Columbus was a Panzy: Book Review of 1421.

The summer usually affords me time to curl up with a good book (or two) and disconnect from television (with the exception of Big Brother). To broaden my horizons, I cracked open Gavin Menzies' historical novel 1421, which focuses on the Chinese nautical adventures taking place during the reign of the Ming emperor Zhu Di. One need travel no further than the cover page for Menzies' unorthodox thesis, which states the Chinese discovered America. By cross referencing the title of the book with an old nursery school rhyme, Menzies places the Chinese in North and South American some seven decades before Columbus took his historic voyage into the unknown. While the book is considered blasphemy by the orthodox historical community, it unearths many fascinating pieces of evidence that are impossible to ignore. I don't want to ruin the book by discussing too much, yet let me say it is worth every page. Aside from the revelation that the Chinese were bad-ass explorers, here are some of the more random facts the book cited while making its case.

5. Indians sported pearls in their penises (for the ladies)

For some reason, Menzies chose to elaborate quite often on the sexual behaviors of fifteenth century India. One passage from the book cites Niccolo da Conti's account whereby he recalled the tinkling noises made when young men walked because they had inserted beads into their penis. The beads were inserted to enliven the sexual experience. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Gross.

4. Chinese trained otters to hunt for fish in the middle of the ocean

Seriously, forget having a trained monkey, I want a trained otter that can catch fish for me. I'm not even joking about this one. The Chinese affixed ropes to the legs of otters which could wrangle schools of fish into the waiting nets of Chinese seamen. So much for running out of food. The Chinese would launch these animals from flooded compartments in the holds of the Junk ships, which leads me to my discussion of Chinese ships and our next amazing fact from 1421.

3. The Titanic doesn't have sh^* on a Chinese junk ship

One of the many technological innovations which the White Star Line (creators of Titanic) marveled at where Titanic's watertight compartments, which could allow the Titanic to stay afloat even if it had begun to take on water. We all see how well that worked, but I digress. The Chinese used a system similar on their massive junk ships, some few hundred years before the White Star Line even existed. The Chinese also employed various shipbuilding innovations that would be copied by other nations around the world for years to come. You'll have to read the book to find them out. They're freakin' amazing!

2. Sea Cucumbers, when eaten, are an aphrodisiac

Much like revelation number five, this is gross. I'm going to turn it over to wikipedia to describe, and unlike other wiki entries, this one is real. Think of it as ancient Viagra.

1. Being a Eunuch sucks.

Zheng-He (leader of the expedition) was a eunuch. If you don't know what a eunuch is, look it up. The most disturbing, and oddly fascinating aspect of 1421 was the description of how Zheng-He became a eunuch and what it entailed. This is another fascinating wiki search, but I will warn you it is not for those with a weak stomach.

While I only listed gross and disturbing facts from the book, there are so many reasons to read it. Unlike other historical novels, it does not read like a textbook. Despite its outstanding prose, 1421's power lies in its ability to challenge everything you thought you knew about the world, while making you ponder about other lies history books propagated on our gullible civilization.

Top 20 Albums of All-Time (From Yahoo Blog)

This article caught my eye when I was doing a search on Yahoo, so I decided to give it a read. There are some interesting albums listed here, and the number one was a total shocker! Check it out and see what you think. Maybe our resident music writer (Bryan would like to make a comment, or submit his own version?) 

Facebook called, and you're application is pissing them off!

Facebook has taken the world by storm because of its ability to keep in touch with people while creating a digital signature of your own. It is kinda creepy that you can learn virtually everything about your friends within seconds, thanks to minute by minute updates of their profile. Additionally, there are other applications that are created by third party developers which will try the patience of even the most peaceful individuals. In this list we pay tribute to the applications this author would like to see eradicated from the Facebook application catalogue.


5. The Entourage Application


While virtually every fan of the show is bound to organize their own Entourage of friends, it is a bit far reaching to think that one person could "roll with" over two hundred individuals. There are few people of historical significance that "rolled" with hundred of people simultaneously, and if one is comparing himself with Jesus, Gandhi, or Louis XVI, then they are delusional. I have no problem with this application, but seriously it should be limited since nobody travels, eats, and arrives with over two hundred people to one place with regularity.




4. Lil' Green Garden Patches


Stop sending me plants for a fictitious garden patch. Also, please stop sending me "pieces of flare" and fish for a fake aquarium. I hate accumulating garbage trinkets in real life, let alone allow them to clutter up my Facebook page. Some people really dig these applications, but I don't understand them. What is the allure of the garden patch? Is it aesthetically pleasing, or does it make one feel good that somebody thought enough of them to send them a fake plant? I guess it's the thought that counts.




3. What ________ character are you?


When I first arrived in the Facebook community I was drawn into these faux tests which can correctly predict what character you would be on your favorite show/movie from a questionnaire. After completing approximately two of these assessments, I realized what a pile of dung they were. Any twit with half a brain can manufacture the outcome of the test to say whatever it is they desire. Very few males want to be diagnosed as Marge from the Simpson's test, so they will fudge a few answers to become Homer or Bart. They should rename these applications "what character from ___________ would you like to be?"

2. The "V" List Live Feed Widget

The V List widget could be the biggest pile of trash in the Facebook application catalogue. In fact, it could easily be the number one on this list, but it pisses me off slightly less than the next entry. This widget took about fifteen minutes to customize using a combination of two websites and some html language. The final product was an application that will not run automatically when the page loads up. It shows that the widget is a movie (which in fact it is not) and then asks the person to click play. Upon clicking on the widget it will take you to another page where a 3 inch widget is set in the middle of a gigantic page, and has a feed of our articles and movies. What a rip off! Facebook should give me the freedom to at least develop an aesthetically pleasing widget that works. Curse you and you half assed developers kit, because now my application is being listed by some site in the blogosphere as one of the worst on Facebook.


1. Mob Wars


I am all about online gaming, however please don't pretend Mob Wars or Vampire Slayer are games, because they are not. There are thousands of other flash games that would be better suited for Facebook, but these two "games" are the most annoying applications out there. I don't mind people sending me invites, but at this point, I could literally be in about 15-20 different "families" if I had clicked the accept button. As a student of Godfather and Goodfellas, I would have been whacked several times over for betraying the advice of Michael Corleone. Everybody knows you never go against the family, something which I would have done some fourteen times over. I also tried vampire hunting and superheroes, but those "games" become equally mundane after a week. I you want to play some serious games, look me up on xbox live and we can do some real damage. As for the Facebook crap that they call entertainment. I'll pass.

NFL 'Fight' Songs

In lieu of my post regarding baseball-related musical renderings, here are some (pathetic, I might add) NFL 'fight' songs, from the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and the Chicago Bears, proud minds behind 1985's Super Bowl Shuffle (the video below clocks in at seven minutes, plenty of time to cackle at Walter Payton's line about likening football to 'making romance'). Do tunes like these really get the fans up and at them? If so, aficionados of the gridiron are better off ignoring these songs and indulging in more tailgating and boozing.

5. Green Bay Packers

4. Miami Dolphins, Number One!

3. Fly, Eagles, Fly!

2. Pittsburgh, Here We Go!

1. Da Bears' Super Bowl Shuffle

Celebrating 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'

There is but one song about our national pastime that continues to be used regularly since its inception 100 years ago: Jack Norworth's Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Originally sung by Norworth's wife, the song has been reproduced numerous times (as it has every seventh inning at Wrigley since 1982, when broadcaster Harry Caray started the tradition; recently, it has been butchered by the likes of Eddie Vedder, Ozzy Osbourne, Vince Vaughn, and Mike Ditka), and yet, it was penned by an individual who had never seen the game played before. Since the song was written, several teams have produced songs that have incited rally cries and inspired fans to get behind their team. Provided for you here are several of those songs, complete with a Gene Kelly/Frank Sinatra version of Ballgame and the marketable talent of Batting Stance Guy.

5. Batting Stance Guy

4. Go Yankees!

3. Meet the Mets!

2. Go Cubs Go!!

Note about this addition: folk-singer and Cubs fanatic Steve Goodman penned the song in 1984, the first time Chicago played in the playoffs since 1945 (and sadly, the very year Goodman died). For the past 24 years, Cubs fans sing this tune in unison after every Cubs win; it truly is a sight to behold.

1. Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Can't Say I Saw THAT Coming...

Here's to the highly unlikely in baseball: Bo Jackson's dominance of two sports, Ken Caminiti's addiction to cocaine (sadly ending in death), the Red Sox's 2004 ALCS comeback against the Yankees, the Cubbies' 100 year-long drought, the Mets' 2007 collapse (paving way for the resurgence of the National League champion Colorado Rockies), and Clemens, McGwire, Sosa, & Bonds standing little chance to make the Hall of Fame collectively. These teams and individuals watched as irony and karma struck destiny and glory square in the nuts, showing that any and all is possible---and surely against what you initially intended (row-sham-bow, anyone?). Below are five more storylines to add to the mix, all of which will affect the state of our national pastime, for better or for worse.


5. George Bush: The Next Commissioner of Baseball?
Our nation's 43rd leader, Mr. George W. Bush, will go down in history as America's most disgraced commander-in-chief, whose last act in the Oval Office may involve pardoning a self-proclaimed criminal (see Marion Jones). Prior to his tremendously awful tenure in the White House, Bush served as an adequate 'managing general partner' of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, who, under his watch, brought a thrilling close to Nolan Ryan's illustrious career. Speculation behind Bush's potential as baseball's leading man rose long before his stint as governor of Texas, as one-time commish Fay Vincent discussed the possibility of Bush serving as baseball commissioner in the 1990's. Upon leaving the White House, baseball commissioner would be an ideal position for W (unfortunately, it is a dream that will be put on hold due to the extension of current commissioner Bud Selig's contract). With Bush at the helm, who knows what would be in store for the game of baseball?



4. Mark Cuban: The Next Cubs Owner
With July dwindling to a close, Mark Cuban, boisterous owner of the Dallas Mavericks and Internet tycoon, has made the final cut (out of three others) as potential principal owner of the Chicago Cubs, a franchise bolstered by fans in love with the North Side's lovable losers. Imagine the Friendly Confines of Wrigley visited constantly by the NBA's most raucous (and most fined) owner, whose antics often earns the ire of referees and fans alike? Imagine a franchise of tradition (Harry Caray, outfield ivy, the post-game Go Cubs Go sing-along, the raising of the white W flag after each Cubs win, and the 7th inning celebrity Take Me Out to the Ballgame rendition) suddenly infused with new, albeit 'far-from-customary,' blood? Say what you will about Cuban's unorthodox ways (he, not his coaching staff, is often the one jeering at referees), Cuban has pumped enough money into the Mavericks to make them relevant again (they were a game removed from taking home the 2006 NBA championship after spending countless decades as the league's doormat). It's one thing to own an NBA franchise: it's a whole other to man one of baseball's most storied organizations. Mark Cuban may be the next man behind the curtain for Chicago.


3. Albert Pujols: Going Against Doctorly Advice....and Dominating
Prior to the 2008 MLB season, Albert Pujols came face-to-face with a career-altering decision: would he forgo the 2008 campaign for surgery or play through unbearable pain in order to continue his monstrous career and, perhaps, put the Cardinals back in the playoffs? The scenario that medical experts conveyed was rather imposing: Pujols, by agreeing to play, would be one errant swing away from shredding, perhaps even separating, the tendon that holds the elbow joint intact. Second opinions further suggested that Pujols could play, although he would be beset by gut-wrenching anguish. Ever the fiery competitor, Pujols opted to play this season, a juncture that has the Cardinals within 6 games of the NL Central-leading Cubs, all thanks to Albert's .353 average, 20 homeruns, and 60 RBI's, including a recent dinger that bested the New York Mets in 14 innings (on Saturday, July 26th). Now that is baseball legacy in the making.


2. Jeff Samardzija: The Cubs' Next Big Thing
Bo Jackson's turn as a two-sport athlete was logical, when you consider Bo's positions (running back for the Raiders and leftfield for the Royals) were dictated by his blazing speed. While contributing swimmingly in both sports, Jackson paved the way for the likes of Deion Sanders, who starred for the Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys, among other NFL clubs. Unfortunately, Jackson endured a hip injury (later resulting in the condition avascular necrosis, which results in a shortening of the blood supply to the pelvic region) that abruptly ended his career in both sports. Enter Jeff Samardzija. In 2006, Jeff Samardzija helped deliver a 10-win season for Notre Dame, ending his career as an All-American wide receiver for the Fighting Irish. Due in part to Samardzija's success, Brady Quinn became a top-20 NFL pick, the heir apparent to Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson. Many NFL analysts thought Samardzija was pegged for a spot on an NFL roster, seeing as how his footwork was complemented by a set of hands that could reel in any ball thrown his way. But there was the matter of Samardzija's true passion: the sport of baseball. Putting a prestigious past behind him (Jeff holds multiple Notre Dame receiving records), Samardzija ended up signing a $16.5 million incentive-laden contract with the Cubs in 2007. Due to numerous circumstances (stellar Cubs closer Kerry Wood is on the disabled list with a sore blister and Carlos Marmol cannot get a handle on his location), Samardzija was called up to join the Cubs in their most recent series against the Marlins at Wrigley, a time when Jeff compiled his first major league save with an overpowering fastball and slider. Could this be the Cubs' answer in the bullpen that delivers the Cubs their long-awaited World Series victory? Manager Lou Piniella and a legion of Cubs fans sure hope so.

1. Rick Ankiel: From Bust to Boom
Ask your grandfather: what Rick Ankiel has accomplished has never happened in the history of the sport. At the age of 20, Ankiel began his career as a major league hurler, compiling an 11 - 7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 194 strikeouts, good for seventh in the league. Then came the 2000 playoffs. In spite of his outstanding stuff (Ankiel possessed a 97 MPH fastball and devastating curveball, both of which could deliver a strikeout), Ankiel faced the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs and threw seven wild pitches, five of which were hurled in one inning (the first time that had happened since 1890). From that day forward, he was never the same. The tumult continued in 2001, as Ankiel was sent down to AAA to work on his control. As fate would have it, Ankiel would never pitch in the majors again. By 2005, Ankiel opted for a drastic change to his career: he wished to channel Mickey Mantle, so as to become a power-hitting centerfielder. By 2007, Ankiel was brought up by St. Louis in a late August call-up. His major league experience would continue through 2008, where he is hitting .278 with 22 homeruns and 56 RBI's, wielding a glove that is worthy of best-in-the-league status. Human-growth-hormone controversy aside, Ankiel has proven his value in the mythology of treasured baseball lore.

Man of the World

Team America! F-Yeah! That seems to be the dominant stereotype about Americans. You know, the one which implies that Americans could care less about other peoples of the world when it comes to our national agenda. While other nations view us as a nation of "cowboys" listening to country western music while eating hotdogs, I would share a quite different perspective. American culture is extremely diverse when compared with other nations around the world, and I believe that is something that should be celebrated. So today, honor our cultural diversity with one of these five activities that will make you feel more like a man (or woman) of the world without having to ever leave our native soil.

5. Take in an espresso in place of your morning coffee.

Instead of rushing around like a headless chicken take the time and sit down for a double shot of espresso. Go sit in a park, sip the beverage slowly, and take time to appreciate all the natural beauty of this country. If you want to feel especially cultured and have the chance, go to an art museum for a double dose of culture. I recommend sitting on a park bench, if only to watch others rush about their busy lives. Sometimes the one thing we forget to do in this country is sit back and appreciate the gift of life. That's something we can do better, and because of economic security (when compared with other nations) we have more opportunity than most to sit back and smell the roses. The first step is to get reconnected to the world and all the small wonders it holds.

4. Watch a futbol game on television

While this was much easier a few weeks ago when Eurocup was being televised a few weeks ago, there are still some exhibition games that one can catch on television if they look closely enough. While many Americans don't understand "soccer" and would prefer the NFL or MLB, I would invite them to take the opportunity to sit down with an aficionado of the game and truly learn its nuances and complexities. One will discover that there's a reason why most people around the world love it. There's nothing like watching a closely contested soccer match. World Cup, please return soon.

3. Rent a foreign film from blockbuster / netflix

Skip the summer blockbuster and instead take in a foreign film. You can earn extra bonus points if you watch the movie sans subtitles. Perhaps as a part of the experience you can cook cuisine in the style of the film and invite a few friends over. There are so many films from other countries that will not only broaden your horizons, but will entertain the crap out of you at the same time. This author recommends Pan's Labyrinth to begin your journey into the world of foreign film.

2. Go to a Muslim mosque, Jewish synagogue, Pentecostal church, Catholic church

One of the most beautiful Constitutional rights is the guaranteed freedom of religion that we have in this country. So this weekend take advantage of that freedom and attend a religious ceremony. I recommend going to another type of religious celebration other than your own. If you're catholic, take the opportunity to attend a synagogue. Call ahead of time and coordinate a discussion with the church elder or priest. Tell them you want to learn more about their religion firsthand, and what would be the best way to go about it. Maybe your shy and don't want to jump right in, but sit down and have a discussion with somebody of another religion and listen more than you talk. It will be a great experience to hear about somebody else's faith, while remaining firmly rooted in your own.

1.Register to Vote

Want to feel like you make a difference in this world? I recommend voting. If you haven't heard there's a little thing called a presidential election this fall, and your voice can have a very big impact. Sometimes people are turned off by the parties, politics, and candidates, but no single action (or inaction) will shape the course of the world more than your vote. It is not only a freedom which all Americans enjoy, it is our biggest responsibility. The next president will tackle major issues like the environment, poverty, and war, something that we all care about, regardless of how filled our schedules might become. Choosing the right person to lead our nation is perhaps the greatest thing one can do to ensure THE WORLD is a better place. As for this "V" list author, I'm going to spend less time running around frantically and take more time to smell the roses, and then blog about it. :)

Where y'all at?

I've felt the same disturbance in the force...no not too many chili dogs, that sense of deep unfulfilled longing for the list...the deep need we all have for more v-list action. Where have the V-list cowboys and girls gone...well friends, let me explain with the following V-list. 

5. Our girls won't let us.

You all may not know it, but despite our cromagnon looks (see sidebar) and annoying senses of humor (see 98% of our posts) Mike, Marc, Brian, and I all have committed relationships. And not just to our XBOX, but to women. HOT women (see cultural example, right). There was going to come a time when this constituancy was going to win out over even you our readers. Let's be fair though, how many nights is any self-respecting woman going to split time with a laptop? We needed to be reigned in and we love our ladies for it.

4. Carbon footprint

Al Gore emailed Marc from his blackberry in the private plane. He explained that for the good of the country and the world we needed to reduce our carbon footprint and while he subscribed to the RSS feed, often giggling softly at our quips, none the less he asked us to slow down for the good of the world. Marc blushed a little, then acquiesced. We have since been muzzled. (Brian Pol however refuses to be denied and for that he and he alone has become our underground hero.)

3. The joker scared the crap out of us.

We are nerds and were incredibly excited for the Dark Knight. Then we saw it and Heath Ledger's joker scared the living poop out of us. Now I know it's just a movie, but that's just what the nefarious Joker wants us to think before he launches another horrifying plot just for the fun of it. We had reason to believe all our bat-worship posts might have been us on the Joker's radar. So we decided to slow it down, play it cool, and wait for the man in the purple suit to find new prey.

2. It's summer!
My laptop gets quite warm when it's been on for awhile...my apartment is not air conditioned. I live in New York City. I am lucky to be alive, let alone blogging most night at my apartment. So while we love the v-list (psst, brian the "b" list my underground vigilante!) we also love swimming, and the beach, and driving, and going to the park and doing all the other things warm weather allow. So maybe we're taking a little impromptu vacation from the list...it's only because....

1. We have lives too.

I know you'd never think it. Working stiffs like us have a life?

Well "life" is a little loose. But there is stuff we like and need to do when we're not slaving for the man. 95% of these activities are legal and harm no one. As we indulge in binge of summer time relaxation, rest assured we have not forgotten the blessed V. So my fellow v-listers, take heart we may have slowed down, and we may not be the hero the blogosphere needs, but we are the hero the blogosphere deserves, we are the list...

WE ARE V-LIST!