Sorry that I haven't posted anything new in a while. I've been busy applying for writing jobs that all require a ton of essays, so I haven't felt like writing anything more than that. A lot has happened though in sports and culture this past week so I definitely want to share my thoughts. Until then here are some music videos for your enjoyment.
And oh yeah...I'M GOING TO SEE PAUL MCCARTNEY AT FENWAY ON WEDNESDAY!! I just got tickets today and I am ecstatic! But more on that later.
Jefferson Airplane- "White Rabbit"(Live) Jefferson Airplane drops their hit "White Rabbit" in the early morning of the Woodstock Festival's final day. Another clip that makes me hate the fact I wasn't around for that era or that festival. Grace Slick is totally underrated...as a vocalist and as a hot bitch.
Stone Temple Pilots - "Plush" (Live)
STP does a cool, laid back version of their 1993 hit on MTV Unplugged. Scott Weiland absolutely kills it on vocals. Mad that I missed them when they came to Manchester this summer.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - "Tha Crossroads"
I LOVE this song and especially loved it when I was a young boy back in 1995. This is the music video that constantly ran on MTV at that time. I remember being fascinated but also scared of the very end. Hey, death is a scary thing for a kid. Watching this brings back memories. Anyway...enjoy.
Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg - "My Name Is", "Guilty Conscience", and "Nuthin' But A G Thang"(Live)
I love this video not just because of the dope performances but because it was around this time in 1999 when Hip-Hop started becoming the popular choice of music and brought us to where we are today. On second thought...I don't know if that's a good thing. We can still enjoy these performances though, right?
The Go-Go's - "We Got the Beat"(Live)
I like this performance for two reasons, first being that it's a chance to see how the Go-Go's were before they sold out (like everybody does) and second because it's the original lineup. Gotta love those all girl bands that ushered in the New Wave sound of the 80's.
Cover of the B.J. Thomas hit "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" performed with a ukulele
This guy Seeso does a nice cover of the 60's hit. I mostly enjoyed it because he used a ukulele! Bravo, Seeso!
Grace Slick was a rock babe....until drugs, booze, and age caught up with her
ok here is part 2 of what could possibly be a ten part series...
Reason’s Why Drunk Driving Should Be Encouraged By CM
Imagine if your parents never told you it was unsafe to drive drunk. What if the behavior was not illegal and frowned upon but rather encouraged from birth. Think of all the extra memories you would have on the open road, on route to a fantastic adventure as opposed to sleeping uncomfortably on your friends couch because you’re “too shit-faced to drive home” (if such a state exists). You would never have to decide between having fun and sleeping in your own bed (and I’m talking to you on this one Stan) ever again. The world would be a much more glorious and wondrous place, and here are ten reasons why.
Because if you don’t drive home, people will draw on you while you sleep:Do you want a penis on your face? Calm down closet cases, that wasn’t an offer. Do you want a penis drawn on your face? Of course not, this leaves you with two options. Don’t drink (I know this is like telling pooh bear he can’t have his honey or like telling O.J. that you’re leaving him for Ronald Coleman, it’s not going to end well), or drink heavily and drive your ass home to go to bed instead of falling asleep with your shoes on next to the couch. I can’t guarantee that this action won’t end with you plowing your car into an oak tree one mile from your home, but I can promise you that it will not end with you showing up to work the next day with a pair of balls drawn on one cheek and random red and blue scribbles that loosely resemble the words “douche bag” written on the other.
Zombie Movie Review by Rick [REC]/Quarantine Rating: "Classic"
For those confused as to why I'm reviewing two movies at once let me clear the air. [REC] was the original 2007 Spanish release, with Quarantine being the 2008 American release. Quarantine is the more accessible, since it is in English, and also has a different twist at the end.
SPOILER ALERT
[REC] ends with the disease being spread through saliva and is the result of a scientist doing tests on some girl who is believed to be possessed, while Quarantine has the disease being a mutated form of rabies, which is how some zombie and vampire myths began.
SPOILER ALERT
I understand not everyone has the patience to sit through an an hour and twenty minute Spanish film, so at the very least see Quarantine.
I'm going to start posting a blog every week sharing some cool music videos I come across on YouTube. This week I'm doing it on Friday but it could be different every week depending on what nights I post something else. It's to remind us of the good music. Anyway, here are some videos I like:
Simon and Garfunkel - The Sounds of Silence One of the best performances of an always powerful song, Simon and Garfunkel perform their biggest hit for a group of young people.
Blind Melon- No Rain (Acoustic Version)
One of the biggest anthems of the 90's music scene stripped down. Considered a one-hit wonder, these guys could have been a lot bigger if lead singer Shannon Hoon hadn't dropped dead of a drug overdose just two years after this song became a hit.
Hole - Violet (Live at the 1995 MTV VMAs)
Back when Courtney Love was still cool and an actual Rock Star. Now she's just a crack whore and a possible murderer (Yes, I'm one of those who thinks she may have killed Kurt Cobain).
Massive Attack- Teardrop The music video for Massive Attack's "Teardrop". For whatever reason, this video used to scare me when I was younger. Scratch that, it still creeps me out...but it's awesome.
2Pac announced dead at a NaS concert in 1996
NaS stops his concert in 1996 to let Ed Lover announce the news to the crowd that Tupac Shakur has passed away. As the description mentions, a truly monumental moment in Hip-Hop and a class move on the part of Nas and Lover.
Cover of the Eddie Van Halen guitar solo in Michael Jackson's "Beat It"
This guy John Denner may only have one hand, but his cover of the famous "Beat It" guitar solo done by Eddie Van Halen is about as close to the original as I've heard. Wicked sick.
There was a time when Courtney Love was cool. I promise.
Im watching the mummy 3 right now. im gonna just write things that pop into my mind whilst watching.
-why do they have to develop a backstory in the beginning? by the 3rd one i pretty much just dont care and want to just watch Brendan Frasier be absurd as Rick O'Connell aka the poor man's Indiana Jones - ummmmmm... exsqueeze me? wtf. Thats not rachel Weisz. where's rachel weisz? her being cute and british makes the mummy movies so much better. this girl sucks. you cant just throw some new hussy in and pretend shes still evelyn. your not evelyn. this isnt Fresh Prince. you cant just replace cast members and keep the same character name. -ok bed time cant sit thru this whole thing. -finished this movie and all i have to say is yetis? really? come on. COME ON. Well i guess its time to add the Mummy 3 to the list of things i purposely block out of my mind from ever existing. (The list consists of Rocky Balboa, Rolling Stone Magazine, and anything Matisyahu did other than the Live at Stubb's album).
In response to your random thought for the day, if you don't want to spend money on meaningless dates, the best solution is don't have them. Dating shouldn't be about seeing girls you already know you want nothing to do with in order to "stay in the game." In other words, you shouldn't be constantly using women one at a time as a little confidence booster for yourself. You should also consider women could get sick of you doing this... "Oh, he asked you out? It will only go one date, don't bother." You should probably re-evaluate what a date actually is about and then you might find your money more well spent. As a woman, I would never be willing to go on a date which the guy considers meaningless; talk about a waste of time. But if I ever did find myself trapped in this retarded situation, then I most certainly wouldn't want to pay my own half. I'd feel used, so I'd actually go out of my way to make sure the asshole has a hefty bill to deal with. :-)
I wish this wasn't signed as Anonymous because this is actually really well thought out and pretty funny. First let's point out the semicolon used after meaningless. Perfect. Anonymous really has a grasp on the English language. Also, if anonymous is reading, i'm not being a dick, kudos for proper grammar. I read a lot of blogs and it's really annoying to see our language butchered the way it is in the comments. I know not all of my writing on this blog is grammatically correct, but it isn't out of ignorance, but rather out of lack of caring. So thank you for the time spent writing a grammatically correct response. Also the way you ended things, with that gem of a condescending sentence, it really puts some validity into the whole thing. I feel as if you were a victim of a situation similar, or maybe even one of the one night dates used as source material for this post (Conor). As a reader I feel outraged and sympathize with you. I will try never to have a meaningless first date. So thank you anonymous for a female's insight!
Feel free to leave any comments, criticisms or whatever in our comment section. We do read them and really like the feedback.
Here is something funny emailed to me. This is part 1 of 10 in a random order.(I did not write these but am passing them along. I wish I was clever enough to think of some of the things the author wrote).
Reason’s Why Drunk Driving Should Be Encouraged By CM
Imagine if your parents never told you it was unsafe to drive drunk. What if the behavior was not illegal and frowned upon but rather encouraged from birth. Think of all the extra memories you would have on the open road, on route to a fantastic adventure as opposed to sleeping uncomfortably on your friends couch because you’re “too shit-faced to drive home” (if such a state exists). You would never have to decide between having fun and sleeping in your own bed (and I’m talking to you on this one Stan) ever again. The world would be a much more glorious and wondrous place, and here are ten reasons why.
3) Because drunk driving can put an end to tobacco use for the next generation: What is the worst thing that can ever happen to you when you’re drinking at a party (be sides getting herpes from a beautiful stranger)? You could lose your buzz. How do you solve this problem? Tobacco. I’ve seen you do it. You stop drinking for a few minutes but in the process you reach for a pouch, you light up a cigarette or a cigar, and the buzz continues. When you realize you don’t have any of America’s Founding Cash Crop products left, you beg and plead and offer sexual favors to anyone who might want to drive you to the store to get some more, because the shit is addicting. That’s why the government (claims to) want to prevent people from smoking it, because it is habit forming and kills you. So I saw tax it until it costs something outlandish, say $15 a pack. Middle and High School kids can’t afford that so they’ll never get started and they’ll never give their friends a light or a lip to pack in college either, but drunk kids will suck dick for cigarettes, they’ll pay and when they drive their own drunk asses to the store for a pack of smokes, no one will be around to tell them they’re getting fucked in the ass by the man on the price. The government can use the proceeds for public works programs, it will improve our infrastructure and create jobs, but none of this is possible with the current designated driving system we have in place now. Drunk driving and cigarettes can make America a better place, but time is of the essence.
Today's entry marks the 100th post we've made here at Celtics, Music, & Hot Bitches. To celebrate, let's talk about some of the big headlines from the last 24 hours.
Yesterday's News with Conor Levis
Let's reviews yesterday's news by giving them all titles.
Ummm ok? Twice the legal limit of what? Driving? Was Steve McNair driving when he died? Noooo. He was sleeping in his house. I didn't realize people aren't allowed to sleep while intoxicated or drink in the confines of their own home. Are we not allowed to be drunk at home? I can understand why they would report this story to inform us of the state McNair was in at the time of his death, but the wording of it was horrendous. It's almost seems like they're still trying to paint McNair as a bad guy because of this whole ordeal. Shame on whoever wrote this article. The guy has passed, let's show him some respect instead of making it sound like he did something wrong.
Greatest Headline of the Year (For Horny, Perverted Sports Fans Everywhere)
You read that correctly. The hottest babe in sports reporting was apparently spied on in her hotel room by some perv with a video camera. I was skeptical at first but the validity was confirmed by Erin's lawyer who has threaten to sue any and every person or website who publishes the video. For that reason and moral reasons we will not post the video here but it's been stored in Google's cache so you can still search for it on Google. I have seen the video, of course only to fulfill my duty to all of you as a reporter on this day...not because I wanted to, and let me say it is definitely her.
Erin Andrews can warm up any sideline
Most Disappointing Headline (For Horny, Perverted Sports Fans Everywhere)
Pretty self explanatory. Don't try downloading the video just because you want it, you perverts.
Most Nonchalant Celebration of a National Historic Event's Anniversary (In the U.S.)
The 40th Anniversary of the First Landing on the Moon. It was 1969 yesterday that Apollo 11 made the first landing on the moon. Apollo 11's landing was so uncelebrated, the only reason I even knew it was yesterday is because of the special logo google put up on it's website. Never saw anything on TV, no articles on the internet. Is it because everybody is a conspiracy theorist who thinks we never landed on the moon to begin with and only faked that we did so we would one up the Russians before they did...like me?
Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong in the NASA's training mockup of the Moon and lander module. Hoax proponents say that the film of the missions was made using similar sets to this training mockup.
Animation of the two photos, showing that though Armstrong's camera moved between exposures, the flag is not waving.
Most Shocking Sports Story (Maybe of the Year)
"Clippers to acquire three Wolvesplayers" (allegedly) reported by ESPN.com Translation: Mike Dunleavy actually made a competent move as general manager...and the Earth didn't even explode! Dunleavy turned Quentin Richardson's corpse into 3 servicable rotation guys who can contribute. The one factor that takes away from this great moment is that, David Kahn, Timberwolves' GM, was the other party making the trade.
Who could be more incompetent than Mike Dunleavy? Oh yeah, Chris Wallace.Sorry we forgot ya, Chris!
Most Visually Disturbing Headline (Unless You're a Poo Lover)
Long story short, a female inmate at Taycheedah Correctional Institution will spend another year and six months in prison for throwing her feces at a prisoner. Yes, she through her own shit at another inmate like a fucking monkey. What makes the visual even worse is when you actually see a photograph of the woman, Lanita Dotson....
WOW, I am so sorry! Actually, I'm really not. Good luck getting that image out of your head. Assholes. : )
"I'm the white Jay-Z" - Spencer Pratt. I mentioned this on a Facebook post earlier, but I don't know what's more pathetic...Spencer Pratt or the fact I agree with his thought on the state of the music industry. I'm gonna have to say he's more pathetic. Just read this interview on MySpace to fully understand how much of a tool this guy is. How do people care about this guy!? WHY IS HE FAMOUS!!?? Somebody give me a reason so I can stop punching myself in the face.
The tool of all tools
Random Thought of the Day:
There is an unwritten rule in dating that the man always pays, especially on the first date. Well, I've been fucked over by this rule lately and here's why. For a single guy like myself, it's only natural that I want to see what's out there by taking girls out. First dates I like to do something that always ends up pricey...whether it's dinner, a movie, or anything else that requires money. The problem is that a lot of times I'm going into these dates knowing that it will be the only one. One of those "Look, I like you and you're really cool but we both know there's nothing going on here...I'm just trying to stay in the game" kind of dates. So because of that it's basically like I'm throwing money away or paying for someone to hang out with me. It's almost like buying dinner for a bulimic person knowing she's going to be "refunding" her meal 15 minutes later in the bathroom. I have a problem with this. Can't we just make a universal rule that it's every person for themselves on the first date? That way if it doesn't work out nobody wastes money and if you want/get a second date, you can feel good about throwing down some money next time. I'm not a cheap person but it's becoming expensive to take these ladies out just ONE time and not wanting anything more. I know you're all thinking "Conor, just don't pay for her if you know you're not serious about her", but that's why I'm an idiot. I just can't make myself feel bad even if I don't care what that other person thinks. Does anyone else agree with any of this? No? Not even one person?
It's Still Rock 'N Roll to Me by Conor Levis
It seemed like all week people were trying to get me to go to the Rock the Bells Hip-Hop festival in Mansfield, MA. "When are you getting tickets? We need to go." I can understand why. It's a festival we had gone to for three straight years prior to this one and agreed to make it an annual tradition. "Sorry," I would reply. "I'm already going to see Elton John and Billy Joel that day". Of course I would get the oligatory, "Why would you want to go see those old guys?" remark. That irked me more than anything. Some people just don't understand that in these instances, it isn't all about the quality of the actual show. I got lucky because it just so happened that it was also a spectacular show. But the concert itself goes beyond any sound that came from the stage that night. Watching two of my music heroes perform onstage together was about as surreal a sight as I've had. I couldn't help but get caught up in the moment at times. The show started with Elton and Billy taking the stage together and performing a song together. Then, Elton John did his set first with a number of his hits including "Tiny Dancer", "Crocodile Rock", and "Rocket Man". Billy Joel took the stage second to do a set with hits like "Only the Good Die Young", "Just the Way You Are", and "We Didn't Start the Fire". The show ended with Elton John and Billy Joel back on stage together to perform John's "Candle in the Wind" and "Bennie and the Jets", and Joel's "Uptown Girl" and "Piano Man".
It was just a great show all the way through. The thing is...it didn't even need to be a great show. Like I alluded to before, they could have rolled them out in wheelchairs for all I cared. It drives me crazy that people would skip out on an opportunity to see these artists because they don't think they have it anymore. These two individuals are music icons in every sense. It's the same reason Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan are the only two acts I want to see in my life. These are talents that only come around once in a lifetime. Musicians whose work will stand the test of time...and stretch from generation to generation. It doesn't even matter that these guys are only a shell of their former selves. It's all still and will forever be Rock N' Roll to me.
Here are some videos I found on Youtube from the show I went to. Enjoy!
Elton John performing "Crocodile Rock"
Billy Joel performing "Only the Good Die Young"
Elton John and Billy Joel performing "Candle in the Wind" (very moving)
Billy Joel and Elton John performing "Uptown Girl"
Elton John and Billy Joel performing "Bennie and the Jets"
By Rick weirdest thing ever said/done on TV "You just licked the Jonas Brothers."-Jimmy Fallon on tonight's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon during his "Lick it For Ten" segment.
I stumbled upon the coolest blog ever. http://peopleinolongertalkto.blogspot.com/ They haven't posted in quite some time, but they leave contact information if you wanna send in a story(Hint Hint send in stories). If you couldn't tell by some of my previous posts, I get annoyed easily and have burned a few bridges in my day, so these are really interesting to read. This is put together by the guy who does this site too. Thank you internet :)
Hot Bitch of the Day Jennie Finch
I was flipping thru the channels today and saw a USA softball qualifier. I don't know if Jennie was pitching or is still even on the team, but she used to be and is a super hot softball player. Jennie, you are the Hot Bitch of the Day!
Here are my thoughts on a few things by Rick Man on Wire is actually a really interesting documentary. He is a freaking crazy frenchman. No real reason why I put in the spanish trailer. The film is Instant on Netflix so get watch it.
Depart From Me is a tremendous album. Sean Martin, of Hatebreed fame, really creates an atmosphere for Cage's lyrics to sound poignant yet still very accessible to new fans. Please go buy this album, and coming from a man who buys very few albums that means a lot. I try to find reasons to say oh no Hell's Winter is better, but I can't. please give this a try you'll love it. P.S. stoners can do electrical engineering as well.
The new Mew album leaked. Follow the links if you know what your doing if not leave me a comment and we can figure a way to get you this album. I havent listened to it yet, but I love Mew.
Tell me this isnt thecoolest thing ever. Brad Pitt is absurd in this. Real talk tho (i think real talk is cool people language for in all seriousness), Brad Pitt is an incredible actor and normally does an incredible job with roles ie. Snatch, Fight Club, Jackass
Hot Bitch of the Day Sara Evans
Sara Evans is a country singer or something. I really dont like country so that doesnt matter to me. What does matter is she was the Hot Bitch who sung God Bless America during the All Star Game. Sara Evans, you are the Hot Bitch of the Day! Put that next to that CMA Video of the Year award.
As I mentioned last week, 4 time NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace is going green. Wallace signed a 3 year contract last week for the mid level exception (about 5.8 million in year one). For those not familiar with Rasheed, let me help you get to know the newest member of the Boston Celtics and tell you why you need to love him.
1. He might hold the single most impressive record in NBA History...Most Technical Fouls in a Season. In the 2000-01 NBA season, Wallace received 41 technical fouls. 41! Measured over a full regular NBA season without playoffs , it means one technical foul every two games! How is it even possible to argue that much? To put it in perspective, this year's technical foul leader, Kobe Bryant, had 15.
2. In 2002, Rasheed and Damon Stoudamire were cited for misdemeanor marijuana possesion after cops found 40 grams of weed in their car. One of the many incidents with the famous Portland "Jail Blazers". Which raises an interesting question...when KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Doc River, Danny Ainge, and Wyc Grossbeck all went to Rasheed's house for a 3 hour meeting before the signing, how many blunts do you think were smoked? I say 13.
3. He got thrown out of the McDonald’s High School All-American Game.
4. He once tried to psych up his teammates by yelling, “Let’s go out and play like we’re Chicago on NBA Jam.”
5. Talking about the referees: “A lot of them cats are felonious, man.”
6. Wallace was suspended by the NBA for seven games for threatening then referee Tim Donaghy on an arena loading dock after a home game in 2003. That was the league's longest suspension for something that did not involve violence or substance abuse.
7. After Rasheed was called for a suspect shooting foul in a 2006 game, the game's TV audio picked up Rasheed arguing with the ref and then caught him yelling "Ball don't lie!" when the first and second free throw missed.
8. Rasheed isn't phased by pressure games, shown here when he messed with Reggie Miller before a big playoff game
9. At a post game press conference, Rasheed answered reporter's questions with only one response, "Both teams played hard." Off the charts funny.
10. Rasheed listens to good music before games, as seen here when the camera caught him rapping Nas' verse on Raekwon's "Verbal Intercourse", maybe Nas' best verse ever.
11. Loves to talk out on the court...sometimes it gets his team in trouble, other times it helps. Either way, it's entertaining.
12. Regardless of some of his on-court antics, Rasheed plays with a lot of passion and takes losing serious.
13. And last but not least, Rasheed does the "Carlton Dance" before every game. You gotta love a guy who does the Carlton Dance.
If those things aren't reasons enough to love Rasheed Wallace, here's why he helps the Boston Celtics:
Toughness. Wallace is a tough guy and doesn't back down from any challenge. He's known as a Dwight Howard "stopper" for that very reason.
Defense. Rasheed won a championship and made 4 Eastern Conference Finals Appearances with those defense oriented Detroit Piston teams. He's going to fit right into the Celtics' style of play.
Depth. We all saw what happened to the Celtics when they were running out of bodies at the end of last season. Rasheed gives us one more extremely productive player either off the bench or to spell somebody in the starting lineup.
Size. The other thing that killed last year's Celtics was their lack of size in the front court. Glen Davis and Brian Scalabrine should not be spelling Kendrick Perkins at Center. Size killed the Celtics and Rasheed is a 6'11 F/C.
Experience. Rasheed has been around and been a key part of some successful teams in this league. Hopefully the Celtics will become another one.
Leadership. All of Rasheed's teammates love him. He may not always lead in the right direction, but he definitely will lead. I'll take my chances pairing him with the Big 3.
So what's not to love about Rasheed Wallace? Nothing, I tell ya. It's going to be a great upcoming season with 'Sheed on our side.
Ok I dont completely remember all the rules but here goes
My Rating: See It
ok here's the skinny on Flight of the Living Dead, its exactly what it sounds like. Its a flight, a zombie outbreak takes place, the zombies follow more of the new Dawn of the Dead zombie rules, and its short enough that it isnt a complete waste of time. If you wanna be mildly entertained for an hour and a half see this film. If you didnt think Snakes on a Plane was funny nor do you like the graphicness of zombie films, id probably rent something else. graphicness graphicness graphicness graphicness graphicness graphicness graphicness graphicness
I know what you're thinking. I'm sure most of you are tired of hearing about Michael Jackson 24/7. But come on, it's a special occasion. I promise we'll get back to the funny, happy stuff tomorrow but the world said goodbye to a legend yesterday. We have to do just one more Michael Jackson post before we say goodbye...
Watching the Michael Jackson memorial service today was like a roller coaster of emotions. There were points when I was really happy and pleased with the ceremony, times when I got really angry, and of course...times that nearly brought a tear to my eye. In the end though I found myself content. How could one thing bring out so many sides, you ask? Well, I guess I'll explain.
As you can imagine the event consisted of MJ's family and closest friends sharing their words and memories....oh wait, actually that never happened. This is the part that pissed me off. For all the stars who spoke of Michael at the ceremony, there were maybe 3 who actually had any semblance of a relationship with Michael, the person. Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, and then maybe Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. Everything else seemed so contrived to me. Why was Kobe Bryant even there? I think Kobe was confused and thought we were mourning the other MJ. Really, Kobe? Did Michael Jackson the singer/entertainer inspire you to play basketball or something? What makes Kobe Bryant qualified to talk at Michael Jackson's memorial service? It was a joke. It wasn't just Kobe though. We also had to listen to Queen Latifah talk. We had to watch Usher pretend to cry after he performed "Gone Too Soon". Listen, if you didn't know Michael personally or have any memories to share, please don't speak at his funeral! Why were they allowed?
I'll tell you why. Because for whatever reason they felt the need to grab the biggest African-American stars for this event rather than Michael's actual friends, who are mostly white. This is what I can't understand. I understand Michael Jackson was black but why did the African-American community all of a sudden claim him as one of their most important figures once he died and then tried dominating his legacy with the race card? The funny thing is that Michael Jackson actually hated being black. That's why he eventually turned his skin white and made sure all of his adopted kids were white. The sad thing is that it was probably past experiences with discrimination, ridicule and the pressure of being black during that time that drove him to do it. Nonetheless, I found it funny that even knowing this they still tried to turn it into a black cultural event. I even joked when John Mayer performed that he was there representing white people. It's just a shame they turned it into a race thing when it should have been about the people as one because everybody loves Michael Jackson, it doesn't matter who you are. This is the aspect that felt totally contrived to me. Too many people there that didn't belong and only because of the color of their skin.
The rest of the Michael Jackson memorial service was saved by great performances of Jackson's songs from other artists including Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, John Mayer, and Lionel Richie. Also some heartfelt words from Magic Johnson, Smokey Robinson, Jackson's good friend, Brooke Shields, and his brothers Jermaine and Marlon Jackson. The Reverend Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III made nice speeches about Jackson's influence and cultural significance. An incredibly moving performance of Michael's favorite song "Smile" done by Jermaine Jackson. And toward the end of the ceremony, a rendition of MJ's "We Are the World" sang by everybody on the stage. These were the parts of the event that I enjoyed most and realistically, what the memorial was all about.
I thought it was cool how they kept cutting to live feeds of people watching the memorial all over the world including London, Moscow, Hong Kong and Berlin. People in different countries were holding hands and dancing in the streets... that's when you know you made an impact on the world.
A sobering moment came at the very end of the memorial when Jackson's eleven year old daughter, Paris, asked to say a few words. "I just wanted to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine", a sobbing Paris Jackson announced to the crowd. "And I just wanted to say I love him so much", she said as she burst out into tears while being consoled by the rest of the Jackson family. This is when I got sad. I have to admit, it got a little dusty in the Levis home after she said that. I just couldn't help but shed a tear. We know Michael Jackson as a lot things. A singer, a dancer; an icon, perhaps the greatest entertainer of all-time. But through little Paris Jackson, for the first time we saw Michael as a man. We saw through the fame and saw him for what he really was. After mourning one of the craziest lives we've ever known, we saw a little bit of normalcy. We saw a little girl crying as she said goodbye to her father. It was truly heartbreaking but at the same time, it was the most honest and genuine moment of the night. Only fitting that it should end that way.
So as you can see, the Michael Jackson memorial service brought out every emotion in me. It also taught me a thing or two. I learned that in a way, mourning a life is kind of like life itself. One minute you're happy, the next minute you're sad. There are times when you'll get angry, and others when you're filled with joy and excited for the moment you're in. But in the end, it all balances out. As long as you can achieve satisfaction and find peace within yourself, that's all that really matters. Although we say goodbye to a legend, we can take solace in the hope that somehow Michael found it in himself too.
I made a mistake in the last post. I said that my favorite patriotic song was "Stars and Stripes Forever" which is but only as the song itself. My favorite version of any one patriotic song is "America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles, the one playing at the top, hands down. It's the kind of song I can listen to any time and any place. Plus, Ray is incredible in singing it...maybe one of my favorite vocals in a song. So there you go.
Today's Random Thought by Conor Levis
Don't you hate it when technological advances are made in something that actually makes it more difficult rather than easier just to advance that certain something....totally contradicting the goal of technology? I'm referring to the paper towel dispensers in public restrooms. Who's idea was it to convert every paper towel dispenser to motion sensor? All it really did was make life harder. How difficult should it be to gain access to paper towels? I shouldn't have to sit there waving my hands in front of a sensor because it couldn't detect motion the first 800 tries. And the worst part is that they give you one sheet of paper at a time. Really? When has one sheet of paper ever been enough for someone who just washed their hand?. We use towels at home to dry our hands and they think one sheet of thin paper is going to do the job. Do us a favor public restroom people...either give us multiple sheets at one time or give me a fucking lever! I can't understand why we ever got away from the lever. Not only is it quick and easy, but you get to choose the amount of towels you need. I'm just sick of wasting my time because I have to wave my hands in front of a dispenser like a mongaloid. There's gotta be a way we can get this changed. Only in America.
"Just say no to no-hands dispensers"
4th of July Weekend
Like today's blog, it was definitely an action packed Fourth of July Weekend. Here were some of memorable moments from the weekend:
The weather. After what seemed like an eternity filled with rain, we finally got some good weather for the 4th.
Unfortunately, I had to work most of the day but I recall driving around and seeing people outside, family cook outs, fathers and sons playing catch and playing ball, everything that you could want on Independence Day. It was great to see.
Nothing beats your own family cookout. I stuffed my face with all the hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks I wanted...and with the people I love most. It doesn't get much better than that.
I was supposed to go to a big camp out thing with about 60 people at Weirs Beach that night but ultimately decided not to go because most of my friends were either already there or weren't going. I really didn't feel like driving all the way up by myself...especially because I don't care much for most of the people who were there anyway.
I ended up having a 1970's type night with a group of friends which ended with us driving to Francetown, NH at around 2 AM doing, well....let's just say illegal activities if you catch my drift. It was the perfect end to a near perfect day.
"When it comes to the 4th of July, this picture has it all"
Remembering Steve McNair
Not all was joyous on our nation's birthday. We learned that former NFL Quarterback Steve McNair, the 2003 NFL MVP who led the Tennessee Titans to the Superbowl in 2000, was found dead at 36. He was killed by his 20 year old girlfriend in an apparent murder-suicide. I couldn't believe the news when I first heard it for McNair was always a favorite player of mine. I heard it after receiving a text from my best friend but didn't believe it until I had it confirmed on the news. At Celtics, Music, Hot Bitches, we choose to remember Steve McNair the football player. A three-time Pro Bowler and the 2003 MVP of the NFL, McNair joined Hall of Famers Fran Tarkenton and Steve Young as the only players to pass for 30,000 yards and rush for 3,500 yards. One of my favorite football moments was watching the last drive of Super Bowl XXXIV when McNair led the Titans down the field, down by 7, and came up 1 yard short from throwing a game-tying touchdown on the final play. That season and every season there after, Steve McNair was my favorite non-Patriots football player. I remember asking for a Steve McNair jersey for four straight Christmas's but never got one. I drafted Steve McNair as my fantasy football quarterback every season...including his 2003 MVP campaign. Steve McNair left his mark on the game of football as one of those rare players who could beat you in so many ways. Whether it was through the air, with his feet, or even pure desire or stength. There will be very few players that come and go in this league that we will be able to compare to Steve McNair in all those different dynamics. Very few could play the position like he did at all different levels. R.I.P. Steve McNair. The Rasheed Wallace Era Begins!
It's now official. After what were initially rumours all of last week, Rasheed Wallace has become a Boston Celtic. I'm going to save my thoughts on the signing for the next blog but just know that this is a tremendous boost for our Boston Celtics. Welcome aboard 'Sheed!
Video of the Day:
To stay with the theme, Jimi Hendrix comes out on the final morning of the Woodstock Festival and drops this rendition of the Star Spangled Banner for a remedial crowd of hippies and people of the 60's counterculture alike . Truly as good as it gets.
We are Rick and Conor. We are like all blue blooded Americans and love three things, the Celtics, music, and hot bitches. This blog is about, but not limited to, these three ideals.
Grace Slick was a rock babe....until drugs, booze, and age caught up with her
