An Update!!

I have not updated this in a while, so I figured that if I wasn’t writing a lot, I’d share some music that I’ve been listening to recently, since it’s almost always on if I’m at my computer. Without further ado…

Jeff Buckley – Grace
I heard about Jeff Buckley from a couple friends and then heard his seminal 1994 album, Grace. Though it did not have a huge impact on the US music scene, it was highly influential on Britpop and other European genres. Buckley himself is an extremely talented vocalist with an eerily smooth, piercing voice that he masterfully exhibits throughout the album. And though the main reason to listen to this album is Buckley’s voice, the songs on here are good, particularly the two consensus picks. The album is more than the sum of its parts, though, and is great for fans of light, poppish music like DMB—or for a nice, quiet evening around the table with someone.
Picks: Grace, Hallelujah

Pearl Jam – Rearviewmirror
Pearl Jam broke onto the musical scene in 1992 with their landmark release, Ten, then followed it up with a couple other hard-rocking grunge albums before switching to a more mature sound later in their careers. They are an interesting band for the dynamic switch that occurred around their fourth album, as well as the amazing quality of the songs they put out and, of course, their battles with the music industry. But despite the difficulties of creating a “Greatest Hits” album for such a complex band, Rearviewmirror is perhaps the best collection one could wish for. The “Upside”/“Downside” distinction allows for a good portrayal of the band’s many styles: everything from the punk-ish “Do The Evolution” to the stately “I Am Mine” is included here. The DualDisc idea also allows for two good CDs to be produced, with different purposes. If you want to see why millions love Pearl Jam, look no farther than here.
Picks: Too many to mention, especially Wishlist, Given To Fly, and a host of others

Pearl Jam – Pearl Jam
This album is being hailed by many as a “return to the days of ‘Ten’,” but to me, it’s more of a blending of styles. The guitars and bass are as tight as they have been on the last few albums, but Eddie Vedder’s voice—something that has been lacking for a long time—is finally back to a level similar to, say, 1996. Vedder’s writing is also better than it has been but not like the old style. Perhaps most significantly, Matt Cameron, the drummer for Pearl Jam since 1998, has finally found a place in Pearl Jam’s incredibly tight, powerful sound that he can wedge himself into. Though he’s always been a master at fitting his band’s sound, holding it together, and playing intricate rhythms, he’s seemed content to do the first two without the latter until this album. Regardless, this is an excellent album that flows incredibly for at least seven tracks, if not its entirety. Once again, Pearl Jam has shown us their ability to change their style and produce awesome material.
Picks: Gone, Severed Hand, Life Wasted, Parachutes

Silvertide – Show and Tell
Silvertide is one of the best live bands you will ever see. Not only do they spit out their infectious grooves, they are electric (when sober), and lead singer Walt Lafty never stands still for a second. It is this kind of energy that is packed into their debut album, Show and Tell. The first six songs are just high-energy, shout-a-long songs perfect for a summer drive down any kind of highway. The slower songs also work well, but lack a certain flair that the rest of their material has. “Nothing Stays,” in particular, is quite the forgettable track. But the entirety of the CD is a non-stop party and deserves a spot in your car radio this summer.
Picks: Devil’s Daughter, Ain’t Coming Home, California Rain, Mary Jane, Heartstrong

Shinedown – Us and Them
When I first heard Shinedown, I was somewhat impressed. I liked some of their songs and they had a slightly creative style, but their debut was too heavy and rough-edged for my tastes. But their sophomore album, 2005’s Us and Them, is as complete of an album as I’ve seen in a while and easily my favorite of 2005 (and a personal top 10). Brent Smith has an extremely good voice, but he pulls back here instead of over-singing half the songs, in order to let the band, which tightened their sound, to really gel and thunder out tunes like the rumbling “Heroes” or the bluesy foot-tapper “Atmosphere.” Smith’s lyrics are also excellent, honestly pondering but hopeful and ever earnest, and Smith really holds the band together throughout the album. It’s a good thing he does, because the thing that is special about this disc is the amount of variety contained in it. There are the standard roaring stomps that Shinedown is known for, but there are great acoustic songs, bloated ballads, poppish leanings, and riff-driven rockers. The more I’ve listened closely to this, I’ve appreciated this album for the honesty and sincerity of it and the artistic variety of it, and I encourage anyone to give it a listen.
Picks: I Dare You, Heroes, Save Me, Shed Some Light, Some Day

Bus Stop: Detroit?

Who wins Super Bowl XL?

One the one hand, this game seems easy to predict. The Pittsburgh Steelers have seemed like a team destined to win the Super Bowl ever since they made the playoffs. After beating the Cincinnati Bengals (without Carson Palmer, admittedly), the Indianapolis Colts, and the Denver Broncos, they are playing in Detroit for the Lombardi trophy. Plus, they have the added motivation of playing to try to get running back Jerome Bettis a Super Bowl ring before he retires, and this is a great chance to do that.

On the other hand, the Seattle Seahawks are a team that just gets it done. Without getting a lot of national attention, they calmly won eleven games in a row during the regular season and have won convincingly in the playoffs. A team with few big names, they play a very nondescript, effective game, scoring the most points in the NFL during the regular season. Even when people have doubted them, they have come through with a win.

So what exactly is the reason the Steelers are currently four point favorites in this game? Perhaps a look at the top ten factors might yield the result.

10. Depth and Balance. The Steelers are walking proof of this. Running back Willie Parker filled in admirably during the annual Duce Staley injury and the ailments of Bettis early in the year. The Steelers have good balance all around, especially on offense and particularly in the backfield. But the Seahawks have as good—if not better—balance on offense. The team famous over the past three years for having three equal receivers still has their multi-faceted approach and can put up points any way they want to. Neither team has the edge here.

9. Joe Jurevicius. The lanky WR has carved a niche in this league as a great third receiver on great teams, with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their Super Bowl runs, and is doing it again this year. In a career year, Jurevicius stepped in and provided some much needed hands for a offense that had lost its main receiver when Darrell Jackson was injured. Jurevicius is a receiver to watch out for, with good hands and a long frame, and could play an impact for Seattle in this game.

8. Ken Whisenut. One of the main reasons for Pittsburgh’s success in the playoffs has been their exceptional playcalling and game planning. And nowhere has this been more evident than with the offensive strategy, which Whisenut has coordinated. Unlike the porous Bengals defense, the Colts and Broncos finished in the top three for points per game allowed. In the Denver game, particularly, the Steelers offense shredded the opposing defense, and a lot of this credit goes to the shrewd Pittsburgh coordinator.

7. Upgrades in the passing game. Both the Seahawks and Steelers upgraded this category throughout the year. Steelers tight end Heath Miller was an immediate impact in the red zone, and Hines Ward has stepped up there as well. For the Seahawks, the receivers may be mostly the same, but the drops aren’t. For the first time in a few years, Matt Hasselbeck’s receivers are catching his passes and not dropping the football in crucial spots. For an offense built on efficiency like the Seahawks, this is huge. However, there is no real advantage here for either team.

6. Matt Hasselbeck. Perhaps the embodiment of the Seahawks no-frills attack, Hasselbeck quietly put up great numbers, completing 65.5% of his passes, tossing 24 touchdowns against 9 interceptions. In addition to being an accurate passer, Hasselbeck is a scrambling threat, and has managed to cut down on his fumbles in his Pro Bowl season.

5. Ben Roethlisberger. Despite missing a chunk of time due to injuries, the second-year quarterback put up similarly good numbers; in fact, the two quarterbacks’ QB ratings differed by 0.4 points. And the people who said Roethlisberger couldn’t throw downfield need look no further than his league-leading 8.9 yards per attempt. Add all this to the intangibles he brings as the leader of the team and you have a truly unique athlete.

4. Shaun Alexander. Another player on the Seahawks who made the leap from good to great recently, Alexander has become one of the top six running backs in the NFL and has become a better team leader at the same time. Alexander set an NFL record with 28 touchdowns during the regular season, and has returned well from a scary concussion during the Seahawks first playoff game against the Redskins.

3. Troy Polamalu. Although most people will remember him for his hair, Polamalu’s play over the past three years has been impressive. Polamalu came out of college with a knack for roaming the field and stopping the run. Since then, he has improved into one of the best safeties in the NFL, capable of doing whatever is needed for his team. Like Seattle rookie Lofa Tatupu, whose instinctive play has made him a leader on defense, Polamalu is a player who can give teams fits with his talent.

2. Coaching. Both Bill Cowher and Mike Holmgren are two of the best coaches in the league. Nobody has a higher winning percentage over the past ten years than Cowher, but Holmgren has won a Super Bowl (1997, with the Green Bay Packers). Both have set up successful systems and transformed their respective franchises. Perhaps one has an edge on the other, but it’s negligible.

1. Jerome Bettis. The Bus forestalled retirement and came back for another year after Ben Roethlisberger promised him they’d make it to the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit. One of the game’s great running backs, Bettis is still something to be watched, but he is not the same player he was even a few years ago. He will probably retire after this year and finish in the top ten for all-time rushing yardage, but he cannot carry a team like he did before.

However, a similar situation happened in 1998. Broncos quarterback John Elway was notorious for being unable to win the Super Bowl, until the Broncos defied the heavy odds and stunned the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. It may have been Terrell Davis’ three-touchdown performance that won the MVP, but everyone knew that “This one’s for John.” In the same way, the Steelers are playing for Bettis, trying to send the great athlete out on the highest of high notes. Couple this intangible with a superior defense and you have a recipe for a thrilling game with a Steeler victory.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Seahawks 16.

Curses!

He’s finally done it.

Terrell Owens has finally burned almost every bridge that he can—the one named Drew Rosenhaus is still standing, unfortunately—killed his team, and incurred the wrath of millions of frenzied Philadelphia Eagles fans. With all due respect to T.O., he is not the major cause of the Eagles’ problems. EA Sports is.

Although I am joking, there is a certain stigma that accompanies the honor of being selected as the cover athlete for the bestselling football game, Madden NFL 2006. Dating back to 2001, every athlete to grace Madden’s glossy box was either injured later that year or put up substantially worse numbers; in addition, their career was never the same. Some even argue that this trend extends to 2000, claiming that John Madden himself actually started the curse.

Turducken or not, the fact remains that every player has seen their career plummet afterwards. Eddie George had a solid year in 2001 but followed that up in 2002 with an awful year in which Tennessee won six fewer games than 2001. The same fate befell Daunte Culpepper in 2002 (1300 yards and 19 TDs less than the previous year) and Marshall Faulk in 2003 (430 yards and 4 TDs less). Michael Vick continued this evil trend, settling for missing 11 games of the regular season. Ray Lewis played hurt last year, although not to usual Madden Curse numbers.

However, the most horrifying part of the curse is what has happened to those players’ teams since their appearance. George is currently out of football and the Titans have been painfully rebuilding for four years. (A distinction needs to be made between the Titans’ rebuilding and the Texans’ ineptitude.) The Vikings, a popular preseason Super Bowl pick, have never lived up to their potential in an impressive variety of ways. The Rams turned from the “Greatest Show on Turf” to “Air America,” with similar results. The Falcons have escaped the curse so far, but Atlanta’s offense is still quite feeble. And the Ravens are starting year four of the experiment known as Kyle Boller at quarterback. I’m going to swallow the cyanide for head coach Brian Billick now and say that they’re officially on the decline.

Currently, Madden 2006 cover boy Donovan McNabb is afflicted with a sports hernia and T.O., although the second affliction is more like a team epidemic. Somewhere, George, Culpepper, Faulk, Vick, and Lewis are waiting to receive McNabb into the “Madden Curse Alumni Association” as soon as the season is over. However, before half the campus leaves to attack John Madden, a couple other possible causes for the T.O. fiasco should be considered.

Some people will claim that all Philadelphia sports teams are doomed, because of “William Penn’s Curse.” Since 1987, when the Liberty Plaza became the first building taller than William Penn’s hat on the top of City Hall, no major Philadelphia sports team has won a championship. (The minor league Philadelphia Phantoms have won titles during these years, as have the National Lacrosse League’s Wings.) In fact, since 1993, all major sports teams have played in a championship series, but none have been able to snag that elusive prize.

But before we get too caught up in the notion that these curses have caused the demise of the Eagles, we also remember two things. First, the Red Sox were cursed for eighty-six years and they still won the World Series. Second, it might just be time to deport T.O.

No other NFL franchise has done as well with developing and turning over players in recent years than the Eagles and the Patriots. Obviously, the Patriots have won two titles, but the Eagles accomplishments are impressive also. They have dealt with multiple holdouts (Corey Simon, Jeremiah Trotter, and, to a degree, Brian Westbrook) upgraded the team while maintaining salary cap flexibility, and made most fans forget the 1-15 Rich Kotite years. The Eagles, as we now see them, are a model of stability in the NFL of the past five years.

When the Eagles needed a receiver, they pulled an amazing deal for a great receiver. On top of that, they acquired the big, physical receiver that their West Coast offense needed so desperately. And, for the first year, T.O. was every bit as good as expected. He appeared to submit his ego to the team, and even made a quick return in time for the Super Bowl, in which he had a lesser but important role. Of course, this was almost exactly what happened with Terrell Owens in San Francisco also.

And, paralleling San Francisco, T.O. felt that he should be the leader of the team, even though it was clear it was McNabb’s team. Ironically enough, McNabb developed as a leader through all this, giving a sense of stability to the volatile situation, contrasting to the increasingly childish Terrell Owens. Finally, the Eagles have decided that they don’t want any more of his trouble. Quite frankly, neither would I.

For all the talent that Owens possesses and all the numbers he puts up, there is simply no place for him on most teams. What teams have a collective ego larger than T.O.’s? The teams that need him don’t have room for his pride. The teams that do have room for his ego and its sideshows aren’t anywhere close to competing or have a need for him. And after seeing his problems with the Eagles and 49ers, would you take him?

T.O. was drafted in the third round of a deep 1996 draft. That draft produced some forgettable players (ladies and gentlemen, Tim Biakabatuka!) and some very good players (Joe Horn in the 4th round, Keyshawn Johnson as the first pick). Speaking of Keyshawn, a very interesting parallel can be drawn. After Keyshawn wore out his welcome with the New York Jets, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Chucky clone Jon Gruden eventually got fed up with Keyshawn’s antics last year and benched him for the remainder of the schedule.

The fallout between Gruden and Keyshawn was due to Keyshawn’s incessant demands for the football and his attitude over his role in the offense, and the punishment was unprecedented yet fair. What Terrell Owens has done in Philadelphia is both unprecedented and inexcusable. Could the team have won more games with another quarterback? Maybe, but there is no reason to suggest that and get into a fight in the locker room as Owens did—an incident which probably was the main factor behind his suspension and benching.

The entire Eagles organization deserves as much credit as it has received for its excellent management of a cancer. Although there is room to criticize their naivety in acquiring the powder keg, they have done everything they can to try to make this work. Unfortunately, it has not been reciprocated.

ESPN writer Bill Simmons wrote about Boston Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez’s temperamental nature using the words “Manny being Manny.” But Ramirez, although equally talented and similarly volatile, does not challenge every inch of leadership on his team. Owens, on the other hand, is a prima donna’s prima donna—the kind that leaves you eagerly anticipating their swan song. Until Owens learns to control his ego, there is no room for him in such a team-oriented sport as football—except maybe on the cover of Madden.

Tomahawk Chopped: The NCAA censors “offensive” Native American nicknames

A full post is coming quite soon, hopefully over the weekend. Here is my article from todays Bucknellian.

Imagine that the NCAA suddenly sent a letter to Bucknell informing them of a policy change regarding the school’s name. Not Bucknell, mind you, but the Bison nickname was no longer acceptable due to the massive hunting of the bison (the animal, not Bucky) and because some members of PETA had complained that this was cruel and unfair to the animal. Instantly, the Bucknellian would be filled with letters of protest. President Mitchell would send a letter to the NCAA appealing this verdict. Everyone would be upset about this decision, and rightfully so.

The situation above may be fictional, but something identical happened just over three months ago that has caused a flurry of protest on eighteen campuses across the country.

On August 7, The NCAA notified eighteen schools that their sports teams could no longer use their nicknames since they were offensive to Native Americans. The odd part of this ban is that it only applies to the postseason. During the postseason, the team cannot display those names or logos on their clothing, gym, or anything else. A few of the universities, such as the Florida State Seminoles, asked for and received a waiver because the local Native American tribes had given the school permission to use their name. Others, though, like Newberry College’s Chippewas, were denied the request.

Although this ruling has created a firestorm of controversy, this is certainly not the first time that this cry has been raised. When the Atlanta Braves began their dominance in 1991, many Native American tribes were upset by the Braves’ “Tomahawk Chop” and chanting—a practice that has carried over to innumerable sporting events, especially those involving Native American teams.
Proponents of the symbols, such as former President Jimmy Carter, have argued strongly that the Native American symbols are not meant in any derogatory way, but instead as emblems of a courageous group of people. Carter made remarks in 1991 about how everyone could be proud of the Braves for what they had accomplished and how it reflected on Native Americans. While his point stands, Carter should be thankful he was defending the 1991 Braves and not the 1988 Braves.

Opponents of the nicknames attest that such behavior, whether intentional or not, stereotypes Native Americans and creates, along with the names, a certain image of the Native American culture. They attest that the Tomahawk Chop and Chief Wahoo only presents one image of all tribes, and an unflattering one at that.

When examining the many viewpoints on this topic, it is important to evaluate each proposition as objectively as possible. The Native Americans who are angered by the Tomahawk Chop have a legitimate complaint that it strips them of their cultural identity. However, there are differences between harmful stereotyping, local culture, and a team name.

The point that the Native Americans and their supporters make about the stereotyping of all Native Americans as one tribe is legitimate and well-made. There are many different kinds of Native Americans and a person who has one image of all tribes is foolish. There’s a reason they have different names. Many diverse customs, histories, beliefs, and other characteristics are evident when looking at such a variety of tribes. It is important to recognize the culture and the heritage of each tribe distinctly.

In fact, this is exactly what Florida State said when appealing the NCAA’s decision. “Chief Osceola,” a student who is selected from a pool, must learn about the heritage of the Seminole people and the real Chief Osceola before attaining the honor. In fact, most of the NCAA schools use the names of actual tribes (Seminoles, Utes, Illini, to name a few), as opposed to professional sports (Redskins, Indians—and Chief Wahoo). The schools are trying to demonstrate a connection to the culture of the area and what it stands for.

As Florida State’s athletic site states, “Over the years, we have worked closely with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure the dignity and propriety of the various Seminole symbols we use. Chief Osceola, astride his appaloosa when he plants a flaming spear on the 50-yard line, ignites a furious enthusiasm and loyalty in thousands of football fans, but also salutes a people who have proven that perseverance with integrity prevails.”

On second thought, though, maybe the people are right. Maybe there is something derogatory and harmful about labeling a group of people after a bit of local culture. Maybe Florida State should become the “Sinking Swamp” or the “Alligators.” But does “Alligators” conjure up a more peaceful image than “Seminoles?” And who gave us permission to use the moniker “Alligators” to represent the team? What if the alligators (and crocodiles) themselves are offended (not the Florida Gators, mind you)?

The accusation that the tribal names are derogatory is well-meant, but misguided. Again, quoting Florida State’s athletic site, “Any symbol can be misused and become derogatory.” I could probably write a letter of protest to the NCAA and say that I do not like Notre Dame’s use of the two words, “Fighting Irish.” As an Irishman (by blood, not citizenship), I could logically and reasonably state that the name of the team communicates that all Irish people do is to fight. I do not agree with that perception, and I think that Notre Dame should change its name to stop defaming Irish people across the world.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that my entire Irish side of the family is huge Notre Dame fans, in part because of it’s portrayal of the Irish as fighting and courageous. And I can’t say that I agree with the letter I just outlined.

I don’t want to seem like I think the point that the NCAA is making is ludicrous. There are some names that are in poor taste and would indeed be censorable. But to think that the use of a local Native American tribe as a sports nickname is offensive is a bit extreme. What will be the next thing deemed offensive? Quite frankly, I could probably come up with a legitimate reason why any college sports nickname besides the “Bilikins” is offensive, and that’s because I don’t know what a “Bilikin” is.

As the recent Bucknell University Conservative Club's speaker, David French, noted, there is a difference between being harassed or emotionally disturbed by something and being offended by it. Being offended is part of life; we have to learn to deal with being offended. If we do not, we will never emotionally reach our fourth birthday.

The 18 schools that the NCAA disciplined have done nothing wrong except have something offensive that a group of people were annoyed about. I use the term “group of people” because a Harris Interactive Poll from three years ago found that 81% of all Native Americans (and 69% of those on reservations) have no problem with the use of names such as Utes, Seminoles, and Illini. If the Native American population, by and large, does not seem too concerned about it, why should we concern ourselves with it? Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to study my bison history.

Monthly Observations

Although I learned a lot about myself and a variety of things last year, I didn’t have a spot to post my ideas, and this is a whole new year. So, with that in mind, it’s time for the top eight lessons from this year, even though it’s only been a month.

8. Change isn’t always a good thing. Although the new Dining Services does a lot of good things, the Starbucks…er, the 7th Street café is not one of them. The old 7th St. was quite possibly the best hangout on the campus. With an impressive arrangement of well-made drinks at slightly high but reasonable prices, 7th Street seating was at a premium on weekends due to the amount of people that attended.

My, how things change.

Although the quality is there, and some drinks still exist—enough to do a Monty Python routine about “Starbucks”—and their prices are amazing. The 7th Street workers will probably babble about how big government supported by CAFTA has killed their business, the reality is that the place is lacking. There is no reason for me to pay $2.60 for a small milkshake when I can go to the local Wendy’s for a frosty that is about twice the size. The spirit has gone out of 7th Street, the way it went out of the Yankees last year in the ALCS.

7. Just because you like something and are good at it doesn’t mean you love it. I thought I was a Computer Engineer last year. Although I had some doubts here and there, I thought it was just because I wasn’t into the curriculum enough. Actually, that was the reason I didn’t drop it last year.

Clue #1: I remarked to one of my relatives this past summer that I could probably take 8 years at Bucknell and miss out on some courses that I would’ve liked to have taken. Clue #2: I find myself more interested in Chemistry than Computer Science. As much as I can blame that on my solid background in high school, there’s something to be said about that: I don’t exactly like Chemistry. Clue #3: When my professor talked about the “horrific 6-hour labs,” I started thinking of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair—and myself. I can’t program for 15 minutes straight, let alone 6 hours. Clue #4: I play sports and can bench more than half my body weight (though not much more, unfortunately).

6. There’s always a flip side to everything. Although I’m living in Kress, the nicest dorm on campus by quality and location, and I have a good roommate, I don’t totally like the situation. Why?

Part of it comes from the fact that people don’t want to climb the hill (I do it when coming back from seeing you punks!), or so they say. Another part of it comes from the fact that my hall is more talkative than the cemetery across from Smith Hall. I guess that comes with the territory, though. Not complaining about basically falling out of bed into Chemistry lecture the second day of class, though…that was great! With that said, though…

5. Good friendships are to be developed, not just maintained. I have a lot of good friends here, but I feel like they lack the real energy and warmth that characterized them last year. The one thing that’s different with most of them? Well, I’m not exactly living down the hall from them, so I see them less and less, and when I do see them, I don’t know what to say. It’s not like our lives intersect like they did before. For all of you wondering, this isn’t meant to be an emo singer’s whining about what’s wrong with the world and how it won’t change. Although it won’t change this year, I need to accept that, move past it, and make the best of what I have. So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to sleep until 5 minutes before Chemistry…

4. In your friendships, remember the risk/reward factor. The more you attach yourself to a person, even if you don’t say it, the more you set yourself up for a fall. ‘Nuff said.

3. Sometimes, the friends you take for granted are the ones that are actually your closest. I appreciated the simple friendships of some people and their willingness to listen. Some other people were just good friends who were there, more or less. Well, with everyone moved away, the people who I took for granted are still there, and the others aren’t quite as close. Funny that.

In any event, I apologize to all my friends for either neglecting you too much or obsessing over you; I’m a work in progress. And I am being serious.

2. The Madden curse may be muted, but its effects are seen. Just wait.

1. I’m still glad I’m here and not there!

More will come in time. Now to hang out with my friends…the cool ones...uncorrupted by Jersey--whoops, next topic. Sorry!

So...

This will be my rant about whatever. Right now I'm hungry, so I'm getting food. An update will come later tonight.