Robert Pollard Stuff

Very blasphemous, but Uncle Bob has been a forgotten man around these parts lately with all the hockey craziness and stuff...

At least we've not been too buried to know his new album, Off To Business, was released...and promptly arrived at our doorstep last week courtesy Rockathon. Another Pollard gem...as it's been declared here...the final 4 tracks are the best 4 tracks ever featured in a row by Bob on anything ever (we're still expecting confirmation on this from gbvh). Actually, if you're a fan of track #6 "Weatherman and Skin Goddess", could it be the best side ever?

Go to Rockathon and ORDER HERE

*** If you order the vinyl from Rockathon, you get a free CDR as well. Long Live Rockathon!! Hurry, there's only 500 copies.

You can also order the download from FINA HERE

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Also must thank gbvh for the heads up via The Buddha Den, that Bob is playing the 2008 Dayton Music Fest!!!! Just 4 short hours from the Burgh, in early October (I believe)...we're there.

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And hey, let's the throw the great party...

We are the proud new owners of Propeller #77.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to my lovely girlfriend, Jessica...and Trader Vic who sold it to us. Life is that much more complete.

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Someone sent me this the other day, Rob O'Connor's List of the Day - The 25 Best Alternative Rock Bands of the 1990's, featuring our beloved Guided By Voices at #9. Interesting list. I tend to keep in mind this is one man's opinion, so I don't take it personally. Although all of the Nirvana enthusiasts probably will when they see their band behind GBV at #10 :)

From a look at some of the comments, it looks like this guy upset a few people (how dare he have an opinion!!), with the inclusion of what many of the Yahoo readers call "unknown" bands.

Remember, he dubs it "Best" and not "Most Popular." There is a difference.

To each their own. At least my personal #1 (duh), #2 (Pavement), and possible #3 (Sonic Youth) are in there. How dare he not include Yo La Tengo and Superchunk. What a bastard.

Paul Pierce Shot, Crippled, then Leads Celtics to Victory

or at least that's what I've been told. No confirmation as to whether he pounded his chest and looked mad while doing it.

An example of why I loathe ESPN...

and want no part of the NHL going back there:

After Game 6, Barry Melrose was reporting that:

Sidney Crosby refused to speak to the media after the game.

Really? I guess I was dreaming about the horde of reporters surrounding his locker as he was near-tear and answering all questions, with Ryan Malone's broken face sitting next to him. Matter of fact, I heard the audio on ESPN Radio Pittsburgh. At least I thought I did.

If you meant he didn't attend a formal press conference, than say "he didn't attend a formal press conference."

Note to ESPN producers:

EVERYTHING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A FUCKING SOAP OPERA. Once and awhile, it's OK to report on "sports." There doesn't have to be a shocking story attached to everything, morons. Less "E" and more "S," please.

And if it was simply an oversight by The Mullet: GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT, BEAN BAG. And do so before you try to stir up controversy.

Congrats Detroit

The better team won the Cup. There. I said it.

Maybe not the more talented team, but the Red Wings were the better team this time around.

Because of their "style," I'm not sure I could be a fan. And judging from their inability to sell out playoff games at the Joe, I imagine many former Red Wings fans feel the same way. Oh, well...enuff about them.

Thanks to my beloved Pens for an incredible, fun-filled ride. I'm physically and mentally drained from these past 2 months, but it was worth every minute of it. That said...I'm taking the rest of the day off, and I'll be finishing these thoughts in a new post tomorrow...

Mike Babcock, Who You Crappin?

Babs has been on a baby soapbox, complaining about the goalie interference calls that went against his Red Divers in Game 5.

Mike...remember when Ozzie went plopping to the ice in Game 2? You're the same guy that complained about Malone and Sykora bumping into your goalie in Game 2, saying that's the wrong thing to do. So who you crappin?

No, no, no...don't crap me now.

-Sincerely, Da Coach.

Tiger Woods Rips Hockey

"I don't think anyone really watches hockey anymore."

My first reaction was anger, but then I imagined Tiger on skates...getting smashed into the boards by Brooks Orpik. Tiger then slowly peels himself off the ice...minus that fake, arrogant, pompous smile of his. While searching for his teeth, his model wife Elin Nordegren runs off with Sidney Crosby. Watching it all unfold from the bench, Jarkko Ruutu does a Tiger-like fist pump.

Let us also remember that most hockey players play golf...during their leisure time.

Not ripping golf, mind you. There's definitely a great deal of skill involved, at least for the non-hacks. And golf's a fun activity for some. Maybe when I retire at 65, I'll pick up some clubs for a little exercise. But that's not the point...

Tiger's comments, and other morons who don't get hockey...no longer bother me. "More popular" does not equal "better." I know Guided By Voices is a much greater band than, say, a cookie cutter like 3 Doors Down. I know Nickelback blows. I don't need validation from the mass majority to know that.

I'm just not on board with the popular opinion that hockey needs to "sell itself" to more people. I understand with more fans brings more $$. But at what point do you sell out the true hockey fans for the purpose of bringing new ones aboard. If hockey fails in the South...fine. I'm tired of seeing half empty arenas in Florida or Atlanta. Bring it back up North, or back to Canada...where the fans are. Quit trying to shove it down people's throats. Trying to sell a sport in a market where people like watching cars race in circles may be counter-productive .

So I no longer care if hockey remains a "niche" sport. If some dork down the street is too clueless to get it, I don't care. I don't need to see the NHL playoffs on ESPN to realize their greatness. I won't get any more joy out of hockey if the sport becomes more popular. If anything, it points out a sad part about our society...we're (not me) a bunch of followers. Tell us what to listen to, and we'll listen to it. If it's on ESPN, it must be great. When Tiger talks, we must listen (just don't take a picture in the middle of his back swing).

Anyways...after the Pens win the Stanley Cup Saturday night, I'm sure we'll party all night, and I'll be exhausted all day Sunday. No problem...I can throw on some golf on TV and get some sleep.

Why nothing beats the NHL Playoffs. Nothing...

We get to see Gary Roberts for at least one more game!!!!!!!

Oxygen requires Gary Roberts to live.

In a fight between Batman and Superman, Gary Roberts would win.

Gary Roberts likes people of all kinds. He created the whole concept of diversity, because Gary likes variety. The rainbow was his idea, too.

Gary Roberts is the "I" in team.

The reason the aborigines won't let you take their picture ----> Gary Roberts.

When Gary Roberts stares into a mirror, even his reflection knows better than to stare back.

Gary Roberts can be both Smokey and The Bandit at the same time.

Geico saved 15% by switching to Gary Roberts.

Game 5 for the Ages

I was writing this reply to good pal NB about last night's game, when I realized how stupidly long it was, and decided to make it a post...

Dood...5 games where Detroit's been the better team? That's complete crazy talk. Better-by-a-mile goalie play doesn't count for anything as far as the better team??

Again, the Pens deserved that win, just as they did in Game 3. They outplayed Detroit for the 1st 30 minutes of the game, as well as the final 2 OT's. With Gonch out since the 3rd, and Malone taking another puck off his already broken nose, it was an incredibly gutsy performance. And I'm glad "gutsy" counts for something in hockey...that's what differentiates it from otherwise lame sports. If that was Franzen who got hit in the face, he would've been out for the series with sprained ovaries. Yes... the Penguins went into a shell for much of 3rd, which had me whirling a plethora of f-bombs at the tube. But they weren't outplayed the entire game.



SOG's are SO overrated, especially in a series like this with conflicting styles. The Pens D, much to my dislike at times, plays much more conservatively. Detroit is allowed to gain the zone and take long wide-angle shots, because they know they've got a primo G in MAF. Quality chances are what counts, and the Pens had their fare share. When the Wings had chances, MAF snuffed them.

If Detroit's system played more like Pittsburgh...and wasn't as aggressive at the blue line or with blocking shots, Ozzie would be realized more for what he is...a stiff on a good team. He's been hot for the past month, for sure. But if he was so great as the experts claim, he wouldn't have been backing up that fossil Hasek to start the playoffs. Osgood is a slightly better than average goalie, but doesn't have a tenth of the talent MAF has. Last night...it showed. I'll give credit where it's due...Detroit's D is very solid, and they don't give up a ton of shots. That's where they've got the edge...not in goal with Osgood.

Last night's game was top notch, excitement from start to finish. The only thing disgraceful about it is the ease with which many of the Wings tumble when they're touched. Most are of the Swedish persuasion. It's becoming a joke, and they'd probably be that much better if they didn't spend so much time flopping around the ice like crippled lake trout. I believe there are 9 Swedes on Detroit. If they had 1 more, they'd make a perfect set of bowling pins.

Detroit can take their champagne and stick it. Although if the Pens get a win in Game 6, the collective puckered bung of the Wings would make that a difficult task.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis (and the Stanley Cup) has just left the building...



The Pensblog captures the moment so much better. GO HERE for their Game 5 post...as kick-ass as ever.

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! My goal lamp won't turn off!!!!!! Effin A YES!!!

Pierre McGuire is Clueless

It's official.

Unofficially, Mike Milbury is awkward.

Niklas Kronwall

Too busy leaving his feet on checks to remember what net he's shooting at.

Hats Off to Detroit

Hey...gotta give credit where it's due. Detroit has found a way to beat the more talented team in the Penguins. Also have to give them props for their defensive play. The Red Wings are incredibly good at clogging up the neutral zone...clutching, grabbing, and obstructing any way possible without getting called for it. Perhaps that's an area where the Pens need to concentrate on getting better, provided the NHL continues to allow it. So kudos to you Detroit.

I'm not giving up quite yet, especially with the superior talent on the Pens. It'll be tough, but not impossible. Maybe Geno will wake up. Who knows. If they go down tonight, it's been a fun ride.

Could be the last time we get to see unrestricted FA Brooks Orpik play in the Burgh, and if so, he'll forever be remembered for this barrage of hits on some of the Detroit Divers in Game 3...


More sadly, Gary Roberts last week eluded to the fact that this will be his final season. Au revoir, Mr. Roberts. It's been fun. You will be missed.

Final note...heard the NBA is going old skool for its Final Series pitting the Lakers vs. the Celtics. I bet someone makes a shot and pounds their chest.

Happy Saturday

dammit, we miss Nate Farley...

not sure where this pic came from, but we'd love to give proper credit to whomever (thanks NB for finding it)

I believe he's saying...

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

X at the Rex Theatre

Eluded to this show we saw last Friday, but we've been a little too preoccupied with hockey the last couple months. Actually, John Doe acknowledged the Stanley Cup Finals (which started a day later), and was jokingly thankful it didn't start the same night of the show.

Incredible! Absolutely incredible punk rawkin times. As I said, Jess called it the best non-GBV show she'd ever seen. I'd have to think long and hard about that...but it may not be too far off.

The entire original line-up...Exene, John Doe, Billy Zoom, and DJ Bonebrake in all their glory. I literally got goose bumps.

The lights had come on at the end of the show, and they graciously came back for a second encore as half the people in attendance were already filing out of the Rex.

Seems like more often than not, when going to one of these reunion-type tours, the band appears to be going through the motions (Gang of Four at Mr. Small's rings a bell). But these guys were having a lot of fun (well...Billy Zoom always looks like he's having fun). Just an observation that seemed refreshing.

Pretty decent crowd on hand, but dammit I wish the Rex would advertise their shows a bit better.

Pix are tough to come by at the Rex...it's a rather dark place, and we started the night fairly far back from the stage. But as the night progressed, we made our way a bit closer and snapped off a few...







A few more here

by the end of the night, it was time to clog some arteries with a Yinzer from Southside Steaks. Highly recommended.

And I swear...this was not a lame ass attempt to be cool, but a simple wardrobe malfunction on my part to start the night. Exhausting Stanley Cup preps really got the best of me this week...


Here's some X video from the 1981 documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, doing "We're Desperate"...



Here's a classic, perhaps the 1st X tune I remember air-bassing to as a kid...

(left click to play; right click to download)

:: X - Los Angeles ::

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enough of the Detroit dominance talk, already. Like I said after games 1 & 2...

We're still winning this thing in 6 games. Reasons for optimism:

They're still the more talented team. Man-to-man, the Pens simply have better players. Detroit was the better team at the Joe, I give you. But the better talent will eventually rise to the top as the series goes, as it did last night.

The Pens don't lose at the Igloo. After Saturday, it'll be tied at 2 games apiece. The collective experienced bunghole of the Red Wing will begin to pucker going into game 5. With renewed confidence, the Pens will steal one in Detroit before coming back to the Burgh and winning it in 6.

Sid dominated last night. He's the best player in the world. The Zetterberg's and the Datsyuk's of the world are great players. But they're not Sid. They're not even Malkin...who albeit was left off the score sheet last night, started to show signs of life. It's only a matter of time before Geno Machino begins to light the lamp.

Detroit is a great team. They're difficult to score on, and as Therrien says, they're great at obstruction. Eventually, the power play opportunities will begin to even out, and the obstruction through the neutral zone will be called. It wasn't last night, and the Pens still found a way around it.

The longer the series goes, all this fantastic experience we keep hearing about will give way to the youthful legs of the Penguins.

Gary Roberts...



Other misc...

I'd rather the Pirates left town than Mark Madden. There. I said it.

If you want to call ESPN 1250 Radio GM Mike Thompson and vent your thoughts about the Madden firing, here is his digits: (412) 244-4549. Here is his cell: (917) 733-9938. Theses were given out my Thompson himself, yesterday. He called the move a "business decision." I call bullshit.

A fellow Pens fan had a sign at Joe Louis Arena Monday, which read: "We've sold out 64 Straight Games in Pittsburgh. And helped you sell out the last 2 in Detroit."

PLEASE PLAY CHRIS CHELIOS!!!