Things That Shouldn't Matter...but do anyways

"You Ain't Got No Brakes..."

2009-03-13T08:56:00.001-05:00

Good news I guess.

I got my truck back and its doing just fine. $300 down the drain to fix my brakes, but I guess I “need my brakes” so I cant complain.

Hopefully I can use the next couple months to save a little bit of money and maybe by the fall have enough for a substantial down payment for a new(er) truck that won’t give me so many problems.

I thought this was kind of funny, but when I got my truck towed to the Firestone, the guy driving the Tow Truck had to strip my gears so he could get it into drive. he was then only using the E-Brake. he then said to me this...

"You Ain't Got No Brakes; you only got the emergency brake. She ain't got nothin' left!"

I thought about telling him.."Yeah, thats why i called a wrecker. thats why I said it dint have any brakes"

He acted like he was suprised that it didnt have any brakes.

No Money - Mo Problems

2009-03-09T14:38:00.002-05:00

Called the Firestone guys back.

Said it was rusted really bad and the line is setting higher than the gas tank, which means they are going to have to take the tank off (or move it or something) to be able to reach where the line has broken.

He didn't know how bad it was busted, nor did he know ho much of it was busted, so he doesn't know how much he will have to replace. (I looked before I sent it to them and the only leak I could find was AFTER the split to the master cylinder so I don't think the part of the line that is broken is that long, so it shouldn't be a long line to bend and install, but I'm no mechanic so...)

they close at 7pm, I'm hoping to know something back by this afternoon once they get around the gas tank.

uuuuggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if anyone wants to spot me a few bucks, i could use a new truck. (never hurts to ask)

-Jebus

A-Roid

2009-03-06T13:23:00.003-06:00

Anyone start to wonder why A-Rod is playing for the Dominican instead of the U.S.?

according to his Wikipedia article, he was born in New York, NY...

What the F*CK is going on?

Pondering a Move

2009-03-06T12:59:00.002-06:00

as soon as I can figure out how to download my posts from this blog, I am going to import them into my new blog which is tentatively titled...

http://thingsthatshouldntmatter.blogspot.com/

There i will be going over things other than just my beloved Cubs. i.e. Technology, Music and Politics.

its going to be hit or miss. bear with me.

-Jibbles

Long Time; No See

2009-02-02T09:51:00.004-06:00

Im currently in the time of the year when my job starts to pick up. I work in politics and from the second Tuesday in January until (roughly) the end of May/ early June I am swamped at work. When the Legislature is out of Session June through December my job is a ghost town.

My last post was in June. So I’ve had months to write in my down time at work. But I didn’t. Now that work is starting to get busy, I’ve been hit with the urge to post again. Just in time to be really busy…go figure.

Since my last post I have managed to get a lot of things done. The majority of which were unintentional.

1. I got my laptop fixed, only to have it break in a completely different and unrelated way 3 weeks later.

2. My phone contract with Sprint expired, ditched my Treo, forgot to pay my last bill and got sent to a collection agency for a measly $70. Signed with AT&T and got a new iPhone 3G…and I love it.

3. The brake line on my truck snapped so I’ve been without a car for about 2 months.

4. I’ve gained about 15 lb’s.

5. I painted 3 rooms inside my house. 2 bedrooms and the living room.

6. I built a deck on the back of my house.

7. I bought Arrested Development, Weeds, The West Wing and Entourage complete series’ on DVD and watched every single episode of all four shows. (And loved it)

8. My dad had his knee replaced and will go back in a month or two to get his hip replaced.

9. Jordan and Janelle are expecting their second child (baby girl) and Joey and Fallon are expecting their first.

10. The Republicans took control of the State House and as a result have control of both houses of the State capitol for the first time since reconstruction. Jason Mumpower (R – Bristol) was in line to become speaker but was ousted when he received only 49 votes compared to fellow house republican Kent Williams (R – Elizabethton) received 50 votes for Speaker of the House when he, along with all 49 house democrats, voted for himself for speaker beating Mumpower 50-49. To say the least, it’s been weird.

11. I almost got fired due to the political turnover at work. But because of some strategic tom-foolery, I have a secured job for at least 2 more years.

12. Thanks to a thoughtful donation from a friend, I got a free piano. (that I have no room for, so its sitting in my kitchen)

All in all it’s been pretty eventful. In hindsight, I wish that I had been documenting this all as it happened. I’m sure I’m leaving out some pretty juicy details. Owell, that’s life.

Blogspot is supposedly working on getting an iphone ready website or an app that will allow me to get better and faster with the posts. Until then, I guess I will continue to be sporadic. Although, it’s bound to be more posts about work here in the next 6 months. It’s going to get really interesting with all this fighting on Capitol Hill. Nashville Politics is ridiculous.

Dog Ate My Homework

2008-07-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

Well, the posts have been sparse.

My wonderful lab Sammy chewed through the cable on my laptop battery charger, so I haven't been able to post.

the only place Ive got to do so is at work, and there, I barely have time to scratch my ass, let alone write about how bad-ass the Cubs are. I visited my Parents for the 4th of July Holiday (seeing as how I haven't seen my mother since Christmas) so Ive been completely out of the loop as far as the Internet goes.

So, until I can buy a new charger, or my dog becomes self aware and teaches himself how to do electrical work, I will be out of commission.

Sorry

Jb

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2008-06-20T16:25:00.000-05:00

Thank God for Aramis Ramirez and D. Lee

Rain Delay.......Reasons to Hate The White Sox

2008-06-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Sox Fan,

1. Your 1919 team was involved in arguably the biggest scandal to hit baseball since Pete Rose thought it was a good idea to Play, Coach and bet on the same team or since the development of steroids.

2. Your Home Uniforms looks like prison garb.

3. Your fans are complete assholes.

4. Ken “The Hawk” Harrelson and all his stupid ass annoying catch phrases.

5. Your own manager hates you.

6. Your fucking catcher got in a fight with our (former) sissy-ass catcher…AND GOT HIS ASS BEAT!!!

7. You play your home games on the “smellier” side of town.8. Your team color and logo was once tied to Gangsta-Rap, i.e. Eazy-E.

9. Bobby Jenks could have the most ridiculous facial hair in Major League Baseball.

and Finally...

10. No matter how good you get; no matter who you sign; no matter who your manager is; no matter who you play and who you beat; no matter how many World Series Titles you win…..You will always be the 2nd favorite Sox Team, and you will always be the 2nd favorite Chicago Team.

This is why you suck and this is why I hate you.

Well Shit; Cubs Win...Cubs Lose.

2008-06-12T09:15:00.008-05:00

Well Shit! It looks like we are having the Derrek Lee story all over again. At the time Lee was arguably the best player on the field and he went on the DL for what seems like a lifetime.

Fast-forward to last night, Sori goes down and is sub’d out before I could even get comfortable in the recliner and I find myself once again cursing my Sharp Aquos before I have a chance to scratch my ass.

So where does that leave us?...Well, the Cubs have a multi-player option to consider.

Do we move DeRo to Left and have to choose between Fontenot, Cedeno, or recall Eric Patterson to play 2nd?
Do we recall Matt Murton and let him finally get a chance to prove himself even though Lou wants a left handed bat?
Do we recall Micah Hoffpauir and shove him in Left even though he’s kind of slow?
Do we leave DeRo at 2nd and start both Johnson and Edmonds in the outfield?
Do we platoon those two in Left and give Pie another shot in Center?
Do we bring up Sam Fuld and put him in Right and move Kosuke to Center?
Do we re-sign Sosa?
Do we bring in Bonds?
Do we let Henry Blanco pitch?
Can DeRosa play all 9 positions simultaneously and just let everyone else bat?
Can we move Kerry back into the rotation and sign Jesus to close the games?

Okay, so those last 5 arent that realistic.

But the Cubs do have a lot of things to think about. Sori is going to be out for a long while. Just when it gets hot as balls outside and that baseball starts flying out of Wrigley, it only makes sense that our home run leader goes on the shelf. So where do they go from here?

They have to keep in mind that Lou wants a left handed bat. He wants a new Center fielder (for whatever reason, I say keep Reed for his attitude. Team morale goes further than talent sometimes. Look at Barry Bonds; he can hit but nobody wants to be around him because he's an asshole)

We are about to enter a bunch of inter-league games so we are going to need a DH. Ward is already on the DL so we can’t use him. Is filling this hole going to factor in when it comes to adding another starter? What about September call-ups? You know that when they say 6 weeks, that really means about 2-3 months. You can bet that Sori isn’t going to be starting in Left on that 6 weeks-1 day game; it just isn’t realistic. It’s going to take longer. It took Lee a year to truly be comfortable again. I bet he’s out until 2nd week in August at least. If he comes back then but isn’t producing, are we going to have to platoon him in left with someone else? Who’s going to bat leadoff now?

There are a shit tone of questions that went through my mind when this happened last night.

On the other hand, we won…which is nice. 3 in a row ain’t too shabby. Also, the team chasing us in the Central is St. Louis and Albert "Take it in the" Poo-holes also went on the DL this week. So maybe that will slow them down a bit. Fingers crossed.

Thank God we have a day game today so I don’t have to wait too long to hear someone else talk about all their concerns and how quickly we could spiral down the shitter, or how we could press on and not skip a beat and win this division by 12 games.

PLEASE GOD; LET 1:20 GET HERE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!

Eliot Ansinof, author of Eight Men Out, Dead at 88

2008-06-11T08:37:00.003-05:00

It's a sad day as a fan of baseball as I awoke and read the headlines that Eliot Asinof (author of Eight Men Out) has passed at the ripe old age of 88.

Ive read the book, Ive seen the movie at least 20 times and its a shame that hes gone.

If you are a fan of baseball I would highly suggest the book. Hell, go read it anyway; even if you don't follow baseball you need to know about the 1919 Chicago Black Sox for no other reason than a history lesson.

regardless, its an amazing book. You should read it. The movie is also thrilling. it ranks right up there for me in the category of Best Sports Movie along with Major league, Field of Dreams, Hoosiers and of course Basketball(kidding)...but seriously, go buy the DVD and pay your respects!

-Jebus

Courtesy Gene Wojciechowski From ESPN

2008-06-09T08:48:00.007-05:00

This is an artlicle that I thought was really good so I thought I'd post it. I need to make clear, for copyright purposes, that I in no way am claiming ownership of this piece and its pictures nor am I taking credit for it. I simply put it up to be read. All credit and copyright is due to Gene Wojciechowski and the writers of ESPN.com

Windy City blows away competition for weirdest sports town

By Gene Wojciechowski ESPN.com(Archive)
Updated: June 9, 2008, 1:08 AM ET

New York City? You were the best, but you're done.

No more Isiah Thomas. King George is in semi-retirement. Willie Randolph isn't worth the trouble. We're left with Joba Chamberlain pitch counts and reports of Jeremy Shockey maybe stiffing the Giants on minicamp. So time for NYC to take the sports buyout and live off the 401(k) money.

Boston? Helluva run, my friend. Helluva run. I've got so much respect for you, but let's face it, Manny's getting up there in years, the Celtics are likable, and the Patriots can't keep rolling out Super Bowls, supermodels, super spies and wiretaps forever, right?

Los Angeles? Talk to us when you get an NFL franchise. Until then, you're Sacramento with traffic, Kobe and the Reggie Bush investigation.

Dallas? Formidable, but you've got some holes in your swing. T.O., Romo and Jessica aren't going to be around forever.

Miami? Promising, especially with the Big Tuna and Jason Taylor in town, as well as the Heat's Pat Riley, the No. 2 pick and those goofy trade rumors involving Dwyane Wade.

Phoenix? The midseason Shaq deal and postseason Mike D'Antoni drama were a start, but you're not there yet.

San Francisco? When Barry Bonds left, so did the vibe. Mike Montgomery to Cal doesn't get it done.

Houston? Underrated, thanks to Roger Clemens.

No, the new and undisputed leader in the sports city clubhouse is none other than Chicago. It has to be. No sports town is more compelling, more exciting, more screwed up than Chicago.

Seriously, how can you possibly question Chicago's No. 1 ranking after what has happened here lately? Chicago is now the epicenter of sports weirdness, controversy and dubious achievements. Only Boston comes close.

In the past nine days …

• The Bulls all but hired Doug Collins as coach. Then they didn't.

It all sounds very Hallmark card-ish, very convenient and very suspicious.

You mean to tell me that if Reinsdorf hadn't wavered in supporting general manager Jim Paxson's choice of Collins that Collins wouldn't be the coach today? Collins got tired of Reinsdorf's stall tactics, however well-intentioned they were. How could Collins stay excited about the Bulls when the Bulls' owner wasn't excited about him?

And this stuff about Reinsdorf's not wanting to fire Collins a second time -- and endangering their friendship -- is borderline hilarious. Collins is a career coach. He knows the realities of the job. And Reinsdorf is a career businessman. Since when did he get soft?

Anyway, the Bulls are 2-for-2 when it comes to botched coaching searches. First, D'Antoni to the Knicks. Now, Collins back to TNT. But the Bulls, thanks to those 1.8 percent odds, do have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

• The Bears' starting tailback got himself arrested for the second time in five weeks.

Cedric Benson has been arrested on land (June 7) and sea (May 3). He can go for the trifecta the next time he boards a plane.

If you're keeping stats at home (and you can bet Bears GM Jerry Angelo is), Benson has almost as many booking photos in 2008 as he did touchdowns in 2007 (four). And did I mention that linebacker Brian Urlacher, the Bears' best player and absolute face of this franchise, could be a holdout if his contract demands aren't met?

• White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen threw a hissy fit (again); a local columnist called for his firing (again); and owner Reinsdorf dismissed Guillen's behavior as little more than frustration over a losing streak (again).

So what happens? Since Guillen's tirade, the first-place White Sox have won six in a row and given themselves some elbow room atop the AL Central.

• Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano had another one of his tiresome tantrums in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Zambrano, 8-2, has a long history of losing it -- on the mound, in the dugout, in the tunnel, in the clubhouse. He likes to punch and kick things: water coolers … walls … Michael Barrett.

The next time he suffers a meltdown on the mound (and he will), I'd love to see manager Lou Piniella simply step out of the dugout, call for a reliever and tell Zambrano the clown act is done for the day -- no matter whether it's the first inning or the ninth, or whether the Cubs are ahead or behind. Maybe then Zambrano would get the message. Intensity good. Public ragefests bad.

• And, oh, the Cubs have the best record in baseball.

• And Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who has spent time at Wrigley this season, is intensifying his efforts to bid for the Cubs and its gorgeous senior citizen stadium from doofus owner Sam Zell. (Cuban also is trying to make nice with influential Reinsdorf.)

Zell, whose media ventures have some debt issues, would sell Ron Santo and his toupee if he thought he could make a buck.

• The No. 2 pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, Sylvia Fowles, lasted exactly five Chicago Sky games before she injured her knee.

• Chicago was named one of four finalists for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

• A former high school hoops player who has a home in Chicago won a big race. Maybe you've heard of him: Barack Obama.

Second City? Not anymore.

Gene Wojciechowski is the senior national columnist for ESPN.com. You can contact him at gene.wojciechowski@espn3.com.

Roid Rage

2008-06-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

Quick thought on steroids in baseball.

Been seeing a lot, I repeat A LOT, more “small ball” lately from more teams in baseball and I have a feeling why.

Back in the day (like 3 years ago) baseball was about dingers and how far they went. Just like Tom Glavin, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux said in the 90’s tv commercial…”Chicks dig the long ball.”

But it seems now that steroids are less prevalent in the game, it seems that more players are doing the little things to help their clubs and more and more teams are becoming les and less dependent on the homerun. I think its actually very good for baseball as a game and a business and its very entertaining for people like me that are baseball enthusiasts that could really care less if some players had 17 inch forearms and can hit 82 homeruns in a 162 game season…who the hell cares.

I get more of a kick out of watching players like Ryan Theriot, Dan Uggla, Brandon Inge, and players of the like that are gritty, nose to the dirt, hard playing baseball players. I think that’s what baseball is all about. I think it has helped the resurrection of the stolen base. I think its making a comeback. It’s a good time to be a small fast baseball player, who in years past would have been benched to come in as a pinch hitter in the 8th or more so had been playing in the minors because they couldn’t hit it over the fence more than 10 times a year.

Now it seems to me that managers and the league itself is in the middle of transitioning back to the teams of athletes. Not a team of mediocre supporting role player with a beefed up 1st baseman, or corner outfielder that can give the Hulk a run for his money.

Baseball is back and it feels good…to me. But I can see where people outside the sport are frowning because of the lack of homers this season. I can relate…I am a baseball guy. And I hate the NBA. But when I watch, I am looking for the uncontested drive to the basket and the windmill, under the legs slam. Now, there is a lot more than basketball, like footwork and the 3 pointer and good looks with great passes.

The things that hurt major sports leagues are the things that make them professionals. There are a lot of dudes out there that can dunk a basketball. The reason why they arent in the NBA is because they look like a crippled giraffe when they dribble or pass. Same as in major league baseball. There are a lot of people in the minor leagues and a lot of guys that play college ball, but in years past, they didn’t get a second look from scouts because they couldn’t hit it 450 feet to dead center. That all starting to change. Now its much more appreciated if you can field a grounder, which doesn’t seem like much, but some of those roid guys couldn’t even clap they were so effing big. Hell, Sosa sneezed one year and went on the DL. Sometimes bigger isn’t always better.

So where does that put us?....

Teams are getting better, there are more positions becoming available for true athletes in baseball.

You are going to see a few more “5 tool players.”

You are going to see the return of the stolen base.

And you are going to see a lot less dingers. And personally, I like it that way.

Streak Ends

2008-06-05T08:35:00.004-05:00

Well,

I guess all good things must come to an end. Even being the best team in baseball, and playing one of the worst, even the good guys lose from time to time. As was last night.

The Cubs had won 9 out of the last 10 contests and were riding a 9 game winning streak. But they couldn’t hold on as the Padres scored one final time in the bottom of the 8th to make the score 1-2 and became the proverbial "nail in the coffin."

It was a good run. This is probably the best team I have ever seen wear a Cubs uniform. I have to admit that I, like a lot of other Cubs fans both new and old, have become spoiled. I expect them to win. I know exactly what the Yankee fans were all up in arms about a few years ago when they signed A-Rod and didn’t make the playoffs. With a payroll this big and the number of superstars and very talented young bench players, I expect them to win. So when they lose (although I've become very accustomed to losing over the past 26 years of my life) it still makes me mad. But I have to remind myself that every team is going to lose.

In fact, a few years ago I heard a press conference with Dusty Baker say something along the lines of this....

Every team in baseball will win at least 50 some odd games. Every team in baseball is going to lose 50 some odd games. But what separates the good teams from the bad teams is determined by what you do with the 50 some odd games after that.

I think that’s a good way of looking at it. The Cubs will win their 50 games. And they will lose their 50. But what makes this year different is that they are also winning that other 50 games. Bob Brenly said last week that the Cubs are winning the games that they are expected to win, and they are also winning the games that they have no business winning.

This is also a good way of looking at it. So, I realize that we can’t win them all, but it sure is going to be fun trying. After all, when’s the last time a baseball team had a record of 140-22?...Id take that unrealistic record any day.

On a Roll; 8 of Last 10; 8 in a Row; 37-21

2008-06-02T23:44:00.004-05:00

We had a little scare in the bottom of the 9th, but my boys came through...again!

Kid-K comes through again.

Perfect Homestand

2008-06-01T16:14:00.004-05:00

Loves:

2008-06-01T12:22:00.002-05:00

F.U.B.A.R.
The Beatles.
Music.
The Color Green.
Sunflower Seeds.
Outside Concerts In The Summer.
Fall Weather.
Politics.
Making Money.
Guitars.
CHICAGO CUBS.
Spitting.
Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee Vols.
Really Old Twangy Country Music.
X-Box360.
My Family.
Cursing.
Women With Curly Hair.
Wearing Flip-Flops Year-Round.
Charcoal Grills.
ESPN TV & Radio.
Beautiful Women.
The NFL & MLB.
The Sound of a Pedal Steel Guitar.
Girls With a Dirty Mouth.
Amazon.com.
My iPod.
David Letterman.
High Definition Television.
Trying to reach the end of the Internet.
YouTube.
My House.
My Truck.
Captain Morgan & Diet Coke.
Snow.
My Treo.
Nashville TN, Austin TX, Chicago IL.
Fettucini Alfredo with Broccoli, Shrimp, Chicken, Mushrooms & Peas.
My Dogs Sammy & Sadie.

Hates:

2008-06-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

Closed Minded Conservative People.
Racists.
The Bush Administration.
Traffic.
St. Louis Cardinals.
Florida Gators.
Cold Bathroom Floors In The Morning.
Being Broke & Not Having Money.
Hot Weather.
Migraines.
People That Abuse Children & Animals.
All Forms of Public Water.
Hypocrites.
Rednecks.
Girls That Smoke.
Lip Synching.
The NBA.
Liars.
Analog Television.
Hangovers.
Tomatoes, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream.
Creed, Nickelback, Shinedown, 3 Doors Down, Really Bad Rap Music, Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Aaron Tippin, The Music Mafia, James Blunt.

Things I Will Never understand:

2008-06-01T12:18:00.003-05:00

The obsession people have with Bob Dylan, The Police and Johnny Cash. Sometimes I think people just like them because they think it’s cool to like them. Listen, just because someone is a good songwriter doesn’t make their CD sound good. Grow a pair, the music isn’t that good.
Why Women need to buy new clothes, purses and shoes every year; they are just buying them to impress other girls, guys don’t care.
Why people do things twice when you can do it once and be done with it.
Why Saturday Night Live is still on the air.
Why The Simpsons stopped being funny after 1995.
Why The Red Hot Chili Peppers haven’t put out anything good since Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik.
Why we are in this war.
Why people turn into snobs when they come into some money.
Why forgiving and loving religious people are so intolerant of gay people and of interracial dating.

Same date, same song, same dance...

2008-05-31T14:24:00.003-05:00

Cubbies Cant Lose

2008-05-30T16:22:00.003-05:00

Well, what can I say. The Cubbies did it again.

at one time they trailed 8-0, and again 9-1 but they rallied back and ended up winning in very impressive style by the score of 10-9...amazing!

Co Cubs Go, Co Cubs Go...Hey Chicago What'Ya Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!

2008-05-30T09:07:00.001-05:00

Something I’ve wanted to say for a long time now….

The Chicago Cubs have the best record in Major League Baseball!!!!

I really do feel it’s the year. I can’t explain it; but this year seems different. It’s like there is a whole new sense of confidence. No longer am I afraid to go to bed in the bottom of the 8th inning because I’m afraid they are going to blow a lead and end up losing. But I end up staying up anyways because they are playing such fundamental baseball, “small ball” if you will, and are doing the little things that make them a better team and a better team to watch. So I enjoy staying up and watching the late games.

But this team seriously has it all together. I’m going to lose my damn mind when October comes around.

first things first

2008-05-29T12:49:00.001-05:00

So I guess this is my first blog…sort of.

I’ve been keeping a blog, journal, diary, a log of thoughts, notes, whatever you want to call them for little over 2 years probably. And really, the only reason is because I have a bad memory of things that I do and say. It’s very ironic though that I have a really good memory when it comes to happenings and other things regarding other people. I can remember things people told me 8 years ago like it happened yesterday and I can quote movies word for word that were in the theaters in the 80’s but for some reason, I cant remember what the hell I did or said to someone last week.

So, I’ve got composition books full of things I’ve written down, saved documents on my laptop, blogs on MySpace.com, notes on Facebook.com and so on and so on. Why not have them all in one place. That’s why I created this thing. Could be a good idea. Could be a bad idea. Who knows; I might dispose of this thing after about a month when the “New wears off.”

All of these will be personal to me and more than likely the few people, if any, which will read them, will not understand them or relate to them, so I’m not really worried about a high number of readers. Most will be boring; although I will try to throw in a few homeruns every now and again.

So although this isn’t my first blog by any means, it is however my first on this web site.

I might try to upload some old ones if I can figure out how to back log…we’ll see.

Jebus

Aye or Nay

2007-11-25T12:30:00.000-06:00

There is always going to be a million different reasons to NOT do something.

It's the one reason TO do it that makes it either worth it or not worth it.

It is that moment that your character and integrity will either shine or fade.

Bandwagon Music Fans Need Not Apply

2007-02-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

I've changed my profile. Here's how it came about:

As most of you already know (those of you that REALLY know me), you will recall that every since I could appreciate music, I have been absolutely obsessed with two bands. The first being the Beatles and the second being Silverchair.

Now, I realize that to the majority of you, if not all but 5 of you, don't care about this band and probably the last time you thought about them or even heard them was back in 1995 when Frogstomp was out.

I want to make you aware that over the last 12 years, this band has made me appreciate music. I know it sounds weird and completely cliché, but they changed my life and the way I perceive the song writing, recording, mixing, instrumentation, singing, the recording and music industries and have given me an appreciation of what a good record is supposed to sound like. To most everyone else, they are a one or two hit wonder that died with grunge in the early 90's. I assure you, that isn't the case with me.

In every sense of the word, I am obsessed with this band and I am a complete fanatic of their music. I think Daniel Johns is a type of genus composer that we haven't seen the likes of since Brian Wilson crafted Pet Sounds in the 1960's. Strong Statement I know, but I thought I would tell you how high this pedestal is that I have put them on.

There is an old theory that you tend to appreciate things more when you long for them. This is where I am with this band. With the exception of two singles from Frogstomp in the mid 90's and Anna's Song in 99, they have been virtually silent in the public. I like it that way. Don't get me wrong, I would love for them to enjoy their well deserved successes in the US; but I think since we don't get a fair dose of them in the States, I like them even more. It kind of feels like they are a band that I know about and nobody else does yet, if that makes any sense.

Since 95, they have put out only 4 albums and one double live album. Their last studio album Diorama, which was released in 2002, was nothing short of brilliant. I haven't heard an album so perfectly executed since the release of Rubber Soul from the Beatles. And now, they are about to release their next album, Young Modern, which hits stores on March 31st.

I'm telling you all; if you are a fan or real music, I mean Real music, then go get this album when it comes out. If you are one of those TRL music fans or one of those people that buy a cd for one or two songs then please save your money. Id rather you not ruin this for the rest of us. But if you truly love music and can appreciate everything that goes into it both behind the scenes and on the stage, then start following this band.

So, I have added their song to my profile, and I have uploaded their new video "Straight Lines" from YouTube. You should watch it. This album is going to be amazing. If you like the song, go back and listen to Diorama, it will blow your mind. THEN GO BUY THIS ALBUM WHEN IT COMES OUT!

Bandwagon Music Fans Need Not Apply.

Sincerely,
Jb

Fuck this Stupid War! - (Thank you for the story A.P.)

2006-12-28T12:27:00.004-06:00

Military deaths in Iraq exceed Sept. 11 toll of 2,973

By AMY WESTFELDT

Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP)

-- Robert Lootens, whose son, Jonathon, was killed in Iraq in October during his second tour of duty, wants U.S. troops to come home."I can't see where we're really accomplishing anything over there anymore," he said, expressing a common feeling of malaise among Americans surrounding the Iraq war as U.S. military casualties continue to mount.

A Christmas Day explosion pushed the number of American troops killed in Iraq above the Sept. 11, 2001, death toll. The White House said Tuesday that President Bush grieves for each member of the armed forces who has died and that he will ensure that the sacrifice of those killed - 2,978 as of that afternoon - won't be in vain.

"The war on terror is going to be a long struggle," deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel said. "The challenge of our generation is to prevent an attack on our country even greater than 9/11 from happening again.

"The bomb explosion Monday, which killed two soldiers south of Baghdad, raised the number of troops killed to 2,974 since the beginning of the Iraq war in 2003, according to a count by The Associated Press. Terrorists hijacked jetliners on Sept. 11, 2001, and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field, killing 2,973 people.

The rising death toll was an emotional reminder of loss for family members of Sept. 11 victims, some of whom said the war had gone on long enough.

"I just would like this war to stop in whatever way we need to," said Sally Regenhard, whose son Christian, a firefighter and Marine, died at the trade center.

"I can hardly tolerate it when I see these beautiful people. It reminds me of my son. ... These people are being massacred." But other Sept. 11 family members declared support for the effort.

"We are engaged in a fight for the free world against a determined enemy, and casualty numbers should not weaken our resolve," said Debra Burlingame, whose brother, Charles, was the pilot of the plane that crashed into the Pentagon.

Charles Wolf, whose wife, Katherine, died at the trade center, said it's inappropriate to compare the two numbers because the war in Afghanistan was the only direct response to Sept. 11.

As of Friday, at least 296 members of the U.S. military had died in and around Afghanistan as a result of the U.S. invasion of that country in late 2001.

"The war in Iraq was not a response to 9/11 but a response in the bigger picture of terrorism," Wolf said. "I really don't think that one has a bearing on the other."

Bush has said that the Iraq war is part of the United States' post-Sept. 11 approach to threats abroad and that going on the offensive against enemies before they could harm Americans meant removing the Taliban from power in Afghanistan, pursuing members of al-Qaida and seeking regime change in Iraq.

There has not been any credible evidence linking Iraq to the Sept. 11 attacks. Democrats have said the war in Iraq detracted from efforts against al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.

Those killed in Iraq came from across the United States, including more than 50 residents of Alabama, more than 30 from Nebraska and more than 40 from Kentucky. Some enlisted to fight in Iraq because they felt it was a way to battle international terrorism after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Lootens, from upstate New York, joined the Army, telling family members: "This is something I have to do."

"It did impact him and make him feel like he should serve," Robert Lootens said Tuesday. "He felt that this was his time."

The 25-year-old sergeant was killed when a roadside bomb went off near his vehicle in the city of Kirkuk.

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UT vs. AL football and My 25th birthday!!!

2006-10-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

OK, here is the deal. My 25th birthday is this Friday, October 20th. Now normally I wouldn’t be advertising or broadcast my birthday over the internet but it’s the big # 25 and I am going to try and see if I can get full and drunk for free. Hey, it’s worth a shot, and even if I can get drunk and full with food and only pay for half of it then in my eyes, I’ve come out on top. So here is my plea…Friday after work Rachel and I will be heading to my parents house in Kingston and on Saturday morning will be tailgating in Knoxville for the UT vs. AL game. I would love for all of you to be there that can; before the game, or after. Hell, if you want to give me two free tickets to the game as a present, I will take them. Regardless of the game, I will be partying before and after. Call me if you will be in Knoxville this Saturday and we can get together. Bring your dancing shoes and your drinkin cups cus it’s gonna be a long day. Sincerely, Jebus Las Vegas

2006 Election

2006-10-11T12:25:00.001-05:00

I will be voting for Jr. this Nov. but I just wanted to bring forth a few points to some people that may say he isn’t liberal enough.

I am very liberal in 95% of my beliefs and I am still going to be voting for this Blue Dog Democrat. He isn’t liberal; not in the true sense, but that’s ok, so get over it. That’s not what is important. I agree that he is more conservative then I care for but I have taught myself to look at the bigger picture. Ford winning this seat is more than the ideological and moral make up of these two candidates. Deep down, they are virtually equal on most issues and I’m ok with that. You might be asking yourself how can a liberal minded person say that?...well, I say that because it makes more sense in the grander scheme of things.

Ford is a conservative Democrat and Corker is a liberal Republican, or another way to say it is that they are both moderates. So what’s the difference? The difference is that a vote for Harold Ford, JR. isn’t just a vote for the Ford campaign; it’s a vote for the Democrats.

Whether or not Ford is going to agree with every talking point that I have doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that I agree with the views of the Democrats more so than the views of the Republicans. Having him move to the upper house of The Congress and take back a Republican held seat means that my party will have a greater chance of taking back the Senate, and THAT is where the importance lies in this election. It’s about the Party, not whether or not Ford is a true liberal Democrat.

It may help the Tennessee Democratic Party, but it does nothing for the DNC that Tennessee’s majority in the House is held by the Democrats (5) and the minority is held by the Republicans (4) because the House of Representatives as a whole is controlled by the GOP. Much like it won’t matter if Ford gets elected to our second Senate seat if other Dems don’t come to the table with a win. We need more Democrats to win; not just Ford in order to help out our party. We are sitting on an important race, not just for us as Tennesseans, but as Democrats. People all over the country are watching this race because it is an important seat to pick up for the party. It’s not just popular because a young Democratic Congressman is trying to fill the empty space of the retiring Majority Leader. It is important for our party as the minority party because of the potential of becoming the majority party along with the help of races like this around other few select states.

I’ll get off my soapbox now, but I just wanted to make some people more aware of the bigger picture. Things tend to get mixed up and forgotten during the campaign season and some people might forget why they are voting or what/who they are voting for.

FYI, we will be going through this all over again regardless of a win or a loss on the 7th of November. I hear word that this is Lamar’s last term and in 2008, he is planning on not running again. You can bet whoever is the loser for the 2006 Senatorial election, will surely become the front runner for his party in ’08 for the simple fact that the money will run over and he will have two more years to raise funds. So after Jr. wins this thing, we need to be looking for someone else ASAP to go up against Corker in ’08 for Alexander’s replacement and snag that Republican seat as well. How about former State Representative and Majority leader of the House, Kim McMillan from Clarksville? Just a thought, she would be a good choice; that is if she doesn’t run for Governor after Phil has completed his 2nd term. Or what about Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, he was once the Majority leader in the State House as well under the great Gov. Ned Ray McWherter.

Regardless, we have a lot of possibilities after this November. Keep a positive attitude while campaigning and strive to make this party better, not just “your candidate.?

Sincerely,JB

As if you didnt already know this about me...

2006-04-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

Really, really, ridiculously, good concert!

2006-03-29T12:19:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, 3-26-2006, I went to one of the best shows I have ever seen. Once again it was at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Oasis. Now, I could stop right there and you might understand why it was such an awesome show, but please let me fill you in on a couple of details. (Sorry, no pics this time)

Oasis was, as you can imagine, pretty amazing but the real shocker was the opening band. I had heard earlier on in the week that the bands opener was to be Wilco. I was stoked. I got into Wilco around a year and a half ago; I guess you could say I was a late bloomer. Regardless, I was pumped about the show. Fast-forward to last Friday.

I was looking at the status for my tickets which were to be waiting for me at Will-Call, when I noticed that Wilco wasn't playing before Oasis. I got a little pissed but, saw that the real opener for the night was a Chicago based band called The Redwalls. If you have never heard of them you should go buy their CD they have out right now called "De Nova". I first heard about them on MTV (as weird as that may be). I guess it was about September or October when I watched one of those "you hear it first" things on MTV about a band from Chicago called The Redwalls. They are a grungy looking 70's style band that sounds like the second coming of The Beatles. As many of you know, I am obsessed with The Beatles, so this new band was either going to make me extremely pissed off, or extremely happy. After watching the report, I went to their website and poked around for a while. I liked what I heard and bookmarked the band's page so that I could become a frequent visitor. That's about as far as I ever got until this past Sunday night.

Mike was to go to the show with me so I wanted to show him who was opening up for Oasis since he heard the bad news that Wilco really wasn't coming after all. When I went to their page, it was completely redone and had a ton of audio files and video and all that rad jazz going on, so I poked around some more and started to get really exited about this show again.

When the show started I was amazed and blown away by this band. A four piece that looks like the kids from "That 70's Show" and sounds like Rock's original four piece. The front 3 all sing and they do it extremely well. Wouldn't be surprised if the drummer could actually sing as well, but I didn't get to hear his pipes. The harmonies were really tight, probably due to the bass player and the rhythm guitar player being brothers; and the "George Harrison" of the band, playing lead, could wail also. Not to mention that they all sing lead...sound familiar...I'm not kidding, these kids really are the "mini me" to The Beatles. Same stance while playing and they even play the exact same color and brand guitars. Really weird.

I honestly think that they had a better show than Oasis. Not taking anything away from them, it's just that The Redwalls have nothing to lose. If they come out and have a shitty show, big deal; you didn't really come to see them anyway. It would be different if Oasis had a bad show. I think it's a good thing to see really talented bands while nobody knows them, before they have a chance to get too big and become arrogant assholes i.e. Oasis. These four kids are all under 22 years of age...brilliant. Catch them while you can and before I have a chance to say "I told you so." ANYWAY I feel I could go on and on about The Redwalls, but I won't. You should really go check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/theredwalls

http://www.theredwalls.com

Go listen to their music and watch their video on their website and FOR GOD'S SAKE, IF THEY COME CLOSE TO YOU, GO SEE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

School's Out
-the jebus

Racist?

2005-11-18T12:17:00.000-06:00

I already posted this once and for whatever reason took it down after about a week. I now feel that I should have left it up, so I'm reposting it. If you were one of the few that read it the first time, you can stop reading, if not, keep going. Some people still don't get it. So, here goes; again...

I have absolutely no tolerance for ignorance and/or racism. Stupidity I can deal with. There are a lot of dumb people that have a good head on their shoulders. Ignorance is a plague, especially in the South. “That’s the way I was raised,” and “My daddy dun it that way,” are two things that drive me up a fucking wall. For the most part I have no problem with conservative people, that’s fine if you are. The problem lies with the people that are “old country boys” or southern trash that think that degrading people is fine because they are in the South, and to take it a step further, don’t think there is anything wrong with that. Ignorance. People have to learn to step outside their comfort zone and accept people for who they are. It is my belief that most ignorant people are just scared of the things they don’t know, i.e. advancement of people with different skin color, race, background, religion, morals, style of dress, sexual or political preference. Let it go! It’s okay to accept things outside of what you are used to, try it. Try making friends with somebody that isn’t the following: white, drives an SUV, wears camouflage, has a rebel flag hanging in their room, shoots guns for no reason, thinks above minorities and homosexuals (God forbid if you find somebody that is both!), listen to country music, or loves George W. Bush. The real kicker is when you find people like this and they start telling you to be more Christian and that you are going to hell because of your liberal beliefs or your progressive lifestyle. Let it go! Like I said before, if you are conservative for religious reasons, I can’t knock that. But don’t be conservative because you don’t like black people or because you are from the South and that’s the way your daddy raised you. Think for yourself and have a fucking backbone. Nobody is going to make fun of you for standing up and being man about what is right. For God’s sake it’s almost 2006! Find something else to bitch about besides what another person looks like or who they want to walk down the aisle with.

Terrorists?

2005-11-18T12:15:00.000-06:00

follow this link and go watch this video. hopefully it will open a few ears and eyes, it sure opened mine. might not be true, but its a clever video.

http://www.freedomunderground.org/memoryhole/pentagon.php#Main

Ben Folds Concert

2005-11-14T12:09:00.003-06:00

So, I went home for the weekend and got a lot accomplished, both business and personally oriented. When I was driving back into Nashville on late Sunday afternoon I got a phone call from a very close friend that said there were two 3rd row seat tickets available for that night’s Ben Folds concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium. So I immediately thought it was a joke, and when I realized it wasn’t, I then popped “Rockin the Suburbs” into my CD player and began to drive faster. I was freaking stoked! The show was at 7:30 and The Fray opened for them. This was my first encounter with this band and I must say they were very impressive, you should check them out.

So there I was; third row at the Ryman, waiting for Ben Folds to rock my face off. Then Ben comes out and astounds everyone. Not that I have anything against the guitar, but it was very refreshing to see a rock band without a guitar in the mix. But, the distorted bass filled that gap quite nicely. He played for around 2 hours and did one encore. All the tracks were slamming and full of rock.

I’ve never experienced anyone that plays the piano with such force that they actually break 2 piano stings; and if you know anything about instruments, you know how hard that is to do. He is a full on rock star in every since of the phrase. Even the slower ballads had their moments. At one point he stood on his black Baldwin grand piano and began to conduct the audience as we sang (repeatedly for 5 minutes) as if we were a church choir, dividing the room in different choruses and harmonies. I think he really opened up to us as an audience. It could have been because this was the Ryman auditorium and it has a lot of history. I think it had a lot to do with his wife and twins being there and the fact that he lives here in Nashville. Whatever the reason, it made the show more intimate and relaxing, while at the same time, blowing the doors off the place.

If you ever have a chance to see this guy, please take advantage of it. On a further note, if you ever have the chance to go to the Ryman, do that as well. This was my 3rd show there. It’s a great live music venue and all the history and hype that comes with it is finally realized once you see a show there.

I’ve gotten to experience The Old Crow Medicine Show, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, and Ben Folds last night all at the Ryman, and every single time the place has lived up to every expectation and pre-conceived notion I ever had about it. That place isn’t just for old-time country music. It’s like a church you go to for live music. Amazing!