When I started this column Britney Spears was still purported to be a virgin, John Mayer and Jack Johnson were both still a couple of little known artists struggling on my Ten Songs List, and Alex's girlfriend had just seen her first R-rated movie. Much has changed, but one constant has remained... my random thoughts column. These are always the best to write, because I can make all sorts of outrageous claims without having to worry about tricky things such as "arguments" or "evidence". Without further ado, here's my Ali-like return to the web:
Since my last column, four couples that I know have gotten married (including one ex and one good friend). I expected to feel all sorts of complicated emotions about whether they were doing the right thing, about us all getting older and the next stage of life and such, but instead I was struck by how little I
7-5-04 - My Triumphant Return
6-3-04 - Alex's Take on Tubing
5-23-04 - NBA Conference Finals
5-22-04 - Hari's Guest Column
5-19-04 - Meaghan's Guest Column
5-11-04 - Defining Thoughts
5-8-04 - Caroline's Guest Column
Archives
1) 3rd Planet- Modest Mouse
2) The Other Man - Sloan
3) Michael - Franz Ferdinand
4) Dressed Up Like Nebraska - Josh Rouse
5) Barrier Reef - Old 97's
6) What You Want - The Roots
7) Just For You - Solomon Burke
8) I'm Always in Love - Wilco
9) Wave of Mutilation - The Pixies
10) Everything Hits at Once - Spoon
Tracy McGrady is a Rocket! I was always a Steve Francis apologist and I loved Cuttino Mobley, but this was a deal that needed to be made. Despite what the Pistons did this year, the NBA is still primarily an individual's league. If you can get a top five player, you do it, regardless of cost. If they can get a point guard (Carlos Arroyo? Troy Hudson?) and a backup big man (Brian Skinner? Keon Clark?), the Rockets could be a serious contender in the West this spring.
Dallas should do whatever it takes to get Shaquille O'Neal. Regardless of what they have to give up, they will have a better chance to win in the playoffs with Shaq than as they are currently comprised.
Sign number 17 I should quit drinking: A couple weeks back, I went out with some friends and got myself pretty drunk on some wine. We all hung out for a few hours and eventually my friend drove me home. I knew I drank a lot, but I thought it was just a pretty basic night out. The next day, I hung out again with my friend who had driven me home. He told me that I was very disappointed that I didn't hook up with a particular girl the night before, ranting incessantly Kevin-style and even comparing her to a poker hand that I "misread". This would have been all well and good...I strike out with some regularity...but I do not remember this at all. Not only do I not remember being disappointed, but I don't remember hitting on her, flirting with her, or ever even being the slightest bit interested in her. Ahh, good times.
I really, really wanted to love Fahrenheit 911. My politics aren't too far off from Michael Moore's and anything that can help get Bush out of office immediately has my seal of approval. There was something about the movie though that always kept me at arm's length. There was a lot of interesting information in the film...if even twenty percent is accurate, it is deeply disturbing. But Moore couldn't let his information and often heartbreaking images stand alone...he repeatedly resorted to cheap shots. There was enough damning evidence presented that there was no need to throw so many low blows...leave that to the Rush Limbaugh's and Ann Coulter's of the right.
I do think John Kerry made an excellent choice by selecting John Edwards as his running mate. Edwards has three immediate strengths. First, as a former trial lawyer, he is both an excellent speaker and debater. There is little chance that he will look flat or wooden next to Dick Cheney. Secondly, he is a optimist. With the Republicans playing on our fears, Edwards look-on-the-bright-side perspective could actually play pretty well. Finally, and most importantly, Edwards is a Southerner. Although his inclusion doesn't sew up any Souther wins for Kerry, it will at least get him listened to in states like North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee,and Arkansas.
The other day, Alex couldn't get my car started. We tried to jump it, but eventually realized I would have to drive the tow truck. When the wrecker arrived, I got in the car to try to steer it. I reached down to put the car into neutral, but there was a problem....it was already there. To get Alex back, here are 1, 2, 3 pictures of him. Enjoy!
