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Dear Matador Records,

Please send me my Brighten the Corners re-issue...soon. Preferably, before Friday. That would be swell! I've got some Canadian pals coming to visit this weekend that I'd like to impress. You know. With my whole...record collection. And shit. I guess I could play the digital version...or the old CD. But how much fun is that?

In exchange, I promise not to make fun of Cat Power anymore. Chan Marshall has an incredible stage presence!

Horsey-face is Out for the Season

Real Madrid's loss. Barcelona's gain. EC likes that.

For a brief 'My Teams' update:

Liverpool: Prem, tied for 1st (minus G differential)
Inter Milan: Serie A, tied for 1st (game in hand)
Barcelona: La Liga, 1st place
Toronto FC: not so much

It's gonna be a glorious year.

There was something in the air that night

The Beloved is already without the best CB on the Planet, and now Deshea Townsend is out. Who's gonna take his place?

Is the answer Jesus?

Nope...

Ladies & Gentlemen....FERNANDO BRYANT!!!


Who's pumpt NOW!!!!!!!!!!

Your daily ESPN Sportscenter Cliff Notes: the Steelers are suddenly thin at the Cornerback Position.

Scott Hartnell You Hack!

Only a turd like Hartnell would try to dump the puck and take out the goalie in a fricking shootout!!!

hahahahahaha

Too. Funny. And another Win over the dirtball Flyers.

Here's the deal with Ben Roethlisberger

For the yinzers who championed Tommy Maddox over Kordell, move on. Nothing to read here. But here's the scoop on Ben, starting with the good...

With all due respect to TB, Big Ben has more raw talent than any QB who's ever worn the beloved Black & Gold. He's got the size, the arm strength, passing touch, and the athletic mobility to be one of the all-time greats. And when his head is in the game, he makes great decisions. That's the QB we cheered from the day they called his name on draft day.

The problem with Ben:

Ben is more concerned with being "the QB of the Pittsburgh Steelers" than with winning games as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben likes everything that comes with the title, "Quarterback." He loves the spotlight and the fame, the fact that chics who nothing about the game will faithfully wear his jersey. He's also got tremendous athletic ability, which he relies on in lieu of hard work.

Ben's the dorky frat boy...the child who thinks that just because he joined a club, he has gained instant credibility in the cool arena. While Ben is looking for his baseball hat (and don't forget to flip it backwards), Peyton Manning is studying film.

Yes, the Steelers O-Line is brutal. But Ben's inability to make reads, poor timing with receivers, and constant happy feet in the pocket are clear signs he's not mentally prepared on game day. Throw in the fact that he doesn't even practice all week, and still gets the start on game day...it's just a big recipe for disaster.

The good thing about Ben is his knack for inspiring motivation in himself. After living off his new found popularity as a Superbowl winning QB in 2006, a season that very much resembles this one (by his play), Ben bounced back with a monstrous 2007. But once again in '08, he has floundered.

Is he hurt? Maybe. But if that's the case....GET OFF THE EFFIN FIELD!!!!! Just because you display the painful grimace after every interception, that doesn't make you "a leader." But this goes back to my main point. Ben is selfish. He's more worried about being called "the leader" than he is with being the leader. If his best interests were in that of the Steelers, he would've stepped aside last week, and handed the ball over to the QB who gave us the best chance to win last week...Byron Leftwich. Instead, Ben sat out the majority of the practices leading up to the game, and predictably struggled. That's the Ben I take issue with.

He's clearly the Beloved's QB of the future. Although that doesn't mean he should've played last week. Hopefully, Ben grows up sooner rather than later.

Your little hood rat friend...she's been calling me again

Late notice on this, kids...

but the one and only Hold Steady will be playing at the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead tonight. Drive-By Truckers will also be on hand. Early show, and we're not quite sure who will open for who. EC will sadly be missing this one, so the rawk will have to go on without us, I suppose.

I don't quite get the choice of venue, but as our not-so-favorite saying goes, "it is, what it is." Hopefully, attendees won't be sitting in their seats too long (EC Tip of the Day: just because there's a seat, does not mean you have to sit in the effin thing!) Oh...and Carnegie Music Hall does not have a liquor license. So if you prefer to have a pop with your rock...don't be too disappointed. I think they offer Twizzlers, though.

From the 2006 record, Boys and Girls in America, CHIPS AHOY!....



Shout out to friend of the program, Larry, who I believe will be in attendance! You go, dude. You go.

Because You're All Growns Up

Jordan Staal. Can't even legally have a piece of booze. The consummate center of trade rumors. Finally came of age tonight in the what could be called the greatest regular season win in Pens recent history. Down 5-2 in the 3rd against the Stanley Cup champs on the road. Down 2 goals with @ 4 minutes to go. One of the Pens top players from the their very own Stanley Cup roster sitting on the opposing bench (Marian Hossa, you bastard). Enter Staal. Scores the natural hatty in the 3rd, draws a final second penalty that follows the Wings into the OT, then snatches Pavel Datsyuk's purse, and feeds one to Fedotenko who buries it past a clueless Chris Osgood.

**** Bar Ref's note: it appeared the Referee on the Ice missed a diving penalty on Osgood, but the point was moot since the game was over. Clean up your scuba gear, Ozzie! We've got to announce the #1 Star of the night. ****

To borrow a Hudsonism: Get out of your sofas and applaud the gladiator performance of the day....JORDAN STAAL....



I couldn't help but think of this scene, with Jon Favreau as Staal. Our little baby's all growns up...



I'm quite sure the Pensblog will do a much better job at capturing the moment, so be sure to check them out tomorrow.

Jot this game down in the memory banks, kids. Remember the Thanksgiving night comeback in Ottawa, last year, which launched our Beloved for the rest of the year? That was this game. The dirtbag Flyers are up next on Thursday. Have fun.

27th Three Rivers Film Fest

Kicked off Friday. Get your tix at the Crazy Mocha.

Due to some scheduling conflicts, I've got my eyes on these 3 here:

The Pool. Directed my Chris Smith, who did the ever-so-hilarious American Movie from 1999. Won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance...



Repo! The Genetic Opera. Paul Sorvino and Paris Hilton?! A cameo by Joan Jett. Sold...



Three Monkeys. Winner for Best Director at Cannes last year...

The Worst Lead in Hockey

5 goals.

Yeah. I'm bitter pants. Placed my first NHL wager of the year last night. The Flying Penguinos minus 1.5 pucks, +170. Up 5-Nil, under 2:00 to play in the 2nd period. 5-4 Final. Loser.

But Eric Godard beat some more ass last night...

I just imagine Steve MacIntyre as Riley Cote here, and all my troubles go away. At least for about a minute.

Steelers back in the Superbowl

If the Baltimoron dopes can win a Superbowl with Trent Dilfer and zero offensive help, the Beloved can win a Superbowl with the most pathetic O-Line in the NFL. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. At least until next week.

Reasons for optimism:

The NFL is SO watered down this year. Pre-season Superbowl favorites? The Cowboys stink, The Colts stink, the Chargers stink, New England stinks. Our entire division stinks. The best two teams in the league to date: Tennessee and the Giants. But who's really in awe of those two?

Recall when Ray Ray and offensive genius Brian Billick won the Superbowl? The NFL stunk. New England hadn't really started their tear. Same for Indy. They played Kerry Collins and the Giants in the Superbowl for chrissakes. And they stunk.

The Steeler D is just as dominating. ESPN probably wouldn't admit as much, because there's no Ray Ray, and no forced antics. But when healthy, this unit is just as formidable. And they've done it the past few weeks without the best CB in the league (Bryant McFadden). When B Mc gets back? Forget about it.

And this "daunting"schedule coming up?

• Colts at home. WIN. The Colts stink. And it's at home.
• Chargers at home. WIN. The Chargers stink. Norv Turner stinks. Plus he's got crap on his face.
• Cincinnati at home. Please.
• at New England. Questionable. But Matt Cassell stinks.
• at Baltimore. WIN. Ravens can talk about contrived "bounties" all they want. They stink.
• at Tennessee. Potential L, but we'll exact revenge in the AFC Championship.
• Cleveland at home. See "Cincinnati at home. Please."

That gets us the #2 seed, a first round bye, and a win at home in the AFC Semi's. Go back to Tennessee, who won't be able to run on the Beloved. Kerry Collins' true colors show. Steelers go back to the Superbowl where they'll play someone in the NFC...who will stink.

And if things go array? We just turn to Byron again.


In other sporting news, there was some sort of blockbuster trade in the NBA yesterday, and EC is not contemplating the ramifications.

Best Sporting Weekend Since 19-something-and-5, a Retrospective

2-2, yes.

But in the grand scheme for 2008-09, easily the most two important victories of the four, and that speaks nothing to whom I cheer hardest for.

Penn St. Winner. Which will ultimately put them directly into the BCS Championship January 8th. Joe Pa wins out. Alabama or Texas lose at least once, with much tougher games looming, including respective conference championship games. Watching Terrell Pryor fumble the game away was even more gratifying.

Liverpool (see Winner!!!!). 3 points clear of Chelsea who has a superior goal differential. Another Man Utd draw on Saturday vs. Everton was just as sweet, so +2 on them is always a good time.

Pens. Still way too early in the season to be too crazily concerned. Although blowing another 3rd period lead was disturbing. But chemistry is still building, so I expect the Pens to be back atop the Atlantic by January 1st.

Steelers. Yeah, that sucked. But kinda the same story we've been preaching on these pages for a month. Two great defenses going at it. The Beloved are decimated by injuries. But the difference maker again...the O-Line. The Giants may have the best in football. We may have the worst. Santonio loving the Mary Jane didn't help. But we'll still easily win the pathetic AFC North, and there's really no one else that scares me in the AFC, including the undefeated Titan. Winning the Superbowl as we said back after Week 2? Not without a complete overhaul of the O-Line...and that's not bound to happen, at least in the next 2 months. Hopefully Ben can stay healthy and we'll win a playoff game. Best case scenario: after an early exit this season, we finally realize that this issue needs to be addressed.

Bottom line...the reason I say the loss isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme: It'll have no effect on the final outcome. Anything can happen when you get into the playoffs, so we'll still have a puncher's chance...but no more or less than what we had prior to this Week 8 game.

THIS, was the glorious glorious 'W' that I was referring to...

1-Nil Liverpool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wankers from Chelsea knocked from atop the table. 86 Game unbeaten streak at Stamford Bridge goes bye-bye! REDS ALL ALONE AT THE TOP!!! And looking in fine fine form...Back 4 has been superb...Carragher's a beast, Danny Agger is back...Mascherano & Xabi holding down the midfield, Kuyt is frickin flying all over the place, Robbie Keane's giving us quality up front, Ryan Babel providing pace off the bench...and Pepe's a frickin stud!!!! 6 points in 2 matches vs. Man U and Chelsea, both without our lad from sunny Spain, El Nino! And Stevie G is simply the best. Clicking on all cylinders, boys!!! THE PREM IS OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speaking of those 3 against Man Utd, this would be too much fun...

Winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Sporting Weekend Since 19-something-and-5?

7:00 Tonight: Pens v. Rangers
8:00 Tonight: Penn St. v. Ohio St.
9:30a Sunday: Liverpool v. Chelsea
4:00p Sunday: Steelers v. Giants

So by @ 7:00 Sunday evening, the Pens will be a mere 2 points outta first in the Eastern Conference, and ROLLING. Joe Pa will be one step closer to another National Championship. The Reds will be walking alone atop the Prem. And the Beloved will be on top of everyone's NFL power rankings.

And Santonio Holmes had to go ruin it by smoking the pot.

How High Can You Go!?
How High Can You Go!?
How High Can You Go!?

ps: Congrats to the Philadelphia Flyers, who became the last team in the NHL to finally notch a win for the season. Don't fret Flyers fans. As I've said in the past, simply take the Conference Standings...flip them upside down...and pretend your in 1st place.

pss: Danny Briere (you pussy) is out 3-4 weeks with what is believed to be a pulled crotch.

Boston Spaceships at the Blind Pig

slowly churning these out. Leg 2...



Probably one of the best shows we saw on the tour, with thanks to Canada, Bob's Big Boy, and perhaps the happiest cab driver on the planet. Also ran into John Sellers, and enthusiastically1 introduced myself. I believe we'd met back in 2004 at a NY show, but that was before I'd read his book Perfect From Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life, which is a tremendously funny and refreshing read for anyone that thinks us indie "hipsters" are too cool for school. I don't think he believed me when I said I read the footnotes, as well. I did2.

Dorothy one more time. This one's pretty good, I think...



It's another busy day...(WARNING: very shaky cam at certain points, tuff times shooting this down close)...


Oh, then there was this dude Eric from San Fran, who we'd run into 3 more times in the next 4 days. Nice dude. Hope you got home safe, partner.

More PIX here

1 translation = drunkenly
2 seriously