I'm resurrecting the "Things I Love" series that I started a while back so I can discuss in depth something I mentioned in the comments section of one of my Idol posts. I love cover songs. If you considered cover songs to be their own genre, I'd choose them over any other. It might have something to do with familiarity- that perhaps it's easier to like a song you already kinda know over something brand new. It might be the "They're fans just like us!" feeling you get when you hear one of your favorite bands playing the songs of another. It might be the appreciation you feel whenever someone presents something to you in a way you hadn't previously considered possible.
But I believe the thing I like most about cover songs is that deep down, it's what we all really want to do. Every time you sing a song- whether it's along with the radio, in the shower, or just in your head- you're covering it yourself. Every one of us with some musical talent has picked up a guitar or sat down at a piano to play a song we like. Some of us learned to play those instruments just for that purpose. When we hear cover songs, it justifies that feeling we all have when we hear a good song- that the best way to express our affection for the song is to belt it out and make it our own. Every cover song is a tribute to the original, and every one we hear encourages us to keep doing what we do- paying tribute in our own way. (Just without the royalties).
Up next: What makes a great cover song? Stay tuned. (pun intended)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
If it weren't for Myrtle Beach, I'd restart their secession movement for them
With no disrespect to any of the fine citizens of South Carolina, I'd like to express my disappointment with something I read today. It was in a column about SC gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley and her statements from her website about her faith. (Haley is a Christian, and goes to great lengths on her site emphasizing that point.) The column reports that the SC constitution contains the requirement that "No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor who denies the existence of the Supreme Being."
From a constitutional law standpoint, I find it hard to believe that a state constitution can so directly contradict the federal constitution's stated right of freedom of religion. But aside from the legality of the requirement, I have grave concerns with the limitations it puts on the citizens of the state. The requirement does not go so far as to impose a belief system upon citizens of the state, but it does limit the positions that citizens without certain belief systems can hold.
I believe in "the Supreme Being", but also respect the right of others not to. I also don't see how an argument can be made that the governing ability of one who does not believe would be lesser in any way than one who does. The record shows that believing in a Supreme Being doesn't exactly keep you off the Appalachian Trail, if you know what I mean.
From a constitutional law standpoint, I find it hard to believe that a state constitution can so directly contradict the federal constitution's stated right of freedom of religion. But aside from the legality of the requirement, I have grave concerns with the limitations it puts on the citizens of the state. The requirement does not go so far as to impose a belief system upon citizens of the state, but it does limit the positions that citizens without certain belief systems can hold.
I believe in "the Supreme Being", but also respect the right of others not to. I also don't see how an argument can be made that the governing ability of one who does not believe would be lesser in any way than one who does. The record shows that believing in a Supreme Being doesn't exactly keep you off the Appalachian Trail, if you know what I mean.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
What do we want? REPLAY! When do we want it? NOW!
By now you've no doubt heard of the umpire who screwed up and cost that guy a perfect game. (I'm leaving out the details not because I don't care but because they don't matter here.) The aftermath was the feel good story of baseball so far this year- guy screws up, guy owns up to his screw-up, affected parties forgive him, all is well.
All that making nice somewhat diffused the furor over the mistake and diverted the attention from the obvious issue- that baseball needs more replay. The argument of purists is that mistakes are part of the game, that the role of the umpire is essential to the integrity of baseball and makes the game what it is.
That's horsecrap. There's no industry out there that accepts mistakes as part of doing business. Umpires do their best to make the right call, but sometimes make a mistake. If there is an immediate way to evaluate the umpire's judgment, why not use it? When that immediate method (replay) is already being used and broadcast to viewers in real time, it displays the flaws and calls into question whether the outcome of the contest is legitimate.
Here's one group of people who deserve replay the most- gamblers. The outcome of the game in question here (the near-perfect game) was not affected by the missed call. But no doubt there are games that either have or will have their outcomes affected by a mistake. If a wager is lost despite visible evidence that it should have been won, it becomes an unfair loss (or a contrary illegitimate win) to the gambler involved.
Tennis has been using the electronic eye system for years. It does not replace but supports the line judges and the chair umpire in their jobs. It works. I've never heard a tennis purist, commentator, or player bemoan the system. They're happy that the calls are being made consistently and fairly for all players.
The technology exists to correct these flaws. There's no reason not to institute it now, in fairness to all. Too bad it's too late for Armando Galarraga (you know, that guy.)
All that making nice somewhat diffused the furor over the mistake and diverted the attention from the obvious issue- that baseball needs more replay. The argument of purists is that mistakes are part of the game, that the role of the umpire is essential to the integrity of baseball and makes the game what it is.
That's horsecrap. There's no industry out there that accepts mistakes as part of doing business. Umpires do their best to make the right call, but sometimes make a mistake. If there is an immediate way to evaluate the umpire's judgment, why not use it? When that immediate method (replay) is already being used and broadcast to viewers in real time, it displays the flaws and calls into question whether the outcome of the contest is legitimate.
Here's one group of people who deserve replay the most- gamblers. The outcome of the game in question here (the near-perfect game) was not affected by the missed call. But no doubt there are games that either have or will have their outcomes affected by a mistake. If a wager is lost despite visible evidence that it should have been won, it becomes an unfair loss (or a contrary illegitimate win) to the gambler involved.
Tennis has been using the electronic eye system for years. It does not replace but supports the line judges and the chair umpire in their jobs. It works. I've never heard a tennis purist, commentator, or player bemoan the system. They're happy that the calls are being made consistently and fairly for all players.
The technology exists to correct these flaws. There's no reason not to institute it now, in fairness to all. Too bad it's too late for Armando Galarraga (you know, that guy.)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Idol recap
I'm a few days late to the internet Idol recap party, but none of you watch Idol anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter.
As you may have heard, paint store clerk Lee Dewyze beat out single mom Crystal Bowersox (this is the way they were both referred to all season) for the title of Season 9 American Idol, no doubt thanks to the millions of tweens and divorcees who voted early and often for Lee over the more talented Crystal. Really, it was the best possible outcome for the Idol producers as well, because in Crystal they have a talented artist who can become a marketable performer in her own right, and in Lee they have a likeable guy with a pretty face and a nice smile who they can label as the next American Idol and make a few bucks off of along the way.
Here's a few best of's for Season 9:
Best Performance:
3) Crystal and Lee, "Falling Slowly"- from Songs from the Cinema week, this Oscar winning song from the movie Once fit them perfectly and showed a ton of chemistry between them
2) Lee, "Hallelujah"- as posted previously, a haunting version of a great song
1) Casey James, "Jealous Guy"- I wasn't a Casey James fan at all, but I've got to give him credit- this was a beautiful performance, both on vocals and guitar, and the best of the year by anyone
Best Celebrity Mentor:
3) Adam Lambert- Helped that he was only a year removed from being in the same situation
2) Usher- Terrific- first of the mentors to actually offer constructive advice and tips on style
1) Harry Connick Jr- Head and shoulders above the rest. His ability to work with the contestants, along with his wit and charisma, make him my vote to replace Simon next year
Best Contestants Not To Make It To The Top 3:
3) Aaron Kelly- Kid's got chops. Huge voice, and may still have a career ahead of him. Eliminated at the Top 5.
2) Katie Stevens- I was surprised she didn't go further. I think she too is young enough and talented enough to have a career. Eliminated at the Top 9.
1) Lilly Scott- Huge surprise that she didn't make the finals, to no one more than her. She had a unique voice and style that I thought would take her pretty far in the competition, but perhaps her Patsy Cline song choice did her in. Eliminated at the Top 16.
Best Song Choices:
3) Crystal, "Me and Bobby McGee", Billboard #1 week- Kind of her stereotypical song, but fit her so well that it was easy for her to crush it.
2) Casey, "Jealous Guy", Lennon/McCartney songbook week- see above
1) Lee, "That's Life", Sinatra week- The perfect Sinatra song for him- meant to be a little free form and throaty. I think it's the song that sealed the victory for him.
Glad to have my Tuesday and Wednesday nights back, but I am sad to see Idol go. Truly surprised at how invested I became in the show and its contestants. Not ready to go buy a Ford just yet, but I am excited already for Season 10.
As you may have heard, paint store clerk Lee Dewyze beat out single mom Crystal Bowersox (this is the way they were both referred to all season) for the title of Season 9 American Idol, no doubt thanks to the millions of tweens and divorcees who voted early and often for Lee over the more talented Crystal. Really, it was the best possible outcome for the Idol producers as well, because in Crystal they have a talented artist who can become a marketable performer in her own right, and in Lee they have a likeable guy with a pretty face and a nice smile who they can label as the next American Idol and make a few bucks off of along the way.
Here's a few best of's for Season 9:
Best Performance:
3) Crystal and Lee, "Falling Slowly"- from Songs from the Cinema week, this Oscar winning song from the movie Once fit them perfectly and showed a ton of chemistry between them
2) Lee, "Hallelujah"- as posted previously, a haunting version of a great song
1) Casey James, "Jealous Guy"- I wasn't a Casey James fan at all, but I've got to give him credit- this was a beautiful performance, both on vocals and guitar, and the best of the year by anyone
Best Celebrity Mentor:
3) Adam Lambert- Helped that he was only a year removed from being in the same situation
2) Usher- Terrific- first of the mentors to actually offer constructive advice and tips on style
1) Harry Connick Jr- Head and shoulders above the rest. His ability to work with the contestants, along with his wit and charisma, make him my vote to replace Simon next year
Best Contestants Not To Make It To The Top 3:
3) Aaron Kelly- Kid's got chops. Huge voice, and may still have a career ahead of him. Eliminated at the Top 5.
2) Katie Stevens- I was surprised she didn't go further. I think she too is young enough and talented enough to have a career. Eliminated at the Top 9.
1) Lilly Scott- Huge surprise that she didn't make the finals, to no one more than her. She had a unique voice and style that I thought would take her pretty far in the competition, but perhaps her Patsy Cline song choice did her in. Eliminated at the Top 16.
Best Song Choices:
3) Crystal, "Me and Bobby McGee", Billboard #1 week- Kind of her stereotypical song, but fit her so well that it was easy for her to crush it.
2) Casey, "Jealous Guy", Lennon/McCartney songbook week- see above
1) Lee, "That's Life", Sinatra week- The perfect Sinatra song for him- meant to be a little free form and throaty. I think it's the song that sealed the victory for him.
Glad to have my Tuesday and Wednesday nights back, but I am sad to see Idol go. Truly surprised at how invested I became in the show and its contestants. Not ready to go buy a Ford just yet, but I am excited already for Season 10.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Back to the Future
Hard to believe it was 2 years ago (almost to the day) that I posted about signing up for Twitter. After the first few test tweets, I decided that it would be fun to tweet in haiku only. Made for some fun and interesting tweets (sample: At a conference/ on physician leadership/ bad coffee, free pen!) but I went through long lulls in my creativity that limited my efforts. With the arrival of my new phone and the ease of tweeting and texting from it, I'm back on the Twitterwagon.
As with this old rag, there will no doubt be spells of inactivity in my Twitter entries as well. If you're in the Twitterverse, come follow along at @finkfpdoc. Or just read along on the newly re-established Twitter feed on the right. Not waxing poetic anymore, but can't rule out the occasional haiku if the mood strikes.
As with this old rag, there will no doubt be spells of inactivity in my Twitter entries as well. If you're in the Twitterverse, come follow along at @finkfpdoc. Or just read along on the newly re-established Twitter feed on the right. Not waxing poetic anymore, but can't rule out the occasional haiku if the mood strikes.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
And then there were two
Missed seeing this week's "Idol" live on Tuesday- we were out for a family dinner at a Japanese steakhouse. Sidebar- there's a story itself. Not the cheapest night out, but for dinner and a show, you can't beat it. Kids love watching the flaming onion volcano and the corny accented jokes of the chef. Brendan caught a shrimp in his mouth before realizing that it was a shrimp- he probably wouldn't have eaten it otherwise- and loved it. Maybe the only way to get him to try new foods is to toss it into his mouth from 6 feet away.
Back from the digression. Watched the Top 3 show last night off the DVR. Others have written that the producers seem to have stacked the deck in favor of Lee, and it's hard to disagree with that point. Everything from the judges' song choices to their word choices in their critiques to the order of performances in the show worked in Lee's favor. Maybe there isn't a level playing field for all the contestants.
But that performance of "Hallelujah" by Lee on Tuesday night was hands down the best performance of the season. Strip away the lights and the orchestra and the choir, and you're still left with a passionate, intense vocal performance that was so good, I went and bought the single off iTunes within 15 minutes of hearing it. (The live performance is actually better than the studio single on iTunes, but the studio version is still fantastic.) Granted, the song lent itself to a lot more passion than the John Mayer song that Casey was handed, and I might be a little biased because I love that song to begin with, but you have to give Lee credit for taking a fastball down the middle and slamming it out of the park.
Watch it, if you haven't already, and see if you agree:
Back from the digression. Watched the Top 3 show last night off the DVR. Others have written that the producers seem to have stacked the deck in favor of Lee, and it's hard to disagree with that point. Everything from the judges' song choices to their word choices in their critiques to the order of performances in the show worked in Lee's favor. Maybe there isn't a level playing field for all the contestants.
But that performance of "Hallelujah" by Lee on Tuesday night was hands down the best performance of the season. Strip away the lights and the orchestra and the choir, and you're still left with a passionate, intense vocal performance that was so good, I went and bought the single off iTunes within 15 minutes of hearing it. (The live performance is actually better than the studio single on iTunes, but the studio version is still fantastic.) Granted, the song lent itself to a lot more passion than the John Mayer song that Casey was handed, and I might be a little biased because I love that song to begin with, but you have to give Lee credit for taking a fastball down the middle and slamming it out of the park.
Watch it, if you haven't already, and see if you agree:
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Just a suggestion
One of the greatest things about The Google is how it helps finish your thoughts. There are entire blogs dedicated to this tremendous power and its hilarious results. Tonight I was looking up how to get my new phone to sync with iTunes. Started to type "how to sync htc incredible with itunes", got two words into it, and found out what Americans really want to know how to do (in the order they appeared):
- how to tie a tie
- how to kiss
- how to lose weight fast
- how to get pregnant
- how to get a girl to like you
- how to make it in america
- how to solve a rubiks cube
- how to lose 10 pounds in a week
- how to train your dragon
- how to make a website
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Friends and Family Plan
Busy time here in Finkland. Spent Saturday in NYC for the wedding of Dan and Jen (aka Puddin' and Jello). Dan's my oldest friend- known him since the first days of kindergarden. He's a regular at Finkbowl and a fellow Met sufferer, and is one of the most laid back, easy going people I've ever known. Had a great time at the celebration, not knowing until the next day that we were only about 8 blocks from an SUV filled with explosives. Crazy world.
Left Manhattan late Saturday and trekked north for the Sunday celebration of my nephew's first communion. Had a blast as always with my sister and her family in their great home nestled into the foothills of the Catskills. Long trip home, but well worth it to see the cousins enjoying each other.
Barely unpacked our own bags from the weekend when it was time to get Steve and Dolores from the airport yesterday. They arrived for a two week stay out east, spending a week here with us while Erin recovers from a second foot surgery then moving 90 miles south to the District for some time with Lady V and her folks.
Not much time to play with the new phone, but as I'm off this weekend again for another wedding, there may be some time then to road test it a little more.
Left Manhattan late Saturday and trekked north for the Sunday celebration of my nephew's first communion. Had a blast as always with my sister and her family in their great home nestled into the foothills of the Catskills. Long trip home, but well worth it to see the cousins enjoying each other.
Barely unpacked our own bags from the weekend when it was time to get Steve and Dolores from the airport yesterday. They arrived for a two week stay out east, spending a week here with us while Erin recovers from a second foot surgery then moving 90 miles south to the District for some time with Lady V and her folks.
Not much time to play with the new phone, but as I'm off this weekend again for another wedding, there may be some time then to road test it a little more.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Mr. Incredible
Finally entered the world of smartphones yesterday. I've been lusting the iPhone for a while, but because I'm on Verizon, I've held off from switching carriers. Recently started looking at Droids, but was advised by the Official Finkipedia Brother-In-Law, Futures Division to wait until the end of April, as the latest and greatest would be hitting the market.
Well worth the wait. The Droid Incredible (their name, not mine) launched yesterday, and I was the first person in town to get one. (Kind of neat to be a techno pioneer). Totally satisfied so far. Still much to learn, but the apps so far have been fun, and the look and feel of the phone are great. To steal a pun from one of the reviews I read online, this certainly is the Droid I was looking for.
Next to come- blog updates from the field, more photos on the blog, and a resurrection of the Finkipedia Twitter feed. Fun for both of us, to be sure.
Well worth the wait. The Droid Incredible (their name, not mine) launched yesterday, and I was the first person in town to get one. (Kind of neat to be a techno pioneer). Totally satisfied so far. Still much to learn, but the apps so far have been fun, and the look and feel of the phone are great. To steal a pun from one of the reviews I read online, this certainly is the Droid I was looking for.
Next to come- blog updates from the field, more photos on the blog, and a resurrection of the Finkipedia Twitter feed. Fun for both of us, to be sure.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Midweek tidbits
No scintillating commentary today, just a few random thoughts to keep the week going.
- Don't look now, but the Metropolitans are in first place. I realize we're not even 1/6 of the way into the season, but it's refreshing to be competitive again
- "Idol" is tightening up. Will be interesting to see who's in the bottom 3 tonight. Not a big Shania Twain fan, but some pretty solid performances last night
- Got a new putter for Christmas and picked up a new Cleveland 56 degree wedge a week or so ago. Road tested them both for the first time this past Saturday and shot 83, some of my best golf ever. Itching badly to get out again (or maybe that's some kind of rash).
- My favorite new kid quote: Somehow the topic of Roman numerals came up over dinner a few weeks ago, and I was quizzing the kids on what each letter represented. The boys went back and forth, but Molly of course was completely lost on the discussion. To bring the conversation back to her level, at a break in the quizzing she interjected apropos of nothing at all, "You know what's good? I like yarn." That's been my mantra since then.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
My Three Songs, Jan Brewer edition
It's been quite a while since we've played everyone's favorite game. You remember- it's the one where I give you three songs that have something in common, and you read the post but fail to even attempt a lame guess as to the connection between the three. I'm sure you know all three of these songs- perhaps singing them to yourself will help you discover today's theme. (While it would have been fun to include it just for Jan's sake, "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin didn't make the cut.)
- The Beatles, "Get Back"
- Steve Miller Band, "Rock'n Me"
- The Eagles, "Take It Easy"
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hey, you never know
$252 Million jackpot Powerball tonight. Got my ticket yesterday already. I'm one of those people who usually gets a ticket when the jackpot crests $100M, and certainly when it approaches and passes $200M. I realize that many lottery winners talk about how their winnings corrupted their lives, but I think it would at least be interesting to be given that chance, right?
Several years ago, on one occasion when the jackpot was close to $200M, I had my ticket in hand and as usual, began the mental arithmetic of what the lump sum payment would be, and what the annual return would be if I invested that lump sum, and who I'd donate to and what I'd buy. For some reason, on that particular occasion, I had an especially "good feeling" about my chances. The morning after the drawing, I drove past a billboard showing that the jackpot was now $15M, meaning that someone had won. I was convinced it was me.
I spent the next hour in the car ruminating no longer about how I would spend the money, but what I would do in the immediate aftermath of my winning: how I'd break the news to Erin, what I'd do about work, who I'd call first (my attorney? my accountant?). I was consumed with the idea that I was now a jackpot winner.
I got home, went about my usual business in kind of a fog, then late that night got the daily paper to check my numbers. Not a single match on either of my tickets.
When I relayed the story to Erin, she said, "Well, was all that wondering worth your $2.00?". And that, in a nutshell, summed up my love of the Powerball. I realized then that I'm not really paying for the chance to win $200M (because the odds are so insane that that chance isn't even worth $2.00). I'm paying for the opportunity to fantasize for a few days about what that life would be like. That's certainly worth the price of a shamrock shake.
Several years ago, on one occasion when the jackpot was close to $200M, I had my ticket in hand and as usual, began the mental arithmetic of what the lump sum payment would be, and what the annual return would be if I invested that lump sum, and who I'd donate to and what I'd buy. For some reason, on that particular occasion, I had an especially "good feeling" about my chances. The morning after the drawing, I drove past a billboard showing that the jackpot was now $15M, meaning that someone had won. I was convinced it was me.
I spent the next hour in the car ruminating no longer about how I would spend the money, but what I would do in the immediate aftermath of my winning: how I'd break the news to Erin, what I'd do about work, who I'd call first (my attorney? my accountant?). I was consumed with the idea that I was now a jackpot winner.
I got home, went about my usual business in kind of a fog, then late that night got the daily paper to check my numbers. Not a single match on either of my tickets.
When I relayed the story to Erin, she said, "Well, was all that wondering worth your $2.00?". And that, in a nutshell, summed up my love of the Powerball. I realized then that I'm not really paying for the chance to win $200M (because the odds are so insane that that chance isn't even worth $2.00). I'm paying for the opportunity to fantasize for a few days about what that life would be like. That's certainly worth the price of a shamrock shake.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Idol-ized
It's true. I'm officially hooked on "American Idol".
My relationship with Idol goes back several years. Since about season 3 or 4, I watched about 30 minutes of one of the early audition shows every season- just enough to catch a few of the horrible or hilarious performances for that year. At the time, I had no appreciation for the good performances; in fact, they were far less appealing to me than the bad ones. I enjoyed that 30 minutes a season, and needed no more than that. Never watched another minute of it for the rest of the year.
This season, for some reason, I don't think I watched any of the audition shows (still haven't seen the "pants on the ground" guy). But at some point, the kids (led by Brendan, I believe) asked if we could watch Idol together as a family. The first episode we watched was the first episode of Hollywood Week, when all the contestants with the yellow tickets from the auditions get together for the first time to compete for the finals. I was intrigued. The talent was better than I expected, but most importantly, I felt drawn in to several of the contestants already after that first show.
We watched again together the next night, then set the DVR for a season pass to record it every week. By the second week, my fledgling attraction had become more like a passion. Now that the competition is in full swing, it truly is appointment television. Even though it's recorded, we're all in front of the TV every Tuesday and Wednesday night, and voting on Tuesdays along with 30 million others.
From what I read and hear, this year's cast of contestants is less interesting than some of the previous casts, but since it's all I know, I'm enjoying them quite a bit. I've already got favorites (Lee and Crystal) and ones I can't stand (Casey and Siobhan), and feel like the middle-aged hack that I am when I critique their performances and argue with the judges.
I'll be sad to see it go when it ends later this spring, mostly because watching it has become a fun family event but also because it's the first show in ages that I've watched on a weekly basis and I'll have a void that needs to be filled. By then, I think Molly will have rehearsed enough that she'll gladly stand in as the first contestant in our home game. Owen will be the witty schmoozing host, and Brendan of course will be the acerbic judge ready to groom his protege into a superstar.
My relationship with Idol goes back several years. Since about season 3 or 4, I watched about 30 minutes of one of the early audition shows every season- just enough to catch a few of the horrible or hilarious performances for that year. At the time, I had no appreciation for the good performances; in fact, they were far less appealing to me than the bad ones. I enjoyed that 30 minutes a season, and needed no more than that. Never watched another minute of it for the rest of the year.
This season, for some reason, I don't think I watched any of the audition shows (still haven't seen the "pants on the ground" guy). But at some point, the kids (led by Brendan, I believe) asked if we could watch Idol together as a family. The first episode we watched was the first episode of Hollywood Week, when all the contestants with the yellow tickets from the auditions get together for the first time to compete for the finals. I was intrigued. The talent was better than I expected, but most importantly, I felt drawn in to several of the contestants already after that first show.
We watched again together the next night, then set the DVR for a season pass to record it every week. By the second week, my fledgling attraction had become more like a passion. Now that the competition is in full swing, it truly is appointment television. Even though it's recorded, we're all in front of the TV every Tuesday and Wednesday night, and voting on Tuesdays along with 30 million others.
From what I read and hear, this year's cast of contestants is less interesting than some of the previous casts, but since it's all I know, I'm enjoying them quite a bit. I've already got favorites (Lee and Crystal) and ones I can't stand (Casey and Siobhan), and feel like the middle-aged hack that I am when I critique their performances and argue with the judges.
I'll be sad to see it go when it ends later this spring, mostly because watching it has become a fun family event but also because it's the first show in ages that I've watched on a weekly basis and I'll have a void that needs to be filled. By then, I think Molly will have rehearsed enough that she'll gladly stand in as the first contestant in our home game. Owen will be the witty schmoozing host, and Brendan of course will be the acerbic judge ready to groom his protege into a superstar.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Something's Rotten In Flushing (but you knew that)
As last season ended, I think most of us Met fans had the sense that it couldn't get worse, but it probably would. The tragic collapses of 2007 and 2008, followed by last year's miserable injury-ridden season gave some hope to the fact that better days must surely lie ahead. They still might, but if this first week is any example of what this season holds, better days are a bit further ahead than 2010.
The rough part of being a fan right now is that the team just isn't likeable. There are a few bright spots, like the ever ebullient David Wright, but as a whole the team just doesn't have character. One bright spot though is that if things continue as-is, tickets won't be hard to come by.
Over Easter dinner I posed a question to the official Finkipedia brother-in-law (law enforcement division), who happens to unfortunately be a fan of the other NY baseball team: higher number at the end of the season- Yankee wins or Met losses. The Vegas line at the beginning of the season for Yankee wins was 94.5, for Met losses was 81. By that metric, it would seem obvious that taking the Yankees in the bet would be the right move. But the AL East is tough this year, and the Mets have so far set their bar at winning only 1/3 of the games in their division and are on pace for 108 losses. At this point, it's still early, and since both numbers stand at 4, still fair to bet either side. I can't really bet on my team to lose and my hated rivals to win, can I?
The rough part of being a fan right now is that the team just isn't likeable. There are a few bright spots, like the ever ebullient David Wright, but as a whole the team just doesn't have character. One bright spot though is that if things continue as-is, tickets won't be hard to come by.
Over Easter dinner I posed a question to the official Finkipedia brother-in-law (law enforcement division), who happens to unfortunately be a fan of the other NY baseball team: higher number at the end of the season- Yankee wins or Met losses. The Vegas line at the beginning of the season for Yankee wins was 94.5, for Met losses was 81. By that metric, it would seem obvious that taking the Yankees in the bet would be the right move. But the AL East is tough this year, and the Mets have so far set their bar at winning only 1/3 of the games in their division and are on pace for 108 losses. At this point, it's still early, and since both numbers stand at 4, still fair to bet either side. I can't really bet on my team to lose and my hated rivals to win, can I?
Friday, April 9, 2010
Resurrection
I gave up Facebook and blog-surfing for Lent, as a way to direct my attention away from the interwebs and more toward other things. It worked, to some degree, but also led to an unintentional avoidance of this blog. Now that Easter has come and gone, it's time to get back on the blogwagon.
Six weeks off has provided me with lots of material for posting, so in the weeks ahead look for posts about a trip to the west coast, my new addiction to American Idol (no joke), the nascent baseball season, and the first formal golf instructions for Fink men in over 40 years.
Thanks for sticking with me, and spread the word- Finkipedia is risen! Alleluia!
Six weeks off has provided me with lots of material for posting, so in the weeks ahead look for posts about a trip to the west coast, my new addiction to American Idol (no joke), the nascent baseball season, and the first formal golf instructions for Fink men in over 40 years.
Thanks for sticking with me, and spread the word- Finkipedia is risen! Alleluia!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Olympic Fever, Part Deux
I mentioned a while back how much I love the Olympics, and that it's the Winter Games that really get me. I'm all wrapped up again, glued to the TV most nights watching things I'd never otherwise watch (short track skating? sure! curling? you bet!), and in my old-man, not-uncool-to-say-this-anymore state I'll even admit to watching and enjoying figure skating.
Really looking forward to the US-Canada hockey game tomorrow. As many have written, the Olympic hockey tournament is the best hockey tournament in the world. Olympic hockey rules allow for a more free-flowing, artistic game and the national pride (especially in this case for the home team) increases the passion and desire to win to a whole new level. I remember the "Miracle on Ice" fairly well, but didn't really appreciate the game at the time. The greatest hockey game I can remember watching was the gold medal game between Canada and Sweden in Lillehammer in 1994 that ended in a shootout. The shootout itself was of course exciting, but I remember the whole game as being just awesome. Hopefully tomorrow's game won't disappoint; perhaps it'll be a taste of a possible gold medal game a week away.
Really looking forward to the US-Canada hockey game tomorrow. As many have written, the Olympic hockey tournament is the best hockey tournament in the world. Olympic hockey rules allow for a more free-flowing, artistic game and the national pride (especially in this case for the home team) increases the passion and desire to win to a whole new level. I remember the "Miracle on Ice" fairly well, but didn't really appreciate the game at the time. The greatest hockey game I can remember watching was the gold medal game between Canada and Sweden in Lillehammer in 1994 that ended in a shootout. The shootout itself was of course exciting, but I remember the whole game as being just awesome. Hopefully tomorrow's game won't disappoint; perhaps it'll be a taste of a possible gold medal game a week away.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Snowmaggedon
UPDATE: Apparently the videos weren't playing last week. Try them again- seems to be working now.
Thought you might like to see some footage from the first half of Snowmaggedon- the first one is midday Saturday at the peak of the snow, and the second is the aftermath. That's Googs and Scully with Brendan in the driveway. Owen is off in the distance towards the end of the shot.
Thought you might like to see some footage from the first half of Snowmaggedon- the first one is midday Saturday at the peak of the snow, and the second is the aftermath. That's Googs and Scully with Brendan in the driveway. Owen is off in the distance towards the end of the shot.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A FinkBowl for the ages
Every year at FinkBowl, the same stories of memorable events from previous years are told and retold- The Finkless Finkbowl, The Leaking Ceiling, The Pirate Ship Cake, The $120 4-3 pot. This year most of those stories stayed locked away in the story box (wait- that's right, there are no locks on Story Box) as we lived what will one day become the greatest of all FinkBowl stories- The Snowmageddon Finkbowl.
It was clear by Friday morning that the DC contingent would not make it here before midday Sunday unless they raced the storm out of town. Thanks to an early dismissal from the federal government, Googs, Rachel, Lady V (aka The Tiny Cuteness) and Scully arrived here in the 302 just as the first flakes were falling. Ciaran and Atti had arrived earlier in the day to help us get ready for whatever was coming. We hunkered down as the storm ruined the travel plans of all of our other Saturday Taco Night scheduled attendees (though the Min-Salvs of NY were hell bent on coming, snow be damned, until common sense prevailed). Texts and calls from LA updated us on the latest flight Judge had gotten on to, only to be cancelled soon thereafter. By late Saturday night, the unplowed streets of our development suggested that the 6 adults and 4 kids currently in the house would be splitting a double batch of gumbo 10 ways the next day.
Then, things started to turn. Plows came through around 11pm to clear the neighborhood. Locals called in on Sunday to confirm that the big show was still going on. Puddin' rolled up in his Zipcar Sunday afternoon, and soon thereafter the biggest surprise- in the front door walked Judge, keeping his 14 year streak alive by catching the 5th flight he was scheduled to be on. Final tally was about 35 non-Finks who braved the weather and road conditions to be here for our little gathering.
A great game was the icing on the cake for one of the most epic FinkBowls in history. Not looking to duplicate this mess next year, especially since it kept away many of our usual attendees. But it certainly made things unique, and offered yet another perspective on the power of friendship.
It was clear by Friday morning that the DC contingent would not make it here before midday Sunday unless they raced the storm out of town. Thanks to an early dismissal from the federal government, Googs, Rachel, Lady V (aka The Tiny Cuteness) and Scully arrived here in the 302 just as the first flakes were falling. Ciaran and Atti had arrived earlier in the day to help us get ready for whatever was coming. We hunkered down as the storm ruined the travel plans of all of our other Saturday Taco Night scheduled attendees (though the Min-Salvs of NY were hell bent on coming, snow be damned, until common sense prevailed). Texts and calls from LA updated us on the latest flight Judge had gotten on to, only to be cancelled soon thereafter. By late Saturday night, the unplowed streets of our development suggested that the 6 adults and 4 kids currently in the house would be splitting a double batch of gumbo 10 ways the next day.
Then, things started to turn. Plows came through around 11pm to clear the neighborhood. Locals called in on Sunday to confirm that the big show was still going on. Puddin' rolled up in his Zipcar Sunday afternoon, and soon thereafter the biggest surprise- in the front door walked Judge, keeping his 14 year streak alive by catching the 5th flight he was scheduled to be on. Final tally was about 35 non-Finks who braved the weather and road conditions to be here for our little gathering.
A great game was the icing on the cake for one of the most epic FinkBowls in history. Not looking to duplicate this mess next year, especially since it kept away many of our usual attendees. But it certainly made things unique, and offered yet another perspective on the power of friendship.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bartlett's got nothing on this girl
I never wanted this blog to be purely a listing of all the great and funny things the Fink kids do day in and day out (thus turning it into "The Family Circus" without the cartoons), but I think I forget sometimes that part of my mission here is to do at least a little bit of that. Molly's got more quotes and quotables on a regular basis than the rest of us combined, and I really should do a regular feature on them. We keep a book with some of the best of all the kids' quotes and favorite sayings, perhaps I'll go back and dig up a few someday to post here.
She let out a great one tonight- we were watching "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian", and Ben Stiller's character was talking to the female lead, a historical museum figure come to life. I asked Molly, "Hey Molls, who's that lady?", knowing that she had just gotten a McDonald's Happy Meal toy of this character and her famous plane within the past week. She looked unsure at first, then remembered and said "Oh yeah! It's Amelia Airforce!"
She let out a great one tonight- we were watching "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian", and Ben Stiller's character was talking to the female lead, a historical museum figure come to life. I asked Molly, "Hey Molls, who's that lady?", knowing that she had just gotten a McDonald's Happy Meal toy of this character and her famous plane within the past week. She looked unsure at first, then remembered and said "Oh yeah! It's Amelia Airforce!"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Little Red Light
Had a fun experience the other night. I was asked by the local hospital system to appear in a commercial they recorded to advertise their cancer program. The spot featured another doc and myself reading a short script about the program while standing in front of some "high-tech equipment" (actually a cardiac catheterization table, which has nothing to do with the cancer program but looked nice and scientific on camera).
We worked off of a teleprompter, which was pretty neat, and got to see the finished product on the monitor when we were done. There was really no director per se, so no one could help me explore what my character's motivation was. I was reading a script about cancer, which I felt needed to be played with a serious undertone, yet I wanted to warm up the cold surroundings of the sterile-looking cath lab with an expression that said "I care. Really, I do." Unfortunately, the internal conflict about my direction, coupled with my steadfast efforts to keep from slouching, led to an on-camera effort the likes of which television hasn't seen since Cindy Brady was on a quiz show.
Rumor has it that I may be receiving an electronic copy of said commercial; if so, I'll do my best to post it here. It'll scare the cancer right out of you.
We worked off of a teleprompter, which was pretty neat, and got to see the finished product on the monitor when we were done. There was really no director per se, so no one could help me explore what my character's motivation was. I was reading a script about cancer, which I felt needed to be played with a serious undertone, yet I wanted to warm up the cold surroundings of the sterile-looking cath lab with an expression that said "I care. Really, I do." Unfortunately, the internal conflict about my direction, coupled with my steadfast efforts to keep from slouching, led to an on-camera effort the likes of which television hasn't seen since Cindy Brady was on a quiz show.
Rumor has it that I may be receiving an electronic copy of said commercial; if so, I'll do my best to post it here. It'll scare the cancer right out of you.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
New Look!
Still haven't gone that extra yard and learned to write the code necessary to truly customize this blog. But I have found a new template that I like, and I think you'll agree makes the posts much easier to read.
You'll also notice I returned the Twitter updates to the sidebar, but to a different Twitter account- the @finkbowl one I created for the countdown. Now even those not among the Twitterati can embrace the excitement of FinkBowl advent!
And, I deleted the "finkipedia-endorsed blogs" list. I've still got nuthin' but love for all y'all, but most of them, like my own "finkathon" blog, weren't active anymore. (Life (and blogging) still goes on at The Funny Farm, so if you'd still like to stop there and visit sometimes, be sure to bookmark it.)
Thanks for reading- hope your eyes don't suffer as much with the new layout as with the old. Would love to hear (or read) what you think.
You'll also notice I returned the Twitter updates to the sidebar, but to a different Twitter account- the @finkbowl one I created for the countdown. Now even those not among the Twitterati can embrace the excitement of FinkBowl advent!
And, I deleted the "finkipedia-endorsed blogs" list. I've still got nuthin' but love for all y'all, but most of them, like my own "finkathon" blog, weren't active anymore. (Life (and blogging) still goes on at The Funny Farm, so if you'd still like to stop there and visit sometimes, be sure to bookmark it.)
Thanks for reading- hope your eyes don't suffer as much with the new layout as with the old. Would love to hear (or read) what you think.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
FinkBowl ftw!
In an effort to save trees (not to mention a few shekels in postage), we opted to go the e-Vite route for the annual FinkBowl invitations. After creating them I figured, why stop there?
So this year, it's FinkBowl all over the interwebs- on Twitter @finkbowl, on its own Facebook page, and of course here at the iHome of all things fink. I gave brief thought to giving FinkBowl its own blog, but since I have a hard enough time keeping this one going, I thought it would be doomed from the start.
Follow along somewhere online as we get ready for the best FinkBowl ever! (Unless it rains, and 25 kids are hoarded into my basement. That of course would be the ultimate fail.)
So this year, it's FinkBowl all over the interwebs- on Twitter @finkbowl, on its own Facebook page, and of course here at the iHome of all things fink. I gave brief thought to giving FinkBowl its own blog, but since I have a hard enough time keeping this one going, I thought it would be doomed from the start.
Follow along somewhere online as we get ready for the best FinkBowl ever! (Unless it rains, and 25 kids are hoarded into my basement. That of course would be the ultimate fail.)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Leftover Bowl
Some things I've learned (or beliefs that were re-affirmed) by watching too many bowl games over the past 3 weeks:
- While a college football playoff would be nice, the bowl system should remain. No matter whether it was the official national championship game or just the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, most of these kids seemed to embrace each game as their own championship.
- Those biceps arm bands make most of the guys wearing them look like they're in some sort of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka fanclub
- Marching bands both look and sound better from a blimp
- Penalties for "excessive celebration" are ridiculous. 'Bama was penalized 15 yards last night basically because the lineman who ran back the turnover for a TD at the end of the first half tossed the ball after he crossed the goal line. Taunting, I can see penalizing. Celebrating, now that's just having fun. If the other team's feelings are hurt- tough. Tell them to score more points.
- The Rose Bowl parade is amazing to watch, but wouldn't the countless thousands of hours that people put into gluing crushed walnut shells and pansy petals onto a 65-foot wingspan eagle be better used in some kind of national service?
- Since neither Army or Navy are likely to contend for the national title anymore, the Army-Navy game should be moved to Bowl Week
- College teams run way more trick plays, fakes, and onsides kicks than the pros, which makes the games fun to watch even if the quality of football is less
- Bowl games, except maybe the national championship game, should all be the week leading up to and including New Years Day.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dream weaver
Had a classic dream the other night. For some reason, it was determined that I had to repeat the fourth grade, despite the fact that I was now an adult. I was reluctant to do so, so I showed up late the first day. The other kids in my school had already assembled outside and were on their way into the building when I reached the school. Knowing I was late, I started run-walking through the halls, but was nabbed by Sister Laverne (the principal of the boys' school), who said "John, I know you're late, but that's no reason to run in the halls.
Found my classroom and class, who were already all seated at their desks. The teacher (happened to be Owen's teacher this year) said something like, "I know you're supposed to be with us, but if you're OK with not being here, I don't think you need to be here". I gladly left, wandered through the halls, passing by a room set up for a retirement luncheon for "Sister Joseph James" (no idea who that's supposed to be, but I remember thinking in my dream that it's always been weird to me that some nuns take male names when they take their vows). I met Sister Laverne in the lobby again on my way out, and told her I was leaving. She was OK with it, but pointed to a 10 year old now standing next to me and said "Since you're leaving, can you please take Anthony home too? He lives around the corner from you". So I did.
That's about all I remember. I relayed this story to Erin when we woke up, thinking that it was one of the more classic dreams I've ever had. She replied, "I had a dream las night that I got hit in the neck with a B-2 bomber". Always has to do me one better.
Found my classroom and class, who were already all seated at their desks. The teacher (happened to be Owen's teacher this year) said something like, "I know you're supposed to be with us, but if you're OK with not being here, I don't think you need to be here". I gladly left, wandered through the halls, passing by a room set up for a retirement luncheon for "Sister Joseph James" (no idea who that's supposed to be, but I remember thinking in my dream that it's always been weird to me that some nuns take male names when they take their vows). I met Sister Laverne in the lobby again on my way out, and told her I was leaving. She was OK with it, but pointed to a 10 year old now standing next to me and said "Since you're leaving, can you please take Anthony home too? He lives around the corner from you". So I did.
That's about all I remember. I relayed this story to Erin when we woke up, thinking that it was one of the more classic dreams I've ever had. She replied, "I had a dream las night that I got hit in the neck with a B-2 bomber". Always has to do me one better.
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