Bangalore Office Space Grows 50% in 4 Years
9 years ago
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are you fucking kidding me?
So I'm sitting here happily watching Modern Marvels on History Channel when the next show comes on: a multi-hour show called "Ancient Aliens" which starts off with them interviewing the Vatican about whether aliens were angels. Are you fucking kidding me? Who the fuck authorized this waste of money? Like ok, maybe on the scifi channel with their ghost hunting shows, but seriously, on the history channel? What the fuck happened?
Remember when the history channel was good? Then it became the WWII channel, went back to being good, the waffled a little bit running only shows about hitler and kinda lame shows like modern marvels which really aren't what the channel should be about. Now they've pretty much hit rock bottom with shit like this. Like seriously, this is beyond lame.
Remember awesome shows on the history of jazz and baseball on history channel? Yeah neither do I, those were documentaries by Ken Burns on PBS. This is what the history channel should be, not this fucking lame bullshit they're airing these days. My, how the mighty have fallen (straight down to the lowest common denominator). I can't wait till they start airing "historical" episodes of Cops. Fuck that.
Embarassment of riches
Being a Red Sox fan is pretty OK. Your team is always competitive, has lost it's "lovable loser" moniker and generally seems to care about putting a winning product on the field.
But holy shit is the media awful.
WEEI -- which I listen to often in the car because I hate myself -- is one of the most alarmist, irrational, moronic outlets related to anything, sports aside. Their latest (see: only) topic? How terrible David Ortiz has been. With the Bruins and Celtics done, and the Pats not up to much, there's not a lot going on in the Boston sports scene. And yes, Ortiz has been awful and is a concern, but one would think the Red Sox are sitting in last place, the amount of burn the Ortiz story is getting.
And this phenomenon is one of the reasons being in the Red Sox loop is horrifying.
Ortiz, the number three hitter who is a few seasons removed from hitting over 50 homers, is probably done. He looks old, his may be off the juice, he has no Latin players to hang out with (untrue, but said), he wants out of Boston, he needs a new hitting coach, all these and many more have been thrown around regarding Ortiz.
But the point is, it doesn't matter. It's a joke that this is such a big deal. He's done. Move on. Let him hit down in the order until he gets it figured out. Or doesn't. It happens. Boston is top ten in runs scored, homers, RBI, average, on-base, and OPS. It's not like they are the Nationals here. They have not one, but two MVP canidates from last season, Pedroia and Youkilis, the former hasn't even begun to hit for power yet. They have Bay, who has 16 homers and four more hitters with more than seven home runs. Are those guys playing over their heads? Somewhat, but the lineup is deep, they back each other up. If any other team -- except maybe the Yankees -- had this amount of offensive talent, and was still bitching about one slumping star, while sitting one game out of first, they would be told to shut up.
So I'll do it. Shut up, Red Sox media. Please.
There's so much about "Our number three hitter is a black hole!" Solution that has finally been discovered: Move. Him. Down. Here's what ridiculous lineup the team could have -- and not by making a trade -- but just moving Ortiz down.
Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, Bay, Lowell, Drew, Ortiz, Varitek, SS du jour.
That is a deep playoff lineup, Ortiz be damned. Your 2-6 hitters should average 20 homers -- with Bay closer to 30+ and Pedroia closer to the low teens -- which is crazy.
I am against trading for Nick "Glassman" Johnson or Victor Martinez, simply because it's foolish. Ever since the Nomar days, there has been this prevailing thought that the Sox need an All-Star at every position, a player who hits 50 homers. Guess what? It's OK to not have a batting champ in the nine-hole. Would I like a Martinez or Hanley Ramirez? Yeah, I guess. But at what cost? And to what end?
This team, as currently constructed, can win the division and make it deep in the playoffs. Our bullpen is great, the starters will be fine, there's help in the minors and the lineup is deep as hell. So forget Ortiz. Let him languish in the seven or six spot. Maybe he gets it together and hits like 20 homers. Crazier things have happened. If he doesn't, whatever. He's your seven hitter. Rotate him with Baldelli and other DH types. Bring up Lars Anderson or something. Just don't trade three of four pieces for some DH.
The Red Sox don't need big bats at every spot in the lineup. It's a little embarassing already.
But holy shit is the media awful.
WEEI -- which I listen to often in the car because I hate myself -- is one of the most alarmist, irrational, moronic outlets related to anything, sports aside. Their latest (see: only) topic? How terrible David Ortiz has been. With the Bruins and Celtics done, and the Pats not up to much, there's not a lot going on in the Boston sports scene. And yes, Ortiz has been awful and is a concern, but one would think the Red Sox are sitting in last place, the amount of burn the Ortiz story is getting.
And this phenomenon is one of the reasons being in the Red Sox loop is horrifying.
Ortiz, the number three hitter who is a few seasons removed from hitting over 50 homers, is probably done. He looks old, his may be off the juice, he has no Latin players to hang out with (untrue, but said), he wants out of Boston, he needs a new hitting coach, all these and many more have been thrown around regarding Ortiz.
But the point is, it doesn't matter. It's a joke that this is such a big deal. He's done. Move on. Let him hit down in the order until he gets it figured out. Or doesn't. It happens. Boston is top ten in runs scored, homers, RBI, average, on-base, and OPS. It's not like they are the Nationals here. They have not one, but two MVP canidates from last season, Pedroia and Youkilis, the former hasn't even begun to hit for power yet. They have Bay, who has 16 homers and four more hitters with more than seven home runs. Are those guys playing over their heads? Somewhat, but the lineup is deep, they back each other up. If any other team -- except maybe the Yankees -- had this amount of offensive talent, and was still bitching about one slumping star, while sitting one game out of first, they would be told to shut up.
So I'll do it. Shut up, Red Sox media. Please.
There's so much about "Our number three hitter is a black hole!" Solution that has finally been discovered: Move. Him. Down. Here's what ridiculous lineup the team could have -- and not by making a trade -- but just moving Ortiz down.
Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, Bay, Lowell, Drew, Ortiz, Varitek, SS du jour.
That is a deep playoff lineup, Ortiz be damned. Your 2-6 hitters should average 20 homers -- with Bay closer to 30+ and Pedroia closer to the low teens -- which is crazy.
I am against trading for Nick "Glassman" Johnson or Victor Martinez, simply because it's foolish. Ever since the Nomar days, there has been this prevailing thought that the Sox need an All-Star at every position, a player who hits 50 homers. Guess what? It's OK to not have a batting champ in the nine-hole. Would I like a Martinez or Hanley Ramirez? Yeah, I guess. But at what cost? And to what end?
This team, as currently constructed, can win the division and make it deep in the playoffs. Our bullpen is great, the starters will be fine, there's help in the minors and the lineup is deep as hell. So forget Ortiz. Let him languish in the seven or six spot. Maybe he gets it together and hits like 20 homers. Crazier things have happened. If he doesn't, whatever. He's your seven hitter. Rotate him with Baldelli and other DH types. Bring up Lars Anderson or something. Just don't trade three of four pieces for some DH.
The Red Sox don't need big bats at every spot in the lineup. It's a little embarassing already.
On E3 and metal
I've finally figured it out: E3 is the Oscars of video games. There are no awards that mean anything for games, and that sucks. But dear God is E3 awesome. There so much amazing news (Metal Gear: Rising for the 360, Left 4 Dead 2, project Natal, a new 2D Mario, new Zelda and Metroid titles, footage from every rad game coming out), it such a huge event, that it is the date on the gaming calendar. Sure, other shows like PAX and GDC have taken a bit away from E3, but all the big wigs save their best shit for now. All my internet time for the past few days has been catching up on all the comings and goings. Other years have been hit or miss, but this year has been great. My goal is to be there writing about it in the next year or two.
Video collection: Day 2
Video collection: Day 1
Sunn O))) has been one of my favorite metal bands of the past few years. They can be a little, shall we say, dense (five albums span 23 songs, with more than 2/3 of those songs going past ten minutes), but they are the heaviest band ever. Their new one, Monoliths and Dimensions, is pretty great, and their most "accessible" (if 16-minute doom metal songs can ever be that) to date. It's definitely not for everyone, some people even dare to say it's not music, but give it a chance. Everything you need to know about them can be summed up in the first ten seconds of the following video.
I've also been into Les Savy Fav (how did no one tell me to listen to you before?!), the new Sunset Rubdown, and some of the new Grizzly Bear.
Video collection: Day 2
Video collection: Day 1
Sunn O))) has been one of my favorite metal bands of the past few years. They can be a little, shall we say, dense (five albums span 23 songs, with more than 2/3 of those songs going past ten minutes), but they are the heaviest band ever. Their new one, Monoliths and Dimensions, is pretty great, and their most "accessible" (if 16-minute doom metal songs can ever be that) to date. It's definitely not for everyone, some people even dare to say it's not music, but give it a chance. Everything you need to know about them can be summed up in the first ten seconds of the following video.
I've also been into Les Savy Fav (how did no one tell me to listen to you before?!), the new Sunset Rubdown, and some of the new Grizzly Bear.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Music Parody at its Best
Some group made a series of videos poking fun at some of the more popular bands in the world. I posted the Coldplay one because its hilarious, but they also do U2, Arctic Monkeys, Metallica, and Kings of Leon.
Is there anything funnier? You need to watch the whole thing.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The 8 ballers you play at the rec
Whether you're in an intermural league at college, play every weekend with some buddies or head down to the park to take on strangers, playing pick-up basketball is the highest form of sports competition most of us will see.
And no matter how many times you play, you will always see these players, the eights rec ballers.
The Stiff
At first, the Stiff seems like a valuable asset because he's got size, a hot commodity in rec ball. But within a few minutes of play, the Stiff earns his moniker. He's uncoordinated, can't jump, doesn't run the floor well and isn't even very good at rebounding. He also has no post moves to speak of and can't play defense. He most likely plays for his high school or college team only because he's tall.
Signature move: A laser beam hook shot off the front rim.
The General
Not lacking in personal problems, the General sees rec ball as a chance to grab life by the balls and never let go. The General takes it upon himself to play coach in a game where there are no plays, defense is lackadaisical, and the most complex offense is pick-and-roll. Still, the General feels the need to yell "shooter!" anytime an opponent is open for a three, "board" in an obvious rebound situation and get on you for not switching on D. He's one of the more annoying teammates as his primary skill is talking loudly.
Signature move: Holding the ball at the point while gesturing teammates to move.
The Hustler
The Hustler knows rec ball is about one thing: running. If you run more than the other guy, you'll probably get easy buckets. The Hustler may not be very skilled, but he sets picks, moves without the ball and runs on fast breaks. Making up more than 50% of most rec ballers, they are a good teammate to have.
Signature move: Running off multiple screens for an open jumper.
The Veteran
While rec ball is a young man's game, The Veteran plays to recapture a sliver of youthful glory while staving of the effects of aging just a little longer. He's probably a former high school/college star, with memories of past game-winners faded grey with time. Clearly over 50, the Veteran has some skills and is not at all useless. From a propensity to pass the ball, to beautiful old school shooting form, to knee pads and a slow gait, the Veteran can be the glue that hold a good rec squad together.
Signature move: A 15-foot set jump shot with both feet touching.
The Wannabe
The Wannabe has seen far too many And-1 tapes for his own good. He's realized long ago that he cannot drive, can't shoot very well and isn't athletic. So he's practiced dribbling and three point shooting and isn't afraid to show off either. He'll jack up NBA-distance threes, even when you're just playing ones and is an awful teammate due to his illusions of grandeur.
Signature move: A series of fancy dribbling followed by a turnover at the three point line.
The Stud
The rarest of rec ballers, the Stud is far better than anyone else on the court and he knows it. He starts for his high school/college team and probably shouldn't be playing pick-up games at 2 on a Saturday, but he is. They can come in the form a highly skilled shooter, dominant center or even shot-blocking defender. They are so much faster, stronger and better than you, it's like you're not even playing the same game.
Signature move: A reverse layup past two defenders, created off a crossover.
The Blackhole
A variation on the Wannabe, the Blackhole actually has some hoops skill, but not nearly as much as he likes to think. Rec ball has become the Blackhole's stage, a vehicle for him to make himself feel better about his life. He will jack up threes, scream for the ball, yell at teammates for no reason and generally take shit way too seriously. If you pass him the ball, get ready to box out, because it's going up.
Signature move: A three with a hand in face, followed by sour looks at teammates for not getting the rebound.
The Godsend
There are some rec ballers who realize what rec basketball is about -- passing, moving and having a good time. The Godsend will hustle after loose balls, set picks, pass first, run the break, make open shots, gives you the heads up on picks, double teams at the perfect time and is always ready with a high five after good plays. They may not be the best, but they are the most fun to play with.
Signature move: A perfect pass off a drive that leads to an easy lay-in for someone else.
Now go forth and ball. And don't be a Blackhole.
And no matter how many times you play, you will always see these players, the eights rec ballers.
The Stiff
At first, the Stiff seems like a valuable asset because he's got size, a hot commodity in rec ball. But within a few minutes of play, the Stiff earns his moniker. He's uncoordinated, can't jump, doesn't run the floor well and isn't even very good at rebounding. He also has no post moves to speak of and can't play defense. He most likely plays for his high school or college team only because he's tall.
Signature move: A laser beam hook shot off the front rim.
The General
Not lacking in personal problems, the General sees rec ball as a chance to grab life by the balls and never let go. The General takes it upon himself to play coach in a game where there are no plays, defense is lackadaisical, and the most complex offense is pick-and-roll. Still, the General feels the need to yell "shooter!" anytime an opponent is open for a three, "board" in an obvious rebound situation and get on you for not switching on D. He's one of the more annoying teammates as his primary skill is talking loudly.
Signature move: Holding the ball at the point while gesturing teammates to move.
The Hustler
The Hustler knows rec ball is about one thing: running. If you run more than the other guy, you'll probably get easy buckets. The Hustler may not be very skilled, but he sets picks, moves without the ball and runs on fast breaks. Making up more than 50% of most rec ballers, they are a good teammate to have.
Signature move: Running off multiple screens for an open jumper.
The Veteran
While rec ball is a young man's game, The Veteran plays to recapture a sliver of youthful glory while staving of the effects of aging just a little longer. He's probably a former high school/college star, with memories of past game-winners faded grey with time. Clearly over 50, the Veteran has some skills and is not at all useless. From a propensity to pass the ball, to beautiful old school shooting form, to knee pads and a slow gait, the Veteran can be the glue that hold a good rec squad together.
Signature move: A 15-foot set jump shot with both feet touching.
The Wannabe
The Wannabe has seen far too many And-1 tapes for his own good. He's realized long ago that he cannot drive, can't shoot very well and isn't athletic. So he's practiced dribbling and three point shooting and isn't afraid to show off either. He'll jack up NBA-distance threes, even when you're just playing ones and is an awful teammate due to his illusions of grandeur.
Signature move: A series of fancy dribbling followed by a turnover at the three point line.
The Stud
The rarest of rec ballers, the Stud is far better than anyone else on the court and he knows it. He starts for his high school/college team and probably shouldn't be playing pick-up games at 2 on a Saturday, but he is. They can come in the form a highly skilled shooter, dominant center or even shot-blocking defender. They are so much faster, stronger and better than you, it's like you're not even playing the same game.
Signature move: A reverse layup past two defenders, created off a crossover.
The Blackhole
A variation on the Wannabe, the Blackhole actually has some hoops skill, but not nearly as much as he likes to think. Rec ball has become the Blackhole's stage, a vehicle for him to make himself feel better about his life. He will jack up threes, scream for the ball, yell at teammates for no reason and generally take shit way too seriously. If you pass him the ball, get ready to box out, because it's going up.
Signature move: A three with a hand in face, followed by sour looks at teammates for not getting the rebound.
The Godsend
There are some rec ballers who realize what rec basketball is about -- passing, moving and having a good time. The Godsend will hustle after loose balls, set picks, pass first, run the break, make open shots, gives you the heads up on picks, double teams at the perfect time and is always ready with a high five after good plays. They may not be the best, but they are the most fun to play with.
Signature move: A perfect pass off a drive that leads to an easy lay-in for someone else.
Now go forth and ball. And don't be a Blackhole.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
