New Lows: NFL Week 3

"This can't be happening". "They'll get back in the game". "Any minute now, I'm sure we're going to shatter their hopes again". These were just a few of the lines being echoed by myself and my family of Redskins fans on Sunday afternoon as we watched our beloved team get worked over by the Detroit Lions, losers of 19 straight games....

(Full Post Coming Soon!)

Album Review: State Radio - "Let It Go"

State Radio is back with their third studio album "Let It Go", and it is time for rejoicing. Coming on the heels of two very strong albums "Us Against the Crown" and "Year of the Crow", my expectations were very high for this follow up. Thankfully, the band has answered the call and put out a disc that features their trademark variety in style and lyrical content. This album reaffirms my thought that former Dispatch member and State Radio front man Chad Urmston can do no wrong. Let It Go is a musical exploration of style that covers every style from reggae to ska to just plain balls out rock. Overall is a fantastic listen and measures up with some of their best work in the studio. On to the song by song analysis.

1) Mansin Humanity - This cleverly titled hard rocker (get it? Man's Inhumanity) is a blazing way to kick off the album. With intense guitar riffs and vocal cord shredding screams, it establishes right out the gate that State Radio is not messing around with this effort. The melodic verses are a good compliment to the heavy instrumental breaks and cause this tune to hearken back to the Dispatch classic "Even". The raw production style we are introduced to on this track (and subsequently the whole album) manages to capture a live feel that the band hasn't been able to quite get right in the studio. Great opening track. 9.5/10

2) Calling All Crows - Things get a little lighter on the second track with this catchy reggae number. Lead singer Chad Urmston belts out lyrics about rebels and revolutionaries in an infectiously singalong manner. Some cool studio effects such as a background melodica add to the mood of the song and compliment the smooth bass groove from Chuck Fay nicely. Overall, Crows is a nice catchy number that, although not mind blowing, keeps the album moving along in an effective way. 7.5/10

3) Dr. Ron, the Actor - Holy. Shit. This toe-tapping ska number is a huge highlight here. Beginning with a recorded voicemail from the mentally challenged man it was written for, Dr. Ron begins slowly and then explodes into a catchy rager that you can't get out of your head. The song has a little bit of everything; great lyrics, a soulful guitar solo, and a fantastic rythm section performance. You won't be able to stop singing along and lines like "Even if you're bleeding/never stop believing that we all live free or die" will stick with you for some time. 10/10

4) Arsenic & Clover - This song brings a bit more of an angst ridden edge to it, not much unlike the songs on the band's last album "Year of the Crow". Riddled with interesting lyrics such as "Thou shall not want all that is within me", this one reminds me alot of a song like "Uncertain" and it fits in strongly with the rest of the album. There is alot of energy in the recording and Chuck Fay once again kills it on the bass. 8/10

5) Bohemian Grove - This straight up reggae number is different from many of State Radio's other forays into the genre. Instead of being upbeat like "Right Me Up" or "Calling All Crows", it is decidedly darker, much like "Legacy of Margaret Brown". Featuring some of the more politically charged lyrics on the album, "Grove" plots it's way along slowly as it builds towards a soaringly melodic chorus. It's definitely a good song, but I feel like there isn't enough going on at times. The slow pace and lack of musical changes bring it down a bit for me despite the very strong lyrical content. 7/10

6) Knights of Bostonia - A straight up ball of energy, "Knights" follows the path that was paved by bands such as the Pogues or Dropkick Murphy's. It feels like a great irish drinking song and it is amazingly fun to listen to. It's the type of tune that might not have amazing replay value on record, but it is still fantastic. While I doubt I will listen to the studio version much unless I'm in the mood to rage while throwing back whiskey shots, this song will undoubtedly be a blast in the live setting, much like "The Diner Song". 8/10

7) Let It Go - The title track of the album is a very intriguing song. It feels like a constant build up during the verses and then explodes with a chorus that simply repeats the desperate plea "Let It Go" over and over again. It is a quick song that has its place on the disc, but isn't the most memorable song you'll ever hear. Lyrically however it is classic Chad and I can certainly see why the band thought that the song's content would be worthy of gracing the album's cover and title. 7.5/10

8) Evolution - Another completely reggae song, this one is very soulful but missing something. It isn't as musically diverse as alot of other State Radio songs and almost feels like a work still in progress. I don't hate it, but I don't think it is all that good either. Definitely the weakest song on the album. 5/10

9) Held Up by the Wires - There is only one way to describe this song: A fuckin' TEN. After missing the cut on the first two albums, "Held Up" shows up in stellar form. Being one of State Radio's oldest songs, I have heard many live versions before hearing the studio cut. I thought a studio version was bound to dissapoint in some manner after such a long wait. Boy was I wrong. Everything about this track is perfect. The heavy handed lyrics, the dark and haunting feel, the huge guitar sounds, and the stunning vocal performance make this track a killer. This is without a doubt the best track on the album, and one of the best songs the band has ever recorded. 10/10

10) Blood Escaping Man - Another older song that has been played live for a number of years, "BEM" is a strong highlight on the record. The track exudes energy and also features a very nice harmonica part from Chad that serves as a good musical break. The subtle lyrical references to The Odyssey are clever and very thought provoking. I had high expectations for this recording, considering I have loved this song for quite sometime, and it did not dissapoint me. Very good song and a very energetic studio cut. 9/10

11) Still & Silent - Being one of the few songs that I had not heard before the album's release, I was very interested in taking a listen to this one. I have to say that it was better than I ever thought it would be. Starting with a slow piano intro, the song builds up to a great wailing climax that concludes with powerful vocals from Chad where he poses the question "How can we stay still and silent". It is a very fitting way to finish a great album and leaves you wanting more State Radio. 9/10

12) Reggae Indian Moon - Ask for more and you shall receive. This hidden track is a very loose alternate take on the powerful acoustic number from "Us Against the Crown". It is a fun and different interpretation of the song, but it is nothing to write home about. As a bonus track, it is an uplifting and pleasing way to finish listening and will be something I'll give a spin every once in a while. 7/10

Overall, "Let It Go" is an album you will want to listen to over and over again and will surely withstand the test of time. There are a number of classic tracks on here and practically no filler. State Radio has proved once again that they are one of the best bands around today. If only more people were aware of their greatness...

The Yankees Are Back In The Playoffs!

Although it was going to happen soon regardless, it does not make it any less sweet. After missing the tournament a year ago, the New York Yankees became the first team in baseball to clinch a playoff spot by beating the Angels last night!

Changing of the Guard: NFL Week 2

Sunday perfectly characterized why we all love the NFL so much. Filled with stunning upsets, dramatic finishes, and an audacious new stadium, Week 2 showed that the 2009-2010 NFL season will follow the same path of unpredictability and unmatched excitement that the league has become known for in recent years.

Perhaps the biggest story to come out of the weekend was the potential changing of the guard in the AFC East. After talking alot of smack during the week, the New York Jets walked the walk with a dominant 16-9 victory over the Patriots at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Having never beaten a Tom Brady-led Pats team at Giants Stadium, this win marked a huge step forward for the re energized franchise. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez showed great poise and presence, but it was the stifling defense that impressed me the most. The Jets were relentless in their pursuit of Brady, and although they failed to register a sack, they constantly pressured him into making poor throws and decisions. The Jets defensive scheme and execution in this game hearkened back to what the Giants did to the Pats in the Super Bowl a few years ago. By not allowing him to ever get comfortable, the Pats offense could never get into a good rhythm and in turn was only able to muster up 3 field goals. I have to say that I am loving what new Jets coach Rex Ryan has brought to that team. He exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance, and his team follows suit. You get the feeling that after only 2 games this team truly believes that they have what it takes to make a run at it this year. Whether or not they continue on this pace, the Jets franchise has certainly had new life breathed into it by a group of hungry players and a coach who really seems to "get" the modern NFL player. It's been quite some time since I've been able to say this, but I am now looking forward to watching Jets football and think that rest of the AFC East has been put on notice: These Jets are for real. Now onto some thoughts on each Sunday game...

Atlanta 28 Carolina 20

• The big guns showed up for the Falcons on Sunday. Matt Ryan tossed 3 scores, Michael Turner rushed for 100 yards and a TD, and new addition Tony Gonzalez grabbed his second TD in as many weeks. He's already proving to be an excellent addition.
• Jake Delhomme looked remarkably better this week than he did in week 1. I guess he had nowhere to go but up, but it is still a good sign for Panthers fans

Vikings 27 Lions 13

• This type of game will become very familiar to Lions fans this year. There will be flashes of improvement and brilliance from the team as a whole and Matthew Stafford, but reality will ultimately come around to bite them in the ass the majority of the year.
• Favre's 2 touchdown passes this year have both been short swing passes to Percy Harvin. I expect him to be much more of a game manager than he has in the past b/c he has other guys who can do the heavy lifting.

Bengals 31 Packers 24

• Wow, this was quite the surprise. Cedric Benson ran wild, Antwaan Odom went off (5 sacks!?!), and the Bungals pulled off the first big upset of the season. Coming off of last weeks heart breaker, this was a fantastic rebound for Marvin Lewis and co.
• You got a heavy sense of deja vu at the end of this one didn't you though? All I was thinking when Green Bay recovered the onside kick was how if the Bengals managed to blow that one, they'd never be able to recover
• It looks like the Pack may not be as good as the pundits believed they were going to be. Barely beating the Bears despite 4 interceptions, then losing at home to a embattled Bengals team.
  

Cardinals 31 Jaguars 17

• The Cards finally win in the eastern time zone!
• I like the guy, but Jack Del Rio is on really thin ice in Jacksonville. You can't go from being very competitive one week at Indy and then lay an egg like this in the home opener. His team have been terrible underachievers the last two seasons

Raiders 13 Chiefs 10

• It's a good thing these teams play each other b/c I'm not sure they'd win otherwise
• KC out-gained the Raiders 409-166 and lost. Pathetic. Where do you even begin if you are Todd Haley?

Saints 48 Eagles 22

• It wouldn't have really mattered if Donovan McNabb played in this game or not. You'll be hard pressed to ever win when you give up 48.
• Drew Brees is insane. At this rate he is going to put up astronomical numbers.
• Quite the interesting start for Philly. A blowout win on the road followed by a blowout loss at home. What's next? Perhaps a close game?

Redskins 9 Rams 7

• Sigh....really Washington? 5 red zone appearances and no touchdowns is just unnacceptable
• This game actually speaks volumes about how bad the Rams really are. The Redskins practically wanted to give this one away but St. Louis couldn't get the W.
• As ugly as it was, a win is a win. As a Skins fan I'll gladly take the victory and just pray we don't lose to the Lions on Sunday.

Texans 34 Titans 31

• A surprise shootout and surprise victor in this one. I wrote the Texans off after being pounded by the Jets, but I was impressed with them in this one.
• Tennessee has big issues when it comes to pass defense
• Andre Johnson will do that to you though. What a great receiver. I think his hands are doused in stick-em
• Chris Johnson shows up and goes completely off in this one. As much as a 0-2 record hurts, I think the Titans are still a good team.

Bills 33 Buccaneers 20

• Buffalo rebounds nicely after the MNF debacle at New England
• Typical T.O. effort. Drops a sure thing touchdown but catches another
• It's going to be a long ass year for Tampa Bay

49ers 23 Seahawks 10

• Frank Gore went crazy in this one with two huge TD runs. I can't believe the 49ers didn't give him the ball more in the second half. He had 203 yards rushing with over 25 minutes to play. Talk about a blown chance to potentially break a record
• Patrick Willis destroyed Matt Hasselback and may have seriously damaged any playoff hopes Seattle had.

Bears 17 Steelers 14

• Party animal kicker Jeff Reed cost Pitt this game, plain and simple. If he makes even one of those two kicks in the 4th quarter, the Steelers would be sitting pretty at 2-0
• Jay Cutler looked significantly better in this game, and Bears fans have be feeling great relief after that big win

Broncos 27 Browns 6

• Booooooring. Cleveland is awful and Denver's 2-0 record is an illusion

Ravens 31 Chargers 26

• The good for Baltimore: They all of the sudden are an offensive juggernaut
• The bad for Baltimore: The vaunted D gave up over 400 yards passing to my boy Phil Rivers
• All time great play by Ray Lewis at the end of this game. He burst through the line like a bat out of hell to blow up Darren Sproles and the Chargers hopes of winning
• Norv Turner sucks. Terrible play call on 4th down. How he ever got another job as head coach is beyond me.

Giants 33 Cowboys 31

• This game felt like more of a large showcase or a circus than it did a football battle.
• The G-Men should send Tony Romo a fruit basket as thanks for handing them this game
• It is always amazing to see Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips dissapointed. They want to be good so badly, but they're not even half the team they think they are

Colts 27 Dolphins 23

• Miami dominated this game TOP wise yet still managed to give it away
• For my money, Peyton Manning is still the best QB in football, regardless of what anyone else will tell you.
• Donald Brown is going to be a big time player for the Colts. Nice to see a UConn alum in an impact position in the NFL

That wraps up my coverage on another great week of football in the NFL. While the matchups coming up in Week 3 are less than intriguing, I'm sure some crazy, unexpected shit will happen as always. I'll try to actually remember to make my pics sometime later this week, but at the very lease I will be previewing the games on the "That's Amore" radio show. Until then, you stay classy San Diego...

That's Amore: The Radio Show

Starting one week from today, September 26th, you can catch my brand new radio show on Quinnipiac's radio station WQAQ 98.1! The show will air from 5-6 PM weekly and will cover a wide range of topics, not much unlike this blog. To listen to the show, simply visit http://www.wqaq.com/ and click "Listen Now". I encourage you to call in to the show or send me any requests you have that you feel would improve the program. Hope you all tune in and enjoy!

The Eternal Pessimist: NFL Week 1

Well the NFL finally returned this weekend and I couldn't have been more excited. That is until the Redskins took the field at Giants Stadium. Needless to say the outcome of that game did not leave me a happy camper, although it was not completely unexpected. I've been told that as a Redskins fan I am the eternal pessimist, but I prefer to think of myself as more of a realist. Having low expectations actually cushions the blow of the (frequent) tough losses that come with being a fan of the Skins. While I'd usually throw a shit fit after the type of performance showed at the Meadowlands, I'm not getting too worked up over this one. Week 1 is a time of hope and joy as a football fan. Everybody has a clean slate and anybody can go the distance. But it also breeds a great deal of overreaction from fans and media alike when things don't happen as they were expected to. The Redskins drew one of the worst opening day match ups that you could get, yet they managed to only lose by 6 points. Granted the score was a lot closer than the actual game but it could have been much worse. A year ago, they got beat like a government mule on the season opening Thursday Night game against these same G-Men and everybody left them for dead. Low and behold 7 weeks later they were a cool 6-2 and the trendy pick to win the division. I'm just going to pretend the season ended at that point...

The point is, week 1 is your first real exposure to each team and it causes a lot of snap judgments to be made. Some concerns will turn out to be very real but many will undoubtedly be erased as the season goes along. It's a long year and you're never out of it until your mathematically finished (as witnessed by the Skins late season runs in 05 and 07), so it's not worth getting your panties in a bunch over one week of play. That being said, here are a bunch of things I took from this weekend. You'll notice I don't really follow anything I typed above...

Steelers 13 Titans 10

• Pitt is going to have a really tough time winning this division if they can't run the ball. Willie Parker looked like shit against the Titans
• Tennessee doesn't look like the miss Albert Haynesworth too much. They got great pressure on Ben all night...except when they needed it down the stretch
  

Jets 24 Texans 7

• Mark Sanchez for president.
• Fuck the Texans. I'm so sick of them being the chic pic to make the playoffs. It was wonderful to see them get their comeuppance from a hungry Jets team.
• I think Ryan's boys have a great shot when they host New England this Sunday
  

Ravens 38 Chiefs 24

• Flacco looked great throwing the ball, but this game was way closer than myself (or anybody else) thought it would be
• Baltimore gave up 24 points to the Brodie Croyle led Chiefs....yikes
  

Falcons 19 Dolphins 7

• The battle of the two teams with big resurgences last year turned out to be a dud. This game made Miami's dream season a year ago look like a fluke.
• I think both of these teams will struggle this year now that they have a target on their back.
  

Eagles 38 Panthers 10

• Jake Delhomme was in playoff form on opening day...and that's not a good thing.
• Seriously, has anybody ever had a worse two game stretch at home on a generally good team? 11 turnovers combined the last two outing. You have to wonder what Carolina is going to do with him, because they can't keep parading him out there with god awful performances like this
• What a surprise, Donovan McNabb got hurt. Just in time for Michael Vick's reinstatement and thus a signing of Jeff Garcia. There is going to be some QB chaos in Philly and I love it.
  

Broncos 12 Bengals 7

• What can you say? The Bengals just had shit luck in this one. Just when you thought they had it won, Brandon Stokley makes a miracle tip drill catch to break their hearts...Child please!
• So Kyle "Neck Beard" Orton is 1-0 while Jay "Bitch Boy" Cutler is 0-1. Maybe Denver made the right call......nah
  

Vikings 34 Browns 20

• This game showed why it was completely unnecessary for Favre to come back. All Minnesota needs to do is just hand off to AP and let him penetrate the defense like a grizzled inmate does to fresh meat.
• It doesn't matter who starts at QB for the Browns because they suck regardless. That's what you get for actually wanting Eric Mangini to coach your team.
  

Colts 14 Jaguars 12

• These games are always close, not surprising to see the Colts come out on top.
• Nice new threads for the Jags though
  

Saints 45 Lions 27

• I'm pretty confident that Drew Brees is not human. Rather he is a fantasy football machine that will have a legit chance to break either the TD record or yardage record in a season
• As bad as it is to be a Skins fan at times, it must be slit-your-wrists depressing to root for the Lions.
  

Cowboys 34 Buccaneers 21

• T.O. is gone and Romo has a career day, all is peachy in Dallas, right? No. Just another case of Mr. September coming through when it matters least
• I can't wait until the Giants give the Cowgirls a rude homecoming in their obscenely Gaudy new stadium next Monday
  

49ers 20 Cardinals 16

• Looks like the Cards may have a Super Bowl hangover that's worse than my whiskey hangovers at the Vic House bar
• I'm pretty sure Mike Singletary physically abuses his players
• Michael Crabtree are you serious? Take the goddamn money and sign you selfish baby
  

Seahawks 28 Rams 0

• There is nothing worth mentioning about this game.

Packers 21 Bears 15

• Cutler looked pathetic in the first half and most of the game, yet somehow Chicago was in position to win. That's one positive to take out of a game where you played like shit and lost your defensive leader (Brian Urlacher) for the season
• Great play call on 3rd and 1 to have Rodgers throw the bomb and win the game. I think Green Bay could be a real threat in the NFC
  

Patriots 25 Bills 24

• Is there a team more snake bitten than the Bills in NFL history? I'd really like to know because I don't think it's possible. All I can say is one thing: 4 straight Super Bowl losses...
• This was one of those games that makes you think football is rigged sometimes. The Pats had no business winning yet you somehow knew that even before the kick off to McKelvin they would pull it out of their ass somehow
  

Chargers 24 Raiders 20

• The Raiders should have won this game, but they are the Bills of the modern era.
• Jamarcus Russel may have a huge arm, but he looks fat and unintelligent to me
  
• Is LT ever going to get on the field when the Chargers need him? Sheesh, that was deja vu all over again.
• I love Philip Rivers, but his less than stellar showing caused me to lost my match up in fantasy....shit
  

Overall it was a very eventful and exciting first week. I'm just so glad that we have football back so we can fanatically overanalyze everything and drink alot of beer while doing so. Check back later this week for my Week 2 picks and then on Tuesday for my ranting and raving on the week that was. Until then remember, always stay negative...

Album Review: Phish - "Joy"

Before I jump into this review, it is important to establish one thing about Vermont jam legends Phish: They are not a studio band. Phish has earned its reputation and its money as an amazing touring act that puts on one of the most mind-blowing concerts you will ever see. That being said, the band has released 10 studio albums throughout their illustrious career. I personally enjoy a good number of these albums (specifically A Picture of Nectar and Hoist), but they are by no means studio masterpieces. For their 11th studio effort (and first in 5 years), Phish turned to Steve Lillywhite to try and capture the lightning in a bottle of their live show in a studio setting. Lillywhite previously produced the very strong "Billy Breathes" in 1996 which gave Phish some mainstream attention. While he and the band have crafted a solid album with "Joy", they once again fall short of making a truly great studio album. Phish is a band that cannot be bound by the limits of the studio, and this album is a strong reminder that the true magic from this band comes on the stage. On to the song by song analysis:

1. Backwards Down the Number Line - Opting to open the album with this upbeat and happy tune was a good choice. Number Line is a fairly basic tune for the most part, featuring a simple arrangement by Phish standards. I personally get a great vibe from the happy lyrics and the catchy chorus, which is eventually punctuated by a nice long solo from guitar god Trey Anastasio. Overall, Number Line is a nice way to ease into the album and a very easy to listen to, accessible song. 7.5/10

2. Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan - Bad. Ass. This song is probably my favorite from the new recording featuring a classic Phish sound that hearkens back to the album "A Picture of Nectar". Trey is on fire throughout, showing off classic tone over a great rhythm. The lyrics are also some of my favorite on the album as they include a sure to be trademark Phish line: "Got a blank space where my mind should be". Great new song. 9/10

3. Joy - The album's title track is a quiet, acoustic number that would probably have fit in well on Billy Breathes. It's a really pretty tune with nice guitar and lyrics from Trey. I especially enjoy the melody and words to the chorus. It's simply a nice breezy tune that shows the band can do more than just jam out. 6.5/10

4. Sugar Shack - The only song sung by bassist Mike Gordon, Sugar Shack shows a shift into the funk that the band experimented heavily with on "The Story of the Ghost". The bass and drums are great and supplemented by some cool reggae riffs from Trey. The first couple of minutes are great, but the song meanders into redundancy and ends up just being o.k. when all is said and done. 7/10

5. Ocelot - Another nice breezy tune, this one is extremely influenced by the jams of the Grateful Dead. It's got some solid lyrics and good music, with a nice melodic Trey solo, but it isn't all that memorable. Like many songs on Joy, it is nice, but not anything particularly great. This type of song will improve greatly in the live setting when the band can cut loose and go on a bit of an excursion with it. 6.5/10

6. Kill Devil Falls - They might as well have named this song Chalk Dust Torture, Part 2. One of the better songs on the album, this number is extremely similar to the "A Picture of Nectar" classic. Although it doesn't come close to touching Chalk Dust, it is still a very strong song that rages pretty hard. I feel like the band really settled into a nice groove with this one and were able to capture a good live feel with it. 8/10

7. Light - This is just a very cool song. I feel like it will be a beast in the live setting. Like many Phish songs, the studio cut is simply the foundation in which they build off of when the song comes to the stage. I'm looking forward to hearing this one in concert because I feel like it has strong potential to go places. The ambient sounds and harmonies throughout should make for a great live song. 8/10

8. I Been Around - Nice try, but not a great song. At least it is very short. This is trademark quirky Phish but it just does not do anything for me, and I usually really like Paige songs. The lounge style playing is just too cheesy for me. 4/10

9. Time Turns Elastic - This 13 minute progressive rock opus allegedly took 278 takes for the band to nail in studio. I'm still not sure what to make of this tune. On one hand I really appreciate the band's ambition and recognize that this is definitely the biggest risk taker on the album. On the other hand, I just don't think that the song is all that great. The foundation of it is solid, but it seems like it could have either been alot shorter, or been alot more dynamic at its current length. I'm going to go with an undecided rating on this one until I listen to it a few more times.

10. Twenty Years Later - This is a strong way to finish out the album. The intro lyrics from Trey feature some great word play and I feel like the song overall is very strong. This is yet another one though that will be much better on the road. It seems like a good start, but something is missing from making it a great track. 7/10

Overall, "Joy" is a solid, but unspectacular album. Phish is known for being extremely unpredictable and taking major risks in their live shows, however that has simply not carried over into the studio. Most of these songs feel too safe and not as exploratory of new sounds as they should be. I think they will benefit greatly from concert treatment, but as they stand on Joy they are just decent. Lillywhite again proves his mettle as a great producer, but he still wasn't able to coax that great live feel out of Phish in the studio. I would recommend this album for big Phish fans only. If you want to start getting into the band either go with an earlier album or preferable a live disc. I will be interested to here the second disc from these sessions, "Party Time", to see if it has more risk taking and trademark "Phishiness" to it. I definitely feel joy that Phish is back from their hiatus, but "Joy" does not elicit the response that it's title would suggest.

Back to School & New Beginnings

August has come and gone and that means one thing: School is back in session. Now that I've begun my senior year at Quinnipiac, my blogging schedule is going to be slightly modified. Since I'm going to be pretty busy in the next few weeks I'm not expecting to make too many posts. I will however try to make at least one post a week throughout the semester in order to keep some sort of rhythm going with the blog. Despite my suddenly busy schedule, the next few months will feauture some cool new aspects of the blog that will allow you guys to get a better sense of my crazy self as well as provide you with some good old fashion entertainment.

The biggest offshoot of the blog will come later this month when I debut my hour long radio show, also entitled "That's Amore", on WQAQ 98.1. You will be able to listen to this show anywhere through the internet and I'm very excited about its prospects. More information to come on this show in the next few weeks.

In addition to the radio show, I'll be adding some new sports sections to correspond with the upcoming NFL season. As many of you know I am a die-hard Redskins fan and the end of the football off season has made me go from six to midnight. Check back weekly for some of my blunt, controversial, and hopefully humorous opinions on all the doings in the National Football League this season.

All in all, this is an exciting time for the blog and I ask you to be patient with me as I get my feet under me in terms of the academic year. I promise some big things in the next few months and I hope you continue to come along for the ride with me. Until next time...