My First Love

It was my fifth birthday when I got my first video game system. Mom and Dad had an old Atari, but that wasn't mine. They knew how to play the games better than I did, and none of my friends even seemed to know what it was. So on my fifth birthday, I opened my presents and there I found the device that would occupy more of time than any of the other gadgets that populate my world. The Nintendo Entertainment System or NES. What a glorious invention. It came with two controllers, a gun, and TWO games. Can you imagine a system coming with even one game now? Both of the games have become some of the most beloved of all time. I'm talking about Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, here.
What really sets it apart from video games these days is that it brought the whole family together. Mom and I would spend hours playing Mario, and Dad shot more ducks than I ever could. Countless hours were spent trying to beat The Legend of Zelda, and Bionic Commando with my buddy Micah. He got the Power Pad, and I got the Power Glove, so we'd go to his house to play Track and Field and my house to play Punchout!

It was about five years later that the Super Nintendo was released. This time I got it for Christmas from Nana and Papaw. For the next several months if I wasn't in school, I was plopped down in front of the tv playing the latest Mario adventure or Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (my favorite in the series by the way). I also got the Nintendo 64, the Gamecube and almost every iteration of the Gameboy. Standard, Color, Advance. I even got the Virtual Boy, the semi-portable that gave 3-D graphics but only in red and black. That was weird.

The point of all this is to say I am a Nintendo nut. So for the last year or more I have been waiting with baited breath for the next Nintendo system. Codenamed The Nintendo Revolution, the idea of the system is to change the game, literally. Sony and Microsoft are both touting the High Definition capabilities of their next generation systems. If you've read the blog before, you know I'm as excited by HD as the next guy. I love the idea of playing games that look as beautiful as a Pixar movie. But that's not really why I play games. I can tell you it's definitely not what made my Mom pick up Super Mario Bros. or keeps her playing Dr. Mario on the Super Nintendo even now. Graphics weren't what made Dad sit with me and play Duck Hunt until Mom yelled at us for staying up too late. Nintendo knows it.


The Revolution is played with a controller that looks like a TV remote. The system can sense the controller's position in 3 dimensional space. It knows if you raise it up, lower it, push it forward or pull it back, even turn it side to side or twist it. If you're playing tennis, the swing the racket. If you're playing The Legend of Zelda, swing the sword to attack the bad guys. You want to play a new version of Duck Hunt? Just take aim and fire with the trigger on the back of the controller. Playing Madden Football? Then pull back the controller to take the snap and throw to pass the football, the harder you swing the remote, the faster the pass.

The possibilities for gameplay are literally endless. If this were the only great feature of the next Nintendo it would be enough, but the coolest, in my opinion is the ability to play games from every Nintendo system ever made, as well as the Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx-16. Nintendo calls it the Virtual Console. The system connects to the internet and you can download full versions of all your favorite games. Speaking of retro gaming, turn the Revolution remote sideways. Looks a lot like the NES controller doesn't it. It can work like one, too. Sweet, I know. For the first time in 20 years or so, I can imagine my parents buying a video game system. And I absolutely can't wait to kick my Dad's butt in Duck Hunt. I've only been practicing for the past twenty years. So why all the excitement today about this technological wonder?

Well it's coming-out party is only days away as it is officialy unveiled and showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 (for more on E3, read my recent post a List Before Dying). But even bigger than that is that fact that the next Nintendo now has an official name. Revolution has been a very cool moniker, but Nintendo was always adamant that it would not be the final name of the system, and today they proved it.

Introducing...Wii...as in "We." But what does it mean? Nintendo says this:

Wii will put more people in touch with their games...and each other...Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes that this console is for everyone. Wii can be easily remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion, no need to abbreviate. Just Wii. Wii has the distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play...So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because it's not really about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything."

Holy crap! Can you believe that a multi-million dollar company put that kind of thought and care into the name of their system. They didn't go for the sexy, sleek name like PS3 or the technological implications of XBox 360. They want to hearken back to people playing games together. That's freakin' cool. If you want to check out the neat trailer that came out with the announcement, look here. If you are interested in more info about the Nintendo Wii, I'd suggest checking out IGN It's my favorite place for video game news, and yes they cover the other guys, too. PS3, Xbox 360.

It's a good time to be a video game geek. For those that really enjoyed my last post and want more job-related stuff (Ellie), I'll try to get back to that soon. I just had to gush today.

My new love has a name. And it's Wii.

The Man Who Changed My Life...Tayadore Goosel

I've been trying to write this post for like two weeks. I have argued with myself, back and forth, about whether it's a good idea. You see this post is about my job. I know, I've made no mention of what radio station I work for, but it wouldn't take Colombo to fit the pieces together. Damn, I knew I should never have used my real name. Alright that ship has sailed. I've read the same articles you have about personal blogs getting people fired. So here we are two weeks later and I'm gonna write it anyway.

I'm a Dj (in case there are people who skip right past the profile). I work the afternoon shift at a country station. I also run a Texas music show on Monday's. Now overall this is a great job. I don't go to work till about 11:30am. I work inside in a (most of the time) climate controlled environment. I like my coworkers, and honestly there are much worse ways to make an honest wage (and even worse ways to make a dishonest one). The job does however have some drawbacks. Most of these involve people.

I've listened to Country music my entire life. I have a college degree. I've read books, some without pictures. I like to think of myself as an experienced, educated young man. Apparently I am alone in the world of Country music lovers. In the interest of brevity, I am sharing only the top three listener/Dj interactions. If you are interested in learning more become a Dj, or poke yourself in the eye several times (that's what I call the at-home Dj experience).

Names have been changed to protect the innocent, and the stupid.

3. Patton - Patton is a Vietnam vet, God bless him. He and his wife are retired and he enjoys nothing more than listening to me on the radio and calling in to tell me something I don't know. Once he called to tell me that his wife was the first person that ever used the expression "hump day" to mean Wednesday. Another example:

Drunken Rogue: (Radio Station Name deleted)
Patton: This is Patton up here in West Lake, how you doin' today?
DR: Good, Patton. What can I do for you?
P: You know that Larry King show they got on the tv, there?
DR: Yeah.
P: Well they had ole' Dolly Parton on last night, a talkin' about the Country music 'wards bein' held there in New York. D'you watch that?
DR: No I didn't.
P: Well I was watchin' it there last night and I just thought to myself, well that's awful fittin' 'cause you know Country music was invented in New York.
DR: Oh? It wasn't in Nashville?
P: Oh naw. Fellow by the name of Al Dexter invented the whole thang in New York.
DR: Really?
P: Yep.
DR: Well that's interesting man, I gotta let you go though, OK I'm about to have a commercial.
P: Well I just thought I'd share that.
DR: Thank you.


2. William - William has a washing machine. I know this because he is constantly washing clothes. What William doesn't have is a dryer. (Good thing for me that probably means he doesn't have a computer either) Every two to three days, William calls to get a weather forecast. The exchange goes much like this:

DR: (Radio Station Name)
William: Hey, who's this?
DR: This is Joel, what can I do for you?
W: What's the, what's the...weather forecast for tonight?
DR: Well we've got a 70% chance of rain, there's a front moving in from Texas and a low tonight of 52.
W: Do you think it's gonna rain?
DR: Yeah, probably so with that front movin' in. 70% chance.
W: So would you say I could hang some clothes out on the line tonight?
DR: Not unless you want them to get wet, man.
W: No I want 'em to get dry.
DR: Yeah, I wouldn't hang 'em out tonight. Alright? Thanks, for calling.

And without a doubt the number one listener call in of my entire two year career in radio.

Susy - When I first started full-time at the station, I worked middays. In the noon hour we ran a trivia game to win a free lunch. I can't tell you how much people love the idea of free lunch. This particular day was Dr. Seuss' birthday. I thought, why not be topical. So I asked, "Kids all over are celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday today. Dr. Seuss is of course the pseudonym for the author of several beloved children's books, like 'The Cat in the Hat' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' What is Dr. Seuss' real name?" Susy was my first caller.

DR: (Radio Station Name)
Susy: Jim Carrey.
DR: Excuse me?
Susy: His name is Jim Carrey.
DR: No ma'am. Jim Carrey played the Grinch in the movie version of that story, but I'm looking for the real name of Dr. Seuss, the author of the book.
Susy: It wasn't Jim Carrey that played it?
DR: No, it was Jim Carrey. But I asked who wrote the book.
Susy: Dr. Seuss.
DR: Yes, ma'am. Dr. Seuss, but that wasn't his real name. I want to know his real name.
Susy: Oh, OK.

Susy hangs up. I take a couple of other callers none of which get the right answer. In a couple of minutes the phone rings again.

DR: (Radio Station Name)
Susy: I got it now.
DR: OK. What was Dr. Seuss' real name.
Susy: (I'll spell it phonetically because the real humor is in the sound) Tay-uh-dor-ay Goosel!
DR: (Sure that I didn't hear it right) What was that?
Susy: (excited because she knows she has it right) Tay-uh-dor-ay Goosel!

Now for those that don't know, Dr. Seuss, beloved children's author, was actually Theodor Geisel. Now Geisel is an odd last name, and I could give anyone the benefit of a doubt on that, but the idea that Susy had never seen the name Theodor in print, well that was enough for me to give her the lunch. Congratulations Susy, and God bless Tayadore Goosel.

A List Before Dying

No, I'm not feeling suicidal and I don't know of any health issues. There is no particular reason for this list appearing now, other than it popped in my head. Although the air conditioning was out in the control room at the radio station today and I think I had a near death experience or two this afternoon. Honestly ninety degrees outside, six computers, five monitors, and a radar not to mention a hundred thousand worth of broadcasting equipment all running at once, is just too much for a fat man to take without A/C.

Everybody has things they want to do in their life. My list is pretty long, yours probably is too. Since we are unlikely to win Powerball, or get that seven-figure advance for writing the great American novel...alright some of us are likely to get that. Anyway the point is we have to prioritize. Figure out which ones to do when the opportunity (and fundage) presents itself. What are the five events or locations you can't allow yourself to miss out on before "the roll is called up yonder." I've got mine. Some will be very popular, some personal but that's what makes it my list.

1. Go to the Super Bowl - It's the Mecca of American Sports. If you spend even one Sunday afternoon a year cheering on your favorite pigskinners, you'll agree with this one. Even if the game is a blowout, the spectacle itself is incomparable. A week full of events, celebrities, and quite a lot of beer makes for something no sports fan should live without.

2. Go to Wrestlemania - O.K. other than Brother Nick, Sean Fox and a handful of others most of you are gonna think this is a wasted spot, but bear with me. My Grandfather is largely responsible for my love of Professional Wrestling. He took me to more than one WCW event at the local Civic Center when I was a kid. He loved the combination of sporting event and vaudeville act that old-school 'rasslin' was. Not sure what he thinks about Vince McMahon's antics these days, but I'm sure he would still love to attend the "Granddaddy of them All." Maybe I'll be able to make that happen one day soon.

3. Play Video Games at E3 - If you didn't think I was a geek before, this one is probably going to do it. For those that don't know, E3 is short for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 is a lot snappier, don't you think). This yearly event is really only for press and industry people but with the right strings pulled and the above-mentioned money flowing, I hope to attend in the near future. This is a showcase for all sorts of stuff, but the big draw is Video Games. Particularly from the big three: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. New games and peripherals are not only shown but attendees get to play them. For a video game lover, this is a little slice of heaven. Every four or five years the event is extra special, because it brings the introduction of a new video game console. This is such a year, with Sony showing off the Playstation 3 and Nintendo finally pulling the curtain back on the Revolution. That means I've got four more years to save my pennies.

4. Attend NBA All-Star Weekend - The only All-Star game in sports worth attending. I love Pro Hoops and for me this is the height of it. Sure no one plays defense and the musical acts are ludicrously bad, but the game is almost always exciting. The surrounding events put this one over the top. The skills contest, three point shootout, and dunk contest are all worth the cost of admission themselves, but what I am really looking forward to is running into Charles Barkley or Michael Jordan in the hotel, just so I can stand in awe and drool in their direction for a few moments. Incidentally this is the one that is most likely to happen for me anytime soon.

If you've gotten this far, maybe you're thinking to yourself, "This guy is a xenophobe." Yes I know what xenophobe means. Do you? "He makes a list of five things to do before he dies and he never even gets out of the United States? What a loser." Well I never said I wasn't a loser. But then who's worse, the loser or the guy who reads the loser's blog? Touché! But fret not, I do have an overseas wish or two, and one made the list.

5. Have a beer in Dublin - Don't get me wrong, visiting the ruins of Rome and Athens are also things I'd love to do. I want to some day wander across the Outback, or attend the Sidney Opera. Ella and I hope to visit Stonehenge and Tiananmen Square among others. But if I'm cutting the list to five, this is it. Truth be told I'd take this one over the other four on the list. In case you don’t know me, I’m Irish. I’m proud of it. Also I like beer. A lot. And I hear it’s good there. So there’s my five.

This is the response part. You guys comment on your top five. What do you have to make time for, between here and the grave? Until next time, I remain...

The Original Drunken Rogue.

American Idol Must Be Stopped!

Now before you launch into, "What do you mean? You said you loved Idol this season." Let me explain myself. I am not an Idol Hater. My brother-in-law falls into that camp and while I value his opinion on many issues, on this one he missed the boat...and the train...and somebody stole his bicycle.

No I don't want American Idol off the air. As a matter of fact, I want two hours of programming every week instead of an hour and a half.

"Joel, you've been sniffing glue again," You say. "You titled this thing American Idol Must be Stopped! and now you say you want more? Explain yourself."

O.K. (You're really pushy by the way). I want the competition to stop. We don't need an American Idol this year. We need six. With Wednesday's results giving Ace Young the boot, I am not prepared to let any of the rest of them go. They are all so good and each so different. I've talked about Taylor and Elliot before but allow me too...

Wait, this is my blog. I don't have to ask permission. I could ramble on about the health benefits of eating beets if I wanted (although admittedly my readership would probably fall). Where was I? Oh yes, manly love for Taylor and Elliot:


Elliot Yamin: He is everything that is missing from modern R&B. For those that don't know, before R. Kelly called his lady love a "chocolate Factory" (whatever the hell that means) there were love songs in this genre. Al Green begged us to "Stay Together" and Otis Redding lamented the emptiness of "These Arms of Mine." Elliot harkens back to this, combining elements of Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble, Brian Mcknight and Harry Connick Jr. He also brings a winning personality and a humble attitude.


Taylor Hicks - If Joe Cocker had been raised by Ray Charles and Loretta Lynn, that would have been weird. It also would have resulted in a similar southern fried soul master like Taylor. His song choice has not always been perfect.

"Country Roads"...lead me wrong. Honestly Ray Charles sang like 1,000 country songs did Taylor just forget all those?

But even with a bad song Taylor still shines, because of his obvious love of music. He's just like you, he rocks out in the shower, or beats the rhythm on his steering wheel, or drowns his sorrows in "I've Got Dreams (To Remember)." The difference is Taylor has immense talent, a fresh face and an exciting voice. He also has the perfect stage to transform himself into a rock star.

My other favorites, Paris and Katherine:

Paris - She is like the reincarnation of Billie Holliday or Ella Fitzgerald. Though her squeaky speech wouldn't give it away, she has a lower register that oozes whiskey, worry and cool. The way she skat sings through melodies that others would sing straight is breathtaking. Unlike other contestants no genre has tripped her up, yet. She has only one flaw...apparently the other two girls left in the competition are more popular.

Katherine - Like my other favorites she is very comfortable with classic music. She has almost as much vocal control as Paris, but either a more marketable image or a more likeable personality, because for the last several weeks all the polls I've seen have her neck and neck with Chris and Taylor, the leaders.

I Still love em:

Kelly - Kelly is like the semi-retarded cheerleader next door. She's cute, she's painfully naive and she can actually sing. Sadly she is not as talented as any of the other contestants.

Chris - I'll admit he has a beautiful voice. Soulful, clear and very original. His, however, would be the only "American Idol Season 5" album I am unlikely to buy. I thought when he auditioned he would bring a little more southern and a little less rock, but alas, I was mistaken.

Well, After writing it all out like that, I guess I could handle it if Chris and Kelly were eliminated. But then, seriously, let's just stop. Maybe we could give gold stars like in Kindergarten. Then get their album in stores, immediately. Oh and can we leave Bucky off the Idol's Tour? I think he's got a dentist appointment all summer long.

It's the Most Wonderful Time...For a Beer

I love Christmas. I mean, I love it. I still look forward to it like a kid. However, this is the most wonderful time of the year. Why, you ask. What makes now so wonderful? 3 things that alone, would be exciting, collide to form a sandwich of tasty goodness unrivalled in the other 11 months of the year. What are these magical events?
1. The NBA Playoffs
2. The NFL Draft
3. The beginning of May Sweeps

The NBA Playoffs were, for a large part of my life, the only sports I watched. When I was a kid I hated baseball (still do), didn't understand football and didn't know basketball started until late April. I was a Bulls fan, and living in North Louisiana they weren't on local TV much until the playoffs. I remember year after year Dad and I sitting on the couch. Me pulling for Michael Jordan and rooting for whoever Jordan was giving a beating that year. I'm not sure whether he really disliked the Bulls or he just wanted to root against me. Either way I'm glad he did. Those are some of my fondest memories growing up.

My Aunt Ann also loved basketball. As long as the Rockets weren't in it she generally rooted with me. I can remember more than one summer night, I'd be staying with her in Baton Rouge, and as soon as the game was over we'd be on the phone with Dad to gloat, or vice versa. Good times.

This years playoffs in particular look interesting, expect a post on that later today. But first...

The NFL Draft is the official first day of the season if you ask me. Your team always has hope that this year is the year we turn it around. It also begins the Fantasy Football season. The Leagues start scoping out draft days and sizing up their picks. As much as I love the NBA, the NFL has become more exciting to me. That's why this time of year, when I get a little bit of both is so excellent.

May Sweeps don't technically start at the same time as these other two. The playoffs start Sat. April 22nd. The draft is April 29th and 30th and most TV shows have their finales between May 15th and the 22nd. But the episodes leading up to the finales are always excellent as well. With the most exciting storylines, the best guest stars and sometimes shocking (or moving) deaths. "The West Wing"'s recent episodes concerning Leo McGarry are a perfect example. The season (and series) finale is sure to be great, but already two episodes pulling the heartstrings over the loss of John Spencer and this week's return of Rob Lowe have set the bar pretty high.

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. My Media Center is going to be quite busy this month...where did I put my beer?

The Power of Blog

First, I want to say, "Thanks for the comments, ladies. I say ladies because I seem to have zero male readership. And don't tell me it's my subject matter. With the exception of the baby blog and the lovey dovey "How I met Ella" post, my articles have a distinct male flavor. So step up fellas and again thanks, ladies. (Especially Ellie, your feedback is appreciated)

I recently joined a team blog, Apathy as Activism with a great couple of guys Rhythmmission and The Stereotype (check their blogs out in the links section. As the title implies this blog skews to the political, although no topic is off-limits I suppose. The tone is a little more serious over there but seeing as we've got the full political spectrum (Rhythm - liberal, Stereotype - moderate, Me - Conservative) covered, it should make for interesting reading. We just got up and running but check it out, tell your friends and by all means comment!

This whole project (and the many responses to the baby blog) got me thinking. Our generation (and the one after us) has always been connected. When we were teenagers, beepers were the craze, cellphones had exploded by the time we were in college. We watched email take over from snail mail as the preferred correspondence. We stole songs with Napster, pushed our parents and employers (and spouses) to let us have broadband, and gave birth to the blog. Even though the mainstream media (and me at times) have declared us apathetic, we are actually quite passionate. We are also (and here's the important part) very impatient. The idea of the 6 o'clock news is ludicrous to us. We want to know what happened, now. This is truly an amazing discovery. It makes sense that we don't go to the polls but we text message a million times to pick our favorite American Idol. It's not that we don't care who our President (or Governor, or Congressman) is. We just lose interest when we can't immediately respond.

The good news is, Politicians are starting to get it. Howard Dean was one shoutfest away from winning the Democratic nomination because he (or more realistically, someone on his staff) knew how to make the internet savvy youth feel involved and important. For the first time in a major campaign internet presence didn't just mean a list of phone numbers but campaign stop calendars, merchandise stores, interview transcripts and (gasp) blogs from the candidate. From now on hiring a webmaster will be as much a part of campaigning as extolling the benefits of ethanol during the Iowa Caucuses. From now on we (the connected youth) have the ability to affect campaigns from the beginning (not just at the end with whether or not we show up for 'Vote or Die' rallies). Are you tired of your political party being taken away from you? Well then change it. Contact the man or woman you think is right for the office and get involved. The beauty of this is you can do all that from the comfort of your home. Our parents have a big generation, and for the next thirty years or so they are going to have a lot to say about the direction of our country. We however, have tools they don't. Use them.

To Procreate or Not to Procreate...That's a Weird Question.

So, I'm 24. I have a nice job that pays the bills and not much else. I am married to a beautiful, vivacious, woman that fills my days with joy and with whom I can't wait to spend the rest of my life. We are both from the South. Our families and friends are all quite traditional so without fail questions arise about the arrival of our progeny.

Now, I want kids, sure. And Ella from time to time is fond of the idea as well. Many of our friends (Darren, Ellie, Melissa etc. I'm looking at you) are having babies. One need only look at our baby pictures to know that our offspring would inevitably be so cute as to assure world domination. So what are we waiting for? To be frank, balls. Not literally of course, we are both quite healthy reproductively. I just mean courage, gumption, chuztpah as the Hebrews say.

I'm not sure we could handle kids, to be honest. Ella's a wonderful wife and no doubt would be a great mother. Likewise, I'm great with kids and I'm sure MY kids would like me even more, but we are kinda too selfish to be having kids.

Ella and I like our time to be Our time and from my research kids are not very understanding about all that. They tend to want what they want, when they want it. Particularly when concerning eating and pooping. Which, you know, is fine, just not really our style.

I'm mostly kidding of course. When the time is right I think Ella and I are going to make great parents. For one thing, our rugrat is likely to become the greatest music producer of all time, since from conception on little Sharpton will be fed a steady diet of the greatest tunes in human history. And of course there's the whole world domination thing to consider.

The very idea that it's time to discuss this freaks me out a little. But you know, I wanted to get old enough to buy beer and vote for lame politicians, so what can you do?

What do you think? Not about me procreating but you? Most people that read this thing are in their twenties, many of you are involved in serious relationships. Do you want kids? Are you scared of dirty diapers? Does the whole question freak you out? Let's have a meeting of the minds here. Comment below, reassure your peers that they are not alone, or chide us all for being stupid, whatever. Just Comment!!

The Idiot Box

Can I tell you a secret? There's a few hundred people that might read this either on MySpace or on Ramblings of a Drunken Rogue. You guys can keep a secret, right? By the way thanks for making my pages popular. A writer's ego is never so stroked as when his stuff is being read and enjoyed (incidentally make with the comments and kudos, people). Also I post to my MySpace blog for ease of access and exposure but you guys should really check out my Blogspot page, same posts, better formatting. Now to that secret...

I love TV. Alright, maybe that's not so much a secret as an observable, well known fact. What most of you don't know is the level of my devotion. I'm addicted and I have no desire for a twelve step program. In any given week I watch new episodes of the following: Prison Break, 24, American Idol (2 times a week), Lost, Smallville, My Name is Earl, The Office, Doctor Who, The West Wing, and The Sopranos. Add to this list the occasional episode of South Park and the Daily Show, as well as catch-up episodes (on DVD or downloads) of Battlestar Gallactica, Scrubs and Deadwood. This adds up to about eleven or twelve hours of entertainment every week. "How do you manage it?" You ask. I have a sweet setup, that's how. I own a Windows XP Media Center PC. It's connected to my home network, my cable and my Phillips 30" widescreen TV in my TV room. Notice I said TV room. I don't have, nor do I require a living room. Ella and I have a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office, dining room and a TV room. That's what we use, that's what we have.What is a Media Center PC? Think TiVo, minus the subscription costs and add a lot of features. We can access all our MP3's through our home stereo even though they're on the office PC. We can download the latest episode of The Sopranos and watch it on the big screen even though we don't have HBO. We can also watch the latest trailers on our TV instead of huddled around the computer screen.

Of course the biggest benefit and draw of this Media Center PC is its DVR (digital video recorder) functions. Pause, rewind and fast forward live TV, skip commercials, get TV Guide listings for the next two weeks downloaded automatically, set your favorite shows to record automatically all season and watch them on Your Terms. When you want, where you want. The Idiot Box just got a lot smarter.

I have always watched a lot of television, but I can't imagine doing without this thing now, and from what I hear, I am not alone. More and more people every day are renting a DVR from their cable company or satellite provider, buying TiVo or like me opting for the total package in a Media Center PC. The effect this is having on both the consumer electronics and television industry is astounding.

Everyday, more networks announce more ways to access their content through the internet, either for free or for a fee. Cable companies are beginning services where All their content is available on demand by their subscribers. Every major PC maker not only has a special line of Media Center PC's but most are including the feature as an option in all of their products. Microsoft, Apple, Sony, Creative Labs and anybody else in the industry either has out now or is working on a device to play all that recorded or downloaded content remotely. Most of the cellphone companies are getting into the act, too. The fact is this is a bigger shakeup for television than the High Definition switch. That is evolutionary it follows the switch to color and precedes smell-o-vision or 3D or whatever is next. This is about production, distribution and consumption. It has ramifications for ad revenue, and the development of new series. This could really change TV.

Next season, a new slate of shows will arrive adding to my already complicated recording schedule. A few I am already sure I'll love, Heroes - a superhero show and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - a behind the scenes of a faux Saturday Night Live type show by Aaron Sorkin, both on NBC. The question isn't whether or not we'll watch all these new shows. The question is where, when and how we'll watch them.

So Have You Seen This HDTV Thing?

Well, if you haven't you should check it out. And I don't mean at Wal-mart. Seriously not at Wal-Mart...or Best Buy...or Circuit City...alright on second thought you guys just come over and we'll go to my brother-in-law's house.

I'll start rambling about the glories of HD in a minute but first let me say my peace about the above named retailers. I love Wal-Mart. I do. Anytime one of my well-meaning hippy friends starts in with a rant about the evils of Big Box retailers destroying local economies and raping and pillaging every fair burg across this great nation, I'm the guy that stands up and goes, "Yeah, but they sell that shit really cheap." Let's face it, Wal-Mart is not a lovable entity. They are the number one retailer of anything and everything in the world. Countless suits have been brought against them by every minority about harassment and exclusion. And besides blue frocks don't look good on anybody.

"Yeah, but they sell that shit really cheap."

You're damn straight they do. What are you trying to buy? Cd's? Camo Undies? Cereal? Starter Logs for your Chimenea? Diapers for the kiddies? I guarantee there's not a shop in forty miles of your house that will have any of that crap cheaper than Wal-Mart. So...
Fact #1 Wal-Mart Sells Crap Cheap

I like stuff, a lot. More importantly I like a lot of stuff. I have a limited budget. Very limited. And so I arrive at...
Fact #2 I need to bargain shop

I am not alone in this by the way as it seems all of America and most of the world (the part that isn't trying to escape genocide or figure out how not to catch aids) loves stuff, too. So surprise, surprise a store that sells the crap WE want at a price that allows us to buy that other crap WE want is IMMENSELY successful. I said that to say this: When will Wal-Mart and the other above mentioned retailers figure out how the hell to hook up an HDTV properly?

The USA Today ran a story about two months ago about how more than half of consumers with a High Definition Television were completely surprised to find out that just because they bought it and plugged it into the wall, they didn't ACTUALLY have HDTV. Now, Joe and Jane Q Public are not that bright, I understand. I would expect that such new technology, requiring so many wires and extra steps would take some time to get used to. I mean you read the story about the little girl who started a "set the clock on your vcr's for a fee" business, right? Consumers I get, but why is it that with one or two exceptions I've yet to see an HDTV set in a store that was properly hooked up and tuned. "Wally World" is not the only one at fault. My favorite place to go for DVD shopping Best Buy is likewise lacking. What's worse is that their employees pretend to have knowledge about the latest technology. Not only that but they volunteer their lies. One recent trip to Best Buy's Television section went like this:

BB Employee: They look great don't they?
Me: Well actually the aspect ratio is off. You don't have these tv's calibrated right.
B: That's just your eyes playing tricks, it takes a while to get used to the Widescreen image.
M: I have a widescreen tv.
B: Then you know what I'm talking about.
M: No, man this image is stretched out, Halle Berry looks like Oprah.
(Blank Stare)
B: Well holler if you need anything alright.

I have heard more half truths and downright fictions from the mouths of Best Buy and Circuit City employees than out of the entire Clinton administration. Everything from "this tv automatically makes all broadcasts widescreen" (Not true), to "This tv set is HDTV ready so you just plug in the cable and your ready to go" (straight back to standard definition broadcasts), to "All the tv stations have already switched to HD so you'll get all the local channels in HD as soon as you get this puppy home. (That's true if you live in New York...City)

I feel much better now...really. Other than me starting my own school and holding hostage the CEO's of those retailers forcing any electronics salespeople to attend, I can't think of way to stop this nonsense. So I yelled at you guys about it. Thanks.

Now seriously if you haven't seen real HD, do yourself a favor and find a friends wealthy uncle, or some such and just sit and bask in the glory that is 720p (that little p stands for progressive). I watched about an hour of some documentary on jellyfish Saturday night at Ella's brother's house. There was other stuff on, but the jellyfish were HD. We could have watched "The Office" but the jellyfish were in HD. Anyone who tells you is doesn't make that big a difference, is LYING. So let's all pinch our pennies, save up and wait for 2009, when Uncle Sam kicks standard definition tv in the ass, and throws us headlong into the twenty-first century.

The Roots of a Drunken Rogue

The Birth of a Music Lover

So just last post I was telling you guys about how crazy I am about Taylor Hicks and Elliot Yamin from American Idol as well as Ray LaMontagne. Well I thought perhaps I should tell you a little about my background, my experience, my taste and my current job, before I give you anymore music recommendations.

I was born a poor black boy...no wait that was Steve Martin. I was born poor... well not really but sorta white trash. Does that count? My Mom and Dad both come from country people and we wouldn't look or sound out of place at Dollywood let's just put it like that. Mom's family is from a little place in Mississippi called Goose Holler ( I swear to God), and Dad's is from Chandler Mountain in Northeast Alabama (just outside of Steele). Both sides are Baptist of one persuasion or another, although we have been known to frequent the occasional Methodist Church. My Father's Father was a preacher, and Dad's a Music director at his church. I get three things honest, the Gospel, a country accent and outlook, and music.

Since as long as I can remember there has been music and lots of it. Country and Gospel in large amounts of course, but also folk, bluegrass, classic rock, oldies, and soul. Other than hip hop I was exposed to it all from a very early age. I have never thanked those responsible properly so let's give that a shot.

Nana - Nana knew two kinds of music when I was a child: hymns and hymns sung by Elvis. I still love the King, especially when he sings about the King of Kings.

Grandma Sharpton - Grandma yodelled and moaned her way through traditional folk songs, hymns and Hank Williams tunes all throughout my youth. When I sing you can hear some of that in my voice, too. I appreciate it in others. She also loved complicated and witty lyrics about simple life (think Roger Miller)

Mom - Mom loved Elvis, and Kenny Rogers, but the two artists I am most appreciative of her turning me onto are K. T. Oslin and the Beatles (ecletic, yes). K.T. led me down a whole 'nother road, one paved by Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday. The Beatles, well they only invented Rock and Roll. Until them everybody was playing hillbilly music or copying Chuck Berry.

Ann - Ann liked the Eagles, Rod Stewart and Billy Joel, artists that filled holes in my musical education.

Sally - one of Mom's best friends, she was the only adult I knew as a child that never listened to country radio. She always had the oldies tuned in and from Bobby Darin to Freddy Fender she loved it all.

Mrs. Alice - my Nana's next door neighbor, we would play 45's on her old record player, and every one seemed to me like a new discovery. Thanks for Fats Domino and Blueberry Hill.

Jason - When I was very young I remember Jason listening to Poison, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi, I didn't latch onto his music but it opened me up to new possibilities.

Angie - big sis liked hip hop and rap and gave me my very first rap tape: Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, thanks sis.

Chris - Chris was into two things when I was a kid, Mustangs and heavy bass. He first played me Eazy E, Public Enemy, and Run DMC

Dad - probably nobody has as much influence on my musical tastes and style as Dad does. His favorite is Bluegrass and rail against it as much as I did in High School there is something about that music that speaks the poor little irish boy inside me. Clint Black, and Randy Travis are two of his favorite modern artists and their catalogues form a lot of the filter through which I hear country music in particular.

So there it is in nutshell, where I came from musically. Where did I go? Well, I've always had a soft spot for eighties country, Strait, Black, Travis, K.T., Milsap etc. During junior high and high school I drifted very much into the world of hip hop, both old and new school. My cd case was full of Tupac and Eazy E, Biggie and Master P. As I got to college I returned to roots, taking a trek through classic rock, first the Eagles, then Seager, Doobie Brothers, Zeppelin, Jethro Tull and eventually wound up back in country music, this time without the eighties shine. I found myself pouring over Willie Nelson albums, entranced by his phrasing and lyrics. Now I love it all but let me tell you a few favorites.

RE: These are guys you need to look up!!!

Shooter Jennings: My favorite country artist working, he's got every bit of his Dad's chutzpah and thirty years of rock and roll history to channel it through. New album Electric Rodeo in stores today.




Rodney Crowell: The Bob Dylan of country music. His new album The Outsider is one of the best of any genre in years.







Jeffrey Steele: This guy may rather have you support him by buying an album he wrote songs for which would pretty much be anyone in country music right now. Van Zandt, Montgomery Gentry, Rascall Flatts, Keith Anderson are just a few of the artists who have songs by Steele on the charts right now.


Hank Williams III: Another son of a legend in this case, Grandson of a legend, too. He looks like his grandad, sounds like his grandad and acts like a combo of his father, Johnny Cash, and Robert Plant. His music is Hillbilly Acid and it screams cool. Straight to Hell is the latest album, out now.

Alright so there it is. That's where I come from and where I went. Hopefully it gives you guys some point of reference for my writing. Don't get me wrong I have a lot of other favorites. Willie's got a new album for instance, but you guys know who he is. Some of you may not know some of these guys.

I'll be back soon. I want to let you know about what I do at the radio station, what it's like being a dj and my new old friend Jo-el Sonnier.

For now, I remain
The Original Drunken Rogue

It's All About the Music

So I learned today that my best friend, Darren, is getting married. Also he and his intended are expecting. Between this and the recent spat of baby news and experience in my life, I was all set to do a post about babies. However the music intervened.
If you've read my last post, you know music is very important in my life. It's what I do for living (the listening to and the playing on the radio, not the making) but more than that it's what feeds me. My wife, also a hardcore music lover. The only time one of us isn't playing something we recentally discovered on itunes, is when we are watching tv. Even then we often wish we were listening to music instead.

Now the guy on the right here is Ray LaMontagne. Some of you may know who he is. If you do, then you are already very happy. If not, shame on you for not already rushing to the store to pick up his album, Trouble. I first heard of Ray a couple of months ago but was reminded of his greatness tonight while watching American Idol. Now this is the second time this season that a truly great (and in my opinion, unappreciated song) has been given a large audience on the show. A couple of weeks ago Elliot Yamin shined performing "Moody's Mood for Love" by James Moody. (Also a must hear) This week we have Taylor Hicks to thank for taking us out the so/so world of modern pop with LaMontagne's "Trouble" off the above mentioned album.

Taylor, or "the soul patrolman" as he has taken to calling himself, is the single best thing that has happened to reality tv since Puck blew up on The Real World. Seriously this guy is everthing that Idol is not supposed to be. He's 29 he's got gray hair and little bit of double chin. He dances like he's blind and he lists Ray Charles and Joe Cocker as his major influences.

HELL YEAH. In year's past I haven't tuned into Idol mostly because I don't care for pop music, and I can only stand so many covers of Motown standards. This season I watched for the trainwrecks that inevitably come in the audition portion and instead fell madly in love with Elliot and Taylor. You know, in a completely manly way. These guys bring taste, maturity and originality to a competition that could easily spawn a yearly boy band that breaks the charts with one hit and then races into obscurity.

Last year when Bo Bice and Constantine Ma"whatever his nameis" were in the finals, I read the same articles you did about how the show was breaking new ground, but phooey. Bo is fine, if you're looking for a new lead singer for Skinnard. But come on doesn't Rock Star over at CBS already have that covered? This year there are contestants that could have a serious recording career in the following genres: country, rock, soul, r&b, pop, hip-hop, folk, gospel, and jazz. That's diversity. Now just get rid of Bucky. Please.

While you are waiting to pick up Elliot Yamin's and Taylor Hicks' debut albums, I've got a website you have to check out. This is where I found Ray LaMontagne. www.pandora.com The idea is that it quantifies music and organizes it by its inherent qualities: instruments, tempos, moods, gender and timber of vocal, lyric content etc. You just input songs and artists you like and it plays some like it. Work with it for a while, so far I average one song in four that I've never heard of and can no longer live without. Them's pretty good odds. Thanks for listening and don't forget to look up Ray LaMontagne...go ahead...I'll be here when you get back.

My Life Until Now

So I'm 24 and What Have I done?

Alright so first off let me just say the picture you looking at is my lovely wife, Ella. I know, how in the hell did I manage that? To tell you truth, I haven't the foggiest. I've seen Kevin Smith's wife so maybe beautiful women like fat, funny men.

So I'm 24 and what have I done? I spent the weekend taking care of my niece and one of my nephews. Now I don't see these kids much and that bothers me. I was an uncle very young (my older sister is ten years my senior and she had her first kid when she was 20. You do the math). Even now, Ella and I are not really in a place where we can afford to do a lot for the kids. But I love these kids. I have two nephews, Hunter age 14, Garrett age 8, and a niece Erin age 6. Now Ella's brother has just had a little girl so I have a new niece, Sara. I love kids in general but the fact that these are blood, well you know the deal. I adore them. So we finally make some time to keep them for a night or two, and Hunter has other plans, but we get the youngest two. Ella and I have a little argument and we end up with tension all weekend long, but these kids... I adore them. They just make me light up which gets me thinking about my own kids one day, and my life in general. which reminds me, hey jackass you started a blog like three weeks ago and haven't done a damn thing with it. Alright here's my excuse:

I started a new job. One of the other dj's at the radio station where I work got laid off, corporate cutbacks and what not. I got promoted. Bad for him but great for me. I am now the afternoon drivetime dj. And (here's the sweet part) I get to program the texas music show we do once a week. Monday nights 6-8pm The Roadhouse on Z-107.5. I am now getting calls everyday from record companies and artists looking to get some airtime. I am also getting about six cd's a day in the mail to listen to. It's a very cool gig for a music lover. I also managed a slight raise with the new gig so sweet.

So why am I contemplating my life's worth? Well I have been fighting with my wife all weekend which is never good. I have let this blog fall all to pieces, no updates in a coon's age and I haven't emailed friends in weeks. So I wanted to tell you the faceless listeners of cyberspace a little about the woman I love.

She doesn't like to do the dishes. There is no doubt about that, she also is very bad about folding clothes, but she is gorgeous and funny. She is the only person I have ever met with better taste in music than me. That is actually how we got together. Since only my friends are ever going to read this thing, you have all heard the story but here it is anyway.

Ella and I had never met although we had about a thousand friends in common. Never once in the three years she had been around Lousiana Tech had any of our mutual friends said, "Joel, there's girl that I know. I think you'd love her." Richard, my best friend, (currently in Germany in the army) worked with her at Tech Tv before he and I knew each other. Never once had our paths crossed or our names been mentioned to each other. But Halloween 2003, I was in rehearsals for a play, "A Christmas Carol" to be exact. Hannah May was also in the cast and was throwing a halloween party for all her friends. Costumes, "Rocky Horror" you name it. I wasn't really friends with Hannah at this point and wasn't exactly planning to go the party. Long story short, I ended up there. Brandt Cooley (a brilliant musician by the way look him up on myspace and facebook), was there and he and I ended up performing one of his songs, "My Muse". It's a cute little love song and just as I got started in walks, Ella. She's wearing a man's button up pajama shirt and jeans. I would later discover that's pretty much her uniform but at the time I thought, "Wow, what a neat style." She was beautiful. She smiled at me, I almost lost my place in the song. Brandt and I finish and I go on partying. Ten minutes later, Brandt, Timothy Makin, and Myself are singing "If I were a Rich man" at the top of our lungs (alcohol was involved). Suddenly Ella's hand is on my arm.

I swear in that moment I saw our future, the wedding, our live together, us old the whole nine yards. Ella still doesn't buy it, but as far as I was concerned it was over in that moment. My life was set on a completely different path than before. She asked me if I really liked that musical (Fiddler on the Roof) or what? I told her it was one of my favorites. We just stared at each other for a minute, and then I finally introduced myself. We started talking about music. Did she like this band, and had I have ever heard of that guy and what about this underground thing she had just found. For about four or five hours it continued. We had covered everything and she had heard of almost everybody I asked her about. Most of the she loved and I had a long list of people to check out. I kissed her that night...a lot. But that was all. I ended up having to get her to drive me home. (My ride had long since left with his girl. Thanks Richard). I asked her to come in but she said no. I got her phone number and let her know I wanted to see her again.

The next night I weaseled my way into going with her and some friends to see a play in Natchitoches. After the show, we came home and she told me, we weren't going to date. That was all sain'ts day. On the night before Christmas Eve, I asked her to marry me. Easter of '04 I gave her a ring. We were married July 24, 2004. A happy ending if I've ever heard one. Also the biggest I told you so in history. So a year and change out from the blissful day, where are we? Ella is approaching the end of the tunnel school wise. I am in a good place at a very interesting and unconvential job. I have recently commited to the fact that I want to write for a living. My father is going to love that one when he finds out. Seriously, since I was a little boy all he ever told me was how writing is only form of immortality we can attain. He's right of course. So this is a long way around to a love letter, very public, to my wife.

Ella, she's beautiful, especially because she doesn't know it. She doesn't wear makeup, she doesn't give a shit about the latest jimmy choo shoe, but she does follow the brad pitt/angelina jolie gossip in the tabloids. She can spend four hours in front of the computer downloading the latest Ben Harper album and that's an evening well spent. She like great tv shows and movies, just like I do. She appreciates muscle cars. She wishes she was Janis Joplin. She has the biggest soft spot for animals I have ever seen. She wishes she had a green thumb and loves plants, but is not terribly lucky with them. She likes order and cleanliness, but is really messy. She doesn't mind that my eating habits are the weirdest of any human being in the history of the species. Did I mention the fact that she thinks my fat ass is cute? She does. It turns her on. I know, take your time with that one.

She infuriates me like no other person in my life and that's why I know she is the women I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. With all that fire, how could I let her go. So I'm sorry I'm an asshole. And I love you, E.

Who are You? And Why the Hell do I Care what You have to Say?

That's exactly what I thought the first time I read a personal blog. There is no denying it, we have a multitude of choices to put our face (or words as it were) out in the public square. Between social sites like Facebook and MySpace, photo sites like Flicker, and blogsites like this wonderful space your eyes are resting on, Joe Q Public can let his (or her) feelings be known almost instantaneously on just about any subject.

"So Why Do We Need Another One?"

Admirable question. Because you haven't heard from me yet. I know a forward-thinking techno-savvy guy like myself should have long since been on the blog bandwagon, but alas, this is my first foray. So allow me a few stumbles and stick with me because I think I have some interesting things to say, and the comments section is a great place for you to opine as well. (It's like a blog but without all the hard work.)

"So Who the Hell are You Again?"

So glad you asked. I am Joel a Dj (like on the radio not spinning the jams at a rave) from northern Louisiana. I like to write (hence the blog), watch great tv and movies, and cuddle with my wife Ella (more on her later I can guarantee it). I studied Political Science and Theatre in College so I have a pretty broad base of interests and experience to draw from. One of the main purposes of this blog is to give myself a deadline on a regular basis, to keep me busy as a writer.

"So what are you gonna talk about?"

Movies, tv shows I love, Political and Current Event topics, Football or whatever comes up. If there is something going on that you guys would like to hear from me about then throw a comment or email my way. Let me know what YOU want to hear (or Read I guess).