Tumbling Down The Rabbit Hole

Since I rarely get the few minutes to spend that it takes to type up a ridiculously compelling and though-provoking essay on my life and what goes on around it on this here blog anymore, I thought I would redirect those who used to read the near-weekly updates to my new Tumblr site -- an idler's dream.

Tumblr is a cool, up-and-coming little blog type tool that allows you to post quick links, photos, video, audio and whatever else you want to put on there. Just like the Err Dizz, it's quick and easy. I hope to still post stuff on here when I get more free time (when I retire?), but I also may turn this blog into a forum for my future classroom (minus the Err Dizz reference above), so we'll see what happens.

Until then...follow me on Tumblr, Twitter and IC.

Peace.

Here's Your Update

Joel wants an update. Here you go.

Enjoy.

Link Me

The second wave of Beatlemania appears to be over. At least to the media anyways. I, however, am patiently waiting for the stereo and mono box sets to arrive at my parent's. By patiently, I mean that I'm filled with more anticipation than Helen Keller had when she learned how to communicate that she needed food and water. It's basically a life-giving moment for me.

But enough dramatic ramblings as I'll get to more about the Beatles remastered series when I have them in hand. I actually have been meaning to blog about the break-up of my 2nd-favorite band of all-time -- Oasis.

But hearing that Oasis has broken up is the kind of story about Tom sitting in some gum. You know it didn't happen, but you still have to look and examine the situation just in case there's some truth to the matter. So, I looked, and it appears to be true. Although they seemingly break up every three years before reconciling and rockin' out again on tour, the blow-up between Noel and Liam two weeks ago is getting play that this time it is as legitimate as it ever will be. I hope I can scrounge up some time to write an Oasis tribute blog.

Until then, enjoy the links.

It's Beetles...with an A
This is for the large Catholic following of readers that visit this site. Here's a Catholic dude explaining the remasters in a biblical/historical/heavenly fashion. Are we sure that Heaven isn't a Beatles paradise instead of some cornfield in Iowa?

2 minutes...2-ah
As usual, enjoy more and more Indiana Pacers coverage here, as training camp is only a week away and hopefully I can start dominating with some interesting articles. As for now, I'll just continue to suck by only putting links on there. I'm just too cool.

My Sox Are White
Get out the dust cleaner for this one, it's an oldie. This was on the Onion almost two months ago, but it's new to me so I'm sharing it. It's about Michael Jordan wondering why he wasn't included in NBA Jam. It's a great question. But, even more importantly, why isn't there a new incarnation of NBA Jam released right now? Everyone from our generation played NBA Jam. It was one of the best sports games in history, and it was insanely addicting to play with friends. This seems like a logical step in today's technology. If I had NBA Jam on Wii, I should have to jump from my couch to the TV while on fire to represent my player as "being on fire". This seems too perfect.

Info for Bo
Just remember this when you're coaching all those basketball players this year. One of them will probably try to shoot you during a game after you sit them on the bench. So make sure you're manager is packing heat for protection.

Hello Mr. Radio
Sometimes, the English have good teeth too. Enjoy

The True Whodi Lounge
The Panthers are down after suffering their first loss of the season last weekend. The True Whodi captures the moment nicely in this preview article for their next game. Of course, the Panthers are pretty optimistic despite the loss, but I wouldn't be so sure. They're about to run into the juggernaut that hails from a county named for my North Carolina ancestors, "Swain County". Notice that those same ancestors hail from Viking Warlord known as Swayne Fortbeard. Go ahead and quiver in fear. I would only assume that the school carries on in honor of Mr. Fortbeard by rampaging and pillaging each team that it plays. Quote of the day comes from Franklin coach, Josh Brooks:

"We're not going to shut them down every time they've got the ball. They're going to move the ball on us. We've got to be disciplined enough so that if something goes wrong that we can bounce back on the field as players. The coaches can't call timeout every time they bust a big play. We've got to fix it and keep playing. Bend but don't break. And I think our kids can do that."

Swain County sounds like quite the beast. Prepare for some serious Viking-like tendencies on the field.

Mrs. Thug Mrs.
Well, you say it's your birthday, huh? If the week-long celebration hasn't been enough for you, here's a link and video to help you celebrate as you read this blog. Happy 24th! Here's the link.

You Tube...no, you're a tube.

When I Get Home

When I get home tonight, I will not be able to listen to these five songs remastered. But, I'm really looking forward to the moment when it happens. Like I said earlier, I got the chance to listen to Abbey Road in its entirety on the way down to B-town today. Stunning. Exhilarating. Air guitar smashing. It was a blast to say the least. If I had been Don Draper and given free reign to create a commercial for these remasters, I would have set up a dude driving his VW Beetle, he puts in one of the CD's and the four Beatles magically appear in the car with their instruments. It really does feel like they are there with you.


See, on the old CD's, if you turned it up to ear-shattering, finger-blistering volume, then it started to sound like you had entered Mammoth Cave as the sound kind of went soft, ragged and muffled. This time, turn up the bass and treble to eleven, because it sounds more and more amazing the louder it gets.

I nearly blew out the speakers on the refrain in "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and shredding guitar solos in "The End" jump out at you from every direction. I always thought that "Something" got a very unfair treatment on the CD version of Abbey Road. It seemed to be about 10,000 notches below "Come Together" and it could never reach the heights during the middle like you thought it could. Well, now it can. That song dominates. Another song that jumped out at me was "Oh! Darling" which exploded out of the speakers as Paul's voice never sounded better. I'm looking forward to giving it another listen on the way back tonight.

Oh, and before I jump into this list, you must check out Chuck Klosterman's hilarious take on the remastered set. Brilliantly done. The quotes about Brian Wilson, Dead Paul, The Rolling Stones and Paul's beard are fantastic.

So without further ado, here are the five songs that I most looking forward to hearing in their newly remastered form (in no particularly order):

"A Day in the Life" (Mono) -- Can't wait to hear the orchestra build-up through my speakers at the apartment. To my Mexican neighbors: "Sorry, but payback is a bitch."



"Tomorrow Never Knows" (Mono) -- Again, I'm partial to hearing the songs that have so many loops, instruments and nonsense going on because I want to feel like I'm in a bubble while hearing these songs for the "first" time. Crank it up!



"If I Fell" (Mono) -- Gotta love the harmonies in remastered form. It's going to be a fun listen as Paul cracks at the top of his vocal range.



"I Am The Walrus" (Mono) -- Obviously.



"She's Leaving Home" (Mono) -- The mono and stereo versions are at different pitches, and although I own, obviously, both versions, I am still looking forward to hearing a remastered debate occur to see which one I like better. Everyone is, of course, welcome to join in the conversation.

You Say It's Beatles Day? Well, It's My Beatles Day Too, Yeah!

It's Beatles Day.

You all know this, so it comes as no surprise that I'm celebrating more hardcore than Jenna Jameson. I wanted to post something on this here blog everytime that I sat at a computer today, but the brilliant technicians at Comcast (what a bunch of oxymorons) decided that would be an awful idea and had my internet and television turned off when I awoke this fine morning.

My father and I are waiting for our order of the mono box set, but I was unsure as to how I would handle acquiring the stereo versions of the remastered cd's. Well, it turns out that I was required to read a book for my education class this morning. Unfortunately, I did not own the book. Therefore, I needed to jolt over to my friendly neighborhood Barnes & Noble and pick up a copy when they opened their doors at 9 a.m. It just so happened that they were playing the stereo remasters on the loudspeaker. Of course, Barnes & Noble doesn't have stereo speakers, so all of the sound was shifted to the left side, negating the vocals to the background while leaving Ringo's drumming to steal the show. It sounded awful. Needless to say, I couldn't let B&N give me a bad impression of the Beatles new cd's. That just wasn't going to happen.

So I trotted back to the CD section in order to pick up just one stereo version that I could blast in the Suzuki on the way down to my classes in B-town. I wish I could say that the choice was easy. I stood in front of the Beatles kiosk for roughly an eight-day-week as I pondered which to buy. I didn't want any pre-1967 albums, as I wanted to wait to hear the mono remasters first, so that automatically threw out my two favorite albums, Rubber Soul and Revolver. But then the struggle began.

I was set on picking up Sgt. Pepper just to hear "A Day In The Life" in it's full glory. But since I was only picking up one CD, I needed more than just 45 minutes of music and 13 songs. So, I heroically paired it down to two -- The Beatles (White Album) or Abbey Road. Either "Come Together" or "Back in the U.S.S.R." Either "Something" or "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". It was "Because" or "Happiness is a Warm Gun". Even Ringo got into the action with "Octopus's Garden" or "Don't Pass Me By".

I've got to be honest, it was pretty lame reason why I ended up buying Abbey Road. It was for the cover. If I'm buying only one CD, and I'm showing it off like a newborn child, then I want it to have a colorful cover. The White Album doesn't necessarily do that for me. You wouldn't show pictures of a baby with no face would you? Well, maybe you would. Don't get me wrong, the album cover is genius (I mean, how much more white can be? None, none more white). But it was the four Beatles walking across that screen that sent me to the counter with a brand spankin' new Beatles CD, along with some book that I didn't read for class.

So that's how my day started. I'm hoping to sling a few more posts on here before the day is over, because I know that all of you, especially those who receive the e-mail updates, are absolutely enthralled by this whole experience. Don't worry folks, I won't let you down.

You Tube...no, you're a tube

It Won't Be Long Until The Beatles Return

September is turning into a behemoth of a month.

Birthdays galore. Classes are in full swing. Work is a mess. Every television series known to man is beginning again. The Pacers begin training camp. The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria! And that doesn't even cover what is about to happen four days from now.

On Sept. 9, 2009, prepare for a hard day's night. The world will explode into Beatles pandemonium as the Remastered CD's are finally let loose from the cage. The sounds of Abbey Road Studios will clearer than ever as the stereo and mono box sets let you hear things you never thought you could. You can actually hear Paul and George's lips move as they lip sync profanity in the background as Yoko sings a line on "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill". Not only will the remasters make their heralded debut, but The Beatles: Rock Band video game will be officially released. It's the day that keeps on giving.

The day is already fitting in nicely with Beatle-lore. The band has been on the cover of countless magazines, pre-orders for the remasters were sold out weeks ago, documentaries are airing every hour on VH1 Classic, CNN has compared the band to Picasso (although I don't think Picasso is in the Beatles' league), and there wouldn't be a proper Beatles release without an error to drive up prices of the first set. The Magical Mystery Tour CD label on the first run of remastered CD's says it contains the "Let It Be minidocumentary" which is obviously not true. So there's your 2009 version of the Butcher Cover.

Needless to say, I'm more excited than a kid with ADHD after slamming a case of Red Bull mixed with uppers and jamming to Helter Skelter. I'm off-the-chart. The fact that my father ordered us both a set of the Limited Edition Mono box sets just about blows my mind. So before I spontaneously combust all over my cat Ringo, let's get to the links.

2 minutes...2-ah
In an effort to make this blog as Beatles friendly as possible, the Pacers link (and all links thereafter) has been changed to a Beatles link. Here is the best interview of Paul McCartney ever. It occurred earlier this year on the Howard Stern Show. It will rock your socks off.

It's Beetles...with an A
Here's a link to a video that I had never seen before from the "Songs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney" program made in late-1965 featuring John and Paul. Also features the videos of "Day Tripper" and "We Can Work It Out".

Hello Mr. Radio
I could be a dick here and post a pic of Yoko, but Joel has never forgiven me for doing that to him so I'll let you off the hook. Here's John and Paul back in the day with some 1960's hotties for ya. Enjoy. Also, check out Elvis break into an impromptu version of "Get Back" here.

My Sox Are White
Celebrate your new hometown with a performance from the Beatles in Chi-town in 1964 singing one of your two favorite Beatle songs.

Mrs. Thug Mrs.
You only caught 10 seconds of the 30-second commercial for The Beatles: Rock Band after I woke you up to watch it last night, so here's a link to it instead. Freakin sweet!

Info For Bo
This seems more up your alley than any other Beatles link that I can come up with...so, enjoy.

The True Whodi Lounge
In only your second time having this segment, I've already had to deviate from the plan so I can incorporate the Beatles in some way. After combing through the top three stories on your site right now looking for any reference that I can tie to the Beatles, I just decided to go with the Beatles/Jay Z mash up. Enjoy. But fans, don't forget to follow your Franklin sports here!

You Tube...no, you're a tube
And, finally, let's get to this "literal" interpretation of the Beatles' music video for "Penny Lane" as it's a good one. Enjoy. And don't forget to celebrate 09/09/09 by listening to your favorite Beatles songs or at least making a Yoko joke. Either/or would be fine.

Scrubs: Med School

The cast is officially set. Sacred Heart is officially gone. JD is officially no longer the narrator. And Scrubs is kinda, sorta "officially" now Scrubs: Med School, at least according to creator Bill Lawrence.

The network's insistence to keep the Scrubs name in tact despite a total change in cast and location has not changed Lawrence's mind that this is a completely different show that should be under a different umbrella from its predecessor. Lawrence said: "If it goes my way, and we'll see if I win this battle, when it, the credits at the beginning, when it says Scrubs, you know, at the end, it'll then flash again and it'll say Med School."

Finally. I've been waiting for somebody associated with the show to finally come clean that this new incarnation is entirely different from the first eight seasons of the funniest show on television. Although Turk and Dr. Cox return, as well the Todd and Ted, the show is not the original. All I want is this show to be put in a different DVD section from the first eight seasons. It shouldn't be "Season 9" as it should read "Scrubs: Med School, Season 1". That's not too much to ask. It may not seem important now, but after this new show bombs, explodes, implodes or digests itself in the most disgusting fashion, you don't want the off-shoot considered part of the original series. Even if it does well, fingers and toes duly crossed, it still should be its own category and show.

I mean, how are we going to explain this to our grandkids someday? Me:"Sammy, this is the second series of Scrubs and it shouldn't be associated with the first eight seasons because it is a different show from the original. There is no JD or Eliot so thith doethn't acthuay counf." Sammy: "Grandpa, your teeth fell out. I'll pick them for you for $200 and the promise you won't talk about Scrubs, the Beatles or Reggie Miller for at least an hour." Me: "Dealth."

Some other changes were announced last week as a new narrator has been named. The new 22-year-old intern named Lucy will take over the role that JD held so tightly for eight great years. Lucy, played by Kerry Bishe (pictured right), is a med student who comes from a family of commercial fisherman...and hilarity ensues. Joining Lucy will be Drew, a 30-something med student, played by Michael Mosley, who is battling back to med school for the second time in his life. Apparently poor Drew suffered a meltdown during his first stint as the top prospect at Harvard Medical School. The other new spot to complete the trifecta will be a character played by Dave Franco named Cole, a wealthy, arrogant med student who is the bane of Dr. Cox's existence.

I was thrilled to see that the Todd and Ted will return in recurring roles. That's at least some good news. Also, Sunny will be back as a recurring character, while Denise joins Turk and Dr. Cox as the only full carry-overs from the old show.

On to the links...

2 minutes...2-ah
No better way to celebrate Reggie Miller's birthday than doing a jogging journal of his first NBA game. Don't miss it here.

It's Beetles...with an A
Sept. 9 is already the biggest day of the year. It's the day before the sister turns 21. The Beatles: Rock Band is released. Both the Mono and Stereo Remastered box sets are released and now the rumor is really heating up that the entire Beatles catalog will be released on iTunes.

Hello, Mr. Radio
No picture for you today. You've been banned until the Commish officially schedules the Corona League Draft.

Info for Bo
In the newest version of RAW vs. Smackdown, you can create up to 100 custom wrestlers, your own finishing moves and now you can make your own story lines. Totally awesome. If this doesn't get you into video games then nothing ever will.

My Sox Are White
I talked smack in my last post and I lost in our fantasy baseball league last week. The lips are sealed for the rest of the season. Good luck to everyone.

The True Whodi Lounge
Andy deserves his own spot on here damnit. The people have protested and they're going to get it. This section is tentatively going to include a link to one of Andy's best articles from the week in his paper, the Franklin Press. Then I will highlight my favorite passage or quote from said article. It's gridiron season in the big N.C. and the True Whodi has Franklin covered in a monster 2,000-word season preview. Franklin has moved conferences as it switches to the newly formed Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Coach Brooks laid out his life philosophy and this is a "write that one down" moment for all you children reading. "I think the goals each year are to do things like become a better person, a better teammate, a better young man. To be successful, and success isn't all on wins and losses. The outside perception is. That's one thing we've talked about big time. The responsibility and not lying and all that." Can't say it any better.

You Tube...no, you're a tube
The Beatles: Rock Band continues to pick up steam. Here's the latest video featuring more and more awesomeness.

More The Beatles: Rock Band Info

The Return Of Mad Men

Having just started watching the magnificent and masterful work of AMC's acclaimed drama Mad Men just one week ago, it's already been a longtime waiting for the show's return.

Lucky for me, the week I decided to dive into the first two seasons was the same week that I'm still unemployed and not in school. In other words, lots of free time around for Ringo and I. As per usual, I immediately enjoyed the show and became obsessed with it. I did the same thing with Entourage, The Wire, Deadwood and Scrubs. With HBO offering nothing in the department of interesting anymore, AMC came to the rescue with Mad Men.

The hype machine has been in full force since it wowed the Emmy's with 16 nominations, and with every television-watching white male saying it's the best show on the tube, I figured I'd trust the show with one hour of my time to make an impact. Boom! That's the sound of show slamming my face relentlessly to the floor while shouting, "You love me! You love me!" The hypnosis that's dazed me for the past week will get heavier tonight when Season 3 begins at 10 p.m.

I won't babble on about the greatness of the show as I won't do it justice compared to raving reviews from USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and every other news service from the offices of Sterling Cooper to the Pacific. But I will say that I'm looking forward to the prism of 1963 being displayed and twisted through the eyes of the ad agency. The JFK assassination episode will surely top the Cuban Missile Crisis, Marilyn Monroe's death and the JFK/Nixon election combined.

Every flawed character will be on full display tonight. Don Draper will showcase his JFK meets Nick Carraway of the 60's mystique, Campbell may still be sitting in his office with shotgun in arms waiting on the missiles to fly at his confused, hair-parted head, while Joan will be shown in all her High Definition glory. I suggest you join in on the party. You don't even need a stiff drink to wash it down.

On to the links...

It's Beetles...with an A
Admit it, you've been waiting on an 8,000-word epic on how The Beatles: Rock Band video game became a reality and how Yoko almost ruined everything. Typical. So the link provided is a brilliant article about a brilliant band. Typical.

Hello Mr. Radio
I know this a re-run for you, but with it being a blog dedicated to Mad Men, I couldn't leave a picture of Christina Hendricks on the cutting room floor. Enjoy. Again.

Mrs. Thug Mrs.
Your latest update on the Jon & Kate saga.

My Sox Are White
After climbing my way back into contention as my pitching staff roars into the middle of August with pristine arm strength and precision, I'm finally getting some help from the dregs of the league. Unfortunately, the Err Dizz is my victim this week as I've strung his team by loins and hung him by the tree of lonely destiny. My record, after tonight's win, will rise to 15-4. But I'm needing help from two heavily heated battles for my record to actually mean anything. The first and second place teams, Sobucki and Deeb, respectively, are in dog fights with bottom-feeders and should they lose, I will rightly resume my position on top of the mountain. Ahh, yes, nobody said it better than Simba.

Info for Bo
Look for an updated column by yours truly on IndyCornrows tonight (or tomorrow) on the season-ticket crisis derailing your Indiana Pacers. Until then, check out what happens to doctors when they criticize your former employer.

You Tube...no, you're a tube
Obviously, this couldn't be avoided.