Blog Archives

Weekday Ramble #85: Who Was the Worst Team in Baseball History?

4/30/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Thursday April 30, 2015
Talkin’ baseball today. Come for the trivia, stay for the rhythm and blues tune at the end.

The worst professional baseball team in history
The story of the 1899 Cleveland Spiders is a sad one. Their owner publicly referred to them as a “side show,” home attendance averaged under 200, and they lost 101 road games (unbreakable under the current schedule format). Their 20-134 record, a winning percentage of a measly .130, is considered the worst in professional baseball history.

However there are a couple other contenders for the title. The Wilmington Quicksteps of the United Association finished 2-16 (.111 winning percentage) in 1884. The 1875 Brooklyn Atlantics of the National Association did even worse, finishing 2-42 (.045!). Under the current schedule that would translate to roughly 7-155. Yikes.

Sure, the professional status of the United and National Associations is questioned, and they played significantly fewer games than the Spiders, but they’re still interesting footnotes in baseball history. By the way, why don’t teams today have such cool names?

Say hey!

The hot jump blues and rhythm and blues of the ‘40s and ‘50s had energy, soul, and tight harmonies and instrumentation. Its influence on rock n’ roll can’t be overstated. This is a fun novelty song about Willie Mays from The Treniers, one of many of the many overlooked bands of this genre.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #84: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!

4/29/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Wednesday April 29, 2015
Three top tier Willie Nelson tunes to celebrate his 82nd birthday.

Crazy single from1961

Willie Nelson has written so many songs that there's usually at least one or two classics you don't know he wrote. While "Crazy" will forever be linked with Patsy Cline's definitive version, Willie's original from 1961 shows how natural of a Nelson tune it is. Listening back to Cline's version you can hear the influence of his phrasing.

In God’s Eyes from the 1971 LP Yesterday's Wine

Willie got a bit restless towards the end of his tenure with RCA records. Sick of being stifled in the studio, he finally used his touring band and made a record on his own terms. The result was 1971's sparse, beautiful concept album Yesterday's Wine. Unfortunately sparse and beautiful doesn't always sell records. The label didn't understand it and barely promoted it, prompting a discouraged Willie temporarily retiring from music. He'd have his day, though. And decades after.

"In God's Eyes" is one of several pretty, understated hymns on Yesterday's Wine. The lyrics show his theological prowess: "Never think evil thoughts of anyone/It's just as wrong to think as to say/For a thought is but a word that's unspoken/In God's eyes He sees it this way."

Sad Songs and Waltzes from the 2006 LP Songbird

"I'll tell all about how you cheated/I'd like to the whole world to hear/I'd like to get even with you cause you're leavin'/But songs and waltzes aren't selling this year." Willie's wit shines through on this simple but endearing track. Although originally released on 1973's Shotgun Willie - Nelson's first statement after leaving RCA - this version from 2006's Ryan Adams produced Songbird is fuller and more realized. Alternative rock band Cake also released a faithful version on their 1996 album Fashion Nugget.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #82: SMH

4/27/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Monday April 27, 2015
Timberwolves superfan, KFAN’s Dan Barreiro, would file the subject of today’s Weekday Ramble under the banner “done as a society.” A woman hasn’t smiled for 40 years and the reason why should make you cringe.

Superficiality is king
Tess Christian doesn’t smile. In fact, she hasn’t laughed or smiled for 40 years. She’s not physically unable to smile. She’s not mean-spirited or humorless.

She does it to prevent wrinkles.

Yes, that’s right. To prevent wrinkles.

“I don’t have wrinkles because I have trained myself to control my facial muscles,” she says (read more here). “Everyone asks if I’ve had Botox, but I haven’t, and I know that it’s thanks to the fact I haven’t laughed or smiled since I was a teenager. My dedication has paid off, I don’t have a single line on my face.”

For Tess Christian being superficial is more important than smiling and laughing. Good for her.

I’ll be the first to admit that she looks a lot younger than her 50 years. But that anybody would give up the pleasure of smiling and laughing – which even almighty science has proven is good for you – to look younger is an example of what’s wrong with the world. People care more about how they look, and about superficial things in general, than about what is actually important. Like their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

And just being happy.

Stories like this one make me wonder: what happened to common sense?

It’s all over now, baby blue

Pretty much, Dylan. Pretty much.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #81: Devil May Care About Secular Day

4/24/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Friday April 24, 2015
Did you know that yesterday was Secular Day? Yeah, me either.

Happy (?) Secular Day
We live in a strange (some would say obnoxious) time in which every day has some random, superficial meaning attached to it. Doughnut Day! Runner’s Day! Tabletop Game Day! Kitchen Sink Day! This over-saturation of “days” proves the natural human inclination to remember, celebrate, and have traditions (see the calendar of the Catholic Church). Or the power of advertising, but whatever.

Yesterday was declared Secular Day by openlysecular.org. The website encourages people to tell at least one person that they are proud to be secular, that is, to live a life without any affiliation to spirituality or religion.

I wonder where this conversation would lead. Like Christians, secularists prove the validity of the philosophy by how they live their life, how they treat people, what basis they have for their beliefs, and whether their views stack up to logic and common sense. Just telling someone “I’m a secularist” is just as empty as a Christian just saying “I want you to know that I’m a Christian.” How annoying would that be?

The concept of Secular Day also makes me cringe when I consider the devastation that secularism has wrought in our times. The same secularists that decry religion for holy wars completely ignore the tens of millions killed in the 20th century due to their worldview. When it comes to terrorism and murder, secularism makes religion look like a walk in the park, and their worst offenders are in our supposedly more enlightened times.

I get that people want to show that you can be a good person without being religious. Or that secularism is a viable alternative to living a spiritual life. But if someone is going to proclaim it to those around them I hope they have the sense to do it diplomatically. I also hope that they’re open to beliefs other than theirs.

An olive branch

That’s not to say that there isn’t merit to the philosophies behind secularism (agnosticism, atheism, etc.). There are plenty of legitimate reasons to not believe in the spiritual world. A lot of songs in this vein are intelligent, admirable, and creative. This is one of my favorites, Kristian Hoffman’s “Devil May Care.” It rightly condemns religious people who are, in Johnny Cash’s words, so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good. It’s got a nice little beat, too.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #80: Christian Intellectuals, Individuality

4/23/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Thursday April 23, 2015
Smart Christians and Ben Witherington’s thoughts on individuality.

Clearing things up
It is a misconception that there aren’t many smart Christian. Many living an intellectually sheltered life fall into the old fallacy that religion is for stupid people duped by superstitions and that it has been replaced by science, “progress,” and “enlightenment.”

This is simply not the case. There are many brilliant thinkers, scholars, and scientists that are also deeply religious. As far as Christianity goes, Anglican N.T. Wright, Catholic John P. Meier, and Protestant Ben Witherington are among the best. Their scholarly books about Jesus and Christianity are some of the most highly regarded, and persuasive, of our time. And, for the most part, they come to conclusions that any traditional Christian can agree on.

In short, being a Christian doesn’t mean having to throw away your brain at the sanctuary door.

Of the individual
Ben Witherington recently published a piece about the contemporary focus, especially in Christianity, on individuality. He argues that Jesus lived in a “collectivist culture” and that his message spoke to that:

The Bible, written in collectivist cultures, promotes a collectivist series of identities. Have you ever noticed that the people in the Gospels do not have last names? The cellphone log must have been confusing. This is because their primary identity is their group or social identity, and their secondary identity is what we would call their individual identity, their personal identity. I’m trusting you realize that Jesus’ last name was not Christ, any more than Mary’s last name was Magdalene.

His sense of humor is pretty refreshing, isn’t it? His point is valid, too: the individual was seen in the context of the group. Jesus’ message was not for individuals to be saved as they are and simply for who they are, but for each person to be baptized into Christ’s body (the church) and for that person to “die” to their former sinful self and continue to get better. Continual conversion, if you will.

Consider the oldth
He goes on to criticize our culture for worshiping the present while ignoring or having contempt for the past. He compares it to Jesus’ time:

Identity, personality, character was fixed at birth, and did not develop over time, it was simply revealed over time. The ancients were quite innocent of Freud and Jung. Youth was not idolized, ‘oldth’ was. People turned to ‘the elders’ as role models, not the Pepsi generation.

That’s always been a huge problem of mine with contemporary culture: why do we only look to what is going on now for answers? Why is youth idolized? Wouldn’t we be better off listening to, and studying, the people who have the most wisdom instead of those who happen to be around today?

Thinking critically
In his article Witherington sharply addresses a contemporary misconception about Jesus’ message. Throughout their books, he and his scholarly companions N.T. Wright and John P. Meier do this all the time. If only their work was as publicized as the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also the Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #79: Youth Participation in Sports and Video Games (ft. Huey Lewis)

4/22/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Wednesday April 22, 2015
Some thoughts on youth participation in sports and video games. With a coda from a sports guru, 80s pop star Huey Lewis.

All in good fun
Although reports vary, studies show that Americans (and American males in particular) are playing more video games than ever. This isn’t surprising considering how huge of an industry it is. And, admittedly, how much cooler and more varied games have become. Statistics say that Americans spend an average of just over six hours a week playing video games, while a recent book claims that the number doubles for the average American male. This seems more accurate to me.

I’m a fan of relaxation and of having fun. Video games are a perfectly legitimate way to spend free time. It’s more satisfying if you do other things to earn that free time, whether working or creating or whatever, but that’s another story for another time.

The problem arises when gaming takes over a person’s life. This is true of any pastime, though. Many people spend hours a day sitting in front of the TV watching sports, pouring over their job, or doing any leisure activity that is meant for occasional consumption rather than revolving one’s life around.

Sports, sports, sports
Reports do not vary on the topic of youth participation in sports, however. The numbers are down and get lower every year.

There are many reasons for this. The main one that I see, though, is that kids have gotten lazier. It’s not just video games; in fact, it isn’t that predominately, although that’s a symptom. More detrimentally, nine times out of then they’d rather sit on the iPad that has been their babysitter their whole lives than get out and do something. They’d rather sit on the couch with a soda and watch football than actually play a sports. It’s a sad trend.

So what?
What can we do about it? Like with most things it starts with the individual. Ambition is a difficult thing but the more you have, and the more you get done, the better your life will be. You can choose to put the phone down. You can choose to go out and do something.

Another big problem is parenting. Parents need to encourage their kids to live balanced lives, lives that can include playing video games, watching sports, playing sports, and any other leisure activity, but should not be dominated by them.

After all, today’s kids are tomorrow’s world leaders. As scary of a thought as that is sometimes.

Words about sports from an expert

Huey Lewis knows a thing or two about sports. His 1983 album of that name included four huge hits including my favorite song of his, "Walking on a Thin Line." More surprising is this faithful cover of Hank Williams’ “Honky Tonk Blues,” which features a pedal steel guitar and everything.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #78: 4/20 A Day Late Edition featuring Willie, Merle, and Prine

4/21/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Tuesday April 21, 2015
To avoid the over-saturated 4/20 market, or because I forgot, here’s a 4/20 article on 4/21.

My man Willie Nelson

Simply, there are good potheads and there are bad ones. This is true regardless of the tendency of both sides to oversimplify and judge the other. I know a lot of good ones, both personally and otherwise. I count Willie Nelson among this group.

“It’s All Going to Pot” is from Willie and Merle Haggard’s forthcoming collaboration Django and Jimmie (named after two of the biggest badasses of all time, Django Rienhardt and the Singing Brakeman Jimmie Rodgers). It’s a fun novelty song that is bound to be an anthem as more and more states “legalize it.” As it were.

Dig.

Another one of my men, John Prine

The official 4/20 anthem, as far as I’m concerned, belongs to John Prine. Check out my thoughts about it from the Rambling On archives.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #77: Three Reasons Ringo Starr Belongs in the Rock Hall

4/20/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Monday April 20, 2015
Over the weekend Beatle drummer Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. Below are three classic songs that prove it was well-deserved.

It Don’t Come Easy

Ringo’s classic fittingly begins with sweeping, subtle cymbals and guitar from his friend (and most consistent musical supporter) George Harrison. Add in his old buddy Klaus Voorman on bass, the guitarists from Badfinger, and Stephen Stills on pulsating piano and you have the foundation for a classic. Its simple message of peace and love fits the music perfectly and is universally pertinent.

Back off Boogaloo

The pounding drums of “Back off Boogaloo” are so big that they sound like they’re going to come out of the speakers. Harrison also shines on some tasteful, bluesy slide guitar work.

Without Understanding

After some initial success in the early ‘70s Ringo drifted into obscurity. I’ve listened to each of his solo albums (so you don’t have to!) and while none of them are bad there isn’t much to them. 1998’s Vertical Man is among his best. “Without Understanding” is a fun, soulful boogie number. Its gospel-tinged bridge is one of my favorites of all-time.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Weekday Ramble #76: Love for Levon

4/17/2015

Three of my dearest heroes, Levon, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko. The heart and soul of the Band. May they all rest in peace. Photos by Elliot Landy.

Strength and subtlety

The energy and skill of Levon Helm and the Band at the height of their talents.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Friday April 17, 2015
A Quote/Picture/Video tribute to one of my heroes, the Band’s Levon Helm.

On timelessness
Songs don't wear out. Good songs are good now. If they were a comfort during those hard times in the past, they'll be a comfort in today's age.

Levon Helm embodied timelessness. Everything he said sounded like the truth. Each of his vocal performances resonated soul, spirit, and truth. The strength and subtlety of his drumming is completely his own.

There’s a tenderness, warmth, and beauty to old songs. Folk, blues, country, soul, gospel, and so many others contain a limitless amount of treasures to unearth. The topics and problems the songs cover are universal. Just as they were beautiful, creative, lovely, and meaningful when they were first recorded, so they still are now.

Cool

Weekday Ramble #75: The Pros and Cons of Record Store Day

4/16/2015

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Thursday April 16, 2015
Vinyl’s tainted day, a Syd Barrett classic

Details, sordid details
Record Store Day, which I feel falls around 4/20 every year by design, celebrates vinyl and the independent stores that sell them. Bands release special albums, shops hold live shows, and other festivities happen across the country.

Unfortunately things tend to go downhill when anything becomes too popular. Since vinyl has become trendy the scene has been overrun by frauds who only like it because it’s cool. These people pack stores on RSD to the point that it becomes uncomfortable. Furthermore, because many of the special releases are so limited, many go out just to buy them and immediately go and sell them on eBay for jacked up prices.

That’s not to say that it isn’t worth going out for Record Store Day. Hell, I’ve heard that it keeps many shops in business, so it at least does that. It’s also fun (in a sadistic sort of way) to try and beat the crowds and find stuff you might like.

For stores that are participating around the Twin Cities, click here.

Ode to a dead guy

One special Record Store Day release that I hope to find is a 45 with Syd Barrett’s original version of my favorite song of his, “Dark Globe,” along with R.E.M.’s cover on the flip side. Here’s the original in all its glory. Long live Syd.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.