papsrus

And the bassist is the brother of Anat Cohen, I believe.

Did you hear the comment during the broadcast of that game that Hank Steinbrenner had criticized the NL for not having the DH? ... This guy is a gem.

He'd be a good fit though I think, don't you? ... Yet, there's something about this franchise acquiring great hitters who are past their prime (Boggs, Canseco) that makes me hesitant. I'd rather see them acquire a younger bat. ... Griffey's in a whole different category, though. What he'd bring to that clubhouse alone would probably make it a good move in the end, I think. I'm sure ownership is keeping its eye on the long view. Again, yesterday, Upton's range and speed to the ball causes confusion in the outfield and a sure-out fly ball drops between him and Gross in right-center as they both backed off at the last second. Not that it made a difference -- it was already 6-2 Marlins at that point. But as good as they are defensively, that's a bugaboo that keeps cropping up. Upton either has to take more control out there or just become more aware of the range of the fielders on either side of him. Probably doesn't help that they're platooning in right field. ... Hence, the need for an every-day right-fielder who can hit.

Watched it Sunday. Tiger's amazing. Hopefully it'll be a great playoff. He pretty much implied in his post-round interview that he was on some nice pain killers today. Maybe accounts for the wobbly start? I guess he can find his groove even when he's high. ... And ... what's the deal with these bozos yelling "GET IN THE HOLE" ... on, like, tee shots or fairway shots?? I always have the feeling it's some sort of "golf profanity" or something. (It does sound semi-obscene ... probably just me). (Speaking of golf profanity, I'm pretty sure Tiger yelled "Fuck yeah" while high-fiving his caddy after sinking that birdie putt on 18. ... fuck yeah, I would have, too!)

Just read the SI article. Not sure how I'd feel about this. As great a player as he is, Griffey is hitting .248 with 7 HR at this point. He'd certainly draw the fans, I would think. But I personally would not want to see them give up any A-list prospects in a deal like this. They're just on the beginning edge of what could be a long upswing. OTOH, Griffey would be a great influence in that clubhouse, paying dividends for the entire roster. He may help elevate the play of everyone, in which case he'd be invaluable! ... I would hope that Price is not in this conversation, at least. But if Price pans out this summer and the Rays are hanging in there, I still think they could dangle one of their current 2-3-4 pitchers (not Kaz, of course) and package them in some kind of deal. What they really need to do is lock up Upton. I might put a higher priority on that than even landing someone who could help them offensively this year.

I made the same comment at the time. How do you take the bat off your shoulder until it's 3-1, at least. Amen to that! I'm going to have to check that out, thanks.

Well ... Spontaneous Tourette's outbursts aside, this is all interesting (and quite non-threatening) stuff. But, beyond the personal failings of individual musicians, or the role of art in general, did MG's original question also address artists or musics which promote state suppression or other institutional goals? Seeline touched on this with her observations about her percussion lessons. My clumsy reference to Wager as well. Religious music is very much wrapped up in this question. I need not even believe in Jesus, for instance, to enjoy Handel's "Messiah." Further, if I believe Christianity is a sham (I don't, necessarily), does this mean I can't enjoy this piece of music for what it is? This is a more interesting question to me than trying to sit in judgment of individual musicians or artists whom I can know very little about, really. (If Miles Davis asked for mercy on his death bed, would he be viewed more compassionately by some?).

Not an easy question, but if the music can be experienced as something that takes place or was created in a larger social context -- whether it gives voice to the oppressed or oppressor -- that might add interest for the dispassionate listener, rather than detract from the music. Though I'm far from an expert, Wagner comes immediately to mind. (Someone can correct me if I'm wrong about the social and political context of his music). And the personal failings of individuals, whether they be musicians or not, might not necessarily detract from the other things in their lives (their music, in the case of musicians). It's difficult to judge the personal demons of someone else, particularly through the prism of pop culture or mass media. In the end, I suppose I tend to separate the music from the musician, the artwork from the artist. Although the back stories are intriguing and morally complex, they tend not to influence my enjoyment of the music.

Phillies 20, Cards 2 ....

This is an area I've always wanted to check out ... Not in the cards this year. Probably stay close to home after toying with the idea of heading to Chicago for some music in July. ... We'll see.

That's a great list HP. Nice broad selection of stuff. As someone else stated, I'd bet a list like this would provide a wider sampling of music than many essential lists would.

... looks like instant replay for home runs by August ... maybe ...

They're playing the Papelbon soundbite on morning radio here today. ... Had a surprise day off yesterday (yup) and, being at loose ends, just futzed around and watched entirely too much baseball. Started with the Pirates game; then Santana and the Mets vs. Arizona (Mets wasted a strong outing from Santana -- 10 K's and three hits through seven); checked out the Red Sox until they started pile-driving the O's; then over to the Phils-Marlins game where 83-year-old Jamie Moyer threw a gem (flirted with a no-hitter for a while); then put the A's-Yankees on for a while until I couldn't stomach it anymore. ... feeling a little woozy today. EDIT: I'm noticing, I prefer when the color guy on these local broadcast teams is an ex-pitcher. I don't know if that's the norm or not, but Darling was pretty good for the Mets yesterday, and Joe Magrane on the Rays broadcasts always has some good insights. They can talk intelligently about what pitches should work and how to set up batters, etc.

Sounds like one helluva day. I think the only thing I'm familiar with of Jordan's is "Palm of Soul." ... It always amazes me how these older cats can play and play and play -- not just the physical demands, which surely must be substantial, but the creative demands as well. ... Nice to see he got some recognition.

Nah ... I'm going to claim this is what I meant: ... which I guess is what it ended up being anyways ....

'cept its "alliteration". ... swingandamiss ...

Hmm. Well, I think the Rays need to just focus on getting back to winning a few games. ... But, these things die hard and Papelbon's fired up I guess. Why shouldn't he be? It's the Fightin' Rays! (Maybe we should go with Rumblin' Rays, just for illiteration's sake.)

... a tad insecure. ... That ex-Ray Elijah Dukes in Washington has similar anger issues, seems like. Some of these teams should hire shrinks.

Hamilton is getting around the league minimum this year, I believe. Do you think the Rangers are willing to offer him a long-term deal? For your sake, I would hope so. Not only is he a great player (man he'd look good in right field here, batting cleanup), but he's gone from basket case to now being probably one of the more solid guys in your locker room, I'd imagine. ... But, as much as it would have been nice to have him here, he needed to move on for his own good, I guess. Still, if the Rays are going to hang around this race, they need a bat or two I think. I'm actually surprised to see they're tied for 5th in the AL in batting average and tied for 10th overall with the Tigers and Giants. Better than I would have thought, but still, if I was GM I'd be looking for a proven hitter ... like, yesterday.

Boy, Duchscherer looked good tonight for the A's against the Yankees. Four K's, 5 hits over 7 innings -- not earth-shattering numbers, but he had real nice control the whole way. Too bad the Rays couldn't get a win today to help you out in the standings a bit, WB3. ... It could be interesting at the end of the month when the Yankees tangle with the Rangers. That's another team whose offense is fun to watch. If the Yankees are still stumbling around with their pitching, there could be a few runs scored in the Bronx that week. Too bad the Rangers don't have much pitching. Maybe if the Rays call up Price in July, and the Rangers are hanging in there in the West, Tampa Bay can put together a deal with some pitchers to get Hamilton back! ... a guy can dream ... But it seems like the Rays are pretty well stocked with pitching right now and into the future. I know, I know -- don't trade away pitching. But now we need a killer bat or two -- a bona fide top 10 hitter. The Rays' leading hitter right now in batting average is Upton at No. 14, and they still haven't locked him up. Then you have to drop all the way down to No. 37 to find the next best hitter -- Aki. The Rangers have four guys in the top ten batting average. Surely they could part with one of those bats for some kind of pitching deal if Price is ready to step into the Rays rotation. The other night when they scored 13 runs notwithstanding, lack of hitting is starting to cost them.

... and Kaz takes the loss. Now I'm really glad I didn't grab that Fox Sports pack.

Wow. ... I guess if a person was desperate for cash, one could always throw an ad in the paper or a magazine with a number for a dedicated phone line and ... watch the money roll in? My question is, if someone is willing to pay for a phone conversation, why not just pay for the real thing? I mean, if talking dirty is your thing (not you Dan, just in general) and your sweetie ain't the one to confess your darkest desires to (another set of issues altogether), why not hire a girl (or guy) and talk dirty face to face? Or put them on the phone line in the living room or something. Then at lease you get the added bonus of possible direct physical contact at some point. ... or ... maybe that's not such a good idea. (Some restrictions apply. Consult your federal, state and local statutes for further guidance. The poster of this message assumes no liability for any actions taken as a result of this post or any legal consequences that may arise heretofore and thereof, notwithstanding, etc., etc. Offer not available in Utah.) ... I'm over-analyzing this ...

Just ordered the Direct TV MLB package in high def ... Took me about a half hour to do it though, including having to reset the receiver and getting past the first customer service rep who A) yawned into the phone when I told her the MLB channels weren't showing up as available in high def, and B) refused to do anything beyond telling me that the MLB package apparently wasn't available in high def. When I asked to speak to someone else (because she obviously didn't know wtf she was talking about) she just put me on perma-hold and I had to call back. ... 2 demerits for DTV customer service. ... The second woman was real sweet and straightened things out. Even tried to help me find the Angels-Rays game today, which is on one of those Fox Sports Net channels, and so I'd need yet another sports package to get it. But since I already get 95% of Rays games without it -- no thanks. Nonetheless, tonight will be a high def feast of baseball. I'm thinking of running out to get some strawberries and whipped cream ... :excited: (well, at the very least, I'll fire up some popcorn and have myself a seltzer or two)

Angels score 4 in bottom of first --