Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here

A quick recap of Chicago's weather yesterday (times approximate):

7:30 a.m till about 1 p.m.: partly sunny, about 68 degrees. Nice.

1 p.m.: slowly starts getting overcast

1:30 p.m.: raining like a mother

3 p.m.: clearing up, cooler but still nice

5 p.m.: clouding over

5:20 p.m.: light rain

5:25 p.m. heavier rain

5:30 pm. marble-sized HAIL pelting us at the bus stop

6 p.m. (en route to Wrigley): light rain

7 p.m.: very light rain, sun peeking through

7:55: beautiful, cool night, no more rain

Cubs win, 5-0.

Post-return-to-Chicago record: 23-26, edging toward .500

Barry Funny

You, too, can create a wacky greeting for Barry Bonds here. All two of you can post your URLs in the comments section.

On a more serious note, loyal reader JT discusses United 93 on his blog, The Sauerbrun Report. (Note: He says it's not a blog. I say it is, though maybe it's not, because there's no comments option. Oh, and that's the worst name for a blog -- though it does have a back story -- than Stosh. Tough to do.)

Anyway, his thoughts got me thinking...in the context of 9-11, which, of course, is likely impossible to ignore in relation to the film, the story is overwhelmingly emotional. However, if this were just a random fictional story about a flight being hijacked, one that had nothing at all to do with 9-11, would it be as powerful? Would we have people saying the film shouldn't be made? Of course not. Yet, because the incident the film is based on is directly related to 9-11, it somehow becomes this piece of art that has people wondering if they should even see it.

I don't really know what I'm saying here. I haven't seen the film yet (my wife is in the "too soon" crowd, but her resolve seems to be weakening). I just find it interesting that the film's context makes what would be a gripping, unemotional action movie into this controversial thing that many people won't check out on principle.

Loopy vs. the Red Baron

Erstwhile former Cub Rick Sutcliffe had a few with buddy Bill Murray the other night, then visited his old pals in the San Diego Padres' TV booth. Hilarity ensued.

Unsatisfying

If a blog is shitty, does a bear fall in the woods?

Here's some actual content: The new Replacements song via The Jim Rome Show. Westerberg was supposed to call in and, in predictable fashion, blew it off. Tommy Stinson, however, did his part. I haven't listened to any of this stuff, including the song, but here it is for your enjoyment (I assume the links are good):

Intro and Tommy, Part 1

"Message to the Boys"

Tommy, Part 2

Pitchfork reviews the song here.

P.S. about Rome...I swear I saw him in the audience of America's Funniest Home Videos last night. Or maybe it was a dream/nightmare. And yes, I watch that show. I've already admitted to being a philistine.

UPDATE: One listen to "Message," and I find it pleasant but non-essential. Just because it's called a Mats song doesn't make it that much more impressive. Good tune, won't be spinning it all that often, I'm afraid.