Executive Director, Open MIC. Owner, Business Ethics Magazine. Former media exec (Dow Jones, Cablevision), journalist (WSJ, ABC News) and lifelong Yankee fan.
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Articles by Michael Connor
#4: The future of AI music is making your own instruments.
The contours of contemporary debate about AI music are probably familiar to most readers of this website. On the one hand, AI enthusiasts boast of new potential for music composition, unlocking new modes of composition for experts, and making creative sonic expression accessible to the masses, regardless of skill. On the other, critics find AI music composition devoid of human connection.
Announcing the Lineup for 7x7 2026: Containment
Rhizome's flagship art/tech program 7x7 returns on Saturday, May 16 to the New Museum in NYC. Seven on Seven (7x7) pairs artists with "technologists" for deep conversation and day-long collaboration. Each pair is given a simple assignment: make something new, and present the results at a public conference. The format still holds—pairing unlike practices to spark new work—but the boundaries are increasingly fluid. Since 7x7's first edition in 2010, art and technology have become deeply entangled.
Digital Painting in LA and Beyond, the Set List
Yung Jake, Bob, 2017. For tonight's program in Los Angeles, organized in partnership with LACMA Digital Leaders and Ark/8, I sought to gather up some images that I think of as digital painting, from Rhizome’s archive and beyond, with a few key figures from Los Angeles. Digital painting can be a slippery and contested category, but also a longstanding part of digital culture.
Astros Activate José Abreu From Injured List
José Abreu's time on the injured list has come to an end as the club announced this afternoon that the first baseman has been activated from the injured list. Abreu had been out due to lower back discomfort and returns without having to go on a rehab assignment. To make room for him on the roster, the Astros optioned David Hensley back to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Yordan Alvarez Scratched From Astros Tuesday Lineup
Yordan Alvarez was in the Astros lineup originally for the Tuesday game against the Red Sox. Dusty Baker provided the following update as to why:
Michael Brantley Going on Second Rehab Assignment This Year
Will the second time be the charm for Astros outfielder Michael Brantley? The club announced this afternoon that he will begin a rehab assignment with Sugar Land tonight. He has been out all season while rehabbing from shoulder surgery last year. He went on one rehab assignment earlier this year with Sugar Land before having a setback, forcing him to shutdown from baseball activities.
Jose Altuve Named AL Player of the Week
From the Astros: HOUSTON, TX - Major League Baseball announced today that Houston Astros IF Jose Altuve has been named the American League Player of the Week for the week of Aug. 7-13. This marks the fourth career AL Player of the Week award for Altuve, with the last coming in July of 2017. Through six games last week, Altuve batted an MLB-best .520 (13x25) with three doubles, one home run, six RBI, a stolen base, a .613 on-base percentage and a .760 slugging percentage.
José Abreu and Phil Maton Going on Injured List
After getting the roster back healthy, the Astros are placing two more on the injured list today.
Astros Announce Three Roster Moves
IF Jonathan Singleton has been selected to the ML roster, effective today 8/8/2023. IF/OF Bligh Madris has been designated for assignment, effective today, 8/8/2023. RHP Spenser Watkins has been claimed on waivers by Oakland, effective today, 8/8/2023.
Astros Announce Three Roster Moves
IF Jonathan Singleton has been selected to the ML roster, effective today 8/8/2023. IF/OF Bligh Madris has been designated for assignment, effective today, 8/8/2023. RHP Spenser Watkins has been claimed on waivers by Oakland, effective today, 8/8/2023.
Astros Option Corey Julks to Triple-A Sugar Land
Corey Julks has been in a tailspin of late at the plate and his time with the big club is coming to an end, for now. The Astros will make a corresponding move ahead of the game tomorrow, but it is expected that the club will call up Jon Singleton who has been crushing the ball in Sugar Land. Get the latest on your Astros by listening to the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing.
Framber Valdez Named AL Player of the Week
HOUSTON, TX - Major League Baseball announced today that Houston Astros LHP Framber Valdez has been named the American League Player of the Week for the week of July 31-August 6. This marks the first career AL Player of the Week award for Valdez. On Tuesday, Valdez tossed his first career no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. It was the Astros 15th regular season no-hitter and the first no-hitter thrown by a left-handed pitcher in franchise history.
Astros Option Corey Julks to Triple-A Sugar Land
Corey Julks has been in a tailspin of late at the plate and his time with the big club is coming to an end, for now. The Astros will make a corresponding move ahead of the game tomorrow, but it is expected that the club will call up Jon Singleton who has been crushing the ball in Sugar Land.
Report: Astros Calling Up Jon Singleton
The long and winding road for Jon Singleton is about to see him return to the Astros tomorrow to open up their series in Baltimore against the Orioles. Singleton returned to the Astros organization after the Astros picked him up on waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Since joining the Space Cowboys, Singleton hit .333 in 33 games, mashing 12 home runs and driving in 28. This will be his second stint in the big leagues with the Astros.
Justin Verlander Discusses His Return to the Astros
Justin Verlander is back with the Astros today officially and he spoke to the media at Yankee Stadium this afternoon to discuss his stunning trade back to Houston. Here are some of the highlights of what he had to say. Get our latest thoughts on the Astros moves at the deadline by listening to the latest edition of the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing.
Crawford Box-Cast: Reviewing The Astros Trades for Verlander and Graveman
It's another edition of the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing. Today we review the Astros trades for Justin Verlander and Kendall Graveman.
History!!! Framber Valdez Throws No-Hitter
On a day that the Astros made news, bringing back Justin Verlander in a trade with the Mets, Framber Valdez put his stamp on a memorable day in Astros history by tossing the 16th no-hitter in franchise history. Overall it’s the 14th in the regular season after the Astros tossed a combined no-hitter in the World Series against the Phillies. It’s the fist solo no-hitter thrown by an Astros pitcher since Verlander did it back in 2019 against the Blue Jays.
BREAKING NEWS: Astros Land Justin Verlander in Trade with Mets
UPDATE: Per Bob Nightengale, the Astros are sending two minor-leaguers – outfielders Drew Gilbert, the team's No. 1 prospect, and Ryan Clifford – to the Mets in the trade. For the second time in his career, Justin Verlander has been traded to the Houston Astros. In a stunning turn of events this year, following the Mets failing to meet their preseason expectations, owner Steve Cohen decided to sell off as many players as possible ahead of the deadline.
Astros Players React to News of Astros Bringing Back Justin Verlander
The Astros are at Minute Maid Park and Brian McTaggart of MLB.com has been dropping videos of Astros players reacting to the Verlander news.
Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
From the Astros on the moves they have made this afternoon: TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have made several roster moves prior to tonight’s game: RHP Jake Cousins has been claimed off waivers from Milwaukee and subsequently optioned to Triple A Sugar Land. LHP Matt Gage has been recalled from Sugar Land. RHP Brandon Bielak has been optioned to Sugar Land. LHP Blake Taylor has been designated for assignment.
Dusty Baker Not Enjoying Watching Other AL West Teams Make Moves
Get the latest on your Astros by listening to our trade deadline preview on the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing.
Report: Astros Still Talking Verlander With Mets
The hot stove is sizzling at the moment and it appears that it’s going to come down to the Astros or the Dodgers that lands Justin Verlander. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Astros are still discussing the trade with the Mets. Listen to the trade deadline preview of the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing.
It Sounds Like a Bitter Rival Might Want Verlander Even More Than Astros
The Astros have been linked to a reunion with Justin Verlander for the past few days and the reunion makes a lot of logical sense. Unfortunately, the Scherzer trade to the Rangers makes things more difficult given that the Mets sent a lot of money with him to get a big prospect in return. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, there is a growing buzz that the Dodgers are interested in trading for Verlander after failing to sign him this past winter.
Rangers Loading Up, Reportedly Agree to Deal for Max Scherzer
The Rangers are going all in to knock the Astros off their throne this year and it appears that they are close to landing Max Scherzer in a deal with the Mets.
Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
Get the latest on the Astros by listening to our trade deadline preview on the Crawford Box-Cast.
Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
The Astros have made their first move, landing a familiar name in Kendall Graveman, shipping Korey Lee to the White Sox.
Report: Astros and AL West Rival Chasing Justin Verlander
Late last night, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, put out a report that the Mets are creeping closer to looking at trades to send Justin Verlander packing from New York. In the report, Feinsand says that the Astros and their AL West rival Texas Rangers are gunning to get Verlander from the Mets in a trade. The Mets will likely have to pay down some of his salary in both scenarios, but it will also take Verlander accepting a trade to either spot as he has a full no trade clause.
Crawford Box-Cast: Astros Trade Deadline Preview
Our latest edition of the Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing is here! Give it a listen as we discuss the Astros taking two of three from the Rangers and the upcoming trade deadline.
Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez Activated from Injured List
There is some wonderful news for the Astros this afternoon as both Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez have been activated from the injured list. To make room for them on the roster, the Astros optioned Bligh Madris and David Hensley to Sugar Land. Altuve and Alvarez have only played in 13 games together this season.
The Wait For Yordan's Return Continues
Yesterday, Dusty Baker said that Yordan is nearing his return, but whether it is Tuesday or Wednesday was up in the air. Well Tuesday is out of the question now as he is not in the Astros lineup tonight for game two of the series against the Rangers. Coverage of tonight's game starts at 6 with the Astros On Deck Show on 790.
Looking for a Starter? Names to Watch for the Astros
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and as each day passes by, the Astros glaring need for help for their pitching staff becomes more and more clear. The club has done an unbelievable job dealing with all the injury blows they have been dealt this season, but it is clear the further along this thing goes, the more dangerous this game is getting.
Report: Astros Among Teams Interested in Tigers Pitcher
The MLB trade deadline is nearing and the rumors are really starting to flow. The Astros have reportedly expressed interest in Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger of the Cubs and there is a new rumor out that they are interested in Michael Lorenzen of the Tigers. Lorenzen was an all-star this month for the Tigers.
Chas McCormick Named AL Player of the Week
Major League Baseball announced today that Houston Astros OF Chas McCormick has been named the American League Player of the Week for the week of July 14-16. This marks the first career AL Player of the Week award for McCormick. For the week, McCormick batted .636 (7x11) with seven runs, three home runs, five RBI, three walks and a 2.188 OPS (.733 OBP/.1.455 SLG).
Astros GM Dana Brown Talks Draft, Upcoming Trade Deadline, Altuve Deadline
Ahead of every Sunday game on 790, you can hear Astros GM Dana Brown on the pregame show with Robert Ford. On today's visit they discussed the draft, the trade deadline, Jose Altuve's timeline for return and more. Listen below.
Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
The Astros today announced that they have signed 11 of their draft picks, including their first round pick Brice Matthews.
Rehab Assignment for Yordan Alvarez Delayed
Yordan Alvarez was set to begin his rehab assignment tonight with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. That will not happen however after the team announced the assignment will ne delayed due to him being sick.
Astros 2024 Schedule Released; Open Season Against Yankees
The Astros 2024 schedule is out and things are going to be spicy to start as they open the season at home against the Yankees.
Seattle Fans Greeted Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker with Heavy Boos
As expected, the poor, sad Mariners fans greeted the Astros with boos. Sorry you can’t beat Houston you guys.
Orbit Is Doing The Lords Work Dealing With Dumb Mariners Fans In Seattle
The Astros are well represented in Seattle this week being the defending champs, having knocked off the Mariners on their way to another title last year. For some reason Mariners fans think booing the team that routinely crushes you is some great flex. Well Orbit showed up to the pink carpet event and represented Houston like the boss he is, bringing out the kleenex boxes for the dumbs up there in the Pacific Northwest.
Crawford Box-Cast: Assessing the Astros at the 2023 All-Star Break
The Crawford Box-Cast, brought to you by Karbach Brewing is back! Check out our latest episode as we assess the Astros and where they are at as they hit the all-star break.
Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
The Astros have announced multiple roster moves ahead of the series opener today with the Mariners.
Michael Brantley Shut Down From Baseball Activities Again
It appears that the return of Michael Brantley is never going to happen. For a second time this season he has been shutdown from baseball activities.
Astros Provide Update On Jose Altuve’s Pregame Injury
Jose Altuve was scratched from the lineup on Tuesday and the team has provided an update that it is left oblique discomfort that he is dealing with.
Kyle Tucker joins Yordan Alvarez and Framber Valdez on AL All-Star Team
The Astros might actually have someone play in the MLB All-Star game next week in Seattle as Kyle Tucker has been named to the team alongside the injured Yordan Alvarez and Framber Valdez. Framber will likely not pitch after pitching later this week. This is the second straight year that all three have been named to the All-Star Game.
Jose Altuve Scratched From July 4th Lineup, Medical Update Coming Soon
It continues to pour on the Astros this season when it comes to injuries and it appears that it is about to get worse. Jose Altuve was a late scratch today after an apparent injury during batting practice.
Report: Rockets Landing Dillon Brooks
After landing Fred VanVleet, the Rockets have apparently turned their focus to Dillon Brooks and they will be landing him. It is unclear how they will be landing him at the moment.
Astros Skipping Framber Valdez Turn In Rotation | SportsTalk 790 | Michael Connor: The Astros Insider
The Astros were expected to start Framber Valdez tomorrow, but that is no longer happening.
Astros Get a Big Win to Start Series against Rangers
The Astros opened up their biggest series of the season on Friday in Arlington against their division rival, the Texas Rangers, starting things off with a big win. The scoring got started on the very first pitch of the game, as Jose Altuve went deep. The Rangers would respond quickly, eventually taking a 3-1 lead in the game. Houston would get one back in the fifth, but it was a three run sixth that proved to be the decisive blow.
BREAKING NEWS: Rockets Land Fred VanVleet in Free Agent Deal
The Rockets were flush with salary cap space and they have used up a good chunk of it, reportedly landing Raptors free agent Fred VanVleet on a three year max deal.
Rangers Land Aroldis Chapman in Trade
The Rangers have struck first in the trade market and landed a piece to help their woeful bullpen.
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