- First of all, I want to address the “fail” that the Chicago trip was for RoJo and myself. So on Sunday night, there were still a couple of $22 tickets to the Monday game between Chicago and Detroit at Comiskey Park. And I asked RoJo if he wanted to go. He agreed, but only if I drove. The game was delayed because of a rain delay. And well, here’s the thing about me: when I’m in town that I’m not an experienced driver with (I’ve driven to Chicago twice myself but never on the Dan Ryan), I’m an anxious person. So when it appeared the game would continued to be delayed, we left. It started about an hour later. It sucks because it sounded like on the radio that it was a tremendous game. But that’s life. The reason that we took an extra hour or so is because RoJo, NOT ME, suggested that we take I-55 down to 80 E, whereas we could’ve gotten back on the Dan Ryan and gotten on 80 E in 10 minutes. So either way, an unsuccessful trip but thankfully the Chicago White Sox won that game, and they won earlier tonight and will now play the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. That said, I don’t think RoJo really has much to complain about except how he wasted a Monday that he would’ve spent working on this website. He didn’t pay for the ticket, parking or gas…yet.

- Speaking of winning tonight, that was one of the best games they’ve played in the last three seasons. Everything was laid out on the line, and people stepped up. John Danks pitched a gem, and came up with the best start of his career. Jim Thome and Ken Griffey, Jr. both made statements of how serious they want to win a World Series finally, and Brian Anderson made a spectacular catch. Coupled with Alexei Ramirez’ grand slam on Monday night, and the starts from Mark Buehrle and Gavin Floyd over the past couple of days, the Sox finally have momentum in their favor, right at the best time: OCTOBER!

- Small project: I’m hoping to go the entire month of October without actively listening to Jimmy Eat World. I realize I put over the band like no one’s business, and with good reason, but I have 4400 songs on my iTunes that aren’t from them. I want to give other bands a shot. Now, I’ll preface this month by saying I’m not going to fret if I accidentally hear a song of theirs out and about. But I’m not going to listen to them intentionally.

- Last week, RoJo and I were talking Brand New and I commented on how their first album reminded me of my freshman roommate and a girl from high school that I had a big crush on (for possible clues on the stories see: “Jude Law and a Semester Abroad” and “Last Chance to Lose Your Keys”). That prompted me to find my old Xanga blog that I kept up religiously from November 2004 to May 2006 and then sporadically after. I will say this: I can’t believe I spent my first two years of college complaining about my first two years of college. I’m glad I became way more social once I turned 21.

- The Office Season 5 premiere was just fantastic. I’m loving every single love triangle that they’re going to go with. I haven’t been this excited for a sitcom currently on TV since Seinfeld Season 9. Meanwhile, the Dirty Sexy Money premiere is Wednesday. Hopefully that show brings it for Season 2. I was quite impressed by the Brothers and Sisters premiere Sunday night. Yes, I watch those shows. I’m into dysfunctional family shows as much as I am into teen dramas.

- I got a haircut a week ago Sunday. It had been about six weeks since the last, which is quicker for normal between cuts. Either way, I love that my hair grows fast enough that now, 9-10 days later, I can style my hair anyway I want. Too bad that only lasts 2-3 weeks.

- It’s high time that Subway’s Footlong for $5 expanded back out to include normal Sub of the Day sandwiches, especially the Roast Beef. God, I love Subway.

That’s all for now from Russell’s room.

Delta Goodrem
Video: In This Life (Live)
Video: Black Velvet (Cover – Live)

You have got to see and hear this girl to believe her. Delta Goodrem, an Australian singer/actress, has an amazing voice and isn’t shabby to watch, either. I’ve heard her new hit ‘In This Life’ many times on Sirius, but never new about the artist. That changed last night when she appeared on a newsworthy episode of Late Show w/ David Letterman. Delta plays piano in ‘In This Life’, and sings it quite well. I dare say she may become my new favorite female singer, replacing Tori Amos. I’ll have to hear more from her first, and believe me, I’m going to hear more.

After seeing her sing last night, I immediately searched out her album and more information. She has quite the story, it turns out. At the age of 15, Delta signed with Sony. In 2002, she became well known by appearing on an Australian soap opera (Russ just became a fan…). In 2003, in the midst of transitioning from being an award winning actress to an award winning songwriter, her career was put on hold due to the development of cancer. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after developing several warning signs. Her treatment took over her life, but she survived, and went on to release her second album in 2004. Now, her third album, titled ‘Delta’, is becoming a huge hit worldwide. She’s currently touring in the US and traveling the media circuit promoting her album.

Delta, who writes and performs her own songs, as well as playing piano on most, is a gorgeous young lady (Oh, did I mention she’s only 23!) who has the entire world at her fingertips. Her future is bright, and deserves your attention. I highly encourage you to check out her albums Innocent Eyes, Mistaken Identity, and Delta. Also, check out her cover of ‘Black Velvet’, a chart topping hit of 1990. I’ve linked the video up above. Check it out!

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Oasis
Video: The Shock Of The Lightning

I’ve been listening to the new album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ over the last two days. I haven’t heard every song, as I haven’t dedicated an hour solely to this album to listen to it all through, as I’d like to before I review it. However, I am a fan of new single ‘The Shock Of The Lightning’. It’s not the greatest single the band has released, although no one expected it to follow such classics as ‘Wonderwall’ or ‘D’You Know What I Mean’. The album is steady, with a mix of rock and softer, melodic tunes. The last two albums have come to the US with little fanfare it seems, but have been worthy of some press. Noel and Liam, the Gallagher brothers, have been hard at work producing meaningful and worthwile tunes, and this is no exception. I’ll review the album soon here, but I can already suggest you give it a listen.

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O.A.R. (Of A Revolution)
Video: Shattered

I recently got back into OAR (Of A Revolution). Now, first let me say that I automatically tend to dislike bands that use acronyms for their name. If they want to name themselves Of A Revolution and stick with it, fine…but acronyms? I’m against them. Nine Inch Nails is fine because they don’t go by NIN. Say it out loud; If they went by NIN, they never would have made it. AFI is in the same boat, however, like OAR, they have managed to overcome this sin by their musical talent.

I’ve been asking around lately for others thoughts on this band. I’ve asked Russ, my roommate Josh, my friend The Boz, and a few other people who ended up saying they never had heard of them…and the general consensus among them was not a positive one. Josh, in fact, dislikes them plenty enough for everyone. I, however, don’t see this hate. Josh’s reasoning was that they weren’t his favorite genre, he’s not big into live specialists, or jam bands in particular. He also dislikes Dave Matthews Band, and OAR is often described as a new, lesser known DMB. Other reviews weren’t so negative of them, though. There is definite potential with the new album, All Sides, to change minds, in my opinion. The newest single ‘Shattered’ is one of the catchiest OAR tunes, as well as one of the catchiest in all of modern rock radio. Already the most successful in terms of chart rankings, new single ‘Shattered’ continues to climb and is heavily featured on XM and Sirius radio’s alternative rock and top 40 stations. It’s already one of my favorite OAR songs, and has been on my playlist over the last week.

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Other music I’ve been listening to, and suggest you do also whether you’re familiar with them or not:

1) All Time Low – Especially their cover of Rihanna’s hit Umbrella. This band has quickly taken the place of Taking Back Sunday as a favorite small club, college loved type band with punk/alt goodness. Russ will probably tell you more about them than I could, but I’m a fan.

2) Matchbox 20 – Recently went back and listened to their debut album, which including hit single Push. I got into this band when I was twelve. I remember vividly what started my interest in them. While playing little league baseball, a kid on the team would often listen to this song in his dad’s car while we drove to away games. This was his favorite song, and I quickly became a fan as well. I’m not much a fan of their most recent stuff, and I’m not too interested in Rob Thomas’ solo stuff (including his alleged affair with Tom Cruise), but I do enjoy their first album.

3) Jimmy Eat World – Russ puts over this album more than Hulk Hogan does his daughter, and his high reviews made me a fan again of this band. I’ve listened to Chase This Light and Clarity in their entirety recently, and the improvement and musical growth is refreshing and amazing. Some bands produce record after record, but either regress or stay the same. Not these guys. Better and better every time out, and if you’re not familiar with them, I suggest you become so quickly.

4) Brand New – Of course, never get tired of Brand New. The band plays two sold out shows this weekend in Columbus and Indianapolis. These are their last two shows of the year, and will feature new music that Jesse Lacey (lead singer) has been working on.

- I had a job interview today at Wal-Mart. Actually two. They went pretty well; about as well as they’ll get. I have to go back tomorrow morning to meet the store manager. After that, I pretty much have the job. I don’t necessarily want it, but it’s an easy job, and I need the money. But at the same time, I’m so ready to get out of Fort Wayne. I want to get out and really try for something in the writing field so bad it’s crazy. My plan is to get out there in the next few months, but because of really no money now, I have to wait. At the same time, I miss the college life so bad. All I want is to get back to school and do the class thing. This sucks.

- I noticed my comment on the new Kid Rock song got some negative feedback. I’m sorry to hear that. But that’s something that happens with music. It polarizes. But in a way, that’s what is great about it. You have real emotions.

- The election is coming up. I’ll put this out there: I’m still somewhat undecided. I really want the feeling that whoever gets into office will change things, specifically the economy. If you can sell me on that, even if you’re lying I guess, it will get my vote. I can care less about health care and the war right now. I want a break from the high gas prices, and the prospect of finding a job suitable for a college graduate. When I’m applying for jobs at HH Gregg, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc b/c they’re about the only places really hiring, that’s probably not good. Or maybe I just am lazy. Could be the latter.

- Been reading Bret Easton Ellis a lot lately. For some reason, I started reading Less Than Zero this past spring. It completely changed me. I finished The Rules of Attraction a couple of weeks ago, and started American Psycho. There is something about the way he writes that grabs me. The characters are so unlikeable, but I want to root for them slightly.

- Bob Dylan has been on the stereo lately.

- My next entry is hopefully going to be my thoughts on the current state of “reality porn”. I’ll review some of the names and sites that are big on the college scene, dissecting why some should be get out and others should be bigger names down the line. From Fort Wayne’s favorite girl Bree Olson to the wacky adventures of the Bang Bus, nothing will be missed if I can help it.