What a game. Unbelievable. And I actually stuck through it.
We were down 9-1, I was complaining about how I missed my class for a blowout, and then it happened. Slowly but surely, a couple hits strung together. A home run here or there. All of a sudden its 9-4 going into the 7th. I am thinking what the hell, the Rockies pen has been weak.
And it was. The bottom of the 7th came after a horrendous rendition of the Stretch by the Hawks greats that was about 7 seconds too fast. In addition, I'm quite sure Bobby Hull had NO idea what he was talking about. Referring to the great Cubs teams of the 60s? Umm, they never made the playoffs during those stretches. Saying he wanted a 9th inning stretch? This guy had to be high. Anyway, the hit parade came. Edmonds hit a huge two-run double after a Blanco dinger and we were down 1. Then "The Pulse" came up and launched a 2 run wind-aided jack. Awesome.
Marmol was filthy as usual, and Wood was shaky as usual. But they got the job done, that's all that matters. A nine run comeback. WOW. 5 game win streak, 4 of those wins of the comeback variety. Amazing.
Meanwhile, the Lakeshow moved on after a great Kobe performance. 17 4th quarter points. In addition, that shot he hit at the elbow of the free-throw line fading away over Tim Duncan was just unconscious. I was in pure awe. Great show.
I say the Celts lose tonight and head to another Game 7. It's gotta happen, they hate road games. Even though they did win one in the series, I can't see another coming.
Alright, neighbors just swung on by to play some Xbox 360 on the big screen. And they are bringing the system. Sweet.
Song of the day - "Go Cubs Go." It had to happen today, great win Cubbies.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Another Sweep
Hey all, its been awhile. It just so happens that our last time together has something in common with an instance that happened tonight; the Cubs again swept a top NL West team. This time it was the Dodgers, and they did it in extraordinary fashion. Two late comeback wins at home, right on the heels of two late blown wins on the road. I know it's still a small sample size, but I think we know two things. The Cubs are very good at home, obviously. And two, the Cubs don't have the same energy on the road. Several times in the Houston series, I would see several Cub players swinging at first pitches and falling into the ruts that Soriano has created for us (By the way, I do not want to talk about his dropped ball that sent us to extra innings).
So, I don't want to bore you all with Cubs talk; I'll move onto music talk. Recently I saw Dickey Betts, the great guitarist of the Allman Brothers, with his band Great Southern. Real good show, they rocked out the whole place, I really enjoyed. Best of all, Back Door Slam is now only a few days away, on the 10th.
Also, Coldplay's new album Viva la Vida comes out on June 17. Pretty stoked for that. I guess that's how you guys know I'm gay...hope you caught the reference. Anyway, they have a couple singles off of it out already: "Violet Hill" and the title track, "Viva la Vida". I like both; "Viva la Vida" is in a new iPod commercial, just for reference.
NBA Playoff time. Looks like the Lakers will move on. Real good performance the other night in San Antonio. And I don't care what anyone says about the last play, because those types of plays even out throughout a game or series. For example, Fisher's shot with 7 seconds left drew iron, but the Lakers did not get a new shot clock, and thus had to put up Kobe's fadeaway doo-doo shot.
I watched Game 5 in the East tonight, and I really think the Celts will pull this out. I mean, they have to don't they? All year they've been hyped to win; I just think if they failed at this point it would have to be a severe meltdown. I can't see the Celts letting down the fans if they go back home, and vice versa...those fans are strong.
That will give us a good old '80s battle - Celtics/Lakers. I wasn't even born for more than half of them and I'm excited. I'll take the Lakeshow.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Short and sweet, school has been a complete bitch lately. But, my writing class is pretty cool. Maybe we'll see the effects on here eventually.
Song of the night has got to come off of the new Coldplay album since I hyped it so much. Let's go with "Violet Hill," off the new album and "Politik," off of A Rush of Blood to the Head. Hope you enjoy, the latter is probably my favorite of theirs.
So, I don't want to bore you all with Cubs talk; I'll move onto music talk. Recently I saw Dickey Betts, the great guitarist of the Allman Brothers, with his band Great Southern. Real good show, they rocked out the whole place, I really enjoyed. Best of all, Back Door Slam is now only a few days away, on the 10th.
Also, Coldplay's new album Viva la Vida comes out on June 17. Pretty stoked for that. I guess that's how you guys know I'm gay...hope you caught the reference. Anyway, they have a couple singles off of it out already: "Violet Hill" and the title track, "Viva la Vida". I like both; "Viva la Vida" is in a new iPod commercial, just for reference.
NBA Playoff time. Looks like the Lakers will move on. Real good performance the other night in San Antonio. And I don't care what anyone says about the last play, because those types of plays even out throughout a game or series. For example, Fisher's shot with 7 seconds left drew iron, but the Lakers did not get a new shot clock, and thus had to put up Kobe's fadeaway doo-doo shot.
I watched Game 5 in the East tonight, and I really think the Celts will pull this out. I mean, they have to don't they? All year they've been hyped to win; I just think if they failed at this point it would have to be a severe meltdown. I can't see the Celts letting down the fans if they go back home, and vice versa...those fans are strong.
That will give us a good old '80s battle - Celtics/Lakers. I wasn't even born for more than half of them and I'm excited. I'll take the Lakeshow.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Short and sweet, school has been a complete bitch lately. But, my writing class is pretty cool. Maybe we'll see the effects on here eventually.
Song of the night has got to come off of the new Coldplay album since I hyped it so much. Let's go with "Violet Hill," off the new album and "Politik," off of A Rush of Blood to the Head. Hope you enjoy, the latter is probably my favorite of theirs.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sweeeeeeeep!!!
Sweep away your pain, folks. Those enigmatic Cubbies did it again, this time against the best team in the league. The bullpen was fantastic (with the exception of Chad Fox), and the late game, clutch hitting could not have been better. Daryle Ward comes up with two huge pinch hits in the last two games. Alfonso Soriano plays great, which is a fantastic change. How I love in to the wind homers from Reed Johnson, you just can't beat it. Carlos Marmol is still untouchable. But the big news is Woody getting things done this weekend. Whether it is warm or cold weather, everyone is working together when we are at home.
Which brings me to my next point, home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. Nothing is more important at this point. The only team to win on the road was the Pistons, who surprisingly were without Mr. Billups. Shows how little I know. Anyway, big time home wins by the Cavs in Game 3, who just embarrassed the Celtics when they are not home. Very strange. The other series-tying wins came from the Spurs and Jazz, to make both of those Western Conference series exciting. Those are going to be some exciting finishers. I'll still stick with Hornets-Lakers in the West, and Celtics-Pistons in the East. Seems too easy in the East, but the West is very intriguing.
Short post tonight, I just finished all my homework and had to share my excitement about being back in 1st place in the Central. Seven more games left on the homestand, let's wear 'em out boys.
First song of the night, "I Feel Home," by O.A.R. This one really makes me feel good, and I just so happen to miss home so I thought I would put it up for the night. The song in general isn't fantastic, but it has some sentimental value. Plus the night before my roommate left for summer, he played this song for us. Let's just say that what ensued was the gayest thing that has happened this year.
Song two, we'll make it a lean cut, since that is how we do things here at A Lean Night. "Helplessly Hoping" by my boys, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Great harmonies, it's really just a beautiful tune. When you add in the fact that they are going to be in both Chicago and South Bend in July, I could not be happier. I am fully prepared to see them. Enjoy these and have a lean night.
Which brings me to my next point, home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. Nothing is more important at this point. The only team to win on the road was the Pistons, who surprisingly were without Mr. Billups. Shows how little I know. Anyway, big time home wins by the Cavs in Game 3, who just embarrassed the Celtics when they are not home. Very strange. The other series-tying wins came from the Spurs and Jazz, to make both of those Western Conference series exciting. Those are going to be some exciting finishers. I'll still stick with Hornets-Lakers in the West, and Celtics-Pistons in the East. Seems too easy in the East, but the West is very intriguing.
Short post tonight, I just finished all my homework and had to share my excitement about being back in 1st place in the Central. Seven more games left on the homestand, let's wear 'em out boys.
First song of the night, "I Feel Home," by O.A.R. This one really makes me feel good, and I just so happen to miss home so I thought I would put it up for the night. The song in general isn't fantastic, but it has some sentimental value. Plus the night before my roommate left for summer, he played this song for us. Let's just say that what ensued was the gayest thing that has happened this year.
Song two, we'll make it a lean cut, since that is how we do things here at A Lean Night. "Helplessly Hoping" by my boys, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Great harmonies, it's really just a beautiful tune. When you add in the fact that they are going to be in both Chicago and South Bend in July, I could not be happier. I am fully prepared to see them. Enjoy these and have a lean night.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
97.1 The Drive
Hey, how about a twofer weekend of posts?
I haven't had a chance to write lately with summer classes starting, but now that I am fully alone at my place you should get a few more. I really wanted to talk about the NBA Playoffs and the 2nd round action going on, along with some Cub thoughts. The title is just me missing being home, and my favorite radio station (along with 93.1 WXRT). If you know The Drive, then you probably also know that the guy's voice, who speaks on the commercials, is the coolest in the country. I wish I could have him narrate this post. Onward!
Celtics - Cavs
This series has been a pure disappointment to me so far. LeBron forgot how to face tough defenses. The rest of the Cavs (not including Big Z) have been absolutely terrible. This is how the Celtics should have played in the first round. However, I guess they somewhat did when they were at home, which is where games 1 and 2 were. We will really have to watch their progress on the road at the Q in Cleveland. Game 3 tonight, Celts lead 2-0.
Pistons - Magic
I'll tell you something that could have a huge impact on this series: Chauncey Billups' hamstring. If he is not healthy, then there goes your biggest advantage against the very small point guard crew of Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo. So far the series has gone as planned, but seriously, if Chauncey can't be 100% then the Pistons may be in serious trouble. Dwight Howard is doing his best Superman impression, and they have no way to stop him. They can send Theo Ratliff at him, but it seems to me that Superman enjoys that little challenge. I am personally excited to see if Rashard Lewis can ever match what he did Wednesday night. If he can, that is another huge push in Orlando's favor. Game 4 tonight, Pistons lead 2-1.
Lakers - Jazz
We have two monsters at their home courts going at it. The Lakers are one of the four teams that beat the Jazz at home this year, and they will have another chance to do so tomorrow at 3:30 EST. Make sure you tune into this one. Carlos Boozer looks as if he has finally risen to play in this series, posting numbers of 27 points and 20 rebounds in last night's Jazz victory. Let's see Kobe go out tomorrow and put up 40 and let these Lakers jump on his back. Game 4 tomorrow, Lakers lead 2-1.
Hornets - Spurs
How fun is this series? Easily my favorite of the second round. You have the best point guard in the game(Paul), matched only by another unbelievably talented one(Parker). You have the best power forward in the game(Duncan), matched only by a young star that the press loves to call underrated (West). You have a top 5 shooting guard in the league (Ginobili) and to match the other side has a dead-eye shooter (Peja). When you add in great defensive play from Bowen and Thomas for the Spurs, and Chandler and the rest of the Hornets, you have yourself a fantastic series. All three games have gone to the home squads, and Game 4 will be just as exciting tomorrow. I am definitely looking forward to a Kobe-Paul battle in the West Semis, so I am hoping for the Hornets to pull one out in San Antonio tomorrow. Game 4 tomorrow, Hornets lead 2-1.
To change gears, the Cubs had a great game played yesterday. One early misstep from Ted Lilly was repaid by his bat in the 5th inning, and then his complete shutdown performance from then on led us to victory. Such a well-played game, it was honestly a treat to watch. We have the great surprise Ryan Dempster going today against young Max Scherzer for the D-Backs. The finale will be Zambrano and Randy Johnson going at it. For those of you who don't remember, Randy Johnson is 72-0 with a 0.68 ERA lifetime against the Cubs. Pretty scary even if these are completely falsified numbers. While this is not the Unit of the '90s, he still puts fear in the Cub hitters. Hopefully we can take this series from the best team in the league so far.
To keep bringing good news, Back Door Slam is in Bloomington just a month from today at the famed Bluebird. I highly recommend seeing them for all of you who enjoyed my post about them a few weeks ago. I have plenty of room to stay down here. So if you happen to make the trip, give me a call and we'll hook up before the show.
That conveniently leads me into the song of the day. And since it happens to be 72 and sunny here today, I am in fantastic spirits. Let's go with two songs today. Number one comes from the Steve Miller Band and their fantastic "Living in the U.S.A." This song just calls you to have a cheeseburger. Song two is going to have to be from the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix. One of my favorites by him, this is "Little Wing." Also along with this song is a real cool slide show of some Jimi moments. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.
I haven't had a chance to write lately with summer classes starting, but now that I am fully alone at my place you should get a few more. I really wanted to talk about the NBA Playoffs and the 2nd round action going on, along with some Cub thoughts. The title is just me missing being home, and my favorite radio station (along with 93.1 WXRT). If you know The Drive, then you probably also know that the guy's voice, who speaks on the commercials, is the coolest in the country. I wish I could have him narrate this post. Onward!
Celtics - Cavs
This series has been a pure disappointment to me so far. LeBron forgot how to face tough defenses. The rest of the Cavs (not including Big Z) have been absolutely terrible. This is how the Celtics should have played in the first round. However, I guess they somewhat did when they were at home, which is where games 1 and 2 were. We will really have to watch their progress on the road at the Q in Cleveland. Game 3 tonight, Celts lead 2-0.
Pistons - Magic
I'll tell you something that could have a huge impact on this series: Chauncey Billups' hamstring. If he is not healthy, then there goes your biggest advantage against the very small point guard crew of Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo. So far the series has gone as planned, but seriously, if Chauncey can't be 100% then the Pistons may be in serious trouble. Dwight Howard is doing his best Superman impression, and they have no way to stop him. They can send Theo Ratliff at him, but it seems to me that Superman enjoys that little challenge. I am personally excited to see if Rashard Lewis can ever match what he did Wednesday night. If he can, that is another huge push in Orlando's favor. Game 4 tonight, Pistons lead 2-1.
Lakers - Jazz
We have two monsters at their home courts going at it. The Lakers are one of the four teams that beat the Jazz at home this year, and they will have another chance to do so tomorrow at 3:30 EST. Make sure you tune into this one. Carlos Boozer looks as if he has finally risen to play in this series, posting numbers of 27 points and 20 rebounds in last night's Jazz victory. Let's see Kobe go out tomorrow and put up 40 and let these Lakers jump on his back. Game 4 tomorrow, Lakers lead 2-1.
Hornets - Spurs
How fun is this series? Easily my favorite of the second round. You have the best point guard in the game(Paul), matched only by another unbelievably talented one(Parker). You have the best power forward in the game(Duncan), matched only by a young star that the press loves to call underrated (West). You have a top 5 shooting guard in the league (Ginobili) and to match the other side has a dead-eye shooter (Peja). When you add in great defensive play from Bowen and Thomas for the Spurs, and Chandler and the rest of the Hornets, you have yourself a fantastic series. All three games have gone to the home squads, and Game 4 will be just as exciting tomorrow. I am definitely looking forward to a Kobe-Paul battle in the West Semis, so I am hoping for the Hornets to pull one out in San Antonio tomorrow. Game 4 tomorrow, Hornets lead 2-1.
To change gears, the Cubs had a great game played yesterday. One early misstep from Ted Lilly was repaid by his bat in the 5th inning, and then his complete shutdown performance from then on led us to victory. Such a well-played game, it was honestly a treat to watch. We have the great surprise Ryan Dempster going today against young Max Scherzer for the D-Backs. The finale will be Zambrano and Randy Johnson going at it. For those of you who don't remember, Randy Johnson is 72-0 with a 0.68 ERA lifetime against the Cubs. Pretty scary even if these are completely falsified numbers. While this is not the Unit of the '90s, he still puts fear in the Cub hitters. Hopefully we can take this series from the best team in the league so far.
To keep bringing good news, Back Door Slam is in Bloomington just a month from today at the famed Bluebird. I highly recommend seeing them for all of you who enjoyed my post about them a few weeks ago. I have plenty of room to stay down here. So if you happen to make the trip, give me a call and we'll hook up before the show.
That conveniently leads me into the song of the day. And since it happens to be 72 and sunny here today, I am in fantastic spirits. Let's go with two songs today. Number one comes from the Steve Miller Band and their fantastic "Living in the U.S.A." This song just calls you to have a cheeseburger. Song two is going to have to be from the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix. One of my favorites by him, this is "Little Wing." Also along with this song is a real cool slide show of some Jimi moments. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Derby Thoughts & More
Wow, it has been a busy week. I got back from the Kentucky Derby on Sunday absolutely exhausted. I have never seen a party like that in my life. 70,000 really drunk people on the infield just having a blast. It was a great time. There were also some questionable decisions made on the trip which made it all the better. Sleeping in a car in an alley of a bad Louisville neighborhood, there is nothing like it. And although I did not participate in this one, several of my friends took a cab ride with a man who worked at a movie theater. The stories that ensued from that journey may have been the best I have ever heard.
The Cubs are sliding, and this series starting in about 20 minutes will be one of the biggest of the early season. We replay last year's NLDS this weekend against the Diamondbacks, and the only good thing is that we miss Brandon Webb in the rotation. He just so happens to be 8-0 so far. Yikes. Anyway, the D-Backs have been baseball's best team thus far, so a series victory could boost us greatly to start our 10 game homestand.
Apparently I am in the mood to disappoint you all, because I have to cut this post short again. I have my journalism class starting in about a half hour, which means two things. One, I have to make another short post, which just so happens to be my first in over a week. And two, I have to Tivo the Cubs game so I can watch when I get out. It should be a good weekend, even though Bloomington in the summer is quite lonely.
Today's song comes from a very good recent album put out by Spoon. The album is called Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, extremely creative these boys. But in all reality, this is full of very good songs. The cut for today is "The Underdog." Hey, what the hell, here is a second song from the album, "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb." A couple real cool songs courtesy of the boys from Austin, Texas, home of a great music scene. I hope you enjoy; this seems to be a good way to sum up my mood right now.
The Cubs are sliding, and this series starting in about 20 minutes will be one of the biggest of the early season. We replay last year's NLDS this weekend against the Diamondbacks, and the only good thing is that we miss Brandon Webb in the rotation. He just so happens to be 8-0 so far. Yikes. Anyway, the D-Backs have been baseball's best team thus far, so a series victory could boost us greatly to start our 10 game homestand.
Apparently I am in the mood to disappoint you all, because I have to cut this post short again. I have my journalism class starting in about a half hour, which means two things. One, I have to make another short post, which just so happens to be my first in over a week. And two, I have to Tivo the Cubs game so I can watch when I get out. It should be a good weekend, even though Bloomington in the summer is quite lonely.
Today's song comes from a very good recent album put out by Spoon. The album is called Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, extremely creative these boys. But in all reality, this is full of very good songs. The cut for today is "The Underdog." Hey, what the hell, here is a second song from the album, "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb." A couple real cool songs courtesy of the boys from Austin, Texas, home of a great music scene. I hope you enjoy; this seems to be a good way to sum up my mood right now.
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