As I sit here enjoying my breakfast smoothie and listening to Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" (great choice, Chris!), I can't help but feel like submissions for this week's mix will be awesome...what with our entire economy scheduled to implode around Wednesday or so...
For those of you new to this - Each week The Berg Standard asks you to submit your song picks that you feel best exemplify the week's current events and news. Submissions are taken until Thursday at 4 PM and then our good friends at 8tracks.com help us compile a soundtrack for the week Friday morning so you can enjoy it during the weekend. All you have to do is be creative and submit your song picks!
Check out last week's The Berg Standard Mix #1 (Week of 9/22)
And to my Jewish brothers and sisters I say L'shana Tova!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Paulson is Going To Dip House Republicans in Sludge!
Kudos to the Mancuso Brothers (Pete & Nick) for pointing out the eerie similarities between Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" villain Judge Doom.
"Oh No! He's going to dip them in sludge!" - Pete Mancuso
Phillies Playoff Chances Remind me of Bar Mitzvahs
On Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their second straight National League Eastern Division championship. Unlike last year, when the team historically made up 7 games with 17 to play and overcame the Mets, this year's team spent a majority of their season in first place. Despite economic hardships taking their hold across our great nation, thousands of Phillies fans (including yours truly) will flock to Citizens Bank Park this week to see the Phils take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
After Brad Lidge recorded the final out on Saturday and my celebration with Matt Pollack consisting of high fiving and Korbel champagne had ended, I thought back to 1993 when the Phillies last had a successful postseason and went to the World Series. That was my 7th grade year at Abington Junior High School and far and away the most social period of my life. Every weekend, my calendar was booked with 2-3 bar or bat mitzvahs to attend in the northeast Philadelphia and Main Line area. Away games that I couldn't attend would force me to bring a headset to the party to hear Harry Kalas calling the action and stressing the tense atmosphere that only comes with Mitch Williams trying to save a game on the road.
This year's Phillies squad is better than the '93 team. Even better than the '07 team. They actually have a bullpen this year. They actually believe that they're capable of winning and have the talent to do so. A shortened rotation in the playoffs only helps the Phillies as there is no need to send a Kyle Kendrick or an Adam Eaton to the mound. Bullpen is much deeper than last year and I see the team getting over last year's early round exit and having no problem dispatching of the Brewers in four games.
As I work to find ways to work from home this week to take part in Philadelphia Playoff Phever (which I can tell you is one of the most amazing things to be a part of), I'm looking forward to these games more than ever. I'll be moving to California in December, so this is likely the last time I'll see a Phillies home playoff game for quite some time. The celebration that will accompany a playoff game victory will bring back memories of '93's magical run to the World Series along with awkward 13 year Jewish kids dancing at Bar Mitzvahs. Oh it'll be a party...and I can't wait!
After Brad Lidge recorded the final out on Saturday and my celebration with Matt Pollack consisting of high fiving and Korbel champagne had ended, I thought back to 1993 when the Phillies last had a successful postseason and went to the World Series. That was my 7th grade year at Abington Junior High School and far and away the most social period of my life. Every weekend, my calendar was booked with 2-3 bar or bat mitzvahs to attend in the northeast Philadelphia and Main Line area. Away games that I couldn't attend would force me to bring a headset to the party to hear Harry Kalas calling the action and stressing the tense atmosphere that only comes with Mitch Williams trying to save a game on the road.
This year's Phillies squad is better than the '93 team. Even better than the '07 team. They actually have a bullpen this year. They actually believe that they're capable of winning and have the talent to do so. A shortened rotation in the playoffs only helps the Phillies as there is no need to send a Kyle Kendrick or an Adam Eaton to the mound. Bullpen is much deeper than last year and I see the team getting over last year's early round exit and having no problem dispatching of the Brewers in four games.
As I work to find ways to work from home this week to take part in Philadelphia Playoff Phever (which I can tell you is one of the most amazing things to be a part of), I'm looking forward to these games more than ever. I'll be moving to California in December, so this is likely the last time I'll see a Phillies home playoff game for quite some time. The celebration that will accompany a playoff game victory will bring back memories of '93's magical run to the World Series along with awkward 13 year Jewish kids dancing at Bar Mitzvahs. Oh it'll be a party...and I can't wait!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Finally - Barack Obama and Rick Astley...Together!
Pree has forwarded me a video that I'm only about 3 million views behind on...Barack Obama speeches mixed with the Rick Astley classic "Never Gonna Give You Up"
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I Dare You To Compare
The Sarah Palin interviews remind me of another deer-in-headlights interview..can't seem to put my finger on it..oh wait..now I remember:
Putting all politics aside, Palin is still unimpressive
Forget for a second that she's running for the GOP Vice Presidency. Forget for a second that I'm a Democrat and let's throw partisan politics aside. If this wasn't an election and people watched this interview on television, they'd STILL think it was a train wreck.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Berg Standard News Cycle Mix #1
Thank you everyone for your submissions. Every Wednesday, we'll ask for submissions and post the mix each Friday. Enjoy the tracks you felt best represented the news cycle for the week of 9/22.
The Berg Standard News Cycle Mix #1 (Week of 9/22)
1. "The Imperial March" - John Williams
2. "Road to Nowhere" - Talking Heads
3. "Minnie the Moocher" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
4. "This Year" - The Mountain Goats
5. "World Leader Pretend" - R.E.M.
6. "Theologians" - Jeff Tweedy
7. "Burnin' & Lootin'" - Bob Marley & The Wailers
8. "Heat of the Moment" - Asia
9. "If I had a million dollars" - Barenaked Ladies
10. "Indifference" - Pearl Jam
11. "Mercy Mercy Me" - Marvin Gaye
12. "Whoops" - Blues Traveler
13. "Excuse Me Mr." - Ben Harper
14. "Hurricane Jane" - Black Kids
15. "Run" - Gnarls Barkley
16. "The Lie and How We Told It" - Yo La Tengo
Check out the mix below or at 8tracks.com.
The Berg Standard News Cycle Mix #1 (Week of 9/22)
1. "The Imperial March" - John Williams
2. "Road to Nowhere" - Talking Heads
3. "Minnie the Moocher" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
4. "This Year" - The Mountain Goats
5. "World Leader Pretend" - R.E.M.
6. "Theologians" - Jeff Tweedy
7. "Burnin' & Lootin'" - Bob Marley & The Wailers
8. "Heat of the Moment" - Asia
9. "If I had a million dollars" - Barenaked Ladies
10. "Indifference" - Pearl Jam
11. "Mercy Mercy Me" - Marvin Gaye
12. "Whoops" - Blues Traveler
13. "Excuse Me Mr." - Ben Harper
14. "Hurricane Jane" - Black Kids
15. "Run" - Gnarls Barkley
16. "The Lie and How We Told It" - Yo La Tengo
Check out the mix below or at 8tracks.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What song best exemplifies the past news week?
I thought about this on the metro today, but I'm going to do a weekly "Soundtrack For The Week" posting where I will compile your song suggestions that you think best capture the spirit of the week in news. I thought of this when "Don't Worry About The Government" by Talking Heads came on my Ipod today. Let's say submissions are due by Thursdays at 4 PM and I'll post the soundtrack (hopefully with links to the song tracks in Amazon.com or mixwit.com) on the site Friday morning.
Ready? And.........GO!
Ready? And.........GO!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
20 Best Political Websites According to PC Magazine
This was provided by someone on my grad school listserv.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329081,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329081,00.asp
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
So glad I get to bail out AIG
Today it was announced that the US will be bailing out insurance giant, AIG and it now controls roughly 80% of the firm. I'm so irritated by this. Our economy is completely in the toilet and I have my government telling me that my federal tax dollars aren't good enough to put towards universal healthcare but they're perfectly acceptable in bailing out corporate fat cats with their economic failures. Fucking awesome!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
DeSean Jackson: A Philly Perspective
April 2008: Philly fans go crazy over the team drafting DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal with their 2nd pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. Look at this guy! Finally a receiver with speed, moves and talent to step up and replace Terrell Owens (the only worthwhile receiver the Eagles have ever had on their roster aside from Harold Carmichael). In a moment of impulsive excitement, I jump for joy at the opportunity to cheer for arguably one of Cal's finest playing for my hometown Birds.
Ten seconds later. Reality sets in.
Once the sugar rush subsided I remembered that this was STILL the same DeSean Jackson who routinely refused to go all out in the middle of the field. The same one who had awful work ethic (which I admit, it's hard to really push yourself for Jeff Tedford but still). The same one who picked Cal over USC because USC had already given someone the #1 jersey (which is why I love seeing you hold a #2!). The same one who is generously listed at 5'10" (he's closer to 5'8", folks!).
For a team coming off the internal destruction caused by T.O., it was unsettling to see my city hinge our Superbowl prospects on a guy who's dad and brother have only helped feed his ego since he was young.
Once I came to my senses, I realized what we had here wasn't even someone who was as bad as T.O. (come on man, T.O. is a lot more talented than DeSean Jackson)....we had a rehashed, poor-man's Ricky Watters! Once I realized the comedic value in having DeSean on the team I, of course, bought in and got myself a DeSean Eagles jersey. Not because I enjoy him as a player, but because I have an obsession with buying Eagles jerseys for players who turn into pop-culture references and are never heard from again. Three years from now, my DeSean Jackson jersey will be worth 5 times as much in campy value as it is today.
Last night during the Eagles/Cowboys Monday Night Football game. We were reminded of who DeSean Jackson really is. On live TV in primetime, the guy caught a 60+ yard TD pass but was so intent on being able to do his post score celebration dance that he flipped the ball over his shoulder before actually stepping into the endzone. Nice one! The TD was called back (Westbrook thankfully scored on the next play) and the Eagles had the ball at the goal line. But the damage was done. The room full of Eagles fans looked at me and finally realized the gospel I had been spewing since April. This guy wasn't the next big thing and cared more about himself than the team. Kornheiser was relentless on Jackson for the rest of the game. I loved it. FINALLY, a broadcaster east of the Mississippi will talk about how self-centered and brain-dead DeSean is. To the two ESPN.com commentators who boldly predicted DeSean would be Offensive Rookie of the Year....I say you deserve to be put to sleep. You clearly never watched a single Cal game. That is the only explanation I can think of to justify making such a baseless and idiotic statement like "DeSean Jackson will win rookie of the year."
Us Philly fans may be bad. We may boo one day and cheer the next. But it's because we like winners. We've had so few of them. Curt Schilling (while an asshole) was a winner. Bobby Clarke was a winner. Dr. J was a winner. I've met winners at Gary Barbera's Dodgeland Philly Sports Extravaganza, DeSean Jackson...and you sir are not a winner.
Bergcrest out.
Ten seconds later. Reality sets in.
Once the sugar rush subsided I remembered that this was STILL the same DeSean Jackson who routinely refused to go all out in the middle of the field. The same one who had awful work ethic (which I admit, it's hard to really push yourself for Jeff Tedford but still). The same one who picked Cal over USC because USC had already given someone the #1 jersey (which is why I love seeing you hold a #2!). The same one who is generously listed at 5'10" (he's closer to 5'8", folks!).
For a team coming off the internal destruction caused by T.O., it was unsettling to see my city hinge our Superbowl prospects on a guy who's dad and brother have only helped feed his ego since he was young.
Once I came to my senses, I realized what we had here wasn't even someone who was as bad as T.O. (come on man, T.O. is a lot more talented than DeSean Jackson)....we had a rehashed, poor-man's Ricky Watters! Once I realized the comedic value in having DeSean on the team I, of course, bought in and got myself a DeSean Eagles jersey. Not because I enjoy him as a player, but because I have an obsession with buying Eagles jerseys for players who turn into pop-culture references and are never heard from again. Three years from now, my DeSean Jackson jersey will be worth 5 times as much in campy value as it is today.
Last night during the Eagles/Cowboys Monday Night Football game. We were reminded of who DeSean Jackson really is. On live TV in primetime, the guy caught a 60+ yard TD pass but was so intent on being able to do his post score celebration dance that he flipped the ball over his shoulder before actually stepping into the endzone. Nice one! The TD was called back (Westbrook thankfully scored on the next play) and the Eagles had the ball at the goal line. But the damage was done. The room full of Eagles fans looked at me and finally realized the gospel I had been spewing since April. This guy wasn't the next big thing and cared more about himself than the team. Kornheiser was relentless on Jackson for the rest of the game. I loved it. FINALLY, a broadcaster east of the Mississippi will talk about how self-centered and brain-dead DeSean is. To the two ESPN.com commentators who boldly predicted DeSean would be Offensive Rookie of the Year....I say you deserve to be put to sleep. You clearly never watched a single Cal game. That is the only explanation I can think of to justify making such a baseless and idiotic statement like "DeSean Jackson will win rookie of the year."
Us Philly fans may be bad. We may boo one day and cheer the next. But it's because we like winners. We've had so few of them. Curt Schilling (while an asshole) was a winner. Bobby Clarke was a winner. Dr. J was a winner. I've met winners at Gary Barbera's Dodgeland Philly Sports Extravaganza, DeSean Jackson...and you sir are not a winner.
Bergcrest out.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ash is the only woman at nellies
They're playing the 'gay' version of 'dont stop believing' which evidently just means add bass
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Random thought: Doesn't the time period between Damone and Stacey having sex and her realizing she's pregnant seem a little rushed to you?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Cal Football this Weekend!
This weekend I will be going to my first Cal Bears football game as Kevin Riley and Company take on the Maryland Terrapins. It'll be a battle between two of college footballs most underachieving teams and I can't wait. As many of you know, I've been a Cal fan forever and like to pretend I went there even though I went to Syracuse. I'm looking forward to finally moving to the Golden State in December so I won't be judged so harshly for cheering them on. Even though I'll be living 80 miles from Berkeley in Sacramento. Oh well. One day.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
What Your Music Says About You
This is kinda BS'y - By lumping groups of people into whatever music they listen to, aren't you undermining the entire essence of what music is supposed to represent in general?
Major props to Tiger for the article:
What your music says about you
Indie: Devotees have low self-esteem and are not very hard-working, kind or generous. However, they are creative.
Rock 'n' Roll: Fans have high self-esteem and are very creative, hard-working and at ease with themselves, but not very kind or generous.
Blues: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease with themselves.
Classical: Classical music lovers have high self-esteem, are creative and at ease with themselves, but not outgoing.
Heavy metal: Very creative and at ease with themselves, but not very outgoing or hard-working.
Reggae: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, kind, generous and at ease with themselves, but not very hard-working.
Country & Western: Very hard-working and outgoing.
Dance: Creative and outgoing but not kind or generous.
Rap: High self-esteem, outgoing.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sarah Palin Action Figures
OMG - I want one of these!
http://www.sarahpalinactionfigure.com/
As Karl pointed out, I think I am more Executive Palin then "Tomb Raider" Palin.
http://www.sarahpalinactionfigure.com/
As Karl pointed out, I think I am more Executive Palin then "Tomb Raider" Palin.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
My car
So I got in a car accident last night. Not a bad one, but still one nevertheless. My flip flop got caught in my pedal when i switched from gas to break and, well, it became all gas into the back of some Bethesda lady's BMW. Not a lot of damage but irritating. Another thing on my plate.
The moral of the story?
There's no way I could've caused the same amount of damage to her car if I was riding a scooter.
The moral of the story?
There's no way I could've caused the same amount of damage to her car if I was riding a scooter.
McCain meets Levi
What's with the patting and the obsession McCain seems to have with Bristol's baby's daddy's hands?
Friday, September 5, 2008
The 'new' 90210
Watching the new 90210...so pumped yet so lame that I got the Andrea Zuckerman reference in the opening scene
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Palin's (Future) Son-in-law's Tattoo
Little does she know, it's because he's a huge fan of the town in CT:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/levi-johnstons-tattoo-bri_n_123748.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/levi-johnstons-tattoo-bri_n_123748.html
New Blog!
Finally setting up a blog. Trying to figure out how to link my Twitter feed to my blog and vice versa...hmmmm
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