Drinking & Driving: Not a good idea.

So, I golfed this past weekend. Honestly. I did. The last time I did such a thing, I was with the better half of this blog, and it was forever ago. Like for-ev-er. And by forever, I mean something like May, of course. And though I hit the best seven-iron of my life that day, it wasn't enough to raise my interest in perusing more golf outings more often this summer.

Why? Because I'm awful. Like, super awful. And I can't get better. Like, at all. The summer before last was easily the summer in which I played the most golf, and by the time August rolled around, I contemplated selling my clubs.

It's an odd thing, golf is. All men seem to want to learn how to play it after they pass a certain age, and more often than not, end up becoming good enough to continue playing through springs, summers and falls. It's a display of power, actually. A lot of business deals get done on the golf course (or at least in my small, little mind, they do. Kind of like in the same way I've now become convinced that all big-time athletes cheat on their wives in some underground secret world that only pretty people are allowed into. Thanks Brett Favre.)

All that said, this particular golf outing was a bit different for me. And why is that, you ask? No, it wasn't because I got an actual, true, honest-to-goodness bogey on the fifth hole, silly. It was because I clocked in some overtime on my Man Clock by drinking beer while partaking in such golf-like activities. That's right: A dude who hit a ball with a stick up and down a pretty-looking forrest who was drinking cans of Miller Lite. That's me. A man amongst men.

The result was exactly what I thought it would be (and also, I may add, a big reason as to why I've never done such a thing before): Awful. Never mind the fact that we could get through only 15 holes before the sun subsided for the day, and neither of us could actually see. Never mind the fact that by the 11th hole, I had lost all of the balls I had purchased that very day before hitting the links. And never mind the added pressure of betting a dollar on each hole with the guy I was playing with (wow, that's three! Golfing. Drinking. Gambling. Put me in a Ford commercial!).

Fatigue. That's all. When I drink, I get tired (unless if singing and dancing is involved, of course). And I knew that if I ever decided to try and mix the game of golf with such a thing, I'd be suffering. And boy, was I suffering. The sun setting didn't help, either. Fifteen more minutes and I would have cuddled up on the back of the cart for a two hour nap. By the time we made it back to the car - and I noticed it was only seven at night - I felt as though the only thing left to aspire for was a ball of yarn and a rocking chair, and you could have mistaken me for an 85-year-old grandmother. It killed me.

The lesson learned here? Don't drink and drive (get it?! That's so punny!). Does this mean I'll give up golf for the rest of the year? Probably (if for no other reason than the fact that I left my clubs in the back of his car). Does it mean I'll be one of the first people at a driving range once winter subsides and the weather becomes warmer next April? Absolutely. And, of course, the biggest question: Does this mean I'll be able to further the quality of my golf game next summer now that I have done the one thing I've never done on the golf course?

Not a chance. But hey. At least I don't look like this guy...

...For The Ride Home: Fox News is your new source for all Tea Party information, Zuckerberg could sue movie makers and the U.S. goes down hard

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Roger. What the hell do you think you are doing? Lies, lies and more lies, and we see how far this gets you. With only two episodes left, "Mad Men" has left nothing but doom and gloom talk to be had as this fourth season winds down. For really the first time this season (or at least, that's how it feels), we finally get to see Don Draper work as the boat his company resides in keeps sinking further and further into the sea. I was shocked (shocked!) to see Peggy end up with that creep she dismissed a couple weeks ago. That was...disappointing. We saw the beginnings of a youth movement, though, as Ms. Olson went into a meeting and got a deal done in quintessential Don Draper fashion. And speaking of Mr. Draper: Oh the humanity! What are you thinking, my man? You see what sleeping with secretaries does to your life, so why turn down that road again? That said, I still don't support his relationship with Faye. Don't know why, either. Just can't get behind that. In some odd, inexplicable way, I root for things to actually progress with this new secretary. But man, does she have some messed up teeth, or what? And that answer isn't what. Bold prediction: Pete leaves by the end of the season, Roger finds some way out of the company, and everything becomes all blown up. They have to do that, right? After last year's dog and pony show of a season finale. Good day, Week 28. Let's see what you can offer.

The Europeans won the Ryder Cup this morning. It was the first time in almost 20 years the competition came down to the final match. So, so sad. (ESPN)

Did anyone catch “Saturday Night Live” this weekend? Kanye West thanks any and everyone around for the success of his performance. Bigger story: “What Up With That” returned. (MTV)

Terry Gross, who, if you remember correctly, I love and ran into at a record store in Philly last May, sits down with Jon Stewart. (NPR)

People StyleWatch is the magazine of the year. Or so says these guys. (Ad Age)

Fox News: The official television network of the Tea Party. (New York Times)

First movies. Then television. And now music is going to have a stab at 3-D. (Pollstar)

Zuckerberg and the thought of suing the producers of “The Social Network.” T-minus 18 hours until I finally sit down with what Rolling Stone says is the best movie of the year. (The Hollywood Reporter)

A “Mad Men” recap. Only two episodes left! Frown face. (Entertainment Weekly)

...For The Ride Home: Somebody says something mean about Katy Perry, 10 acts to check out at the ACL music fest and America is winning the Ryder Cup!

So, Jay kills it here. He really does. If you happen to be around speakers, and you fancy yourself a hip-hop fan, you really ought to consider giving this a listen. But none of that is the story, actually. The reason you should take note of this song is because...wait...for...it...OK: This is the track that MC Hammer is so upset about. Mr. Carter doesn't even really diss him here, but the "You Can't Touch This" mastermind is trying to promote a new album. So alas, if you've read about the controversy, or happen to be a super duper MC Hammer fan, and haven't heard what all the fuss is about, now you know. It's not like we didn't love you, Week 27, it's just that we must move on for ourselves. Please don't take it personal. It was a good week, you know. It's not you, really. It's us. Hopefully we can leave the door open for future get-togethers. Is that OK, Week 27? All right. Good. Welcome to October, and welcome to a 31 day month. It always seems so daunting when you say it like that, doesn't it? Who's going to see "The Social Network" this weekend? I may have to wait until early next week to see it, so no spoilers, please. Whether or not you venture to the theater this weekend, though, we here at The Unusual Suspects would like to offer our best wishes your way and we sincerely hope, from the bottom of our hearts, that you are able to enjoy the first weekend of October to its fullest. Until Monday, read a few of the links below, cuddle up with someone you love if it happens to get cold, and don't forget that just like the previous 26 weeks, we love you, miss you.

LeBron James blames race for the backlash against his decision to play for Miami. This was what we in the trade like to say something you can “put on a tee” for Mr. Jason Whitlock. Read this. (Fox Sports)

“I heard she put out a song about me, or about some old habits or whatever. I look at it like this: I’m just stoked that she finally has a song with some substance on her record. Good job.” (MTV)

The lesson learned here? Don’t look at porn or gambling sites while at work. (Stars And Stripes)

Someone from Kansas State took home the Rolling Stone College Journalism Award. Our hats go off to you, sir. (The Collegian)

I’m going to keep linking stories about The Boston Globe’s latest idea only because I am utterly fascinated with it. Will it work? If it works, what will the implications be for the future of journalism? This should be taught in college courses. Professors out there, take note. (Media Nation)

Hey, hey. The United States is winning after the first day of the Ryder Cup! Remember to tune in this weekend after you stumble home from the bar to watch live coverage! (BBC)

A list of acts you should check out if you are lucky enough to make it to the Austin City Limits festival next weekend. May we humbly add Norah Jones to the list. She’s such a doll. (Spin)

Larry David talks about the NFL. That’s all you really need to know. (NFL)

“Titanic” in 3D. Now that’s an idea. (ABC News)

...For The Ride Home: Anderson Cooper has himself a new show, what the 'like' button really means and rest in peace Greg Giraldo

Why Phil Collins today, you ask? Well, after writing that Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame post yesterday, the lovely people at the Hall decided to follow us on Twitter (something you fantastic friends should do as well!). This, in turn - and because we are nice people - led us to start following them. The result? Well, today those fine people tweeted that on this day in rock history, Mr. Collins joined Genesis! That's right. Little did the world know that 40 years ago on this very day, the history of music would forever be rewritten as one (if not THE) greatest band in the storied history of the musical universe would undergo a lineup change. It's such a landmark day, you know. It's also a rainy day (at least at The Unusual Suspects world headquarters). And I like that. No. Wait. I love that. Rainy days are my favorite, and if I could only come across one during which I didn't actually have to work, my mind could be at ease. But alas, that's what we grown-up people do. Work hard for the money. Whether or not it is raining wherever you are, we suggest taking a few minutes to click on a link or two, check out our take on the latest and greatest NFL prank and cuddle up with a nice, loving lover. Because nice, loving lovers are the best. They really are.

Anybody out there see yesterday’s comments from Bubba Watson about this year’s Ryder Cup? Check this out and I dare you to tell us you aren’t rooting for the United States now. (ESPN)

Oh, wow. Don’t know if this is the right move. The Boston Globe will begin to offer two Web sites – one you have to pay for, the other will remain free. (Boston Globe)

Anderson Cooper is going to have a daytime talk show. And I’ll bet it’s good. (New York Times)

Recession-proof style. What more could you want? (GQ)

I admittedly know absolutely nothing about this kind of stuff. So this, to me, at least, is interesting: What the “like” button means in regards to Web traffic. (CNN)

So, someone from The XX is already putting out a solo album? Damn. Who do these dudes think they are? (Pitchfork)

Greg Giraldo died yesterday. That’s sad. (People)

Spencer and Heidi: Love perseveres. (TMZ)

...For The Ride Home: 'Deadliest Catch' guys walk off show, soccer star gets caught in sex scandal and an interview with Ben Folds

This was good. Really, though. It was. I know it opened to bad reviews, and anyone who had seen it before me advised I stay away from it. But I enjoyed it. Of course it's not a candidate for Movie Of The Year or any such nonsense. But it's really worth a watch if you dig 1960s rock & roll, Mr. Hoffman or any of the people you see in one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, "In The Loop." Honestly. Check it out. Welcome to Wednesday, or, well, hump day as many dirty minds may suggest. How are you doing? September is nearly gone and October looms its head right around the corner. While driving today, the forecast on the radio said that temperatures are set to peak in the 50s throughout the weekend, so for those of you who may still be clinging to the last scraps of summer, you may be hit with a firm dose of fall within the next week or so. Cold weather. Rain. Dark. Dreary. Not to sound too depressing, but... Yeah. You get it. In any case, maybe a few of the following links may help ease the pain colder weather can bring. If not, maybe a look at who will possibly be in 2011's class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame could do the trick. Either way, here's hoping you and yours have a wonderful evening.

Am interview with Ben Folds. That should be enough to get you to click, right? (Popmatters)

Fulham defender meets transsexual. And, then, well… (Deadspin)

The Washington Post will no longer run ads for (possible) prostitution. I thought of a few different jokes, but none seemed fit to print. (Washington Post)

Still can’t understand this: The Academy Is… and a photo gallery of their tour with Kiss. (Alternative Press)

“Deadliest Catch” stars quit the show. Does this mean the dudes on “Ice Road Truckers” are going to call it a day, too? That’d be sad. (Yahoo)

The Rider Cup begins this week. This is interesting only because Tiger made some “we are a team” comments yesterday. Maybe this year will be worth watching. (Fox Sports)

“American Idol” judges come together for first try at being judges. Somewhere, Kara weeps. (USA Today)

The Grande Ole Opry is back. Having spent a few days in Nashville over the summer, I can confidently tell you I am happy about this. Good for them. (Pollstar)

...For The Ride Home: Doc's kid makes John Wall look silly, Emmys fashion and movies you may want to check out this month

To begin Week 23, we offer a picture of both Jan Jones and Christina Hendricks at last year's Emmy Awards ceremony. And that, naturally, segues us into Monday's official "Mad Men" recap (as always, any and all suggestions/comments are welcome in the forum below). Before I begin - and because this was brought to my attention by the better half of this blog - keep in mind these recaps will contain spoilers. If you don't want to know what's going on with the show, kindly scroll to the links. You there yet? OK. Good. So last night, we got to relive when Don and Roger first met, and this, to me, provided some of the greatest moments of the entire series. To see how eager and wide-eyed Don was initially, and to see how dismissive Sterling was to him, was simply fantastic. Now to the award. Oddly enough, I felt this was the first real time we got to see Don's drinking (kind of) get in the way of his professional life. When he rushes back from the awards ceremony to pitch ideas to LIFE, all you can do is cringe as he mindlessly throws ideas against the wall to have nothing turn out well. And yes, the writers are way too smart for you to even begin to think that showing that kind of episode on the same night as the Emmys wasn't done on purpose. Peggy continues her "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore" moments, but - and I honestly hate to say this - there are times when she simply becomes more annoying than confident or empowering. For as bad as she treated Don's former secretary when she "needed to get over" the fact that Don slept with her and she wasn't happy with the fallout from that, Peggy needs to consider getting over a few things herself instead of pouting all the time. Still love her, though. And finally, Pete stood up for himself and laid a little bit of the law down. "He always looks like he's over-acting," my roommate said. He's right, but at this point, you have to think it's done on purpose. Have to. Whew. That was a lot. As you digest that, take some time to click on a few links and enjoy the second to last day of August. Be happy, friends.

John Wall gets crossed the eff up by Doc’s kid. Remember when I talked about ooking a kid a bunch of months ago? Yeah, watch this video. (The Big Lead)

A look at the best movies September will offer. Mildly excited for the new Clooney movie. (Popmatters)

Ooohhhh. ESPN travels to high school and treats everyone and the town like poo. You HAVE to read this. (Sacramento Bee)

So, exactly how many people turned out to that rally in D.C. over the weekend again? Depends on who you talk to, really. (Yahoo)

Emmys fashion. The young girl from “Modern Family” looked fab. Absolutely. (NBC)

It’s a Monday tradition. Your “Mad Men” recap. (Entertainment Weekly)

And speaking of both of those above things, Ms. Christina Hendricks talks about how hard it is for her to find dresses these days. (New York Daily News)

Tiger stumbled back to assure himself another week on the tour Sunday afternoon. Here’s a recap of the People article that his ex-wife granted. (Bleacher Report)

...For The Ride Home: The Emmys are Sunday, older people love social media and 20 years ago today, Stevie Ray Vaughan died

I usually try to send you off into the weekend with a nice, "kick off your shoes, put on your dancing hat and let's have some fun because it's Friday and the weekend!" offering. Not that Mr. Rob Thomas can't do such a thing, but I had the weirdest dream last night about how I was informed he had died. It was super odd. Because it has stuck with me all day, I now offer this, a live version of a song I had no idea was, at one point, a single, "Mockingbird." Huge place in my heart for Mr. Thomas. Today, we say goodbye to Week 22 and to let you in behind the curtains for a few seconds (and only because we are all best friends around here, you know), this was tossed around as being the very final day of this blog's existence. If you haven't noticed, today, we celebrate our five month anniversary, and, it should be noted for those who are counting, that this is our 201st post. Over 200 posts, five months and thousands of page views (can't thank you guys enough for that), and because of other obligations, we contemplated the notion of giving it up. But alas, love prevailed in the end, and we shall push through until...well, until you guys stop reading. So, this is good news, right? You don't want us to do away, right? Come on, now. We need a little bit of our ego fed (more so than words can say), so any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. All of that said, here's to another five months, eh? Now with the curtain swiftly being pulled in front of us again, we'd like to offer the following links to kick off the last weekend of August. Did you remember to check out today's Blogspot Banter? It's a goodie, you know. Give that a read, follow Ms. Indy Grrrl to her site to see what she has to offer, and as we wait to find you back here, ready to go Monday morning, I must remind you, the people who truly keep this operation going, love you, miss you.

So, Melo is gone, we know that. But he wants his extension, too? And Denver is honestly willing to blow the entire operation up once he leaves? Don’t really know if that’s necessary. (Yahoo)

Oh, college newspapers. You crazy. (Independent Florida Alligator)

Remember the Fox News guy we linked earlier in the week? You know, the one who was leaving to go to print? Yep. There’s a pay cut involved. (Media Matters)

People 50 and over love Facebook, too! Actually, they do, though. There are numbers to prove it. (Pew Research Center)

Good. Question. (Salon)

What would you give for lower concert ticket prices? (Pollstar)

Twenty years ago today, Stevie Ray Vaughan died. Way too young. (Contact Music)

The Emmys are Sunday. Don’t forget. We root for “Dexter,” “30 Rock,” “Mad Men” and “House.” And “Modern Family” got robbed. (NPR)

OH! Levi’s mad at Bristol! Levi’s mad at Bristol! (CNN)

Mike Lupica’s take on Tiger. I find myself feeling more bad for him each day. I shouldn’t. But I do. Weird. (New York Daily News)

...For The Ride Home: Tiger and Elin talk, Christina Hendricks named spokesperson of London Fog and Brownie goes back to New Orleans

"Last night. She said." And then I have no idea what is sung after that. It's weird how the older you grow, the more you find yourself liking music you dismissed when you were at the age in which you should have liked the said dismissed music. The Strokes are slowly gaining ground on my conscious and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. The same kind of thing happened with Hanson, but, as you read earlier, we already scratched that itch. Anyways, welcome to Wednesday, a hump day for the ages. Why? It's the last of such a day August offers. Can you believe it? Summer is gone, friends. Its last breath will be uttered next weekend, and, only if the plans I happened to make last night are followed through will the summer truly go out in style. How about you? Oh, nevermind. I'm sure a "how was your summer?" post will be lurking somewhere around the corner by either one of us. Or, wait. Maybe even both of us (gasp!). Before we get around to any reflection, though, we must deal with the current, and we currently offer you wonderful readers the following links to enjoy on this, the last Wednesday of August 2010. Remember - eating healthy may assure your life to be longer. Just sayin.'

Elin talks. The world listens. (People)

Tiger talks. The world listens. (TMZ)

Michael Brown returns to New Orleans five years after that incredibly big storm made its way through the city. Naturally, he loves his life. (Westword)

Fox News talking head leaves Fox News to delve back into print journalism. Score one for the good guys! (Mediaite)

Lifehouse is going to tour in the fall. In shocking news, Kris Allen will open the shows. No Name Face is one of my favorite “nobody can ever know this is one of my favorite CDs” CDs. (Pollstar)

Elisabeth Hasselbeck supports gay marriage. And she wants you to know she’s not nearly as conservative as you think. This is certainly going to lose her Republican votes when she tries to run for president in six years. (New York Daily News)

I like Chris Broussard. But why write such things as this? Especially about Baron Davis? (Sports By Brooks)

When there is ever a link involving her, rest assured we’ll link it. Christina Hendricks is the new spokesperson for London Fog. She’s fabulous. (Fox News)

...For The Ride Home: Conan is going to release records, Chelsea Handler will host the VMAs and the country's most stressful cities

I finally did get around to seeing this the other night. The line I typically got on it from people who have already seen it was "the music's great." My line to you? The music's great. I don't really know how else to put it. The acting's fine. The story's OK. Overshadowing the entire thing, though, is how wonderful the music is. I still have a bad taste in my mouth because Clooney didn't win for "Up In The Air." But alas, such is life. Hello, hello. Welcome to Thursday. Did you miss Wednesday in much the same way I did? Ahhh, yes. I apologize dearly for not dropping by yesterday. Unforeseen happenings occurred, and while my day was wasted, the true thing that proved bothersome was knowing I was unable to offer up a few links and (sometimes) witty banter in this particular corner of the Internet. Did you miss me? I doubt it. But I did miss you. Promise. But alas, today, I am back, ready to share some stories with you, and hoping you don't hate me too much. Hey. Friday's nearly here. If nothing else, you really ought to be happy about that, right? In any case, enjoy the following links, and, if you get a little bit of time, enjoy a nice summer night as well. It's almost gone, you know.

Chelsea Handler is going to host this year’s Video Music Awards. Can somebody please explain to me what her appeal is? (MTV)

“Live Entertainment in Kabul: Dog Fighting.” Must-read on in-flight magazines in Afghanistan. (Wall Street Journal)

Business journalists make an average of $65,000 a year? Honestly? Wow. (SABEW)

The top 10 guitar albums of all time. (Popmatters)

Rick Reilly’s take on this Dustin Johnson business that occurred at the PGA Championship over the weekend. (ESPN)

The most stressful cities in the country. Riverside, California, is a city? (Yahoo)

Eminem: Still holding on to that No. 1 spot. That’s hard to do these days, you know. (Billboard)

Kat Von D is officially dating the guy who broke Sandra Bullock’s heart. Seems kind of quick, doesn’t it? (Actress Archives)

Conan is going to release two albums. That’s kind of neat. (MSNBC)

...For The Ride Home: Esstential movie performances, is Tiger Woods someone you'd root for, and "Mad Men" Monday!

Week 20, week 20. Hello. Welcome back. How do you do? On a scale of 1 to 100, how much did you miss us (anything under 500 is unacceptable)? What have you been up to? Do you enjoy bagel sandwiches? All of these are pertinent questions, and though tradition expects me to return from vacation beginning with Monday's Ride, I thought of penning a "let's catch up" post, but alas, such things have not happened. I justified that by telling myself I would toss out a few things in this particular space, but then I remembered, "NO! This space is reserved for 'Mad Men' talk!" So here we go. We find out Joanie has had two abortions last night, which in an odd way is acceptable and predictable at the same time, while inexplicably not taking anything away from her character. And that's hard to do. More evidence of Don's life crumbling comes when he gets news out west that Anna is probably going to die. This, in turn, led to a few lines that were noteworthy uttered by Don, though they escape me now, a day later (maybe I should start taking notes when I watch). The Brit's life is crumbling as well, leaving the door open for a "what's going to end up happening with this character" discussion that deserves far more than a mere Ride paragraph. Though, all of that said, the scenes from next week finally suggest that after the last two episodes' worth of build-up, "when will this come to ahead" material, we are going to see a few things explode, which excites me beyond belief. The writers made it a clear point to suggest that even before next week's previews began when Joanie sits down at the table to announce to everyone that it is now 1965. Oh, and, as you will see if you follow the link below, any thoughts on Anna having a messed-up leg and the correlation it may have with the journalist Don ran into at the beginning of the season? Just food for thought. Whew! As always, all suggestions/comments are welcome as I will check back through the day and evening to see if we can't share some valuable "Mad Men" chatter. Oh, and I saw "The Kids Are All Right." Anyways, check out the links, check back tomorrow, and try not to write too many checks. It's always good to save money in a recession, you know.

The Premier League kicks its season off Saturday. I’d give you a full post about it, but something tells me you may never come back if I do. Instead, I’ll note that Manchester United beat Chelsea for the Community Shield, and whoever wins the Community Shield typically has a pretty good shot at winning the Premiership. I’m not sayin’ but I’m just sayin.’ (Soccer Blog)

An updated list of essential film performances. Leo in “The Departed” and Boogey make an appearance. (Popmatters)

Wolf Blitzer has been at CNN for 20 years. Here’s a profile on the guy. (The Baltimore Sun)

Magazine circulation is down. This is bad. Really bad. (Paid Content)

Any magazine that labels itself as the “Anti-Maxim Magazine” is a magazine I want to check out. (Boston Globe)

That long-awaited Jay-Z memoir is finally going to see the light of day. Good. Now you know what to get me for Christmas. Just send it to The Unusual Suspects headquarters. (Rolling Stone)

John Goodman wants you to know how to lose weight. Love, love, love him on “Treme.” (Showbiz Spy)

Tiger shot 602 over-par this weekend. Question that may just be made into a post: Do his recent struggles incline you to begin rooting for him to do well this weekend at the year’s final major? (Los Angeles Times)

Man Men. Expect these every Monday. (Vanity Fair)

...For The Ride Home: The Beach Boys are going to reunite, host of 'Nightline' is on his way out and an interview with Taylor Hawkins

Oh, it's going to be so sad to see Soul Week come to an end tomorrow. Today, we offer up one of the most important songs by one of the most important artists in the history of the music, Rufus Thomas' "Walk The Dog." This is a neat video, too. I wanted to get a performance of it that would stay true to the original recording, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon this. And it's even in black and white! So what's up? Not too much here, either. I felt sick yesterday in an awfully weird way. I was super hot. Then I was super cold. My body ached. I didn't really want to eat anything, but that didn't mean I wasn't hungry. And it wasn't as though I needed to hoark. I just didn't want to eat. It was awful. I'm still a bit hazy, even. Don't really understand what's going on with my body. Maybe it's the non-stop fun of Soul Week. That may be it. In any case, here's hoping that you, the fabulously pretty reader, don't feel as physically awful as I do, allowing you to take a gander at a few links below. One more day and then the weekend. You ought to be excited, you know.

The Beach Boys are going to reunite. No, honestly. They are. (Rolling Stone)

I know I’m five seasons behind, but I still love “House.” Hope this stuff doesn’t end up being too damning. (TMZ)

“Do I like a lot of what I hear on rock music radio? No, not for the most part. I’m not a fan of the regurgitated Pearl Jam and Nickelback crap.” An interview with Taylor Hawkins. (Popmatters)

Martin Bashir, the host of the greatest show I never have time to watch, “Nightline,” is leaving the program for MSNBC. (The Huffington Post)

ESPN’s ombudsman tackles the mess that was the LeBron James special. It’s like putting a golf ball on a tee and being promised you could smash it 350 straight down the fairway. Come on, now. Who isn’t going to kill that? (ESPN)

Rapper Lloyd Banks wins an assault charge case. Anybody remember “On Fire?” That was the jam for around six minutes. (All Hip-Hop)

The guy who won the British Open told his caddy that he would be fired after the tournament. Guess how that turned out. (Sports By Brooks)

Bristol and Levi: Poster children for the dumbing down of America. (Washington Post)

...For The Ride Home: Rush really likes the new DVD, Megan Fox is engaged and a new show from ESPN?

Watched this last night. Yes, it's foreign, so if you don't like foreign movies, or, well, if you don't like to read, skip the following few sentences. Penelope Cruz is now officially in the "If you are in this movie, I will watch it" category for me, and I can't think of many other actresses like that. She's just wonderful. Didn't know this going in, but from what I understand, this movie is celebrated for the fact that she trounces around naked for a little while at some point. Message to perverts: Don't ruin her! She beholds the type of beauty that even when you see her naked, you feel as though she's too fragile to mess with. Just let her elegance speak for itself. Pretty good movie. Couple that with "Vicky, Christina, Barcelona," and she now officially has my trust when it comes to movies. Yes, I've heard "Nine" is bad, but... So it's Wednesday. How are you doing? That's good, assuming you said you were doing well, of course. Seems to be humid where we are, so we hope you find a way to stay cool if you happen to be suffering through the same sticky weather (weather, which, I'd like to add, I enjoy). We sincerely hope you click on a few links below - though if you'd like to read a thing or two about running, or vacations beforehand, you wouldn't hear any argument from us. Be good, and remember, if you stay in the sun too long, you'll burn.

Search through if you’d like, but it’s there. Dan LeBatard, Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon and Bill Simmons are all a part of a new project. Nobody knows what it’s about, or where it will be, or in what form, but this has to pique interest in at least a few of you. (Miami Herald)

Rush is excited about its upcoming DVD. This is just an excuse to link a story about Rush. (Rolling Stone)

NBC News pretty much cleaned house in this year’s Edward R. Murrow awards. If only that counted for late-night television. (RTDNA)

Fight! Dana Milbank rips former college newspaper editor in column. The problem? His editor is running for a seat in the Senate. When rich people spat, it’s fun. (Washington Post)

Eminem recruited the Shamwow dude to help him promote his upcoming album, an album that some people say could be his best lyrically. This particular link comes fully equipped with a video, too. (All Hip-Hop)

And now Tiger Woods is the father of more children. Have fun this weekend, Earl. (New York Daily News)

Megan Fox is engaged. Never bought in to how attractive most men think she is. (Access Hollywood)

Cameron Diaz is not dating A-Rod. Really? And she likes touching. Unlike the jail officers in “Arrested Development.” (People)

...For The Ride Home: A suspect character list, more NPR than one could ever desire and The Big Lead is sold for a whole bunch of money

Ran into Terry Gross over the weekend. An avid "Fresh Air" listener, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Honestly. Thus, the photo. Got out and hit it for the first time this summer yesterday with the other half of this blog (what was that about a Tweet reminding you to check back for The Ride again?). Parred the third hole after what will be the best shot I'll have all summer - a seven iron from about 180 out rolling right past the pin. Hit driver well, but there were issues with my putting. It's early, still. Those are the kinds of days that buy you another three rounds of golf in which you completely stink up the joint and contemplate selling your clubs on Ebay. I digress. It's Wednesday, and it seems like the week is almost over. That's a good thing, though, right? June is in its fullest effect and we plan to party like it's 1996 this weekend (though in 1996, I wasn't really old enough to party). Who's down? Good. Before we get too carried away with upcoming weekend activities, we offer the following links for you, the wonderful reader, to ponder as the first half of your work week comes to an end. Be nice to others, now.

A list of the 100 greatest characters. Two problems: One, how does a cast member of “Glee” get so high on the list after only one season. Two, no Ari Gold? Honestly? (Entertainment Weekly)

Yep. The free agent summit that those NBA players were going to have isn’t happening. (CNBC)

Super, super interesting – The Big Lead sells for seven figures. It was the first blog I ever got into, and it’s a humongous influence on this particular site. Once exchanged e-mails/gmail chats with Jason regarding an interview for another site I write for and he couldn’t have been nicer. Seven figures has to be a blogger’s dream come true. (New York Times)

Well, well, well. NPR guy says all cars will have Internet radio sooner than later. And Morning Edition beats out All Things Considered for most listened to show on the station. Where’s Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me? (Barron’s)

Nope. Not everyone is a good writer. (Los Angeles Times)

Newsweek is not going to sell for much. So, we are getting a group together to buy this thing, right? (The Wrap)

Drake is going to visit Lil Wayne in prison. That’s all. (Twitter)

Late to this, but still find it odd: Al and Tipper Gore are getting a divorce. Can’t anybody stay together anymore? Damn. (People)

Conan O’Brien’s tour stops in New York. Showdown with Stephen Colbert ensues. (New York Daily News)

Signs of Summer: Playing golf with friends

Despite the agonizing fact that the official start date of summer isn’t until June 23, we’ve already had a few waves of summer-like weather in my neck of the woods. Its days like these that energize and invigorate the lion’s share of us who live in areas with over 225 days a year of “gray” weather, and these nice days deserve their due.

With that said, every Tuesday and Thursday until the official start of summer we’ll bring you an ode to the signs of summer, one marvelous item at a time. And PS – we would love it if you would pepper in your thoughts as well.

Today we pay homage to the game of golf.

Or as it may be the case for 90 percent of us, taking in the beauty of nature, enjoying time spent with friends and drinking a bevy of Bud Light w/Limes… while pathetically attempting to get a weird little ball in a tiny little hole that is sometime positioned 500+ yards away.

Who came up with this sport anyways?

I only started playing last summer, so my game is absolutely abysmal at this point, but when I went out with my brother for the first time the other day, I was downright floored with a feeling of elated relaxation. The birds were chirping, the sun was bobbing in and out of puffy white clouds, the grass was freshly mowed…

And then I shanked my tee shot into the woods DIRECTLY to my left.

But even despite that, it was such a nice escape. The one part about golf that amazes and occasionally infuriates me is the complexity of a seemingly simple game. I always thought it was a bunch of slightly overweight bankers hitting a ball around. Now that I’m into the game a little, I realize just how wrong I was.

My internal thoughts/questions/setup for each shot:

– How far to the hole – Which club to use – How far apart are my feet – Keep my left arm straight – Keep my head down – Keep my eye on the ball – Don’t try to kill it – Keep my left foot planted – Relax my shoulders – Don’t forget to follow through – Am I lined up to where I want the ball to go – Keep my wrists locked – Don’t grip the club too tight – Don’t turn the club face accidentally…

This explains it much better.

And so it goes. The better half of this blog and I plan to get at the sticks next week. Expect a complete synopsis and a healthy dose of smack talk, gloating and excuses.

Speaking of golf, Tiger “returns from injury” to defend his crown at the Memorial Tournament next week… and I hear he has a new girlfriend already.


I got nothing.

Be good and come back for The Ride Home links at 4 p.m. today.