...For The Ride Home: How much would you pay to work at The Huffington Post, Derby ratings are great, Primus is touring and Mr. West, Mr. West

Well, you knew this was coming. Fantastically wonderful weekend (even with the unfortunate Derby result, as we will speak of below), and the highlights came from two movies. First, Carey Mulligan is a doll. An absolute doll. Craig Ferguson even agrees, as you will see above. If "Up In The Air" is 1A in 2009, then "An Education" is 1B. It exceeded all expectations and now a complete crush is in full effect (though don't worry, we won't dedicate an entire week to her. It was tempting, though. Awfully tempting.) The second movie? Easily the funniest movie of 2009, "In The Loop." The most comedic, laugh-out-loud sentence was uttered, though I will not repeat it in this particular post in fear that it will be spoiled for those who venture out to rent it. Because really, you should rent it. Like, tonight. And stop with your proclimations regarding "The Hangover." It wasn't even the funniest movie Zach Galifianakis was in...last year. In any case, I now begin my task in finding a version of Carey Mulligan I can trick into thinking I'm cool. Say a prayer. In the meantime, check out these links, and prepare yourself for what some say is the best month out there.

The funniest author of all time thinks the Beach Boys made the greatest album in the history of music. And Cheez-its are essential to life. Great, fun read. (Popmatters)

Wow, a lot is being made about Tim Tebow going to Denver. Stress the wow. (The Big Lead)

Primus is touring. Neat. Side: Once saw them in a theater and the power to the room went out for over 15 minutes. Drummer Tim Alexander offered up an incredible acoustic drum solo and, as expected, Les Claypool cracked a thousand brilliant one-line jokes into no microphone. Oh. And “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” is one of the greatest funk-rock jams ever. Ever. (Pollstar)

Lost money on the Derby this weekend. But the ratings were great, so at least somebody won. (USA Today)

The price of an internship at The Huffington Post? Nine grand. (Yahoo)

Alluded to this last night, and the wonderful Robin Givhan agrees with us: The fashion at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner took a turn for the better. (Washington Post)

What? You didn’t hear Limp Bizkit is making a comeback?! (Limp Bizkit)

“Limpy, chunky, boogie-eating chump, B/Acting out of place like Hootie singing country.” Came across this weeks ago, but didn’t link it. The episode aired last night. Say what you want about Kanye, but it’s stuff like this that makes you not entirely despise him. (MTV)

The lost meaning of the ceremonial first pitch

So yesterday was the official start of another year of Major League Baseball. And while we could spend days discussing the rampant use of performance-enhancing drugs, the ethicality of an uncapped spending model or the controversial institution of instant replay, we have more pressing issues today… The ceremonial first pitch.

Remember when the first pitch meant something? Remember when the first pitch was, in fact, ceremonial? It was the indicator that the ball game had officially begun – and that you could now forget whatever worries you had before you entered the gates. Now, at most ballparks anyways, if you show up 30 minutes before game time you have the opportunity to watch five first pitches, all thrown by the son or daughter of the vice president of whatever company is sponsoring the collector coin giveaway that evening.

Whatever happened to earning your ceremonial first pitch opportunity through hard work and the innate ability to inspire others? For my money, the best ceremonial first pitches are those thrown by the kid in the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the old man who is retiring from the park after 35 years of slinging hot dogs and cold beer. Those two can actually appreciate what’s going on. They’re grateful for the opportunity to throw a pitch from the same mound as some of the greatest ball players in the world. That’s what gives me goosebumps and that’s what it’s all about – NOT the corporate sponsor of the day.

All that said, how about President Obama’s first pitch and controversial apparel yesterday? At least he got past the mom jeans this year (apparently Michelle dressed him with the lights on, heyoooo!). But a White Sox hat at a Nat’s game? Please. Let’s show some couth here Mr. Commander-in-Chief.



Ball 1. Stick to governing… sir.

The only thing that comes close to comparing to the aforementioned inspirational first pitch is when it’s a celebrity trying to get the ball at, near or around the plate. Here’s a couple to leave you with today. Enjoy. Comment.

(There's a 15 second commercial to start it.)


Mariah's has got to be my favorite... Maybe “One Sweet Day,” Mariah will learn to throw. But as of now, she and pitching “(Don’t) Belong Together.” But hey, she doesn’t care – Nick Cannon will “Always Be (Her) Baby.”

Done.

Don’t forget to check out your “For the Ride” links around 4 o’clock.

- TS