Is your fantasy football team in the dumps? If your team is anything like mine, you’ve already moved on to next year. Whether it is due to injuries, bad performances, total letdowns (Chris Johnson sound familiar?), or plain bad luck, sometimes those bright hopes and dreams of a playoff march can be shattered just like my hopes of a UCLA victory over USC were shattered in the second quarter of the game. But without further ado, here is a list of five players who are starting to scratch the surface that I think will have some big, breakout years in store for next year.

A.J. Green, WR

I’m all in on A.J. Green as a top 5 fantasy wide receiver next year. The rookie connection between Green and Dalton has been something special to witness this year and the fact that Green has been able to make plays and score touchdowns in a variety of fashions has been very impressive to see thus far. Green has already shown the ability to catch jump balls in the end zone against tight coverage, to shield defenders using his 6’4” frame, to make over the shoulder touchdown catches in the red zone, and to make enough big plays of over 40 yards to show how talented of a big play wide receiver he is. The fact that he’s done this all as a rookie makes it even more impressive. A guy with this kind of talent doesn’t grow on trees and especially with the connection that he and Dalton have already established, look for even better things in 2012.

Dez Bryant, WR

Dez Bryant is another guy with unworldly talent similar to A.J. Green. He hasn’t put together the full package yet but he’s very close. By year three, we’re hoping he’ll be smashing through the gates. There might be a lot written about the Dallas Cowboys on a week-to-week basis, but with all the weapons they have on offense, there’s no reason they can’t move the ball down the field. And who’s going to be waiting in the end zone to cap off drives? Dez Bryant is true red zone target due to his size, athleticism, and ball skills. Tony Romo knows this and looks to him often. Look for at least ten touchdowns from him next year.

DeMarco Murray, RB

If you haven’t caught the drift, I like the Dallas Cowboys offense. And I love DeMarco Murray. I have always thought he was one the most talented running backs in his draft class, but since he didn’t put up the sexy Heisman numbers that guys like Mark Ingram put up, he fell to the third round. However, even going back to his high school days of being a number one recruit, there was no questioning the talent. Even Jerry Jones called him the “workhorse” back. When Jerry Jones says it, you better believe it. Look for 300 carries from him next year if he stays healthy.

Ryan Mathews, RB

Many people drafted Mathews high his rookie year, only to get disappointed. Many people drafted Mathews lower this year, only to be pleasantly surprised. Maybe he’ll work it out next year to get drafted highly and perform highly as well. It’s been well documented this year about how poorly Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers offense have played this year. To be fair, the Chargers have played against good defenses with good cornerbacks to eliminate Vincent Jackson. Also, Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd haven’t even been there half the time. Ultimately, the big equalizer for the Chargers is their running game as it has historically been. Although Mike Tolbert does steal some carries, Ryan Mathews is the main guy. He is also a tremendous asset in the passing game. Look for his touchdown numbers to increase, as there is no way Philip Rivers turns the ball over this many times next year. With guys like Jackson, Gates, Mathews, Tolbert, and Rivers, the Chargers offense is too talented to be struggling as it has been.

Roy Helu, RB

I know, I know. Never trust Mike Shanahan and his running backs. That’s especially been the case in Washington where he’s shuffled running backs week to week like a pack of playing cards. However, the rookie Roy Helu seems different. Names like Tim Hightower, Ryan Torain, and Keiland Williams over the past couple of years just don’t stand out to me. Mike Shanahan has shown in his career that when he finds the back he likes, he’ll run them like crazy. Think Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary in Denver. Recent comments by Shanahan have people, including me, thinking that perhaps he may be coming around on Mr. Helu here. After back-to-back games with 20 carries and 100 yards, he has done nothing to disappoint. Helu has actually done some impressive things this year, such as catching 14 passes and 105 yards in one game, showing his dynamic ability. In fact, this year, when a Washington running back has gotten at least 15 carries, they have run for no fewer than 72 yards, racking up double digit fantasy games in all but one game. The Washington running game can actually be extremely productive when one running back gets to shine week to week. It’s definitely a gamble to predict Helu getting the majority of the carries over a 16 game season next year, but a gamble that can definitely pay off if it pans out.

Once again, UCLA Radio is giving you the chance to go to an advanced screening! This time, it’s to see In the Land of Blood and Honey, Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut! The screening is taking place on December 15 at the ArcLight Sherman Oaks. Head over to our Facebook page to find out how to enter.

Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War that tore the Balkan region apart in the 1990s, In the Land of Blood and Honey tells the story of Danijel (Goran Kostić) and Ajla (pronounced Ayla) (Zana Marjanović), two Bosnians from different sides of a brutal ethnic conflict. Danijel, a Bosnian Serb police officer, and Ajla, a Bosnian Muslim artist, are together before the war, but their relationship is changed as violence engulfs the country. Months later, Danijel is serving under his father, General Nebojsa Vukojevich (Rade Šerbedžija), as an officer in the Bosnian Serb Army. He and Ajla come face to face again when she is taken from the apartment she shares with her sister, Lejla (Vanesa Glodjo), and Lejla’s infant child by troops under Danijel’s command. As the conflict takes hold of their lives, their relationship changes, their motives and connection to one another become ambiguous and their allegiances grow uncertain. In the Land of Blood and Honey portrays the incredible emotional, moral and physical toll that the war takes on individuals as well as the consequences that stem from the lack of political will to intervene in a society stricken with conflict.

Check out the trailer here and don’t miss it when the film hits theaters on December 23rd!

2011 marked another year in music ruled by women. Looking back at this phenomenal year, we can think of the biggest hits and notice one major similarity–they had female voices singing them!) Their massive releases ruled radio waves and iPod playlists for the greater majority of the world’s music lovers. What was notable were the releases by five female juggernauts–Beyonce, Adele, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears & Rihanna. In retrospect, which of the DIVA5 (see what I did there?!) fared best? Whose album is ranked dead last? Let’s proceed…

(more…)

“The Year of Hibernation” is the name of Youth Lagoon’s debut album on Fat Possum records. 22-year-old Trevor Powers (Youth Lagoon’s real name) could not have named his album more appropriately, mainly because it is the perfect album to fall asleep to. That is not necessarily a good thing, though. The album starts out enjoyably, with vibrating synths, relaxing bell-like whistles, and subtle percussion, and then continues to be just enjoyable throughout the rest of the 8 tracks. The album’s quick plateau becomes its weakness; it never climaxes or grows beyond a constant point of complacent pulsation. The record does well in being consistent, but it becomes so consistent that it eventually becomes boring; this entire album could actually just be an 8-part song.
Sometimes, minimalist songs are effective in highlighting an artist’s vocals and lyrics. But the filtered vocals that make the lyrics indecipherable throughout each track don’t really help or add much to these songs.
On its own, however “Daydream” (#5) is a stand-out track, a perfect capture of soothing synth pop. And Trevor Powers does deserve some credit for recording a full length LP in his bedroom and quitting his job at Urban Outfitters, where these songs are very likely to be put into shopper-friendly rotation.

Stand-out tracks: “Daydream,” “Montana,” “The Hunt.”

Grade: C+

If it passes the NHLPA vote, then the National Hockey League will undergo a massive transformation in terms of division alignment and playoff structure starting in the 2012-2013 season. From the six division system currently in place in the NHL, the new structure would change to a four conference system, which much more emphasis on location as the primary factor in the makeup of each conference. The playoff match-ups would start in division first with the top four teams from each conference playing each other and the winner of each moving on to the semi-finals and then the Stanley Cup. While I believe that it was time that the NHL moved to a more geographically-based system, there are some possible downsides to the new NHL. Firstly, the strength of each conference varying year to year could mean that good teams in the harder conference could potentially miss the playoffs entirely whilst an average team in a weaker division could nab the fourth place spot in their division. For example, last year the Los Angeles Kings would not have made the playoffs despite having more points (98) than both the Chicago Blackhawks (97) and the Dallas Stars (95). Also, the new alignment puts only seven teams in each of the Eastern conferences and eight in the west meaning that the Western teams have one extra team vying for one of the four spots in each conference. That said, I would still be absolutely amped for playoff time in the new NHL. The Stanley Cup Playoffs as they are now can only be described as a fast-paced, hard-hitting war and the new system pits geographic rivals against each other automatically. I know last seasons first round series between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings was one of my favorite series to watch, not just as a Sharks fan, but as a fan of watching bitter rivals go at it night after night. I know Commissioner Gary Bettman and his right-hand man Brendan Shanahan have been trying to clean up hockey and rid itself of some of the unnecessary hits and violence, but this new system will almost definitely ramp up the on-ice brutality. The new format could produce predictable playoff match-ups as the top four teams have not varied too much in the last couple of seasons, but every year would guarantee at least one series between bitter rivals like the Sharks-Kings, Detroit-Chicago, Boston-Montreal, or Pittsburgh-Philadelphia. I think only time will tell how this will change the NHL, but I have to admit that the playoffs possibilities in this format have definitely swayed me to Bettman’s side for now.

I might have been insane to go to a show the day before a final, but honestly, I don’t regret it one bit. Girls played an incredible show at the Music Box this past Tuesday, December 6th and I left the show happier than I was this entire finals week.

We had a bit of trouble with traffic, so I only caught the last song of the first opener, Melted Toys.  The San Francisco based band had a dream pop-esque sound to their music.  I enjoyed what I heard, but unfortunately I wasn’t there for enough of their set. I think they’ve got a lot of potential in their music and are a band to keep an eye out for.

And on a completely random note, the guy from Steel Train and Cullen Omori from the Smith Westerns were both there mingling and hanging out, separately though. It was interesting turning around and seeing the lead singer from bands you’ve seen before just hanging out.

Regardless, The Tyde came on next, and they had an eight or nine piece band on stage.  The Echo Park based band played a solid set, with a distinctive indie rock vibe to their sound.  Employing a tambourine orchestra (not really though. They had two full time tambourine players and vocalists on stage, which was amusing), the Tyde performed for about a half full Music Box.  Although they played well and are a talented band, the crowd was waiting for the set to end so that Girls could go on.

(more…)

Sure to have your head bobbin’, feet in motion, and your whole body groovin’, El Camino is the epitome of why we all love The Black Keys. The duo’s newest album dropped on Monday and remains true to their garage, grunge-rock roots, and although all the tracks sound pretty similar, at least you know what you’re going to get. And, you know you’re going to love it. This album’s slightly dark-pop hint makes you want to get up and dance with your limbs flying free as the band belts out that long-hair-don’t-care attitude…even though neither of the studlies Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney sport flowing locks. And because of that, listening to this on your iPod will make you wanna strut with the demeanor to mirror the power The Black Keys put into this rock album.

Another reason why The Black Keys are awesome? It’s the same band you know and love even in the face of their rising (or already risen) popularity. No sell-outs here, just more great lyrics and incredible tunes for all.

Must check out: “Money Maker”, “Dead and Gone”, scratch that – listen to em all

The Fest 10

About a month ago I was able to trek my way towards the quiet college town known as Gainesville, Florida. What I was doing across the country during midterms seemed inexplicable until I finally made into the three day music festival known as The Fest. Not too many people have heard of The Fest, but anyone who is an avid fan of the punk/hardcore genres and all the subgenres that come with it should become very acquainted with it. The adventure had to have been one of the most enjoyable and absolutely fun weekends I’ve ever had in my life.

This year, The Fest was celebrating 10 years of awesomeness and Tony Weinberg, promoter of the Fest, wanted to make sure show-goers had something to remember. Huge acts such as Against Me!, Hot Water Music, Bouncing Souls, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Kid Dynamite, Dead to Me, Youth Brigade, Dillinger Four, Paint it Black, Samiam, Small Brown Bike, and many, many more performed sets throughout the various venues in Gainesville. The exceptional line up brought 1,500 fans from all over the globe (literally) to the sold-out festival.  At The Fest, I was able to meet many new friends from places like Germany, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Canada, England, along with people from all over the country. Distance was not a sufficient factor to stop tradition of the decade long festival.

I arrived in Gainesville a night before the festival started. A local resident by the name of Phil opened his backyard to travelers for the festival in exchanged for packs of beer that is not found in Florida. The backyard was filled with 16 tents all packed with fellow Festers anxiously awaiting the fun to begin. (more…)

I first saw the band, Kitten when they opened for a Young the Giant concert I attended last year and was struck with the vivaciousness of their lead singer Chloe Chaidez. The young woman flung her hair like she had something to prove, and often sang through a curtain of glossy black hair completely obscuring her face. She frantically ran around stage, jumping off things and practically rolling on the ground while somehow also managing to sing. Her bandmates cheerfully rocked out with her and they made no effort to hide their enjoyment in performing. The overt enthusiasm of this young band really added a layer to their alternative sound. After the show I bought their EP Sunday School enjoyed their energetic and youthful sound. When I briefly met them for a signing, they seemed like a down to Earth group of teens, and when I mentioned that I’d loved their show, one of the band members responded by writing “I LOVE YOU MEGAN” above their signatures.

(more…)

Rumors have been swirling ever since Chris Paul let it be known officially that he does not plan on staying in New Orleans past this season, putting the pressure on the Hornets to deal him now while they can still get some value back for him instead of just letting him walk. Paul has been clear in his wish to be dealt to the Knicks to team up with his close friend Carmelo Anthony along. However, the Knicks likely don’t have the trade assets to convince New Orleans to let go of Paul. The Lakers have also been floated out as a possibility since they have been public about their desire to acquire both Paul and Dwight Howard, but this is also a longshot possibility since the Lakers likely don’t have enough assets to acquire both superstars without including Kobe which just isn’t going to happen. Paul’s destination remains a mystery, but one team was mentioned recently which piqued my interest: the Golden State Warriors. The Hornets management have mentioned that they would consider a Stephen Curry and picks for Chris Paul deal, and Paul has hinted that he would consider signing an extension if the Warriors were able to sign his old teammate Tyson Chandler in free agency. Neither of those things is imminent at the moment, but even the remote possibility of getting Chris Paul is enough to create excitement in Oakland.

Reeves Nelson, the junior star of the UCLA mens basketball team has been suspended indefinitely for the second time this season.

Coach Ben Howland announced Tuesday that the junior forward has been suspended indefinitely for conduct unbecoming a member of the team.  Last time he was suspended was also due to misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward another UCLA basketball player.

Howland has made it clear to the UCLA basketball fans and UCLA as whole that the latest suspension was caused by a “very disappointing behavior” by Nelson and it will no longer be tolerated. Ben Howland says he’s spoken and worked hard with Nelson to demonstrate the magnitude of the code of conduct for student-athletes and the ramifications for violating it.

While many wonder why Reeves Nelson hasn’t been able to clean up his act, others wonder when he will return. According to Howland there has not been a set up date to when Nelson suspension will be re-evaluated.

The UCLA Bruins had early high expectation as they were ranked in the top 25 before the season began. However UCLA Bruins basketball team, who at 2-5 are off to their worst start since the 2002-03 season. Many are wondering if Nelson behavior is part of the Bruin’s downfall.

Lets hope coach Howland can make some adjustments to bring the Bruins back to a normal state and meet their expectations.

The Barcelona vs. BATE on Tuesday was nothing more of a formality for Barcelona who had previously clinched the top spot in its Champions League group.

The game took place at the Camp Nou and Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rested most of his stars, choosing a squad that’s average age was 23.  Even while using a younger squad, Barcelona’s class shown through and dominated ball possession as well as goal scoring opportunities.

The locals almost went ahead at the beginning of the match but the BATE goalkeeper did well to palm away the ball.  The next clear opportunity for Barcelona presented itself just after the half-hour mark when youngster Sergi Roberto missed having a wide open net to aim at.

Even with those disappointments Barcelona was able to find the back of the net in the 35^th minute when Sergi Roberto made up for his miss only minutes earlier.  Pedro after receiving the ball from Thiago was able to place it at the feet of 19 year old, placing it on the bottom right corner. That would be the only goal during the first-half.

The second-half began the way the first ended with Barcelona continuing its dominance of possession.  This time it was the young striker Montoya’s turn to get on the score sheet.  Cuenca sent a long through ball to Montoya, who after beating the defender was able to send the ball to the top left corner and increase the Barcelona lead.

The locals would not have to wait long before scoring their third goal.  Cuenca once again found a teammate to add another assist for him.

This time it was Pedro’s turn to score a goal as Cuenca beat defender Yurevich on the right side of the field and slid a ball to the 6-yard box. Pedro did well to control the pass and flick it over the helpless goalie as Barcelona completely iced the game.

Cuenca was once again involved in the final goal as Volodko brought him down in the penalty box just three minutes before time.  Pedro being one of the veterans on the squad, even though he is only 24, stepped and converted the penalty to put Barcelona ahead, 4-0.

The win solidified Barcelona’s dominance in the European competition coming away from the group stages without losing any games.  They will now turn their attention to the Spanish league where they are 3 points behind their rivals Real Madrid.

Recently, I got to see Feist perform at the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles. Feist blew up about 4 years ago when her hit single “1234” was featured in a colorful iPod commercial. Since then, she has helped children and adults alike count on the Sesame Street and even had a cameo in the new Muppets movie. Needless to say, my expectations were pretty high.

And met.

After a hilarious opening set by her best friend (and recent Guinness World Record holder), Gonzalez, Feist opened with “Undiscovered First,” a song that seems to know no bounds in its growth. Over the course of the night, she managed to play the album in its entirety. “1234” was noticeably absent from the set, but she did do a few old songs. The standout amongst these was

“Mushaboom,” a once-lightweight song that was transformed into a dark, cynical satire about settling down.
In the middle of the show, Feist pulled out a conch shell (a large sea shell that doubles as a horn) and decided to pick one lucky person out of the audience to come onstage and play. That lucky person ended up being no one other but me. Except, when I went on stage to play the horn, I couldn’t get any sound to come out of it. So she picked a second person to come on stage and play. Don’t pity me, though – we both got to sit on stage and watch the rest of the show.

(more…)

November 26, 2011. While most of the Bruin population was over at the LA Coliseum watching the USC v UCLA game, I was instead next door at the Shrine Auditorium waiting for Morrissey to croon and serenade me.  Good choice, right? Morrissey even poked fun at this fact by saying midway between his set, “Now are you sure wouldn’t rather be down the street with the Chicago Bears or whoever?” No thanks, Moz, I’m comfortable with where I’m at.

(more…)

When the bowl lineup was announced this past Sunday, there was the usual onslaught of complains about how the BCS is run. I’m not a big BCS supporter by any stretch of the imagination, but what gets lost in all of the controversy is a pretty good lineup of bowl games set to take place in about a month. Here are my picks for the 3 most exciting bowl games this season (Spoiler Alert- these games will all have a LOT of offensive production…)

(more…)