06.09.09 – Tuesday

Word: apostasy [uh-pos-tuh-see] n. a total desertion of or departure from one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc

Birthday: Cole Porter (1891), Les Paul (1915), Robert McNamara (1961), George Axelrod (1922), Jackie Mason (1931), Jackie Wilson (1934), Dick Vitale (1939), Patricia Cornwell (1956), Michael J. Fox (1961), Aaron Sorkin (1961), Johnny Depp (1963), Natalie Portman (1981)

Quotation: When written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters – one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. – John F. Kennedy

Tune: “A hybrid of Americana rock and Northern Soul with boundless energy.” That’s how mp3.com describes Californian band, Delta Spirit. I guess so. But Delta Spirit is really good. Try “Trashcan” for a listen.

Gallimaufry: Evan Dando, the man behind 90’s indie act, The Lemonheads, is suing GM for using a song in a TV commercial that sounds kind of like 1992’s “It’s A Shame About Ray.” Pitchfork offers links to both the original song and the GM ad. Check it out. I don’t really hear it. Besides, how’s Dando think he’s going to get money out of GM at this particular time? ∞ Apparently, the Philadelphia Flyers have signed goalie Ray Emery to a one-year deal, effectively ending the reign of goalie tandem Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki. Emery, who played last season in the Russian KHL, has a spotty history both on and off the ice. I’m curious to see Flyers’ fans’ reactions to a guy who’s had disciplinary problems – not something Philadelphia’s known to have much tolerance for. It’s a good fit, I think, due to the fact the Flyers are more well-rounded than Emery’s last team, the Ottawa Senators, a team that’s fallen apart over the last couple of years, mainly because it’s top-heavy with a few elite talent guys and not much else. I’m optimistic the guys in the Flyers’ locker room (Mike Richards, Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell) will be able to keep Emery in check, at least on the ice. ∞  Remember how much fun we all had a couple of years back with El Niño? Well, get ready for some more. Weather experts say that El Niño is making a comeback. Super.  

Incoming: Things have been a bit crazy (putting it mildly) but I’ll be getting those posts up I promised last week.