Special 1 TV- Season 1 Episode 8

Another Newcastle?

No, not that bad.

DC United Stadium Situation

So the thing I don't understand with the DC United stadium situation is that Prince Georges County approached the team when the funding was falling through at Poplar Point. So why is Prince Georges County now voting 8-0 against studying the impacts of a stadium? It is not good form to approach a team and lure them to your municipality and then deny them the ability to build a stadium. I really feel bad for DC United as they are the most storied MLS franchise and the most sucessful team in the DC area over the past 10 years and they cannot get a stadium of their own. St. Louis or bust!

Burger King Commercial- I Like Square Butts

I thought this video was hilarious to begin with, but when I found out that it was for a BK kids meal, I totally lost it? Did we really just put liking a female's square butt in a commercial for a kids meal? Gotta love this country. Oh, and I have phone book implants.

And as my boy Adam pointed out, if you eat at BK, the burger is going to go right to your ass. So the commercial is appropriate.

Appalachian Brewing Company- Espresso Stout

Last night I went back to Appalachian Brewing Company for dinner and the waitress told me that they had an Espresso Stout available. I had not previously tried the Espresso Stout, nor did I know that ABC made one. The flavor of the beer was excellent, crafting a nice blend of chocolate and espresso flavors. I had a few other beers throughout the night, but I came back to the Espresso Stout for my last beer, as I enjoyed it very much. It drinks very smooth, as anticipated for being a Stout. The flavors are not overpowering, but very complimentary and they make the drinking of the beer an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend going to ABC to try this beer today.

Special 1 TV- Season 1 Episode 7

I love Sven trying to get a job with Newcastle after getting canned by Mexico and Ronaldo crying is hilarious.  Enjoy!

Incubus- Black Heart Intertia

I just came across the new Incubus single. Incubus is releasing a greatest hits and compilation album called Monuments and Melodies. It will be a 2-disc set, the first of which is mostly comprised of their hits and the second of which includes b-sides and cut tracks from albums. Look for the album to drop June 16, 2009.

Throwback Song: SR-71- Right Now

SR-71 |MTV Music

I feel SR-71's "Right Now" is a song that can be played whenever and has withstood the test of time. Since being released in 2000, it has received a tremendous amount of air play and is located on several soundtracks. I have been waiting a long time for Mitch Allan's solo project to come out, which should include most, if not all, of the members of SR-71.

Appalachian Brewing Company- Peregrine Pilsner

I went to Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg, PA tonight for a work-related function and I sampled the Peregrine Pilsner. The beer is not officially released until Friday, April 3, but there was a tasting of it tonight from 7:00-9:00. Overall, I would say this it is a good beer. The texture is crisp, but dry. This beer will definitely dry your mouth out as you drink it, but I think that is typical of Czech Pilsners. The beer is crafted in the traditional Czech Pilsner style and contains 4.8% ABV. It has a nice offset of hops to complement the taste. I highly recommend trying it during the month of April, as that is the only time of the year it is available.

Trojan Hardtimes Commercial

Saw this commercial and thought it was pretty funny. "We believe we should RIDE out these HARD times together." Excellent.

Match Report- gaLAxy vs. United 3/22/09

Thoughts after watching the match between DC United and the gaLAxy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA:

• LA's defense looks very much improved. Omar Gonzalez appears to have a bright MLS future. Bruce Arena's impact is noticable after one off-season. While LA did allow two goals, the PK is forgivable. Chris Pontius' goal was a beautiful sight, but was created by a lethargic defensive let down. I don't expect that to happen often.
  
• Landon stands out on the field. He is clearly LA's field marshall and he controls the play. You can tell he has played top flight in off season, as he sets up teammates and dribbles around the opposition with ease. He appears to be one step ahead of the game at all times.
  
• It was very noticable that the game was not sold out. The MLS website indicates that there were over 18,000 fans there in a stadium that seats 27,000. Clearly, this is a combination of the frustration over last season's results and the Beckham saga in the off-season. Beckham could have turned away more LA fans than he created league wide.
• It was sad that the traveling Barra Brava were louder than any of the LA support groups. They could be clearly heard the entire game, and I could not pick up on any LA chants.
• LA got lucky with the phantom handball call that gave them their first goal. However, Landon's second goal was a thing of beauty.

Street Sweeper- The Oath

Tom Morello, formerly of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, has teamed up with Boots Riley from The Coup to form Street Sweeper. Embedded above is "The Oath," which definitely has my heart rate going faster. I found out about Street Sweet from the newly announced Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour (cleverly named NIN|JA). Go to the NIN|JA website to download the tour sampler, which includes "The Oath" and an even better song in my opinion titled "Clap for the Killers." I cannot wait to hear more from this band. An album is supposed to be released sometime in 2009. Also note that the sampler has two new Nine Inch Nails songs on it, plus two previously released Jane's Addiction songs.

Special 1 TV- Season 1 Episode 6

I love the nicknaming of Guus Hiddink. Wayne: "I've already forgotten his real name."

The Parlor Mob- Bullet

I am feeling this new band I came across from New Jersey called The Parlor Mob. If you are a fan of Wolfmother and Led Zeppelin, you will enjoy this band. Check out "Bullet" as performed live by the band.

The Bellagio- Step Brothers Remix

I took this video of the Bellagio fountains and added a Step Brothers twist.

Perfecto Las Vegas- Paul Oakenfold

From Day 4

Part of my trip to Las Vegas involved checking out Paul Oakenfold as part of Perfecto Vegas at the Rain Nightclub located in the Palms. I had previously seen Oakenfold in a stadium situation, which was awesome, but I have heard amazing things about his club experience. The entire night was audio-visual stimulation. Just prior to Oakenfold coming out to spin, gymnasts and masked creatures entered the club.

From Day 4

From Day 4

I overheard several people who were confused at first when they saw these creatures enter, but were very much in awe. When the fire was added in, the stage was complete and ready for the greatest DJ to take his place behind the LED turntable.

From Day 4

I heard one attendee call his friend on the phone and say this experience was crazy but the coolest thing he has ever seen. I would totally have to agree. Oakenfold opened with an amazing mix of "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon and played a wide variety of music. The actors in the show also walked around the VIP tables, which I was fortunate to get upgraded to (Thanks Tatiana!)

From Day 4

Naturally, he also played an amazing mix of The Killers, since the band is from Las Vegas. The sound system set up for the show was incredible, with bass-thumping speakers that made my ears ring after the show. The dancers really helped add to the atmosphere as well, with thier black light reflective outfits.

From Day 4

Overall, I rate this experience as a must-see in Vegas. I could tell that several people had not heard of Paul Oakenfold, but everyone I talked to really enjoyed the show and the experience. There is something for everyone, including a club experience, a Las Vegas level show with acrobatics and fire, and one hell of an experience that screams "Only in Vegas". I can't wait for the CD to be released from the show.

From Day 4