March 'Muppet' Madness

March Madness is here my dear blogosphere friends and it's my favorite time of year! You know, it's where 65 college basketball teams battle for the NCAA championship title. My beloved Michigan State Spartans nearly had it last year, but lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels, who by the way, didn't make the tourney this year. Um, what?

Anyways, I love this! Apparently someone who loves college basketball and the Muppets does too. If you're not too cool, check out the 2010 Muppet Madness Tournament.

Iggy Pop Still Knocking 'Em Down

Happy Birthday to the coolest rocker on the planet and my favorite Detroiter, the godfather of punk Iggy Pop. The Stooges frontman turns a 62 years young today.

Pop is also prepping for the release of his 15th solo album, Préliminaires, out May 18th. Set for only 6,000 copies worldwide, this special box set includes the full album and a collector "Les Feuilles Mortes"/"King of the Dogs" seven-inch. Iranian-French author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi, best known for her book Persepolis, designed the album sleeve and contributed drawings to the album's 28-page book.

On his blog, Iggy says Préliminaires is less rock, more jazz and inspired by Michel Houellebecq's novel, The Possibility of an Island. Iggy even sings "Les Feuilles Mortes" (aka "Autumn Leaves") in French. J'adore Iggy Pop!

Pop also gives a shout out to my alma mater, Michigan State University (GO STATE)! The Detroit Free Press announced today that Pop supports MSU's decision to ban animal circuses from campus in the coming year, but is hoping the university will make it permanent.

In a letter addressed to the MSU Board of Trustees, and written on behalf of PETA, Pop stated:

"As students who are concerned about animal welfare have told you, performing animals are deprived of everything that is natural to them, including the ability to roam, forage and form families and friendships ... The circus industry is big, wealthy and powerful, and I'm sure that its leaders are encouraging you to reverse your decision."

Also, The Cure's Robert Smith turns the big 5-0 today. Yikes, Bob is THAT old? That make ME old, too, I suppose? For more on what The Cure -- who just played Coachella over the weekend -- is up to, check out the Cure blog ... Robert rambles on about free music, etc.

The Best Day of the Year is HERE!

As sad I as I am to see another fun summer come to a close, I am so amped for today! Today, my friends, is the best day of the year: COLLEGE GAME DAY! Some know of my undying love for my alma mater, Michigan State University. My parents were right, those four years were the best years of my life. I was a season football ticket holder during my four years at MSU, and then went to nearly six years worth of games post-college with my Dad before moving to NYC. So it goes without saying ... I love my school and I love my school's sports.

Tonight at 8pmEST on ABC, my Michigan State Spartans take on the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. Tonight's game also marks the fourth-ever meeting between the two teams and MSU leads the series 2-1.

So if you're into college sports or follow the Big Ten like I do, cheers to you. Today is a marvelous day. If you root for the University of Michigan -- this one's for the Sultan and Fitzy -- may the Wolverines show up today against Utah. Here's hoping you don't repeat last year's dismal season opener vs. Appalachian State. That one's still gotta hurt.

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! GO STATE!

SUNDAY: Sadly, MSU and UofM both lost yesterday. Michigan almost had it against Utah, losing by two points, 23-25. For me, my Spartans lost to California by a touch down, 31-38. New York also didn't carry the game, and instead I had to listen to old man Lou Holtz blather on and on ESPN. Sucks. Bad first week start. Everyone in The Big 10 Conference except for Michigan, Michigan State, and Illinois won yesterday.