Legal Purgatory

Top Albums of 2006

It's that time again.  I listen to a lot of music.  A LOT.  My tastes tend to be pretty varied too...hip-hop, gangsta, hyphy, rock, indie, singer/songwriter, jazz...you name it.  This has been a pretty good year for music.  Some hip-hop classics.  The birth of a new movement--hyphy too.  Some amazing releases by dependable artists.  3 CDs stick out in my mind as far and away the best.  Then, there are 12 others which I really liked.  Actually, one more, because like I said, this was a great year.  haha.

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Hell Hath No Fury

Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury: Quite possibly the most anticipated Rap album of the year.  After years of hiccups, the sophomore album from the Virginia duo does not disappoint.  Thankfully, we were never deprived of their work with their two We Got it 4 Cheap mixtapes last year.  They stayed on top of their game.  The Neptunes did the beats for all the songs.  And these are some money beats.  You would think that Pharrell would get first choice on the beats, but hah.  I mean, you've got some heavy drums, synthesizers, angelic voices, accordions, steel drums.  I mean, wow.  This is rap at it's crudest.  At it's rawest.  Drugs and brutal honesty.  I can't even pick one song... Highlights: Keys Open Doors, Mr Me Too, Trill, and Momma I'm so Sorry.

A Piece of Strange

CunninLynguists - A Piece of Strange:  A nice pun...cunning linguists.  This is beautiful hip-hop.  It really is.  It's probably the first time I've ever been able to describe a hip-hop CD as beautiful.  I dunno.  I was just blown away when I heard it.  So much so, that it's made it into my top 4.  It's a concept album that is based on Biblical themes.  Now, I'm not the biggest fan of Southern hip-hop (outside of Little Brother), but man...these guys are amazing.  Haunting beats.  Intelligent lyrics.  The definition of hip-hop.  Some great guests, like Cee-Lo and Immortal Technique.  Highlights: Hourglass,  Never Know Why, What'll You Do?

Through the Windowpane

Guillemots - Through the Window:  I've had about a 2 months to listen to this CD and I still think it's the best rock album this decade.  A fleeting masterpiece of a concept album.  A cross between Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, Pink Floyd, Keane, Coldplay, you name it.  The songs are all different.  At first I thought this was a flaw, but I don't mind it now.  Just relaxing, avant-garde stuff.  Maybe I'm biased because one of the bandmembers is from Brazil.  hah.  And some of the songs are even about Brazil, but I'm still blown away.  Highlights: Sao Paulo, Trains to Brazil, If the World Ends.

Food & Liquor

Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor:  Kanye's protege.  I saw him live a few months ago and he was a bit disappointing.  Not exactly the stage presence I had envisioned.  But whatever.  He's just a different person and because of this, his hip-hop is different from most.  His lyrics talk about skateboarding (we've all heard), love, politics...and it's just a breath of fresh air.  The only real annoying thing about this album is the damn Outro, which is like 12 minutes long.  Does he really need to do all those shout-outs on the actual CD?  I don't really Kanye too much and to be honest, I think I like Lupe better.  Highlights: American Terrorist, The Instrumental, I Gotcha, Kick Push, Sunshine.

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These 12 CDs are in no particular order, but they're in my Top 15 (or 16 really).

Magnificent City

Aceyalone & RJD2 - Magnificent City:  One of the most famous underground rappers...a true veteran and professional from SoCal, Aceyalone has been around for ages...since the early 90s when he was with Freestyle Fellowship.  He teams up here with one of the more respected DJs around, RJD2.  I really like his flow, and yeah, he still has it.  RJD2 makes some great old-school beats...samples 70s funk and soul.  Highlighs: Fire, Disconnected, Solomon Jones.

Supply And Demand

Amos Lee - Supply and Demand:  I don't like this album as much as Lee's debut album, which came out last year.  But, I still think he has an amazing singing voice.  Definitely one of the best singer/songwriters we have around.  He's more of a bluesy/country guy, which is surprising, because I usually hate this type of music.  I kinda wish there was some more solo work with him.  Just him and a guitar.  Whatever.  It's still nice.  Highlighs: Supply and Demand, Freedom, Skipping Stone.

Let's Get Out of This Country

Camera Obscura - Let's Get out of this Country: This CD just has such a unique sound.  I love it.  It's haunting...almost like Guillemots.  The lead singer has an amazing and pure voice.  Lyrics are top-notch, and, I dunno, they're just so melodic.  I really havent heard anything like them before.  Highlights: I Need All the Friends I Can Get, Let's Get out of this Country, Dory Previn.

The Crane Wife

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife:  Like Clipse for rap, The Decemberists also had the most anticipated album in their genre, and they too did not disappoint.  They're probably one of the most consistent indie acts around with amazing lyrics--often with seafaring motifs, nice arrangements, and well, a great voice.  Highlights: O Valencia, Summersong, The Perfect Crime 2.

Lunatico

Gotan Project - Lunatico:  Yes, as a Brazilian, I will actually include something from Argentina.  But this CD is just so chill.  Probably one of the chillest CDs I've ever heard.  It's basically a neo-tango CD.  Very sexy.  Perfect for those late nights.  haha.  It's almost a lounge CD.  I don't really know how to describe it.  There's even some rap on it too.  Yup.  Highlights: Mi Confession, Arrabal, Celos.

Undiscovered

James Morrison - Undiscovered: There are a ton of singer/songwriters from the British Isles and Ireland-- James Blunt and Damien Rice perhaps being the most famous.  Morrison has a very soulful voice and I think he has a lot of potential.  This album could've been much better if it wasn't so pop-sounding.  I dunno, I still like it, but it isn't exactly a flawless album.  With that being said, for a guy who is only 19, he has a lot to tell, and I think he's pretty effective at getting his story told.  Highlights: How Come, If the Rain Must Fall, Better Man.

Murray's Revenge

Murs - Murry's Revenge:This album was produced by 9th Wonder, one of the up and coming producers hailing from North Carolina.  He produced the top album on my list from last year, Little Brother's The Minstrel Show.  Here, he teams up with Oakland-based Living Legends MC, Murs.  This album is too short.  But it's real, and that's why it's so great.  Like some of the other albums on my list, the CD is heavy on soulful beats, and well, I think it just works with modern-day underground hip-hop.  Murs is on fire too.  Highlights: Love & Appreciate, L.A., Barbershop, Yesterday & Today.

Till the Sun Turns Black

Ray LaMontagne - Till the Sun Turns Black:  Another artist from last year's list.  Ray was just getting started last year with his sultry voice.  He got even bigger when Taylor Hicks decided to play his most famous song, Trouble, on American Idol.  I feel a bit embarrassed that I'm still including him, hah, but whatever.  At first I didn't like this album because it was too loud.  Like Amos Lee, he has such a great voice, and I think it's a shame when his voice gets drowned out by his bandmembers.  There is still some amazing songwriting going on, and yeah.  Highlights: Three More Days, Empty.

Game Theory

The Roots - Game Theory:  They've been around forever, and it seems as if every album they release is a classic.  Their latest CD falls short of their classics like Illadelph Halflife, Things Fall Apart and Do You Want More? but that's alright.  The Roots have evolved into more of a band, and for hip-hop, it's really unique.  They have drummers and guitarists.  Lyrics are still there.  And again, I didn't like this album at first, but it took me a few listens to truly appreciate it.  Highlights: Long Time, Game Theory, Clock With No Hands.

Timeless

Sergio Mendes - Timeless:  I had to include a Brazilian CD on here.  I really think Brazilian hip-hop has the potential to make it big here in the US.  The beats.  The drums.  The party atmosphere.  Those are things that work with hip-hop and it's great to see a guy I really don't like in will.I.am explore the world to find music to use.  I'm glad he teamed up with Sergio Mendes, a Brazilian legend.  This is really an amazing collaboration featuring artists like John Legend, India Arie, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, Black Eyed Peas, and Chali 2na.  There's also one of the more famous Brazilian hip-hop artists on this CD, Marcelo D2.  Some purists don't like it, and I actually know of some Brazilians who bought this CD thinking it would be more Sergio Mendes and less hip-hop, but that's OK.  It still works.  Highlights: Mas Que Nada, Samba do Benco, Loose End, Yes Yes Y'all.

Blow The Whistle

Too $hort - Blow the Whistle:  This CD is on here as an endorsement to the Bay Area hyphy movement.  I guess I could have put E-40's CD on here, but I dunno, outside of like 4 songs on that album, I wasn't too blown away.  Too $hort is still around and he's still churning out a CD a year.  The beats are infectious.  It has one classic West Coast song.  Great for dancing, like all hyphy music.  Perfect a for a night in San Jose or Oakland.  Highlights: Money Maker, Blow the Whistle, Keep Bouncin.

The Garden

Zero 7 - The Garden: Last but not least.  This downtempo supergroup from England.  Garden State fans are probably familiar with them and the song "Waiting Line."  This CD is good, although some critics didnt particularly like it.  I dunno, I found no real problems with it myself.  Lots of artists great musicians, including one of my favorite, Swedish singer/songwriter Jose Gonzalez.  There is a remix of his most famous song, Crosses, which is not as good as the original, but still a nice interpretation.  The CD has also been used several times on The OC, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing.  It's still an amazing, chill CD.  Highlights: You're My Flame, The Pageant of the Bizarre, Futures.

Bo and The Game.

Rest in peace, Bo Schembechler.  An exemplary human being on the field and off.  A man of integrity.  He was the University of Michigan.

Bo.

"Those who stay will be champions."

As for The Game, well, I can't wait.  I'm so nervous.  Really wish I was there.  Go Blue.

a music meme

should be studying for the lsat, but i can't resist.

Put your music player on shuffle.
Press forward for each question.
Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense.

1. How am I feeling today? "Triste" Joao Gilberto (now here is some irony)
2. Will I get far in life? "You're gonna make me lonesome when you go." - Madeleine Peyroux (hah)
3. How do my friends see me? "Don't worry Baby" - Beach Boys
4. Where will I get married? "Rhymes and Ammo" The Roots
5. What is my best friend? "Kiss you" - Cassie
6. What is the story of my life? "Paradise" - LL Cool J
7. What was high school like? "If the rain must fall" - James Morrison
8. How can I get ahead in life? "And this is for" - Murs
9. What is the best thing about me? "Roll Plymouth Rock" - Brian Wilson
10. What is today going to be like? "J.A.N. (Jive Ass Niggaz) - Quasimoto
11. What is in store for this weekend? "More you Understand" - Howie Day
12. What song describes my parents? "Fellin' Myself" - Mac Dre
13. To describe my grandparents? "Bulls on Parade" - Rage Against the Machine (uhhhh)
14. How is my life going? "Different" - Pep Love
15. What song will they play at my funeral? "End of the Night" - Ludacris
16. How does the world see me? "You don't know what love is" - Sonny Rollins (interesting)
17. Will I have a happy life? "Guachi Guara" - Poncho Sanchez
18. What do my friends really think of me? "Blitzkrieg Bop" - Ramones
19. Do people secretly lust after me? "I miss you" - Snoop Dogg
20. How can I make myself happy? "The Hardest Part" - Coldplay (ouch)
21. What should I do with my life? "Freedom" - Jurassic 5 (that works)
22. Will I ever have children? "Symbol in my driveway" - Jack Johnson
23. What is some good advice for me? "Jingle Bells" - Diana Krall
24. How will I be remembered? "Nothin" - N.O.R.E. (ouch)
25. What is my signature dancing song? "Stoppin the Love" - KT Tunstall
26. What is my current theme song? "Hey" - Bic Runga
27. What does everyone else think my current theme song is? "Natural Blues" - Moby (interesting)
28. What type of women do I like? "Act Too (The Love of my Life) - The Roots (one of my favorite songs ever)

birthday aftermath with 911 action

So, my birthday was a multi-day affair.  Lots of booze.  Lots of fun.  Drama too of course.  I went up to San Francisco twice.  Went out in Palo Alto too, which was pretty lame to be honest.  Summer is done and Stanford only started now so yeah, things were a bit dead on a Thursday night.

Some of the Crew

Wednesday, I went up with one of my high school buddies, Ashvin, to SF with his roommates.  It was good times.  Went to several bars on the Mission.  Philosophized about life.  Played some liar's dice, quite possibly the greatest bar game of all time.  Sipped on some chimay...and way too many double shooters. Thursday, was lame times, but alas, it happens.  Now Friday, Friday was an interesting night.  Went up to SF again to some clubs--Mr. Smith's and 111 Minna.  Much beverage consumption along the streets followed by some clubs.  I shot down a girl at Mr. Smiths, and I felt guilty after.  haha.  Probably should've gone straight to 111 Minna...they were having some crazy hyphy party there.  Oh well.

With a sobering drive (literally) home at 3am, we needed Gatorade ASAP.  Went to the gas station about a block from my house.  My boy Alex gets out of the car and goes up to the female cashier.  She gives him change and hands him a receipt that says "PLEASE CALL 911 HELP!"  Oh shit.  Yeah.  We were going nuts because we didnt know what the fuck was going on.  There was some shady guy at the station but yeah.  We all debate for like 5 minutes and I finally decide to call 911.  Now I'm drunk and yeah...911.  I try my best to explain to the 911 person.  Meanwhile we need some drunk food--Carl's Jr.  I'm still on the phone with 911 when we arrive at the drive-thru...and who's in front of us??? A cop of course--and not just any cop, but a PAPD one.  Money.  We give him the note and he speeds off and tells us to wait there. 

Me, Mitchell, and Alex

Now this story is a bit anti-climactic.  Sorry folks.  The cop comes back and says that the sketchy dude at the gas station had been loitering there for over 2hrs...and he was all scaring the female cashier.  Turns out the dude was on coke or some shit and had 2 arrest warrants out.  So no armed robbery or anything.  We come back the gas station for closure.  I give the woman the rest of my chicken tenders because she's probably hungry.  Graveyard shift and you're a woman who has to deal with this shit.  Tough life.  She overreacted because she couldve called 911 earlier, but whatever.  But yeah, it felt good to help someone on my birthday.  To be honest, it was probably the best gift I couldve gotten.  Better than the cologne, clothes, booze, money that I got.  For real.

Rest of the bday was alright.  Hung out with the family.  Went up to San Jose to the best club there, Taste...they were having this party called Risque, which I've been to before.  The party was awesome, but since there was a slight misunderstanding with my friends, well, it wasnt the best of times.  So yes.  23 now.  Another year gone by.

still basking in the glory...and birthday.

Irony

It's been a few days but I still can't get that glorious Michigan victory over Notre Dame out of my mind.  Really wish I couldve been there.  Andy was lucky to go to the game, but he had to endure the wrath of Touchdown Jesus on the way there when he got into a car accident.  No doubt, Touchdown Jesus was punishing me through Andy for the incident at the Golden Dome two years ago.  The bar I went to, Old Pro, is most likely an OSU alumni bar since I see millions of them there.  Bastards.  And the owner/manager is a Notre Dame fan, since he was wearing a Notre Dame polo.  You can see the sign for the game that they had at the bar--"ND vs Missed Again."  Spoke too soon.  The bar had a good crowd, although most people were watching their own games.  There wasnt a huge Michigan or Notre Dame contigency.  Oh well.  I'll be in the bar for the Wisconsin game.

Owned

My birthday is fast approaching--it's this Friday, the 22nd.  Birthdays have kind of lost their appeal to me in the post-college life.  Last year's birthday was pretty low key.  I dont even remember what I did exactly.  I was thinking about getting a table at a club but yeah, it just seems like a lot of clubs are hit or miss, especially whenever I go up to San Francisco.  I've gone to some clubs that were supposed to be awesome and they just sucked.  I dunno.  Might just go bar hopping in the Marina District or something, although I have been checking out some club calendars to see what places might be cool on Friday.  I'm not too hopeful of an awesome birthday though.  I don't think anything will equal my 21st birthday.  I guess the birthdays after just feel like any other day.  Yeah, I really have no idea where to go.  Hah.  I'll probably go out tomorrow night though to SF to pre-celebrate since one of my friends has his birthday then.  Well we'll see I guess...

talib kweli and lupe fiasco

Talib Kweli

Last week, I went to the Rhymefest/Lupe Fiasco/Talib Kweli show at Ruby Skye in San Francisco.  It was pretty sweet.  Tons of people at the club.  Great DJs mixing before the show.  Rhymefest started off the set.  Even called up an MC from the crowd.  He kinda messed up on one of Kanye's verses.  It was all good though.  And Lupe.  Lupe.  Not the best stage performance, but he was aight.  Got the crowd going.  He did some stuff from his Fahrenheit mixtapes...and then some stuff off of the new album.  Didnt do Jesus Walks though.  Oh well.  Talib Kweli was awesome.  He really got the crowd going--more than Lupe.  He played stuff from Blackstar, Reflection Eternal...new shit too.  It was great.  Definitely worth the 23 bucks admission.  This weekend there's another concert...this one at the Fillmore, featuring some of the Bay's hottest artists like Turf Talk, Mistah FAB, The Team, Grouch, Zion I.  Should be awesome.  I'll probably go.  Speaking of hip hop, today is the 10th anniversary of 2pac's death. Hard to believe it's been that long.

   

Lupe Fiasco

I'm still not sure what is up with Facebook.  Do they have a bunch of morons in their PR department?  I think opening up Facebook to the rest of the world is about the worst possible thing that can be done.  Worse than letting in high schoolers, companies, and the minifeed.  Now I understand the strategery here behind this.  Facebook is small.  Less than 10 million people.  But by opening it up, you create a Myspace that is much smoother, not as customizeable, and filled with pedophiles and other freaks.  That's great!  The great thing about Facebook was it's snobiness--keeping the proletariat out so to speak.  The ultimate goal is to sell the company.  That's obvious...and this is the best way, but it will piss off a lot of people.  I'm just not sure if it's a good idea.  I understand the security controls, but it's just not the same as keeping everyone out.  I miss the good ol days of Facebook--back when it was new and awesome in the spring of 04.  In addition, Facebook is collecting data on its users.  Don't worry.  Our names arent getting publicized--but rather, an individual profile on each of us (most likely, we're a number or something), that will look at our interests, age, political and religious views, etc, and create a profile so that advertisers and other companies know what we like.  Fuck that.  I shut it off.  Just go to your privacy settings and then go to "Everyone" then to Facebook API and uncheck the shit there.

I'm still having massive issues finding any motivation in my life.  I'll have to do that soon.  In the meantime, by birthday is in 9 days.  Gotta figure out what to do.

the facebook (stalkerbook) world is in turmoil.

Yes people.  The Facebook world in turmoil and we are rebelling at the new changes.  I was up as it happened.  I logged out sometime before midnight here in Palo Alto...then logged in 15 minutes after only to see a new horrid, ghastly, facebook.  Our profile pages are all cluttered.  It's really unsightly.  No organization at all.  The pages are almost as bad as the Myspace ones.  And on top of this, it's perfect for those stalkers out there with the new minifeeds...following your every move--when you break up with someone. Some stalker could be on the look out for some rebound sex.  They'll know when you update your status and see how often you leave wall comments to that one girl youre obsessed with.  It's just too much really.  At least have an option to shut it off or something.  I actually think some of the minifeed stuff is useful...but the profile page really needs to get fixed.  I wonder how many people were talking about the new changes in lectures and discussion sections across the country.  hah. 

I'm pretty sure Facebook will receive all sorts of complaints.  I already emailed complaining so you should too if you're not liking it.  I miss the old Facebook.  This new shit is kinda lame.

RIP, Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter.

Crikeysteve

So, Steve Irwin is no longer with us.  It seems as if he was killed today morning while doing a dive in Australia for an upcoming documentary.  A stingray barb penetrated his chest and heart.  Wow.  I mean, this was a guy I grew up with.  Well, I was already a bit older when he really became famous, but he was one of those personalities who always was there on TV. He made learning fun for an otherwise apathetic American society.  And for kids, he showed that it was ok to maintain an "out-there" dream--to go out and chase after animals.  A lot of kids give up on being doctors, astronauts, etc...and Irwin was an amiable person who showed us that these aspirations werent so far-fetched.  He was a hero of sorts, and with this status, we come to think of people like him as invincible.  Same with football players and musicians and whatnot who die in their prime.  I tend to like cliches because they are always true--but he died doing what he loved.  Maybe his death was a bit anticlimactic--I'm sure most of us--even him, probably expected some sort of death at the jaws of a crocodile.  Alas, it wasn't meant to be.  Gotta feel for his family though--it's tough for any young family to lose a parent.  Sucks for the little child too--he will only get to hear and watch on TV how brave his dad was.  They won't be able to "hunt" together.  Anyways, RIP, Mr Irwin.  Crikey.

winning is awesome.

Robinho and his trickery.

Brazil has finally returned to its winning ways and I'm thrilled.  Our woeful performance against Les Bleus in the World Cup is just about forgotten with a succulent victory over our hated rivals, Argentina, at the new Emirates Stadium in London.  Dunga once again called upon the services of the youngsters--it was the same starting 11 from the Norway game.  I was actually fairly worried before the game.  We played alright against Norway...and Argentina had a near full-strength team with guys like Tevez, Messi, Mascherano, and Riquelme starting.  We dominated from the get-go, with Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Elano scoring off of a deflection.  The play was beautifully set up by Robinho, a player who should be a starter for Madrid.  I don't know what Capello is thinking.  We continued the pressure and probably shouldve scored another goal before the half.  Ronaldinho and Kaka were called up, but the Brazilian #10 was left off the line-up due to injury...and Kaka was forced to watch from the bench before appearing in the second half.

Celebration.

  Argentina would open the second stanza with some significant pressure.  In fact, they dominated for the first 20-25 minutes and I really felt that an equalizer was inevitable.  Our defense was still solid despite the Argentine dominance--and we were fortunate that Argentina had some rather poor finishing.  Football though, can be a cruel sport and Brazil scored against the run of play right when Argentina were at their most dangerous.  I won't complain!  Fred started off the play who then did a backheel to Kaka and the AC Milan playmaker then made a clinical pass to Elano, who cooly kicked it into the net.  Great goal and teamwork.  The final goal was a masterpiece though, as Kaka made a Ronaldo-like run and ran some 60 yards...beating several Argentine players with his pace.  He had initially robbed the ball from a careless Messi, and then turned on the afterburners.  He basically tapped in the goal and it more or less trickled in as a helpless Argentine defender made a last ditched effort to clear it from the line.  Really stunning.  Ihere was some rather poor sportsmanship by the Argentines.  They made

Kaka, the maestro.

some cynical fouls, which I felt, were red card-worthy...especially wonderkid striker Aguero's kick on Brazilian captain Lucio.  He only got a yellow card.  I really felt it shouldve been a straight red.  And at the end of the game, neither side exchanged their jerseys--the usual custom didnt happen between these fierce rivals.  The game also was rife with pitch invasions.  At times, it was a bit chaotic.  One Brazilian fan in particular jumped onto the pitch and went around hugging all the Brazilian players.  Some others ran onto the pitch after Brazil scored.  It was all pretty funny to see them run away from the stadium security at Emirates Stadium.  In fact, some ran back into the stands to escape.  Overall though, I was pretty surprised with our performance.  I really didnt expect such domination.  3-0.  We've now beaten them 4 out of the last 5 times.  Our coach, Dunga, looks to have his hands full in the coming days and weeks as he has to find a way to fit some of these players on the team.  Hell, Ronaldinho didnt even play today and we played so well.  We have lots of other guys who deserve their shot too, like Daniel Alves and Diego.  We'll see.  Brazil have one more test on Tuesday against Wales.   Should be an easy game I'd think, especially if we played like we did today.

Mike Hart runs all over Vanderbilt.

And my beloved alma mater, Michigan, opened the season with a typical Michigan opening game victory.  27-7 over Vanderbilt.  We were pretty poor on the offensive end.  We completely dominated the first half but were only up by like 6 points at the half.  Thankfully, our defense was amazing and we really limited what Vandy could do with the ball.  Countless sacks and fumbles.  It was great.  I had gone to the newly remodeled Old Pro in downtown Palo Alto with the hopes of bumping into some other Michigan alums.  There were a few around, although the bar was rather empty...then again, it was 9am.  I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the HDTVs...at least we had the sound on our TV.  They have all the TVs nicely set up so you can hear the audio for your game.  I suspect that The Old Pro might just be an Ohio State bar.  Tons of OSU fans were showing up for their game later on in the day...and the official bar tshirts are Red and White--the OSU colors, and they say on the back "Buck You," as in Buckeyes, although it could also be because of the mechanical bull.  Hmm..  I'll be back next week for the Central Michigan game...and then of course, the Notre Dame one!  Watching Michigan play though makes me a bit melancholy--I miss going to the games at the Big House.  Yeah.  I could always get my fix and watch Stanford play, but their team sucks.  At least they have a new stadium.

Food and Liquor

Lupe Fiasco

I havent gone to a concert in a few months...but Lupe Fiasco, the budding Chicago-based star, and Talib Kweli are having a show at Ruby Skye in San Francisco.  Should be very good as these two guys are some of the top, true, hip-hop artists around.  Hopefully, we'll get to hear some stuff from Lupe Fiasco's new album Food and Liquor--one of the most anticpated albums in years.  I didnt have the best of experiences when I went to Ruby Skye, one of the more popular clubs here in SF, a few months ago...I'm not the biggest electronica fan.  But yeah, we'll see if I decide to go or not...and I expect Ruby Skye to have a good crowd this time.

OG status

Pluto may no longer officially be a planet, but it certainly has OG status with me.  Pluto, OG--from the cradle to the grave. 

O.G. Original Gangster

Ice-T

I think I was too quick to disregard Cobra Starship's theme song for Snakes on a Plane.  It's surprisingly catchy...I'm a bit out of the loop with rock music these days.  For me it's select singer/songwriter dudes with the occasional indie band...and then brit rock.  And of course, random hip hop and local bay area rap music.  This OiNK site by the way is awesome.  I've shared tons of my favorite music...and have gotten some albums I've had my eyes on for some time.  Win-win.  Tons of hip hop stuff there.  Had to share The Pack's new album too.  That CD is awesome.  It's not their official album...more of a demo, but it's still tight.

Champions League draw was today.  Some of the groups are brutal...like Barcelona, who got stuck with Chelsea and Werder Bremen.  Other groups are pretty balanced, save for Milan's group, which is a bit of a joke.

The world has not ended in Brazil.  Thank God.  No riots to speak of today.  That's all.