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="Willets Point"]| ] And all the dudes like Zeppelin. |
NOW you tell me. :)
Later
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 10:51 AM
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| ]True, but I also wrote a song parody about Ron Darling, and if Ron doesn't draw the chicks, no one does. And all the dudes like Zeppelin. |
Yes, we are in a gray area. Yes, yes.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 10:55 AM
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Another developing subplot centers around Billy Joel. Two of his songs have been parodied, and he's 0 for 2. I don't think any other artist has more than one song in the competition at this point, although I have inside information that that's soon to change.
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MFS62
Nov 07 2005 11:00 AM
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Whew!
Its good to know you're not risking it all on a Vanilla Ice parody. (I guess that's kinda' redundant, isn't it?)
Later
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:01 AM
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Smashing the sentimentality rule to bits!
It seemse one of our two-win contestants wants to be a commentator.
Maybe I can cordon him off for an interview. Tell me, Yancy Street Gang, you are 2-0 in your first Parody Challenge. How do you...feel?
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 11:04 AM
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Very fortunate. Just gonna keep giving it 110 per cent.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:06 AM
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You've claimed to be at some sort of disadvantage with your music knowledge. What strengths have you brought to the table that have helped you get this far, hmmm?
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 11:10 AM
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I guess I'm not as musically illiterate as I thought I was. Many years of listening to oldies radio in the car seems to have helped. Once you've selected a song to use, it's mainly about picking the right words to overlay the original lyrics.
I actually have a harder time voting than I do writing the parodies, because it's rare that I'm familiar with both songs.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:22 AM
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Always downplaying your vast knowledge.
With "Spooky" and "I Think We're Alone Now," you've drawn from that nexus in pop music where bubble gum meets psychedelia. Is this where your flag is planted musically? Did this sort of music mean a lot to you growing up?
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Valadius
Nov 07 2005 11:27 AM
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I'm still hurting from my loss...
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:28 AM
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Whoah, hey, excuse me. Interview with a winner going on here.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 11:34 AM
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Grover wrote:
Always downplaying your vast knowledge.
With "Spooky" and "I Think We're Alone Now," you've drawn from that nexus in pop music where bubble gum meets psychedelia. Is this where your flag is planted musically? Did this sort of music mean a lot to you growing up? |
That's just the thing: I don't really have a musical flag, and the only music that meant anything to me growing up were TV theme songs. When I first started driving I actually had CBS 880 (all news all the time) on the car radio. It was only when I got bored hearing the same stories and traffic reports every 22 minutes that I discovered WABC. When that station switched to talk a few years later, I then discovered CBS-FM.
If the two songs I chose are from the "nexus in pop music where bubble gum meets psychedelia" it's news to me!
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 11:36 AM
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And by the way, Grover, I love those comedy sketches you do where you drive the guy with the blue head crazy.
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Centerfield
Nov 07 2005 11:36 AM
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I have not gottten soft. It's just tough to handle this fortune and fame.
Everybody's so different, I haven't changed.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:39 AM
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That came out of a brainstorming session. Bert threw those on the table. He and Snuffy riffed back and forth. We didn't think it would go anywhere, but the writers ran with it and threw it to me. I love Bert. Funniest straight man since Dino Martin
But, hey, one last question and I'll let you get back to what you do best. You face ScarletKnight next. Any forecast of what to expect? Any predictions of the outcome? Be honest.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 11:50 AM
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I looked at the list of players that Scarlett has, and I expect that she'll come at me with either Al Leiter or Gregg Jefferies. Leiter would probably be a smart move; I think some of our younger voters may lean more towards voting for players that they remember themselves. All I'll say about my next song is that it will be based on a song by an artist or group that's already been parodied this season. I'm pleased with the entry, although I don't think it's as strong as "I Think It's Don Grant Now." Will I win? I figure I have a 50-50 shot. Scarlett is bound to come in with a strong entry.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 11:53 AM
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Thanks and best of luck.
We'll be back with Biff's preview.
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 07 2005 01:06 PM
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Thanks Yancy.
Even though I'm shaking in my boots.
See you on the playground tomorrow morning.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 01:46 PM
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And it's on to the third round for past-champion Edgy DC.
Let's see if we can get a few words out of holy chicken.
Here, chickie, chickie. Here, chickie.
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holychicken
Nov 07 2005 02:38 PM
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*has already hit the sauce to dull the pain*
Whaddya want?!
*hic*
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 02:43 PM
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Stagger this way if you will Chickie. You were neck and neck with Edgy on Friday, but he pulled away over the weekend. Do you have any feelings about the extended vote?
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holychicken
Nov 07 2005 02:54 PM
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Well, all I can say is that the officiating in this parody-season has been a bit questionable. I don't generally like to attack the umps, but this was just unacceptible.
First we had the out-call against seawolf for delay of game that was then ruled to have hit the ground letting seawolf steal firstbase. Seawolf then got an incredible hit off of Roger's fat ass to win the game.
Now, we got this ruling that the voting gets extend to 3 days? This clearly favored the hometown favorite as it loaded the bases so he could crush a grandslam over the weekend to go ahead by 4 or so runs.
Certainly, we need to do some discussion in the offseason!
But don't count me out. I'll be back next year better than ever with parodies that'll make feathers grow out of your back. Now that I got a little experience under my belt, I'll be a force to reckon with next year.
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Grover
Nov 07 2005 03:01 PM
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Your answer, while interesting, has me lost in sea of metaphor.
Was writing about the legacy of Tug McGraw difficult for you, given the circumstances? Wer you tempted to use a Tim McGraw song? Or are you --- like myself and my partner Biff Thunderpants --- ignorant of all but about six notes of Tim McGraw's music?
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holychicken
Nov 07 2005 03:30 PM
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Yes, certainly I found it difficult considering that he finished pitching before I was born and he was such a fan favorite. I had to feign sentimental feelings, which, I am afraid, may have been my downfall.
As to Tim McGraw, I tried my darndest to work something in there about wanting Tug to end games as fast as I wanted Tim's songs to end (FTR, that's really fast) but it just sounded too forced or so ridiculously obscure that I wasn't even sure if I got it.
It should be obvious, by now, that there was no way I would use a Tim McGraw song. Furthermore, I figured that I might turn too many people off with country, so I shied away from it.
However, I must admit, my dislike for Tim McGraw is not because I actually know his stuff, but more because I dislike country in general.
I was really just hoping people caught my references to his quotes:
"Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other ten percent I'll probably waste."
"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf." - when asked for a preference of grass or Astroturf
I am not sure how much people know about the guy. . . but considering my ignorance when it comes to baseball history, it was the best I had to go with.
Oh, and BTW, one of my "metaphors" makes no sense. . .I just kind of crammed it in there.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 07 2005 03:42 PM
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I think that was the problem with chicken's song. It was well done, but it didn't capture the spirit of Tug when he was alive, it just invoked his spirit as a kind of patron saint of relief pitchers.
I thought about it, and if I were to do Tug McGraw, I'd probably go with a fun song like "I'm a Believer".
Five-team pennant race!
Ya Gotta Believe it!
Gonna grab first place!
Just a matter of time!
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 07 2005 03:43 PM
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Now Yancy is just showing off.
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Elster88
Nov 07 2005 03:44 PM
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I have no opinion on his music, but he was very good in Friday Night Lights.
_____________________________
This post had the designation 128) Jason Phillips
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holychicken
Nov 07 2005 04:10 PM
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Yancy,
I was torn between making it light and fun and more of a respectful requiem. I guess I made the wrong choice. :(
Chalk my loss up to a managerial error.
Oh and I guess because I had a worthy adversary. hehehe
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Rockin' Doc
Nov 07 2005 08:29 PM
Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 07 2005 09:00 PM
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My first ever parody in the CPF's second annual contest was of Tug McGraw to the tune "Pinball Wizard" by the Who. The song was titled "Screwball Pitcher" and earned my first victory. My run through the bracket came to a screeching halt when I ran into Edgy wearing his "Butch Huskey Jer-say".
Edited for typing error.
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mlbaseballtalk
Nov 07 2005 08:53 PM
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Grover wrote:
Your answer, while interesting, has me lost in sea of metaphor.
Was writing about the legacy of Tug McGraw difficult for you, given the circumstances? Wer you tempted to use a Tim McGraw song? Or are you --- like myself and my partner Biff Thunderpants --- ignorant of all but about six notes of Tim McGraw's music? |
I actually had a Tim McGraw song lined up for one of my players, may break it out after the contest
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Willets Point
Nov 09 2005 11:10 AM
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Sigh. I improve my career record to .500 and Yancy Street Gang is a rookie phenom burning through the brackets yet Grover and Biff are nowhere to be seen. Derek Jeter must be brushing his teeth in Central Park or something. Maybe Henrietta Pussycat is available?
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Biff Thunderpants
Nov 09 2005 11:55 AM
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Willets, congratulations on reaching the Quarters.
* Risky choice going with a big-band artist. Was this a deliberate strategy? Take us through the creative and strategic processes.
* I think we’ll all agree this contest has had it all this year, but we’re still woefully lacking in explosive bulletin-board material. So tell us, which of the combatants in the upcoming Marathon-Sharpie Playoff Grudge Match will be easier to beat in the Quarterfinals and why?
* The latest Vegas line is 3-1 you’ll go with Rusty Staub in the upcoming tilt with the winner. Care to comment?
* You do recall you requestred this interview, did you not?
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Willets Point
Nov 09 2005 12:35 PM
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Biff Thunderpants wrote:
Willets, congratulations on reaching the Quarters. |
Thanks Biff, I feel honored to be here among such storied contestants. I have a great appreciation for Parody Contest history. Edgy, KC, & Dickshot are the only three partcipants in all four contests, and here they are all still going at it. The wins feel good, but the margin of victory was close so I won't let it get to my head, just move ahead one song at a time. I tip my hat to ABG and Old Mole.
| ]* Risky choice going with a big-band artist. Was this a deliberate strategy? Take us through the creative and strategic processes. |
Well, Biff, you know I'm one for mixing up the genres. I've gone with Italian pop songs and American folk tunes in the past with little success. Song selection is important in parodying and unlike baseball it helps when everyone knows what song is coming. Glenn Miller may be of our grandfather's generation but "Chattanooga Choo Choo" was blatantly obvious for the subject matter.
| ]* I think we’ll all agree this contest has had it all this year, but we’re still woefully lacking in explosive bulletin-board material. So tell us, which of the combatants in the upcoming Marathon-Sharpie Playoff Grudge Match will be easier to beat in the Quarterfinals and why? |
I'll be watching that replay with heightened interest. Both contestants have proven to be strong parodists with many hidden weapons. Some have implied with the extra round the victor will be coming into the quarters worn out, but I don't buy it. With Eric Hillman taking the mound for both Sharpie & Metsmarathon, their regulars will be rested and ready to take me on. I see them both as serious and dangerous opponents.
| ]* The latest Vegas line is 3-1 you’ll go with Rusty Staub in the upcoming tilt with the winner. Care to comment? |
Rusty's a great new addition to the squad and is already mixing well with the veterans. Rusty and all of my other guys are all prepared to take the next round if called upon. That's all I can say about that at this time.
| ]* You do recall you requestred this interview, did you not? |
I sure do appreciate it Biff. How about that youngster Yancy? Some are saying he's playing over his head, but I think he's the real deal. He's got the talent to take on experienced parodists all the way to the final round, and perhaps win the whole damn thing himself.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 09 2005 12:48 PM
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Youngster?
Wow! Tell that to the grey hairs in my beard!
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Biff Thunderpants
Nov 15 2005 01:41 PM
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Biff Thunderpants, here live with edgy DC for a hard-hitting one-on-one.
* Your cowardly message yesterday, if I may quote, “I'm coming up near-empty. I have a song in the hopper, but I don't like it enough,” took many onlookers by surprise. Was this just another execution of the ‘possum’ game popularized and exploited to great success so far by Yancy in this contest or should we really expect a crap effort out of you in this round, and if so, what’s your excuse for that?
* Court confirmation hearings aren’t the only place the public can gawk at voting records, at least if you reveal yours thus far in the contest. What are you looking for when you cast a vote?
* Duran Duran, huh? What's next?
Biff Thunderpants, live at the CPF Challenge, back to you.
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Edgy DC
Nov 15 2005 02:07 PM
Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 15 2005 04:54 PM
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| ]Your cowardly message yesterday, if I may quote, “I'm coming up near-empty. I have a song in the hopper, but I don't like it enough,” took many onlookers by surprise. |
Yeah, nice opener, Biffles. And my agent says I need to do more of htis crap. Your capped and blow-dried exterior isn't fooling anybody that you have any depth of parody knowledge. What do you know prior to Dare to Be Stupid? Ah, forget it. Let's move on.
| ] Was this just another execution of the ‘possum’ game popularized and exploited to great success so far by Yancy in this contest or should we really expect a crap effort out of you in this round, and if so, what’s your excuse for that? |
I wish it was toying. I would've e-mailed KC but Yahoo has been desperately slow the last few days. I was the first to use the bracket thread to negotiate the time of the matchup. In retrospect, I wouldn't have set such a precedent. Sue me. I've got two weak plays ready to go, and if Kase calls me out, honor dictates that I send one into the breach to die.
The fact is that I've got a big hand, but nothing's jumping out at out at me. Let's look.Jerry Bucheck
Bill Denehy
Pumpsie Green
Butch Huskey
Julio Machado | Dave Magadan
J.C Martin
Amos Otis
Mike Remlinger | Josias Manzanillo
Ronn Reynolds
Scott Strickland
Frank Tanana |
OK, top reasons to go with a guy are that he's had the best Met career in your hand (Magadan), he's had the best overall career in your hand (Otis), or he's had the most recent tenure (Strickland, then Huskey).
Huskey's been done, as has Manzanillo. Magadan is as non-descript as a Met career of his success could be. Strickland is kind of a blank slate also. And apart from that, as much as I've been looking, I'm hard-pressed to find three facts about any of these guys, certainly not three facts that most voters would know if I referred to them.
| ]Court confirmation hearings aren’t the only place the public can gawk at voting records, at least if you reveal yours thus far in the contest. What are you looking for when you cast a vote? |
Cleverness and originality, Biff. Don't thiink because a yuck was funny when you heard the joke on Showtime at the Apollo back in 1987, it's still going to fly. Passion and commitment to your own muse is important.
| ]Duran Duran, huh? What's next? |
I'm thinking of paying a visit to the Hotel California, Biff. I don't know. You get to this point, it suddenly seems there are only like three dozen songs that are generally recognized. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that some adults never heard "Substitute" or "Bus Stop." What can you do? You can hope those who don't know your song will give it a listen beofre voting and appreciate what you're doing or you can go back to the Eagles catalog. Maybe you should prepare yourself for some "Witchy Woman," Biff.
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Valadius
Nov 15 2005 02:36 PM
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Do we have a record of which Mets have been parodied throughout the four years of this event? If anyone's been done twice we could vote on which one's better to pass the time...
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 15 2005 02:41 PM
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Some -- not all I don;t think here:
[url]http://p079.ezboard.com/fthecranepoolforumfrm31[/url]
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Willets Point
Nov 15 2005 04:21 PM
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Tanana makes for some fun rhymes and we all know he's in the Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. Pumpsie Green is a sad footnote in baseball history (maybe a blues song?) and the name PUMP-sie would fit a gazillion rock n roll songs.
Methinks Edgy protests too much.
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Willets Point
Nov 15 2005 04:23 PM
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By the way...this contest needs more trash talk.
Sharrrrrpie...
I'm ready to hurrrrt you and go on hurrrrrting you!
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 15 2005 04:24 PM
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But are you going to hurt him with rich Corinthian leather?
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 15 2005 04:35 PM
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Willets Point wrote:
Tanana makes for some fun rhymes. |
Playing the Name Game with Tanana makes for a bit of a tongue twister:
Tanana Tanana Bo-Banana
Banana Fana Fo-Fanana
Fi Fi Mo-Manana
Tanana!
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Edgy DC
Nov 15 2005 04:48 PM
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Been done.
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sharpie
Nov 15 2005 04:51 PM
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I had Pumpsie Green last year and wasted a lot of time working on "Pumpsie On My Mind" which maybe would've been better than the Mike Torrez parody I eventually came up with.
As for you, Willets, I'm very impressed with your cut-and-paste ability. Maybe you should enter some kind of contest which would highlight some of your skills.
Also, I'm ready when you are. Tomorrow morning ok with you? At 60 paces?
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Biff Thunderpants
Nov 16 2005 11:19 AM
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="sharpie"]
As for you, Willets, I'm very impressed with your cut-and-paste ability. Maybe you should enter some kind of contest which would highlight some of your skills.
Also, I'm ready when you are. Tomorrow morning ok with you? At 60 paces? |
Now that's some trash-talk!
We'll be right back after this...
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Willets Point
Nov 16 2005 02:04 PM
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sharpie wrote:
As for you, Willets, I'm very impressed with your cut-and-paste ability. Maybe you should enter some kind of contest which would highlight some of your skills.
Also, I'm ready when you are. Tomorrow morning ok with you? At 60 paces? |
Actually it's more of a Google image search ability....HEY, wait a minute that was a dis! That's some good trash talk.
I'm ready, sorry I didn't see this earlier but as soon as you read this feel free to start the thread.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 09:39 AM
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Hello, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I am... Grover! Yes, and we have a very special parody commentary as we a have three --- yes, three! --- contests going at the same time. Past champ Edgy DC is taking on the resurgent KC; Willets Point is trying to continue his breakout season with a comeback against Sharpie; and RockinDoc and Seawolf17 are trying to break their tie with a Bud Harrelson shootout --- the second shootout of this tournament.
Such duh-RA-ma!
We're fortunate to be joined by Edgy DC in the midst of this third-round action.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 09:40 AM
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Always a pleasure, Gee.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 09:41 AM
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Edgy, you're two-thirds through your third-round face-off. Take us through, if you will, your thoughts so far on this particular matchup?
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 09:42 AM
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Well, Gee, I don't really like to comment on contests while they're still in action.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 09:43 AM
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Pussy.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 17 2005 09:43 AM
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GROVER!
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 09:44 AM
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Excuse me?!
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 17 2005 09:53 AM
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This reminds me of how I felt when Gina from Sesame Street said the f-word on The Sopranos.
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MFS62
Nov 17 2005 10:02 AM
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And that's exactly what Grover was doing, providing you a link between Sesame Street and one of the all time favorite characters on the Sopranos.
Whe he got on the boat, Pussy was Tony's pal. And in a little while, he was just chum.
Later
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Elster88
Nov 17 2005 10:49 AM
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Yancy Street Gang wrote:
This reminds me of how I felt when Gina from Sesame Street said the f-word on The Sopranos. |
Who was she on the Sopranos?
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 10:50 AM
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Nothing. I didn't say anything. Not really.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 10:52 AM
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"Not really"? I heard something.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 10:53 AM
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Oh, well, while you were talking I was listening and admiring that kitty that was over there. Nice kitty.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 10:56 AM
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I didn't see any cat, Gee-Money. You best be keepin' it real.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 10:58 AM
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You mentioned before a certain... uncertainty with Magadan. We were expecting perhaps an appearance by Jerry Buchek or Pumpsie Green...
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 10:59 AM
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You know, I'm feeling bad about that. Last year Sharpie pulled Pumpsie at the last second. This year, I had Pumpsie ready in the on-deck circle, but ultimately, I liked my matchup with Magadan and sent him in there. I hope we can find a spot for Pumpsie if I'm lucky enough to continue. He's been waiting a long time.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 11:00 AM
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"We"? He's not getting any younger, Edgy.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 11:02 AM
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He played like 17 games 42 years ago, Gro'.
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 11:03 AM
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Racist.
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Willets Point
Nov 17 2005 11:03 AM
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You so know that if Edgy beats KC he's going to drop Pumpsie in a second for Jon Matlack or Robin Ventura.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 11:03 AM
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Wha?!
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Grover
Nov 17 2005 11:04 AM
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We have some exciting races going on. This is... Grover! We'll be back.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 17 2005 11:37 AM
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Elster88 wrote:
Who was she on the Sopranos? |
She was Tony's cousin Tony's girlfriend.
According to IMDB, her character's name was Gwen MacIntyre, but I don't think they ever mentioned the name on the show.
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Edgy DC
Nov 17 2005 06:29 PM
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This is what interrupted Grover's interview with me.
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Edgy DC
Nov 18 2005 04:01 PM
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Biff looks to be MIA and Grover has been suspended, I think. Action is furious in Vegas over whom our players are going to choose next.
Favorites are '86ers Gary Carter and Raffy Santana. I'm going with Mike Maddux and Carlos Baerga.
Hard to argue that Rockin' Doc isn't holding the better hand. Dickshot's been ready for days, though.
| Rockin Doc | | Player | Odds | | Bruce Boisclair | 9 to 1 | | Ray Burris | 19 to 1 | | Gary Carter | 3 to 2 | | Galen Cisco | 35 to 1 | | Mardie Cornejo | 100 to 1 | | Jerry Cram | 100 to 1 | | Mauro Gozzo | 30 to 1 | | Jack Heidemann | 19 to 1 | | Bill Hepler | 24 to 1 | | Luis Lopez | 15 to 1 | | Mike Maddux | 23 to 2 | | Tom Veryzer | 50 to 1 | | Vance Wilson | 7 to 1 |
| Johnny Dickshot | | Player | Odds | | Bob Aspromonte | 16 to 1 | | Carlos Baerga | 4 to 1 | | Kevin Baez | 32 to 1 | | Tim Bogar | 16 to 1 | | Gary Gentry | 4 to 1 | | Tom Hall | 50 to 1 | | Scott Holman | 32 to 1 | | Rafael Santana | 3 to 2 |
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sharpie
Nov 18 2005 04:10 PM
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Heidemann at 19-1 and Cisco at 35-1? You've got to be kidding.
On the Dickshot side, the sly money is on Bogar.
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Edgy DC
Nov 18 2005 04:21 PM
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Don't look at me. The odds follow the betting.
I think Heidemann lends itself to a number of superhero-themed songs.
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sharpie
Nov 18 2005 04:36 PM
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But Cisco leads to "San Fran" and Mexican banditos.
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 18 2005 04:52 PM
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Just to be fair we should probably limit the subject discussion to the subjects themselves, not the lyrical/thematic concepts they may or may not provide.
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Valadius
Nov 18 2005 04:57 PM
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Yes, as in Spiderman.
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Edgy DC
Nov 18 2005 05:06 PM
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Truly.
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sharpie
Nov 18 2005 05:08 PM
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Well, since one of you guys is going to be my opponent I shouldn't be giving you any ideas, anyway. Except the one about using Cisco and Bogar.
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Rockin' Doc
Nov 19 2005 07:59 PM
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Just checking in. I know Johnny has been ready for a while as Seawolf and I were fighting it out. I will not be using Gary Carter or Tom Veryzer since I did each of them, in succession in last year's contest.
Sorry to keep you waiting, JD. I have a song andd subject matched up so I should have it some time Monday. I'll let you know as soon as I'm ready.
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 19 2005 08:34 PM
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okey-dokey smoky
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Rockin' Doc
Nov 21 2005 07:50 AM
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I finished my song yesterday afternoon. Since we generally haven't posted them on weekends I waited for today. I'm getting ready to head to the office now, but will be back home for lunch. I will look to see if Johnny is around between 12:30-1:30 PM today. Hopefully, we can get this thing started then. I hope this works for JD. I know he's been waiting for this match for quite a while now.
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 21 2005 07:54 AM
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Cool. I'll try to be around at that time, so just start the thread when you're ready.
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 03:25 PM
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How 'bout a draft next year? Eliminates the usage of a guy who played in one game in '62. Since getting everyone together at the same time for a draft would be impossible, everyone could rank the players they want at 1-100 (or however many people enter times the number of players per person), PM them to someone, and that person could use the snake method giving the person the highest pick remaining on their list. You could incorporate the seeding in that way as in #1 gets first pick and so on (or backwards to give the lower seeded entrants a break). In fact, if you all like this silly method, I volunteer to sort out picks this way next year.
I would probably make up my own list even without entering because that's my sick twisted idea of offseason baseball fun, figuring out which players I would like to parody, even when I'm not going to parody anything.
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Edgy DC
Nov 21 2005 03:34 PM
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Only the top 500 Mets were available. Two games in 1962 wouldn't qualify anyone.
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 03:35 PM
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I think you get the idea though, no?
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 03:52 PM
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Anyone? Bueller?
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sharpie
Nov 21 2005 03:56 PM
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Well, since I came out earlier in favor of more control rather than less I have to oppose Elster's idea. I kind of liked being forced to write about Eric Hillman.
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seawolf17
Nov 21 2005 03:57 PM
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I'm going to oppose also. I like the randomness.
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 21 2005 04:11 PM
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I'm in favor of the current system. It keeps the contest interesting, and it's inherently fair.
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Valadius
Nov 21 2005 04:15 PM
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How about a compromise: we do a draft where we receive one player of our choosing each, and then we have the random assignments. That would create an added consideration into the contest: do I use my good player now or do I try to save him for the later rounds?
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 04:26 PM
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| ="ScarletKnight41"]I'm in favor of the current system. It keeps the contest interesting, and it's inherently fair. |
A draft would be inherently fair too, and I would argue just as, if not more, interesting.
I thought it would actually be more interesting if the more well known players were used. Those are usually my favorite parodies.
It's like an artistic movie vs. a summer blockbuster. I can appreciate the acting and storyline in a boring-ass movie like In the Bedroom, but I had a lot more fun at Revenge of the Sith.
Much the same, I can appreciate the ability of a poster to use an obscure player from the seventies, but I tend to enjoy a dwarf with Pedro more. (Not to insinuate that any of the parodies are boring in the slightest, I haven't read one yet this year that I didn't enjoy.)
I also fail to see how using more well known players would make the contest less interesting.
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 04:29 PM
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To clarify, I can understand that everyone is choosing because they just like it better as is. I just object to my proposal being classified as less interesting or less fair.
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 21 2005 04:41 PM
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It's not that your proposal isn't fair on paper. But when you get into a draft, I can see issues arise with respect to the order in which they get to make their picks. At least potentially.
With the status quo, there's no issue about how the players are assigned. The randomness is inherently fair without question or angst.
And I'd take In the Bedroom over any Star Wars picture any day.
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Elster88
Nov 21 2005 04:41 PM
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ScarletKnight41 wrote:
It's not that your proposal isn't fair on paper. But when you get into a draft, I can see issues arise with respect to the order in which they get to make their picks. At least potentially.
With the status quo, there's no issue about how the players are assigned. The randomness is inherently fair without question or angst. |
True enough.
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 21 2005 04:54 PM
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On the other hand, I could go along with an amendment that, instead of getting players from the Top 500, we reduce the available players to the Top 250 (or some other agreed upon number). That would help the pool by excluding a great number of the lesser known players.
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sharpie
Nov 21 2005 05:18 PM
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Some of the ones from numbers 251-500 are more well known than some of the top 250. Recent play is as important as good play when it comes to name recognition. I like it that the current Doc-Dickshot matchup is between two little-known or remembered players. You take a risk going with those guys but I'd rather see that than year after year of Strawberry vs. Seaver matchups.
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Valadius
Nov 21 2005 05:20 PM
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I like what we've done in terms of our tie-breakers, assigning one player to both participants.
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Edgy DC
Nov 21 2005 05:26 PM
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I believe it's our first year without a Steve Trachsel parody.
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Valadius
Nov 21 2005 05:33 PM
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And it looks like it will stay that way, as I don't see anybody having him on their list.
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sharpie
Nov 21 2005 05:34 PM
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Doc and Dickshot could tie.
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Rockin' Doc
Nov 21 2005 09:38 PM
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sharpie - "Doc and Dickshot could tie."
I don't believe there had ever been a tie in the previous years of the contest. There has already been two this year. JD and I are locked in a close battle that could produce a third tie. This is a cruel bunch sometimes.
I like the way players are assigned now. It would be boring to see the same players parodied over and over again each year. Some of the best parodies over the years have been about virtual unknown Mets.
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MFS62
Nov 22 2005 11:55 AM
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Rockin' Doc wrote:
I like the way players are assigned now. It would be boring to see the same players parodied over and over again each year. Some of the best parodies over the years have been about virtual unknown Mets. |
I agree with Doc.
Later
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 01:45 PM
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And Dickshot garners one last vote to narrow the margin to 16-15, the closest race to have an outcome in the history of thesee proceedings. I am beside myself with excitement.
Let's see if we can pin down the vanquished Johnny for a few words, before locating the eye doc.
Johnny D., you lost a narrow race, congratulations on the effort. But I can't help but focus on how you went with Kevin Baez. Kevin Baez! He's the 444th most-accomplished Met. Meanwhile, Gary Gentry stood waiting in your hand. Many of your fans were wondering what you were thinking.
What were you thinking?
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Willets Point
Nov 22 2005 01:51 PM
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I just have to interject here because it bears repeating - a better Met does not insure a better parody. The voters should be chosing on the quality of the parodist's writing NOT because they like a certain player better and NOT because they like a certain original song better.
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Yancy Street Gang
Nov 22 2005 01:54 PM
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I think both types of voting are going on, Willetts. Especially the latter, based on some of the comments.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 01:54 PM
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Please excuse me. I have an exclusive to file.
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 02:29 PM
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Grover wrote:
Johnny D., you lost a narrow race, congratulations on the effort. But I can't help but focus on how you went with Kevin Baez. Kevin Baez! He's the 444th most-accomplished Met. Meanwhile, Gary Gentry stood waiting in your hand. Many of your fans were wondering what you were thinking.
What were you thinking? |
I’m not about pandering to the historically ignorant, Grover. I go with what makes the best song.
Though he was obscure, Baez had a story as old and recognizable as baseball itself: The career minor leaguer fighting to stay on as a professional. He’s also a local guy. I felt that theme was universal enough to overcome whatever imagined deficit Baez’ performance in a Met uniform might have given him.
As for Gentry, well, nothing jumped out at me immediately, so I let him lie. I did have a Tim Bogar song put away, however.
Is that really why you think I lost Grover?
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 02:36 PM
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The question had to be asked. Some say you take chances. A forsake-the-good-in-the-quest-for-the-great kind of thing. Four years in this contest has left you with some success and legions of fans, but no shiny trophies. How do you respond to this scuttlebutt?
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 03:21 PM
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Grover wrote:
The question had to be asked. Some say you take chances. A forsake-the-good-in-the-quest-for-the-great kind of thing. Four years in this contest has left you with some success and legions of fans, but no shiny trophies. How do you respond to this scuttlebutt? |
Bitterly.
I've written some horseshit parodies over the years, I'm the first to admit that (Pratt!), but can't help but feel reamed up the scuttlebutt that my two personal favorites, THE STURDIVANT in 2002 and THE GUY SAID KEVIN BAEZ this year couldn't advance me in either tournament.I certainly hope that which was discussed here, for instance, how many votes the other song had, personal preference for the unparodied source material, a distate for being challenged, and so forth remained subordinate to the question of merit but geez I don't know. That's to take nothing away from my opponent, whose fine entry, obviously, would be subject to the same vagueries.
I don't know, Grove.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 03:22 PM
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Clearly some strong feelings about the electorate. We'll get back to that. Perhaps a different tack.
How about that Rockin' Doc? Have you ever considered "Walk on the Wild Side"?
What indeed goes into your selections? Do you focus on the players first or pick a good song and try and squeeze your player into it?
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ScarletKnight41
Nov 22 2005 03:24 PM
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FWIW, I loved Pratt!
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 03:29 PM
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For what it's worth, she loved "Pratt!"
You defended "Pratt!' at the time, even storming out on Biff Thunderpants.
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seawolf17
Nov 22 2005 03:36 PM
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Biff Thunderpants?
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 03:39 PM
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]How about that Rockin' Doc? Have you ever considered "Walk on the Wild Side"?
What indeed goes into your selections? Do you focus on the players first or pick a good song and try and squeeze your player into it? |
RockinDoc -- I gotta give him all the credit in the world. He paired a classic, near-novelty song with an obscure subject matter in just the same manner I did, in effect, nuetralizing one another's potential strengths and weaknesses. I was really hoping he'd go with something by the Eagles. The genius of his entry was turning the Doo doo doo part into the Boo boo boo part, which becomes even funnier if you picture the chicks in tight dresses on stage singing it behind Lou. I don't know whether I'd ever considered "Walk" before but had I considered the "Boo" chorus, I might have. It was a stroke of genius, I tell ya.
My feeling is generally you have to start with the player since the list of them is finite and the list of songs, in theory, is unlimited. But the soing is obviously important too. Don't ask me what works there because I'm going home for the like the fourth straight year.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 03:41 PM
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What's the entry of the tournament so far? Size up the final four for us?
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 03:41 PM
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| ]You defended "Pratt!' at the time, even storming out on Biff Thunderpants. |
Thunderpants can kiss my ass. I hate that frickin guy.
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Biff Thunderpants
Nov 22 2005 03:42 PM
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Bitter asshole sets fire to my ears, film at 11.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 03:42 PM
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The scuttlebutt is that you're not alone. But that guy has some great hair. Back to the previous question. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION!!
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 04:10 PM
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Grover wrote:
What's the entry of the tournament so far? Size up the final four for us? |
I'd watch out for Sharpie. He seems to bring the 'A game' every time out and in my estimation provided some of the highlights of this year's contest including LIFE DURING 93 TIME and CATCHER. You can't take him lightly that's for sure.
Other highlights include ESTES LAMENT, TAKE A WALK FROM THE WILD GUY, HURT AND LIKELY BRUISED and I THINK IT'S DON GRANT NOW. All excellent.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 04:18 PM
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Hey thanks. A few more questions --- and if I've been a crappy muppet interviewer, I apologize.
Firstly, you've been linked --- correctly or not --- with many glamourous actresses. Tia Carrere, Sophie Marceau --- big fans of the parody circuit. Now you're a married man and Ms. Dickshot is reportedly expecting. When the CPF invitational comes around again, you'll be a different man. It's a big offseason of change for you. Can we expect you back in '06?
And after that reflective note, I can't help but notice that you offered this exclusive unsolicted. Is there something you need to get off your chest? Speak now or hold your piece. Peace, I mean peace.
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Johnny Dickshot
Nov 22 2005 05:14 PM
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="Grover"]Hey thanks. A few more questions --- and if I've been a crappy muppet interviewer, I apologize.
Firstly, you've been linked --- correctly or not --- with many glamourous actresses. Tia Carrere, Sophie Marceau --- big fans of the parody circuit. Now you're a married man and Ms. Dickshot is reportedly expecting. When the CPF invitational comes around again, you'll be a different man. It's a big offseason of change for you. Can we expect you back in '06? |
I'm not going to be one of those guys who announces his retirement only to un-retire when the money is right, but I'm not above being one of those guys who drops hints of impending retirement, leaving members of the media and glamorous acresses in suspense. I may or may not be back. I'll just have to do what's right for my family.
| ="Grover"]And after that reflective note, I can't help but notice that you offered this exclusive unsolicted. Is there something you need to get off your chest? Speak now or hold your piece. Peace, I mean peace. |
I'm hurt and likely bruised.
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Grover
Nov 22 2005 05:18 PM
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Thanks, you've been sporting. Good luck with the off-season.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pile of insubstantial fluff to get to my editors.
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Biff Thunderpants
Nov 22 2005 05:46 PM
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Insubstansial fluff? C'mon Grove, let a real journo at this material.
BITTER PARTING SHOTS FROM DICKSHOT
Loser Blames Voters, Hints at Retirement
Devasted parody loser Johnny Dickshot yesterday fired sour grapes at an electorate that couldn't get him over top.
After a 16-15 loss to Rockin Doc in a hotly contested quarterfinal, the Big Dick, 4-for-4 in early departures and bitter goodbyes, in an interview with Grover opened fire on judges, suggesting they voted not on the merits of the parody but upon their own ability to recognize and appreciate what was being parodied.
"Ignorant," he said, adding, "Horseshit."
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MFS62
Nov 22 2005 06:20 PM
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Ah, screw it.
Come back to the loser's lounge, Doc. Have a couple of belts , and you'll feel better.
Later
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Jazz Radio DJ
Dec 01 2005 03:00 PM
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Good afternoon .... you are listening to publicly-supported radio WARM-FM. We'll be back with more jazz classics, but first .... The Crane Pool Forum Parody Contest ... What's next?
(long pause)
The early rounds .... of this year's contest brimmed with .................. excitement. And now we have our semifinalists: sharpie who edged out Willets Point with his psychedelic brilliance faces Rockin' Doc who nudged out Johnny Dickshot in a hot....ly contested match. Veteran Edgy DC coming off his evisceration of KC faces rookie Yancy Street Gang who similarily filleted Scarlet Knight.
(long pause, paper rustling)
Perhaps one of these contestants will call in to discuss their strategy for the ...... semi....finals.
But first some more classic jazz on WARM-FM, supported by members like you. From 1957, here's "Bouncing with my Baby at the Savoy" by the John Lewis Trio. Bob Etheridge on piano ... Bill Thomas, alto saxophone ... Vic Snyder on mandolin ... Gene Green on xylophone ... John Olver plays the triangle. Michal McNulty just sat on a chair in the studio and didn't do much (careful listeners can hear him fart approximately 15 seconds into the track) .... Vernon Ehlers jangled his keys ... Mac Thornberry delivered a pizza to the studio ... Ike Skelton provided the weed to the band members.
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Johnny Dickshot
Dec 01 2005 03:19 PM
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lol
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sharpie
Dec 01 2005 09:53 PM
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DJ makes some good points.
Both semifinal contests should happen the same day. That day should be Monday.
What think the rest of you?
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Edgy DC
Dec 01 2005 09:58 PM
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'Kay. I can promise that. I've been lax and anybody who can't get it together by Monday deserves many losses.
DJ guy breaks me up.
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Elster88
Dec 01 2005 10:00 PM
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sharpie wrote:
Both semifinal contests should happen the same day. |
Y?
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KC
Dec 01 2005 10:08 PM
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I think we need to focus on thinning up our avatars - think thin, EVERYBODY!
And what fuh is a evic, er, a evish, uh, evisacation?? I feel so evicatated.
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sharpie
Dec 01 2005 10:15 PM
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Elster asks Y?
sharpie say he likes it that way.
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Willets Point
Dec 01 2005 11:08 PM
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KC wrote:
And what fuh is a evic, er, a evish, uh, evisacation?? I feel so evicatated. |
I think Jazz DJ means:
SYLLABICATION: e·vis·cer·ate
PRONUNCIATION: -vs-rt
VERB: Inflected forms: e·vis·cer·at·ed, e·vis·cer·at·ing, e·vis·cer·ates
TRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To remove the entrails of; disembowel. 2. To take away a vital or essential part of: a compromise that eviscerated the proposed bill. 3. Medicine a. To remove the contents of (an organ). b. To remove an organ, such as an eye, from (a patient).
INTRANSITIVE VERB: Medicine To protrude through a wound or surgical incision.
ETYMOLOGY: Latin viscerre, viscert- : -, ex-, ex- + viscera, internal organs; see viscera.
OTHER FORMS: e·viscer·ation —NOUN
That's actually kind of gruesome. I think I'll pledge a different public radio station this year.
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MFS62
Dec 02 2005 07:43 AM
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Good word.
I've used it, but when the mood strikes me, I use disembowel instead. It creates a more vivid mental picture.
Anyhow,
NO!
Start the contests today.
They've had enough time to write a song.
Why extend it, especially since the schedule has been published and the tickets sold? They all agreed to start earlier this week. Why the change?
Steve Allen once wrote 100 songs on one weekend to win a bet.(He told the story during an interview)
These folks have had one week tro write one f'n song.
Gimmie a break.
Later
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sharpie
Dec 02 2005 09:02 AM
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I have no problem doing it today (gotta dust the cobwebs). It's just that this place gets little traffic over the weekend. Either way, I'm OK.
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Jazz Radio DJ
Dec 02 2005 11:22 AM
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Sharpie, what will be .... YOUR ... strategy for the semifinals? Have you every considered parodying a .... jazz standard? Perhaps an alternate take with numerous session men participating so I can announce them all in excruciating detail? Public radio audiences are dying to know!
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sharpie
Dec 02 2005 11:25 AM
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Absolutely. Bass solos make ideal parodies. I'm working hard on what should be a hilarious Rafael Santana parody based on A Love Supreme.
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Rockin' Doc
Dec 02 2005 10:47 PM
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I'm sorry if I am holding up the proceedings. Between work and a major school project for my daughter's science class, I have had little time to even ponder a parody, let alone write one. My daughter has put in 3-5 hours every day since this past Sunday on this project. She has 26 pages of typed material completed thus far, but there is still a few sections of the project that she has to complete. I expect this project will eventually be roughly 33-34 pages of typed material by the time she has it completed.
I know sharpie has been ready to go since before I knew the outcome of my last matchup. I promise that I will have something to post for Monday evening. Sorry, I can rarely post during the workday, so it will likely after work before I get it posted.
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MFS62
Dec 03 2005 10:50 AM
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What ever happened to kids doing their own homework and parents doing theirs?
I smell a forfeit brewing.
Later
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sharpie
Dec 03 2005 12:08 PM
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Monday night it is. You put it up whenever you're ready, Doc.
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cooby
Dec 03 2005 01:20 PM
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I hope her science project goes well, Doc!
When my daughter was about that age, she entered a project that entailed a lot of work (yes, the whole family can get involved in these things).
When it was set up, the science teacher smugly announced that it would "get a grade", but it wouldn't qualify to move on in the State competitions. When we asked him why, he said the display board (which we made ourselves, cost: approximately $100) didn't meet specs. The plywood was just a "little too thick...."
Can you say "denut the Science Teacher"? Because that is what I thought my husband was going to do.
Now THAT would have been a cool project, very anatomy-based.
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MFS62
Dec 03 2005 01:27 PM
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Were the science teacher's nuts blue?
(Clever tie in to Mole's answer in the Saturday Riddle thread.)
Later
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cooby
Dec 03 2005 01:28 PM
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I was too polite to look.
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Jazz Radio DJ
Dec 05 2005 09:48 AM
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Good morning to all you fans of classic jazz and .... New York Mets parodies. After a long ............ delay, it looks as if we may have some ac-tion this day. The Yancy Street Gang vs. Edgy DC matchup looks to merit some anticapation ... the spitfire rookie versus the old guard, a former champ.
My question for Edgy DC: Yancy Street Gang has been something of a giant killer this year, does this make you anxious? Will you change your parody style any to contest this New Breed parodist?
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Edgy DC
Dec 05 2005 10:55 AM
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Jazz legends don't stick to one style and neither do I.
True jazzmen live in the moment, and follow the inspiration that comes upon them. If a new cat comes scratching and the room follows his swing, I'm hep to that.
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Rockin' Doc
Dec 05 2005 07:28 PM
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I'm ready to take my whippin'. When sharpie and I get together, hopefully later tonight we'll get this started.
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sharpie
Dec 05 2005 08:22 PM
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I'll put up the poll, you post when you're ready.
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Edgy DC
Dec 06 2005 01:08 PM
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Available for interviews.
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Jazz Radio DJ
Dec 06 2005 01:46 PM
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Yancy Street Gang . . . the rookie ... blazes his way from the play-in round ... alll the way to ... THE FINALS. There's no stopping him now folks!
But first, since Edgy is attention-whoring himself, an interview with the former champion.
Edgy, you like Yancy were in the finals of this contest in your first year of participation, do you think you know what it feels like to be him right now? Do you think he has what it takes to win it all?
Some say that you're victory in the inaugral parody contest was the result of a fix? How come you've not been able to return to sipping from the champion's cup since then . . . have you gone straight . . . or are you just not as good at cheating as you used to be?
How come you didn't use a jazz tune for your parody? I and many members of our public radio audience would have voted for you.
And finally, will you make a pledge to support WARM-FM this year? We've got a canvas tote bag, a thermal mug, and a Dizzy Gillespie's Greatest Riffs CD to offer you as perks.
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Biff Thunderpants
Dec 06 2005 01:52 PM
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Scuse me, Mr. Face-for-Radio, but we're live.
Biff Thunderpants, live from the Al Luplow Memorial Arena. Tell the audience at home, Edgy: How does feel to be a loser?
An unnamed source familiar with your thinking has said you went with Orsulak here in the semis but were saving the real hammer for a showdown with the nearly unstoppable Sharpie the final round. Is this true?
What factors do you think influenced the voting public? Is there anything you'd like to say to them?
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Willets Point
Dec 06 2005 02:17 PM
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Now we just need Grover to show up and ask Edgy some questions he won't answer.
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Edgy DC
Dec 06 2005 02:42 PM
Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Dec 20 2005 11:04 AM
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One at a time...
In response to the Jazz DJ...
Edgy, you like Yancy were in the finals of this contest in your first year of participation, do you think you know what it feels like to be him right now? Do you think he has what it takes to win it all? Yancy has beaten me, so, yeah, he has what it takes to win. But sharpie has been a five-tool parodist round after round this year. It may just be his year. If he completes his win over Rockin' Doc --- no guarantee now that Doc has straightened out his equipment mishaps --- anything can happen. These are two family men, however, and I thnik it'll come down to whoever's family is the biggest pain in the ass this next week. I think I was the last childless one in the contest, and I guess I lost an opportunity there.
Yancy just needs to stop with the aw-shucks act. He got here on merit. He deserves to be here.
Biff?
=green]Biff Thunderpants, live from the Al Luplow Memorial Arena. Tell the audience at home, Edgy: How does feel to be a loser? Better than I imagine life on the sidelines to be, Biff. Back to jazzman.
Some say that you're victory in the inaugral parody contest was the result of a fix? How come you've not been able to return to sipping from the champion's cup since then . . . have you gone straight . . . or are you just not as good at cheating as you used to be? That sort of snarkiness keeps you on the public airwaves, Dutch.
Anonymous quotes don't bother me. I'll get all their names down when they're all biting my butt.
Seriously, I have a solid relationship with my fellow champions ABG and what'shisname, so I think they'd tell me if they suspected I wasn't playing straight. The rest are beneath responding to.
Thunderpants?
=green]An unnamed source familiar with your thinking has said you went with Orsulak here in the semis but were saving the real hammer for a showdown with the nearly unstoppable Sharpie the final round. Is this true? It took me over a week to sort something out with Orsulak, so, no, I can confirm that shouldn't have leaked. And, um, wasn't true.
Really, if the Doors at the top of our CPF Greatest Band rankings have taught me anything, it's that the future's uncertain and the end is always near. I figure you play your best card and, if you're fortunate enough to win, the new cards in your hand will present new opportunities, or new perspectives on the old cards.
Yes, old guy?
How come you didn't use a jazz tune for your parody? I and many members of our public radio audience would have voted for you. You've got to concur that "Horse with No Name," while not a jazz song, per se, has some swing to it. I generally feel that up-tempo numbers are better selections, but my opponent and I both went with mid-tempo choices, so that theory wasn't really tested.
I imagine, laden with la-las and ta-tas, both songs can be and have been recorded by contemporary jass --- or "jazz" as we now say --- singers.
Thunderpants.
=green]What factors do you think influenced the voting public? Is there anything you'd like to say to them? Everybody brings their own bag to the polling booth, Biff. But I've got to admit that they may have gotten this one right. I look back and I'm happy with my overall concept --- using a badly rhyming twist on the title phrase much like my prior entries this year. I'd have liked to do it with a more uptempo song, as I said, but what can you do? My construction was pretty damn good. Good scansion and rhythm --- my meter and rhyme respecting America's original, and, on this score, I'm certain I had Yancy licked. (And I hope it's something he improves on if he wants to win this thing.)
Where Yancy beat me fairly and squarely is that I just clearly wasn't as funny. Yancy had far more gags per line and solid ones at that. I could have caught him with a strong final chorus, I know it, but instead I come up anti-climactic with footnoted reference's to Orsulak's first and last games. Bleah! Did you know that Orsulak once reached down for a ball rolling into the outfield and came up and started his throwing motion with a newspaper page in his hand. Why didn't I at least use that?
There're a few regrets I'm still trying to put behind me, Biffers, but I gave him a run.
Radio?
And finally, will you make a pledge to support WARM-FM this year? We've got a canvas tote bag, a thermal mug, and a Dizzy Gillespie's Greatest Riffs CD to offer you as perks. I'll be happy to support WARM if I get them in the 4th Annual CPF Charity Gift Exchange.
Unless, there are any other questions, peace.
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Yancy Street Gang
Dec 06 2005 04:00 PM
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| ]Yancy just needs to stop with the aw-shucks act. He got here on merit. He deserves to be here. |
As Barney Rubble would say, "Gee, uh, tanks." I guess the "aw-shucks" thing may be wearing thin. Just because it's genuine doesn't mean it isn't tiresome.
| ]I look back and I'm happy with my overall concept --- using a badly rhying twist on the title phrase much like my prior entries this year. I'd have liked to do it with a more uptempo song, as I said, but what can you do? My construction was pretty damn good. Good scansion and rhythm --- my meter and rhyme respecting America's original, and, on this score, I'm certain I had Yancy licked. (And I hope it's something he improves on if he wants to win this thing.) |
Good point. I was much happier with the way my previous entries rhymed with the original. I didn't do as well this time around. I Think It's Don Grant Now was a much better fit, and so was Pedro is the Guy Dwarves Climb On.
I did have less confidence in this song than I did in the previous two. I was afraid that writing about how little I know about a player might count against me. I'm curious to know if I lost any votes because of that. Really, "Don't Know Much" could have been written about any number of obscure or long-ago players. The only thing Ed Bressoud really lent to the song was a good sound-alike chorus. "What a wonderful world it would be" and "So I wonder about Eddie B."
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MadDog
Dec 20 2005 10:57 AM
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Good morning, everybody! How are you today! Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo here with you live on the Crane Pool Forum, trying to make sense of all these interviews that have been going on... come on! A muppet? Some guy named Thunderpants? You call that an interview? Mr. Jazz DJ? Come on. Really. Leave this to the professionals.
So we are talking today about your very own Yancy Street Group, who has apparently won some sort of contest involving Kelly Clarkson songs about Mets players. Let's see if we can get Mr. Yancy on the phones to talk to us a bit.
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Yancy Street Gang
Dec 20 2005 10:58 AM
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Hey Dawg. First time long time.
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MadDog
Dec 20 2005 11:03 AM
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Thank you for joining us, Mr. Yancy. So you wrote some sort of song about Lee Mazzilli? Why Lee?
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Biff Thunderpants
Dec 20 2005 11:08 AM
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I'm here in the Green Room with the hard-luck finalist, Sharpie. Tell the audience at home: What happened?
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I see. One of the keys to victory for you seemed to be picking classic yet surprising songs to accompany your subjects: Life During Wartime, Roundabout, Shattered... just astonishing, bold choices. Take us through the creative process. Like with 'Roundabout' did you start with the idea of parodying that particulaar song first then go and find lyrics and a subject to accompany?
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What non-Sharpie entries did you admire most this year? Why?
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Will you be back next year?
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Yancy Street Gang
Dec 20 2005 11:20 AM
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MadDog wrote:
Thank you for joining us, Mr. Yancy. So you wrote some sort of song about Lee Mazzilli? Why Lee? |
I just go where inspiration leads me. Whatever song/player pairing seems to give me the best idea is the one I go with, for better or worse.
I picked up Lee after my play-in victory over Annie, and didn't get around to using him until the very end. I wasn't sure how best to handle Mazzilli. When I think of him I do still think of the young promising centerfielder, but I realize that some of the younger voters only see him as an evil Yankee. So I chose to pander to the voters. I thought that writing about Lee the Met wouldn't resonate with everyone, so I had to find a song that would also cover his Yankee tenure. When I remembered "Both Sides Now" I knew I had the pairing I was looking for.
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Grover
Dec 20 2005 11:33 AM
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Wow, hey, congratuLAtions, Mr. Gang. So, from 19th seed to champion --- we're talking '69 Mets here, aren't we?
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Yancy Street Gang
Dec 20 2005 11:36 AM
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Grover wrote:
Wow, hey, congratuLAtions, Mr. Gang. So, from 19th seed to champion --- we're talking '69 Mets here, aren't we? |
I guess so. With a 5-0 record now, I should get a much higher ranking if I participate next year.
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seawolf17
Dec 20 2005 11:43 AM
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This could get ugly.
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Grover
Dec 20 2005 11:46 AM
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Indeed.
I think all of us parodists have had that sinking feeling when we finish and/or our song and then see our opponents song and all our confidences falls away. Which opposition song gave you the most pause?
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Yancy Street Gang
Dec 20 2005 12:03 PM
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Grover wrote:
Indeed.
I think all of us parodists have had that sinking feeling when we finish and/or our song and then see our opponents song and all our confidences falls away. Which opposition song gave you the most pause? |
Hmmm. They all did, to some degree or another. I never once read the opponent's song and thought I was going to win easily. I think the ones that scared me the most were probably Annie's first round description of Marlon Anderson's inside-the-park homer and Edgy's Joe Orsulak tune. And I think part of that was because I had less confidence in my own songs for those rounds.
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sharpie
Dec 20 2005 12:19 PM
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Hi Biff. Glad you could spare some of your time speaking to us losers.
To be honest, I think I was spent after "Grounded Out." It may be a case of having too many subects to think of - Alfonzo, Duffy Dyer, Rick Reed, all sorts of for one reason or another appealing players. I finally paired Rusty with "Truckin'" but I, frankly, was never very happy with the result. I only liked a few of the verses in the middle, the one about Foster, the Buffalo burgers and the following verse, the rest fell into that sort of parody that I disdain -- trying to squeeze in random facts about a player without there a consistent throughline. I also was worried as I felt that this wasn't much of a Grateful Dead crowd (I'm not much of a Grateful Dead crowd myself). I always look for up-tempo songs (Edgy said the same thing) and found myself with this mid-tempo thing. I knew going in that it was my weakest entry. In my heart of hearts I think it was probably a strong enough entry to beat Doc's Freedy Johnston song and that "Grounded Out" was better than Yancy's current entry but I can only write one parody at a time.
| ]I see. One of the keys to victory for you seemed to be picking classic yet surprising songs to accompany your subjects: Life During Wartime, Roundabout, Shattered... just astonishing, bold choices. Take us through the creative process. Like with 'Roundabout' did you start with the idea of parodying that particulaar song first then go and find lyrics and a subject to accompany? |
"Roundabout" was originally going to be a Kevin Elster parody ("I'm always grounding out"...) until my son said that I should write about Kenny Rogers and, in checking, I discovered that Kevin Elster didn't ground out all that much. One night coming home on the subway the Rogers/Roundabout connection hit me and the rest was easy and it was especially satisfying that there were 4 uses of the chorus which allowed 4 balls to happen. You mentioned the three that I was happiest with, Shattered, Life During Wartime and Roundabout. I Am the Walrus was a conventional choice and I thought was weaker than those three. I was frankly surprised that Catcher (Shattered) ended up in a tie. My best, in order: Grounded Out, Life During '93-Time, Catcher, I Am McDowell, Staubin'.
]What non-Sharpie entries did you admire most this year? Why?
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Edgy's "Maggie Mae" was great. Yancy's "I Think We're Alone Now" was inspired (I thought that was his best work). The Doc/Dickshot, "Walk on the Wild Side" vs. "I Blinded Her with Science" was a first-class matchup. Funnily enough, after the first round (which was two rounds long for me) I kept thinking that my opponent had knocked off challengers I was wary of, Willets knocked off ABG, Doc knocked off Dickshot, Yancy knocked off both Edgy and CF.
| ]Will you be back next year? |
I am keeping all of my options open but yes I expect to be back next year with a vengeance.
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