Quinn is in!

I'm watching the Browns and it looks like Anderson hurt his hand on the last possession. So we will see Brady Quinn take some snaps in the last game of the season. Kind of a perfect scenario unfolding here.

Quinn gets in during a meaningless game. The Titans win later today, and we have an instant quarterback controversy for the Cleveland writers. That will keep them going until the trucks get packed for Spring Training.

100 Greatest Songs of the 90's - Really?

I didn't see the whole show on VH-1. They say "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is the #1 song of 90's. You could make that argument, of course. I mean, if it was good enough for Full Action Hose to cover, it must be pretty good. They pegged "One" by U2 as #2. If you ask me - for pure songwriting and emotional impact - they had them flip-flopped. I contend that a listener in 2008 who had never heard either song would tell you "One" is the better song.

I do not know where "How do you talk to an angel?" was slotted.

Can you believe it?

The Browns could be going down uncharted waters - something I would have never believed in a million years happen this year -- the playoffs. Yes, Sunday is a must win for the Brownies if they want to continue as some people call it "the season of dreams". Today I listened to a local radio station who each Friday has a panel of people pick who they think will win for the week in the NFL. The producer of the show who gets to make picks gave the most unique reason I think I will ever hear on to why the Browns will win. Please note the producer is male and not female. He said, that it is a battle of Lake Erie as both cities border the big lake. He continued on that the Lake like Cleveland much better than Buffalo and therefore the Browns will win. I have to agree - I believe there will be snow on Sunday but if the forecast becomes a reality could you imagine how much snow Buffalo could have during the game?? I love when the elements could ultimately have an effect on the game.

The Mitchell Report

When the Mitchell Report came out yesterday instead of reading the 500 page document I was scouring it for players names. I was surprised that most of the names on the list weren't the typical steroid looking player like Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa or even Barry Bonds. It was guys like Tim Laker, Adam Piatt, and Chad Allen. I read some of the dialogue on these players and most of them used them to get to the next level or to get healthy and get back on the field. It is a shame that these guys risked their health to become that star player. I think was is even worse is the MLB was very slow to react to drug use in the league. I like the policy but I think players will continue to cheat if they don't find a way to test for everything. I think they should take not only a urine sample but blood as well - that way they have their bases covered.

To people who do no know how to drive in the snow

If there is snow on the ground (meaning the grass) and the road surface is wet - it is ok to drive the posted speed limit. If you do not feel comfortable doing this then stay in the far right lane!

If there is snow on the road I understand going a lot slower but c'mon folks its only white rain!

Get off your cell phones, properly clean off your car or better yet use the defroster before you enter the highway!

Christmas Specials on TV

Have you watched any of the Christmas specials on TV? Which is your favorite? Matthew K brought up a good point the other night. He said remember when you could only watch "The Grinch" or even "Charlie Brown" on just one night - a special night that you wouldn't want to miss? Now thanks to DVD's our children have already seen both shows at least a handful of times. As I watched "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" with my boys (a favorite special when I was growing up) I realized that they could probably not share this classic with there children. The technology has changed so much. There is one scene where Cookie Monster is trying to type a letter to Santa about what he wants for Christmas but gets distracted because the different parts of the typewriter looks like different cookies or desserts. My 4 year old has never seen a typewriter before and didn't really understand how a typewriter works. I guess my boys will now have "Shrek the Halls" to pass down to my granddaughters (positive thinking on my part). It was an enjoyable show but there are some satire scenes in the show that they may not ever understand.

DWTS Finale

I know I'm a little late with my opinion but I've been busy with the holiday season. First of all I'm so happy Helio and Julianne won. I would have been happy for Maks and Mel but as you know I'm a huge Julianne fan. I guess what is more intriguing is the rumors that came the next day that Helio and Julianne might be a couple because Helio's engagement is off. I read somewhere online today that maybe it was her brother or Donny Osmond said that Julianne could have chemistry with a broomstick. She sells it well and I think that is one of the reasons why I love her. I also read that she is recording an album Not sure the genre - not sure that I'm interested in her as a singer. My friend has this theory that Julianne will now be stuck with someone with not much dancing talent because she has won 2 times in a row. Cheryl had a shot at 3 but Ian was just too stiff compared to Joey and Anton. I don't think they will have another competition until this fall. I am assuming the Bruno / Carrie Ann dance war will take over from Jan - May. If that is the case I will be bummed because I enjoy watching the stars learn how to dance!

A poll for Cavs fans

Browns Town Again?

Is this crazy? The Browns have won five straight at home this season? I cannot BELIEVE it! Wearing a throwback uni (just one digit off from a legend) Jamal Lewis ran past, over and through the Texans. Lewis has a stiff arm from circa 1949. Given the fact that my Indians far exceeded my expectations, I am starting to think the "P" word might be spoken. And I may be wrong, but this might be the first time in my lifetime the Indians and the Browns were in the playoffs in the same year. I KNOW the Indians, Browns and Cavs have never been to the post-season in the same year. Could we, should we dream?

Here is the really fun part. My four year old son is begging me to skip nap time so he can see the Browns. Now, maybe he just wants to skip his nap. However, it is still cool that I am watching the Brownies with my son, and it is not punishment.

The photo is borrowed from a slideshow at www.ClevelandBrowns.com

That Was Close! Browns Making It Interesting

Last week they SHOULD have beat the Stillers. Just a field goal away. As the lovely Joyce lamented, "How could that exact thing happen two weeks in a row? HOW?" Only because it is a Cleveland sports team. That is how it could happen. All is well that ends well. But now it REALLY hurts the the Brownies didn't get it done last week.

Do you think the ref looked at the tape before they had further discussions? Do you suppose Baltimore sports talkers are crying in their crab cakes about the reversed call. If they are, it gladdens my heart. I hate the Ravens.

Remembering our Troops

As Veteran's Day approaches us I thought I would pass along a few ideas if you would like to take time to thank our troops. The first idea I received in an email.

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

Send to: A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

An update to my original post (11/20) -

I heard on the radio today that if you don't have a soldier's name on your Christmas card the Walter Reed Center is returning the card to the sender. That is a shame - why can't they just pass them out?

My second idea would be to donate to the Freedom Calls Organization. Here is the link
http://www.freedomcalls.org/ They get the troops hooked up to their families back home when they can't make it back for a birth or a death of a family member.

I think these are two ideas that I will be acting on in the near future!

Thank you to all the Veterans who read our blog!

CMA Recap

I enjoyed watching the CMA's very much. Glad to see the people who won. They deserved it. Now here is my red carpet recap - I guess that makes me a Joan Rivers wannabe without the annoying voice.

LeAnn Rimes - nice dress I guess but she is so pale that I don't think I like it that much.

Taylor swift - nice dress - she looks like an emmy award.

Jewell - can you say boob job?? That doesn't look natural - it looks like it hurts to be honest with you.

Sara Evans is really pretty but this dress reminds me of my sister's first homecoming dress back in 1988. I think it might have helped things if it went below the knees and what is up with the Wilma Flinstone jewelry??

Kellie Pickler looked nice. She did a nice job of not accentuating the boob job.

The elegant award winners go to Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. Both looking awesome as always!

That's why they call it Fall

Dad didn't mind raking them up again & again & again...

The Office

Last night's episode of "The Office" was awesome as always. The exclusive club was great. As I was driving to work this morning I couldn't help thinking that the Toby/Pam relationship reminded me a lot of Friends Rachel/Gunther relationship. Is Toby only in the club to be closer to Pam? When Michael to Jim to take Karen to a hotel, get on top of her and think of Stanley I thought I was going to lose it. The only thing I was disappointed about is they didn't touch on the Andy/Dwight/Angela triangle. That is a great B story!

Baseball - the off season

Some random thoughts I have about what has happened in the "off season" of baseball. The baseball season ended just 4 days ago but so much has happened. Joe Giradi is now the skipper of the Yankees - good luck with that and Joe Torre is now going to lead the Dodgers. I'm happy for Joe. Maybe he will finally get the credit he deserves without the owner second guessing him in the media.

Today, I read about Barry Bonds playing "hardball" with the Hall of Fame. Here is a link to the article - http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3090631. He said if the hall displays his record breaking ball with an asterisk he will never be in the hall of fame. So if he is elected he won't show up for the ceremony. I think it's rather bold for him to think he is an automatic bid. Look at Mark McGuire. I believe last year he was his first year of eligibility and he did not get enough votes.

I guess the good news is the Curt Schilling has the Indians on his list of teams he would like to play for in the future. I'm impressed because the list included cities that were good enough to raise a family - schools/neighborhoods. I wonder what 'hood' he would live in if he became an Indian. My question is do we dish Byrd and go after Schilling? Then you can let Lee/Laffey/Miller battle it out.

A-rod will no longer be a Yankee. Ok - who is going to sign him to the big contract he will demand? I don't think the Indians will but it would be interesting to throw him in our lineup and put him at 3rd base. I don't think the Indians will do this because of the money and the choke artist that he is in the playoffs.

Stay tuned as who knows what week 2 in the off season will bring!

Happy Halloween

boo!

That Was Painful...Better With Time

The "Stop Me When I Am Lying" crew must have all gone into the same disbelieving funk that I did. How could the Tribe just fall apart like that? The sting is still there, but seeing Colorado get swept ended the season mercifully.

What are we going to post about now? The Browns won back-to-back games. That is something. The presidential elections are less just about a year away. "Dancing with the Stars" has been entertaining.

I look at the search queries to see how people find this blog. During the Indians run in the post season, there was traffic related to "rally pie" and "it's Tribe Time now".

Today there was a new query that brought us a visitor - "how to stop our annoying brother from annoying us". OK - given that my brothers post here, I better be careful. But if you want my advise on the subject, here it goes. I am making an assumption that the annoying brother is a younger brother. They usually are the annoying ones. Wait twenty years or so. He may be just as annoying, but there is a chance that he will have moved far enough away that you won't be subjected to his pure annoying-ness as often. If you can't wait that long, fink on him to your parents.

It's a sad day

The mourning begins - another baseball season is over for the Indians. So what do we have to look forward to in the Sports World? The Cavaliers will try to defend their Eastern League title and the Browns are 3-3 and will try and have a respectable season. It's going to be a long winter.

The fat lady is warming up!

Big win last night! I'm looking for the Tribe to close it out tomorrow. We definitely have the BIG MO on our side and I'm not talking about Mo Vaughn!

Some observations about the ALCS

I have been listening to a lot of local sports talk not only in the car but on the internet. I can't get over how hyper and panicked the Indians fans are. Last week they wanted CC to go on short rest instead of Paul Byrd. Wedge stays with Byrd and we clinch. Again this week people are just nervous nellies about our team and second guessing Eric Wedge. It is almost comical because you would think we were down 0-3 to the Red Sox and were facing elimination. Tribe fans - relax. We are going to the World Series. I can't see us losing to Tim Wakefield tonight especially because the Red Sox will have to decide if they let Varitek catch him (highly unlikely) then if you use Varitek as DH the ailing Ortiz surely couldn't play 1st base with an achey knee. If you did get crazy and start Ortiz why would you want to take Youkilis out of the lineup?? The way I see it is the Red Sox have problems and the Indians can pick another person's bat to victory with another solid performance from our bullpen to close out Game 4. I am hoping CC is the CC of old when he pitches on Thursday. Hopefully he will be back in synch.

Who got PIED on Friday?

Inquiring minds want to know. Normally the pie in the face takes place during a TV interview but I never saw who was the lucky candidate on Friday evening when the Indians squeaked out the victory against the Yankees in 11 innings. I really hope they continue this trend as many players are superstitious - just look at Casey and his beard, Fausto and the foul line jumping. and all of those pregame HIGH 5's that Martinez gives out to his teammates. Does anyone have the answer???

Update: here is a link to a Plain Dealer story - http://tinyurl.com/yop3l7

Buh Bye, Yankees!

Congratulations to the 2007 Cleveland Indians. The ALCS is set and the two teams with the best records are facing each other. The Red Sox are tough, but it is Tribe Time NOW!

Joyce's keys to an ALDS Victory!

1) Pitching has to be superb. We know CC and Fausto will bring their A game but the bullpen will need to carry on with what they started. Joe B will need to make sure to take care of business when A Rod, Jorge and Jeter come up to the dish.

2) The hitters need to be patient at the plate and make the pitchers work deep into the count. I think when the Tribe was on the skids before and after the All Star Break it was because they weren't being patient and making the pitcher work.

3) Keep mental and fielding errors to a minimum.

4) Be aggressive on the bases. We aren't a team that likes to steal alot of bases but sometimes I think we need to push it and put the pressure back on the other team.

5) Fans need to be loud as possible. They shouldn't listen to the press and how they are saying the Yankees are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Yes, they are good but they haven't won a sausage in 7 years.

6) Someone needs to come through and get me a "It's Tribe Time Now" t-shirt - preferrably XL (room for the future fan)

GO TRIBE!!!

Croc Guitar

Outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Would you vote for this grin?

Our local ABC affilliate has a link on their page to have a photo vote. Each week they list a topic and you have a few days to upload your photo and then from the 500 submissions they receive, they pick the top 10. There were a few topics I had the "perfect" picture to submit but was to late. This week's topic "Goofy Grins". My children give me plenty of goofy grins all the time, but the most recent one I capture was my dear little Patrick. Well Patrick didn't make the top 10, but I still think its cute. What do you think?

Central Division Champs!!

YEA!!!!!!! Anyone knows where I could purchase a "It's Tribe Time Now" t-shirt - please let me know.

Great game! Great celebration! I'm looking forward to seeing where we end up - hopefully with the home field advantage. I'm glad they clinched at home because there would be no way in the world I could stay up for a Seattle game this week.

A game of skill

Shooting pool at Brathaus. I think I'll blame the beers for my poor play.

Myles pizza Rocks

Cheesy garlic bread, pepperoni and sausage pizza and Sierra Nevada. Yes.

Go BGSU!

A sunny day - The Doyt looking good, and the mighty BG Falcons feasting on Temple Owls.

Who knew?

I was perusing Sports Time Ohio website when I checked out some of their Tribe gear. You wouldn't believe they are actually selling a cap care kit. If you don't believe me check it out?

http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Cleveland_Indians/Cap_Care_Kit

What I think I find shocking the most is there is an 8 page guide that accompanies the kit.

Only in America.

It's Tribe Time Now!

The Bob Feller statue is wearing a new shirt. I was walking when I took this picture with my cheapo camera phone. Sorry about the blurriness.

Cheating in the NFL

Ok – look who is apologizing now. I just saw on ESPN.com that before his regularly scheduled press conference that Bill Belichick issued an apology to his team on Wednesday and confirmed that he has spoken to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about his "interpretation" of league rules that ban videotaping of the opposing sideline.

Here was his statement:
"At this point, we have not been notified of the league's ruling," Belichick said in a statement. "Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league's decision, I will have further comment."

Does that sound like they are guilty or what??!!

This was an interesting side story on the same page:
In August, ESPN.com ran a comprehensive package on cheating in sports. Jeffri Chadiha wrote the NFL portion of the package. Among the ways NFL coaches try to gain an advantage was trying to descramble signals sent from coach to player: "When Marty Schottenheimer coached the Cleveland Browns in the late 1980s, he routinely sent a scout to watch the signals opposing teams used to relay messages from coaches to players. When the scout returned, Schottenheimer's staff would watch the game film and match the signals to the plays that followed. "[Herm] Edwards said the same is true today. It's common for coaches to watch standard game tapes (which include shots from the press box and end zone angles), sideline tapes (which usually wind up on highlight shows and include footage of players and coaches talking on the sidelines) and even the television shows of opposing coaches for tips."

Maybe the Browns should start stealing some signals again. Better yet we should get a new coach!

From Peter Gammons

I copied and pasted the article in fear that because this is an "IN" thing on ESPN it could disappear at any moment. Amen Peter Gammons!


Halos and Tribe are dangerousposted: Monday, September 10, 2007 Print Entry

With three weeks and less than 20 games to play, the news on Jeremy Bonderman may have made the American League playoff races nearly as clear as a September Naushon Island morning. The Angels have crushed the West, and by Thursday, the Indians will have finished a brutal three-city, 10-game road trip and taken a deep breath after playing 23 days in a row. If the Tigers have run out of time, what remains to be determined is who among the league's final four plays whom, and when.
Somehow in the sheltered world of the Delta Shuttle, there is the presumption that October will come down to the Yankees playing the Red Sox for the right to play the Mets. But at the risk of bodily harm from Mike Scioscia for merely thinking about the playoffs, start with this: With the first-round games spread out more than in years past, the teams with the best 1-2 starters may have a big advantage, and right now, the argument can be made that the Angels with John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar and the Indians with C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona have the two best pairs in the league. L.A. is 39-16 and Cleveland 39-20 in their duos' starts this season, after the two teams split a fascinating four-game series in Anaheim this past weekend.
There is a lot to be determined in this coming weekend's Yankee-Red Sox showdown at Fenway Park -- starting with Boston's need to get Daisuke Matsuzaka and Eric Gagne back on track for postseason legitimacy -- and how the two teams' young pitchers deal with the Indian summer during this series.
Right now, the Indians have a lot going for them. They have been able to win against their rivals' best pitchers (Sabathia and Carmona went 6-1 against Johan Santana and Justin Verlander, the pitchers the Tribe had to beat). They have put '06 behind them with their response to the 23 straight games, the emergence of Asdrubal Cabrera and the promise that Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner will get hot sometime. It seemed a given that their starters would lead the league in innings and quality starts, but watching the finale in Anaheim against the team with the best home record in the game was even more reason for optimism. Seeing Aaron Laffey (16-5 between Double-A, Triple-A and the AL), rookie Jensen Lewis and arguably the best left-handed reliever on the planet, Rafael Perez (one extra-base hit by a lefty in two years with a slugging percentage under .140), handle the Angels was the kind of sign the Yankees and Red Sox have seen in Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz.
Remember, being 23rd in payroll requires the Indians to be a constant work in progress. But that progress has happened during a season in which Carmona, Laffey, Lewis, Perez, Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez all arrived from Buffalo to become significant contributors in building a six-game lead on the defending AL champion Tigers. Incidently, in the Indians' transformation, they have a team that loses no regular to free agency this winter, and can anticipate the 2008 return to grace of Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers.
But even after losing the last two games to Indians left-handers without Vladimir Guerrero or Chone Figgins, the Angels are emerging as the American League team to beat this fall. To begin with, please forget the October matchups and how home field is important if it's Los Angeles-Boston, or how Scioscia's Halos have always gone into Yankee Stadium with an intrepid attitude that has made them a thorn in Joe Torre's side in the 21st century.
To begin with, it's the style of play. During Scioscia's first spring training as manager, Shawn Wooten made a baserunning blunder and was thrown out at third base by what Scioscia estimates was "20 feet." Wooten slinked back toward the dugout, looking for a place to hide, yet Scioscia went up to him and said, "That's great. Never stop being aggressive. Don't worry about getting thrown out." By the manager's count, it happened to three or four other players that spring, and thus a style, philosophy and courage was born. "No one is afraid here," Figgins says. "We play a little differently than other teams, but no one's afraid."
In the media notes, the Angels have a daily total on the number of times they've gone from first to third on singles. Yes, they lead the league, by far, and in a sport where throwing has become a faded art, they force issues that few teams force. "A few years back," says Scioscia, "there was a stat where we went first to third 101 times and got thrown out six times, while the A's only got thrown out twice all season in 30 attempts going first to third. I prefer forcing the issue and not taking it safe. If we had a lineup of power hitters, would we play differently? Of course. But we play the way we have to play. I don't know where we rank in homers [12th in the AL], but we do what we have to do."
That includes leading the league in stolen bases for the fourth year in a row.
"They hit and run, steal, bunt and pitch out in the damndest of counts," says one AL scout. "They always rush opposing outfielders. They make contact and force opposing defenses to make all the plays. They always hustle. They're a very difficult team to play, and if they get their bullpen straightened out, they are a team that may be cut out for the postseason." Cue the 2002 ALDS, when they drove Bernie Williams to distraction by sprinting around the field as if they were doing spring training baserunning drills.
Now, there are issues to watch. Jered Weaver took a step back Sunday after a strong month in which his velocity had picked up 3-4 mph, and they have no idea what to expect when Bartolo Colon comes back. But the right people around Guerrero have morphed at the right time. Garret Anderson, who looked like a comeback player of the year candidate this spring before being sidetracked for nearly two months with hip flexor problems, leads the majors in RBIs since the All-Star break. Fire-starter Figgins, who missed more than three weeks with a bad wrist, is back and can start hitting right-handed this week. By the playoffs, he should be back to what Mickey Hatcher calls his Tony Gwynn imitation. Howie Kendrick, healthy, has hit close to .380 the last three weeks. Casey Kotchman, healthy, is emerging. Juan Rivera is back from his leg fracture, and Orlando Cabrera continues to play like the elite all-around shortstop he has become.
Scioscia has developed his two young catchers, Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis, and when the team was besieged by injuries, Kendry Morales (.325) and Maicer Izturis became critical role and depth players. "This is the most depth I've ever managed," says Scioscia. Now, he just needs Gary Matthews Jr. to be the player he was for 3½ months.
Scot Shields had imploded since the break, culminating with a game-deciding gopher ball to Hank Blalock on Sept. 2. Last Tuesday, he went out and threw a simulated game to work on his mechanics. It didn't go too well. "I got a little frustrated," says Shields, who at one point turned and fired a ball from the mound over the right-field fence. "That night, they put tape on the bench where it landed," says Shields, who pointed out it was right in the vicinity where Blalock's homer landed.
Shields' mechanics and stuff were back when he faced the Indians on Friday night.
Francisco Rodriguez also has been in a post-break funk with four blown saves and a 4.36 ERA. Pitching coach Mike Butcher took him aside to work on not being as pronounced throwing across his body. The delivery was slower Sunday night, and the stuff was K-Rodesque.
If the Tigers' starting pitching can hold up without Bonderman, any one of five teams could emerge from the ALCS and get to the World Series. If not, any one of four AL clubs -- especially with six of the leading Cy Young contenders (Sabathia, Josh Beckett, Chien-Ming Wang, Lackey, Escobar, Carmona) pitching -- have a chance to win the playoffs.
It is not an Inside Track/Page Six lock that the passage to the World Series goes through the South Bronx or Lansdowne Street. When these final three weeks are done and it's October, it is possible the Angels and Indians will finish with the best records in the American League, with the right players healthy and hot, with the least need for Giant Auto Glass Replacement, in comparison to the teams emerging from the final weeks of the Yankee-Red Sox border bumper wars.
There is life west of the Garden State Parkway, so watch the Angels and the Indians. They're good, they're fun, they pitch, they play hard, their self esteem is not at stake in October, and either one could still be playing on Halloween.

Are you scoreboard watching?

I'm not talking about the Tigers - forget about them. They are done. We need to watch what LAA are doing. They 4 percentage points better than us. Right now I'm guessing if the playoffs started today, it would be 1) Boston 2) LAA 3) Indians and 4) New York. That would mean we would face Boston. I personally would rather face New York first while LAA and Boston fight it out. I know you are thinking but JoyceK the Yankees beat us everytime this year. I think we will be a different team in the postseason where we can handle anyone of these teams. I would just rather not face Boston and then LAA to get to the World Series. I would rather have the cake-walk!!

A change at QB

I just read online that Charlie Frye is going to Seattle for a 6th Round Pick. The Browns are to sign Dorsey - who Seattle worked out last week and didn't want. 1) Hello Browns - we gave up our 1st Round pick to get Quinn - can we try and get at least a 2nd Round pick for Frye? 2) How bad is Frye that we only got a 6th Round pick? 3) We still stink even if they start Dorsey this week. Maybe we will luck out because the Bengals have a short week b/c they played last night.

I must agree with the Browns that something had to happen because you can't release the bad punter that bailed you out last week because your regular punter has a bad back and keep 3 mediocre QB's.

Different Season - Same Clowns - I mean Browns

They said they made improvements in the offseason but I don't think they showed up yesterday. I will admit I did not watch the whole game but from what I saw they still stink. I hope the tailgaiters had a good meal! I don't think Quinn should be played yet - I think cut Frye or Anderson and let Dorsey play.

I do think this - if we played everybody's 3rd string we would be Super Bowl Bound!

Indians Fever - - Indian Summer Edition

The very warm temperatures here in Lake County obscure the fact that is will soon be Autumn. Although not technically Indian Summer, I got Indians Fever. I admit, I went through a little funk in early August. So did Eric Wedge, before he challenged the team publicly to prove they were tough enough to compete. Since then the Tribe has put it together.

Could this be THE YEAR?

Fishin' in PA

We caught a bass! (John is an excellent coach.)

A recap of this weekend in Cleveland Sports

Well, the Indians took 2 out of 3. It wasn't pretty at all but they got the job done. I'm hoping this lack of hitting thing and wasting good pitching is almost out of our system because if we were to start the playoffs next week I would be happy to be in the dance but thinking it might be a short song.

Brady Quinn looks 125% better with a buzz cut although I have to take 15% off because of the widow's peak isn't very flattering. I wonder if he had to request a smaller helmet with the lack of hair but I'm sure the ego might have filled in the rest of the space. I think we will not win against the Steelers unless our defense knocks both Big Ben and Charlie Batch out of the game and we face their 3rd string. I think I would prefer to go with Charlie Frye. I'm curious to see which QB is on the short end of the stick - Anderson or Dorsey. I think we are ready for a new head coach but I'm not sure who that would be.

Baseball Business Blog

A couple of days ago I linked to an article about the cheap beer/drunken driving awareness night in a minor league game.

I was told the link didn't work for everybody, so I thought I would tip you off to the site that saw the story on - The Biz of Baseball. A nice collection of baseball news, major or minor. As the name indicates, it is not so much about ERA or RBI, more like COGS and ROI.

I Thought I was a Ham

You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

You life your life in a free form, artistic style. You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy. Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it. Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Rats, we didn't win

Apparently Grady Sizemore chose somebody else's backyard to play wiffle ball in. Here is the article.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/08/grady_and_the_gang_play_ball.html

How cool would that have been for us to have him in Willowick. We would have to introduce him to our chalk driveway/field.

Gotta Love Minor League Promotions

We have a South Atlantic League affiliate in Lake County, but I don't think any of their promotions have entered the realm of a recent stunt by the Savannah Sand Gnats.

In an odd twist, the Drunk Driving Awareness Night will coincide with a Thirsty Thursday promotion of half-priced beer and Coke and $1 Papa John’s Pizza slices presented by Connect Savannah, Rock 106.1 and Papa John’s Pizza.

Throw in the Zooperstars, and you are talking a REAL night of entertainment!

It happened this morning!

I had my wacky thought of this pregnancy. On the way to work I was pondering when I would like to deliver this baby. I am due on February 24th and I was thinking about how neat it would be to have the baby born on February 29th because 2008 is a leap year. Then I thought "oh yea it would be cool if I finally would have a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday baby. And if that happened the baby would be born on the 27th!" You see John was born Monday, April 7th, James was born Tuesday, May 17th and Patrick was born on Thursday, December 7th. So I would think I am destined to have the baby on Wednesday, February 27th. Check back in a couple months when I find out if its a boy or girl. I'm thinking it will be a boy so start thinking of some boy names to suggest.

Finally - No Fear!

A news-worthy day

1) Browns sign Quinn
2) Indians designated Mike Rouse for assignment after last night’s game – with speculation in the media we were looking to claim someone off waivers
3) Indians re-sign Russell Branyan to a minor league contract – who knew this guy was still playing!!! Only hitting a .197 with the Padres this year – hmm looks like a steal! Why can't we "steal Jermaine Dye for the White Sox??? I would be much more excited about that move!

Got to love that post-season feeling

With all the great pitching we have run into lately and the lack of hitting, I can't help feel that is just exactly what we will run into when we reach the post season. Hopefully our hitting will start up again so we can create a little bigger cushion from Detroit and the dreaded Yankees. I hate to hear the Yankee fans cry every year in May and June that their team is awful - they always come around are in the hunt - it makes me want to puke!

Cool!

Fun at the splashpark!

{I have deleted the long advertisement that Verizon added here.}

Indians Atop AL Central

YOUR Cleveland Indians are in first place. For the last few weeks the Tigers have attempted to hand them first, but the Tribe must have thought it was some sort of trap. But my favorite featherheads finally found a way to first.

Behold the power of SMWIAL

We added a poll asking if Cliff Lee should visit Buffalo. It was answered with an unanimous "yes". Before the poll expired, the roster move was made. Now, I can't claim that Mark Shapiro reads Stop Me When I am Lying. All I am saying is that if he DOES, he would have heard the fans speak in a unified voice. All three of us. Or two of us, one using two different browsers to vote twice.

I hope this isn't our only trade

I hope Mark Shapiro doesn't give a press conference on Tuesday evening saying the market wasn't favorable so all we could come up with is an extra 40 year old bat. I hope the farm or the market can produce some more pitching. I also hope this trade doesn't screw up the chemistry in the clubhouse. I think these guys are not the blaring music type like they were in the 90's the last time Kenny Lofton was here. I hope I hope I hope

new show - 6 degrees of Martina McBride

Last night as my husband came to bed he told me 3 things I love you, the Indians lost and Martina McBride has a new show coming July 30th - the 6 degrees of Martina McBride. What the heck is that we wondered. I checked it out on abc.com. Apparently if you want to have a shot at becoming country's next biggest thing - you had to find someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who know somone who know Martina McBride. Then you were picked to be groomed by her to become the next country act. I think it will be a mini american idol for country music. I hope its more than one week but I haven't figured that part out yet.

The story behind the "Rally Pie"

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1185179685236630.xml&coll=2&thispage=1

This is a great story! Take a few minutes and put your feet up and enjoy!

I wonder if this was part of the 25 minute - players only discussion. It seems like all the position players get along great. I wish I was a fly on the wall for that conversation.

The SMWIAL Poll

New feature of Blogger is the ability to add a poll. Please vote early and often the "Can the Indians sign CC" poll. Just to be clear - if you select "No. The Dolans are cheap" - you are a moron ill informed person and probably call local sports talk when you are in your cups.

Thank you.

2nd Half should be just as exciting as 1st Half

I am just as excited and optimistic about the Indians as I was in April when they began their quest to be world champions. Today they are going to announce the signing of Travis Hafner and I'm sure Shapiro has had many phone calls entertaining offers so we can obtain one more stellar bat and stellar arm.

I thought the All Star game was pretty good - although I did sleep through most of it. I still think Victor Martinez got hosed by not getting the MVP. Yes, Ichiro had 3 hits but Victor had the big hit that ultimately won the game.

YMCA Dreamhouse

I'm sitting here daydreaming about winning the YMCA Dreamhouse. Does anyone know what the percent amount is on the winning house? Would it be 6.25% because that is what the county tax rate is? I'm just trying to decide if I could afford to take the house or if I would rather have the money and pay off the current dream house (with less space) I am living in. Of course I have not invested $30 on this endeavor yet, so its still a dream in my mind.

Red White and Blue Crew

The boys get ready for July 4th.

2007 Indians are a team of destiny

I'm calling it now - June 28th, 2007 - this Indians team is a special team. I think they can go all the way this year to the World Series. They are starting to come out of a funk and to hit the ball with fiery. I know they lost pretty good last night - but even down 5 or 6 runs I still think this team can overcome the deficit. Our pitching has been pretty good - they are getting rid of the dead weight and the farm is starting to produce some real gems. I am very excited about the 2nd half of this season! Do I hear an amen out there?

Tiger's new baby

Pictures are now posted of Sam Woods - Tiger's little girl born last week. She is so beautiful. With having a kid that cute Tiger and Elin should consider having at least 4 children ;-)

www.tigerwoods.com

The Fat Lady is warming up

I don't care what the ref said to LeBron - he was fouled. Thanks for taking the game out of our hands ref :-(

Those aren't Cavs colors!

I can't believe it! If you look closely - those balloons are black and white (spurs colors) - not WINE and GOLD! What kind of pep rally is this? My guess is the mayor had a limited budget and the wine and gold would have cost as much as the personalized Cavs jersey Danny Ferry presented to him at the rally. Cleveland is broke and needs to have the fire fighters mow city property to keep costs down. This pep rally was odd and disorganized. The best line when Ferry was presenting the jersey to the mayor - you may not be able to get into the game tonight but you can still wear this and cheer us on - TOO Funny!

If we don't win tonight. . . .

It's going to take a Richfield Miracle

Forget about Rising Up, it's time to call in on a big favor from the big Guy up above. The Cavs need another Richfield Miracle to get back in this series. San Antonio is clearly the better team - this is what we would like the Cavs to become. I'm hoping the players and the front office can take from this series and learn what needs to be done in order to be a championship team. They need to get 1 more maybe 2 more supporting cast members for LeBron. Hopefully the changes will gel quickly and we can go on another trip to the NBA Finals.

Why hasn't anyone from the media asked Coach Brown why he insists on starting Larry Hughes instead of Daniel Gibson? Boobie produced more in this series than Larry Hughes. Larry is down, its OK because we got Boobie. C'mon Coach Brown - dig deep and make the change. Boobie is the firecracker we need to keep our poise and focus for 48 minutes!

New Toby Keith Videos

Oh my goodness - Toby's new video (at least new to me) - Crash here tonight is unbelieveable. He has Heather Locklear in the video. The only thing I was disappointed with was they were to act as love interests - he didn't kiss her on the lips and she had to sleep on the couch even though the bed was 5 feet away.

Here is a link to Toby's videos available on CMT.com http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/keith_toby/videos.jhtml

Toby always has the nicest looking women in his videos.

YEA CAVS! BOO on the start times!

I can't believe the Cavs pulled off the big wins to get to the Finals. I am still in shock and it has not sunk in yet. I think part of the problem I am having is the time the games start. Every game starts at 9pm. Unless you are on the West coast this is a late start. I know they want the most fans watching but I have a hard enough time staying up past 9pm (as the baby still gets up in the night) and to be productive so the share holders of my company are pleased - I need more that 5 hours of sleep at night.

I don't have a prediction - I'm thinking they won't win, but I wouldn't mind being pleasantly surprised.

It was good to see the fans behave and Cleveland not get any more bad press. I guess there is no guarantee of the same thing if we are the NBA champs!

Bummer :-(

It was reported today that cutie pie Tony Romeo asked the beautiful Carrie Underwood for some space during the football season. He did this once before and she obliged. Now it is being reported that this time around it is not sitting well with Carrie. I can't blame her. Either you love me or not - figure out a way to balance a relationship and your career is what I would tell him. It's not like she is his shadow - she has a career as well. Well Carrie, if I were you I would look up Apollo Anton Ohno and have him show you a few dance moves ;-)

Too Funny!

Check out this article - http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270530114

Let me give you the gist if you don't feel like going to the link. Yankees vs. Blue Jays. The Yankees have been stinking up the joint and were about to be swept by the Jays. Its the 9th inning and A-Rod is a baserunner. There was a pop-up and he yells "mine" well the fielder backed off and it fell. Bummer. Odviously the Blue Jays weren't too thrilled that this trick worked.

After what I read in the paper this morning about A-Rod (he was seen with a blonde lady - hotel - strip club - not his wife) this might be a nice that they are talking about baseball and not the other stuff.

GO TRIBE!

Cleveland Sweeps Detroit

The Tribe went into Comerica and made the Tigers look like pussycats. The Cavs had a gut check and beat the Pistons tonight. A good day for Cleveland sports fans. I still don't think that the Cavs can advance past the Pistons. But today was entertaining.

I know it is early, but I have a full scale case of Indians Fever. I really like this team. The sight of Paul Byrd giving Jason Michaels a hug after his catch yesterday was priceless. A good mix of veterans and guys that will be the core for a few years to come are this team.

Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians

I don't want to register an account

In a world that is now gone cyber crazy why can't we just get the information we want without having to "Log in". For example I would love to have extra coupons to go to the grocery store with each week. I found a few sites but can you just get the coupons - NOOOO you have to sign up or log in so the people can fill up your email address with tons of junk. I have a running tab of all my passwords - the majority are the same for multiple sites to make it easy but when I change it up and can't remember it - its a total bummer. Please just give us the coupons - register free - and I will be happy!!

Gas prices can drop any day now

What the heck is this $3.49 crap??? Someone needs to cut this increase in half or give me a raise so I can get to and from work. I can't believe it went up 32 cents in one day - even the post office doesn't get you on an increase that high. Maybe I should start drilling for oil between the garages (a lot of oil was dumped there before all this environment stuff came to light)

Reality TV

Apollo MUST WIN!!!

I could care less about Idol. If I had to pull for someone I guess it would be Blake because I totally loved his Bon Jovi song

Apollo MUST WIN! He is a smidge better than Joey - he wins because Juilanne is hotter than Kym and way way way way way way way better than Ms. Ali.

Cavs vs Detroit

Not a bad start. I was really expecting it to be worse. I don't blame LeBron for dishing it to a wide open guy.

In all honesty I see this as a stepping stone for the team of destiny. Cavs lose it in 6 games.

When did the switch get turned off??

Can someone please explain to me how a young pitcher be effective one year and look like a promising prospect and then the next year - Boom! Lose confidence in his stuff? I'm talking about Jeremy Sowers. He was so effective at the end of last year. Was he running on adrenaline that he made it to the bigs that he wasn't overthinking each pitch? Was he following the catcher's lead in what pitch to throw and now is too cocky to listen to his battery mate? I hope he gets it back soon. Right now with the way he is pitching I think another stint in Buffalo might do him a bit of good. Maybe this is the reason Shapiro is/was afraid to go with his home grown youth because the growing pains can hurt. Fausto has made the adjustment and is a major league player. When Westbrook comes back from the DL, they must find a spot for Fausto (and the bullpen is not the place)

The Heckling Bar Has Been Raised!

Some visitors and contributors are excellent baseball hecklers. This story is a "reach goal", people. The Blue Jays' Vernon Wells sends a message on the horsehide to Tribe fans.

Dear mr. dork,

Here is your ball! Can you please tell me what gas station you work at so when you are pumping my gas I can yell at you!!! Now sit down, shut up, and enjoy the game!

Your favorite centerfielder,

Nicely done!

Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt.

Better?

Tough crowd!

Yikes!

Too close? Blogger lets you post from your mobile phone. I'm just trying it out. The dear Joyce K thinks this is funny and creepy at the same time.

MLB denies Cleveland in protested game

So the MLB decided the Indians will not have a chance to change the outcome of last Saturday's contest with the Orioles. See the attached article for the ruling.

http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2007/05/mlb_denies_indians_protest.html

What I find funny in this whole article that if you scroll down the fans not only go off on the MLB Officials but they take a few cheap shots at the Journalists who write for the city paper. Granted all of the sports journalists for the paper stink and are super negative, but I think its funny how they work it in.

I think the Indians got hosed in the deal. Did the umpires ultimately get the decision right? yes. 3 innings later is a little weak. What is even worse the manager of Baltimore nor the player who scored the run contested the call at the time it happened. It was the bench coach who brought it up. I guess the player and manager lack "attention to detail" when it comes to their job.

Favorite couple on Dancing with the Stars

Ok - I don't expect a lot of comments on this one, but this is a fun show. I think my favorite couple in the Spring Edition of DWTS, is Apollo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough. They are super cute together and bring a lot of energy to the dance floor every night. I hope Julianne is back next season and they give her another good partner!

Favorite song on country radio

I think that award will have to go to Brad Paisley's "Ticks". Very catchy and one to remember. Even though its not a recent release Faith Hill's "Sunshine and Summertime" is quickly becoming a favorite. I think that is because I am ready for both Sunshine and Summertime. The songs I could do without "Allyssa Lies" and "When you hear Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me". I do like the way the guy sings Allyssa Lies, but its such a sad song and I don't need my eyes welling up with tears every 45 minutes. I can't wait to hear new stuff from Carrie Underwood. I hope her next album is just as good as her first.

Annoying TV Commercials

Let me just say the Subway commercial during Indians games is so annoying I think I will turn the channel everytime it is on. The Altell commercials are starting to go up on the annoyance scale as well. I guess it beats the Sherwin Williams commercials from the past couple of years. Why do the Indians think they just need to sell to 5 advertisers? I think my favorite during the games are the ones sponsored by STO (Sports Time Ohio) and when they show the fans at different games. Very cool - especially in HD. Most Hi-Larious commercials go to Miller High Life.

The red sock

So, there seems to be a story circulating that Curt Schilling painted his sock in the 2004 ALCS to make appear bloody. I guess in a world where there are individuals actually seriously proposing the the US Government coordinated the attacks of 9/11/01, this story has legs. Mr Schilling responds quite well, I say!

The saddest part in all of this is the following. Yesterday, as I was warming up for the game, I got to see a young kid, could not have been more than 20, who had served in Iraq. He was being honored by the Orioles and threw out the first pitch. He was a double amputee who’d lost the lower portion of both of his legs serving his country. He refused to use his cane and getting to see him do that was incredible.

Instead of finding this kid and writing a story that truly matters, something that would and could truly inspire people, the media chose to focus on a story that was over two years old and a completely fabricated lie. What a job.

Well said. And, by the way, he beat the Yankees in that bloody sock. Yes. He did.

Note to Browns - Please do not take Brady Quinn

I know Charlie Frye is not the answer but if you draft Brady you are telling the fans we are starting all over AGAIN! I would rather see them get a studly offensive lineman that won't end his season on the first snap of spring training. That's right, I want the Browns to draft SUPERMAN!! I am so glad the Indians are having a good April otherwise I would feel compelled to watch the draft.

2007 MLB All Star Game

Ok - its time to VOTE VOTE VOTE!! The baseball season is already 2 weeks old but its now time for the popularity contest for a game in July. I just found out today that this year's game is in San Francisco. Wait a minute, let me think back the 2006 summer classic was in Pittsburgh. What happened to alternating American League / National League cities? Anyone who can answer this question - please post. Is this a conspiracy to make the American league drop the DH rule? Well, if you haven't voted already go to www.indians.com and vote for Travis Hafner. He can play 1st Base you know.

Sanjaya got the boot!

Thank the lord we won't have to hear him sing again. However, I will miss what is he going to do with his hair next. He and I have a similar head of hair. Men shouldn't be blessed with a nice head of hair like that. If he was my child his head would be shaved so we would never see the curly locks.

I'm liking the start of the season

I hope I don't jinx things by saying I like how the Indians got out of the gate. Granted it was terrible for being one out away from a win then no games for the next 3 days. I almost think the time off helped the Tribe. I think they came to Milwaukee wanting to look good and not rusty. This weekend taking another 2 out of 3 games from the pale hose was icing on the cake. Again, I don't want to jinx things, but our bullpen is looking pretty good right now. The starting pitching is pretty decent and our hitting isn't that bad. You must be doing something right when you can win a game with only having one hit. Amazing! Now we are off to New York another big test to see if we can swim with the sharks. The Skanks our an older team but always find a way to win.

Will there be a beer shortage?

I'm impressed with the baseball fans in Milwaukee. More than 17,000 turned out for a hastily arranged Thursday afternoon game.

I am worried, however. How many of these fans were playing hooky from their jobs at Miller Brewing Company? Were there enough workers left back at the brewery to keep America's thirst quenched?

YOUR Milwaukee Indians!

OK. This is truly strange. The Cleveland Indians will now play a home series in Milwaukee. How screwed up can your weather be that Wisconsin is a better, more temperate alternative? Yes, I know they have a dome. Still. When your weather in April is so inhospitable that important and powerful people say "Let's pack it up and try again in Milwaukee!", you got problems.

I am making no accusations, but are not the Brewers the team formerly owned by Bud Selig's family? Is not the team now owned by a powerful banker based in Southern California? Does not Miller Park stand to profit from this creative solution? How cozy. How convenient!

Tags: Baseball,Cleveland, Indians

Byrd got HOSED!!!

Was Bob Feller in the umpires room? Did he slip the crew chief a thousand dollar bill? Paul Byrd is one out away from an official game - with a NO HITTER!! He had the perfecto going but the cold was starting to get to him and walked the bases loaded. The umpires decide there is no guarantee that the snow that had STOPPED would not start up again after the grounds crew had just a little more to clear in left field. If I was part of the grounds crew and I was almost done blowing snow off the field for the 100th time today I would have been positively outraged. The Indians just needed possibly one more pitch to get out of the jam. Bases loaded - 2 outs and poof - game called. The stats don't count and Byrd doesn't get the chance to go down in Indians history. Instead the umpires will gamble that tomorrow's weather will be better not only to play one game but TWO. At the looks of the forecast there is going to be more delays than baseball once again. They should have tried to finish the game tonight and move up the start tomorrow. So now we are left to drink beer in our day of fasting and to watch the Cavs try and pull a rabbit out of their hat and win a game after losing last night in overtime. Can C-town ever catch a break?????

Is it Easter??

The calendar says its going to be Easter on Sunday. The weather makes it feel like Christmas and the Easter Bunny has bought more toys than candy. The funny thing is when asking my oldest son who is coming to town the other day he answered me, Santa Claus? The correct answer was his granparents from Pennsylvania but I'm sure once his eyes open up on Easter morning and he sees his Easter basket, he indeed will think that Santa Claus came to town. The Easter Bunny found a lot of great deals in the closeout section of Marcs and just couldn't help but pick a few things up!!

Opening Day 2007 - Go Tribe!

Well. That was nice. Tribe gets the year off to a good start by slapping the White Sox around. In Chicago. Heh.

The true test will be tomorrow. If this was 2006, they would come out the next day and strand five guys at first and lose 3 to 1.

Irish American

Happy Saint Patrick's day! It is a lovely day for a pint. Or two.

Irish Abandon Guinness?

I read with interest an article that notes the decline of Guinness consumption among the younger generation of Irish. It seems the young prefer their wine and cider. What is that country coming to? I knew entry into the European Union would lead to horrors. First, no more punt. Now this!

"Sales are doing well in North America and parts of West Africa -- where the stronger, bottled local version of Guinness has a reputation, perhaps undeserved, for everything from helping prevent malaria to enhancing male sexual prowess."

Perhaps undeserved? I enjoy Guinness. I have never had malaria. I am the father of three boys under the age of four.

Stop me when I am lying!!



Guinness, Irish

Daylight Savings Time

Well here we are - this weekend we "spring" ahead for more daylight at night. I am all for this but the thought of losing an hour of sleep just messes with me mentally not to mention I lose an hour of my weekend. Do you think my boss will let me come in an hour late?? I'm hoping the kids adjust pretty quickly to this change. This will be an interesting year with the change being earlier than past years. Will the TV's, VCR's, cell phones and computers make the change?? I feel like this is Y2K all over again!! That reminds me I better *228 my phone now!

Playing .600 Ball

Well, It is early. And it is Spring Training. But at least I can take comfort that my beloved Cleveland Indians are 3-2 so far in the Grapefruit League. This will be the first year in several that I will not make the spring training road trip. And for some reason I think it is making me follow it more closely.

I really do not know what to thing about "our" chances this year. Brother Drew thinks it all rests in the bullpen. (Or did I just misquote you?) I can't argue with that. We agree that Mr. Wedge might just have a make or break year. I heard an interview with Paul Byrd this morning on the radio. He basically took blame for a lousy year i 2006. He pointed out that late in the season Cleveland and Chicago had similar ERAs and runs scored statistics, but that the Pale Hose had a much better won-loss record. Proving once again that there is only one statistic that counts.

Indians , baseball

Outrageous! a-ha was robbed!

What!? VH1 Classic is a pretty sure bet for a child of the Eighties when he is up late with his child of 2006. Always a video on that start a trip down memory lane. Sometimes Memory Lane is a dead end, but that is another topic for another day.

Last night I was watching VH1 Classic and they had "20 Top Videos of the Eighties" or some such thing. A countdown of ...well...you get it. Anyhow, whoever assigned rank and value to these videos must have the artistic sensibility of Twinkie addled baboon. They put "Take On Me" by a-ha at number eight. How in the name of Cindi Lauper can they place that video any lower the number one? That video is the best video of the Eighties. I don't know what they said was number one. I went to bed when "Take On Me" was named eight. It does not matter. Sure. Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing" was good. I could almost live with that. ZZ Tops' "Sharp Dressed Man" is almost worthy. But neither top "Take On Me"

I have a sick feeling that "Thriller" won. Don't tell me if you know. I am SO over it. That show was totally bogus.

music, tv

What I hate about American Idol...

Did I mention that I watch American Idol? Yes? Did I explain that I realize it is really below my usually pretentious standards? Good. I hate one aspect of American Idol. This is their insane practice of handing a microphone to the person the voting public just voted off the show and asking that individual to "Sing for us one more time." Why? It is usually a bad practice to tell your customer "Thank you for your feedback. Here is more of what you like least." It makes no sense to me.

I suppose they are hoping the newly-minted loser will break down, slobbering and sobbing. That would be good live TV, of course. But it never really seems to happen that way. Now that I think about it, Chris Sligh might be entertaining when they send him packing. I see him going down in a blaze of glory.


American Idol, marketing blunders

Daytona 500 as seen by a three year old

I can't say I am a huge NASCAR fan. But I was watching the Daytona 500 today with a three year old. After about the fifth yellow flag he says "They are not very good racers. They keep crashing." I found it impossible to argue with his logic.

NASCAR

The REAL reason Keith Foulke retired...

Tribe fans, I hope your optimism is not crushed for 2007 already. On the day that pitchers and catchers were to report, Keith Foulke announced he is retiring. He reportedly said that he was not happy with the way his body was responding to training. Have you ever been to Winter Haven, Florida? I think he took one look and said "How many weeks are you expecting me to live here?"

baseball, Indians, Keith Foulke

American Idol - Geez kid, It ain't the end.

I watch American Idol with the lovely Joyce K. I make no excuses. Not up to my usual highbrow standards, but there you have it. I am a complex man.

Watching tonight a thought struck me. I am never really going to be moved by the "drama" of Simon, Randy and that crazy chick walking in the room to tell the contestants their fate. If you have not seen the show, here is what happens. At the start of every season, they assemble a crowd out in Hollywood of performers. They have them audition individually and in groups. They then partition them into three hotel meeting rooms. Two groups advance. The third weep and wail at the horrible fate that they are freshly minted former contestants on this season's American Idol.

Watching tonight, I had a flashback of sorts. I have been through several rounds of lay-offs. (Part of the fun of formerly being employed in the manufacturing sector in Ohio.) One of these events was organized in almost the exact same manner as this American Idol elimination round. The employees were segregated into several groups, then led to different rooms in the plant. As you were walking to your assigned room, you are compelled to look at the man or woman to your left and right. You wonder. Let us all be honest. We all have put in a day's work that was not exemplary. So there are always a couple of people in each group that you can look at and say "Well, if it was MY decision....he would be gone. Wait...he is in MY group."

So it is like those kids on American Idol. Looking around the room. However, the stakes for the people in the lay-off situation are much higher. So forgive me if the weeping nineteen year old hoochie mommas do not give me a lump in my throat.

American Idol ,
work

Winter Fun!

Old Man Winter has hit our humble hometown. My boy's pre-school had a field trip today. We went to a local park and took a nordic skiing lesson. Only a matter of time until he is an Olympian!

Get the hot stove burning

The Indians are only a few weeks away from having the Pitchers and Catchers report. A new season a new outlook. I'm hoping the pitchers we signed in the off season will be able to work a little magic. The signing of Trot Nixon took me by surprise. At first thought - this dude is old why are we signing him? Then I realized he is the same age as me! oops! My second thought was - oh good Sin Soo Choo won't be our starting right fielder. We have a veteran who has a little pop in his bat. Not a young man who looks like he is playing little league with both ear flaps on his helmet.

I wonder if the equipment truck is leaving on Friday. Can anyone explain why the equipment truck leaves weeks before camp is to take place? Do they drive one state per day? Or is it a matter of having an extra week to get the equipment organized??

Sara Evans - State Theater

Thanks to the generosity of my brother and his wife, Joyce and Matthew K got to see Sara Evans when she played the State Theater in Cleveland last week. Oh My! The nicest seats a man could ask for. I now know the following about Ms. Evans:

1. She is better performer in concert than I had suspected.
2. Her band is very good.
3. She matches her toenail polish to her shoes.
4. Her perfume is delightful.
5. Freckles can be lovely.
   

I was really impressed by her stage presence. The show was well paced, with just the right amount of banter and introduction of the material. Her song selection on the albums carried through to excellent pacing in concert.

And did I mention she is a charmer? I would swear she was singing only to me during "Perfect". I know that is not the case. But that is the mark of an engaging performer. I would highly recommend you see her perform if she graces a stage near you.

Kudos to Radney Foster, who opened with an acoustic set of about a half hour. A member of Foster and Lloyd (I played their albums in my college radio days), he has also written hits for Sara Evans and Keith Urban. Some songwriters are shaky singers, not our Mr. Foster. Very strong voice, good guitar. I'd enjoy a longer show from him.

Technorati tags: Sara Evans, Radney Foster, music

Super Bowl XVI

Not to jump on the bandwagon or anything, but it is good to see Manning get to "the big game". Don't you laugh when you hear your local pizza joint or electronics store talk about "The Big Game"? They are afraid the jackbooted thugs from the NFL will shut them down if they actually say Super Bowl© ™? They may be right. I do not doubt the NFL's lawyers monitor 100 Watt AM radio stations, poised to slap a strongly worded letter together and post with next day delivery.

Where was I? Oh, right, Manning shook that monkey off his back. It may have been a gorilla, I heard that analogy also. Maybe it was a chimpanzee. I am old fashioned enough to enjoy the thought that two teams from the Midwest will meet for..um..you know...THAT game.

However, I am also practical enough to recognize the fact that the Colts moved from Baltimore rather underhandedly. Being a fan of the Browns, that makes me sensitive. The Bears are OK, but they remind me of the Cubs. Which is better than reminding me of the White Sox. Oops! The just reminded me of the White Sox.

I guess I'll just settle for enjoying the commercials until the Browns play in the Super Bowl© ™. Don't let me down, Madison Avenue!

Browns, football, tv, Super Bowl

Good Product - GREAT Name! HKVAC-2000

I had a conversation at work today about blogs and blogging. I admitted that I have this humble site, but did not name it. My colleagues asked me "What do you post about?" I wanted to avoid talking politics , so I jokingly said "About the cool vacuum hair clipper my wife uses. Stuff like that."

Then I realized that the clipper in question really is a neat little device. Remington makes it. The clipper has a vacuum integral to its design, so most of the clippings are somewhat contained. Here is the kicker, though. I never knew the name of the device until I decided I was really going to make a post about it. The thing is called the HKVAC-2000. Doesn't it sound like Binford Tools should make the thing? Also evokes MST3K.

So there. An official product endorsement. And just to be transparent, this is not some Pay Per Post deal. I have not received any compensation for this review. However, if the good folks at Remington discover how thick my hair is I could be to Remington what Jared is to Subway.

By the way, if any of my colleagues got all curious and snooped around enough to find this post, leave a comment. First one to do so gets lunch at the local Mexican joint.

New Year's Resolutions Anyone?

Has anyone made any resolutions for the new year? Would I like to lose weight - sure. I think I would like to cook some healthier foods. Be more patient with my children - which is really hard sometimes. Tell my husband how wonderful he is and how much I appreciate him alot more often.

The Halftime Show - BCS Championship

I really wish there was a channel to which one could turn to see the halftime show on the field of college football games. I would far prefer that to the blabbering boys in the booth. With the broadcast HDTV bandwidth, they could surely do so.

In any respect, I just caught a glimpse of the Ohio State marching band at halftime of the BCS Championship game. They were playing the theme from The Titanic. Most appropriate.

Never too soon to talk baseball

I just watched a good NFL playoff game. "Good" because it was a back and forth affair that came down to the last play of the game. But I am a Browns fan (I sometimes deny this), so pro football does not grab me by the lapels and hold my attention.

I want to talk baseball. Major League Baseball. Cleveland Indians baseball. I know that the Indians have all sorts of things to work on this Spring. Last season was disappointing. But the great thing about being and Indians fan is that you always hold hope for next year. (This optimism does not seep through to the Browns fan portion of my being.)

So, does the Tribe have a shot at something good this year? Will first base and right field be a mess? Will the bullpen solidify? What about Victor Martinez? CC? Can Hafner continue his growth?

When do pitchers and catchers report?

To my fellow blog squad members...

This is still a group blog. But when I upgraded to the new Blogger it is requires each of us to establish a Google account. I think in the long run, it will be worth it. But I did not realize it would kick you off the blog until you did so. I was going to send an email out to give you a heads up. But now I am just going to give a prize to the first "Stop Me When I Am Lying" teammate who notices this change. And is able to post. Given the lack of activity (myself included), I'm thinking that will happen around St. Patrick's Day.