The 100m Mistake

Sprinting is all about milliseconds, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to records or podium finishes. This past weekend in Korea at the World Track and Field Championship, Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and biggest draw in track, was disqualified in the 100m finals after just one false start where he jumped out of the blocks a fraction before the gun. One mistake is all it takes to get disqualified under the new rules of the 100-meter sprint, and Bolt’s error cost those who spent hundreds of dollars to be in the stadium, as well as the countless people watching at home, a chance to witness greatness - all for the sake of television programming.

Usain Bolt exits early from the 100m finals

The idea for the ‘zero-tolerance’ with starts is partially due to the fact that TV executives didn’t like excessive false starts forcing their program to go over the allotted network time slot. Each false start forces the run-time to take an extra few minutes for the runners to get set back in the starting blocks. Imagine three or four false starts from different runners, and the program might run over the TV schedule by 10-15 minutes. The new rule forced the runners to be completely disciplined in their blocks for the penalty of disqualification is too great. After this weekend, we know see clearly that the penalty is too much.

Song of the Week - Dashboard (again!)

Dashboard Confessional - If I Needed You
(written by: Townes Van Zant)
Album: The Wire Tapes Vol. 1

The Wire Tapes Vol. 1 is the least known of Dashboard Confessional's discography. It was released only on his 2007 acoustic tour and then very briefly on his website. Featuring covers from notable artists such as Weezer, Counting Crows and Regina Spektor, one must ask why he didn't release this album to the broader market as there would clearly be an interest. My only hope is that there is a re-release at his next live performance, as the past two times I've seen him there was nothing happening.

Get it together Mr. Carrabba. I want this CD.

The News Never Stops

“The news doesn’t stop on Mondays. Neither should your paper.”

This new advert from the Globe and Mail found on newsstands is a little jab at their national competitor, the National Post. The Post has decided again to opt out of printing Monday papers for the summer months to help out with their budgeting. I agree with the Globe that news doesn’t stop Mondays and newspapers should be in print every day to inform the public. I do, however, find it ironic that the Globe and Mail would make such a tongue-in-cheek remark when they themselves do not have a Sunday paper. And no, the “Weekend Edition” delivered on Saturdays does not accommodate all the Saturday news that would be fit to print on Sundays. Shouldn’t the advertising sector realize that the news doesn’t stop on Sundays either? Neither should their paper.

Song of the Week - Bromantic

New Found Glory - Saints and Sailors
(written by: Dashboard Confessional)
Album: Swiss Army Bro-mance

On their recent tour together, New Found Glory and Dashboard Confessional co-released a Vinyl record featuring just four songs. New Found Glory covered two of Dashboard Confessionals tracks, and vice-versa. The result was the Swiss Army Bro-mance, a play on words from Dashboard's most popular album, Swiss Army Romance.

New Found Glory are not newcomers to punk remakes of other band's songs; they have two full length cove albums: From the Screen to Your Stereo (Parts I and II). These songs would be a welcome addition to Part III.

Pre-seaon Benchclearing

It used to be what separated professionals from amateurs. It was what separated coaches from players. The recent soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid blurred the lines with their petty brawl and coaching scuffle. To its credit, it solidified a rivalry that has and will last for generations. Nonetheless, it was a disgrace for the sport.

Soccer is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans, or so the saying goes. While the hooligans are typically the fans, go to any amateur game in the city and ask any referee how often he refs a game that ends with punches, threats, or benches being cleared after a nasty tackle. The frequency will shock you. In fact, the lower the quality, the more fights occur it seems. This is why fans are so surprised at the brawl that took place this past Wednesday in Spain.

Song of the Week - Gorillaz

Gorillaz - Amarillo
Album: The Fall

It was over ten years ago when Gorillaz released their first hit "Clint Eastwood". Since then they have released three albums, won a Grammy (Feel Good Inc.), and all this despite having a group of constantly changing members. Damon Albarn, one of the founding members recorded their latest album, The Fall, solely on his iPad during their previous tour and the band then released it online for free last Christmas. That's worth a listen.

Song of the Week - A Dan Band Wedding

The Dan Band - Total Eclipse of the Heart (from Old School)

Original song written by Bonnie Tyler

The Dan Band - Candy Shop (from The Hangover)
Original song written by 50 Cent 

There's no better way to celebrate a wedding than with Dan Finnerty and The Dan band.
Though it may be mildly offensive.

Congratulations Lauren & Kyle!