We Did It!!!

We have amassed 2,009 blog hits by the year 2009! In fact, we surpassed our goal by quite a lot! I discovered we accomplished this feat around 8:30 last night. Matt is Blogging has had a great week: Mike Birbiglia thinks we are reputable, Matthew Zellman (http://matthewzsucks.blogspot.com) wrote a nice piece about us (go check out the Think Pound at UCB January 15th!) and we reached our goal of 2,009 hits. I was a little worried on Monday night that we weren’t going to make it. I want to thank everyone who checked the sites multiple times per day, told their co-workers, friends and family to visit the site and for those first-time readers who made this all possible. Have a great New Year’s Eve and be safe! See you in 2009!

Love,

Matt

Is the Curse Finally Over?

I’ve been cursed since 2007. Being a big Mets, Jets and Rangers fan, I attend a lot of games over the course of a year. Since the 2007 Mets season, it appears that the games that I attend do not seem to go well for the team I am rooting for. Now, my teams didn’t loose every game I went to, but they lost a significant majority of them. For example, I believe the Mets went on a eight or nine game loosing streak at Shea Stadium during the games I attended for a while. Also, after a hot start, where the Rangers were undefeated in the beginning of the season, I of course was in attendance for their first loss against Buffalo. It was bizarre, my teams would loose seemingly easy games they were expecting to win (i.e., Mets versus Nationals). But now that 2008 is coming a close, can the curse be coming to an end?

Let me explain. It is well-known that the Jets had a horrific end to their season, it was pretty much a debacle. The head coach, Eric “Mangenius” Mangini, ended up being fired and Brett Farve played so bad, it looked like he was throwing games. Overall, the Jets went 1-4 in their last five games. That’s a pretty bad way to end the season. HOWEVER, the one game they won (against the Buffalo Bills) was a game that I attended! If the curse was still real, then the Jets would have totally lost that game. Instead, they won in my presence! Sure, it wasn’t the prettiest win, but they still won while my tukos was in the seat. OH REDEMPTION, IT FEELS SO GOOD TO KISS YOUR BITTER LIPS!

Yes, it is strange that I am happy that my favorite football team collapsed and lost their playoff position, but it means that the Jets, Mets and Rangers are no longer at risk for a disappointing loss for the games I attend! This is great news, considering that I bought a 15-game pack at CitiField this season. Maybe the Mets will will win all 15 games. Oh 2009, I love you already!

The Big Time!

I was at work today, checking on my blog stats to see how my “Quest for 2009″ was going (see the previous post), when I noticed that I had a referral source of sleepwalkwithmike.com/press. I thought to myself, “Is the site for Mike Birbiglia’s Sleepwalk With Me? No, it can’t be.” But when I clicked on the link, I was miraculously redirected to the Sleepwalk with Me Official Webpage, in their “Press” section. As I scrolled to the bottom, I was shocked to see that my blog’s review of the play was added in their website! I am stoked about this! I never would have thought that my stupid, little blog would be respected enough to be put on Nathan Lane-produced play’s website.

My blog was listed underneath pretty well-known blogs such as the Gawker and Comedy Central. And under newspaper’s reviews from the New York Times, the New York and Associated Press. I would have never thought in a million years that my blog would be in the same company as those. I sort of feel that the people in charge of the play’s site don’t realize that I’m not famous, or that my blog doesn’t reach thousands of people per day. As Mike himself would say about his trip to Iraq, “I was around people gone from the United States so long, they didn’t realize that I’m not famous.” Perhaps those running the website where abroad for a very long time and came back to see this blog saying nice things about to show to think, “Wow, look at this nice review. They have borders and fancy colors, they must be well-known. Let’s put it on the site.” I’m sure they are much more well-known and well-read pages out there,  who also gave the play favorable reviews. It’s strange that they chose my site, I hope they are enough positive reviews out there (the play really deserves all the free press they get, I really enjoyed it).

When I invited Mike to leave a comment on my blog, I had a feeling that he may actually do it. But this is much better! I wonder what those around the ‘net…the people who have no idea who I am or what I do, think about the review. Maybe they are sticking around and reading the rest of the site. That would be sweet!

If “Matt Is Blogging”…is on the sleepwalkwithmike.com website today…obviously the next step is my own section in the New York Times.

Thanks for the free press, people at Sleepwalk with Me! And you had anything to do with it Mike, thanks to you too!

THE QUEST FOR 2009 BY 2009

Hello my loyal readers,

Here is the deal. As can be seen on the left side of your screen, I currently have 1,901 “Blog Hits” (hopefully it has increased since this post). For my own selfish, egotistical reasons, I want my blog stats to reach 2009 but the time the clock strikes 12AM on Thursday, December 1st 2009. This is a reach, but I believe this is possible. However, I need your help. Please spread the word about “Matt is Blogging,” to your friends, family and co-workers. Perhaps there is something on the page they find interesting. Maybe they like the Mets, Jets or Rangers? Maybe they like music? Maybe they wan’t to read something humorous? Maybe they wan’t to recap the 2008 election? It’s all here, there’s something for everyone on this blog. So what do you say? Let’s make Matt is Blogging up to the date with the year 2009. Let’s start spreading the word.

Thanks,

Matt.

Update 12:04AM

Thanks to Jack’s comment (visit his blog @ http://notaplumber.blogspot.com) we now have a name and new plan: Mattrolling. We all know “Rick Rolling” when you send someone an appealing link they are interested in only to have them see a youtube video of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Well hide http://mattisblogging.wordpress.com in your links. Tell your friends it’s porn, or new article about Mariah Carey’s and Nick Canon’s baby, do whatever you need to do. Let’s hit 2009!

Initial Reactions to the New York Jets’ Last Game

- Fire Mangini. Too conservative and unprepared. He gets outcoached way too often. Does not have a good handle on the lockeroom and is horrible with media. Tries to emulate Belicheck and has no identity. Dry as a cracker.

-New coaching staff.

-Don’t bring back Farve. I have no idea who can be quarterback next season that isn’t a quick fix. I would like a long-term solution. It looks like Cassell is going back to the Pats since Brady’s rehab is behind and Belicheck doesn’t want to see Cassell go to the Jets. McNabb is over the hill, so is Kerry Collins and others that were listed. I also don’t follow college football enough to know who the good quarterbacks in the draft are. Is Drew Hensen still around?

-I’m happy to see Pennington win. I still think the Jets made the right move getting rid of him. We all knew he was going to be a winner wherever he goes, but he wasn’t working for the Jets. He will always have a fan on this blog. I hope he wins MVP and a superbowl. Good luck to you in the playoffs Chad!!!

-SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE JETS?!?!

My Million Dollar Idea

Whenever I am at a party or someone’s residence, I always find myself sitting on the arm rest of a chair or couch (even when the chair or couch is empty). So, in the same vein as Elaine Benes’ “muffin top” theme, I am going to sell arm rests that can be used a chair. I really have no idea whether other people enjoy sitting on arm rests. However, these arm rests are going to come with cupholders, back rests, matching ottomans and pull out leg rests to give everyone the maximum amount of comfort. I will call my invention the “Armorden Seat.” So, whose interested in buying one?

My Plan For the Mets 12/24

Mark Texeria is now a Yankee. What does this mean for the Mets? Well, if I were Omar Minaya, this is what I would do (assuming they get Derek Lowe).

(1) Trade Carlos Delgado to the Angels – The Angels now need a first baseman. They traded Casey Kotchman to get Texeria and are now stuck with guys like Kendry Morales (who batted .213 last season) and Mark Trumbo (who has no major league experience). They obvioulsy need a bat at first base and Delgado is that man. There were rumors before the season ended that the Angels expressed interested in Delgado. Some may ask, well who is going to play first base? Well, there are pleanty of internal options. Daniel Murphy played first based in winter ball this season. Nick Evans was a first baseman in AA last season. Fernando Tatis is not a natural first baseman by any means, but knows how to handle a glove. Michael Abreu had a solid season in AAA after winning a batting title in the minors two years ago. For those interested, Abreu’s stats in 2008 were:

Games: 120     Avg: 285     Hits: 121     2B: 24     HR: 15     RBI: 66     SLG: .447     OBP: .343     OPS: .790

Not bad, eh?

(2) Sign Manny Ramirez for 2 years, $50 million: Controversial, I know. But he can hit and I would rather have Manny for two years than Delgado for one. Yes, his defense is suspect, but so is Tatis’, Murphy’s and Evan’s in left field (as well as Delgado at first). You won’t be loosing anything there. Additionally, Manny is a natural left fielder unlike those  other guys. Manny is clutch in big spots (what the Mets missed) and loves it in New York. Loosing Delgado’s contact will clear up about half of Manny’s salary this season. More to come on the Mets offseason.

(3) Sign Joe Beimel – He’s the man to replace Schoenweiss and Feliciano (who they should also trade)

(4) Package Feliciano and Luis Castillo for anything…anything. Look at free agents Iguchi or trade options such as Eckstein or Roberts to replace Castillo. Orlando Hudson will cost too much.

Matt’s End of Year Music Review…2009

Top Ten Albums of the Year:

There were many more full albums that I was unable to sample that I  still need to hear (i.e., MGMT, Black Kids, Oasis, Kings of Leon). But of the ones that I listened to, here are my top 10 favorite.

1. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

These Columbia University graduates stole my heart (and my ears) with the end-to-end best overall album.  They even made a nice impression on my father who loves the song M79.

• Vampire Weekend – M79

2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science,

Dear TV on the Radio, your awesome. Thank you for following up Return to Cookie Mountain with this gem (see Septembter 24th post).

• TV on the Radio – Golden Age

3. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive

Minneapolis’ favorite sons write about the trials and tribulations of the American adolescent like no other in the modern music scene.

• The Hold Steady – Constructive Summer

4. Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords

Honestly, this album is more than just a hillarious comedy album. It was very well written and produced.  FOTC received a lo of air time on my iPod this year.  I’m very much looking forward to season two of the television program this year.

• Flight of the Conchords – Robots

5.  The Wombats - A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation

Of all the great British artist (e.g., Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Clash), I listened to this album the most while I was roaming the streets of London this summer. They are straight up a good time.

• The Wombats – Backfire at the Disco

6. The Walkmen – You and Me

I just discovered the Walkmen this year. I love their classic, time-honored sound…and the fact they record with antique instruments and equipment. It really compliments their style. Hey…it’s going to be a good year.

• The Walkmen – In the New Year

7. Los Campesinos! – Hold On Now, Youngster…

Energy! Excitement! Makes mewant to burn calories! All things I think of when I hear Los Campesinos!, who have so much energy, they decided to release two albums this year. Unfortunately, I have only heard the first album…but I love it! See how excited the band gets me…I’m overusing my exclamation points (like that Seinfeld episode).

• Los Campesinos! – You! Me! Dancing!

8. No Age - Nouns

Rocked my world in very short intervals.

• No Age – Teen Creep

9. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

Great debut by the Fleet Foxes. This is what good music sounds like if you’re stranded in the middle of a forest with folk artists.

• Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

10. R.E.M. – Accelerate

I loved this album, R.E.M. did a superb job mixing in the sounds of the old with the sounds of the new. “Living Well is the the Best Revenge” was my second favorite opening track this year (just lost to the Hold Steady’s “Constructive Summer). Too bad it monsooned during their concert at Jones Beach…

• R.E.M. – Man Sized Wreath

Honorable Mentions: Brett Dennen (Hope for the Hopeless), Cut Copy (In Ghost Colors), Coldplay (Viva La Vida), Connor Oberst (Connor Oberst)

Top Shows:

(1) Bruce Springsteen @ Giants Stadium

Best Bruce concert I ever went to! The E-Street band rocked for over three hours tha tnight (they  lasted til 1am). Bruce is five days older than my dad and I’ve never seen a human being have so much energy. He didn’t stop to take a breather…not even once. When everyone thought the show was over after “American Land” they play “Jersey Girl!” But that wasn’t all…Bruce then proclaimed “we have one more fairy tale from New Jersey for you” and played “Rosalita!!!”

(2) Paul Simon and Friends @ the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Thank goodness for your friends, Paul. And no, I’m not talking about Art Garfunkel. This was a great show in a beautiful theatre. We heard all of Paul’s classics from the help of the Roches, Olu Dara, Grizzly Bear, Amos Lee, Josh Grobin and Gillian Wrench (I’m sure I’m forgetting some people).

(3) The National @ Central Park

What better way to spend a birthday than with my fellow Matthew, Berninger, in the middle of Central Park. One of my highlights of 2008 was being able to meet Matt while out to dinner in Boerum Hill back in January, he was such a nice guy. I still appreciate your kindness, Matt!

(4) The Hold Steady @ Terminal 5

I’ve wanted to see the Hold Steady in concert for the longest time because of their reputation of being incredible live, and they did not disappoint (see November 12th post). Too bad I’ve haven’t been able to obtain a copy of this show yet.

(5) Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Cha’s @ the New Orleans Jazz Fest

There was something about seeing this family-band in the mud and pouring rain that was authentic New Orleans to a tee.

Let’s see what 2009 has to bring us. Happy Holidays and New Years everyone!

My Proposal To Find Terrorists In Pakistan

I’ve been hearing a lot about the terrorists hiding out in the caves of Pakistan lately. These bozos have been protected and secluded in this region since the early part of this century and they need to be captured. We cannot allow them to build up in numbers. However, nothing has worked so far; we were not able to “smoke them out of their caves” like George Bush wanted to. After thinking about it, I have developed a strategy to finally get these terrorists to move out of their caves. Gentrification.

That’s right, let’s gentrify the caves of Pakistan. It has happened before, once young, Caucasian people move to a unwanted area, the current inhabitants are displaced. Once we swarm the caves with yuppies and hipsters, the terrorist will find it impossible to live there and will move out. For example, everyday, thousands of people move from their hometowns and try to make a new life in the New York. Plenty of neighborhoods have been taken over by yuppies and hipsters trying to settle down in the big apple: Sunset Heights, Harlem, Park Slope, Lower East Side, etc. Well now, yuppies and hipsters, we need your help to protect this country.

It snowed last night in New York, who wants to live where it snows? Why don’t you move to the warm climate of Pakistan? Plus, there’s plenty of room to start your own city, who wants to live in old tenements and railroad apartments where you can have an entire cave to yourself! Why would you want to deal with MTA? They are proposing new taxes and hike increases. Additionally the subways are overcrowded…it would be much cooler to travel around in mopeds and dune buggies! Also, there’s no laws in the desert so that means there’s no last calls at the bar; you can drink all night! And talk about ironic, what’s more ironic than moving to the Pakistan desert when everyone expects you to move to the big city!

Once our dedicated yuppies and hipsters move to the caves we will start to witness an impact. The terrorist will be driven to insanity when the prices of rent for their caves start to skyrocket. They will be unable to stand the stench of cheap, crappy beer such as Pabst Blue Ribbon. They will have difficulty communicating with each other on their cell phones and walkie-talkies when their celluar towers are flooded by yuppies and hipsters texting and chatting on their Blackberries and iPhones. They won’t be able to listen to their intelligence hearings, or film their sketchy videos to Al-Jezeera when everyone is blasting M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” in the background. Their training fields will be taken over by kick-ball leagues…it will be great! The terrorists will not be able to tolerate living in such an environment, they will be forced to move out of their caves and into a less-secluded area where U.S. forces will be able to track them down.

So, what do you say yuppies and hipsters, your country needs you. Buy those plane tickets to Karachi and get moving to that desert. The faster we get those terrorists out of their caves, the better.

Review: Mike Birbiglia’s “Sleepwalk With Me”

I would like to begin by saying that I am writing this review directly to Mike Birbiglia as he may be alerted about this blog through “Google Alerts.” And no, don’t worry Mike, I won’t call you “pawkward” (pudgy + awkward). Honestly, I think you have lost some weight since the last time I saw you.

I  saw your off-broadway show, “Sleepwalk With Me” almost two weeks ago and I am finally getting around to writing a blog about it. I’ve been wanting to write this review the moment I walked out of the Bleecker Street Theatre but I haven’t been able to get around to it…sorry Mike. But now that I am writing this blog, I would like to say that “Sleepwalk With Me” was hands down the funniest thing I have seen in five years and probably in the top ten funniest things I have seen in my life. From the moment you came on stage, you were “en fuego.” Even your “turn off your cell phone” reminder was funny! You came to my college almost three ago and you were funny then (no Mike, it wasn’t the show at the deli counter)…but that didn’t even compare to what I witnessed at the Bleecker Street Theatre. You were absolutely hilarious and I did not want the show to end.  I read in the NY Times review about your “perfect delivery” and if there was a better word than perfect, I would use it. You made my girlfriend laugh harder than I have ever seen her when you started talking about your bear escape plan was like receiving the parachute in gym class for sky diving (it’s not working but it’s building team skills!). And your karate pose to attack the Jackal in your room was hysterical! Your skill-set is much more than just making English muffin pizzas and microwaving hot chocolate.

I have all of your CD’s, join your mailing list, read your secret public journal, “friended” you on Myspace and Facebook, and seen all of your TV specials and appearances and a part of me expected you to perform a lot of old, recycled jokes but that didn’t happen. I was surprised about how fresh your material was (you’ve been holding out on us for years!) I was also surprised about how open and honest you were about your life. For the other, non-Mike Birbiglia readers out there, Mike speaks a lot about his personal issues, including his difficulty with R.E.M. behavioral disorder, relationship issues, anger issues, etc. and there was not a moment of awkwardness during these moments. (Back to Mike) You were not ashamed or embarrassed to talk about anything you did in the past, and I feel that audience appreciated that. Whenever you told a potentially humiliating story, you were able to bounce right back with a joke to dispel any tension in the room. So no Mike, I do not feel you are the king at “making awkward situations even more awkward.

Based on the articles and television segments on your show, I thought that you would mostly discuss your sleepwalking during the show, but you were brilliantly able to give a biographical monologue of may different aspects of your life and tie every story back into the sleepwalking at the end, well done!

You even included me and my girlfriend in the act (to the slightest degree). If you remember, Mike, I was at the show 4PM show on Sunday, November 23rd, and you were explaining your bear encounter in Alaska. You were demonstrating how you finally faced your fear and “gathered enough courage to tell the guide to do something”…you know the (clap clap) “YA YA YA.” You screamed your last “YA” right in front of us and then opened up your hands and apologized for the not-so-violation of personal space.

I don’t want to give too much about the show away, so I will just encourage all my readers in the New York metro area to see this play. You will NOT be disappointed. As Mike would say, it’s a great moment…like someone giving you pizza. I know times are tough in the economy, and you may only have enough money to see one show this holiday season. But if you see Mike Birbiglia, you will get your money’s worth. I have been laughing to Mike’s jokes for a long time now (I feel like since High School) and he has earned everything he has acheived. I am glad that Nathan Lane decided to produce this show, I hope this finally gets Mike the recognition he deserves. Ira Glass of “This American Life” said of this show, “Catch him before he gets too famous.” He may not be famous yet, but Mike if you would like to leave a comment, you would officially be the most famous person to leave a comment on this blog.