Finally! The Top 10 World Series Moments of my lifetime (that I remember)….
Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!: Game 6 (October 18, 1977): This is my first World Series memory. Reggie hit three homers on three pitches off of three pitchers. He had homered in his last at bat in Game 5, so he hit four in a row.
Tug McGraw: Game 6 (October 21, 1980): I remember seeing the end of this series. It was an interesting one. Hemmorrhoids, circus catches, and Tug McGraw. McGraw struck out Willie Wilson to end the series and give the Phils their first title ever.
Goosebusters: Game 5 (October 14, 1984): Goose Gossage refused to walk Gibson. Gibson deposited a Goose pitch into the upper deck. Gibson literally roars around the bases. Tigers win their first series in 16 years.
Royal Comeback: (1985): Kansas City came back from 3-1 down to win the ALCS. They did it again to win the World Series. In Game 6, Don Denkinger blew a call at first. Instead of bearing down, the Cards collapsed. In Game 7, KC won 11-0.
The Walk Off is born: Game 1 (October 15, 1988): Kirk Gibson does his Roy Hobbs impression. Afterward, Dennis Eckersley coined the term “walk-off.” Gibson’s two big series’ home runs were off Hall of Famers.
Morris vs. Smoltz: Game 7 (October 27, 1991): Perhaps the greatest game ever played. John Smoltz and Jack Morris match zeros. Lonnie Smith slips rounding the bases. Morris pitches into the 10th. Twins win.
15-14: Game 4 (October 20, 1993): WTF?
Torre sticks with Cone: Game 3 (October 22, 1996): Yankees are down 2 games to none in their first series since 1981. They are up 2-0 in the 6th inning of game 3. David Cone gets himself into a bases loaded jam. Torre leaves Cone in and he escapes with only 1 run scoring. New York scores three in the 8th to bust it open. Atlanta never recovers.
The 2001 World Series: The greatest series ever. The Diamondbacks led 2-0 going back to New York. Then came three incredible games (and Yankee wins) which included homers by Jeter, Brosius, and Tino Martinez. The Yanks led 3-2 going to the desert. Game 6 was a clunker and I went to bed early. Game 7 was a classic. Schilling vs. Clemens. Randy Johnson comes out of the pen (I remember thinking “that’s not fair.”) Yanks led 2-1 in the 9th. Mariano makes an error. Diamondbacks win on the Luis Gonzalez single. Wow!
Red Sox win: Game 4 (October 27, 2004): Never thought I’d see it. I thought the apocalypse was around the corner.
Honorable Mention:
1978: Reggie strikes out vs. Bob Welch: This was a mighty matchup and Reggie goes down swinging.
1979: Pops homers: We are family...Stargell leads Pittsburgh back from 3-1 down.
1980: Boone and Rose pair up for a circus catch: You knew KC was done when things like that happen.
1986: Buckner: This has lost its meaning since Boston won.
1989: The Earthquake
1990: Reds sweep A’s: Too bad. hehe
1993: Joe Carter: Never thought I'd see a Bill Mazeroski moment.
1995: David Justice homers to give the Braves the series
1997: Edgar Renteria singles in extra innings in Game 7. Poor Cleveland.
2002: Game 6: The Glaus double and a Giant choke. Poor Barry.
2005: Weird guys hit home runs: Pods? Blum?
2006: Tigers pitchers can’t field
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Greatest Movie Scenes #116-120
116. Anakin vs. Obi-Wan: Revenge of the Sith (2005): Steven Spielberg allegedly helped formulate the battles between Yoda and Palpatine and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. Anakin's transition from hero to villain is complete as he literally descends into hell.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY-mbzr_pl8
117. Euthanized: Soylent Green (1973): The joys of Obamacare! Edward G. Robinson gets to commit suicide courtesy the government. As the Kevorkian-style drugs enter his veins, he watches video images of Bambi and grassy fields.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbJTBBoDFH0
118. Punching out of a coffin: Kill Bill (2004): Mythbusters showed this was not possible, but it was a fun scene. The bride requesting water at the diner afterward is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpw8NgL_2M
119. Missing Breakfast: Falling Down (1993): Michael Douglas just misses breakfast at the local fast food establishment. He complains. They refuse to accommodate him. He pulls out an automatic weapon. Who hasn't wanted to do that? Later, he blows up a construction zone. So much for traffic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eREiQhBDIk
120. Beatles on the Run: A Hard Day’s Night (1964): This is an iconic film moment and has been imitated several times. The most notable imitator was Austin Powers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD4TAgdS_Xw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY-mbzr_pl8
117. Euthanized: Soylent Green (1973): The joys of Obamacare! Edward G. Robinson gets to commit suicide courtesy the government. As the Kevorkian-style drugs enter his veins, he watches video images of Bambi and grassy fields.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbJTBBoDFH0
118. Punching out of a coffin: Kill Bill (2004): Mythbusters showed this was not possible, but it was a fun scene. The bride requesting water at the diner afterward is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpw8NgL_2M
119. Missing Breakfast: Falling Down (1993): Michael Douglas just misses breakfast at the local fast food establishment. He complains. They refuse to accommodate him. He pulls out an automatic weapon. Who hasn't wanted to do that? Later, he blows up a construction zone. So much for traffic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eREiQhBDIk
120. Beatles on the Run: A Hard Day’s Night (1964): This is an iconic film moment and has been imitated several times. The most notable imitator was Austin Powers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD4TAgdS_Xw
#3 Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is America’s greatest songwriter. He broke in the early sixties and is considered the chronicler of those times. He became known for his Anti-War and Pro-Civil Rights sentiments. He defined the period. However, Dylan was more than the folk counterculture poet laureate. He expanded his music and even committed the cardinal sin by plugging in. Some folk music fans refused to forgive this sacrilege.
Dylan refused to be pigeonholed and typecast as a folk artist. On “Maggie’s Farm”, he declared his independence from the folk community. Dylan has done Country, Gospel, Jazz, and just released a Christmas Album. Bob Dylan has released 33 albums, won a gazillion awards, and even got the Beatles to expand their music and awareness.
Rock n Roll Moment: Dylan plugged in at the Newport Folk Festival. He was booed and left the stage. The Folk Music Community went nuts. One fellow tried to cut the cords running to the amps.
Essential Dylan:
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)
Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
Bring it all Back Home (1965)
Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
Blonde on Blonde (1966)
John Wesley Harding (1967)
Nashville Skyline (1969)
Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
Blood on the Tracks (1975)
The Basement Tapes (1975)
Modern Times (2006)
Dylan’s Top 10:
Blowin’ in the Wind
Maggie’s Farm
The Times They Are a-Changin’
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Like a Rolling Stone
Positively 4th Street
Lay Lady Lay
Rainy Day Women #12 and #35
Just Like a Woman
Tangled Up in Blue
Dylan refused to be pigeonholed and typecast as a folk artist. On “Maggie’s Farm”, he declared his independence from the folk community. Dylan has done Country, Gospel, Jazz, and just released a Christmas Album. Bob Dylan has released 33 albums, won a gazillion awards, and even got the Beatles to expand their music and awareness.
Rock n Roll Moment: Dylan plugged in at the Newport Folk Festival. He was booed and left the stage. The Folk Music Community went nuts. One fellow tried to cut the cords running to the amps.
Essential Dylan:
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)
Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
Bring it all Back Home (1965)
Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
Blonde on Blonde (1966)
John Wesley Harding (1967)
Nashville Skyline (1969)
Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
Blood on the Tracks (1975)
The Basement Tapes (1975)
Modern Times (2006)
Dylan’s Top 10:
Blowin’ in the Wind
Maggie’s Farm
The Times They Are a-Changin’
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Like a Rolling Stone
Positively 4th Street
Lay Lady Lay
Rainy Day Women #12 and #35
Just Like a Woman
Tangled Up in Blue
Sunday, October 25, 2009
#4 The Rolling Stones
The Stones formed in 1962 and are on the verge of celebrating their 50th anniversary. The original band consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, and Ian Stewart. Keyboardist Stewart was quickly dumped because he did not fit the “teen idol” image. He did stay on as road manager and session keyboardist until his death in 1985.
The band’s main influences came from the blues world. Eventually, they came to write their own stuff which was heavily influenced by that genre. When they broke, they used that background to become the anti-Beatles. While the Beatles came off as nice clean cut gents, the Stones were dark and dangerous. Mick Jagger cultivated this image. While the Beatles sang of love, the Stones expressed “Sympathy for the Devil.” This image was reinforced at their Woodstock West concert at Altamont in 1969. The Hell’s Angels provided security and stabbed a fan to death.
Mick and Keith became the band’s main creative force. As they became more popular, they edged the band’s founder, Brian Jones out. Jones eventually died under mysterious circumstances. An investigation into his death has recently been reopened. Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor. For no apparent reason, Taylor quit in 1974 and was replaced by Ron Wood. Wood has been with the band ever since.
The Stones halcyon years ran from the Aftermath album of 1966 through their Exile on Mainstreet in 1972. However, they remained consistent hit makers into the early-to-mid eighties. Then, tensions between Mick and Keith blew the band apart. At Live Aid, Mick took the stage with Tina Turner while Keith (and Ron Wood) played with Bob Dylan.
In 1989, Mick and Keith made up and the band remerged with Steel Wheels. Once again, they scored a series of hit songs and records into the new millennium. During this renaissance period, bassist and band historian Bill Wyman retired. He was replaced by Darryl Jones. The Stones last album was released in 2005 and stirred some controversy with the song “Sweet Neo Con.” The album also produced a stripped down style which critics loved. In many respects, A Bigger Bang gave the public a glimpse at the sixties-era Stones. They are still together and their music and their image is something artists since from the sixties to today have tried to emulate.
Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Richards (yes that is all I am going to say)
Essential Stones:
The Rolling Stones Now! (1965)
Aftermath (1966)
Between the Buttons (1967)
Beggar’s Banquet (1968)
Let it Bleed (1969)
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Exile on Main Street (1972)
Some Girls (1978)
Tatoo You (1981)
Voodoo Lounge (1994)
A Bigger Bang (2005)
The Rolling Stone’s Top 10:
Satisfaction
Paint It Black
Let’s Spend the Night Together
Gimme Shelter
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Honky Tonk Women
Brown Sugar
Tumblin’ Dice
Miss You
Start Me Up
The band’s main influences came from the blues world. Eventually, they came to write their own stuff which was heavily influenced by that genre. When they broke, they used that background to become the anti-Beatles. While the Beatles came off as nice clean cut gents, the Stones were dark and dangerous. Mick Jagger cultivated this image. While the Beatles sang of love, the Stones expressed “Sympathy for the Devil.” This image was reinforced at their Woodstock West concert at Altamont in 1969. The Hell’s Angels provided security and stabbed a fan to death.
Mick and Keith became the band’s main creative force. As they became more popular, they edged the band’s founder, Brian Jones out. Jones eventually died under mysterious circumstances. An investigation into his death has recently been reopened. Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor. For no apparent reason, Taylor quit in 1974 and was replaced by Ron Wood. Wood has been with the band ever since.
The Stones halcyon years ran from the Aftermath album of 1966 through their Exile on Mainstreet in 1972. However, they remained consistent hit makers into the early-to-mid eighties. Then, tensions between Mick and Keith blew the band apart. At Live Aid, Mick took the stage with Tina Turner while Keith (and Ron Wood) played with Bob Dylan.
In 1989, Mick and Keith made up and the band remerged with Steel Wheels. Once again, they scored a series of hit songs and records into the new millennium. During this renaissance period, bassist and band historian Bill Wyman retired. He was replaced by Darryl Jones. The Stones last album was released in 2005 and stirred some controversy with the song “Sweet Neo Con.” The album also produced a stripped down style which critics loved. In many respects, A Bigger Bang gave the public a glimpse at the sixties-era Stones. They are still together and their music and their image is something artists since from the sixties to today have tried to emulate.
Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Richards (yes that is all I am going to say)
Essential Stones:
The Rolling Stones Now! (1965)
Aftermath (1966)
Between the Buttons (1967)
Beggar’s Banquet (1968)
Let it Bleed (1969)
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Exile on Main Street (1972)
Some Girls (1978)
Tatoo You (1981)
Voodoo Lounge (1994)
A Bigger Bang (2005)
The Rolling Stone’s Top 10:
Satisfaction
Paint It Black
Let’s Spend the Night Together
Gimme Shelter
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Honky Tonk Women
Brown Sugar
Tumblin’ Dice
Miss You
Start Me Up
Presidential Legacies: Cold War Democrats (and Ike): 1945-1969
The next set of presidents faced a drastically changed world. Following World War II, Europe was in shambles, the Soviet Union was throwing its weight around, and America was the last man standing. As such, the post-war presidents filled the vacuum left by collapsed European powers. America became the world’s policeman. As such, the United States moved to thwart Soviet expansionism. The U.S. did this for three reasons. First, the Soviets moved into Eastern Europe and refused to leave. Second, the Soviets’ stated purpose was worldwide revolution. Third, Hitler already plunged the world into a global conflict that took millions of lives. Stalin was not that much different than the German dictator. So, checking Soviet expansionism became a way to stop World War III.
Harry Truman was the first president to face this threat. His response was decisive and set the policy that was essentially followed by his successors through 1991. When George Kennan wrote his long telegram arguing that the U.S.S.R. respected strength and would back down if confronted, Truman made it his own. American policy toward the Russians would be based on containment. Communism would not be allowed to spread beyond its current borders. In order to achieve these ends, Truman pumped money in the form of the Marshall Plan into Europe. The plan got Western Europe back on its feet by the early fifties. He backed the Democratic forces in Greece and Turkey when Communism threatened. They survived. When North Korea invaded South Korea, Truman sent in MacArthur. Despite Chinese intervention, South Korea remained free. Despite his foreign policy achievements, including ending World War II, Truman was unpopular. Due to his low approval ratings and advanced age, he stepped down from office. However, his Containment Policy survived the Truman Presidency by forty years.
Truman’s immediate successor was General Eisenhower. Ike continued his predecessor’s policies and balanced the budget. Ike also created the Interstate Highway System which created Modern America. The system was designed with defense in mind. It ended up creating the suburbs. Americans were no longer shackled. They did not have to either live in the country or the city. They could now more easily go on cross country vacations, work far from home, and so on.
Eisenhower faced international crises as well, but being Ike, he was able to confront them and calm the nation. John F. Kennedy being John F. Kennedy, and not General Eisenhower, gave the Soviets no pause. After a failed attempt to overthrow Cuba’s Fidel Castro, the Soviets decided to place offensive nuclear missiles on the island. What followed was a textbook example of crisis management. Kennedy ordered a blockade. Technically, this was an act of war. However, Robert Kennedy was negotiating behind the scenes and an agreement was reached. The Soviets backed down. The world did not incinerate. The Soviets would remove the missiles from Cuba. The U.S. would remove antiquated missiles from Turkey. The Soviets would not mention the deal. America would not remove Castro. The Cuban Missile Crisis ended and the world survived.
While Kennedy stepped to the edge, Lyndon Johnson went over it. Lyndon Johnson managed to anger everyone. His Great Society angered Conservatives, led to large deficits in subsequent decades, and is generally considered a failure. His Civil Rights policies angered the South and sent the entire region over to the G.O.P. Freeing African-Americans (with more Republican support than Democratic) should have been his crowning glory. However, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968 are overshadowed by Vietnam.
The Vietnam War destroyed Johnson. As it dragged on, more people became disillusioned. After three years, the administration told Americans that the war was almost over. Then, the enemy launched a daring attack on the Tet New Year. In 1968, they attacked every major city in South Vietnam and fought in the American Embassy in Saigon. The U.S. won a major victory, but it did not look like it on television. Walter Cronkite declared the war lost. Johnson later announced he would not seek another term as president. The Democratic Party after 1968 fell to the McGovernites and has yet to recover.
Harry Truman was the first president to face this threat. His response was decisive and set the policy that was essentially followed by his successors through 1991. When George Kennan wrote his long telegram arguing that the U.S.S.R. respected strength and would back down if confronted, Truman made it his own. American policy toward the Russians would be based on containment. Communism would not be allowed to spread beyond its current borders. In order to achieve these ends, Truman pumped money in the form of the Marshall Plan into Europe. The plan got Western Europe back on its feet by the early fifties. He backed the Democratic forces in Greece and Turkey when Communism threatened. They survived. When North Korea invaded South Korea, Truman sent in MacArthur. Despite Chinese intervention, South Korea remained free. Despite his foreign policy achievements, including ending World War II, Truman was unpopular. Due to his low approval ratings and advanced age, he stepped down from office. However, his Containment Policy survived the Truman Presidency by forty years.
Truman’s immediate successor was General Eisenhower. Ike continued his predecessor’s policies and balanced the budget. Ike also created the Interstate Highway System which created Modern America. The system was designed with defense in mind. It ended up creating the suburbs. Americans were no longer shackled. They did not have to either live in the country or the city. They could now more easily go on cross country vacations, work far from home, and so on.
Eisenhower faced international crises as well, but being Ike, he was able to confront them and calm the nation. John F. Kennedy being John F. Kennedy, and not General Eisenhower, gave the Soviets no pause. After a failed attempt to overthrow Cuba’s Fidel Castro, the Soviets decided to place offensive nuclear missiles on the island. What followed was a textbook example of crisis management. Kennedy ordered a blockade. Technically, this was an act of war. However, Robert Kennedy was negotiating behind the scenes and an agreement was reached. The Soviets backed down. The world did not incinerate. The Soviets would remove the missiles from Cuba. The U.S. would remove antiquated missiles from Turkey. The Soviets would not mention the deal. America would not remove Castro. The Cuban Missile Crisis ended and the world survived.
While Kennedy stepped to the edge, Lyndon Johnson went over it. Lyndon Johnson managed to anger everyone. His Great Society angered Conservatives, led to large deficits in subsequent decades, and is generally considered a failure. His Civil Rights policies angered the South and sent the entire region over to the G.O.P. Freeing African-Americans (with more Republican support than Democratic) should have been his crowning glory. However, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968 are overshadowed by Vietnam.
The Vietnam War destroyed Johnson. As it dragged on, more people became disillusioned. After three years, the administration told Americans that the war was almost over. Then, the enemy launched a daring attack on the Tet New Year. In 1968, they attacked every major city in South Vietnam and fought in the American Embassy in Saigon. The U.S. won a major victory, but it did not look like it on television. Walter Cronkite declared the war lost. Johnson later announced he would not seek another term as president. The Democratic Party after 1968 fell to the McGovernites and has yet to recover.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Greatest Movie Scenes #121-125
121. Order 66: Revenge of the Sith (2005): The march on the Jedi Temple looked sweet. The Jedi's eradication is similar to the murder of Chinese Monks by a Chinese Emperor from long ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKQ8_ZJiwqo
122. The President takes down the Duke: Escape from New York (1981): We need a president like this nowadays...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfotQ1YQrvk
123. Train Wreck: The Greatest Show on Earth (1952): Nothing like carnage on the rails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUtf_RE6r5Q
124. The quest: Excalibur (1981): Excalibur had a dream-like quality to it. This scene with the Knights of the Round Table hunting the Holy Grail to classical music is very romanticized. It really appeals to the western mindset of the noble knight on crusade.
125. Hello Cleveland: This is Spinal Tap (1984): Spinal Tap is ready to go onstage and gets lost underneath the stadium. I have heard interviews with bands that claim to have done the same thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C21yssFhCsk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKQ8_ZJiwqo
122. The President takes down the Duke: Escape from New York (1981): We need a president like this nowadays...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfotQ1YQrvk
123. Train Wreck: The Greatest Show on Earth (1952): Nothing like carnage on the rails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUtf_RE6r5Q
124. The quest: Excalibur (1981): Excalibur had a dream-like quality to it. This scene with the Knights of the Round Table hunting the Holy Grail to classical music is very romanticized. It really appeals to the western mindset of the noble knight on crusade.
125. Hello Cleveland: This is Spinal Tap (1984): Spinal Tap is ready to go onstage and gets lost underneath the stadium. I have heard interviews with bands that claim to have done the same thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C21yssFhCsk
#5 The Who
The Who were four distinctly different personalities that emerged from Shepherd’s Bush to become one of the greatest bands of all time. They were known for their energetically aggressive stage shows, innovative records, and attitude. Pete Townsend came from art school and was the band’s chief songwriter, conceptualizer, and world class guitarist. Roger Daltrey is one of rock’s greatest vocalists and front men. He’s a brawler and could probably still kick a 20 year old’s ass. John Entwhistle is rock’s greatest bassist and turned the bass guitar into a lead instrument. Keith Moon is rock’s greatest drummer and its court jester. The band came from the London Mod scene and were the antithesis of peace and love. Instead, they pioneered instrument destruction and stage mayhem. From “Can’t Explain” to “My Generation”, there was something different about The Who.
Imagine being a hippie at Monterey in 1967. The San Francisco sound dominated the Summer of Love and the Monterey Pop Festival. Then came The Who. They blew up the stage and probably frightened some hippies. Before going on, Pete Townsend and Jimy Hendrix fought over who would close. Neither one wanted to follow the other. They almost came to blows, but settled the dispute. Townsend won and Hendrix closed. Hendrix then expropriated Townsend's antics and took him one better.
After a couple of years, the band was at a crossroads. Where to go? Pete Townsend put together an ambitious project. It was the first rock opera, Tommy. The album was a smash and propelled the Who to superstardom. In 1969, they played Woodstock and The Who continued to record smash albums well into the seventies.
In 1978, drummer Keith Moon died. After Moon's death, the band lost its way. Pete Townsend went into a tailspin. Singer Roger Daltrey admits to doing things he had never done before. The band eventually dissolved in 1982. They reunited for Live Aid in 1985, for a tour in 1989, and for their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996 and 1997, they got together to tour for their 70s classic, Quadraphenia. Then came the concert for New York following 911. They owned the show and reunited for good. On the eve of a tour, bassist John Entwhistle died. Roger and Pete have continued on and even recorded their first album since the early 80s.
Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Moon took a horse tranquilizer before a show and passed out on stage. The band invited a fan on stage to play the drums and The Who finished their set. He also got banned from the Holiday Inn after driving a car into the Flint Holiday Inn’s pool.
Essential Who:
My Generation (1965)
A Quick One (1966)
The Who Sell Out (1967)
Tommy (1969)
Who’s Next (1971)
Quadrophenia (1973)
The Who’s Top 10:
Can’t Explain
My Generation
A Quick One While He’s Away
I Can See For Miles
Pinball Wizard
Listening to You/See Me, Feel Me
Baba O’Reilly
Won’t Get Fooled Again
5:15
Who Are You?
Imagine being a hippie at Monterey in 1967. The San Francisco sound dominated the Summer of Love and the Monterey Pop Festival. Then came The Who. They blew up the stage and probably frightened some hippies. Before going on, Pete Townsend and Jimy Hendrix fought over who would close. Neither one wanted to follow the other. They almost came to blows, but settled the dispute. Townsend won and Hendrix closed. Hendrix then expropriated Townsend's antics and took him one better.
After a couple of years, the band was at a crossroads. Where to go? Pete Townsend put together an ambitious project. It was the first rock opera, Tommy. The album was a smash and propelled the Who to superstardom. In 1969, they played Woodstock and The Who continued to record smash albums well into the seventies.
In 1978, drummer Keith Moon died. After Moon's death, the band lost its way. Pete Townsend went into a tailspin. Singer Roger Daltrey admits to doing things he had never done before. The band eventually dissolved in 1982. They reunited for Live Aid in 1985, for a tour in 1989, and for their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996 and 1997, they got together to tour for their 70s classic, Quadraphenia. Then came the concert for New York following 911. They owned the show and reunited for good. On the eve of a tour, bassist John Entwhistle died. Roger and Pete have continued on and even recorded their first album since the early 80s.
Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Moon took a horse tranquilizer before a show and passed out on stage. The band invited a fan on stage to play the drums and The Who finished their set. He also got banned from the Holiday Inn after driving a car into the Flint Holiday Inn’s pool.
Essential Who:
My Generation (1965)
A Quick One (1966)
The Who Sell Out (1967)
Tommy (1969)
Who’s Next (1971)
Quadrophenia (1973)
The Who’s Top 10:
Can’t Explain
My Generation
A Quick One While He’s Away
I Can See For Miles
Pinball Wizard
Listening to You/See Me, Feel Me
Baba O’Reilly
Won’t Get Fooled Again
5:15
Who Are You?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
#6 Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin was not a metal band. They were a blues based classic rock band. Their interpretation of folk and the blues defined their music. Zeppelin did not limit themselves however. They also included rockabilly, reggae, soul, classical, Indian, Arabic, pop, Latin, and even country into their work. Then, they would take the music into new directions.
Zeppelin’s themes also separated them from the pack. Robert Plant’s interest in history and fantasy found an outlet in songs such as “Stairway to Heaven”, “The Immigrant Song”, and “Ramble On”. He brought a Medieval feel to the work. Guitarist Jimmy Page’s embrace of the occult has been overblown, but it fit into the band’s narrative and music, and complimented Plant's interests. Drummer John Bonham is second only to The Who’s Keith Moon amongst rock’s elite drummers. Bonham experiment and did things on the drums people are still trying to copy. Bassist John Paul Jones held the music together with innovative and time shifting bass lines.
Led Zeppelin experienced unbridled success throughout the seventies. They were the greatest band of the era and many critics place them behind only Stevie Wonder as greatest act of the seventies. During this period, “Stairway to Heaven” was released and is still considered by many to be the greatest rock song of all time. Additionally, they have sold over 200 million albums. Then, it ended. Like Keith Moon, John Bonham died young. Unlike The Who, Zeppelin broke up.
In 1982, Zeppelin released an album of out takes. They reunited with Phil Collins on drums for Live Aid in 1985. The performance was not released on the Live Aid DVD because the band felt their performance was substandard. Page and Plant reunited without Jones in the mid-90s for a pair of albums and tour. This was a point of contention between the three at the Rock n Roll Induction ceremony in 1995. In 2007, the band reunited once more for the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert. Afterwards, rumors about a reunion tour went out of control. Plant shot them down and went onto Grammy success with Alyson Krauss.
Rock n Roll Moment: The Fish Story
Essential Zeppelin:
Led Zeppelin (1969)
Zeppelin II (1969)
Zeppelin III (1970)
Zeppelin IV (1971)
Houses of the Holy (1973)
Physical Graffiti (1975)
Led Zeppelin’s Top 10:
Whole Lotta Love
Heartbreaker
Ramble On
Immigrant Song
Black Dog
Rock and Roll
Stairway to Heaven
Kashmir
Houses of the Holy
In the Evening
Zeppelin’s themes also separated them from the pack. Robert Plant’s interest in history and fantasy found an outlet in songs such as “Stairway to Heaven”, “The Immigrant Song”, and “Ramble On”. He brought a Medieval feel to the work. Guitarist Jimmy Page’s embrace of the occult has been overblown, but it fit into the band’s narrative and music, and complimented Plant's interests. Drummer John Bonham is second only to The Who’s Keith Moon amongst rock’s elite drummers. Bonham experiment and did things on the drums people are still trying to copy. Bassist John Paul Jones held the music together with innovative and time shifting bass lines.
Led Zeppelin experienced unbridled success throughout the seventies. They were the greatest band of the era and many critics place them behind only Stevie Wonder as greatest act of the seventies. During this period, “Stairway to Heaven” was released and is still considered by many to be the greatest rock song of all time. Additionally, they have sold over 200 million albums. Then, it ended. Like Keith Moon, John Bonham died young. Unlike The Who, Zeppelin broke up.
In 1982, Zeppelin released an album of out takes. They reunited with Phil Collins on drums for Live Aid in 1985. The performance was not released on the Live Aid DVD because the band felt their performance was substandard. Page and Plant reunited without Jones in the mid-90s for a pair of albums and tour. This was a point of contention between the three at the Rock n Roll Induction ceremony in 1995. In 2007, the band reunited once more for the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert. Afterwards, rumors about a reunion tour went out of control. Plant shot them down and went onto Grammy success with Alyson Krauss.
Rock n Roll Moment: The Fish Story
Essential Zeppelin:
Led Zeppelin (1969)
Zeppelin II (1969)
Zeppelin III (1970)
Zeppelin IV (1971)
Houses of the Holy (1973)
Physical Graffiti (1975)
Led Zeppelin’s Top 10:
Whole Lotta Love
Heartbreaker
Ramble On
Immigrant Song
Black Dog
Rock and Roll
Stairway to Heaven
Kashmir
Houses of the Holy
In the Evening
#7 Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd emerged in the sixties as the premier psychedelic space rock band. They were founded by Syd Barrett who was at the cutting edge of the psychedelic movement. The Floyd were known for their experimentation and trippy shows. Unfortunately, their leader succumb to mental illness and became less dependable. At one show, he acted normal during warm ups and then just stood and stared at the audience during the show. The band brought in David Gilmour to pick up the slack. Eventually, they stopped picking Syd up for shows.
Eventually, songwriting duties fell to Roger Waters. His vision led to Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. Waters’ philosophical and political outlook shaped Floyd albums. Waters’ dominance did not occur overnight. It was gradual and eventually annoyed the band. By the time The Wall was released, they were one of the biggest artists on the planet. Waters’ head was the size of the Earth and he commandeered the band. He went as far as firing founding member Richard Wright. It had become a dictatorship. The band revolted and David Gilmour took over.
Roger Waters’ dissolved Pink Floyd and declared the group “a spent force.” However, Gilmour, Wright, and drummer Nick Mason decided otherwise. For the first time since the mid seventies, the whole band had input in Floyd. They recorded and toured without Waters. This led to a series of lawsuits and squabbles in the press. While Gilmour’s Floyd filled stadiums, Waters played to audiences of 1500. The band toured for the last time in support of 1994’s Division Bell album. They reunited in 2005 for Live 8. In 2006, Syd Barrett died and Richard Wright followed in 2008.
Rock n Roll Moment: David Gilmour and Roger Waters engaged in rock’s greatest feud.
Essential Floyd:
Pipers at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
Meddle (1971)
Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Wish You Were Here (1975)
The Wall (1979)
Floyd’s Top 10:
Arnold Layne
Astronomy Domine
Echoes
Time
Money
Us and Them
Wish You Were Here
Another Brick in the Wall
Comfortably Numb
Run Like Hell
Eventually, songwriting duties fell to Roger Waters. His vision led to Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. Waters’ philosophical and political outlook shaped Floyd albums. Waters’ dominance did not occur overnight. It was gradual and eventually annoyed the band. By the time The Wall was released, they were one of the biggest artists on the planet. Waters’ head was the size of the Earth and he commandeered the band. He went as far as firing founding member Richard Wright. It had become a dictatorship. The band revolted and David Gilmour took over.
Roger Waters’ dissolved Pink Floyd and declared the group “a spent force.” However, Gilmour, Wright, and drummer Nick Mason decided otherwise. For the first time since the mid seventies, the whole band had input in Floyd. They recorded and toured without Waters. This led to a series of lawsuits and squabbles in the press. While Gilmour’s Floyd filled stadiums, Waters played to audiences of 1500. The band toured for the last time in support of 1994’s Division Bell album. They reunited in 2005 for Live 8. In 2006, Syd Barrett died and Richard Wright followed in 2008.
Rock n Roll Moment: David Gilmour and Roger Waters engaged in rock’s greatest feud.
Essential Floyd:
Pipers at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
Meddle (1971)
Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Wish You Were Here (1975)
The Wall (1979)
Floyd’s Top 10:
Arnold Layne
Astronomy Domine
Echoes
Time
Money
Us and Them
Wish You Were Here
Another Brick in the Wall
Comfortably Numb
Run Like Hell
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Top 10 LCS Moments
The League Championship Series began in 1969. These are my Top 10 moments. So, nothing from 1969...
1. George Brett‘s homer off Goose Gossage: Game 3 (October 19, 1980): Kansas City could not beat the Yankees and lost several playoff series to the Yanks. Brett’s 3 run shot off the Goose finished off a sweep and sent KC to the World Series.
2. Milt Wilcox wins the “nail biter”: Game 3 (October 5, 1984): Wilcox and Willie Hernandez combine on a 3 hitter and the Tigers win the pennant 1-0. The most amazing play occurred when Darrell Evans beat Willie Wilson to first. It was the anti-Buckner play.
3. Steve Garvey breaks the Cubs: Game 4 (October 6, 1984): The Cubs were going to their first World Series since 1945. Oh no they aren’t. The Cubs would lose Game 5 and San Diego would lose to Detroit.
4. The Henderson Home Run: Game 5 (October 12, 1986): The Angels were one strike away from their first World Series. Dave Henderson homered to ruin that. California tied it in the bottom of the 9th. The Red Sox won it in the 11th. The Angels collapse had begun.
5. Mets and Astros play greatest LCS game ever: Game 6 (October 15, 1986): It went 16 innings. The Mets led in the 14th and Billy Hatcher tied it with a home run. The Mets scored 3 in the 16th. The Astros scored 2.
6. Cabrera’s Game Winner: Game 7 (October 14, 1992): Pirates lead 2-0 in the 9th. Braves score 3. Sid Bream was not a fast man…and he rumbled and stumbled into score the series winner.
7. Schilling spits at Braves: 1993: The Phils would not be intimidated. Schilling would dominate the Braves and Philadelphia went to the World Series.
8. The Grand Slam Single: Game 5 (October 17, 1999): Braves led the Mets 3-2 in the 15th. Robin Ventura hit a Grand Slam to win the game, but was mobbed before he could get to second. Luckily, two runs scored before he was called out.
9. Red Sox come back from 3-0: 2004: This was quite a series. David Ortiz with several big hits and Schilling’s bloody sock. Never thought anyone would ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.
10. Maggs Pennant winner: Game 4 (October 14, 2006): Tigers trailed the whole game. Maggs hit a home run earlier in the game. It was tied 3-3 in the 9th. Maggs then hit a walk off pennant winner. Detroit’s greatest baseball moment since Gibson’s home run in the 1984 World Series.
1. George Brett‘s homer off Goose Gossage: Game 3 (October 19, 1980): Kansas City could not beat the Yankees and lost several playoff series to the Yanks. Brett’s 3 run shot off the Goose finished off a sweep and sent KC to the World Series.
2. Milt Wilcox wins the “nail biter”: Game 3 (October 5, 1984): Wilcox and Willie Hernandez combine on a 3 hitter and the Tigers win the pennant 1-0. The most amazing play occurred when Darrell Evans beat Willie Wilson to first. It was the anti-Buckner play.
3. Steve Garvey breaks the Cubs: Game 4 (October 6, 1984): The Cubs were going to their first World Series since 1945. Oh no they aren’t. The Cubs would lose Game 5 and San Diego would lose to Detroit.
4. The Henderson Home Run: Game 5 (October 12, 1986): The Angels were one strike away from their first World Series. Dave Henderson homered to ruin that. California tied it in the bottom of the 9th. The Red Sox won it in the 11th. The Angels collapse had begun.
5. Mets and Astros play greatest LCS game ever: Game 6 (October 15, 1986): It went 16 innings. The Mets led in the 14th and Billy Hatcher tied it with a home run. The Mets scored 3 in the 16th. The Astros scored 2.
6. Cabrera’s Game Winner: Game 7 (October 14, 1992): Pirates lead 2-0 in the 9th. Braves score 3. Sid Bream was not a fast man…and he rumbled and stumbled into score the series winner.
7. Schilling spits at Braves: 1993: The Phils would not be intimidated. Schilling would dominate the Braves and Philadelphia went to the World Series.
8. The Grand Slam Single: Game 5 (October 17, 1999): Braves led the Mets 3-2 in the 15th. Robin Ventura hit a Grand Slam to win the game, but was mobbed before he could get to second. Luckily, two runs scored before he was called out.
9. Red Sox come back from 3-0: 2004: This was quite a series. David Ortiz with several big hits and Schilling’s bloody sock. Never thought anyone would ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.
10. Maggs Pennant winner: Game 4 (October 14, 2006): Tigers trailed the whole game. Maggs hit a home run earlier in the game. It was tied 3-3 in the 9th. Maggs then hit a walk off pennant winner. Detroit’s greatest baseball moment since Gibson’s home run in the 1984 World Series.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Greatest Movie Scenes: #126-130
126. Zipper Scene: There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Ouch! Then came the ambulance.
127. The mine shaft gap: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Peter Sellers calling the president "Mein Fuehrer" is priceless (especially since Nazi scientists helped the US after WWII). George C. Scott arguing that we can not allow a mineshaft gap is a dig at the fear over a missile gap with the Russians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEi8Mj6WDKM
128. The Inquisition: History of the World (1981)
How do you deal with torture and religious intolerance? With a song and dance number!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5McSEU48Y8
129. The bride vs. The Crazy 88s: Kill Bill Vol.1 (2003)
Kill Bill is one the decade's highlights...Uma taking on the Crazy 88s in not very realistic, but it was fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdjuS17DGlA
130. Frank vs. Bud and Lou and Wolfman vs. Dracula: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Lon Chaney and Bela Legosi throw down. Bud and Lou chased by Frankenstein's Monster. Vincent Price with a cameo as the Invisible Man. Does not get any better...
Ouch! Then came the ambulance.
127. The mine shaft gap: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Peter Sellers calling the president "Mein Fuehrer" is priceless (especially since Nazi scientists helped the US after WWII). George C. Scott arguing that we can not allow a mineshaft gap is a dig at the fear over a missile gap with the Russians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEi8Mj6WDKM
128. The Inquisition: History of the World (1981)
How do you deal with torture and religious intolerance? With a song and dance number!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5McSEU48Y8
129. The bride vs. The Crazy 88s: Kill Bill Vol.1 (2003)
Kill Bill is one the decade's highlights...Uma taking on the Crazy 88s in not very realistic, but it was fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdjuS17DGlA
130. Frank vs. Bud and Lou and Wolfman vs. Dracula: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Lon Chaney and Bela Legosi throw down. Bud and Lou chased by Frankenstein's Monster. Vincent Price with a cameo as the Invisible Man. Does not get any better...
#8 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Bruce is part Woody Guthrie, part Bob Dylan, part John Lennon, and part Elvis. His brand of heartland rock combined themes of youth and Americana and made him a star. It took several years and albums for Bruce to break. It’s doubtful many artists would be given the chance by modern record companies that Bruce and the E Street Band got. Eventually, they broke with Born to Run in 1975. At the time, rock had drifted and disco was becoming a force. As a result, Bruce was hailed as rock’s savior. Meanwhile, the band itself became stars as it was full of colorful characters such as Little Steven Van Zandt, The Mighty Max Weinberg, Nils Lofgren, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittain, Danny Federici, Patti Scialfa (as of 1984), Soozie Tyrell (as of 2002), and the Big Man, Clarence Clemons.
Bruce remained a star into the 1980s. In 1984, he achieved mega-stardom with Born in the USA. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were a phenomenon. Bruce changed it all up for the next album, Tunnel of Love. Then, Springsteen fired the band. He went into the wilderness. His next couple of albums faced mixed reviews In the mid-90s, he went folk.
The September 11 attacks motivated Springsteen to reunite the band. In 2002, they released their first album together in 18 years, The Rising. It was a return to his mid-80s form. Once again, Bruce experienced mainstream success. The band put out two more albums inspired by real world events and the zeitgeist. This 911 trilogy has been a commercial and critical success. In 2009, he played at a pre-inaugural concert for Barack Obama. Currently, he is on tour.
Rock n Roll Moment: In 1976, Bruce attempted to see Elvis by scaling the fence at Graceland. He was escorted off the premises while trying to explain who he was.
Essential Bruce:
Born to Run (1975)
The River (1980)
Nebraska (1982)
Born in the USA (1984)
The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995)
The Rising (2002)
Magic (2007)
Bruce’s Top 10:
Rosalita
Born to Run
Thunder Road
Badlands
The River
Atlantic City
Born in the USA
Glory Days
Dancing in the Dark
The Rising
Bruce remained a star into the 1980s. In 1984, he achieved mega-stardom with Born in the USA. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were a phenomenon. Bruce changed it all up for the next album, Tunnel of Love. Then, Springsteen fired the band. He went into the wilderness. His next couple of albums faced mixed reviews In the mid-90s, he went folk.
The September 11 attacks motivated Springsteen to reunite the band. In 2002, they released their first album together in 18 years, The Rising. It was a return to his mid-80s form. Once again, Bruce experienced mainstream success. The band put out two more albums inspired by real world events and the zeitgeist. This 911 trilogy has been a commercial and critical success. In 2009, he played at a pre-inaugural concert for Barack Obama. Currently, he is on tour.
Rock n Roll Moment: In 1976, Bruce attempted to see Elvis by scaling the fence at Graceland. He was escorted off the premises while trying to explain who he was.
Essential Bruce:
Born to Run (1975)
The River (1980)
Nebraska (1982)
Born in the USA (1984)
The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995)
The Rising (2002)
Magic (2007)
Bruce’s Top 10:
Rosalita
Born to Run
Thunder Road
Badlands
The River
Atlantic City
Born in the USA
Glory Days
Dancing in the Dark
The Rising
Sunday, October 11, 2009
#9 Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry may be the inventor of Rock n Roll as we know it. Berry is considered one of rock’s greatest songwriters and guitarists. He successfully merged country storytelling with rhythm and blues to create his own unique sound. After contacting Chess Records, Berry cut “Maybelline” and his career and rock n roll itself exploded. Berry continued to pump out hits like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Rock n Roll Music,” “Sweet Sixteen,” and many others. In 1959, Berry was on top of the world when scandal hit and derailed his career. After a stint in prison, he returned to witness British Invasion artists covering his songs. Berry scored some more hits and then faded. However, his innovation, songwriting, guitar playing, attitude, and duck walk made Berry the first king of Rock n Roll.
Rock n Roll Moment: Berry hired a 14 year old runaway to work at his club. After being fired, she was arrested for prostitution. They tied the white girl to Berry and he was sent to prison for 5 years.
Essential Chuck Berry:
The Great Twenty-Eight (1982)
Hail! Hail! Rock n Roll (1987)
Chuck Berry’s Top 10:
Maybellene
Roll Over Beethoven
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
School Days
Rock n Roll Music
Johnny B Goode
Back in the USA
My Ding-a-Ling
Thirty Days
Too Much Monkey Business
Rock n Roll Moment: Berry hired a 14 year old runaway to work at his club. After being fired, she was arrested for prostitution. They tied the white girl to Berry and he was sent to prison for 5 years.
Essential Chuck Berry:
The Great Twenty-Eight (1982)
Hail! Hail! Rock n Roll (1987)
Chuck Berry’s Top 10:
Maybellene
Roll Over Beethoven
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
School Days
Rock n Roll Music
Johnny B Goode
Back in the USA
My Ding-a-Ling
Thirty Days
Too Much Monkey Business
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Greatest League Division Series Moments
The League Division Series has existed from 1995-The Present. There was also NL and AL Division Series’ following the Strike-Shortened 1981 season.
Tony Pena HR in 13th: Game 1 (October 3, 1995): Tony Pena’s home run off Zane Smith in the 13th gave the Tribe a 5-4 win. It was one of the first real dramatic LDS moments.
On another note, Boston won Game 5 of the 1986 World Series and did not win another Post Season game until Game 1 of the 1998 ALDS. The streak hit 11 games.
Griffey’s mad dash: Game 5 (October 8, 1995): The greatest LDS ever was in 1995. The Yanks held a 2-0 series lead and blew it. In Game 5, they held a 4-2 lead in the 8th. The Mariners tied it. In the bottom of the 11th, Edgar Martinez doubled in Ken Griffey Jr and the M’s went wild. Randy Johnson came into the game in the 9th and got the win.
Pedro pitches in relief: Game 5 (October 11, 1999): Boston had not won a playoff series since 1986. After three innings, the Tribe led 8-7. Pedro Martinez came into the game in the 4th inning and finished the game out. The Red Sox won 12-8.
Jeter’s throw: Game 3 (October 13, 2001): The A’s beat the Yanks in the first two games of the ALDS. The Yankees led 1-0 into the bottom of the 7th. With 2 out, Jason Giambi singled. Torrence Long doubled to right. Shane Spencer missed the cutoff man. Jeter noticed and swiftly reacted. He ran down the line, grabbed the ball 20 feet from home, and whirled home. He had no time to set. Giambi was out. The Yankees won 1-0 and they would win the series in five.
Pudge holds the ball: Game 4 (October 4, 2003): The Marlins led the Giants 2-1 in the NLDS and 7-5 in the 9th of Game 4. The Giants rallied for one and the tying run, J.T. Snow, was thrown out at home. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez held onto the ball for the win.
Ortiz 10th inning HR ends series: (October 8, 2004): Boston has Anaheim’s number. Leading two games to none in the ‘04 LDS, the Sox were tied with Anaheim in the 10th. David Ortiz hit a 2 run shot to win the game and the series.
Chris Burke hits HR in 18th: Game 4 (October 9, 2005): The Braves and Astros went 18 innings. Chris Burke hit a walk-off home run and won the series…in the 18th inning.
Clemens comes in to pitch in relief: Game 4 (October 9, 2005): In the aforementioned 18 inning contest, Roger Clemens came into pitch in the 16th inning. He was the Astros last available pitcher and got the win.
Kenny Rogers handcuffs Yanks: Game 3 (October 6, 2006): Kenny Rogers was a terrible postseason pitcher. That changed in 2006 when he became the first pitcher since Christy Mathewson in 1905 to have three scoreless postseason starts. This was the first of those three starts.
Bondo has perfecto through 5: Tigers beat Yanks: Game 4 (October 7, 2006): The Yankees were hitless until the 6th inning. Bonderman went 8 1/3 for the win and the Tigers wiped the Yankees out of the postseason.
Tony Pena HR in 13th: Game 1 (October 3, 1995): Tony Pena’s home run off Zane Smith in the 13th gave the Tribe a 5-4 win. It was one of the first real dramatic LDS moments.
On another note, Boston won Game 5 of the 1986 World Series and did not win another Post Season game until Game 1 of the 1998 ALDS. The streak hit 11 games.
Griffey’s mad dash: Game 5 (October 8, 1995): The greatest LDS ever was in 1995. The Yanks held a 2-0 series lead and blew it. In Game 5, they held a 4-2 lead in the 8th. The Mariners tied it. In the bottom of the 11th, Edgar Martinez doubled in Ken Griffey Jr and the M’s went wild. Randy Johnson came into the game in the 9th and got the win.
Pedro pitches in relief: Game 5 (October 11, 1999): Boston had not won a playoff series since 1986. After three innings, the Tribe led 8-7. Pedro Martinez came into the game in the 4th inning and finished the game out. The Red Sox won 12-8.
Jeter’s throw: Game 3 (October 13, 2001): The A’s beat the Yanks in the first two games of the ALDS. The Yankees led 1-0 into the bottom of the 7th. With 2 out, Jason Giambi singled. Torrence Long doubled to right. Shane Spencer missed the cutoff man. Jeter noticed and swiftly reacted. He ran down the line, grabbed the ball 20 feet from home, and whirled home. He had no time to set. Giambi was out. The Yankees won 1-0 and they would win the series in five.
Pudge holds the ball: Game 4 (October 4, 2003): The Marlins led the Giants 2-1 in the NLDS and 7-5 in the 9th of Game 4. The Giants rallied for one and the tying run, J.T. Snow, was thrown out at home. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez held onto the ball for the win.
Ortiz 10th inning HR ends series: (October 8, 2004): Boston has Anaheim’s number. Leading two games to none in the ‘04 LDS, the Sox were tied with Anaheim in the 10th. David Ortiz hit a 2 run shot to win the game and the series.
Chris Burke hits HR in 18th: Game 4 (October 9, 2005): The Braves and Astros went 18 innings. Chris Burke hit a walk-off home run and won the series…in the 18th inning.
Clemens comes in to pitch in relief: Game 4 (October 9, 2005): In the aforementioned 18 inning contest, Roger Clemens came into pitch in the 16th inning. He was the Astros last available pitcher and got the win.
Kenny Rogers handcuffs Yanks: Game 3 (October 6, 2006): Kenny Rogers was a terrible postseason pitcher. That changed in 2006 when he became the first pitcher since Christy Mathewson in 1905 to have three scoreless postseason starts. This was the first of those three starts.
Bondo has perfecto through 5: Tigers beat Yanks: Game 4 (October 7, 2006): The Yankees were hitless until the 6th inning. Bonderman went 8 1/3 for the win and the Tigers wiped the Yankees out of the postseason.
#10 Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly was a rock pioneer. He was one of the first professional singer/songwriters in rock n roll and one of the first to use advanced (for the time) recording techniques. One rock historian declared Holly the most “influential creative force in early Rock n Roll.” Holly’s influence on popular music can not be overstated. Although his success lasted 18 months, his songs and recording techniques influenced The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and The Beach Boys. Additionally, Holly’s clean cut image insulated him from the scandals surrounding other rock stars and probably would have made him a force in music well into the 60s. It would have been interesting to see if Beatlemania would have struck with the force it did with Buddy Holly entering his prime. Holly died in a plane crash at 23.
Rock n Roll Moment: Many rock stars have died in plane crashes. Buddy Holly was the first. He died along with Richie Valens (La Bamba) and The Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace).
Essential Buddy Holly:
The Chirping Crickets (1957)
Buddy Holly (1958)
Buddy Holly’s Top 10:
Oh Boy!
Not Fade Away
Maybe Baby
That’ll Be the Day
Peggy Sue
Words of Love
Rave On!
It’s So Easy
Peggy Sue Got Married
Raining in My Heart
Rock n Roll Moment: Many rock stars have died in plane crashes. Buddy Holly was the first. He died along with Richie Valens (La Bamba) and The Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace).
Essential Buddy Holly:
The Chirping Crickets (1957)
Buddy Holly (1958)
Buddy Holly’s Top 10:
Oh Boy!
Not Fade Away
Maybe Baby
That’ll Be the Day
Peggy Sue
Words of Love
Rave On!
It’s So Easy
Peggy Sue Got Married
Raining in My Heart
Monday, October 5, 2009
2009 All MLB Team
C- Joe Mauer- Twins
1b- Albert Pujols- Cardinals
2b- Aaron Hill - Blue Jays
3b- Evan Longoria-Rays
SS- Hanley Ramirez- Marlins
DH- Jason Kubel- Twins
OF- Ichiro- Mariners
OF- Ryan Braun- Brewers
OF- Matt Holliday- A’s/Cardinals
UT- Ben Zobrist- Rays
UT- Juan Pierre- Dodgers
RHP- Zach Greinke-Royals
LHP-C.C. Sabathia- Yankees
RP- Jeremy Affeldt- Giants
Closer- Mariano Rivera- Yankees
1b- Albert Pujols- Cardinals
2b- Aaron Hill - Blue Jays
3b- Evan Longoria-Rays
SS- Hanley Ramirez- Marlins
DH- Jason Kubel- Twins
OF- Ichiro- Mariners
OF- Ryan Braun- Brewers
OF- Matt Holliday- A’s/Cardinals
UT- Ben Zobrist- Rays
UT- Juan Pierre- Dodgers
RHP- Zach Greinke-Royals
LHP-C.C. Sabathia- Yankees
RP- Jeremy Affeldt- Giants
Closer- Mariano Rivera- Yankees
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Richard Nixon: America's Greatest President
http://www.examiner.com/x-24794-American-History-Examiner~y2009m10d2-Richard-Nixon-Americas-Greatest-President
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