FilteringCraig

I was listening to the Howard Stern show, and he and the crew were going over Michael Moore�s appearance on the Bill Maher show this weekend. Maher says he is going to play the �devil�s advocate� as he goes on a low-level rant (including stats) how terrorism isn�t a threat in the United States. His point was that the different alert levels and everything else are unnecessary.

Michael Moore obviously loves this and he pipes in about how the various terror alerts are to help drum up support for the right wing agenda. There is no terror threat. Maher comes in with the stats. Don�t quote me on this, but it was something to the effect of, more Americans died from shoveling snow last year than from terrorism. More Americans died from bee stings than from terrorism.

I understand the argument. I understand the conspiracy theory. I might even be able to buy that it could be true that the right side is using the terror alerts to drum up support for the president. But, what does Michael Moore mean when he says the right wing agenda. I thought that was one of the biggest complaints about our president thus far is that we aren�t sure what the agenda is. I know that has been one of my biggest worries.

Also, do you really think terror isn�t a threat in this country anymore? Because nothing has happened really since the anthrax after 9/11 does that mean terror isn�t a threat? I don�t buy it. There were people with enough intelligence, know-how, and planning in this country who were able to kill 3000 people in a single day. Is it so long ago that you forget that? How is it that after an incident like that, we can feel safe a mere two years later? Shouldn�t we be overly cautious and wary for at least a decade before we declare there is no threat?

Finally, this �no terror� thinking runs contrary to what we are doing in the rest of the world, and the things that Maher and Moore have been most critical of. The one thing that I think most people can agree on, whether you think we should have gone to war or not, whether you are a democrat, republican or some minority party, is that what we are doing isn�t popular in the rest of the world. We know this for a fact. Wouldn�t this be justification enough to assume there is still a threat of terror in this country?

If you constantly argue that the war is unpopular worldwide from one side of your mouth, and then through the other side say that the right side is making up the terror threat for their own agenda, isn’t that a direct contradiction of yourself logically?

I know Michael Moore doesn’t represent “Democrats,” but I think he is just as big an idiot as Rush Limbaugh.

The Reckoning? What the hell is that supposed to mean. Well, I have always wanted to be a part of something, an event, a ceremony or something that had a name that invokes fireworks and pyrotechnics. I really have this desire, no matter how sophomoric, for some level of fame. So, I figured I would get some practice by naming the weeks from now on.

This week is called THE RECKONING. Whatcha gonna do brotha? This sunday at THE RECKONING Filtering Craig is coming for you and your number one spot! You better be ready and pray to all the pitiful gahds that will listen that I don’t get my hands on you, because what will follow will be ugly.

(I really need to talk to the folks at cablevision about putting this on pay-per-view.)

Cincy (+4.5) at Cleveland

I am going to have to go with the Brownies this week. I think Tim Couch, who has now had his first taste of the non-injury-related bench is going to play like a man possessed. If you think he is going to let his chance of not sitting on the bench slip by, you are insane. He never was a great QB, but he hasn�t been a horrible one either. Keep in mind he is still only like 25 or 26 years old. This stuff has to be eating him alive. Either that or the pressure will crush him. No no no, I mean glass half full. Browns Win!

Craig Picks � Cleveland
Justin Picks � Cleveland

New England (+3) at Washington

I am starting to feel badly picking the patsies every week. I think the improved Washington will be able to take the streaking Pats in Washington. Part of me wants to pick New England because of the Belichek factor, but I will pick the �old ball coach� instead.

Craig Picks � Washington
Justin Picks � New England

Dallas (+3) at NY Jets

As amazing as Dallas� comeback on the Giants was, I can�t really pick Dallas to do that twice. I mean the Jets haven�t looked good all season, but you know what? Quincy Carter is the QB for Dallas. His luck will run out. Parcells is a great coach, maybe one of the best of all time, but Dallas� win over the Giants was pure unadulterated luck which relied on the perfect bounce, windspeed, sun and moon alignment on that specific curvature of the earth in September for the last win. All those factors won�t occur this week.

Craig Picks � NY Jets
Justin Picks � NY Jets

Philly (+3) at Buffalo

I am going to have to take Buffalo at home. I am sketchy on this game because I am not sure at this point if Travis Henry will play, but I am going to bet yes and even though Philly is in a desperate place and they won�t be in Philly so McNabb will be able to breathe, I am taking the Bills.

Craig Picks � Buffalo
Justin Picks � Buffalo

Kansas City (-3) at Baltimore

Upset time. I am going to take one of the most powerful defenses in the game to stop the most prolific offense (and Priest Holmes� sore hip.) Ravens win this one at home with at least one defensive and/or special teams touchdown.

Craig Picks � Baltimore
Justin Picks � KC

One of my daily web visits is usually to bbspot.com. It is a really funny site, and I usually go for the daily links that have some of the funniest and most interesting links that the guy who runs the site can find.

A while back, while sitting in front of his webcam, the guy gave a face, a look, something that looked eerily similar to the advertisement for the personals website that is also on BBSPOT. Maybe you have seen this on sites before where they show the picture of a person and then give you their catchphrase or whatever. It was so funny that now the guy does it every single day.

I was looking this morning and I thought it was funny, but I think if I were someone else, I might be taking offense. We might have a lawsuit before too long.

We all know who the real crunchy is, and it is not the proprietor of BBSPOT. I understand that this guy might actually make a dollar or two with his website, so any money gained from litigation is subject to a 10% FilteringCraig finder’s fee.

That is all.

I will now give the award for the first Friday Five, “What Would Craig Say” contest. I said you could do anything you wanted, and as it turns out, the funny ones were good and the the true ones were also good.

It was a good effort by Todd, Chris (Crunchy), Mark and the North Carolina iteration of Chris. Todd was dead on with accuracy, and so was Chris (NC). Mark was funny, and mixed in the Full House reference. The Ruben Studdard at the Ohio State Fair comment by Mister Crunchy almost made me collapse.

I can’t believe I am allowing Dan to win because he really ripped me a new one. Here is Dizzil Fizzil, Deezo Feezo, D to the Izzo or whatever the hell hip-hop moniker he is going by these days, anyway, here is the winning entry. Thanks for playing.

You didn’t think I could let him win without at least posting his picture did you? Here is the man behind all those nasty comments and Alan Thicke factoids. Congratulations Deezo!

1. Who is your favorite singer/musician? Why?

Kenny G’s Melodies really soothe me after a rough day on my period.

2. What one singer/musician can you not stand? Why?

I hate that gosh darned Dan Fogelberg and his loud music for these kids with their pac-man video games and hula-hoops

3. If your favorite singer wasn’t in the music business, do you think you would still like him/her as a person?

I love kenny g’s beautiful crimped mullet and the way it flutters in the breeze at his outdoor shows.

4. Have you been to any concerts? If yes, who put on the best show?

Ill have to say I flew to Arizona to see drunken monkey feces at the Arizona Grog Shop last Wednesday and they were super talented. I have their new album “Walking around with a boner in the steam room” (see my review on blogcritics.org) that came out last week and it flows well with intervals of melancholy and harsh creshendos of modern pain emo-rock fused with video game style synthesizer jingles

5. What are your thoughts on downloading free music online vs. purchasing albums? Do you feel the RIAA is right in its pursuit to stop people from dowloading free music?

I actually download songs that are so obscure that no person in their right mind would listen to them. So it keeps me out of hot water with the record companies.

There are some fashion rights and wrongs that are so blatantly obvious that even straight men should be able to point them out to others. While this should be the case, I see the rules broken every single day. I am no fashion expert, but come on people, is it really that hard?

1. No matter how large your sense of nostalgia for the 60�s and/or Happy Days, it is never acceptable to visibly wear a comb in the back pocket of your pants. It�s really kind of funny, because the comb shows some sort of strange commitment to vanity while keeping it on your person make�s you look like a horse�s ass.

2. I know I have mentioned this before, but it always stands to be said again. If you are going to wear a tie then a short-sleeved shirt is out of the question. Unless you want to look like a Mormon whoring pamphlets door-to-door, I think it would be best to stay away from the short-sleeved dress shirt.

3. I have to hand it to the Mormons though; they know enough to NEVER wear plaid shirts with ties. What kind of messed up eye disease do you need to have to put on a plaid shirt and any color tie and look in the mirror and say, �Hot damn, I am so desirable in this, and my co-workers and superiors will have to take me seriously with this power outfit.�

4. Suspenders. Suspenders? Unless you are some sort of artistic eccentric, you will have a very tough time getting away with these. Hell, if they worked for everyone, cows would celebrate, as they weren�t being slaughtered to make belts. Unfortunately, I don�t think the animals are safe just yet.

5. Although they aren�t considered jeans, thus making them eligible for the work environment, your ratty corduroy pants with the shape from 1971 (bell) and the ridiculous stretch mark where you carry your wallet, should probably stay at home. Actually, I don�t know what you should do with them, but they should probably be removed from your home just in case you ever got the inkling to even wear them while doing yard work. Please do not let me catch you wearing these pants with a comb hanging out of the back pocket.

6. Although you don�t often see them on men anymore, one thing that a straight guy should be able to notice on a woman (or man) is the perm. This went out more than a few years ago now, and just based on men�s preferences in dating, it should be obvious that perms don�t work. You still qualify for the perm if you live in a trailer, watch Nascar, or think Geddy Lee is the greatest singer of all time. Even then, you should probably not broadcast these facts to the world with your selection in hairstyle.

Well, six isn�t a lot, but it is a damn good start. Let me know if you have some more. I, and the rest of our seemingly inept straight community would appreciate it.

If anyone lives in the Cleveland area and would like to come see me play my guitar and sing, I will be at the Barking Spider tomorrow night. The Barking Spider is on Case Western’s campus, right next to Arabica coffee house. I will be buying some pitchers of beer and everyone is welcome to grab a cup and join me.

The open mic starts at 9:00, so I should be playing somewhere between 9:00 and 10:00 depending on what time I get there. Come out and enjoy the wonderful Cleveland autumn. Hopefully it will be nice enough that they will open up the two patios.

As Mister Crunchy said, this topic has been way overdone. I love it, but I think everyone has heard it all before. So, instead of you leaving your answers, we are going to play a little game. Let’s see how well you people know your lovable host (me!). I want you to answer the five questions the way you think I would choose. Either make it funny, or try and be accurate. I will pick the most exceptional response. The rules are completely subjective. I will pick the winner. I have certainly written enough about music and artists on this site to give you enough material.

“But Craig. Is there a prize?” Oh, by the way, there is a prize. The winner, who will be chosen by me based on whatever criteria I choose, will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate.

Now, go and answer those questions the best way you know how. Only one entry per person, and Dan, I know you are going to regardless, but I don’t mind if you make fun of me.

1. Who is your favorite singer/musician? Why?

2. What one singer/musician can you not stand? Why?

3. If your favorite singer wasn’t in the music business, do you think you would still like him/her as a person?

4. Have you been to any concerts? If yes, who put on the best show?

5. What are your thoughts on downloading free music online vs. purchasing albums? Do you feel the RIAA is right in its pursuit to stop people from dowloading free music?

Ok, after week 2 action, Justin (6-2-2) took the lead over me (5-3-2). This week he will do what he can to extend his lead over me in the rivalry of Leading Brand vs Filtering Craig. I would enjoy this whole thing a lot more if the Browns would just win a damn game. I guess sometimes we ask too much. Holcumb is done if he doesn’t play well this week. DONE!!!!

Minnesota (-3.5) at Detroit

This game isn�t enough of a spread. I am going to have to take Minnesota even though they are favored on the road. This team seems to be clicking and Daunte Culpepper is playing well. Now that I have said that, Daunte will break his leg after throwing 7 interceptions.

Craig’s Pick - Minnesota
Justin’s Pick - Minnesota

St Louis (+3) at Seattle

In a situation like this, I would normally take the points because I think it is going to be a pick�em. Either one of these teams could easily beat the other in any given week. So, should I take the points or the home team? This week, I will take the home team.

Craig’s Pick - Seattle
Justin’s Pick - St. Louis

Baltimore (-1.5) at San Diego

Baltimore isn�t good. The Browns were awful last week. San Diego is also bad. LaDainian Tomlinson is going to be neutralized by the Baltimore D. The offense will have to keep up their pace from last week with Jamal Lewis. I pick Baltimore.

Craig’s Pick - Baltimore
Justin’s Pick - San Diego

Cleveland (+7) at San Francisco

Ok, well I almost hate to pick my own team. They have looked so bad the first two weeks, but their receiving core is so talented. William Green proved he could run the ball the second half of last year. The running game has proved to be a weakness for the Browns, but the secondary is pretty solid. Against Frisco with 7 points, I can�t pick against my own team. I am going to guess that the Browns will at least play up to potential and will lose by less than a touchdown. Browns.

Craig’s Pick - Cleveland
Justin’s Pick - Cleveland

Jets (+6.5) at New England

Vinny Testaverde rule applies. New England is my pick. Well in all honesty, I think that the Jets would have a good chance if they could establish Curtis Martin, but I think Bill Belichek (as much as I hate him) will be prepared for Curtis �My Favorite� Martin. BUT, this is a division rivalry and the Jets are getting 6.5 points. Ah, revert to rule number one. The Jets are starting Vinny Testaverde. I pick the Pats.

Craig’s Pick - Pats
Justin’s Pick - Pats

I really thought my review of the Thursday album, War All the Time, was going to be glowing. As it turns out, all I have to report is that this album is a little better than average. It is still a great combination of NYC hardcore and emo stylings, it lacks that extra something that was present on the first album, Full Collapse, and also on Jet Black New Year from the Five Stories Falling EP.

First of all, I must say that while I appreciate the fact that Thursday, specifically Geoff Rickly the lead singer, are passionate about their politics, I am not always fond of being preached to. They do attack some serious issues and make some good points, but sometimes I think they could be a bit more vague. That being said, they definitely bring the rock. There are some really solid rock songs, but I don’t think that they matched their song structure and the overall album cohesion of Full Collapse.

With more of the anthemic songs like Understanding in a Car Crash, Autobiography of a Nation, Paris in Flames and Standing on the Edge of Summer, they were better able to capture the listener and hold onto them for the duration of the album. This type of flow is missing from War All the Time.

This is still an album that will no doubt appease the original fans of Thursday and maybe earn them some new fans who missed the boat the first time around. For the Workforce, Drowning starts the album off nicely enough. It is just a good song until the melodic ending as Geoff Rickly sings, “computers’ spark like flares, I can see them but they don’t touch me, touch me, please someone teach me how to swim, don’t let me drown.” This moment is what makes it a truly great song. This metaphor for the emptiness of working life is slightly trite, but somehow after listening I am convinced that the band is very grateful that they don’t need day jobs, and they feel sympathy for those of us who must work. (Maybe I should feel guilty for my feeble existence)

Signals Over the Air is the first single from the album and is also a highlight. It is one of the more melodic moments of the album with probably the best guitar riff on the album. This is one of the true exceptions to the album as you can imagine a huge audience moving, swaying and singing along. It abandons some of the stream of consciousness writing with it’s powerful chorus and alternating singing and backgrounding screaming.

The album comes to track 7 which is kind of the calm before the storm, which is the finish. This Song Brought to You by a Falling Bomb (yes that is actually the full title of the song) is a melancholy sparse arrangement of piano and vocals. It is nice to hear just how pure Geoff Rickly’s vocals can be when he isn’t surrounded by the chaos of his bandmates.

It doesn’t last long as the album rocks out with the title track, War All The Time, and a powerful song, M. Shepard, which makes an indignant stand against the repression of gay people by referencing the hate crime in which Matthew Shepard was lured out of a bar, pistol whipped and tied to a fence left to die just because he was gay.

This band doesn’t write happy pop songs. It is nice to see something with some substance out there. A good second effort from Thursday that will avoid any mention of the “sophomore slump,” but we will have to see if they can ever match the levels they reached with Full Collapse.