Ty Watches "The Outlaws"

Since my daughter had her sleepover on Friday night we pushed our date night to Saturday. It was my wife's turn to pick the movie and she chose "The Outlaws".

This is a newer movie on Netflix. I had heard of it because I am a big "Workaholics" fan and I listen to "This Is Important" every week. Adam Devine, as expected, was promoting the hell out of the movie. I read some reviews that weren't too kind, but that stuff doesn't really push me either way. If I want to watch a movie, or my wife wants to watch a movie, we usually watch it together. We will decide for ourselves if it is a good movie or not, but more importantly, if we like it or not.

On the surface "The Outlaws" wasn't the best movie I have ever seen, nor was it the worst. I felt the critics' reviews that I read were a little too harsh. This wasn't a movie trying to send a message or give you hope or optimism or make a statement. The movie was clearly made to have fun and hopefully make a little money. Adam Devine is the lead and I feel like critics simply like to slam him. He seems like an easy mark for critics. But the guy is clearly having a great time making this movie and this role is in his wheelhouse. He is really good at playing these put upon dudes that just want to have fun in life. He really embraces that part and that is not different here. Nina Dobrev, while not the best actor, does a fine job in this movie. She doesn't get to do much, but she does just fine with the little bit she is given. Blake Anderson is in here for a minute and he is very funny. Richard Kind and Julie Hagerty play Devine's parents and they are both hilarious. They made me laugh more than anyone in this movie. Lil Rel Howery and Laci Mosley are Devine's co workers and they both play very well off one another and they are making jokes seemingly every second. Some land some don't, but you never know what works if you don't take the chance. Dean Winters has a bit part and is okay. Lauren Lapkus would have been better served with a bigger role, but she nails the comedy in her few scenes.

The best part of this okay movie was Ellen Barkin and Pierce Brosnan. They are Dobrev's folks. They don't come around much. But they want to be at the wedding. Or so they say. They are really big deal bank robbers and they rob the bank that Devine is the manager for. They do this to help their daughter, but they also owe a debt to the villain, very well played by Poorna Jagannathan. She was probably the best part of the movie if I sit and think about it. Brosnan and Barkin really nail the comedy, the action and the puts and falls of being lifetime criminals. Brosnan is a pro. I expect nothing less from him. I haven't seen Barkin in a while, but she was more than up to task for this role.

"The Outlaws" isn't going to win any awards. I don't think that was the goal. But this is an entertaining enough 90 minutes. I was never bored. I laughed. Sure there were some clear issues, but I was never taken out of the moment by said issues. It is a fine movie that is kind of perfect to have on in the background. It did the job. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty (and His Kids) Watches "Elemental"

Over the weekend my daughter had a sleepover and we took her and her friend to see "Elemental". My wife and son joined us as well. Let’s discuss.

All in all I thought the movie was a decent allegory to the life of an immigrant. The writer of the movie pretty much said that was the story of his folks coming to America. I really liked the animation. The fire looked very cool. I loved how the water could shape into whatever form it needed. The forest people were very neat. It was a very well done, straight down the middle fastball from Pixar. There was some stuff I would have liked to see a bit more of, like the forest people, or get a more in depth view of the city they built, but nonetheless, it was a well made movie. I enjoyed it. But what I want to do today, for a longer review of this movie, is get my kids, one 11, a boy, and the other 7, a girl, to tell me what they thought and I will transcribe it as best I can from a kids point of view.

I'll start with my son.

I gave him the simple task of giving me a few sentences on what he liked and disliked about the movie. He isn't much for words if it isn't involving sports, so let's see where this takes us. First off he told me that he thinks kids will enjoy this movie much more than adults. I pushed and asked why. He told me that the story is much more geared towards kids. I kind of disagree though. I think the whole idea of immigration knows no age or class or society types. But this is his opinion. He said the characters are good. I pushed some more. He said they acted like adults, like it wasn't kids trying to take over business and continue the family legacy. He thought that was the best way to represent his idea of what this movie was supposed to be about. Finally he said, the ending was good. This will be spoiler free. He liked that it ended a movie he liked very well. He enjoyed what they did with the characters. He liked the way the story concluded. That I fully agree with.

Now for my daughter.

I gave her the same task, two or three sentences about the movie. She said she liked it a decent amount. It isn't the best she's seen, but not the worst either. She said it was a funny movie. She thought the water guy, when he squeezed himself out of a drain, looked all muscular, but that was wrong. He looked like a regular guy when he was back to his normal self. I agree that was a very funny part. I know I laughed. She did not like the sad parts of the movie. This is a typical thing in Pixar movies. They do stuff that really pulls at the heartstrings. I think they do this for adults, but kids are intuitive and my daughter picked up on that quickly. She did not cry, neither did her friend or my son, but my wife cried and I got choked up. I get they kind of have to do this, but it doesn't make it any less sad. She did however find it funny that the water family was always crying. This was another solid joke in the movie. The water people always had water flowing everywhere, and the eyes were a prime area for the animators. It was a well done joke throughout, and it worked with the sad parts too. T

hat is what my kids thought, in a very short, general way. I think it is good to get perspective from the age these movies are really trying to win over. I don't know that I will watch this movie again, I did enjoy it, but I bet my kids will watch it again, especially my 7 year old. I think this is a movie she will dig for a long while. We might just have to fast forward the sad parts. I'm cool with that. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Music is Just One Part of Why "The Bear" is Television Perfection

Last night I finished season two of "The Bear". That show is something special. It is as near perfection as there is on tv today. I know some people do not like that it is all released in one day. I don't care about that. I took a week to watch all ten episodes. You can find a way to watch weekly if that is how you want to consume it. TV is in a streaming age, for better or worse, and we have to adapt as viewers. But, as I stated above, I adore this show. I am not going to review season two today though. I'd rather talk about the music, and how they used it, this season.

I saw some other publication, I cannot remember which one right now, say something about the music, this was before I finished the season, and that was when I started to clock the music this season. It is pretty awesome, and it harkens back to the 90's for me. Growing up in a house with three older brothers, all of which had differing tastes in music, this season of the show brought me back to that time in my life. There is a good amount of REM this season. I am a recent convert of their music, but I know RD has listened to them for a while now. I believe our oldest brother listened to them too. So whenever there was a somber, or even moving moment this season, a song like "Strange Currencies" would start and I would reminisce hearing that song as a pre teen. And it would be used so perfectly in the show. They would play it at pivotal moments. It was the perfect drop in for the perfect scene. They also played an Eddie Vedder song at the end of an episode this season and it moved me. I kid you not, hearing the song and seeing what I just saw, it made me tear up. A show about opening a restaurant took this very good Eddie Vedder tune and used it at the exact proper moment, and it moved me.They used Wilco in this season. A one hit wonder band, Fine Young Cannibals, had the perfect moment to play their hit. Steve Earle was peppered in and out this season. The Pixies would show up and amplify an important scene. The episode dedicated to Richie's moment of realization had this epic Taylor Swift soundtrack, but it was just one song. AC/DC was used for multiple scenes while they were breaking down the old restaurant to build the new one. They used Nine Inch Nails in a very fitting way for a viewer such as myself. They had one of my favorite David Byrne songs, "Glass, Concrete and Stone" playing during a montage that I adored. The end credits for the family Christmas episode had the best button of music with the Weezer song "The Christmas Song". Crowded House was featured. They played some solo George Harrison. The Bodeans had a song in this season. The Replacements, who are criminally underrated, had one of their songs used. Squeeze was there for a hot second. The Psychedelic Furs were featured. The season had some bangers by very famous musicians, but they also brought out some of the coolest, lesser known bands from the late 90's and early 2000's for all of the viewers to hear, and I dug it.

This is a soundtrack I will listen to multiple times. This is a season that when I revisit I will be even more focused on the music and how it is used. This is just another example of what makes this show so damn good. Watch "The Bear" for how great it is. But stay to see the food they make and to hear the excellent music they use. I love it and you will too. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Getting Sick When Your Old Sucks

Getting a cold, or any kind of minor infection for that matter, after you are in your 30's, I'm now 40 by the way, absolutely stinks.

I had a pretty nasty head cold on Father's Day. I had the whole deal. Sore throat, stuffy nose, a cough and other congestion. I did not have COVID. I took multiple home tests and they all came back negative. After about three days the cold subsided and I felt relatively normal. We left for a family vacation to Lake Okoboji and I thought I was in the clear. But on the third day we were there I felt a tickle in my throat. I assumed it was from the air quality since there was an alert. But the tickle stuck around. Then it got worse. Then I was coughing a good amount. I took another COVID test when we got home and it was negative yet again.

This damn cough was a hindrance. I could go about my daily routine with little to no problem. I would be wiped out by bedtime, but I do a lot. I run five days a week, I take my kids to practices and camps, clean the house, do laundry, grocery shop, all the stuff an at home parent does. So I just figured I was tired from my everyday schedule. But the cough was always there. And then I could not only feel it in my chest, but I could hear it. It sounded like I had sand in my chest and throat. Every time I'd laugh, I'd cough. Every time I took a deep breath, I'd cough. Every time I had dairy, I'd cough. The cough was omnipresent. It was there constantly. I had promised my wife and my folks that if it were still around after that vacation that I'd go to the doctor. I still gave myself another week before caving.

I went to my nurse practitioner this morning. We had a nice visit and we did the usual appointment stuff. And I have been feeling better the past two days so I was hoping for good news. I got the opposite. It is an infection. No bronchitis, no COVID, nothing horrible, but still annoying. She also told me that this could be allergy induced asthma. Even with the temperatures being relatively high here in STL, allergens are still out and blooming. I had never considered this to even be an option. So, along with some antibiotics, I now have an inhaler I have to take before and after working out. I was also given a steroid to fight the infection and loosen the congestion.

The kicker in all this is, my nurse practitioner told me that this is an unfortunate side of aging. Again, I'm only 40. But the way she explained it all made sense. I have two young kids, 11 and 7, who are germ factories. I do a lot of stuff meaning I put myself in the way of germs willingly. I am a coach who is around other 11 and 7 year old's who's caregivers may not be as into vaccines or medicine like my family is. There is any number of reasons. I was also told that it takes longer to recover from this stuff now. An infection from a couple of years ago would have moved its way out of me within five days. We are on almost a month now. My kids get over this stuff in three days. Not me. This is the stuff I feared as I got older. People warned me, but I didn't want to believe them. I figured it was just them and I could rise above it. I know that to be not true anymore.

The fact is I'm old. I will stay sick longer. I will feel worse longer. But I also need to accept it and deal with it. It is a part of life, just a bummer part. Here's to getting old I guess. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Jury Duty"

Last night my wife and I finished "Jury Duty". I'm not going to say season one because I truly believe there is no way they can pull this off again. "Jury Duty" centers around one person, Ronald, who thinks he is going to be in a documentary about what it is like to be on a jury. What he doesn't know is that everyone else involved is an actor, and I mean everyone else. Every other person is a working actor, and they are all playing a character. Even James Marsden. Marsden plays a hyperized version of himself. To watch this show, to see how they pulled this off, to ask why Ronald never questioned anything, I was in awe.

Let me put this out here right now, this show was excellent. I will for sure be watching it again. I am endlessly fascinated that they pulled this elaborate prank off. This should go down in the record books. It was amazing. I loved how each juror that wasn't Ronald had some kind of backstory. Ken was from another land trying to figure stuff out. Todd was a tech geek who just needed a friend. Barb was an older lady who loved edibles. Vanessa was a true crime fan who thought the case was boring. Ross was the cool high school teacher that everyone loved. Pat was the gruff working man. Ravi was a secret genius. Noah was in over his head and just wanted a girlfriend. Jenine was down for anything. Inez wanted to be the leader but couldn't quite get it all together. Lonnie was the extra juror thrust into action. And all of these people were actors. None of them were these people they were portraying.

All along though, Ronald did his work and made friends and had fun. He had many opportunities to call this all out, even making comments about how it felt like a reality show, but never wavered. When thrust into a leadership role he didn't want, he ran with it. James Marsden wanted to run lines for a fake movie role, Ronald was his guy. Noah needed a wingman, Ronald was there. The judge told him to get the other jurors to shape up, he made sure he did it. Lonnie needed a confidant, Ronald was his guy. He could have said mean stuff, he could have talked behind people's backs, but he never did. There were multiple times when I would say to my wife, "there are still good, genuine people out there". His kindness, his sincerity, it was such a breath of fresh air. Through every twist and turn, Ronald kept plugging away and helping out anyway he could. It was remarkable. I am not going to spoil the ending, I will just say it was moving and Ronald got a nice prize. And the last episode made my wife tear up.

This was such a lightning in a bottle idea and it worked. I don't want them to do it again because it won't carry the same weight that it did the first time around. There are other prank shows, like "Joe Millionaire" or "The Joe Schmo Show", that had great first seasons, but messed it up by trying to do it again. I hope "Jury Duty" is one and done. They gave us eight incredible episodes that will stay with me a long, long time. If you have not watched this show yet do yourself a favor and check it out. It is one of the better things on tv right now. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Things are Not Well at Northwestern Football

Northwestern has let go of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Take a second for that to sink in. He was their golden boy. He was the former star player, turned coach who kind of turned that program around. He has coached them to a Big 10 title game appearance. They've had winning seasons. They played hard football. They never backed down. That was due to his coaching and the program kind of giving him carte blanche. So, for Northwestern to fire him, something big had to be going on within that program that we outsiders know next to nothing about.

For people that are confused, about a week or so ago a former player came out and anonymously said that there was some hard core hazing going on, and that Fitzgeral knew of it and did nothing. The reports that came out about what this former player said were pretty disturbing. The university did an investigation and deemed a two week suspension was sufficient.

I spoke with my dad, we both do not like Fitzgerald as a coach, he comes off too rah rah and cliched, and we were both not surprised that this was coming out and that Fitzgerald was getting a slap on the wrist. We both figured this would be swept under the rug, and if Northwestern had a solid season, the ESPN's of the world would praise him for "overcoming odds" or some nonsense. But after the initial investigation concluded, a few other former players came out and said the hazing was there, and Fitzgerald knew, but also there was rampant racism within the program, and much like the hazing, Fitzgerald kind of turned a blind eye to that as well. The players who came out now cited instances of black players being asked to cut dreads while white players were allowed to have long hair, that position coaches would tell black players that they "weren't in the ghetto anymore" and things of that nature and some black players said they felt like they had to laugh at these remarks so as not to get into trouble.

So, we have hazing and now all of this other stuff. Northwestern, rightfully I might add, had no other choice but to fire Fitzgerald. Of course, if you go into a dark place and read internet comments, this is all about the "woke mob", and "players today are too weak" type stuff. That is wrong. This is horrific what is apparently going on at a very prestigious university. A school like Northwestern always talks about how they are an upstanding, everyone is included and welcoming school. Sure, it is tough to get in, but if you do you are family type stuff. So for this to be going on at this school, I'd be frightened if I were a parent of a player making these claims. The whole idea of sending your kid off to college is based on trust. Add on the aspect that football, a very dangerous sport, is part of it, all of these accusations make me sick to my stomach. I feel for these kids. They should not be treated like this because of their skin color or because they made a mistake in a game or practice.

Football is archaic, especially in college. These coaches think they can do what they want, and some do with little to no consequence. Look at DJ Durkin. A kid died on his watch when he was the head coach at Maryland. Sure, he got fired, but he is already back in D-1 football as a defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, and ESPN LOVES his story of "triumph". Again, a teenager died because Durkin told him he wasn't tough enough. Northwestern did the only thing they could do in this scenario. These allegations, if any or all of it is true, are fireable for anyone. And for Fitzgerald, who I believe is planning on suing the university, to say he didn't know, or was unaware, that is poor leadership from a guy who spouts the benefits of leadership all the time. How could he, being the head coach of this team, have no idea what was going on during his practices and in the locker room? That is asinine. He had to know something.

I read that Northwestern is going to be shooting to hire a big time assistant, and I wish them luck on that front, but this is going to be a full teardown and rebuild. And Evanston is not the best place to try and turn it around quickly. This is a dark day for college football, Pat Fitzgerald and Northwestern. I'd expect this from other schools, even schools within the Big 10. But to hear this coming from Northwestern, that is dark. 

Ty   

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Renfield"

Over the weekend my wife and I watched "Renfield". I had wanted to see this movie in the theater, but never made it out. I also saw that the reviews were kind of tepid and that kept me home. I figured it would be streaming sometime soon, and lucky for me, Peacock had it exclusively. I guess I could have gotten it on Prime, but I would have had to pay. So I am glad that we have Peacock for reasons like this. When I told my wife what we were going to watch, she got excited as well. We both wanted to watch it, so we used our date night.

I have to say, I loved this movie. It was gory, funny, has an excellent cast and was a blast. I enjoyed every minute of this movie. I was on board from the start and that never wavered for me. I believe my wife felt the same. For people that may not know, "Renfield" stars Nicolas Cage as Dracula, a role he was born to play, and Nicolaus Holt is his familiar, Renfield.

The short synopsis is, the movie takes place from Renfield's point of view. It shows what he has to do, how he became a familiar and how he is in a codependent, toxic relationship. They even go as far as to put Renfield in a support group for people in his position. The movie uses that plot line and then goes kind of nuts with all the other stuff. I appreciated the fact that they used a different tact to show the relationship of Dracula and a familiar. I was on board with the telling. And Cage and Holt were fully bought in. They were giving it their all. Holt was exceptional. He plays this put upon, dorky, quiet guy very well. I bought him. I rooted for him. I wanted him to get out of this toxic relationship. It was a fine acting job. Cage, as I stated before, felt born to play this role. We all know Cage as the guy he is now. He is over the top and he doesn't hide that. He goes for it in any role he takes on. And he seems to be having the time of his life here. I read about all the research and people he based his character off of and it makes me like his performance even more. This is perfect for him.

The cast outside these two is pretty wonderful. Ben Schwartz plays a mob kid and he goes for it. I'm used to seeing him play odd, funny people. Here he gets to do goofy stuff, but he also has some more action style moments, and he does a good job. Shohreh Aghdashloo plays the mob boss. She is Schwartz' mom and she has one of the coolest voices I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Awkwafina is a cop who is out there fighting for what is right. I mentioned during the movie that I love this career arc for her. She is a very solid actor and I like that she is doing movies like this, then doing a great tv show and then showing up in Marvel movies. She's more than earned this. Brandon Scott Jones, who is having a moment as well, is the leader of the support group and he is funny and uplifting in this role. They did a great job of casting this movie.

The movie is also very gory, but it is almost cartoonish gore. It didn't make me queasy or anything. It actually made me laugh. And, outside of the toxic relationship stuff, I liked learning about Renfield's past. Awkwafina had a good backstory and I bought why she was so frustrated. Cage crushed. Schwartz did a good job being this, essentially, a nepo baby. The writers had fun. The director did a fine job. They didn't take themselves too seriously, and that is why this movie works for me.

While not as good at telling a vampire story like "What We Do in the Shadows" does, I'd much rather watch "Renfield" before I turn on a "Twilight" movie or watch one of those brooding vampire shows or movies. "Renfield" is a well done horror comedy that I will definitely watch again. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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"The Other Two" Deserves Many More Seasons

I read the other day that Max was canceling "The Other Two".

This bums me out. "The Other Two" is one of the best comedies on TV right now. The show is one of the near perfect things on TV. The writing, acting, directing, it is all top notch. I haven't been this into a comedy TV series in quite some time. I have two episodes left in this final season, but I know I am going to go back and watch this several more times. It will be one of the shows I watch for comfort. It will be a bedtime show for me.

Every episode has gotten better and better. The actors are taking more chances. The show has been going off in weird avant garde directions that have been a homerun. They had an entire episode this season where Brooke wasn't noticed by anyone when she left the entertainment industry. It was phenomenal. When Chase wanted to break up with his girlfriend, seeing all the disgust online was incredibly real. Drew Tarver and his boyfriend this season, who is always in character, is a great send up of those types of actors. Also, seeing Tarver vacillate between happy and sad for himself and his friends, who are also actors, feels like what I imagine the life of an actor is really like on a daily basis. "The Other Two" is too good of a show to let go now. They can go in so many other directions. They can take on more of the nightmare that is fame and Hollywood. I love Wanda Sykes on this show. This is, for me, her best role since "Curb". And on "Curb" she played herself. On this show she gets to play an industry person who is damn good at her job. She also gets to make joke after joke after joke. The writers here are second to none. You can tell they know the ins and outs of the world of fame. They were writers for "SNL" prior to landing this job. They have been around these types of people, and that comes off very clear when watching this show. That gives the creators a level up, due to being around so many hugely famous people at "SNL".

I just wish this show got more time. It more than deserved it. Every publication always seems to have it on their best of lists. I am near certain this final season will be on my best of 2023 list. But Max and a bunch of other networks are just giving up on these shows without giving them a real chance. "The Other Two" is gone. I read today that they canceled "A Black Lady's Sketch Show", another criminally underrated series. NBC let go of "Grand Crew" way too quick. Nothing seems to stick. "The Other Two" had the quality to stay around longer. All of these shows do, but "The Other Two" is on a whole other level. But Max is pulling the plug. They are not giving it any more chances. They are letting it go far too soon. Comedy Central had it first, so maybe they will revive it. Or maybe another streamer or network will pick it up. That would be ideal. But I just do not see that happening, especially with the writer's strike and the upcoming actor's strike. That is a true bummer. It earned much more time.

I am not thrilled that these really good shows are being cast aside to make more reality competition nonsense. The public needs to watch these original series or we will further delve into the world of "Idiocracy". I'm not ready for that life. I will miss this show. It was one of the better things on TV. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Stop Throwing Things at Performers

This recent rash of fans throwing things on stage at concerts needs to stop. For those that may not know, some big time artists, who are back on tour, have been having objects thrown at them while they are performing. Bebe Rexha got hit in the face. Someone threw something at Drake recently. I believe Adele came out and told people they better not even think about it. I think someone tried it at a Taylor Swift show.

This is wrong on so many levels. I hope the people that do this realize that these artists will never come back to their town ever again. I know I wouldn't if I were them. The thought of someone coming to a show of mine to throw something at me, to possibly hurt me, sounds miserable. I saw the pictures of Bebe Rexha after her show. She was bloodied and bruised. It looked awful. She took it like a champ, but she shouldn't have to deal with this nonsense. And when the fan was asked why, they said they thought it "would be funny". That is so mean and wrong. Why on Earth would throwing an object on stage be funny? Who is this funny to besides you and your dumbass friends? What good does this achieve? Why even buy tickets to the show if your only goal is to injure someone? What type of fame did you expect to achieve by harming someone?

People are back in the world now and they are wilding out for no reason. We were all sheltering in place for two years. But most of us have the common sense and decency to not throw things. We understand the rules of society. This country just continues to get more awful by people who think they have the right to attack famous people for no reason at all. What did Bebe Rexha do to this person to harm them? Why would you spend an ungodly amount of money to get into a Taylor Swift show just to throw something at her? What does that accomplish? I'm no fan of Drake's music, but I do not think he deserves to have stuff thrown on stage in an attempt to hurt him. I love that Adele nipped it in the bud right away and told everyone that, if they planned on doing this nonsense, that she was simply not going to perform anymore.

Doing this to these artists, to people who do not tour as much anymore because they have reached a certain level of fame, is not a good look. Also I feel like this is going to make them not want to tour anymore. I would have been totally bummed if someone did this to Kendrick Lamar last year and he just decided to end his tour then and there. One group of people could really end something that millions more are waiting to see. This is such an American thing to do as well. We are such an entitled bunch of assholes and we think our time is more important than anyone else's, so we think we can throw shit on stage and not be reprimanded.

This has to stop and it has to stop immediately. This cannot continue to go on any further. People are going to get seriously hurt by someone doing something they think is "funny". It is not funny. Not at all. Knock it off and act like a goddamn grown up when you are attending a live event. Use common sense. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Coffee Stamp in St. Louis Has Mastered the Art of the Empanada

On our coffee sojourn this morning, my dad, my son and I went to a local spot we enjoy called Coffee Stamp. The coffee is excellent and fairly inexpensive. But that is not the blog today. While at the coffee shop I decided I wanted some breakfast. I hadn't eaten, was going to be running later and decided I didn't want to do it on an empty stomach. The food product that Coffee Stamp is known for is their empanadas. I adore these things. I had never had a traditional one until I had one from here. I want to tell you all how delicious these things taste.

For those that may not know, an empanada is a fancy, flaky, crusty type of dish. It can be savory or sweet. I went with the savory route today. The empanadas I got had eggs, sausage and cheese. My son had one with peppers, prosciutto and cheese. Don't get me wrong, the filling at this spot is fantastic. I wish I could get my eggs that fluffy. I love the little hunks of sausage they use. And the cheese, it is ooey and gooey and delicious. But what makes these so good, what separates them from all the other spots is the crust. This crust is incredible. It is light and airy. When you break open the empanadas, the crust flakes to the side. But you don't just brush these crumbs to the side. No way. You eat these. You try to get as much of this crust as possible. When you bite into the crust it cracks and gives the empanada this excellent texture. It is the fanciest hot pocket you could ever want. The crust is buttery and flaky. It is hot and glistening. They fold it over perfectly. The empanada comes to you in a package, and when you open the package and take out the treat, it looks tremendous. They put the fork marks in the crust. It is folded like a nice present. It looks like a work of art. And then the tasting begins. I mentioned the butter. It is there, and then some. The butter gives it the right amount of extra fat. I don't know what all goes into the dough, but I would imagine they use some kind of shortening. That makes it even better. I assume the shiny glow comes from some type of egg wash, which adds even more flavor. The filling is nicely packed into the dish. It doesn't spill out. You get a good bite with each bite you take. You can taste it all at the same time. These empanadas are simply amazing. But it makes me want to try even more. I want to go to an even more authentic restaurant that specializes in these. I'm going to Mexico later this summer and I am hoping to get some real good ones. I want to try more combos of flavor. I want sweet. I want salty. And I want the two flavors mixed together. While eating this morning my mind was wandering thinking of what else they could put in these. I would love a cinnamon roll flavored one. Or maybe a pizza like one, to really get the full hot pocket feel. I would love a seafood empanada. I think a banana pudding empanada could be amazing. But what all these empanadas need to have is this delicious crust. If the crust is no good I have to imagine that takes away from the whole experience.

I am very happy to have Coffee Stamp in close proximity to fulfill my empanada craving. These things absolutely rule. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Happy Fourth of July

At the start of the new year I decided I was going to be more optimistic. All the doom and gloom was not good for me. I wanted to believe we were in a better place, and in some areas I feel that is true.

It is nice not knowing what Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are up to every second of everyday. That is how a president and vice president should act. The last "president" was a total disaster and you couldn't go a moment without him popping off at the mouth. It also seems like we are on the back part, maybe even the end, of the pandemic. I was just on vacation and it felt normal. I go to restaurants with little to no anxiety anymore. I see friends and family with regularity. It is beginning to feel like pre-pandemic in the world now. Everytime I get a cold I don't instantly think it is COVID. I'm back at races, taking my kids to school and my wife is still kicking butt at work, she is also in the office more. So things are good most of the time.

Yet there are some states in this country, some places, where on this Independence Day, America still feels very divided. We still have governors who are archaic in their thinking. They don't want rights for LGBTQ+ people. They are anti transgender. They are trying to gerrymander districts. They want more power for corrupted cops. They are discriminatory jerks who think the 50's were the golden era. They were not. America was ass backwards in the 50's. We don't need a return to that time. That was the worst. So places like Florida and Texas, with their abhorrent governors, are wrong. They are trying to take their states back to the worst time in this country. They don't care about anyone besides people who look and act like them. That is wrong on every single level. They should not be celebrated on Independence Day. They don't care about freedom, especially if it doesn't look and act like them. They should be dragged through the mud. They should be shown the errors of their way. They are not better than anyone else. We are all equal and should be treated as such. So for these monsters that keep trying to revert back to a horrible time in our history, I don't wish them a happy fourth. They don't care about freedom. They clearly don't care about independence. They are out there for their own interests and that is wrong. It is also anti American. America is a melting pot. We should welcome people from other cultures, races and backgrounds with open arms. No one should be left out. That is the true meaning of independence.

So while you are out there lighting your fireworks and eating your hotdogs, take a second and thank all the immigrants, LGBTQ+, different races and cultures today. They are who makes this country truly great. They are who we should be celebrating on independence day. Happy fourth to everyone.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Post Vacation Blues

The most difficult thing, and I realize how much of a champagne problem this is, for me when coming back from vacation is the adjustment to real life again.

We got back from a four day trip on Saturday evening and, almost two full days later, I'm still kind of in a rut. I cannot seem to get myself out of it. I am slowly getting back into my routine, but with the kids off camp for a week, with the fourth being one day away and with my wife juggling her work schedule, I am feeling like I'm in a slog. I have been sleeping past eight everyday, and that is not normal for me. I'm usually up and ready to go at 7, maybe 7:30 at the latest. I have been slow on making breakfast. My son has stepped up, he's gotten into cooking since the last semester of school. That has been great, but it is my duty to have breakfast ready. I have also been slower on chore catch up. I just continue to put little stuff off for longer than normal. I haven't had to water my garden since we got home, we have gotten a good chunk of rain finally, but I bet I would have been late on watering if I had to do it.

I can't figure out what goes on in your brain when you return home from vacation. I mean, at the Air Bnb I still did the dishes, took out the trash and made the beds. I cooked one night while we were there. I ran every day except the day we arrived. My wife and I got the kids out the door for activities by 11 each morning. But I think, because there is no true schedule, vacation time is much easier to follow. We kind of did what we wanted on this trip. We had no real schedule, except to start the day and be out the door by 11. We went about our own business, and it was nice. But when you get back home it feels like you have to snap back into reality. I put our stuff away as soon as we got home, but then I just felt run down. I don't have COVID. We all tested negative when we got home. I don't have my full energy back just yet. I know it is coming.

This afternoon I ran a sub 30 minute 5k, which is good for me. I was able to successfully run the errands, with the kids, in the regular amount of time. I did a ton of veggie prep today, which felt like a true accomplishment. But I'll be damned if I'm not wiped out now, and I still have to take my daughter to her karate class. The kids are already back to normal. My daughter is ready, my son is currently playing basketball with his friends. But me, and my wife for that matter, are just tired. We stayed up last night watching "The Righteous Gemstones" so we could be caught up. We kept remarking how tired we were while watching, and during what seemed like my fifth complaint I looked up at our clock and it read 9:30pm.

I'm so old and so uncool now. And I have vacation brain. I would love to see scientific proof that vacation brain is a real thing, because it feels very real. But the good news is, I'm getting back to normal. It has just taken longer this time, and I'm sure this will be the case going forward. Oh well, at least the vacation was dope. We had a great time. I just want to not be tired anymore. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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James Harden Continues to Be James Harden

Surprise, surprise, James Harden has requested another trade. I’m foolish because I thought he would return to the 76ers and give it a real shot. I thought him and Joel Embiid worked well together. I know they each like to have the ball in their hands, but Harden is a productive passer when he knows he can accumulate assists, and Embiid is almost as automatic as it gets with the ball in his hands. But, much like his exits in OKC, Houston and Brooklyn, Harden is “extremely upset” with how the 76ers handled his impending free agency.

Look, I understand he’s a former MVP. I get he’s an all timer offensive player in the league. I understand his value as a premiere point guard. But at what point is this on him? I’m just saying, every stop has come with him complaining, the team trying to surround him with talent and the team, and Harden, playing poorly when the lights are the brightest. OKC was a Finals team with him coming off the bench. He didn’t like that role and asked out. The Thunder were still a legit contender when he left. Sure, Houston got better, and he achieved wonderful personal accolades. How many titles did the Rockets win with him as their star? Or, how did he do in close out playoff games? He shrunk, the team never won and he griped. The Rockets went out and traded for guys like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, guys Harden wanted to play with, and they still never got to the Finals. And when the Rockets were ready to reset, he played poorly, or not at all, until he was granted a trade to Brooklyn. He was reunited with Kevin Durant. He got to okay with Kyrie Irving. They looked incredible when they were all healthy. But they never stuck together, the pandemic happened and now all three are gone. Harden was solid when he played, but he was hurt more often than not. And with Irving being nuts and KD consistently hurt, Harden didn’t enjoy having the burden of running the whole offense. He cried his way to Philly. And then he said all the same stuff when he was traded to Brooklyn. He was going to stay, he wanted to win, he wanted to play with a great center. It was all roses. Then he had one of the oddest playoff performances I’ve ever seen this past playoff. He’d be great for a game, but then bad for two or three. It never coalesced. Embiid wasn’t exceptional, but he was hurt and he was carrying the load. Harden was along for the ride.

Now he wants out again. It seems like he wants to go to the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George say they are onboard with adding Harden. Trading for him will mean parting with some ping guys, namely Terrance Mann. That will hurt the Clippers. But Harden wants this, Daryl Morey will try to fleece the Clippers and Harden will now be teammates with two other great players, albeit often injured players. If this trade goes down this will be the sixth and seventh upper echelon, possible hall of fame players that Harden would be paired with. I don’t think it will work, but I’m most curious to see how long it takes Harden to make an excuse and ask out yet again, maybe to go play with a young up and coming superstar. That seems to be his MO. At some point I’d hope he’d look in the mirror and see he is the one constant in all this. I doubt that will ever happen though.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Listens to Killer Mike's "Michael"

Killer Mike put out a new record a couple weeks ago. I finally got around to digging deep into it a few days ago. Let’s discuss.

The album is called “MICHAEL” and it is as good as I hoped. Killer Mike’s skills are not new to people who have listened to him since he was part of The Dungeon Family. He has this incredible ability to flip his cadence while rhyming. He can start slow and finish fast. Each song on this record shows that off. Killer Mike jumps from all speeds throughout the record. He is one of the best in the game right now. He also has something to say in his songs. He is telling truths. He is calling out the system. He is talking about family, relationships and the good and the bad of both. He calls out the government, the police and everyone else he feels is not up to snuff. The guest appearances on this album are wonderful. Andre 3000 is on this album. I haven’t heard new music from him in forever. It’s great to hear him, hear how excellent he still sounds and how effortless it comes for him. El-P is on a song here and it’s a great RTJ style song he guests on. These two have incredible chemistry and it constantly shows, especially on this track. 6lack is here, and he’s new to me, but I like his voice. He’s a rapper with a silky delivery. He’s like a young Pusha T. 2 Chainz pops up and this dude is underrated. I feel like people don’t take him seriously. They need to start now. He’s awesome. I could say the same about myself and doubting Ty $Ollar Sign. He’s dope. He can flow. This record starts strong, the middle is solid and finishes with a bang.

Killer Mike is at the top of his game. He had really put it all together and it really shows. I wish he was coming closer to STL on his upcoming tour. I’d love to see him perform these songs live. Until then, at least I have this record. It’s pretty awesome.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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RIP Ryan Mallett

While riding yesterday I pulled up my sports app to see if there was any news. Unfortunately I saw that former NFL player Ryan Mallett had passed away.

I was stunned. I knew he was young, and now coaching. I remembered watching him at Michigan, and then at Arkansas. When he arrived to play QB at Michigan I was stoked. He was going to replace Chad Henne, who was a senior. He got some early action in a blowout and when I watched him play, I got even more excited. He had a rocket arm. He seemed fearless. He wanted to sling it around the field. It seemed like a great match. He saw a bit more time in other games and it looked like he was ready to step in. Then Lloyd Carr retired and Michigan hired Rich Rodriguez. The system didn’t fit the QB. Mallett, as expected, transferred. He ended up at Arkansas, which made sense since he was from there. He was pretty solid during his tenure. He said some issues with the law, public intoxication, but the guy produced on the field. He threw for over 3,000 yards twice. He put up 30 plus touchdowns each season. He was an all SEC player. He went to the draft and was a third round pick by the Patriots, backing up Tom Brady. The NFL never really worked for him, but he made it. He even started a few games here and there. Once he retired he went into coaching. This was an excellent fit for him. He knew the ins and outs and could help kids make it to the next level. But to read this news yesterday, to see he had drowned when he was getting into a job he was well equipped to excel at, that’s tragic. He was five years younger than I am right now. That is far too short of a life. I don’t know if he was married, or if he had any kids, but he leaves a hole in the heart of Michigan, Arkansas and NFL fans everywhere. People rooted for this guy. They wanted him to succeed. So to see his life cut painfully short is as tragic as it gets.

Rest in Peace Ryan Mallett. You will be very missed.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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On Ode to the Driving Part of a Road Trip

I’m currently on a road trip. Me, my wife and kids are headed to Lake Okoboji in Iowa. I‘be never been. Neither has my family. It should be fun. I’ve heard from others who say it’s like any other lake town. We are staying in some cool town, so I’m excited. Should be fun. What I want to talk about today is the road trip part.

I’ve always enjoyed a good road trip. It helps that my wife drives. That allows me to mellow out and enjoy the scenery. I’ve pretty much always been the passenger on trips too. My dad always drove and now my wife has taken on that job. She’s a much better driver than me too. Being the passenger lets me zone out. I like to check out the farmland. I enjoy seeing many types of animals. I watched a cow climb a hill this morning. I’ve seen many horses as well. I also enjoy passing other dads and seeing the other passengers. Most people are buried in their device, but sometimes you make eye contact. That’s weird and fun for me. I still try to get truck drivers to honk their horns. My kids are involved in that now too. It’s a thrill when they do honk. I usually control the music. I play stuff my wife likes, but sometimes I throw in music for me. We’ve heard from all kinds of artists today. I’ve listened to Kacey Musgraves, Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Frank Ocean and Pink Floyd, among others. Podcasts play a big role too. As I write we are listening to “Normal Gossip”, one of my wife’s favorites. I’m sure I’ll sneak in a “CBB” or “Lowe Post” at some point. Even on a longer ride like this, a bit over eight hours, I find ways to pass the time. We play lots of car games. My wife and I named celebrities for over two hours this morning. My daughter draws pictures and I try to guess what she’s drawing. My son will pepper me with sports stuff. It’s a great way to pass the time.

Road trips are fun. Sure, they can be boring, but you have to make that time less boring by doing things together. This is my first of 2 road trips this summer. So far we are off to a wonderful start.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "The Bear" Season 2

Last year I was late to the scene on the tv show "The Bear". But when I found it, I devoured it. The show is one of the better shows currently streaming. I remember seeing it was eight episodes, so that meant four, maybe five days to finish. I watched it all in two days. I wanted more and after each episode, and with it all dropping on one day, that made it easier to watch more. So when they announced a second season I was excited. And hesitant. Sometimes these shows cannot duplicate the success of the first season. They have the "sophomore slump". It doesn't have the same feel as the first. All of this and many more contribute to these shows falling off.

Well, four episodes into the new season I can tell you that "The Bear" season 2 is as good as season 1. The show captures the same feeling. I get the same vibes. The actors, writers and creators have the same push and will to make the show great. They are all working their butts off and it shows. The second season picks up with the crew beginning to open the new restaurant. And it is as chaotic as everything in season 1. The show is fast paced, yet each episode tells a great story, sometimes two. Four episodes in and I have met Syndney's dad, been to Denmark with Marcus, met one of Carmy's old high school friends, seen Rich trying to be a better dad and person, watched Nat admit to being pregnant, seen Tina and Ebraheim attend culinary school and watched Neil and crew have fights over mold and rebuilding. Again, that is just four episodes in. So far my favorite half an hour has been in Denmark. Marcus is sent there to work with a pastry wiz, played by Will Poulter, and it is an excellent episode, with some of the coolest visuals I have seen on TV. The food looks amazing. The scenery is second to none. The houseboat is rad. Seeing Marcus help an injured bike rider was moving. Him dealing with his sick mom was relatable. It is a wonderful viewing. I cannot recommend it enough. But each episode so far has had its great moments. Seeing Richie talk to Carmy in the first episode about trying to be a better person is moving as hell. Watching Carmy, Sydney and Nat talk to Oliver Platt about being business partners is nerve wracking. Seeing Carmy and Sydney cook together is amazing. I wanted to eat all the food that Sydney was eating when trying to get a better handle on what to make. I also loved seeing her talk to each restaurant owner and employees about how they became successful. That was eye opening. Seeing Nat come on as project manager gives Abby Elliot so much more to do and uses her talents to perfection. Watching Richie talk to his daughter about becoming a better father was touching. This show gets it. Even Carmy running into an old high school chum was relatable. I love the scene between the two of them when she reveals she knows the name of his new restaurant.

"The Bear" is right up there with "Black Mirror" for great television. The people who work on these shows understand the assignment and they all nail it. If you are not watching this show, remedy that right now and do yourself a favor. It is a pure delight. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Thoughts on the Big NBA Trades

The draft came and went with little trades here and there. Nothing too big. Some picks moved, some draft rights moved, but no superstar was traded. Dame is still in Portland. Zion, still in NOLA. Paul George is still a Clipper. But, there were a good amount of big trades prior to the draft and I want to zero in on two of them today.

The first is CP3 to the Warriors. I thought this was a bit when it was announced. The hatred that the Warriors have for Paul, and he loathes them just as much, made this seem not real. But, after some research, it was found to be true. It happened. After the shock settled in me, I kind of took a hard look at this and I am not a fan on the Warriors side. CP3 is an all timer. He is one of the best point guards the game has ever seen. He is smart, a problem solver, a shit disturber, a mid range killer, a dirty and solid defender and an excellent floor general. Paul has it all. But he is not the best point guard on his new team. The Warriors still have Steph Curry. He is a superior guard to Paul. He is a much better shooter. He is a much, much better teammate. He has become a solid defender. He is one of the best cutters in the league. He makes soft wild passes, but he also makes smart passes. After Steph, the Warriors still have Draymond, their secondary ball handler. I expect him to stay with the team, and I do not expect him to give up any ball handling duties. He is also the engine. He runs the show. He is the motor that keeps them going. The Warriors also still have Klay Thompson and Gary Payton Jr. They also drafted a 2 guard. They have a glut, and now they are adding CP3 to the mix. CP3 is an adult and a great vet, so I am sure he will try to fit in, but the fit is odd. I heard people say that he may run the second unit. Will he really? Is he going to accept that? I also heard they may only give him 20 minutes a game. Will he be cool with that? This guy has done what he wanted since he stepped foot in the league, as he earned. Why would he take a diminished role now? Then we also have the hatred between Paul and this franchise. I don't think the fans will accept him. I don't think he will want to listen to Steve Kerr. I think Steph will get fed up with him quickly. I wouldn't be shocked if Draymond punches him this offseason. There is just too much what if and injury and age concern. I get that this is a win now trade, but this is going to be a tough sell for everyone involved. That being said, I do think Jordan Poole is going to go off in Washington. They won't win a lot of games, he will be wildly inefficient and he will play no defense, but that dude is going to have the ball in his hands and an all time green light. He could average 25-28 points a game next season.

The other trade is the Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics, Tyus Jones to the Wizards and Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. Porzingis is a blah trade to me. Tyus Jones could be traded to a contender or be the point guard of this new era of Wizards basketball. But Smart to the Grizzlies has me hyped as a Grizzlies fan. At first blush I didn't think much of it. I saw Smart in a Grizzlies uniform and I thought, cool. But as I dug into this one I have become more and more excited by his addition. I know that Smart was upset to leave Boston. He wanted to retire there. But him coming to Memphis feels like this team has a true blue vet and a grown up on this team. Smart is a Defensive Player of the Year. He has been on a team that continuously has deep playoff runs. He is an okay shooter. He is a tough as nails defender. He is an excellent passer. And he is a grown up. Memphis is a solid team. They have a ton of talent. They have been the 2 seed two years in a row in the West. But they are immature. They talk too much for a team that hasn't won anything. Their talk took them out in the first round last season. Dillon Brooks became a problem. Desmond Bane wouldn't stop chirping at Rui Hachimura. Steven Adams got hurt. So did Brandon Clarke. And Ja Morant clearly has some identity issues. This team needed a grown up. This team needed a guy who knows what it takes to win deep in the playoffs. This team needs a guy who can come in and knock all the nonsense off in the locker room. Marcus Smart won't stand for that mess unless they start to win real playoff games. And this team needed a solid point guard for the first 25 games due to Morant's suspension. I adore this move. The Grizzlies needed to do something exactly like this. I didn't think they were going to do it because they never do, but they finally did and I applaud it. I know Smart may not help the half court offense, but he brings so much more that this team needs. I love that they will have his presence in the locker room. I think he will love playing defense next to Jaren Jackson Jr and Steven Adams, if he remains with the team. He can stay a starter when Morant gets back from suspension. He is a solid running mate next to Morant.

As much as I dislike the CP3 trade, I like this Smart trade. This was a good deal for the Grizz, and I cannot wait to watch Smart play with them next season. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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Ty's Not Mock 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA draft is tonight. I used to watch the draft very closely. I wanted to see where these college and high school and overseas players were going to start their pro careers. I don't watch it now, but my son does. He loves it. He is excited. He has to record the first part, but he has a plan and he is ready to implement it as soon as we get home.

As I have done for the past couple years, I will point out some prospects I like, some I'm not so high on, a few sleepers and discuss the Michigan guys in the draft. This is not a mock draft, more so my opinion on some prospects. Here goes.

It is no secret that this is a three player draft. There are other solid prospects, but the top three guys are the best. They could each be the first overall pick. They are that talented. And I fully believe in all three players' abilities on the court. Victor Webanyama is 7'4. He can handle the ball. He can shoot. He is an excellent defender. He is a solid rebounder. He will put some weight on as he continues in his career. The expectations are expected and he will most likely exceed them. He is a generational talent and he is going to the best run franchise in the NBA. The Spurs and Webanyama are a perfect match. This kid is going to be great. Brandon Miller has some off court stuff, but that seems to have been taken care of. On the court this kid is a great scorer. He can create and spot up on the floor. He can rebound. He needs to get a little better on the defensive end, but that can be coached. This kid reminds me a lot of Banchero from last year. He should be an 18-20 point scorer the moment he walks on an NBA floor. Scoot Henderson may be the most pro ready prospect in this draft. He is built like a tank. He can handle the ball. He is an okay defender. He is ready to run a team. He played in the G League, and when the lights were bright, he showed out. Henderson is my favorite prospect in the draft. If he falls to 3, the Trailblazers should draft him instantly.

Outside those three guys I also like Amen Thompson and Jordan Hawkins. Amen is the better of the Thompson twins. He had excellent workouts and interviews. He has all the tools and the skill. This kid is going to make some GM outside of the top three very happy. Hawkins burst onto the scene this past college season at UConn. He was the best player on the best team. He is a do it all scorer and good perimeter defender. He is going to land in the late lottery most likely and whatever team gets him will be getting a Buddy Hield type player, except a better defender.

As for the prospects I'm not so crazy about, let's start with Cam Whittemore. I kept seeing his name pop up in the early lottery and I didn't know who he was. I also did not know where he played this past season. I'm sure he is a solid basketball player, but I had never heard of him up until about a week ago. Some stories are being floated that his medicals are concerning too. That is not ideal for a kid that is going to be a lottery pick. Time will tell, but this is not a good start. Gradey Dick is not Christian Braun. Not by a long shot. He isn't the shooter, cutter or defender. Just because he played the same position at KU does not mean he is going to be the same player. I feel like a team is going to reach a little too early and he is going to end up like Jimmer Fredette or Nik Stauskas. Finally, I'm also out on Dereck Lively from Duke. He is big, and that is nice, but he was something like the fifth option on an okay Duke team last season. He never did anything amazing. He never stood out. He wasn't the first, second or third option on his college team. That is not a player I would spend a lottery pick on.

Now for the Michigan players. Jett Howard can shoot. He was probably the only reliable and dependable scorer on that team at all last season. He is also an okay enough rebounder. But he is not much of a defender. He is also kind of a non creator. He is great at spot up shooting, hell, even catch and shooting. But he has a way to go as a defender and scorer. I have faith that he can stick in the league, but he may not be more than a role bench player. Kobe Bufkin has only gotten better since he got to Michigan. He showed major flashes in his freshman season in his limited playing time. When he got out on the court, I would be stunned watching him play. I was scared he may transfer, but he stuck it out and became the only reliable player on the team all year. He was the only guy I wasn't worried about on the team. His jumper improved. His defense was, hands down, the best on the team. He was the only creator. When he had the ball in his hands, good things happened. Bufkin is going to make for a very good pro. I think the late lottery is perfect for him. I would love to see him go to OKC or Toronto. That would be ideal.

There you have it, my draft preview. Can't wait to see how all these guys end up doing in their careers. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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"Black Mirror" Continues its Run as One of Television's Greatest Shows

My wife and I finished the newest season of "Black Mirror" last night. I was going to talk about the season today, but I don't want to spoil anything. The show is getting great ratings too, but I want everyone to watch this show. With that being said, today I want to heap praise on this show as a whole.

"Black Mirror" is the best thing TV has going for it right now. Not only is it the best streamer, it is the best overall. This show is a masterpiece. It is a bleak work or art. With every new season I get excited for what I am about to watch. Hell, with each new episode I know I am going to see something original, or a fresh take on an old classic, written, acted and directed by some of the best in the business. I was talking to my dad about this season today, he watches too, and no show in my TV watching history has stayed with me like some, most, episodes of "Black Mirror" do. I will sit on episodes for days, just thinking about everyone involved. And these are not true stories. These are not actual events that have happened in the real world. Yet. That is what I love about this show. Technology is a great thing. There are many good reasons to use modern technology. There are some who use it for the right reasons. But more so than not, most people use technology to escape or do wrong. That is the world "Black Mirror" takes on and they are doing it at a 100 percent hit rate at the moment.

My dad and I were talking about an episode from this season and devolved into him and I talking about an episode from an earlier season, "Smithereens". That episode is poetic. It takes on people who stare at their phones while they drive and all the downfall that can come from that. This gentleman in that episode loses his family because he was looking at a social media post. He then goes about trying to stop people from the company and he gets in way over his head. It is a work of art and uses music is one of the best possible ways ever. That is just one example.

"Black Mirror" has told stories about the importance of bees, how corrupt politics can be, the horror that is the military, infidelity, love while dying, online dating, cloning, the ills of a social media presence, trolling online, futuristic robot dogs and wild and outrageous video game lifestyles. And each episode is poignant, tells a familiar tale and sticks with you. The show can be funny, violent, gruesome, scary and true to life. Charlie Brooker has done something truly amazing. He and his team have created something that will be everlasting.

This show has also introduced me to some super famous actors. The first time I saw Daniel Kaluuya was in an episode titled "15 Million Merits". He is now an Oscar winner. I didn't know Toby Kebbell, who does motion capture as Godzilla now, until I watched him in "The Entire History of You". Jodie Whittaker, who is one of the Doctor's from "Doctor Who", was in the same episode. Hayley Atwell was in "Be Right Back", and it was my introduction to her. Wyatt Russell was in an episode and I did not know he was Hollywood royalty at the time. Gugu Mbatha Raw and Mackenzie Davis were kind of known before "San Junipero", but I bet that is what most people bring up now when they are interviewed. Letitia Wright and Christian Milioti were in two different episodes in season 4, and I had zero clue who they were when I saw them in this show. The list could go on and on.

What sets this show apart, what makes this show the best show on TV, is the writing. The stories they tell are amazing. They sit with you. You think about them over and over again. That couldn't be done without some brilliant minds bringing to the viewers. "Black Mirror" is the perfect sci-fi show. It is, like my buddy Kirk says, " a modern "Twilight Zone" ". I couldn't have said it better myself. No show that takes multiple years off and I still find myself excited to watch can pull this off, except for "Black Mirror". The fact that they took four years off and I didn’t even bat an eye shows how wonderful it truly is.

"Black Mirror" is the best of the best. If you are not watching it, correct that mistake right now and start watching it. It is amazing. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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