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.

Christmas on the radio

I hear it is a national trend that more radio stations are playing Christmas music, and they started earlier. My local market seems to follow this trend. With all those hours to fill, do you suppose the overall quality of the music suffers? Do the programmers think we will tire of Bing and Perry and Nat and Burl? Do they pump in Twisted Sister to add spice? (I actually heard Twisted Sister singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas on NPR today. No pledge for You!)

Personally, I can't make an informed decision about the merits of more Christmas music on the radio. I listen to CDs. And I usually don't have the luxury of choosing them. But I'm not complaining, because John and James have really good taste in music. Too soon to tell with Patrick, but Mommy is training him well.

John heard We Three Kings the other day and he said "Hey! Is that George Strait?" Gotta love that!

Welcome to the world, Patrick!

Patrick was born at 1:54 a.m. on December 7.
He is 20 inches long and 7 lbs 2 oz. 

Santa Drives A Truck

Rob Ervin & The High Strung Lifters are a "rockin'-country-poppy-folky outfit", Ohio- based and fun loving. You might sense this when you listen to "Santa Drives A Truck" a soon-to-be holiday classic. While you are visiting their website, check out "$30 Thursday" and "A Hound Dog Will Always Be True".

These guys perform witty, catchy original music. Tell your friends, commit the lyrics to heart and whistle these tunes in the shower. You will thank me later when your life improves immeasurably.

Browns Win! Browns Win! Browns Win!

The amazing thing about yesterday's Browns victory over the Chiefs is not that they beat a playoff bound team. It isn't even amazing that the backup quarterback played his heart out and literally went the extra yard. I think the most amazing thing is that there were actually Browns fans in the stands. If I had tickets, I would have had reservations about using them. Do you recall what happened the week before against the Bengals? Would YOU have wanted to see a repeat of that?

Anyway, the Brownies take on the Stillers Thursday night. Go Browns!!

If your pregnant, don't watch the Food Network

Last evening my husband was surfing the channels for something to watch with our children. He stopped at the Food Network. It is pretty safe for the kids to watch and the commercials aren't too scary either. The show that was on was Food Finds. They were going around to different specialty bakeries to give their holiday sales a boost and to drive any pregnant woman to craving something. The one that got me was Cheesecake on a Stick that is made in Traverse City, Michigan at The Underground Cheesecake Company. Please visit their website www.undergroundcheesecake.com. I guarantee your mouth will be watering in moments. The thought of eating a mint chocolate chip cheesecake covered in chocolate was all I needed to dream about last night. It was a good thing I had just bought some sugar free Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream to get me throught the night!

I think their desserts are fairly priced but being cheesecake there is no ground shipping to be had and the shipping can be quite high. Before they mentioned that they had a website I was asking my husband - how far is Traverse City from Ohio???

Fans should sue for fraud!

The Cleveland Browns fans should sue the Lerner Family for fraud. The teams that have been put on the field have turned out to be an imposter! After yesterdays pitiful loss it is clear to me more than ever the Browns fans should be asking for a discount on next year and a refund for previous year's PSL's. This an NFL team in name only. The guys sometimes act as professionals but the quality is awful. The sad things is there are too many leaks to fix in one off season. If the Lerner's won't open up their wallets to the fans, then maybe they should open them up to quality players so we can have at least one winning season to give the old faithful something to cheer about.

Turducken Poem

Don't go huntin' turducken
you won't find such a bird.
There are no wild turducken,
the thought is just absurd.

There is no call to make,
no cluck, no gobble nor quack.
You can't drop one from your blind
and put him in your sack.

But if you find turducken
on your festive plate.
Give thanks to God almighty,
your hunger He will sate.

© 2006 Matthew Keough

Cool Tunes on Yahoo!

Yahoo has a music service, basically musical programming similar to Internet only radio stations. It is free, but we get premium access because we have DSL service through AT&T Yahoo!. I have really been enjoying it lately. The stations I usually listen to are 1980's pop and rock, jazz, holiday tunes of various genres. And kids friendly stations when the boys are awake.

One of enjoyable things about new media is discovering new bands/songs you'd have to be real lucky to catch on your local college radio broadcast. I heard a song by The Sprites called "I Started A Blog Nobody Read". Hit a little too close to home, but a fun ditty.

That crazy Kramer

I have not seen the video. Have not looked for it either. Is it really THAT disturbing? Isn't it kind of expected that if you heckle a comedian, he will defend his turf? I hear the guys he was yelling at called him racist stuff first. Was it a setup?

What Rangel REALLY Wants

So Rep. Charles Rangel has yet again said we simply must have a draft. He contends that we just can't do all the things our military is asked to do with an all volunteer force. He also says that we would be better prepared for contingencies we might face in the future. But his real reason is buried a little deeper in his argument.

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq...if indeed we had a draft, and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said Sunday.

You see, it is really about class and race and "social justice". Just ask Nancy Pelosi. At least she had the good sense to distance herself from the draft talk, but for all the wrong reasons.

She noted that a return to the draft is something Rangel has long championed to promote shared sacrifice.

"It's not about a draft; it's about shared sacrifice in our country," Pelosi told reporters in her Capitol Hill office.

"Mr. Rangel will be very busy with his work on the Ways and Means Committee, which jurisdiction is quite different, but he is a strong voice for social justice in our country," she said.

"And [pushing for a draft is] a way to make a point that this war has not involved or made any shared sacrifice."

The problem is this; the military does not want a draft. At least the last time I asked, that is. They know the way to succeed in a pretty damn important mission is not to swell the ranks with people who are forced to do the job. The nation elected a Dem majority in the House and the Senate. And par for the course is the social experiments foisted on the military in the name of progress and justice. (Don't ask, don't tell) This predilection demonstrates a lack of understanding of how the world works.

THE game.

I write this in the wee hours of the morning of November 18, 2006. OSU and U of M are scheduled to meet in a football contest the very afternoon. I think if I were to channel-surf this very moment I might see a pre-game show.

Don't get me wrong. I am pulling for Ohio State. But the speculation that this will be the greatest college football game - ever - reflect a profound self absorption. I am sure in the history of collegiate football there has been a game just as highly anticipated. But it was probably before ESPN. So it does not really count.

We all stopped. Were we all lying?

I know I have been absent from posting for some time. I have no excuses. There are many local, regional and national, and international events about which I have opinions. I just have been content to be a consumer of the bloggy goodness rather than a contributor.

My renewed goal; a post a day. At least.

That was too fast!

Baseball season is over. Congratulations to the Cardinals, and to Ronnie Belliard. I doubt Ronnie dared dream he would wear a ring at the All Star break. I was pleased that Jim Leyland, when interviewed immediately after his team lost, took blame for not preparing his team well enough and said the Cards just played better than the Tigers.

Anyone else get a chuckle out of Commissioner Selig attempting to pronounce David Eckstien's name when presenting him with the MVP hardware? Ole' Bud tried it a couple of ways within a minute. I'll bet if he had to make a longer speech, he would eventually just throw up is arms in confused resignation.

Don't Forget The Motor City

What a hoot it was to see the Detroit Tigers maul the Yankees. I am rooting for the Tigers to go all the way. My beloved Tribe is out of it, so I am a free agent fan. I suppose one could make the case that I should favor the A's. There is an assistant to the GM in that organization that shares my name. But he seems like a bit of a flake, so that is out. I can't cheer the Yankees. Just can't. If you have to ask, I would not be able to explain. So that leaves me with the Tigers. (I'll only root for a National League team if they are playing the Yankees.)

So...let's make a list of reasons to hope the Detroit Tigers claim the World Series crown.

• Their manager is Jim Leyland.
• The represent a Great Lakes city that has seen brighter days.
• Nice job, Chapel
• My maternal grandparents were married in Detroit.
• They are not the Yankees.

Please add your reasons in the comments.

A first in my life today!

I drove my car with the "Gas Low" light on! It was my plan to get the tank as empty as possible you see. The family and I earned a whopping $2.40 from Get Go gas and with gas prices dropping like a rock - I wanted to get as much gas as possible for "free". Well I made it to the gas station before I ran out - but the gas wasn't free - I had to pay 2 cents! That irked me a little bit. Now I'm rooting for the gas to go under $2 again so the family can earn more free gas!

Remain calm, Tribe Fans. We have seen this before.

I know I try and play it cool. I pretend that I could not care less about how my beloved Cleveland Indians play. But the truth is, I still want to watch them win. An win they have done in the last several weeks. I read that the Wahoos possess the best record in the majors since August 9th. I know - that sure seems like an arbitrary date. But I'll take it.

Here is my problem; I had high hopes based on their performance in the last months of 2005 (minus the Chicago series in the last week). I can safely say that 2006 has not met those expectations. Should I just enjoy every victory, and say "Prove yourselves!" next spring?

Red Sox (conster)nation

The Limber One and I are motoring thoughout New England, watching baseball every day. From what we have seen, the "Bloody Socks" fans have already given up on their World Series win of two years ago, and are back to the "woe is us" way of living!. Most of New England is on a suicide watch, as their beloved Red Sawks have lost 4 of 4 to the Bronx Bombers, and appear on the way to losing 5 of 5. It is fun to watch them wallow in their own juices!!!

The Browns are going to stink

I still predict the Browns are going to stink. When they can't find a guy who has the ability to play center and they try to trade away a running back and the trade is voided because he failed the physical - you know you are in trouble. I am still in awe that the guy who actually might help us in the Center position and is being suspended for 4 games for failing the NFL drug policy will not apologize to his teams and the fans. How arrogant can you be?? How long until Spring Training?

OH Boy! My commute home last night

Yesterday the President of the United States made a trip to the county I live in. He was to talk to some county officials about the recent flooding in the area and then attend a fund raising event for the Republican govenor candidate. When they plan these things - like the President landing in Cleveland between 4pm and 4:20pm - don't they think - this is really going to mess up traffic for thousands of Americans? After yesterday - my guess is heck no. I had to sit at a dead stop in 90 degree heat for about 30 minutes. With gas prices at floating between $2.79 - $2.99 per gallon what choice did I have but to kill the engine and the air conditioner. I turned the radio on from time to time to check and see if he landed yet. Why can't these fundraising events be during the day when fewer travelers are effected?

The Cleveland Indians Do Not Have Have A Closer

I just thought I would point that out. In case you were undecided or something. Fausto Carmona was fun to watch when he was a starting pitcher with the Captains. It is not a joy to watch him attempt to close for the Indians.

Manager Eric Wedges stated recently:

"We know we took a step back in 2006, so we want to make sure we do everything we can these last two months to take a giant step forward.''

So I quess we are still in the itty bitty baby step back phase of the plan?


technorati tag: Indians decline

Just like that its over

I'm talking about the Browns season. They brought in LeCharles Bentley - a Pro Bowler that can play center to protect our young QB and help the very weak offensive line. The first snap of training camp and SNAP - his tendion in his knee is torn. Season over thanks for playing and signing a 6 YEAR contract. Who in the heck gives out 6 YEAR contracts in football?? Man - Cleveland has the worst luck :-(

Who needs a Coco when you can have a Shin-Soo Choo?

Now Shapiro has learned from the Marketing Folks that you need a good name to be a top outfielder. I hope that all the Featherhead Faithful hop on the Soo-Choo!

I have now seen EVERYTHING!

Casey Blake (Yes John, number 1) just scored on an inside-the-park home run. Indians lead Detroit 12-7. This supports my observation that watching baseball, even played a team in the doldrums, can be a wonderful diversion. There is always a little twist or wrinkle that might appear from nowhere.

My other observation; at least a season such as the current Indians campaign will not be cruelly prolonged by a trip to the post-season.

Wickman is gone

So the Indians just traded Wickman. My feeling is - good for him hopefully he can help Atlanta. For me personally I didn't think he would have the same year as last year and for me not have to watch him 2 or 3 guys on just to get 3 outs is a bit of relief. Give the job to Carmona!!

Wait til next year??!!!

ok so we are all in agreement the fat lady has sung on the Indians season. I've been through this before so that means you start counting down until the Browns open up camp. Its maybe a week or two away. Am I excited?? Heck no!! I don't think the moves we made in the offseason will help us. We have Charlie Frye - I like him but he is not Bernie Kosar in his prime. And who knows if he'll reach his prime if we don't have an offensive line to protect him. Needless to say - I'm not expecting big things. Low expectations means elation when they win the game. The next "season" to look forward to is basketball. The Cavs did resign LeBron which is a huge plus but as today I don't see where they added or subtracted players to help add another dimension to the LeBron show. So that brings us to hockey - Cleveland has a minor league hockey team or is getting one - regardless they are getting alot of TV time. So that puts me to February when I am getting excited about the Tribe again - hopefully I will have something to be excited about.

Bush's comments at the G8 Summit

I don't know if anyone has seen the headlines from today's G8 Summit. Apparently some microphones on the closed circuit TV picked up a conversation between Bush and Blair. Bush was telling Blair that "The irony is what they really need to do is to get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this," followed by an expletive. - I think the media should stop making a big deal of this and Tony Snow should tell them to stop him (Bush) when he is lying.

The Dubious Brothers

The Dubious Brothers - aka Broussard and Boone. I don't know why I am watching the game still I guess I just love baseball too much. But the top of the 7th has just passed and I watched Santana strike out Broussard and then Boone on both terrible pitches. Granted Santana is a great pitcher but to have Broussard and Boone bat back to back is like two automatic outs these days - rally killing guys up to bat - need I say more. Why won't anybody in the majors take these two guys off of our hands so we don't have to watch them any more. Bring up Garko and Marte - let's make a clean break and start new and you never know what kind of spark it might give this team.