 4 runs while the team lost 13-8) ... basically, he was 'Schmidted' on ... honestly, he could've gone 20-1 if his team could've scored some runs ... the Dodgers were 2nd in runs in the NL last year ... can you say Cy Young? ... I can't wait to keep on saying "Schmidt happens!" next year ... shoot, I'll start this year! Schmidt happens!!!

-- CF Juan Pierre: former Chicago Cub outfielder had batted .292 with 3 HR's, 40 RBI's, but most importantly 202 hits and 58 (!) stolen bases ... maybe even more important, during the past 4 baseball seasons he is tied for 1st in total games played (648), 3rd in hits (810), 2nd in triples (45), and 1st in steals (225) -- stats from ESPN.com ... he's a great defensive outfielder (because of speed, not so much the arm) and is always on base or stealing them ... can you imagine the 1-2 combo of Rafael Furcal and J.P. at the top of the line-up? I'm giddy all over again!

-- SP Randy Wolf: former Philidelphia Phillies pitcher who came back late last season after some elbow surgery ... didn't have the best ERA in the world at 5.56 (!) but was 4-0 ... how? They scored runs for him ... plus, he's had all this time to rest, will have training camp and preseason, and there's no reason why he couldn't return to his career average of a 4.21 ERA ... just a solid rotation guy who'll eat innings and is a lefty... which is good enough for me.

-- LF Luis Gonzalez: former Arizona Diamondback whom I'm not sure why we signed (although it was just a 1 year deal, but $7 million? Goo!) ... he wasn't terrible, but wasn't spectacular, having a .271 BA with 15 HR's and 73 RBI's ... an average player that doesn't miss many games ... but what gets me about this deal is that the man just turned 39 years old in September while we had a good outfield without him already (projected: CF Juan Pierre, RF Matt Kemp, and LF Andre Either ... with Jayson Werth and Jason Repko being just as good as Kemp and Either AND 2B/OF Marlon Anderson on the team still) ... why did we need Gonzo? Do we not trust our super young OF? I need answers ....

Overall, though, as a Dodgers fan I am excited about the free agent signings (and the extension of Nomar Garciaparra). If they can all stay healthy (which history has shown to be a BIG if, with all stars Nomar and Jeff Kent -- and newly departed RF J.D. Drew and closer Eric Gagne -- missing a lot of time) then they have a shot to make some noise. I like noise.

(2 Cent): The Re-Up!

As you might have guessed, this week's album review is entitled Eminem Presents The Re-Up and it is pretty darn good. There are 22 tracks (which for me always makes your rating go up unless they absolutely suck) which have a ton of great new beats (from Eminem himself and a new producer -- at least to me -- called The Alchemist ... and one from Dr. Dre), some old beats with new raps on them (i.e. "Pistol, Pistol" remix with Obie Trice) and some remixes entirely (i.e. "Ski Mask Way" with 50 Cent).

This CD is basically Eminem putting out a couple of radio smash hits, letting some old friends do some tracks (50 Cent and Lloyd Banks from G-Unit, D-12, and Obie Trice from his label), and bringing to light some of his new friends (Stat Quo, Cashis, Bobby Creekwater). The original crew brings their usual heat and his new guys have some game in this rap thing, too. Each new artist has a unique voice and have a good flow ... I'm sure rapping over Em's beats doesn't hurt either.

I didn't know what to expect, but since Em was the producer, I knew it had to be no less than average ... and I was right. Although there are a couple of tracks that sound almost instrumental if you buy the radio edit version, this is still a good buy with a lot of variety and 3 can't miss tracks in a row with Em and 50 (tracks 6, 7, and 8 ... more on that below). I won't put "Jimmy Crack Corn" with Em and 50 in my Fav Five because it's been on the radio, but know it is one of the best tracks on there. I give the CD an overall 8.5 out of 10. The CD is capable of just listening all the way through.

**Fav Five**

1) Track 6, "The Re-Up" (Eminem with 50 Cent): It's been my experience that albums with a song entitled the same as the CD have been bad (i.e. below average) ... this is the exception ... this is a sweet beat that Em and 50 do wonders on ... the bass with 50 in the background are exceptional ... both verses of their rap have great flow ... I'll never get tired of this song ... boom, boom, chop!

2) Track 7, "You Don't Know" (50 Cent with Eminem, Lloyd Banks & Cashis): There was a roomer that this song has a video ... I've yet to see it (or hear it on the radio) ... either way, this song is a great song with a hardcore ridin'/clubish beat ... great rhymes from all involved ... catchy hook from 50.

3) Track Track 18, "Get Low" (Performed by Stat Quo): This is the only beat from Dr. Dre, but it doesn't disappoint ... Stat Quo does his thing on here (if that name sounds familiar, try checking out the soundtrack of the video game NBA Live 06) ... think of a remix of the "Outta Control" remix (by 50 Cent and Mobb Deep).

4) Track 22, "No Apologies" (Performed by Eminem): This is one of those Em classics that divulge some of the deeper feelings that is going on with him inside ... this has a similar feel to it that "The Way I Am" and "Cleaning Out My Closet" had ... and a similar use of a digitized string instrument that Dre and Em have made famous.

5) Track 16, "Smack That" (Remix) (Akon featuring Stat Quo & Bobby Creekwater): The original version of this song appears on Akon's CD that just came out (Konvicted) which features and is produced by Eminem ... this version is produced by Akon and has a smoother, less club feel to it and features two of the "new guys" ... I'm glad that they didn't use the same beat to just add the new raps to it ... Akon even has new lyrics but keeps the "classic" hook.

(1/2 Cent): Next Victim!

Okay, so the Busdrivers team finally puts out a squad that can score and we dirtied up the opposition. This was also overcoming a sprained ankle by Kobe in a game early last week (which stunted his week's overall output, but still was above average). Methinks that this is the kind of scoring I can come to expect if everyone stays healthy.

We are 2nd in the league in overall scoring -- trailing the leader by less than 5 fantasy points (FP's). Overall, I'm happy with the way the players from my team (it's easier to say "my" than "our" team and having to explain why I'm talking collectively -- just know that J.H. and I are co-owners). When I don't have to complain about the Fred Jones' of the world, it makes for shorter columns. I guess that's a good thing.

The team we play this week scored a whopping 208 FP's (yes, for those following along, that is sarcasm) so we should have no trouble winning again. Of course, stranger things have happened and so I won't rule out anything. But, if I was a gambling man in Vegas, I would totally double down right ... now.

Week 6: W - 329.25 to 252 ... W-L Record: 4-2 (Second in division, fifth in the league)

*Note: Top 4 teams make it to the playoffs (i.e. the 3 division winners and then the next best record of the remaining teams)*

Week 6 Fantasy Stud: Dwayne Wade (G, MIA): 54.67 FP's

Week 6 Fantasy Dud: No one in particular who started ... perhaps my worst bench player, Nick Collison (F, SEA): 15.67 ... but remember, that is 3 times more FP's than Fred Jones scored last week for me ... and I dropped Nick for Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell ... and no, I won't stop mentioning Fred Jones.

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For "S&G's", I wanted to compare the order of the first 12 picks of our draft to their fantasy point average (FPA). Here's what follows:

1st Pick: LeBron James, F - CLE
2nd Pick: Dirk Nowitski, F - DAL
3rd Pick: Kevin Garnett, F - MIN
4th Pick: Kobe Bryant, G - LAL
5th Pick: Dwayne Wade, G - MIA (Busdrivers' pick)
6th Pick: Steve Nash, G - PHO
7th Pick: Gilbert Arenas, G - WAS
8th Pick: Allen Iverson, G - PHI
9th Pick: Carmelo Anthony, F - DEN
10th Pick: Shawn Marion, F - PHO
11th Pick: Baron Davis, G - GS
12th Pick: Tim Duncan, F - SA

Now, in descending order of FPA per week:

1) Wade: 47.4
2) James: 46.6
3) Iverson: 46.3
4) Nash: 43.9
5) Arenas: 42.5
6) Garnett: 42.2
7) Anthony: 42.1
8) Davis: 40.8
9) Nowitzki: 39.6
10) Duncan: 38.3
11) Bryant: 38.2
12) Marion: 35

My observations: with the 5th pick, so far we have the best fantasy scorer in the league ... for a #2 pick, Nowitzki hasn't been doing enough (fantasy-wise) to justify it ... Iverson is a beast and won't slow down (well, if he gets a new team ... because he's done in Philly) ... if you average the past 4 weeks (the NBA has played 6 weeks) where Kobe was getting back to playing shape and testing his surgically repaired knee, he's averaged 41.25 FP's (and that's including his game where he sprained his ankle and averaged only 36 FP's) ... Jason Kidd (our G from NJ) is averaging 39.7 FP's thus far and Zach Randolph (our F from POR) is averaging 37.4 ... both worthy numbers of a Top 12 pick ... oh, yeah, I like Busdrivers version VI.

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This will be the last entry for the week ... with Two And A Half Cents returning to action on December 21st for Pet Peeve Thursday. I have a busy two weeks ahead of me (as I'm sure most of you do as well). Thanks for reading. Feel free to still post comments and questions by clicking the Comments link below or writing to HCP207@gmail.com ... I'll be collecting them for the Grab Bag Friday on the 22nd.

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: Burned Rubber

(1 Cent): You Talk, I Talk, We Talk

Thanks for the questions (especially Crash) ... let's get to it.

Q: "Did you ever wonder why they print money green?" -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: Actually, I have never wondered why they print money green ... until now. Hmm. Let me think about that for a second. Isn't green the color of being horny? Money makes me horny. It's perfect!

Okay, just kidding. But, seriously ... didn't it have to do with it being harder to counterfeit? Let's let our friend Google answer this for us. (Searching).

Ahh, the first result from my keyword search of "why is money printed green" answers our question. Thanks, Googs.

http://www.moneyfactory.gov/document.cfm/18/108

After skimming the article, it basically has to do with the old school ink they used in trying to lessen counterfeits and tradition. Go fig.

Q: "What's the HCP stance on the new Jay-Z album? I've heard mixed reviews on this one, what's the truth? Also, high hopes for Nas' new one later this month, or no?" -- Jamz

HCP: (Note: this question was posted before I wrote my review for Jay-Z's album Kingdom Come on Spmusic Monday 4 days ago). Jamz, you can go and read the review I posted, but will ellaborate a little more for you here.

I suppose you can say that Jay's lyrical abilities are always good ... and you get that here. After having some more time to listen to it, I still think the best songs come at the end because they're uniquely great. I guess I'll give it a mixed review in and of itself ... meaning, it is a good and bad CD. I'm not really feeling the first 3-4 songs (all produced by Just Blaze ... which is odd, because he's been putting out some good singles lately -- i.e. Diddy's "The Future" on Press Play); they all sound really similar and are just not catchy enough or don't have that unique quality where you think "I can listen to this over and over." A couple of the latter songs, though, produced by Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, and Chris Martin are those types of songs. So, unless you're a huge Jay-Z fan, you're better off just buying about 4-5 singles off of iTunes or something. Personally, I'd still buy it again, knowing what I know now, because it's still an above average CD ... but it just wasn't anything spectacular -- especially with this being Jay's "comeback" CD.

As for NaS' new CD ... I do have high hopes. I've been a big fan of NaS as an artist, lyrically. Some times on his CD's, though, he'd get stuck with the same types of beats and it made for only average listening (see: album before God's Son). But, since he merged with Jay-Z (and Rocafella?) and has that radio/video hit entitled something like "Hip Hop Is Dead", it seems like my expectations are even higher. But, keeping in mind the overall quality of Jay-Z's last album, I wouldn't be surpised if it gives me the same feeling -- a couple of really good hits with too much filler for a "superstar" rapper. Time will tell.

Q: "http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/11/27/ps3_problems/ Talks about over heating and some other problems. Though they do seem to exist they sure aren't documented very well." -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: (Note: this is in response to last week's grab bag ... referring to the PS3 and XBox 360 debate). So, yeah, that article does say it burns up ... but it doesn't really have a real author (it only says "From The Web" and has a link to some comment area) nor does it say where, when, etcetera, that I find important for reading reviews on tech products. Again, I'm not saying that it doesn't happen. Although, things like this make me want to wait for the 2nd and 3rd generation of the PS3's to come out even more ... you should always wait to buy things like this, so it gives the company time to fix all those bugs and whatnot. Thanks for the link.

(2 Cent): You Talk, I Talk, We Talk (Part 2)

Since this next question/comment is lengthy (with my response to it most likely being so as well) I decided to give it its own 'cent.' Feel proud.

Q: "2 Comments actually... 1. Though I can understand how a dream might make you feel a little weird after waking up, my irk is that people dwell on that and let their whole day be governed by how that dream made them feel. "It was a dream... GETOVERIT!" Some believe that dreams can tell a lot about your inner feelings or even give you clues about the future. I say if you have to look into your dreams to understand how your feeling you might as well go to a Gypsy/Fortune Teller and pay $20 to get thier prognosis. (It's better for the economy that way...) I seriously don't think that an 8 foot purple canary attacking me and Abe Lincoln on a space station made of marshmallow and caramel while Saturn tap dances to a slow waltz is going to help me understand how I'm feeling inside. In fact... it was scary and I'd rather not think about it........

2. That phone number sounds like some stupid prank trying to get people to go to the website. Watch out for posible virus attackes or "phishing" The only thing though is that they'd have to pay for the 1-800 number so if they aren't gaining anything from it then... Wha? Unless it's just trying to vamp up traffic to the site to try and impress an advertiser... no... It could be just a joke.

Have you ever heard of the person that was walking down the sidewalk next to a tall wooden fence. On the other side they heard voices chanting 12, 12, 12, 12, but couldn't see anything over the fence. They looked around and finally found a small knot-hole to look through. As soon as they put their eye up to it a stick poked them in the eye and the voices on the other side of the fence started chanting 13, 13, 13, 13...." -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: Yes, I agree that dreams are just that -- dreams. Of course, don't tell that to MLK. I mean, you hear every now and then that some people have dreams that come true, or they let them in on the future, but come now ... they should'nt "govern" your day, as you said (unless you're Adam Sandler in the movie Click ... then it should govern your day and life because his dream was crazy intricate. Good times).

About your second part of the comment ... it wasn't the 1-800's website (note: read yesterday's Pet Peeve, '1/2 Cent' to know what this conversation is about) ... it was a search engine that looked up different types of phone numbers to see where they came from. Apparently, a lot of people (something like a half million) were getting calls from the number and were commenting what they knew about it. It's some telemarketing number from (possibly) HSBC (Household Bank). I hope it's not some type of scam ... that's why I always use a junkmail account and my work number for things. Ha.

Uhm, the story you related about the 12's and the 13's ... I can't say that I've heard it before. Dare I ask: is there a moral to that story?

(1/2 Cent): School Boy

Here's the deal. I have one week from today to finish my final paper for class. I then have the final exam for the same class on the 19th. I am signed up to take the GRE on the 28th, which leaves less than 3 weeks to prepare. Also, I'll need to work on my Letter of Intent and find a 3rd person for a Letter of Recommendation (to have everything I need for my application into graduate school). The deadline is the 15th of January, 2007. Oh, yeah, there's Christmas somewhere in all of that as well.

I'm debating with myself when I'll need to hold up on the blog entries so I can concentrate on the tasks at hand. Methinks I will do the Spmusic Monday on the 11th and the Pet Peeve Thursday on the 14th of next week. After that, I'll try to come back for a Grab Bag Friday on the 22nd ... then take off Christmas week for the holiday and the GRE. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks for reading and for the comments/questions. Have a great weekend and we'll see ya Monday. L-M-N-O-P-ya!

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursday: Jimmy Can Crack Corn!

(1 Cent): You Talkin’ To Me?

You know what really, really chaps my cheeks? When people call me on the phone, but talk to another person (i.e. someone that is currently with them). I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned this before (right?).

I’m not talking about when you’re out in public and you can hear other people … I’m talking about you calling me … but you mix our conversation with someone else’s. Are you talking to me? Are you talking to them? Are you listening to me? Hello? I loathe it.

I feel like saying, “Why did you even call me, if you’re going to talk to them?” The worst is when I’m done telling a story or relaying something semi-important, and the person who called me says, “I’m sorry … I didn’t get that. Can you repeat that?” Are you serious? You want me to repeat that 5-minute story again, after I thought you were listening?

I just feel like you’re being disrespectful; that my time isn’t important. You’re also burning up my anytime minutes.

To the person who likes to talk to someone while they’re one the phone to cause this beef: stuff a sock in it … and by sock, I mean rabid, spasmodic gerbil with sharp claws and no conscious.

(2 Cent): Keep Dreamin’

I’ve noticed a weird little phenomenon … namely, that there’s been about a half dozen instances where I’ve heard (first hand or from others) that some times women have these fanatical, outrageous dreams and then bring the emotions from them to reality.

For instance, a guy we’ll name “Innocent” was dating someone we’ll name “Former Option A.” Former Option A had a friend/roommate whom we’ll call “Irrational.” Irrational had a dream that Innocent had “taken advantage” of Former Option A and then had bad feelings about Innocent from then on. There was no reason for it; no action in what we call “real life” to found the feelings on … only the dream.

What is this about, ladies? Why do we have to pay for mistakes we males didn’t even do?

Perhaps I had dreamed that you said you were going to give me … a hundred dollars. And then you didn’t. Should I be mad at you in “reality” and hold you up to it? Hey, I dreamed it, right?

All misogyny aside, everyone has to admit it’s a bit kooky, eh? Freud would be proud.

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_2/freud.html

(1/2 Cent): Whoever This Number Is

You know what’s been chapping my cheeks for the past week and a half? This toll free number that has been calling my work about 4 times a day, everyday. I answer it and it always is silence … then, click. No one answers; no one says anything; just silence. Now, I just hang up right away. The number is 1-800-446-1022. If anybody knows what this is from, feel free to let me know. In fact, maybe I should use the White Pages and Google to find out! Hold on a minute.

Okay, so Google gave me a site called something like “whocalledus.com” and some weird webpage. It had some comments from other people receiving many calls each day from the same number … all across the country. A couple of people said it was an HSBC (Household Bank?) telemarketing number or something. Not cool. I can’t even talk to someone to take this number off the call list because no one ever answers. Lame. Any suggestions? They’d be appreciated!


Thanks for the read. Click back tomorrow for Grab Bag Friday. Feel free to write in about anything you read or would like to read. Click on the Comments link below or write to HCP2007@gmail.com ... TTFN!

HCP

Spmusic Monday: Stupid Fred Jones

(1 Cent): Go For 3!

The Lakers go for their 3rd victory in a row as they face the Indiana Pacers tonight in Los Angeles. With the next four games at home, the Lakers need to focus and win all of them so they have some momentum heading onto the road, where they will play 8 of their next 10.

Even though I'm happy with the 11-5 record and being in first place in the Pacific division, they should be 13-3. I'm still reeling from the loss in Utah, where it was a very winnable game; also, losing at home by four to the Milwaukee Bucks on the 28th of November was hard to swallow. That's why it's imperative for LA to win these next four ... because too many close losses now will hurt you in the playoff seeding later.

My one month evaluation of the Lakers as a whole is a B-. They've played above average but they've also had a very favorable home schedule thus far. 11 of the first 16 games were at the Staples Center ... they're 2-3 on the road.

I am happy with Kobe's health. He did miss all of training camp and preseason while missing the first 2 games of the regular season. He seems to be moving about with more explosion and fluidity ... as the Jazz frontline can attest to (when the Mamba dunked over 4 people in the lane twice last week). He says he'll be fully healthy by January. So, when you can score 52 points in 3 quarters when you're not fully healthy ... it's not good for the opposition. Beware of the Mamba.

(2 Cent): Kingdom Came?

This week's review is the comeback album from Jay-Z entitled Kingdom Come. Now, as with other artists that are personal favorites, I might be holding Jay to a "higher standard" and almost expect a great album. This especially holds true since it is supposed to be this highly anticipated comeback CD. Unfortunately, there's nothing too spectacular about it. Don't get me wrong -- it's a good listen, but it does fail to achieve the quality of his "final" album, which was entitled The Black Album.

I feel the first half of the album starts off kinda of "ehh" to average, but then finishes nicely with some strong tracks. Good thing, too, because those are the tracks that make the CD salvageable. I was really looking forward to the track featuring new R&B singer Ne-Yo, but was pretty disappointed. With this in mind, I'm giving his album the same grade as I gave his girlfriend Beyonce's: a 6.5 out of 10. Again, it's not a bad CD but it definitely wasn't anything that was better overall than his last 2-3 albums.

**My Fav Four**

1) Track 12, "Dig A Hole" (Featuring Sterling Simms): This is a very interesting beat (produced by Swizz Beatz) ... doesn't sound like anything else that these two have collaborated on before ... good mix of deep bass sounds and symphonic melody with Jay's flow and an added bonus of this Sterling Simms guy singing the hook ... this is actually one of my favorite Jay-Z songs (out of any album he's done).

2) Track 11, "Trouble": Another hit from Dr. Dre ... a very close second to the previously mentioned song for being my favorite on the album ... good beat with a rough, almost machine-like sound.

3) Track 14, "Beach Chair" (Featuring Chris Martin): Again, a totally different sound than anything Jay-Z has rapped on before ... a very, very chill song that's excellent to sit and think to ... you can even picture, if there was a video to this song, a scene looking over a tropical like setting in slow-mo.

4) Track 9, "Anything" (Featuring Usher & Pharrell): A decent song with the help from The Neptunes on the beats ... I would've liked a little more from Pharrell (vocally) but still a really good, up-beat song.

(1/2 Cent): Keeping Up With The Jones'

So, I was winning all 6 days of the week ... heading into the last day of the game, the Busdrivers were leading by roughly 9 fantasy points (FP's) with only Zach Randolph playing. The opposition had three (3!) Atlanta Hawks guys going (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Tyronne "I'm Still In The League?" Lue) and Elton Brand. Of course, J.J. has a monster game (scoring over 52 FP's) with Lue scoring way (WAY) above average while Z-Bo only scores about 31 FP's (with 5 TO's). I lose by 2 FP's. It was awesome.

It's not just that I lost ... it's how I lost. I started Warriors guard Mickael Pietrus who had the flu last week, but had 4 games slated during this period. Of course, they bring him off the bench (he had been starting) and he averages a whopping 10 FP's for me for the week. (Note: I know I always tell you this, but I'd say the score for an average fantasy player is 25 FP's for the week). So, M-Piet wasn't helping me any. But wait ... it gets worse ....

This fool named Fred Jones (the "starting" two guard for the Toronto Raptors -- I know, I should've known right there) was also starting for me. His previous stats go something like this: Week 1 = 16 FP's, Week 2 = 21, Week 3= 24, Week 4 = 19 .... Do you know what he gave me when I started him?!?! FIVE POINT TWO FIVE FP's!!! Yes, that would be a 5.25 average for the entire week, which consisted of 7 days and 4 real life basketball games. His stat totals for the week -- meaning, what he did in all 4 games -- looked like this: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 turnovers. IN FOUR GAMES!!!

I would bet you about $1000.00 that I could do more than that in 4 games in the NBA right now -- no extra training, no practicing with the team, not knowing the Toronto offense, and being all of 5'11". That is pathetic. He is going to make $11 million for the next 3 years (info courtesy of USAToday.com). That's roughly $3.67 million a year. I'd say that is a waste of money (or at least a waste of a game for me this week). You could give me $500,000 and I could put up those numbers, easily. Save the extra $3+ million, will you? Geez!

Let's put this in another perspective. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points in the 3rd quarter on November 30th ... he finished the game with 52 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and only 1 turnover. So, Kobe had about as many rebounds and assists in 1 game as Jones did in 4 ... while putting up 42 more points in that 1 game as Jones did in 4. Okay ... I'll be more realistic. Luke Walton, starting small forward for the same Lakers, had 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in that same game in only 26 minutes of play. Am I missing something here? It's not just Kobe ... but it's the Waltons and the Millsaps of the world that outplayed him too. Needless to say, Jones has been dropped like cow dung down an elevator shaft ... I'll now have to start my "iffy" guys in Ryan Gomes and Stephon "Remember How Good I Was?" Marbury.

I only lost by 2 FP's!! 2!! All I needed was another assist or two, Jones! A couple more free throws ... a rebound!! My goodness, this is brutal. Now, my dear readers, you are beginning to see the pains of fantasy sports. Anomalies such as this, like smoking 3 packs a day, will kill you.

I should be 4-1. I am not. If I miss the playoffs by 1 game, then you can point back to this week ... and Jones should sleep with one eye open. (Just kidding! But, seriously, he should).


Week 5: L - 302.58 to 304.33 ... W-L Record: 3-2 (Tied for 2nd in division)

Week 5 Fantasy Stud: Kobe Bryant (LAL, G): 44.67 FP's

Week 5 Fantasy Dud: You don't know already? Fred "DOA" Jones (TOR, G): 5.25 FP's


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Ahhh ... feels good to vent. Thanks for reading and click back for this Thurdsay's pet peeves. Feel free to write in about anything (previous articles, thoughts, comments) to HCP2007@gmail.com or just click the Comments link below.


HCP

Grab Bag Friday: The Mamba!

(1 Cent): Narrowing It Down

In response to last Friday's article about PS3 vs. XBox 360, we have a couple of comments. Oooh, goody!

Q: "What do you think about the "Wii" as far as game systems go. First of all the name is stupid (pronounced wee). What's that about? Secondly, they're going backwards with technology and making it slower than stuff that was already out there. Personally I think it's crap and Nintendo has gone down the tubes. I guess we'll see." -- Casey

HCP: Hmm ... didn't really tell me what you thought of the PS3 or XBox 360 ... but I'll answer this question anyway. What do I think about the Wii? I think nothing of it -- it's a video game where I have to move? I have to swing the controller like a bat if I want to play baseball? I have to thrust it like a sword if I want to be Zelda? No, no, no! Bad idea. But, what do I know? Nintendo is at the top of the gaming industry ... er ... wait a second ....

Q: "Now that the PS3 is out I do believe that PS stands for Piece o' $#!+. Apparently most of the original designers quit a couple of weeks before the launch of PS3. They didn't want to get blamed for the fact that the processor burns up the mother board. Seriously, you pay $600 for something that, if your lucky, you can play for about an hour before the magic smoke appears. Why did they still launch PS3 then? Well apparently management didn't want to listen to the engineers who built the stupid thing and wanted more time to fix it. It's like a stupid Dilbert cartoon. " -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: I'd be interested in where you read that from. The first website I looked at was from CNet.com, which is the following review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_PlayStation_3_60GB/4505-6464_7-31355103.html

I didn't read anything about it burning up the motherboard, but at the same time I'm not saying it doesn't happen. That's why on purchases like this, I'd like to wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation of systems, so the bugs can be worked out of them. If you can, let me know the link you read your information from ... could be helpful. Thanks.

Side note: I just found it funny that I read an article entitled "Pitching A Tent For PS3" the other day ... the article was about people camping out in front of stores the day before it was due for U.S. release ... but my mind kind of went elsewhere .... Hey, I'm sick, I need help.

(2 Cent): It's The First Of The Month ... Wake Up, Wake Up, Wake Up!

For those of you who knew the title of this 'cent' was an old Bone Thugs-N-Harmony song, then kudos to you.

December is upon us and it's time for some reflection. How'd everybody do in their New Year's Resolution? What things occurred in the past 11 months that were spectacular? That were craptacular?

The last month of the year is always a crazy time ... holiday shopping (and crowds) ... holiday vacation planning (or complaining that you don't receive any) ... everyone anticipating getting some taxes back (or owing Uncle Sam) ... tons of MTV, BET, and VH1 countdowns to watch ... for people in school, final exams and papers ... ahh, good times.

For the optimists out there ... 2007 will be the best year ever! For the pessimists out there ... 2007 means you're one year closer to death! I'm just glad Christmas doesn't land on a Sunday this year, so I can have Monday off to complete the 3 day weekend (yes, I only get 3 days off ... la-dee-frickin'-da!).

Feel free to write in your favorite (or worst) times of the past year. I'll try to think of stuff, too. Until Monday ... have a great weekend! Ah-koo-na-muh-tata!

(1/2 Cent): The Explanation

This grab bag edition is entitled "The Mamba" in tribute to Kobe Bryant ... who vindicated me by torching the Utah Jazz for 52 points yesterday ... all the while scoring 30 points in the 3rd quarter by going 9-9 from the field and 10-10 from the free throw line. I gotta tell ya ... it was a thing of beauty to watch Mamba make Andrei Kirilenko his personal biznatch. I'm going to be living off this high for over two months ... until their final meeting in the regular season if February. Jazz this!


HCP