Sorry the pictures are so crappy. I can’t find the right USB cable to connect my camera, so I had to just use photos from my cellphone. The premise of the story is that I have my shrine to the half marathon set up, and I successfully baked cookies from scratch. They taste better than they look.
Now I’m going to go watch the Red Sox vs. Yankees on Fox while I enjoy my snack.
I had quite the scare this morning. I awoke at around 6am to the sound of my computer’s USB port doing that beeping noise it makes when it recognizes new hardware has been plugged in. I was moderately annoyed, mostly because it woke me up. However, when I actually got up for church, I found I had a nice error message on my iTunes. It informed me that my iPod’s harddrive could not be read from or written to. I then noticed that the clock on my iPod read 6:37, and it was in a frozen state. No buttons functioned at all.
I almost embarked on the long saga of how I returned my friend to a working condition, but I realize that would be boring (essentially you just need to charge it up via the wall adapter and restart iTunes a few times). On the other hand, this event did cause me to think. My iPod is probably my second most valued possession (behind my computer). Before you start railing on me claiming I have no sense of priorities, understand this: I walk to classes every day– and those walks are not short. We are talking at least forty minutes of my day is spent hiking around campus. If I were to lose my music for these trips, it would be devastating. Then comes the issue of price. I can’t afford to buy a new iPod right now, I could buy a new Bible (for some reason somebody always brings this up, when I claim non-spiritual things as being more valuable). So as far as replacement cost + utility goes, I’m reasonably sure that my iPod has been undervalued in my eyes for too long.
I had a wake up call today, and Mr. iPod, I’m sorry I have neglected you for so long. Sure, you may be really old, and have more scratches and dirt than I care to admit, but you have been a loyal friend for over three years. Other people might consistently make jokes about how clunky and colorless you are compared to your newer brothers and sisters, but I see the beauty that lies beneath. If you could hang in there for another fours months or so that would be fantastic!
P.S. Thank you Ryan Zimmerman for salvaging an otherwise terrible Opening Day in America for my fantasy team with your game winning home run.
Pitchers and catchers report today. I know that all of you were already aware of this, since you are all avid baseball fans. I simply thought I would document the occasion.
By the way, I have already joined a fantasy league. Last week I added Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball, Fire Joe Morgan, and Baseball Prospectus to my list of websites checked daily (in addition to ESPN and RedSox.com). I suggest that everyone else consider doing the same. After all, you know at least half of my blog posts for the next eight months will revolve around the greatest sport ever imagined, you may as well know what I’m talking about.
I’m currently listening to: Explosions in the Sky - First Breath After Coma
I am a busy individual this semester. In between my frequent trips for job interviews, I feel as if I am constantly engulfed in meetings for various projects. As a result, I have done a rather terrible job of blogging lately. I hope you’ll forgive me.
A lot has happened since I last posted. In case you don’t ever talk to me, I must inform you that the Boston Red Sox did in fact conquer all of baseball and bring home the World Series for the second time in four years. It was a wild conclusion to the Cleveland series, and another lackluster World Series in which the NL counterpart did not come out ready to play. I think the eight day layover really hurt Colorado. Still, it was a great for them to even be in the playoffs, let alone the World Series. Nevertheless, one should never have to turn off a playoff game because they feel embarrassed to watch the other team perform.
In other news, I spend nearly all of my limited spare time these days practicing my guitar skills. I promise you that my ability is still mediocre, but you might notice a slight change for the better… at least I do. Lately I have been working on “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Wonderwall” covered by Ryan Adams, “Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams, “The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows” by Brand New, and “She Sends Kisses” by The Wrens. Also, I would like to say that I rediscovered (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis, and I really think it is one of my top three or four albums of the nineties.
This weekend I finally made it out to the Champaign Family Video for the first time this semester, so I am going to go watch a few episodes of Friday Night Lights before I get back to studying for my finance exam tomorrow. I’ll let you know whether I enjoy the show or not, I’m kind of excited after the things I’ve heard about it. At least maybe it will keep me occupied while all of my favorite shows start switching to reruns after the WGA strike.
I’m sorry guys. I really am. In fact, you’ll never believe this, but I was trying to wait before I posted about baseball again. I had this grand scheme that I would sit down and write a review of my Ryan Adams concert last night… right after the Sox/Angels game ended. Unfortunately for you all, or maybe fortunately (there is a legitimate possibility of you becoming a lifelong fan of the game after seeing this), Manny Ramirez just launched a bomb out of Fenway. I’m pretty sure it just landed in the dumpster behind my apartment.
Let me set up the situation:
Thanks for joining us tonight. We are now in the bottom of the ninth inning, where we find the Red Sox and Angels tied at three. The score has been knotted up since the fifth. Since then, we have watched both bullpens throw hitless innings all the way to the ninth. Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox all-star closer has already been in closing out the eighth and working through the ninth, so it looked like the advantage could have been tipping towards the Angels, who still had their fantastic closer Fransisco Rodriguez (K-Rod), lurking on the bench. However, after a lead-off single by Lugo, who has really turned it around in the second half of this season, and a beautifully executed hit and run, manager Mike Scioscia was left with no choice but to bring in K-Rod.
Fransisco looked to be in control striking out Kevin Youkilis on a wicked curve into the dirt. The Angels then opted to walk Ortiz for the fourth consecutive time. Honestly folks, I don’t like to second guess the managers on the field, as these teams have gotten this far for a reason, but I can’t help but feel like putting Manny Ramirez in this position so many times is flirting with disaster. Manny has 20 post-season home runs, which puts him number two on the list all time. So far he has struck out, and walked twice in these opportunities. Manny hasn’t had too much success against K-Rod so far in his career, but wouldn’t you rather be pitching to Drew in this situation? The winning run is already in scoring position, and I have a hard time believing that Lugo will have any extra trouble scoring from second base. Maybe Scioscia is fearful of a wild pitch.
At any rate, K-Rod is set to pitch to Manny. The first pitch is a ball. Here comes the next one. The catcher is calling for a fastball, and here it is… BOMBED!!!!!! Manny Ramirez just hit that ball over the Green Monster, over the seats, and out onto the street! The Red Sox win! I don’t think that ball has landed yet! Fransisco Rodriguez just threw a fast ball down the heart of the plate, and Manny didn’t even have to think, he just swung. There was no doubt after he hit it, in fact Ramirez didn’t even take a step, he just raised his arms in admiration of his work. Can you blame him? The man just hit a 400 plus foot walk off home run. (At this point, you just have to see a youtube of it, I’ll post it as soon as I can find one.)
Also, and please continue reading. I know that I am abusing all of your patience here, but I have one more shorter story to tell you. Last game (Wednesday), my boy Josh Becket threw a four pitch complete game shutout. It was absolutely unbelievable. I know that you all probably don’t care much, but that gives Beckett three complete game shutouts in his post season career. To put this in perspective, he only has two in all of his regular season stats. Also, the record for shutouts in the post season is four. Consider this, Josh Beckett is still under 30. This kid is still in the prime of his career. It looks like we found our next big game pitcher.
I’m currently listening to: The Good Life - Heartbroke
Matt Holliday, you didn’t really touch home plate on that play in the 13th inning, did you? That’s okay, I’ll forgive you. In fact, I’ll praise you for making the appearance of it. I’ll even vote for you as the NL MVP. Watching your Rockies enter the playoffs (after yet another disappointing Jake Peavy playoff start) is much more exciting for baseball. Could you congratulate Todd Helton for me? He really deserves this.
In case you weren’t able to translate that baseball speak in your head, the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Diego Padres in a nail biter last night. This marks the first time that the Rockies have visited the post season since 1995. It was a fantastic finish. To start off the 13th, the Padres put two runs up on the board, only to have the Rockies come back and nonchalantly score three off a future Hall of Famer in the bottom part of the inning.
I’m currently listening to: The Wrens - Happy
I would just like to congratulate the Boston Red Sox on their clinching of the AL East Division Championship. It was a solid victory by Matsuzaka and a solid collapse by the Yankees. Hopefully now we can clinch the best record in the American League and pick our schedule for the playoffs.
Also, I would like to prepare all of my non-baseball inclined readers out there. The next month or so is going to suck for you, considering the playoffs will dominate the majority of my thoughts. How about them Mets? If they fail to make the playoffs, I honestly don’t know what to tell them. A seven game lead with seventeen games left should never be squandered.
I’m currently listening to: Stars - Set Yourself On Fire - Ageless Beauty
This weekend Andy wasn’t in town, and I was feeling a little tired, so I just chilled around the apartment, and started my membership with the local Family Video, resulting in half price rentals for the next month. I rented two above average movies, Cindarella Man and Cold Mountain. I then capped off this mini-marathon with Memento, one of my all-time favorites. The movie was just so perfectly made, I love it.
Today I went to the Illini Basketball game to watch the Chief in his second to last performance ever. That’s right, the board of the NCAA appears to have finally won. I can now only pray that drunken Irishmen will finally take offense with Notre Dame and Greeks everywhere will be horrified by the mockery Sparty the Spartan makes of their mythology. Then maybe some other schools can know how it feels to fall under the NCAA’s wrath against free expression.
Also, the project I have been working on for Action Images seems like it might be entering its release stage soon. Then you all can finally check out all of the crazy work I have been doing. I think it will be something I can really take pride in; at least I hope so.
Finally, I feel that you should all be aware that pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training this last week. This means that Boston can finally begin the domination they have lacked since the 2004 season. If anyone wants to gawk at how ridiculously talented our pitching rotation is (or point fingers at the Cardinal’s sad attempt at a repeat) you are more than welcome to leave a comment.
I’m currently listening to: Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run - Jungleland
It looks like the Cardinals have all but locked away their World Series. After a lot of soul searching, I’ve come to terms with this. For some reason it still hurts to watch the Cardinals succeed after hurting me for so long (even though my Red Sox won it first). I guess its the knowledge that they are not (even close to being) the best team in baseball. However, I was recently reminded that the champions of baseball are often found in unlikely places. For example, who would have given the Marlins a chance to win the World Series (let alone two)?
Sometimes– although less so than other sports– the series really boils down to which team is hotter at the current moment. Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver are not great pitchers, they just happen to be pitching well. While Cardinal fans will never admit that this was a fluke, a statistical anomaly, I (and the other baseball fanatics of the world) understand this. However, we must also remember that just because it wasn’t supposed to happen this way, doesn’t mean that it didn’t, or that it wasn’t magical for the fans of St. Louis. I guess I’ll let them have their celebration. After all, they watched me have mine in 2004.
I’m currently watching: NLDS Game 2 - Mets vs Dodgers
If I could add one position player (sorry Santana) to the Boston Red Sox, so that I could watch him day in, day out, it would definitely be Jose Reyes. This kid loves to play, and its obvious. With his infectious smile, and lightning speed, Reyes could fill the gap of SS on any team. How good is Reyes? NY papers are already comparing his ability to Jeter (although I don’t know if that’s valid just yet). Regardless of his actual ranking, Reyes has to be one of the most exciting players in the game. With 64 steals this year and an incredible batting average with RISP (runners in scoring position), there is never a dull moment when this young star is in the game. He makes me wish I was old enough to remember the Cardinals of the early 80’s. I think I might have enjoyed them.
At any rate, with a big two out hit from Reyes and a masterpiece thrown by Glavine, the Mets are well on their way to winning game two of the series, and taking one more step towards the NLCS. I’ve never been a Mets fan before, but if the Yankees make the World Series, Jose Reyes, David Wright, and company have given me more than enough of a reason to jump on the bandwagon.
I’m currently listening to: Owen - The EP - Gazebo
Background information for all of you readers who do not know who Grady Little is: Grady Little was the manager for the Boston Red Sox in 2003. You may also remember that at one point, the Red Sox were leading the infamous seventh game of the ALCS, when a certain Pedro Martinez was allowed to stay in the game and pitch, even though his pitch count was well over his norm. Pedro proceeded to blow the game, and force extra innings. Eventually the Red Sox would lose, and Grady Little was rightfully sent packing. He eventually resurfaced as the manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Now for the story: This afternoon, I flipped on the Mets and Dodgers game, to catch some fine playoff baseball. Late in the game, my buddy Grady Little decided things weren’t interesting enough. In response to this, he puts in Brad Penny (LA’s ace starter) for some random relief work. I should point out that this move was completely inexplicable, considering the Dodger’s have plenty of decent relievers. What happens? Penny immediately gets into trouble and blows the game. Coincidence? I think not. Grady Little is a fool of a manager, and I hope every team remembers this when he is fired from the Dodgers for his horrible playoff management.
This season has been so frustrating as a Red Sox fan. Honestly, I’ll be amazed if we make the playoffs. I just can’t understand how a team with two aces (on paper) and the most feared power combo in baseball, paired with one of the best closers I’ve ever seen can fail so miserably. I miss Jason Varitek.
-JD
I’m currently listening to: Moneen - The Red Tree - The Frightening Reality of the Fact that We Will All Have to Grow Up and Settle Down One Day
Well, I am back home for the summer, and it feels great. I slept for like ten hours for the first time in who knows how long. Today I woke up, and had absolutely nothing to do. It feels great. I still don’t know where I am going to work yet. I am thinking of applying to a bunch of book stores and that temp agency. We shall see. I don’t have much else to say, other than the fact that I hope my fantasy teams start to pick themselves up again. It really is addicting.
Oh yeah, and pick up the new Moneen album, because it is fantastic.
-JD
I’m currently listening to: Rise Against - Siren Song of the Counter Culture - Paper Wings
There is something about baseball season (and Spring) that makes time go by faster. Perhaps it is the semester starting to speed up, coupled with the fact that nearly all free time in the evening can be spent tracking some baseball game. I don’t really know, but it is nice to think that in approximately one month I will be back home for summer. I feel sort of guilty that I haven’t posted here in a while. I had a decent post in my mind the other day, but I never got around to posting it. I really don’t have a whole lot else to say, I got a 100% on both my Econ and Physics tests, that was pretty cool. Aside from those minor accomplishments, I am kind of bummed that I am missing the Alk3/Against Me! concert– I hear the Alkaline Trio are playing an hour and a half to two hours of older material at these sets (they play so long they even require an intermission time during their set). That sounds like it would be insane, but unfortunately Chicago is sold out and St. Louis is on a Monday. Oh well, such is life.
JD