The bottle has a very plain wrap around it, and with a big mouth bass in the middle one can see where the brewer is from. All in all, Three Hearts Ale did not do it for me. A pale ale, the beer was much more bitter than a previous ale examined, Mad Anthony, and left that same aftertaste in the taster's mouth for a good period of time afterwards. Many in the office did support Mr. Cruise's choice today, however, there were several who also disliked it. I guess it's just one of those love-hate relationships. Personally, I give the beer 2 stars out of 5, but others said it was the best since they had Boddington a few weeks back.
Onto more important things; I made my journey back to Wrigley last night, seeing a nice Cubs win on a beautiful night. In addition, Z looked absolutely lights out, giving up just a hit and a run with no walks over eight wonderful innings.
My trade predictions and hopefuls didn't last long. Just about 12 hours after my post, Jim Hendry had confirmed the deal to bring Rich Harden to the Cubs. This is the same guy I was a bit worried about getting, only for his durability. As I say that now, my pick Erik Bedard just went to the DL. See, what do I know anyways.
It's a short one today because I was busy at work watching the Cubs, who just got routed. So, song of the day for you all would come from Mr. Bruce Carey trying to stump me. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," from Edie Brickell & the Bohemians doing a Bob Dylan song. It's off the Born on the 4th of July soundtrack. Have a good night all.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
So Now What?
Although it was probably always a long shot that the Cubs would trade for reigning AL Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, now their chances at doing so are over. With his move to the Brewers last night, the Cubs are in a more pressing position than ever to make a deal. The Brewers are picking up steam and are now only 3.5 games back of the Cubs, so the scare is coming back a bit.
It has been stated quite often that the Cubs need to upgrade their staff at the top, particularly if they plan on making any kind of impact down the stretch run and into October. To put things into perspective, the Cubs have one #1 starter, a possible #2 in Ryan Dempster (but more likely a #3, due to his lack of consistency away from Wrigley Field), a #3 in Ted Lilly and that's about it. Jason Marquis is as good to me as a rotting corpse, and while the Sean Marshall/Sean Gallagher 5 spot has future implications that interest me, I shutter at the thought of them pitching in a possible playoff series. So, to no further avail, who can we go after to shore up the front of our rotation?
In my opinion there are only a few names that can even possibly help our cause. We'll hear rumors of B-Level pitchers in the next few months, but they would do nothing but help mend the back end of the rotation, something that I'm confident we can do from the inside.
1. A.J. Burnett - Burnett was quoted saying that he wouldn't mind seeing a trade to Chicago. However, with his high profile arm also come problems. How could a guy with a high 90s fastball, devastating curveball, and an arsenal of other offspeed stuff have a career record of 77-74 with a 3.97 ERA and only be 8-8 with a 4.97 ERA this year? His consistency has killed the Blue Jays and fantasy owners everywhere, throwing two shutouts just a week ago, and following it up with five innings of eight run ball in his next start. Is he capable of pitching in a big time situation down the stretch? Is this the guy the Cubs really want to put their faith in? Also factor in that Burnett has an opt out clause in his contract at the end of the year. It could be just a two month rental for us. I say no.
2. Randy Wolf - A free agent signing in each of the past two years, the Cubs targeted him two years ago before he signed with the Dodgers. He reportedly has a good relationship with Jim Hendry, even explaining to him why he took less money to stay on the West Coast. With the Padres struggling, he could be a target. His record in the past two years leaves us to question if an acquisition really would be worth it though. He is only 5-8 with a 4.59 ERA, and his addition would add in another soft tossing lefty into the rotation. I say no.
3. Rich Harden - The Cubs have seen this kind of player before. A devastating talent that when healthy is a top five pitcher in the league, but that isn't quite as often as you would like. See Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, etc. This year has been no different. The 26-year old Harden is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA, but that has come in only 13 starts due to another trip to the DL earlier in the season. Lifetime, Harden is 36-19 with a 3.42 ERA - always flashing that priceless talent. A's GM Billy Beane knows that he probably never will get full value for his oft-injured star, so prying him loose will more than likely prove to be extremely difficult. He is the biggest question mark of this market, and even more so due to the extraordinary fashion that the A's are playing right now, only four games out of the AL Wild Card in a so-called "rebuilding" season. My personal take is to stay away, because an acquisition could prove to be too costly even if he is to be had. You can't count on him to be in the rotation down the stretch, and Beane will want much more than can be given up. I say no.
4. Erik Bedard - Ah, the memories. The Cubs tried to pry him away from the O's just a few years back. The offer on the table was Mark Prior and a prospect for Miguel Tejada and Bedard. I'd gladly add to that offer now, just to get any value for the Gutless Wonder. Since then Bedard went on to have a fabulous 2007, and again the Cubs went after him this past offseason. However, he went to the Mariners in a huge package that landed the O's two lower tier prospects, a top AL closer (George Sherrill), a star pitching prospect (Chris Tillman) and their current CF and outfielder of the future (Adam Jones). However, with Bill Bavasi now out as GM in Seattle, new management is willing to sell off parts. Could Bedard be a piece? While he has struggled a bit this year (6-4 with a 3.67 ERA), he is a high power arm that went 13-5 with a 3.17 ERA and 221 K's in 182 innings. Personally, I've thought his struggles have been overblown, and even though he complained of tightness in his shoulder, it appears to be a day to day thing. If the Cubs could pry Bedard away from the Mariners with a package of prospects (something they NEED, considering their complete disregard for wins this year...and that package sent to Baltimore), this could be the ideal situation. in their prime, front of the rotation pitchers (possibly a #1) that are under contract for another year don't just grow on trees. If the Cubs are confident that the 29-year old Bedard is still that same guy they pursued for the past few years, then this is the best time to get their hands on him. I say go for it. Even though a Cubs front office source said this week that Sean Gallagher is almost untradeable, I think a deal could be made here. Throw Sean Gallagher, last year's #4 overall pick Josh Vitters, and top pitching prospect Jose Ceda together and I think you will get the Mariners attention. While the Cubs system isn't as strong as others, this offer could raise some eyebrows. All I'm asking is to make a deal, and this is the best impact move we can make. Go get him.
So there you have it, it isn't all bad. The Cubs have options, although only one can really pack the punch that is necessary to make a run in 2008. Do what you got to do boys, this year has the makings of something special.
Quick note, Rich Hill has supposedly changed his delivery down in Mesa, and after his disastrous start down there last week, his side session under a new delivery went great. Hopefully this is all he needed. It's not often I feel terribly bad for professional athletes, but when someone loses it all in this quick of a time span, it gets to me. I felt terrible for Rick Ankiel, look what that got me. He's got the chance to be an All-Star outfielder now.
By the way, I saw an awesome CSNY cover band the other night. Marrakesh Express is a predominantly Northwest Indiana band, with one of their members, Daryl Grady, coming from great Crown Point band Salamander Drake. Hopefully I'll see more of those guys in the near future. Anyway, the song of the day comes from Mr. Neil Young, however this live version has the great harmonies of CSNY. The joys of Youtube. Here is "Down by the River," courtesy of CSNY, written by Neil Young. Have fun with it, and see you all soon.
It has been stated quite often that the Cubs need to upgrade their staff at the top, particularly if they plan on making any kind of impact down the stretch run and into October. To put things into perspective, the Cubs have one #1 starter, a possible #2 in Ryan Dempster (but more likely a #3, due to his lack of consistency away from Wrigley Field), a #3 in Ted Lilly and that's about it. Jason Marquis is as good to me as a rotting corpse, and while the Sean Marshall/Sean Gallagher 5 spot has future implications that interest me, I shutter at the thought of them pitching in a possible playoff series. So, to no further avail, who can we go after to shore up the front of our rotation?
In my opinion there are only a few names that can even possibly help our cause. We'll hear rumors of B-Level pitchers in the next few months, but they would do nothing but help mend the back end of the rotation, something that I'm confident we can do from the inside.
1. A.J. Burnett - Burnett was quoted saying that he wouldn't mind seeing a trade to Chicago. However, with his high profile arm also come problems. How could a guy with a high 90s fastball, devastating curveball, and an arsenal of other offspeed stuff have a career record of 77-74 with a 3.97 ERA and only be 8-8 with a 4.97 ERA this year? His consistency has killed the Blue Jays and fantasy owners everywhere, throwing two shutouts just a week ago, and following it up with five innings of eight run ball in his next start. Is he capable of pitching in a big time situation down the stretch? Is this the guy the Cubs really want to put their faith in? Also factor in that Burnett has an opt out clause in his contract at the end of the year. It could be just a two month rental for us. I say no.
2. Randy Wolf - A free agent signing in each of the past two years, the Cubs targeted him two years ago before he signed with the Dodgers. He reportedly has a good relationship with Jim Hendry, even explaining to him why he took less money to stay on the West Coast. With the Padres struggling, he could be a target. His record in the past two years leaves us to question if an acquisition really would be worth it though. He is only 5-8 with a 4.59 ERA, and his addition would add in another soft tossing lefty into the rotation. I say no.
3. Rich Harden - The Cubs have seen this kind of player before. A devastating talent that when healthy is a top five pitcher in the league, but that isn't quite as often as you would like. See Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, etc. This year has been no different. The 26-year old Harden is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA, but that has come in only 13 starts due to another trip to the DL earlier in the season. Lifetime, Harden is 36-19 with a 3.42 ERA - always flashing that priceless talent. A's GM Billy Beane knows that he probably never will get full value for his oft-injured star, so prying him loose will more than likely prove to be extremely difficult. He is the biggest question mark of this market, and even more so due to the extraordinary fashion that the A's are playing right now, only four games out of the AL Wild Card in a so-called "rebuilding" season. My personal take is to stay away, because an acquisition could prove to be too costly even if he is to be had. You can't count on him to be in the rotation down the stretch, and Beane will want much more than can be given up. I say no.
4. Erik Bedard - Ah, the memories. The Cubs tried to pry him away from the O's just a few years back. The offer on the table was Mark Prior and a prospect for Miguel Tejada and Bedard. I'd gladly add to that offer now, just to get any value for the Gutless Wonder. Since then Bedard went on to have a fabulous 2007, and again the Cubs went after him this past offseason. However, he went to the Mariners in a huge package that landed the O's two lower tier prospects, a top AL closer (George Sherrill), a star pitching prospect (Chris Tillman) and their current CF and outfielder of the future (Adam Jones). However, with Bill Bavasi now out as GM in Seattle, new management is willing to sell off parts. Could Bedard be a piece? While he has struggled a bit this year (6-4 with a 3.67 ERA), he is a high power arm that went 13-5 with a 3.17 ERA and 221 K's in 182 innings. Personally, I've thought his struggles have been overblown, and even though he complained of tightness in his shoulder, it appears to be a day to day thing. If the Cubs could pry Bedard away from the Mariners with a package of prospects (something they NEED, considering their complete disregard for wins this year...and that package sent to Baltimore), this could be the ideal situation. in their prime, front of the rotation pitchers (possibly a #1) that are under contract for another year don't just grow on trees. If the Cubs are confident that the 29-year old Bedard is still that same guy they pursued for the past few years, then this is the best time to get their hands on him. I say go for it. Even though a Cubs front office source said this week that Sean Gallagher is almost untradeable, I think a deal could be made here. Throw Sean Gallagher, last year's #4 overall pick Josh Vitters, and top pitching prospect Jose Ceda together and I think you will get the Mariners attention. While the Cubs system isn't as strong as others, this offer could raise some eyebrows. All I'm asking is to make a deal, and this is the best impact move we can make. Go get him.
So there you have it, it isn't all bad. The Cubs have options, although only one can really pack the punch that is necessary to make a run in 2008. Do what you got to do boys, this year has the makings of something special.
Quick note, Rich Hill has supposedly changed his delivery down in Mesa, and after his disastrous start down there last week, his side session under a new delivery went great. Hopefully this is all he needed. It's not often I feel terribly bad for professional athletes, but when someone loses it all in this quick of a time span, it gets to me. I felt terrible for Rick Ankiel, look what that got me. He's got the chance to be an All-Star outfielder now.
By the way, I saw an awesome CSNY cover band the other night. Marrakesh Express is a predominantly Northwest Indiana band, with one of their members, Daryl Grady, coming from great Crown Point band Salamander Drake. Hopefully I'll see more of those guys in the near future. Anyway, the song of the day comes from Mr. Neil Young, however this live version has the great harmonies of CSNY. The joys of Youtube. Here is "Down by the River," courtesy of CSNY, written by Neil Young. Have fun with it, and see you all soon.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Beer of the Week: Grolsch
Holland's finest was brought into the office today by one, Laurie Massi. Her lighter taste in beer made me expect a more common flavor, one that is seen in beers like Miller Lite or Coors Light. However, Grolsch packs a punch. The lager left a very skunky taste in my mouth, one that I am not fully accustomed to. Flavoring during the drink was quite good, but the aftertaste was bitter, and as previously mentioned, skunky. The coolest thing about the beer was the bottle, which had a cool cork-like top. Although it wasn't up my alley, the lager was enjoyed by several at the office. I'll give Grolsch 3 stars out of 5.
On a good note, I've golfed the last two days straight and have played my best of the year. Monday, I shot an 86 at Sandy Pines and followed it up with a 92 or 93 (drunk, can't remember) at the Red and Gray Courses at White Hawk. The 86 could have been a 78 with my putting the following day; I was lights out putting yesterday.
The work week is now over for me, tonight I may end up facing Papa Absinthe. Pray for me. The song of the day is "Heart of Gold" from Neil Young, who won't be with Crosby Stills & Nash when I go see them in a few weeks. God I wish he was. Anyway, this is the first time he played this famous one in front of a crowd. Can you imagine that?
Have a great 4th all. Eat, drink, and be merry.
On a good note, I've golfed the last two days straight and have played my best of the year. Monday, I shot an 86 at Sandy Pines and followed it up with a 92 or 93 (drunk, can't remember) at the Red and Gray Courses at White Hawk. The 86 could have been a 78 with my putting the following day; I was lights out putting yesterday.
The work week is now over for me, tonight I may end up facing Papa Absinthe. Pray for me. The song of the day is "Heart of Gold" from Neil Young, who won't be with Crosby Stills & Nash when I go see them in a few weeks. God I wish he was. Anyway, this is the first time he played this famous one in front of a crowd. Can you imagine that?
Have a great 4th all. Eat, drink, and be merry.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Beer of the Week: Bad Elmer's Porter
Well, this is a great way to start off the Beer of the Week series - a beer straight from my 2nd home, Bloomington, Indiana. Located there is Upland Brewery, makers of Bad Elmer's Porter. The label calls it "Nature's idea of beer;" I'm not sure I could agree more.
Bad Elmer's Porter has a rich, slightly bitter taste to it. Full of flavor, Upland's treat leaves a dark chocolate flavor in this taster's mouth, which is honestly something I've never had in a beer. The beer is not as thick as I first thought, but due to the high flavor content it still packs a nice punch to the pallet. I give Bad Elmer's Porter 4 out of 5 stars.
Now, this isn't the first eclectic beer I've had this week. Last week there were a few leftovers of Mad Anthony that I tapped into. Mad Anthony had a very sharp, biting taste, but in the end was refreshing. Or, it could have been that I was dehydrated and just needed a drink. I give Mad Anthony a 3 out of 5 stars.
This is my first week back at the office this summer, and as expected it's still a pretty damn good way to pass the day. Today's song is "Sun's Gonna Rise," by Citizen Cope, who quite frankly looks like a hobo. I love the beat, his voice rocks, and he's a very talented musician. Hope you enjoy.
Bad Elmer's Porter has a rich, slightly bitter taste to it. Full of flavor, Upland's treat leaves a dark chocolate flavor in this taster's mouth, which is honestly something I've never had in a beer. The beer is not as thick as I first thought, but due to the high flavor content it still packs a nice punch to the pallet. I give Bad Elmer's Porter 4 out of 5 stars.
Now, this isn't the first eclectic beer I've had this week. Last week there were a few leftovers of Mad Anthony that I tapped into. Mad Anthony had a very sharp, biting taste, but in the end was refreshing. Or, it could have been that I was dehydrated and just needed a drink. I give Mad Anthony a 3 out of 5 stars.
This is my first week back at the office this summer, and as expected it's still a pretty damn good way to pass the day. Today's song is "Sun's Gonna Rise," by Citizen Cope, who quite frankly looks like a hobo. I love the beat, his voice rocks, and he's a very talented musician. Hope you enjoy.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Smooth Crosstown Sweep
I've made it a point not to attend any of the Crosstown Series games for the past 8 years or so. I've been there a couple times and always determined that the fans on both sides were complete jerks. It's just not a real fun experience.
However, I would have really liked to be there for tonight's sweep. It was our 14th win in a row at home and a huge rebound after we got swept down in Tampa. Now, don't get me wrong, Tampa is a very talented team, but I've come to expect more out of a 1st place team. I'm glad they answered the call again at home and extended the home streak.
It's always fun to see a complete game, but I thought Lou handled it perfectly. He gave Demp a shot, and it just so happened that all those balls put in play landed for a couple more hits. No big, Howry cleaned up the mess and we sent the South Siders home easy. The real test will be to show up down south next weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they can compete in their own city, albeit on the road.
The road record has become something of a mystery to me. If this were a normal franchise, with fans that didn't travel across the country to see the team play, then I'd understand. But, with so many Cub fans going along on road trips, it's interesting to me why there is such a differential in the home/road splits. Regardless, they are only 4 under .500 on the road, so it's not a pressing concern yet. We'll have to revisit this if there is a continued struggle.
My dad got surgery on his tonsils and uvula on Thursday and I wanted to take this space to wish him the best return. His first two days were real rough back home, but today he had a good hop in his step, which was nice for everyone. It really makes it easier to take care of someone when they are cooperative. I hope that answers the questions that many of you guys have asked. Thanks for looking out for him. Uncle Mark will be back up and running in no time; make sure you grab him a beer the next time you see him out.
My buddies went to Vegas this weekend and had a blast, even though they got cleaned out. I'm getting the feeling that I may be in the same situation when I head out there this December. But again, I can't wait. It should be a blast.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'll wrap this up. Hope everyone is doing well, I'll be up at Wrigley Tuesday night so hopefully I can see the win streak at home continue. If they lose, you may want to put it on me, even though I am the same guy who cut the long hair away and over the next 18 games we were 15-3. I'll continue to say it wasn't a coincidence.
Song of the night, "Where Did Our Love Go?" by The Supremes back when Diana Ross wasn't crazy. Don't read into it any. I'm just in a Motown mood. Go Cubs, let's keep up the home win streak Tuesday night!
However, I would have really liked to be there for tonight's sweep. It was our 14th win in a row at home and a huge rebound after we got swept down in Tampa. Now, don't get me wrong, Tampa is a very talented team, but I've come to expect more out of a 1st place team. I'm glad they answered the call again at home and extended the home streak.
It's always fun to see a complete game, but I thought Lou handled it perfectly. He gave Demp a shot, and it just so happened that all those balls put in play landed for a couple more hits. No big, Howry cleaned up the mess and we sent the South Siders home easy. The real test will be to show up down south next weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they can compete in their own city, albeit on the road.
The road record has become something of a mystery to me. If this were a normal franchise, with fans that didn't travel across the country to see the team play, then I'd understand. But, with so many Cub fans going along on road trips, it's interesting to me why there is such a differential in the home/road splits. Regardless, they are only 4 under .500 on the road, so it's not a pressing concern yet. We'll have to revisit this if there is a continued struggle.
My dad got surgery on his tonsils and uvula on Thursday and I wanted to take this space to wish him the best return. His first two days were real rough back home, but today he had a good hop in his step, which was nice for everyone. It really makes it easier to take care of someone when they are cooperative. I hope that answers the questions that many of you guys have asked. Thanks for looking out for him. Uncle Mark will be back up and running in no time; make sure you grab him a beer the next time you see him out.
My buddies went to Vegas this weekend and had a blast, even though they got cleaned out. I'm getting the feeling that I may be in the same situation when I head out there this December. But again, I can't wait. It should be a blast.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'll wrap this up. Hope everyone is doing well, I'll be up at Wrigley Tuesday night so hopefully I can see the win streak at home continue. If they lose, you may want to put it on me, even though I am the same guy who cut the long hair away and over the next 18 games we were 15-3. I'll continue to say it wasn't a coincidence.
Song of the night, "Where Did Our Love Go?" by The Supremes back when Diana Ross wasn't crazy. Don't read into it any. I'm just in a Motown mood. Go Cubs, let's keep up the home win streak Tuesday night!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Back Home
I'm back after a somewhat long absence. So here are some thoughts for you from my terribly run web page.
I finished school and came back home for summer, but not before having a few great times back in Bloomington. Two of my roommates came back down for the Back Door Slam concert at the Bluebird and Davy Knowles rocked the house...I couldn't have asked for better. After the show we got his autograph and bought into the freight train that is marketing. Translation, I dropped a few bills on some Back Door Slam stuff.
Anyway, the Finals are over. To my surprise the Celtics finished the Lakers off handily. While I'm not real happy about the situation, it's always cool to see teams that haven't won before take home a title.
Back to Bloomington stories. Nick and Sev came down for the concert and ended up taking me home a couple days later. However, they managed to get me hammered drunk the night before my Macroeconomics final. I needed a 43% to pass the class; I did so, although I'm not completely sure how it happened after I put up a 12/40 on the practice exam. Just about as surprising, I ended with a B in the class and an A in my journalism class. I guess my writing may be getting a bit better. Who woulda thought?
Coldplay's new album came out today. I'm still in love with their first two songs they released, and I'm anxious to see how the album grows on me. In addition, Death Cab for Cutie had their album come out not too long ago, and as I have fully dove into it, I love it. I think the key song on the album is "Cath." Great opening guitar riff that transitions into a great rhythm throughout. Ben Gibbard is amazing on vocals in the song, he always seems to pour himself into every song, as cliche as that sounds.
While I was away and alone in Bloomington, I got around to reading a few books. It just reminded me that reading is really good, and when you actually get around to putting yourself into a story it's kinda cool. Like I said, just some thoughts from the beginning of the summer.
To make a few of you laugh, I shot a 110 the other day in the biggest breakdown of golf history. Palmira Golf Course in St. John ate me up and I think I had over 44 putts. I really mean it when I say it was the worst round of my life. Now while I wasn't happy with the 92 I shot two days later, it still relieved me that I was not in fact the worst golfer on the planet.
My buddies are going to Vegas this weekend, and good luck to them. It's only about six months until I get out there myself. I can't wait.
The Cubs tough road trip here is making me angry. While we took 2 out of 3 against the Jays, the Rays have had their own thoughts for us, giving us fits down in the Trop. In addition, our ace and only way we have any shot in the playoffs may be injured. Pray he's okay.
As of today, I am jobless. This may change in the near future, but I forgot how fun it was to have absolutely no worries (Immediate apologies to everyone finding their guns to come after me).
New addition to the blog. Starting next Thursday, two of the office boys, Mo Pete and CP will be writing their weekly takes on beers they try. Now, this won't be reviews on Keystone Light or other fine beverages that I enjoy in Bloomington. These are beers like Boddington and other high class beers. Because I know nothing about them, I will allow my companions to put in their two cents about them. And hey, maybe we'll end up enjoying a $6 bottle of beer. Everyone's a winner.
That's all for tonight. I have to hit the PS3. It's almost like a job at this point.
I finished school and came back home for summer, but not before having a few great times back in Bloomington. Two of my roommates came back down for the Back Door Slam concert at the Bluebird and Davy Knowles rocked the house...I couldn't have asked for better. After the show we got his autograph and bought into the freight train that is marketing. Translation, I dropped a few bills on some Back Door Slam stuff.
Anyway, the Finals are over. To my surprise the Celtics finished the Lakers off handily. While I'm not real happy about the situation, it's always cool to see teams that haven't won before take home a title.
Back to Bloomington stories. Nick and Sev came down for the concert and ended up taking me home a couple days later. However, they managed to get me hammered drunk the night before my Macroeconomics final. I needed a 43% to pass the class; I did so, although I'm not completely sure how it happened after I put up a 12/40 on the practice exam. Just about as surprising, I ended with a B in the class and an A in my journalism class. I guess my writing may be getting a bit better. Who woulda thought?
Coldplay's new album came out today. I'm still in love with their first two songs they released, and I'm anxious to see how the album grows on me. In addition, Death Cab for Cutie had their album come out not too long ago, and as I have fully dove into it, I love it. I think the key song on the album is "Cath." Great opening guitar riff that transitions into a great rhythm throughout. Ben Gibbard is amazing on vocals in the song, he always seems to pour himself into every song, as cliche as that sounds.
While I was away and alone in Bloomington, I got around to reading a few books. It just reminded me that reading is really good, and when you actually get around to putting yourself into a story it's kinda cool. Like I said, just some thoughts from the beginning of the summer.
To make a few of you laugh, I shot a 110 the other day in the biggest breakdown of golf history. Palmira Golf Course in St. John ate me up and I think I had over 44 putts. I really mean it when I say it was the worst round of my life. Now while I wasn't happy with the 92 I shot two days later, it still relieved me that I was not in fact the worst golfer on the planet.
My buddies are going to Vegas this weekend, and good luck to them. It's only about six months until I get out there myself. I can't wait.
The Cubs tough road trip here is making me angry. While we took 2 out of 3 against the Jays, the Rays have had their own thoughts for us, giving us fits down in the Trop. In addition, our ace and only way we have any shot in the playoffs may be injured. Pray he's okay.
As of today, I am jobless. This may change in the near future, but I forgot how fun it was to have absolutely no worries (Immediate apologies to everyone finding their guns to come after me).
New addition to the blog. Starting next Thursday, two of the office boys, Mo Pete and CP will be writing their weekly takes on beers they try. Now, this won't be reviews on Keystone Light or other fine beverages that I enjoy in Bloomington. These are beers like Boddington and other high class beers. Because I know nothing about them, I will allow my companions to put in their two cents about them. And hey, maybe we'll end up enjoying a $6 bottle of beer. Everyone's a winner.
That's all for tonight. I have to hit the PS3. It's almost like a job at this point.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Comeback
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.
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.
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