RIP Jimmy Carl Black (1938-2008)

From Rollingstone.com:

Jimmy Carl Black, the original drummer for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, passed away this past weekend after a bout with lung cancer. He was 70. Black, the self-proclaimed “Indian of the group,” served with the Mothers from their acclaimed 1966 debut Freak Out! until Zappa’s 1970 album Weasels Ripped My Flesh. Black is also known for donning a dress on the cover of We’re Only In It For the Money. Black’s drumming also formed the heartbeat during the band’s chaotic live performances captured on albums like Uncle Meat and Burnt Weeny Sandwich. Black also played a noticeable role in the Zappa film 200 Motels, where he sang “Lonesome Cowboy Burt.” In his post-Mothers career, Black played in several bands, including a stint with Captain Beefheart, Geronimo Black (which Black fronted) and the Zappa tribute bands like the Grandmothers and the Muffin Men. A benefit for Black will be held November 9th at the Bridgehouse II in London.

October Blues...

No, not the name of a bad Hollywood-esque baseball movie (or even the lamentings of a fan whose baseball team fails repeatedly in the postseason) but the general sentiment that I always seem to experience around this time of year. Part of this is because of an association of this time of year with past events. Part of this is because the end of the baseball season (even if it's a season that I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to...like this one) seems to bring a finality to the joys of summer. Part of this is the routine that's been driving my life since early August really seems to take it's toll on me at this time of year. Everything is just kindof...blah...

In spite of all this moodiness things are, relatively speaking, going well, or at least as well as expected. School is school and, no matter what, it always seems to move forward. The freshman are plowing their way through the Middle Ages, complete with all the requisite discussions of the failings of the Crusades and the pus-filled boils associated with the Black Death. The sad thing is that I can already identify a good seven or eight students who will likely be out of the program by the end of the year, if not by the end of the semester. The juniors have hit the wall...as they always do this time of year. The IB reality has fully set in with massive amounts of work expected of them between now and the end of the semester. The esoteric ramblings of their TOK instructor combined with the vague and somewhat inane vernacular of the appropriate IB rubrics are sometimes just too much for them to handle. To make matters worse their attention (and mine) is being drawn to a variety of other co-curricular activities such as counselor visits, ACT and SAT testing, various community service responsibilities, etc., etc. There's no way that, as a high school student, I could've or would've done what they've undertaken.

In what might be viewed as more important matters, the Seahawks suck. A bad year looks to be getting worse by the week as injuries and a lack of execution have crippled the team. My hope then turns to the Oilers...but they've now lost five straight after starting the season an impressive 4-0. It amazes (yet does not surprise me) that this team simply cannot score goals. Chemistry doesn't happen overnight and all the new faces are still trying to mesh within the team. Watch any given shift throughout a game and you can tell that, while the strategy and scheme is there, the execution simply isn't. The familiarity with the tendencies of linemates just isn't there yet. The good news is that the current seven game road trip (which began last night with a dreadful 3-1 loss to Nashville...a team that shouldn't even exist) is their longest of the year. Let's hope the boys can get through this road trip and pull in enough points along the way to keep themselves in the Northwest division race. If they can, the seventeen home games in December and January might put them in a position to guarantee a postseason spot.

Still...even though hockey is back...blah...

Reaction to the First McCain-Obama Debate

Let me say, first of all, that I wasn't particularly impressed with either candidate this evening. I'm uncertain whether this has to do primarily with my expectations or the actual performance of the nominees but I was left feeling rather underwhelmed. I do, however, think that the new format worked successfully. It allowed for enough of the free exchange that so many previous presidential debates have lacked. Naturally this also led to some situations where the nominees interrupted each other and what might be perceived as awkward or, possibly, telling moments in the debate itself. Still, I enjoyed watching the debate (even if I wasn't overly impressed with either candidate) and I think the format might've had quite a bit to do with that.

My initial reaction to the debate is that McCain appeared, particularly early in the debate, to be more relaxed and comfortable than Obama. At times it appeared that Obama knew exactly what he intended to say but couldn't quite find the words. It also appeared to me that McCain's responses were expressed slightly more clearly and thoughtfully but, at times, I do think that Obama had a clear advantage in this area depending upon the issue. Both candidates, at times, also appeared to be visibly frustrated with each other either because of the responses of their opponent or because of the interruptions which were interspersed throughout the debate. In general, however, I don't think that either candidate could really claim a clear 'win' in terms of style points tonight. Each had their moments where they appeared very 'presidential' and each had their moments where they appeared somewhat petty or not as professional as they would probably like to be perceived.

Beyond the issue of style I don't think there was anything present within the debate regarding issues that would truly sway an undecided voter to make a decision on who to vote for. I think Obama satisfied his supporters with his responses and overall performance and I think McCain achieved the same level of success with his supporters. Given the general perception that McCain's strength is foreign policy, the fact that Obama appeared to hold his own in this area may be viewed by some as a zero-sum win for Obama. At the same time I think the same might also be said for McCain given his responses to the financial questions which were highlighted early in the debate. The key to me, however, is that undecided voters may have heard a few new ideas tonight but I don't believe these ideas may be the ones they care about nor substantially distinctive in a manner which would cause them to shift their support to either one of the candidates.

One of the potential implications of this is the possibility that the VP debate next Thursday might play a slightly larger role in the undecided voter sweepstakes than initially predicted and, perhaps, a larger role than the campaigns themselves had foreseen. If the undecideds are still searching for a candidate to support then many of them may turn to the VP candidates as potential reasons to finally make a decision on whom to vote for. If the general perception that the contrast between Biden and Palin is greater than the contrast between McCain and Obama holds true next Thursday, maybe this is where the undecideds finally begin to swing in significant numbers towards a particular nominee.

RIP Richard Wright (1943-2008)

Overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves
In labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant time
Comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine.

And no-one called us to the land
And no-one knows the wheres or whys
But something stirs and something tries
And starts to climb towards the light

Strangers passing in the street
By chance two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me
And do I take you by the hand
And lead you through the land
And help me understand the best I can

And no-one calls us to move on
And no-one forces down our eyes
And no-one speaks and no-one tries
And no-one flies around the sun

Cloudless everyday you fall upon my waking eyes
inciting and inviting me to rise
And through the window in the wall
Come streaming in on sunlight wings
A million bright ambassadors of morning

And no-one sings me lullabies
And no-one makes me close my eyes
And so I throw the windows wide
And call to you across the sky

I am at a loss. After taking the better part of 20 hours considering what to type here I will simply say 'thank you' and 'rest in peace'...

RIP John Rutsey

If you meet somebody who knows the name John Rutsey it's pretty much an indicator that they're a Rush fan. After all, who but a Rush fan is going to know that the band's rough around the edges and notably straightforward debut album did not feature one Neil Peart but, instead, a drummer whose playing style is, well, rough around the edges and notably straightforward.

I remember when I was first really 'getting into' that first Rush album. It was in the mid 1980s and I was in full infatuation with their music. It was even a little scary how much I was into Rush during that time, especially in retrospect. Rush were, to me, so clearly the best band ever that it really wasn't even funny. I would burn through countless AA batteries on my Sony Walkman going through the entire Rush catalog over and over again. Outside of the occasional pause for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Yes, Night Ranger (!), and a couple of others I essentially listened only to Rush for a seven year period between 1984 and 1991. During 1985, in between my time of being obsessed with Grace Under Pressure and Hemispheres, I focused on this little gem. I had previously dismissed it as not really being a Rush album. After all...no Neil, no Rush, right? Well, after spending a big chunk of the summer of 85 wearing through a cassette copy of the first Rush album I started to finally come around. While it wasn't my favorite album of theirs then (nor today) I loved the rawness and energy of this album. I also loved that, if you listened closely, you could catch a glimpse of the direction that the band would take in the future, particularly on 'Before and After' which I consider to be the best track off of the album.

What struck me the most, perhaps, was the playing of John Rutsey. His playing certainly never 'wowed' me like Neil's had so many times but, in Rutsey's playing, I felt that I caught a glimpse into the days of the band before they became so recognizable. I had read stories of Rush playing little dive bars across Ontario, high school gymnasiums, and even the occasional high school prom. To me, listening to that first album took me away to those days for the band...the 19 hour van rides to a gig in Manitoba, playing for nothing more than chips and gravy at a local restaurant, worrying that their beat up 1968 Econoline wouldn't make the drive to Ottawa. Best of all, however, I could hear the sheer naivete and enthusiasm of three young guys just wanting to play music and hoping against hope that they can make enough cash to feed themselves in the process.

The playing of John Rutsey, with his somewhat pedestrian, Simon Kirke-like approach, fit this band at that time perfectly. Despite the fact that he left the band for health reasons and creative differences in 1974 and missed all but the very, very beginning of their period as a successful music group, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for John Rutsey, perhaps because he's the closest there will ever be to a Canadian Pete Best. In listening to the debut album for the first time in a long time recently I was actually struck by how much I still enjoy the album and, more surprisingly, how much I enjoyed the playing of John Rutsey. The album, and Rutsey's playing, has stood the test of time.

John Rutsey passed away last weekend, supposedly because of complications from the diabetes which partially caused him to leave the group in the first place. I'll be tipping one tonight in his honor and playing 'Here Again' and 'Before and After' way, way too loud here at home. RIP John...

2008 Seahawks Draft Reaction

While much of this past weekend was spent at weddings, concerts, and in the car, my mind was otherwise focused on the second round of the NHL playoffs (which are going almost the exact opposite of how I had predicted) and, perhaps more importantly, the 2008 NFL Draft.

Heading into the draft I personally felt there were a few needs that were worthy of attention on the 'Hawks roster. Specifically I felt that running back (a power runner, specifically), tight end, and a run stopper at DT were particular areas of need. I also felt that taking the best kicker possible late in the draft to challenge Mare in camp would also be a wise choice. When the dust had settled late Sunday afternoon, not only had the 'Hawks fulfilled these specific needs but they had done more than this not only in terms of talent but also in regards to the character of the individuals they drafted. Here are the draftees with round and overall pick number indicated...

1. (28) Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal
2. (38) John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
4. (121) Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
5. (163) Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
6. (189) Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
7. (233) Justin Forsett, RB, Cal
7. (235) Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

Of these picks the ones that I'm frankly the most excited about are Bryant and Owen Schmitt. At 6'5", 328 lbs., Bryant is a prototypical NFL run stopper. Especially with the loss of Darby and Wyms in the offseason and Rocky Bernard's recent legal issues this is not only a smart pick but, given when Bryant was chosen, also a definite value choice. Schmitt, who may just have the coolest nickname in NFL history (Runaway Beer Truck), will fit in nicely as a blocker out of the backfield. His versatility, however, means that his role in the offense should go beyond merely being a blocker for the backs.

The most surprising pick, and the one which has received the most criticism, is the drafting of long snapper Tyler Schmitt. While the drafting of a long snapper is rare, even in the later rounds, anyone who watched the 'Hawks struggles with this position last year will understand why this postion was a consideration in the draft. Hopefully Schmitt will solve some of the special teams problems that were evident last year and also contribute to kick coverage situations.

I have to admit that it's been awhile since I've been so excited about a Seahawks draft class. The organization not only chose some amazing athletes with terrific potential at the professional level but they also filled specific needs on the team. I predict that the contribution of this particular draft class will be notable this season with only Forsett a real possibility to end up on the practice squad. Perhaps more importantly, however, is that the first four picks have all tested off the charts when it comes to character and work ethic. Bryant, in particular, appears to be one of those guys that is a great teammate and exceptional leader. In all, the words being used to describe the individual members of this particular Seahawk draft class bode well not only for the long term but for the immediate impact which they might have on the field as well as in the locker room.

Next, mini-camp and an early chance to see how these picks might fit in with the team...

Western Conference Quarterfinal: Anaheim v. Dallas

Written before the series started. Honest! (it's pretty clear on this one...)

I could be completely offbase on this one (just like all my other predictions, lol) but, to me, if there's a potential sweep in the first round it's this series. Anaheim has the best record in the league since Scott Neidermayer decided to come back and, to me, they've been playing even better since Selanne decided to rejoin the team.

Meanwhile the Stars have struggled since the trade deadline, finishing 6-8-2. Perhaps more troublesome is the fact that Turco was freaking great at times during this stretch. In 13 games starting in March, Turco had a GAA of just under 2.40 yet only won 1 game during that stretch. Simply put, even when Turco had a great night, the Star really struggled to find ways to put the puck in the net and give him any sort of support. Given the way the Ducks have been playing, this is a bad sign for the Stars' chance in the first round.

In watching both of these teams over the last quarter of the season, there really isn't a comparison. The Stars clearly have some talent and can be very opportunistic at times but they just haven't been playing with any urgency or drive. The Ducks, however, are focused and motivated to defend their title. Sure, the Stars could turn it on in the postseason, but there's nothing heading into this series to suggest that they should win more than one game against Anaheim.