The Pillars

Least common denominator raise truth like Charlie, Willy, and Gramps
Raise roofs in a glass Wonkavator, monster maker...

CO SPORTS:
In what hopefully doesn't become a sad scene, Rod Smith was placed on the PUP (that's physically unable to perform list- insert Viagra and/or Mike Vick jokes here) list which means he cannot play until week 6. It seems unlikely that the 37 year old Smith will be able to return then and supplant the top three wideouts- Javon Walker, Brandon Stokely, Brandon Marshall. It might pain longtime Bronco observers to watch Smith toil as a 3rd and long WR. Perhaps Coach Shanny and the Bronco organization can convince Smith that he cannot perform and to simply play out the year and hang em up and ride onto the Ring of Fame.

HIP HOP:
*We see some pretty strong Hip Hop releases this week with indie Def Juxer Aesop Rock's None Shall Pass and Strong Arm Steady's Deep Hearted. Aesop Rock releases his first full length joint since 04's Bazooka Tooth. As with most Def Jux releases, None Shall Pass delves into his personal life, his retrospections, and relationships. The beats are a bit more relaxed and even than the sometimes chaotic sounds of the past. And as what has become annoying with most recent Def Jux releases, it features the same cast of guest MCs and producers. I would love to see Aesop Rock or Mr Lif, or even El-P work with some different camps or MCs from across the game. And no, that doesn't mean Lil' Wayne, who's even on my remix of the tune I sang in the shower; and Trent Reznor does not count either. VIDEO

The West Coast is represented with the trio Strong Arm Steady, highlighted by the longtime Likwit Crew affiliated Phil Da Agony (along with Mitchy Slick and Krondon) After blazing the mix tape circuit for a few years, the group signed with Talib Kweli's record company and has blessed the masses with an album full of the West Coast's finest MCs: The Game, Ras Kass, Xzibit, Planet Asia,and Tha Liks. Also featured are Chamillionaire, Juvenile, Saukrates and production by Madlib and DJ Babu. Get all those MCs at Staples Center and all you have left out there is Ice Cube. VIDEO

BEER:
The mothership known as Coors has started kicking your collective asses with NFL tie ins, complete with those 'Silver Tickets' that are included in most 12 packs and cases. Now Im not sure exactly what these Silver Tickets are, perhaps they get me into see Willy Wonka's factory. I do know I have accumulated enough over the past few seasons to get me, Grandpa, Veruca Salt, Violet, and Augustus all sufficiently f*cked up in the glass elevator. No Oompa Loompah's, those things trip me out.