I compare musical composition to architecture. The key, meter, chords, and scales are your structural materials. The arrangement is your facade, the melody your utility, and the lyrics your furnishings. A great song is structurally sound; it doesn't have to be complex, but it does have to be aesthetically pleasing. A construction of very poor substance, even when covered by a fancy finish, will soon reveal its poor workmanship.
Furthermore, I compare musical arrangement to cooking. The melody and harmony are your recipe. The instruments are your ingredients and the modes and beats are your seasonings. Just as how certain foods and spices are inextricably linked to specific cuisines, so too are certain instruments indicative of their style. (Example: adding the Sitar to "Norwegian Wood" was akin to adding Curry powder to an otherwise run-of-the-mill meat and rice dish.) As the skill of the musician or the quality of the food increases, so does the excellence of the finished product.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
The moon is so bright tonight that the sky around it is blue. You can't see any stars.
It occurred to me today that a disproportionately large amount of my dreams are located in the neighborhood of my old high school. Just recently I've had dreams in classrooms, hallways, the auditorium, and many of the streets adjacent. It's almost as if I've spent more time there in dreams than in reality.
That has made me realize that several significant things have taken place there, outside of school itself. My first date was there (homecoming dance), and my last "date" was there too, if you will. The very last thing Emily and I did before we found out that we were parents was watch 24th of July fireworks from the bleachers. It was my final moment of childhood before discovering that I was to have a child of my own.
I've been wondering about neutrons tonight. Seemingly, they're the Universe's dead weight. Why do we even have them? Sheesh. Electrons go around and do all sorts of crazy shit, and protons are so important that we keep meticulous count of how many are in an atom. But neutrons can just come and go. Doesn't matter. Sure, we'll keep track of your isotopes, but even then you're not as important as ions. So whatever, neutrons. Thanks for nothing.
Except atomic chain reactions. You do that for us. Without which, there would be no sun, and therefore no life. So, that's cool. But come on, don't you want to stand up and state your opinion, positive or negative, at least once in a while? You're not neutral, you're just apathetic.
It occurred to me today that a disproportionately large amount of my dreams are located in the neighborhood of my old high school. Just recently I've had dreams in classrooms, hallways, the auditorium, and many of the streets adjacent. It's almost as if I've spent more time there in dreams than in reality.
That has made me realize that several significant things have taken place there, outside of school itself. My first date was there (homecoming dance), and my last "date" was there too, if you will. The very last thing Emily and I did before we found out that we were parents was watch 24th of July fireworks from the bleachers. It was my final moment of childhood before discovering that I was to have a child of my own.
I've been wondering about neutrons tonight. Seemingly, they're the Universe's dead weight. Why do we even have them? Sheesh. Electrons go around and do all sorts of crazy shit, and protons are so important that we keep meticulous count of how many are in an atom. But neutrons can just come and go. Doesn't matter. Sure, we'll keep track of your isotopes, but even then you're not as important as ions. So whatever, neutrons. Thanks for nothing.
Except atomic chain reactions. You do that for us. Without which, there would be no sun, and therefore no life. So, that's cool. But come on, don't you want to stand up and state your opinion, positive or negative, at least once in a while? You're not neutral, you're just apathetic.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Blog Title
Yeah, so it's been a while. All this introspective blogging did me some good to a point, but now what? I think I started to be conscious of my audience again, so hopefully this long hiatus after all that ranting will have driven most everyone away.
Ok, one thought - Doakes is the real hero of Dexter, seasons 1 and 2. He seems like a total asshole, but it's because he's such a good cop he can actually tell that there's something wrong with Dexter. When he thinks Dexter is a junkie though, he is supportive and cool. He tactfully tries to bring it up with Deb, which is how he finds out that the Narcotics Anonymous meetings were a front. He shoots the dude from the Taunton Macoute, but we see later that he was following orders. And when faced with a murderous ex-army ranger, we see that his principles are stronger than his emotions. He's a badass.
Another thing, I have to give up sugar. It's horrible for my body anyways, but now that I know that it's the source of my headaches, finally I have a strong motivation to kick the habit. So, in an odd way, these headaches may have just been one big blessing in disguise. A blindingly painful disguise.
I'm looking at upgrading to computer recording. It's been a long, tortuous process for me. Working my way up from the four-track cassette portastudio, briefly through 8 track cassette and digital portastudios, to the ADAT - now I think I'm finally ready. But goddamn. Computers are so hard to work with. I've been doing all the research I can into 24 bit converters with 96kHz sample rates. Or something. (I hope in 5 or 10 years I read this blog and those numbers seem astonishingly quaint.) But with all the shopping I've been doing, I think I'm going to have to go with the most ironic choice: use the audio interface my dad bought me back in 2002. I think there's even a blog either published on here or saved on my computer waiting to be re-revealed that concerns my distaste for computer recording. Distaste is putting it mildly, I think. But here's the thing. Now that I've worked with everything in an analog (or at least semi-analog) environment, I've built up an understanding of what each component is supposed to do. Hopefully the task won't seem so intimidating now.
At least I hope so. There's still a part of me that wants to keep my ADAT set up, and expand it so I can master CDs directly from it. But fortunately my budget keeps my humble, and I realize that this will never happen. I say fortunately because I know that moving to computer recording is something that I should have done a long time ago. (Like, say 2002?) Shut up parentheses voice.
I hope that my obsessions with college football and politics have been properly impaled by my disillusionment with them. Both are a waste of time, because they trump up the drama in order to obscure the fact that it's all a trick being played on us. This doesn't change my support of either the Utes or Obama. It's just, like, well... I don't need to listen to anybody else any more. And maybe I don't feel the need to convince anyone else anymore. Drama is intriguing, but serenity has always been my goal.
Ok, one thought - Doakes is the real hero of Dexter, seasons 1 and 2. He seems like a total asshole, but it's because he's such a good cop he can actually tell that there's something wrong with Dexter. When he thinks Dexter is a junkie though, he is supportive and cool. He tactfully tries to bring it up with Deb, which is how he finds out that the Narcotics Anonymous meetings were a front. He shoots the dude from the Taunton Macoute, but we see later that he was following orders. And when faced with a murderous ex-army ranger, we see that his principles are stronger than his emotions. He's a badass.
Another thing, I have to give up sugar. It's horrible for my body anyways, but now that I know that it's the source of my headaches, finally I have a strong motivation to kick the habit. So, in an odd way, these headaches may have just been one big blessing in disguise. A blindingly painful disguise.
I'm looking at upgrading to computer recording. It's been a long, tortuous process for me. Working my way up from the four-track cassette portastudio, briefly through 8 track cassette and digital portastudios, to the ADAT - now I think I'm finally ready. But goddamn. Computers are so hard to work with. I've been doing all the research I can into 24 bit converters with 96kHz sample rates. Or something. (I hope in 5 or 10 years I read this blog and those numbers seem astonishingly quaint.) But with all the shopping I've been doing, I think I'm going to have to go with the most ironic choice: use the audio interface my dad bought me back in 2002. I think there's even a blog either published on here or saved on my computer waiting to be re-revealed that concerns my distaste for computer recording. Distaste is putting it mildly, I think. But here's the thing. Now that I've worked with everything in an analog (or at least semi-analog) environment, I've built up an understanding of what each component is supposed to do. Hopefully the task won't seem so intimidating now.
At least I hope so. There's still a part of me that wants to keep my ADAT set up, and expand it so I can master CDs directly from it. But fortunately my budget keeps my humble, and I realize that this will never happen. I say fortunately because I know that moving to computer recording is something that I should have done a long time ago. (Like, say 2002?) Shut up parentheses voice.
I hope that my obsessions with college football and politics have been properly impaled by my disillusionment with them. Both are a waste of time, because they trump up the drama in order to obscure the fact that it's all a trick being played on us. This doesn't change my support of either the Utes or Obama. It's just, like, well... I don't need to listen to anybody else any more. And maybe I don't feel the need to convince anyone else anymore. Drama is intriguing, but serenity has always been my goal.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Organizor!
Well, the self-analysis continues to reveal more secrets. I'm now able to accurately describe the very core of what drives my perfectionism. For some reason (yet to be discovered), I derive great joy from organizing chaos. And it's not that I have to have everything all in it's perfect order, but instead, I relish the opportunities and challenges that arise every time I'm faced with something that doesn't fit my scheme. I kept starting and re-starting new games of Civilization or SimCity, and my goal was never to see the actual game to completion, but instead, to try to achieve the most balanced cities and efficient use of the fractal terrain. Weird. I also love categorizing my songs on iTunes. Man, this is even why I kept re-recording drums for my album - I wanted every single note to have some sort of precedent or counterpart in another song.
Organizing every last set of data on College Football teams was part of this obsession as well. Of course, it ended up unraveling the illusion of the fairness of the sport. But is that such a bad thing? Probably not.
I've also been very eagerly working out the arrangements to paint the planets on the ceiling of my boy's room. The diameters and orbits of the four inner planets are proportional to each other, as are the outer planets. But the scales between the two sets are different (for practicality reasons). Also, each planet will be placed in its location along its orbit for February 2010. The amount of trigonometry involved to achieve this was surprisingly fun for me, and I found myself laying awake, running all the calculations in my head. (I had memorized roughly the tangents of 15 and 30 degrees, as well as the dimensions of the room, and the planets' positions.) 1 2 3 5 15 30 60 90 Those are the approximate intervals of the planets' orbits.
So, what does this mean? Well, nothing. Just another puzzle piece. I am definitely figuring myself out, even if I'm not all the way there yet. One thing that does make me sad though is the realization that this sort of fun is what has usually driven me to find "alone time." As much as I love my friends and family, I find myself striving to make time to be alone. And with that time, I rarely "relax" in the common use of the term. It's the times when I really get to put my brain to the test.
Whoa... I hadn't realized that until I'd written it. That's a MAJOR motivating factor for me. If I don't feel as though my intellectual capacity is being put to the test, I feel bored, restless, even agitated. Oh strange. This is why I can't stand to sit through a movie or show or even football game without having something else going. I feel like it's a monumental waste of my time.
Oh, this idea definitely has ramifications.
Ah, I can't type as fast as I can think! I just thought that one of the challenges I've enjoyed lately is teaching myself to understand the properties and applications of electricity. Of course, as I learned, I was quick to re-organize this information into a form that was easy for me to understand and to explain to others. I'm seeing a couple of my tendencies showing here: my need to challenge myself, my love of organizing information out of chaos, my desire to teach, and my attempt to understand all that is understandable.
Well, I'll be damned. It is all connected, isn't it? Like the crystal lattice of a diamond.
Organizing every last set of data on College Football teams was part of this obsession as well. Of course, it ended up unraveling the illusion of the fairness of the sport. But is that such a bad thing? Probably not.
I've also been very eagerly working out the arrangements to paint the planets on the ceiling of my boy's room. The diameters and orbits of the four inner planets are proportional to each other, as are the outer planets. But the scales between the two sets are different (for practicality reasons). Also, each planet will be placed in its location along its orbit for February 2010. The amount of trigonometry involved to achieve this was surprisingly fun for me, and I found myself laying awake, running all the calculations in my head. (I had memorized roughly the tangents of 15 and 30 degrees, as well as the dimensions of the room, and the planets' positions.) 1 2 3 5 15 30 60 90 Those are the approximate intervals of the planets' orbits.
So, what does this mean? Well, nothing. Just another puzzle piece. I am definitely figuring myself out, even if I'm not all the way there yet. One thing that does make me sad though is the realization that this sort of fun is what has usually driven me to find "alone time." As much as I love my friends and family, I find myself striving to make time to be alone. And with that time, I rarely "relax" in the common use of the term. It's the times when I really get to put my brain to the test.
Whoa... I hadn't realized that until I'd written it. That's a MAJOR motivating factor for me. If I don't feel as though my intellectual capacity is being put to the test, I feel bored, restless, even agitated. Oh strange. This is why I can't stand to sit through a movie or show or even football game without having something else going. I feel like it's a monumental waste of my time.
Oh, this idea definitely has ramifications.
Ah, I can't type as fast as I can think! I just thought that one of the challenges I've enjoyed lately is teaching myself to understand the properties and applications of electricity. Of course, as I learned, I was quick to re-organize this information into a form that was easy for me to understand and to explain to others. I'm seeing a couple of my tendencies showing here: my need to challenge myself, my love of organizing information out of chaos, my desire to teach, and my attempt to understand all that is understandable.
Well, I'll be damned. It is all connected, isn't it? Like the crystal lattice of a diamond.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Change the World!
I don't even know why I ramble incoherently on here. It's nonsense. But it's what's going through my head. And these thoughts will disappear if I don't get them down.
But I guess that's the hang-up I have. Who cares if they disappear? Nothing lasts forever. Certainly not thoughts. Or moments of passion, frustration, melancholy, or peace. Yet I try to hold on to them, preserve them. Why?
Even my first blogs on here since I started again this year concerned the concept of remembering everything. I feel a sort of sympathy for things that have been forgotten. Nostalgic memories are always accompanied by a morose feeling of loss.
I was a little bit of a pack-rat when I was younger. I remember feeling sorry for the things I had to throw away. I missed them. Somehow I overcame the anxiety of saying goodbye to things, but obviously I have not learned to do the same with memories.
In my life, I wonder if this feeling is in any way connected to my [former?] lust for fame and recognition. It's as if I myself fear becoming lost and forgotten in time. (I just realized that my memory theory of the afterlife is probably strongly influenced by this!) There's something else, though, too.
I was listening to Harvey Danger and If At First while painting the baby's room today. And I couldn't help being overcome with a feeling of injustice. The lyrics, the music, and most importantly, the strong emotions their songs conjured up; these artists deserve to be more well respected by the world. They are giving the world a great gift, and yet are drowned out by Nickelback and Hannah Montana.
Hmm... that also refers back to those first blogs. The idea of the important information of our time becoming buried under all the worthless garbage. How very interesting. I guess I'm starting to see a little bit of return on my investment in writing these blogs, because I might not have made that connection had this just all been passing thoughts.
Well, anyways, the feeling of injustice applies to me as well. It's well beyond the boundaries of humility to say this, but I believe that I too have a great gift for music that needs to be shared with the world. And that I am not giving my one and only life the full benefit of my efforts if I don't get that music out there.
It's also like how lately I've been questioning my own desire to understand all that is understandable. Since we all distort reality in our perceptions, I will never be able to truly understand another human being. So what good will come of it? I don't know. I realized that for some reason, the unconscious goal of this undertaking was supposed to help bring enlightenment to the world. So, just like with my music, I think that I am somehow destined to alter the course of mankind.
Yeah, but I'm still humble.
No, that's the thing, is when I realize what it is that I'm secretly pining for, I step back and say "What? You know you'll never accomplish that!" Nevertheless, the feeling cannot be denied. Nor, I suppose, can it ever be satiated. Because I all ready have altered the course of mankind. I've added my voice to the eternal chorus, I've woven my thread into the great tapestry. I've helped to create life, and I've helped to share joy. So, crazy inner voice, what more do you want from me?!
Shoot, even if I'm famous, the extent of that fame couldn't be accurately measured until after I'm dead. A lot of good it will do me then.
So, great. I've just figured myself out. Go me. Now what?
But I guess that's the hang-up I have. Who cares if they disappear? Nothing lasts forever. Certainly not thoughts. Or moments of passion, frustration, melancholy, or peace. Yet I try to hold on to them, preserve them. Why?
Even my first blogs on here since I started again this year concerned the concept of remembering everything. I feel a sort of sympathy for things that have been forgotten. Nostalgic memories are always accompanied by a morose feeling of loss.
I was a little bit of a pack-rat when I was younger. I remember feeling sorry for the things I had to throw away. I missed them. Somehow I overcame the anxiety of saying goodbye to things, but obviously I have not learned to do the same with memories.
In my life, I wonder if this feeling is in any way connected to my [former?] lust for fame and recognition. It's as if I myself fear becoming lost and forgotten in time. (I just realized that my memory theory of the afterlife is probably strongly influenced by this!) There's something else, though, too.
I was listening to Harvey Danger and If At First while painting the baby's room today. And I couldn't help being overcome with a feeling of injustice. The lyrics, the music, and most importantly, the strong emotions their songs conjured up; these artists deserve to be more well respected by the world. They are giving the world a great gift, and yet are drowned out by Nickelback and Hannah Montana.
Hmm... that also refers back to those first blogs. The idea of the important information of our time becoming buried under all the worthless garbage. How very interesting. I guess I'm starting to see a little bit of return on my investment in writing these blogs, because I might not have made that connection had this just all been passing thoughts.
Well, anyways, the feeling of injustice applies to me as well. It's well beyond the boundaries of humility to say this, but I believe that I too have a great gift for music that needs to be shared with the world. And that I am not giving my one and only life the full benefit of my efforts if I don't get that music out there.
It's also like how lately I've been questioning my own desire to understand all that is understandable. Since we all distort reality in our perceptions, I will never be able to truly understand another human being. So what good will come of it? I don't know. I realized that for some reason, the unconscious goal of this undertaking was supposed to help bring enlightenment to the world. So, just like with my music, I think that I am somehow destined to alter the course of mankind.
Yeah, but I'm still humble.
No, that's the thing, is when I realize what it is that I'm secretly pining for, I step back and say "What? You know you'll never accomplish that!" Nevertheless, the feeling cannot be denied. Nor, I suppose, can it ever be satiated. Because I all ready have altered the course of mankind. I've added my voice to the eternal chorus, I've woven my thread into the great tapestry. I've helped to create life, and I've helped to share joy. So, crazy inner voice, what more do you want from me?!
Shoot, even if I'm famous, the extent of that fame couldn't be accurately measured until after I'm dead. A lot of good it will do me then.
So, great. I've just figured myself out. Go me. Now what?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Alternating Current!
My idea of time being able to flow backwards was too simple. What if time alternates forwards and backwards constantly, like alternating electric current? Our brains are then diodes that only apprehend and record "forward" movement. It makes me wonder if gravity is nothing more than the basic expansion of the universe working in negative time.
That of course makes a HUGE assumption that the natural "forward" movement in time is expansion, but that would tie in with my idea of the contraction of the universe as being anti-entropy, and therefore backwards in time. None of this makes sense, of course.
This would probably redefine "motion" anyways. What is it? Since our universe is always in motion, even when you are stopped, you are still moving in some direction. You can never be still. Unless, maybe you center the universe within your own mind, and let everything move relative to it.
But then, could you ever be in motion?
I suppose this still leads back to the answer that the universe only truly exists within your perception. Is there anything such as truth?
That of course makes a HUGE assumption that the natural "forward" movement in time is expansion, but that would tie in with my idea of the contraction of the universe as being anti-entropy, and therefore backwards in time. None of this makes sense, of course.
This would probably redefine "motion" anyways. What is it? Since our universe is always in motion, even when you are stopped, you are still moving in some direction. You can never be still. Unless, maybe you center the universe within your own mind, and let everything move relative to it.
But then, could you ever be in motion?
I suppose this still leads back to the answer that the universe only truly exists within your perception. Is there anything such as truth?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
ESPN sucks
They're the Fox News of sports. Good god, the amount of biased idiocy spewing from their mouths is intolerable. Desmond Howard comes on ESPN's local affiliate station, which also happens to be the Utes broadcasting network, and says he doesn't respect the Utah or the Mountain West because "you need consistency." Die.
The stats are even available on ESPN's website, Howard! You nincompoop. How's this for consistency? 2003-2008, the Utes have gone 59-16, and won a bowl game every year. They have the longest active bowl winning streak, one of the top winning percentages over that span, one Heisman trophy finalist (and #1 overall draft pick), two Head Coach of the Year Awards, and they are one of only four teams to have achieved an undefeated season; the ONLY one to do it TWICE.
Take your ESPN/BCS propaganda and shove it. Idiot.
The stats are even available on ESPN's website, Howard! You nincompoop. How's this for consistency? 2003-2008, the Utes have gone 59-16, and won a bowl game every year. They have the longest active bowl winning streak, one of the top winning percentages over that span, one Heisman trophy finalist (and #1 overall draft pick), two Head Coach of the Year Awards, and they are one of only four teams to have achieved an undefeated season; the ONLY one to do it TWICE.
Take your ESPN/BCS propaganda and shove it. Idiot.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Another Puzzle Piece!
There's not enough time to explore the ramifications right now, but I learned that all humans distort their perception of reality in order to cope with it. What this means immediately is that if the mind isn't bound to the limits of reality, then it becomes a variable in the mathematical equation of the universe. Even if time flows forward or backward, and all things can be mathematically explained as both the cause and/or the effect of an action (depending on which time flows), the mind can change its state upon reiteration. Basically it's the human "free will" working against the godly "destiny."
More later.
More later.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Why I Want To Re-Record My Album!
My album, how I loathe you. Let me ennumerate the ways.
1. The vocals. When I used to record my voice, I would do it the music playing loud in my headphones. As a result, I moved myself closer to the microphone, but lowered my volume. It wasn't natural. So, for the album, I recorded all the vocals "live" while playing guitar or piano. Unfortunately, I compensated for the volume of the piano by pushing my voice too hard and closing up my throat. I've since discovered a way to more successfully record my voice naturally, but I can't overdub it on to the ADAT, since it was recorded live and the original vocals have bled onto the piano tracks.
2. The bass. The bass was the first thing I recorded, and back then I didn't even know I'd be getting a better one. All the songs are played on my Peavey Milestone II, except "Gravity" which features my new custom built bass. The difference in quality couldn't be any clearer to me. It's so much thicker and well intoned. Every song deserves it.
3. The mix. I was under the impression to downplay the drums, not let the bass overpower the mix, and fit the vocals in amongst the prominent acoustic guitars and pianos. That was wrong. It gives the album a fat middle, but very little highs and lows. I should have pulled the guitars and pianos further back (especially when performing rhythm parts) and created more depth. One song that the mixing is on the right path is "When I Dream About You." I'd like to use that has a starting point.
4. The EQ. My vocals didn't even sound so bad once the right EQ was applied. The only problem was that I transferred all of the tracks from the ADAT to the Akai completely "flat," thinking that I could apply EQ later on with the Akai. But the Akai's digital EQ was shockingly bad. If you boost or cut any frequency by more than just a a few dBs, a horrible fluttery static noise would appear when the volume spiked. It was totally unacceptable, and apparently a design flaw. So I tweaked each frequency as much as I could push it, but my hands were tied. I could have made more out of what I had, but it wasn't meant to be.
1. The vocals. When I used to record my voice, I would do it the music playing loud in my headphones. As a result, I moved myself closer to the microphone, but lowered my volume. It wasn't natural. So, for the album, I recorded all the vocals "live" while playing guitar or piano. Unfortunately, I compensated for the volume of the piano by pushing my voice too hard and closing up my throat. I've since discovered a way to more successfully record my voice naturally, but I can't overdub it on to the ADAT, since it was recorded live and the original vocals have bled onto the piano tracks.
2. The bass. The bass was the first thing I recorded, and back then I didn't even know I'd be getting a better one. All the songs are played on my Peavey Milestone II, except "Gravity" which features my new custom built bass. The difference in quality couldn't be any clearer to me. It's so much thicker and well intoned. Every song deserves it.
3. The mix. I was under the impression to downplay the drums, not let the bass overpower the mix, and fit the vocals in amongst the prominent acoustic guitars and pianos. That was wrong. It gives the album a fat middle, but very little highs and lows. I should have pulled the guitars and pianos further back (especially when performing rhythm parts) and created more depth. One song that the mixing is on the right path is "When I Dream About You." I'd like to use that has a starting point.
4. The EQ. My vocals didn't even sound so bad once the right EQ was applied. The only problem was that I transferred all of the tracks from the ADAT to the Akai completely "flat," thinking that I could apply EQ later on with the Akai. But the Akai's digital EQ was shockingly bad. If you boost or cut any frequency by more than just a a few dBs, a horrible fluttery static noise would appear when the volume spiked. It was totally unacceptable, and apparently a design flaw. So I tweaked each frequency as much as I could push it, but my hands were tied. I could have made more out of what I had, but it wasn't meant to be.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
To Understand All That Is Understandable
I've had so much to say. SO much. But I haven't had time to blog it. Because I'm spending every possible minute trying to learn everything I can. But my philosophy about learning is changing. It all goes back to studying college football.
I spent weeks this summer analyzing every last possible bit of information I could gather on every team in NCAA Division 1 Bowl Subdivision. It started off as an exercise in predicting teams' future seasons, then evolved into rectifying the facts with the pre-season poll, then evolved into a greater understanding of the mechanics of the sport. As I zoomed out on the picture, the corruption and collusion became clearer and clearer. And it doused my love for the sport.
But more importantly, I went from knowing to understanding. I could quote every statistic imaginable, but I was still under the illusion that it was a fair sport. Upon reaching awareness of the evil heart of college football, the importance of the details withered away. I had achieved enlightenment, in a way.
And so my quest to learn all that is learnable has changed. It is now to understand all that is understandable.
Can it only be acheived from learning all that is learnable though? I don't know. Perhaps not. We'll see. I'm trying to start my journey by grasping the history of civilization. From it's earliest beginnings, down through the years, across the continents, to here and now. Maybe I need to start with nature, but I feel confident so far in the lessons I've taken from it.
Namely, that the essence of life is to preserve life. Without that principle, the planet doesn't work. And while warring tribes and cultures are similar to rival packs of wild animals, a healthy equilibrium has not been reached. Why not? Something about civilization has gotten in our way. I don't know what yet. I intend to find out.
At any rate, my meta-understanding is evolving as well. I'm a visual learner, and I need to see differences and similarities quantified in order to grasp them. I need a complete and scaled timeline to understand the length of civilized history. So, I haven't been blogging because I've been attempting to compile one.
Also, I need an orrery that is at once massive yet easily comprehensible.
I spent weeks this summer analyzing every last possible bit of information I could gather on every team in NCAA Division 1 Bowl Subdivision. It started off as an exercise in predicting teams' future seasons, then evolved into rectifying the facts with the pre-season poll, then evolved into a greater understanding of the mechanics of the sport. As I zoomed out on the picture, the corruption and collusion became clearer and clearer. And it doused my love for the sport.
But more importantly, I went from knowing to understanding. I could quote every statistic imaginable, but I was still under the illusion that it was a fair sport. Upon reaching awareness of the evil heart of college football, the importance of the details withered away. I had achieved enlightenment, in a way.
And so my quest to learn all that is learnable has changed. It is now to understand all that is understandable.
Can it only be acheived from learning all that is learnable though? I don't know. Perhaps not. We'll see. I'm trying to start my journey by grasping the history of civilization. From it's earliest beginnings, down through the years, across the continents, to here and now. Maybe I need to start with nature, but I feel confident so far in the lessons I've taken from it.
Namely, that the essence of life is to preserve life. Without that principle, the planet doesn't work. And while warring tribes and cultures are similar to rival packs of wild animals, a healthy equilibrium has not been reached. Why not? Something about civilization has gotten in our way. I don't know what yet. I intend to find out.
At any rate, my meta-understanding is evolving as well. I'm a visual learner, and I need to see differences and similarities quantified in order to grasp them. I need a complete and scaled timeline to understand the length of civilized history. So, I haven't been blogging because I've been attempting to compile one.
Also, I need an orrery that is at once massive yet easily comprehensible.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Why won't anybody listen to me?!
What the hell? I know what I'm talking about, so shut up and listen all ready. Did you know I called in to a radio talk show to totally pwn the hosts, but they didn't even get the point? No? Well, I did. They were saying that a Michigan judge should be fired because he claims he didn't know that a woman in his courtroom was wearing a headscarf for religious reasons when he asked her to remove it. Their claim was that the judge is either a racist or too stupid to realize that Muslims wear headscarves. I called in to tell them that not all Muslim women have to wear headscarves all the time, and so it's quite possible the judge was simply unsure in this case.
The freaking radio morons didn't even have a clue what I was saying. Their response was "Everybody has a different way of expressing their religion, and they should have the right to!" I tried to explain that they had failed to grasp my point, but they cut me off. Freaking worthless idiots.
And I've completely begun ignoring politics. What a mindrotting joke. For me, it was when Sarah Palin was claiming that Obama was organizing "Death Panels" to determine who gets to live and die that I finally said "Enough! I can't handle these intense levels of stupidity!" So, fine, America. Keep believing these fools. For God's sake, you deserve all the bad things they do to you. I know what's right, what's moral and just, what's wise and prudent. It's pretty darn easy to see. The answer has been there all along, and yet nobody has listened. Well, then screw you. I'm not going to listen to you any more.
Good god, to think that I considered myself open minded to consider the opinions of the right wing talk show hosts. What a fool I was. I listened in to some Michael Savage today, and the time away earned me a new perspective. It's all insidious lies. It's all half-baked logical arguments presented to push a hate-filled agenda. And when a caller wholly pwnt him on his own show, his weasely wimpiness really showed through. What an ass.
How amazing is it that people are fighting against health care reform? It's like, when you learn about the Loyalists in the American Revolution, and you think - jeez, how could anybody have supported the tyrant King? Well, duh. Here we are, with a chance to finally make some real positive change in this country, to help all those who truly need it, and we take to the streets with semi-literate racist picket signs. America's history is pock-marked with protests against fairness. No! Don't End Slavery! No! Don't Let Women Vote! No! Don't Let Races Mix! No! Don't Let Gays Marry!
Just die all ready, jerks. And how these people can consider themselves followers of Christ, I'll never understand. I don't recall Jesus preaching "God Hates Fags." Maybe I got some liberal commie version of the Bible. Because the Jesus I know and love seemed to be putting down a message more like "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." And other Socialist propaganda like that.
Even beyond the religious aspect, this is an unnatural way for humans to exist. In a state of war, fear, and hate? That's not how it's meant to be. The entire meaning of life is to ensure the continuation of your species. If life ever refused to do that, the whole thing would fall apart. All life on the planet relies on this one simple principle. Yet we take an "Every man for himself" philosophy. Are you kidding me? We never EVER would be where we are if the human race always felt that way. A lone human isn't fast enough to hunt with rudimentary weapons, or strong enough to operate a farm. A naked human would barely survive a year in most climates on the planet. Everything we have created for ourselves has come as a result of teamwork and cooperation. And we've become one of the most successful species in the history of the planet. It's something to be proud of. Not something to turn our back upon.
So why are we fighting to ensure that our tax dollars go more towards creating death than preserving life? Damned if I know. I think people are just goddamn stupid.
If they'd listen to me, they'd know better. But it's not going to happen. I don't know why. I was even trying to explain the whole "Why the Utes suddenly look worse" thing to some Utah fans today, and they didn't grasp the concept. Maybe I was talking too fast, and it was a lot of information to get out. I don't know. At any rate, I failed to enlighten them. If only I was able to communicate better. To connect. To put my ideas into their brains.
I guess that's a motivator for me. That must be why I blog and write music and stories and dream of being a teacher. I must have some sort of innate desire to help bring people to my level of understanding. Weird. Well, anyways, it's getting late, so I'm going to end here. More to come next time I have time to write.
The freaking radio morons didn't even have a clue what I was saying. Their response was "Everybody has a different way of expressing their religion, and they should have the right to!" I tried to explain that they had failed to grasp my point, but they cut me off. Freaking worthless idiots.
And I've completely begun ignoring politics. What a mindrotting joke. For me, it was when Sarah Palin was claiming that Obama was organizing "Death Panels" to determine who gets to live and die that I finally said "Enough! I can't handle these intense levels of stupidity!" So, fine, America. Keep believing these fools. For God's sake, you deserve all the bad things they do to you. I know what's right, what's moral and just, what's wise and prudent. It's pretty darn easy to see. The answer has been there all along, and yet nobody has listened. Well, then screw you. I'm not going to listen to you any more.
Good god, to think that I considered myself open minded to consider the opinions of the right wing talk show hosts. What a fool I was. I listened in to some Michael Savage today, and the time away earned me a new perspective. It's all insidious lies. It's all half-baked logical arguments presented to push a hate-filled agenda. And when a caller wholly pwnt him on his own show, his weasely wimpiness really showed through. What an ass.
How amazing is it that people are fighting against health care reform? It's like, when you learn about the Loyalists in the American Revolution, and you think - jeez, how could anybody have supported the tyrant King? Well, duh. Here we are, with a chance to finally make some real positive change in this country, to help all those who truly need it, and we take to the streets with semi-literate racist picket signs. America's history is pock-marked with protests against fairness. No! Don't End Slavery! No! Don't Let Women Vote! No! Don't Let Races Mix! No! Don't Let Gays Marry!
Just die all ready, jerks. And how these people can consider themselves followers of Christ, I'll never understand. I don't recall Jesus preaching "God Hates Fags." Maybe I got some liberal commie version of the Bible. Because the Jesus I know and love seemed to be putting down a message more like "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." And other Socialist propaganda like that.
Even beyond the religious aspect, this is an unnatural way for humans to exist. In a state of war, fear, and hate? That's not how it's meant to be. The entire meaning of life is to ensure the continuation of your species. If life ever refused to do that, the whole thing would fall apart. All life on the planet relies on this one simple principle. Yet we take an "Every man for himself" philosophy. Are you kidding me? We never EVER would be where we are if the human race always felt that way. A lone human isn't fast enough to hunt with rudimentary weapons, or strong enough to operate a farm. A naked human would barely survive a year in most climates on the planet. Everything we have created for ourselves has come as a result of teamwork and cooperation. And we've become one of the most successful species in the history of the planet. It's something to be proud of. Not something to turn our back upon.
So why are we fighting to ensure that our tax dollars go more towards creating death than preserving life? Damned if I know. I think people are just goddamn stupid.
If they'd listen to me, they'd know better. But it's not going to happen. I don't know why. I was even trying to explain the whole "Why the Utes suddenly look worse" thing to some Utah fans today, and they didn't grasp the concept. Maybe I was talking too fast, and it was a lot of information to get out. I don't know. At any rate, I failed to enlighten them. If only I was able to communicate better. To connect. To put my ideas into their brains.
I guess that's a motivator for me. That must be why I blog and write music and stories and dream of being a teacher. I must have some sort of innate desire to help bring people to my level of understanding. Weird. Well, anyways, it's getting late, so I'm going to end here. More to come next time I have time to write.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Why the Utes suddenly look worse.
Alot has been made of how the Utes struggled to put away Utah State and San Jose State. Well, first of all, it's frustrating that Ute fans have such short and mediocre memories. The team that blew out Alabama did not play like the same team that squeaked by New Mexico. And Michigan, Oregon State, and TCU were lucky wins. But last year's team, like this year's, had the most important thing going for it - they knew how to pull out a win.
I'm getting fed up with people saying that Utah has looked more average against these WAC opponents. It's like they're not even seeing the same games I am. The biggest difference, the reason why the Utes suddenly look worse, is simply this: Potential Points.
It's a concept that occurred to me a few weeks ago. I figured the Utes had to have led the league in "Missed Field Goals Against" last year, seeing as how many times they lucked out. I never did the research to see how they stacked up against other teams, but I did catalog every missed opportunity that the Utes' opponents had over the course of the season. The results are enlightening.
Last year, the Utes won three games entirely due to opponents leaving points on the field. By that I mean, they were in scoring position and either missed a field goal or a PAT or something along those lines. Oregon State missed one field goal, one PAT, and two 2-pt conversions. That's a total of 8 potential points that the Beavers failed to convert. The Utes only won by 3 points. Likewise, TCU missed two short field goals, 6 potential points, and only lost by 3 again. And how about New Mexico? The Utes blocked one field goal, and ended up winning by 3 points. Potential Points were the difference.
One more example, but a more complicated scenario: Michigan. The Wolverines failed a 2 pt conversion that would have tied the game, but also blocked a Utah PAT (the only kick of any kind Sakoda had blocked last year), so the difference in Potential Points is only 1, and the Utes won by 2.
Out of all the other examples of points left on the field, none of them were significant to the final win margin. But interestingly, if you take into account all missed FGs, PATs, 2 pt conversions, and Turnover-on-Downs in the red zone, Utah opponents let a grand total of 40 Potential Points slip away.
The Utes: 16
A margin of 24 points? That's pretty good. Or pretty lucky. Either way, it means that the Utes were finding ways to win games that they probably shouldn't have.
Now, here's where we come to this year. As of this writing the Utes have played two games. All ready, they have failed to capitalize on 23 Potential Points! In two games! Two turnovers-on-downs at the goal line and three missed field goals have really added up quickly. And on the other side, only 3 points were left on the field when USU missed a Field Goal. So, their margin is at -20 heading in to week three. Is it any wonder they look worse than last year? If Asiata hadn't overthrown Cain in the end zone (yes, you read that right, the RB threw to the QB), and Vroman hadn't gone 0-for-3 on Field Goals, the Utah - San Jose State final score would have been 40-14. Not so bad, eh?
What does it all mean? Well, personally I just don't believe the Utes' luck will hold like it did last year. Like I said, they won a couple of games they shouldn't have. And that's ok. A respectable winning season, hopefully capped off with another bowl win to keep the streak alive, should be enough to keep the fan base happy and the recruits signing on. When will they stumble? I don't know. Hopefully not this week against Oregon. Since conference pride is the latest fad, it would hurt the Utes' reputation more to lose out of conference than in it. I feel confident - unfortunately - that the Utes are bound to drop one game, if not more, this season.
But the point I'm trying to make is that this is still a good team. Still our team that we know and love. So far they've continued the tradition of winning any way possible, even if it's ugly. That's pretty respectable. Don't be impatient, Ute fans. Don't have unattainable expectations. We still have a team to be proud of.
I'm getting fed up with people saying that Utah has looked more average against these WAC opponents. It's like they're not even seeing the same games I am. The biggest difference, the reason why the Utes suddenly look worse, is simply this: Potential Points.
It's a concept that occurred to me a few weeks ago. I figured the Utes had to have led the league in "Missed Field Goals Against" last year, seeing as how many times they lucked out. I never did the research to see how they stacked up against other teams, but I did catalog every missed opportunity that the Utes' opponents had over the course of the season. The results are enlightening.
Last year, the Utes won three games entirely due to opponents leaving points on the field. By that I mean, they were in scoring position and either missed a field goal or a PAT or something along those lines. Oregon State missed one field goal, one PAT, and two 2-pt conversions. That's a total of 8 potential points that the Beavers failed to convert. The Utes only won by 3 points. Likewise, TCU missed two short field goals, 6 potential points, and only lost by 3 again. And how about New Mexico? The Utes blocked one field goal, and ended up winning by 3 points. Potential Points were the difference.
One more example, but a more complicated scenario: Michigan. The Wolverines failed a 2 pt conversion that would have tied the game, but also blocked a Utah PAT (the only kick of any kind Sakoda had blocked last year), so the difference in Potential Points is only 1, and the Utes won by 2.
Out of all the other examples of points left on the field, none of them were significant to the final win margin. But interestingly, if you take into account all missed FGs, PATs, 2 pt conversions, and Turnover-on-Downs in the red zone, Utah opponents let a grand total of 40 Potential Points slip away.
The Utes: 16
A margin of 24 points? That's pretty good. Or pretty lucky. Either way, it means that the Utes were finding ways to win games that they probably shouldn't have.
Now, here's where we come to this year. As of this writing the Utes have played two games. All ready, they have failed to capitalize on 23 Potential Points! In two games! Two turnovers-on-downs at the goal line and three missed field goals have really added up quickly. And on the other side, only 3 points were left on the field when USU missed a Field Goal. So, their margin is at -20 heading in to week three. Is it any wonder they look worse than last year? If Asiata hadn't overthrown Cain in the end zone (yes, you read that right, the RB threw to the QB), and Vroman hadn't gone 0-for-3 on Field Goals, the Utah - San Jose State final score would have been 40-14. Not so bad, eh?
What does it all mean? Well, personally I just don't believe the Utes' luck will hold like it did last year. Like I said, they won a couple of games they shouldn't have. And that's ok. A respectable winning season, hopefully capped off with another bowl win to keep the streak alive, should be enough to keep the fan base happy and the recruits signing on. When will they stumble? I don't know. Hopefully not this week against Oregon. Since conference pride is the latest fad, it would hurt the Utes' reputation more to lose out of conference than in it. I feel confident - unfortunately - that the Utes are bound to drop one game, if not more, this season.
But the point I'm trying to make is that this is still a good team. Still our team that we know and love. So far they've continued the tradition of winning any way possible, even if it's ugly. That's pretty respectable. Don't be impatient, Ute fans. Don't have unattainable expectations. We still have a team to be proud of.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
One more pre-season prediction...
The Utes offense will be no worse this year than last. I certainly understand the expectations of a drop off with the QB and all the WRs gone. But all that will be offset by the fact that Andy Ludwig will no longer be hampering them. Seriously; that guy's crazy schemes slowed Utah down more than any defense they ever faced. I don't feel that I'm exaggerating. His trick plays were ridiculous. He had Johnson trying to wait way too long in the backfield for the receivers to complete their complex routes, and he always tried to move the ball back and forth behind the line of scrimmage before ever going forward. However, when the Utes broke free of his playcalling - the final drives against Oregon State and TCU, and the first three drives of the Sugar Bowl - the results were staggering. Now, part of that had to do with the fact that the sudden change in offensive philosophy took defenses WAY off guard. But most of it had to do with the fact that there was a lot of talent, and they were just moving the ball forward.
So, this year, I think the lack of experience on the offense will hurt, but the better playcalling will help just as much.
On the other hand, I'm very interested to see what Ludwig does to Cal. Heh heh heh. Jahvid Best for Heisman? Probably not. Pac 10 defenses are stocked with quicker players than most MWC teams, and the trickery that had only marginal success for Utah will fail Cal.
So, this year, I think the lack of experience on the offense will hurt, but the better playcalling will help just as much.
On the other hand, I'm very interested to see what Ludwig does to Cal. Heh heh heh. Jahvid Best for Heisman? Probably not. Pac 10 defenses are stocked with quicker players than most MWC teams, and the trickery that had only marginal success for Utah will fail Cal.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Preseason hype!
Ok, so two teams finished last year with double digit wins, BCS bowl victories, and top ten rankings. Both are now replacing their offensive and defensive coordinators. Both lost several defenders to the NFL draft, but still show depth on both sides of the ball. Both are likely starting true freshman at quarterback this fall. Both are bringing in nationally ranked recruiting classes.
But one is ranked 4 and the other 18.
But one is ranked 4 and the other 18.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mountain West football
Oh man, I had the best thing to add to the sports radio call in show this afternoon, but the phone line was busy forever. So, I'm going to post it here, because that's what this blog is for.
They were asking what were this season's "Make or Break" games for Utah and BYU. Many people were saying Oregon and Oklahoma, respectively. The hosts said TCU and Florida State. I was going to call in and say Colorado State for Utah. And I'll tell you why.
The point is "Make or Break" not biggest game. And here's the thing; wins at any or all of Oregon, TCU, or BYU would be awesome, but losses at any or even all three would not ruin the season. They're "Make" games, but not break ones. Ute fans know how the hangover after a BCS season feels, and we know that there are some big players and two coordinators gone from that team. (Well, one good coordinator - I think the offensive play-calling will improve without Ludwig. They're going all no-huddle.) Anywho, a 9-3 season, a good bowl game, and 3rd place in the MWC would be totally satisfying.
Now, out of conference, the Utes also play Utah State, at San Jose State, and Louisville. In the MWC, they get Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, and San Diego State at home (the last three breaking in new coaches). Honestly, the Utes still have enough talent on both sides of the ball to be favored in those games. Air Force will be a close one, but the Utes should pull it out in front of the home crowd. So, opposite of the other games I mentioned, any of these losses would certainly be "Break" for the season, but none of these wins are "Make."
The Utes will face a talented UNLV team on the road, and there's a good chance of being upset there. Mike Sanford might get them to a bowl this year. But UNLV still hasn't built up the prestige to call this a "Make" game either.
That leaves Colorado State. Perfect "Make or Break" game. On the road against another of the MWC's improving teams. They beat Fresno State in the New Mexico bowl, and even though Gantrell Johnson is gone, they'll still have a potent offense with some very talented WRs. Now, Colorado State has been down a little lately, but Steve Fairchild has got them back on the right track. And I'd say they have the prestige. Now, beating them would secure the Utes' place in (at least) third in the conference. Losing to them... 8-4 and fourth in the MWC? That would be a bit disappointing to Ute fans.
So, in a much less verbose fashion, that was exactly how I was going to enlighten the sports radio world. Damn I'm so smart. I even wrote all that without having to fact-check.
While we're on the subject, I would agree that BYU's "Make or Break" game is Florida State. They're looking for a BCS berth, and so of course every game is a potential "Break." Except Oklahoma. A loss to the Sooners in the first week will not hurt them at all. In fact, it may even help. Odd as that may seem, I'll explain. Last year, TCU lost to Oklahoma early in the season, but still worked their way back up the rankings. Had those point-blank field goals not missed at Utah, they would have been the ones beating down those Alabama losers in the Sugar Bowl. There was even talk about would TCU be the first one-loss BCS buster. Well, BYU has the chance to create that same buzz. Make a good showing against Oklahoma, even in a loss, and then go undefeated from there, and they're in.
But they've got to beat Florida State. Undefeated in the MWC is almost good enough to voters, but a win over a nationally regarded team like the Seminoles would put the loss to Oklahoma out of the voters minds, and set BYU back on the path towards the BCS. Lose to FSU, and even an undefeated MWC season wouldn't satisfy the Cougars.
Blah blah blah. I love college football.
By the way, here's my breakdown of the coaches poll:
1. Florida - yeah, can't argue there. Boring.
2. Texas and 3. Oklahoma - I'm not so sure these two will be duking it out over the Big XII south like last year. I have a feeling one of them will drop a game. I just don't know which.
4. USC - rocks as usual. Will inexplicably lose another Pac-10 game as usual.
5. Alabama - Nick Saban sucks. We'll see.
6. Ohio State - They've got to win the big games.
7. Virginia Tech - Without their running back, they might not live up to this expectation
8. Penn State - Offensive line is a big problem. It will be their downfall.
9. LSU - They could surprise. But it would be just that - a surprise.
10. Mississippi - Classic case of a big bowl win for an ok team suddenly making them seem awesome. I hate to be this negative, but I have a feeling they're very overrated.
11. Oklahoma State - Too bad the Big XII South is so powerful, because this is a heck of a good team that probably will be better than their final record would suggest.
12. California - Weird. I'm not as impressed by Jahvid Best as everyone else. But I could be wrong.
13. Georgia - What a schedule. Arizona State, Oklahoma State, and Georgia Tech (and Tennessee Tech) out of conference. And they drew Arkansas, Auburn, and LSU from the West. Sheesh.
14. Oregon - Just like Penn State, their offense won't live up to it's potential with the questions on the O-Line.
15. Georgia Tech - I'm big on Paul Johnson and his rushing attack. But their OOC schedule has to be the toughest in the nation - 3 SEC teams?!
16. Boise State - A win over Oregon might be big enough to get the voters to overlook the rest of the schedule. 2 MAC teams, a D-1AA and a Malzahn-less Tulsa, in addition to the not-so-hot WAC.
17. TCU - Possibly a #1 defense again this year. If everything comes out as predicted, it will come down to the BYU game to determine which team goes to the BCS.
18. Utah - Koa Misi out for the year. Damn.
19. Florida State - The rest of the ACC has really caught up to them. I wonder if they can remain on top.
20. North Carolina - I like where Butch has them going, but I'm not quite ready to say they're there yet.
21. Iowa - The loss of Shonn Greene will be pretty big. I can't say how well the offense will continue on.
22. Nebraska - Maybe it's one year too early, but this could definitely be the season for the Huskers to reclaim the North.
23. Notre Dame - They're just biding their time until Meyer is available.
24. Brigham Young - Boo.
25. Oregon State - I like this team, but I can't really foresee them making it to the Rose Bowl.
All right that's it. Goodnight.
They were asking what were this season's "Make or Break" games for Utah and BYU. Many people were saying Oregon and Oklahoma, respectively. The hosts said TCU and Florida State. I was going to call in and say Colorado State for Utah. And I'll tell you why.
The point is "Make or Break" not biggest game. And here's the thing; wins at any or all of Oregon, TCU, or BYU would be awesome, but losses at any or even all three would not ruin the season. They're "Make" games, but not break ones. Ute fans know how the hangover after a BCS season feels, and we know that there are some big players and two coordinators gone from that team. (Well, one good coordinator - I think the offensive play-calling will improve without Ludwig. They're going all no-huddle.) Anywho, a 9-3 season, a good bowl game, and 3rd place in the MWC would be totally satisfying.
Now, out of conference, the Utes also play Utah State, at San Jose State, and Louisville. In the MWC, they get Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, and San Diego State at home (the last three breaking in new coaches). Honestly, the Utes still have enough talent on both sides of the ball to be favored in those games. Air Force will be a close one, but the Utes should pull it out in front of the home crowd. So, opposite of the other games I mentioned, any of these losses would certainly be "Break" for the season, but none of these wins are "Make."
The Utes will face a talented UNLV team on the road, and there's a good chance of being upset there. Mike Sanford might get them to a bowl this year. But UNLV still hasn't built up the prestige to call this a "Make" game either.
That leaves Colorado State. Perfect "Make or Break" game. On the road against another of the MWC's improving teams. They beat Fresno State in the New Mexico bowl, and even though Gantrell Johnson is gone, they'll still have a potent offense with some very talented WRs. Now, Colorado State has been down a little lately, but Steve Fairchild has got them back on the right track. And I'd say they have the prestige. Now, beating them would secure the Utes' place in (at least) third in the conference. Losing to them... 8-4 and fourth in the MWC? That would be a bit disappointing to Ute fans.
So, in a much less verbose fashion, that was exactly how I was going to enlighten the sports radio world. Damn I'm so smart. I even wrote all that without having to fact-check.
While we're on the subject, I would agree that BYU's "Make or Break" game is Florida State. They're looking for a BCS berth, and so of course every game is a potential "Break." Except Oklahoma. A loss to the Sooners in the first week will not hurt them at all. In fact, it may even help. Odd as that may seem, I'll explain. Last year, TCU lost to Oklahoma early in the season, but still worked their way back up the rankings. Had those point-blank field goals not missed at Utah, they would have been the ones beating down those Alabama losers in the Sugar Bowl. There was even talk about would TCU be the first one-loss BCS buster. Well, BYU has the chance to create that same buzz. Make a good showing against Oklahoma, even in a loss, and then go undefeated from there, and they're in.
But they've got to beat Florida State. Undefeated in the MWC is almost good enough to voters, but a win over a nationally regarded team like the Seminoles would put the loss to Oklahoma out of the voters minds, and set BYU back on the path towards the BCS. Lose to FSU, and even an undefeated MWC season wouldn't satisfy the Cougars.
Blah blah blah. I love college football.
By the way, here's my breakdown of the coaches poll:
1. Florida - yeah, can't argue there. Boring.
2. Texas and 3. Oklahoma - I'm not so sure these two will be duking it out over the Big XII south like last year. I have a feeling one of them will drop a game. I just don't know which.
4. USC - rocks as usual. Will inexplicably lose another Pac-10 game as usual.
5. Alabama - Nick Saban sucks. We'll see.
6. Ohio State - They've got to win the big games.
7. Virginia Tech - Without their running back, they might not live up to this expectation
8. Penn State - Offensive line is a big problem. It will be their downfall.
9. LSU - They could surprise. But it would be just that - a surprise.
10. Mississippi - Classic case of a big bowl win for an ok team suddenly making them seem awesome. I hate to be this negative, but I have a feeling they're very overrated.
11. Oklahoma State - Too bad the Big XII South is so powerful, because this is a heck of a good team that probably will be better than their final record would suggest.
12. California - Weird. I'm not as impressed by Jahvid Best as everyone else. But I could be wrong.
13. Georgia - What a schedule. Arizona State, Oklahoma State, and Georgia Tech (and Tennessee Tech) out of conference. And they drew Arkansas, Auburn, and LSU from the West. Sheesh.
14. Oregon - Just like Penn State, their offense won't live up to it's potential with the questions on the O-Line.
15. Georgia Tech - I'm big on Paul Johnson and his rushing attack. But their OOC schedule has to be the toughest in the nation - 3 SEC teams?!
16. Boise State - A win over Oregon might be big enough to get the voters to overlook the rest of the schedule. 2 MAC teams, a D-1AA and a Malzahn-less Tulsa, in addition to the not-so-hot WAC.
17. TCU - Possibly a #1 defense again this year. If everything comes out as predicted, it will come down to the BYU game to determine which team goes to the BCS.
18. Utah - Koa Misi out for the year. Damn.
19. Florida State - The rest of the ACC has really caught up to them. I wonder if they can remain on top.
20. North Carolina - I like where Butch has them going, but I'm not quite ready to say they're there yet.
21. Iowa - The loss of Shonn Greene will be pretty big. I can't say how well the offense will continue on.
22. Nebraska - Maybe it's one year too early, but this could definitely be the season for the Huskers to reclaim the North.
23. Notre Dame - They're just biding their time until Meyer is available.
24. Brigham Young - Boo.
25. Oregon State - I like this team, but I can't really foresee them making it to the Rose Bowl.
All right that's it. Goodnight.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The album!
Well, it has finally happened. I have an album. Wow. It's something I always dreamed of, and so in its own way, this is very important to me. But I'm trying to remain humble about it.
First of all, it's a little disappointing. I really don't like the sound of my own voice. So it's more difficult than I had expected to promote it. I'm shy about it. Obviously, my voice sounds much fuller in my head, and well in tune. It grates on my ears to hear it so thin and out of key when I hear it on record.
On the other hand, it's fun to finally hear each song as I've always imagined. Some things work even better than I had hoped, others not so much. Just Let Me Go is beautiful and poignant and yearning, I think. Gravity is prettier than I ever thought it would be. Alone rocks. And When I Dream About You is my favorite track on the album. It's so funky and mysterious. It's better than I had ever hoped.
Olivia, though... Eesh. It doesn't work. Making Friends Is Easy sounds overdone, and The Girl I Love doesn't quite come alive. Oh well. What can I do now? Nothing. I'm too tired to go check the quote precisely, but the Tao Te Ching says "Do your work, then let go. The only way to make anything that lasts."
Almost all these songs were written September-November 2002. Making Friends Is Easy, The Girl I Love, Olivia, Gravity, There's Truth In This Yet, and Esprit D'Escalier were all written while I lived in the dorm. (As well as several songs I'm putting on the second album). That's What I'm Here For was written the summer before that, and Just Let Me Go the summer after. Thunderweasel was written before I was married. Tony wrote the lyrics to When I Dream About You in '99 and I completed the music in Long Beach in 2000. And Alone was written entirely in one afternoon in the summer of 1999. It turned 10 years old as of this recording. Weird.
This was the fourth official attempt to record the album, and probably the hundredth unofficial one. I first tried in my dad's basement in 2002. The album opened with Summer Of Whenever (remember that one?). The drums for most of the album were probably identical to the current ones, even though I re-programmed the tracks a dozen times.
The second time I tried was at a studio down in Highland. I recorded everything in one take that afternoon, but went back and listened to it and hated the way I was singing. I never went back to work on it any more.
The third time I tried in my basement, with the idea of taking the tracks over to Emily's cousin's studio. But the plans fell through. So, I tried mixing them at my dad's house, but once again, hated my voice, and realized the midi piano I used was no good.
Finally, I started over this April. The drums are fake, but everything else is real. And it's me, playing every instrument, singing every note, and mixing every track. It's quite an accomplishment, and I'm proud of myself for that.
So, there it is. Now, what am I going to do with it?!
First of all, it's a little disappointing. I really don't like the sound of my own voice. So it's more difficult than I had expected to promote it. I'm shy about it. Obviously, my voice sounds much fuller in my head, and well in tune. It grates on my ears to hear it so thin and out of key when I hear it on record.
On the other hand, it's fun to finally hear each song as I've always imagined. Some things work even better than I had hoped, others not so much. Just Let Me Go is beautiful and poignant and yearning, I think. Gravity is prettier than I ever thought it would be. Alone rocks. And When I Dream About You is my favorite track on the album. It's so funky and mysterious. It's better than I had ever hoped.
Olivia, though... Eesh. It doesn't work. Making Friends Is Easy sounds overdone, and The Girl I Love doesn't quite come alive. Oh well. What can I do now? Nothing. I'm too tired to go check the quote precisely, but the Tao Te Ching says "Do your work, then let go. The only way to make anything that lasts."
Almost all these songs were written September-November 2002. Making Friends Is Easy, The Girl I Love, Olivia, Gravity, There's Truth In This Yet, and Esprit D'Escalier were all written while I lived in the dorm. (As well as several songs I'm putting on the second album). That's What I'm Here For was written the summer before that, and Just Let Me Go the summer after. Thunderweasel was written before I was married. Tony wrote the lyrics to When I Dream About You in '99 and I completed the music in Long Beach in 2000. And Alone was written entirely in one afternoon in the summer of 1999. It turned 10 years old as of this recording. Weird.
This was the fourth official attempt to record the album, and probably the hundredth unofficial one. I first tried in my dad's basement in 2002. The album opened with Summer Of Whenever (remember that one?). The drums for most of the album were probably identical to the current ones, even though I re-programmed the tracks a dozen times.
The second time I tried was at a studio down in Highland. I recorded everything in one take that afternoon, but went back and listened to it and hated the way I was singing. I never went back to work on it any more.
The third time I tried in my basement, with the idea of taking the tracks over to Emily's cousin's studio. But the plans fell through. So, I tried mixing them at my dad's house, but once again, hated my voice, and realized the midi piano I used was no good.
Finally, I started over this April. The drums are fake, but everything else is real. And it's me, playing every instrument, singing every note, and mixing every track. It's quite an accomplishment, and I'm proud of myself for that.
So, there it is. Now, what am I going to do with it?!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Neuro-Trippin'
So, today was my first encounter with an ADD drug. I know it's the popular thing to have ADD, and I hate doing anything popular. But then, you look at my academic career, and it makes sense. I have a passion for learning, yet I was hardly able to graduate high school, and seven tries at college hardly resulted in any completed courses. I'm a failure at the one thing I've always wanted to excel at.
I don't even know what led me to discuss it with my doctor, but when I did, I unexpectedly broke out in tears. It was embarrassing, but I wept uncontrollably as I told her how disappointed I am with myself and how I feel like I had such potential, but was unable to realize it.
So that led me here. I tried my first pill this morning. This was supposed to be slow acting stuff; a couple days to build up before you felt anything. Try a couple hours.
I can't help but think of Fear and Loathing where Hunter describes mescaline taking effect - the first hour was all waiting... then ZANG!
Suddenly I was talking a mile a minute, re-organizing a cluttered mess of used glasses frames, and going above and beyond to help each patient who came in the door. There was nothing I couldn't do, and couldn't do quickly. I felt so energetic, I could take on the world. I was eager to help some of our most troublesome patients. I answered the phones on the first ring and jumped to attention when the front door opened. And when there were no patients I paced back and forth, looking for something else to do.
The whole day went by in a flash. I skipped breakfast. I skipped coffee. I wasn't even hungry for lunch, but I tried to make myself eat. Nope, not hungry. I had about five bites of chicken, then right back to work. My mouth was dry and my head was spinning but it felt so good to have such a rush of energy. Time just raced by, and before I knew it, 5:00 rolled around. But I stayed behind to finish some paperwork, and a patient came in about 5:30 and I happily stayed late to fit her glasses.
I should have been on the ground, writing in starving agony. My stomach has not tolerated hunger well lately. But I was great! I got home, got dressed for the softball game, and left again. No time for the dinner Emily cooked. I wasn't hungry anyways.
At the game, I started getting the numbness in my hands that I've gotten at the last couple big important games. Last week I couldn't complete the game, my hands had gotten so bad. But tonight I just decided to tough through it, and sure enough the feeling faded away.
I stayed late to talk to my dad and uncle and cousin, then ran an errand to Target to get some printer ink. I got back home about 9:20, still nothing in my stomach. Still not hungry.
I made myself eat as much of a baked potato as I could, but it was a struggle. My body didn't want it. I tried some yogurt later, but it was a force-feed. It's now 11:13 and I've been typing madly in the dark.
I'll give this one more try, maybe two. But it's kinda scary it has taken such a hold of me. The positive effects are certainly nice, but maybe this it too much.
I don't even know what led me to discuss it with my doctor, but when I did, I unexpectedly broke out in tears. It was embarrassing, but I wept uncontrollably as I told her how disappointed I am with myself and how I feel like I had such potential, but was unable to realize it.
So that led me here. I tried my first pill this morning. This was supposed to be slow acting stuff; a couple days to build up before you felt anything. Try a couple hours.
I can't help but think of Fear and Loathing where Hunter describes mescaline taking effect - the first hour was all waiting... then ZANG!
Suddenly I was talking a mile a minute, re-organizing a cluttered mess of used glasses frames, and going above and beyond to help each patient who came in the door. There was nothing I couldn't do, and couldn't do quickly. I felt so energetic, I could take on the world. I was eager to help some of our most troublesome patients. I answered the phones on the first ring and jumped to attention when the front door opened. And when there were no patients I paced back and forth, looking for something else to do.
The whole day went by in a flash. I skipped breakfast. I skipped coffee. I wasn't even hungry for lunch, but I tried to make myself eat. Nope, not hungry. I had about five bites of chicken, then right back to work. My mouth was dry and my head was spinning but it felt so good to have such a rush of energy. Time just raced by, and before I knew it, 5:00 rolled around. But I stayed behind to finish some paperwork, and a patient came in about 5:30 and I happily stayed late to fit her glasses.
I should have been on the ground, writing in starving agony. My stomach has not tolerated hunger well lately. But I was great! I got home, got dressed for the softball game, and left again. No time for the dinner Emily cooked. I wasn't hungry anyways.
At the game, I started getting the numbness in my hands that I've gotten at the last couple big important games. Last week I couldn't complete the game, my hands had gotten so bad. But tonight I just decided to tough through it, and sure enough the feeling faded away.
I stayed late to talk to my dad and uncle and cousin, then ran an errand to Target to get some printer ink. I got back home about 9:20, still nothing in my stomach. Still not hungry.
I made myself eat as much of a baked potato as I could, but it was a struggle. My body didn't want it. I tried some yogurt later, but it was a force-feed. It's now 11:13 and I've been typing madly in the dark.
I'll give this one more try, maybe two. But it's kinda scary it has taken such a hold of me. The positive effects are certainly nice, but maybe this it too much.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Happy Thought For The Day!
You know how when a new CEO takes over a failing business, tries to make it more "profitable?" And then he restructures the company, pulls all the money upward, and squeezes every last dollar out of the business, which the shareholders walk away with as the company goes bankrupt and the employees lose their 401ks?
I REALLY hope that that's not what our government's doing to us right now, because boy does it look like it.
I REALLY hope that that's not what our government's doing to us right now, because boy does it look like it.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hello There
Ok, so this is my first post since learning I have readers. Awkward. I'm going to just pretend you're not there.
So, you know when you're driving really fast and then slam on the brakes, you feel as though you're being pulled backward? That's how Emily and Maddy and I feel today. We have been doing so much stuff in so little time - we've been to Disneyland and Seattle in three weeks, as well as the Hogle Zoo and the new Waterpark and the 4th of July Parade a host of other things, all while excitedly anticipating our pregnancy, and I've been building the deck and recording my album, all in just over a month total. Today we're all sitting in different rooms, laying down, watching different tvs. We're forcing ourselves to slow down. And it's making us all feel weird.
2009 will be a memorable year, I hope. I can't really discern the differences between 2006, 2007, 0r 2008 in my memory. I really think that not moving locations has made it difficult for my mind to attach dates to memories. I think that remembering that Italy, the conception of our next child, the deck, kindergarten, and the album all came in 2009 will help to make this a standout year. I've even made a real effort to only listen to albums that have been released this year, in hopes that I can find something that can act as a mile-post in my memory. I hope so. If not, then what? We'll have to move, I guess.
Its weird, but I think I'm beginning to feel the undertow of self-effacing parenthood. That my life is no longer about me, it's only about my child. It actually comes as a great relief to learn that acquaintances think of me as a nerd. Because that means that there is still enough quirky personality left in me to shine through. I was starting to worry I was becoming bland.
This seems like it's all I think about lately. How odd.
P.S. I don't think I stressed over a single thing while in Seattle. The flight, the car rental, driving around town (even getting lost), making plans, changing plans, packing the most amount of activity into every day... I should have been a wreck. But I wasn't. I don't know what that's all about.
P.P.S. I'm kinda jealous of singers who go crazy with their vocals. Any time I try to sing cool or breathy or hoarse, it seems to me like I'm just faking it and I'm too honest to actually sing like anything other than little old me.
So, you know when you're driving really fast and then slam on the brakes, you feel as though you're being pulled backward? That's how Emily and Maddy and I feel today. We have been doing so much stuff in so little time - we've been to Disneyland and Seattle in three weeks, as well as the Hogle Zoo and the new Waterpark and the 4th of July Parade a host of other things, all while excitedly anticipating our pregnancy, and I've been building the deck and recording my album, all in just over a month total. Today we're all sitting in different rooms, laying down, watching different tvs. We're forcing ourselves to slow down. And it's making us all feel weird.
2009 will be a memorable year, I hope. I can't really discern the differences between 2006, 2007, 0r 2008 in my memory. I really think that not moving locations has made it difficult for my mind to attach dates to memories. I think that remembering that Italy, the conception of our next child, the deck, kindergarten, and the album all came in 2009 will help to make this a standout year. I've even made a real effort to only listen to albums that have been released this year, in hopes that I can find something that can act as a mile-post in my memory. I hope so. If not, then what? We'll have to move, I guess.
Its weird, but I think I'm beginning to feel the undertow of self-effacing parenthood. That my life is no longer about me, it's only about my child. It actually comes as a great relief to learn that acquaintances think of me as a nerd. Because that means that there is still enough quirky personality left in me to shine through. I was starting to worry I was becoming bland.
This seems like it's all I think about lately. How odd.
P.S. I don't think I stressed over a single thing while in Seattle. The flight, the car rental, driving around town (even getting lost), making plans, changing plans, packing the most amount of activity into every day... I should have been a wreck. But I wasn't. I don't know what that's all about.
P.P.S. I'm kinda jealous of singers who go crazy with their vocals. Any time I try to sing cool or breathy or hoarse, it seems to me like I'm just faking it and I'm too honest to actually sing like anything other than little old me.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The Free Market
A big problem for me lately is the division between what is ethical and what is profitable. I feel almost like I expect those in the situation to make the moral choice, even if it means less money. But they never do.
In defense of greed over integrity, I've heard the free market get blamed. The power lies with the people, right? Then why do people chose to support companies that are, in fact, hurting them by means of pollution or outsourcing or other similar means?
There's a distinction between Democracy and mob rule. Hammurabi's code of laws was established "so that the strong should not harm the weak." Or, Larry Flynt once said something to the effect that you must have minority protection in a majority rule state, "because you can't have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for dinner."
So, should the free market be that free? Even if we're chosing inconsequential coverage of Michael Jackson's death over potentially life-saving coverage of the revolt in Iran?
I don't have an answer yet, anyway. This requires more thinking.
In defense of greed over integrity, I've heard the free market get blamed. The power lies with the people, right? Then why do people chose to support companies that are, in fact, hurting them by means of pollution or outsourcing or other similar means?
There's a distinction between Democracy and mob rule. Hammurabi's code of laws was established "so that the strong should not harm the weak." Or, Larry Flynt once said something to the effect that you must have minority protection in a majority rule state, "because you can't have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for dinner."
So, should the free market be that free? Even if we're chosing inconsequential coverage of Michael Jackson's death over potentially life-saving coverage of the revolt in Iran?
I don't have an answer yet, anyway. This requires more thinking.
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