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.

The Indians Season is Officially Dunn

It is OVER! The Tribe traded away a veteran (Perez) for a prospect (insert name here) today. If this was not enough to make you think the Indians know this season has seen its best days, then consider this; nine runs given up in two innings. By the back end of the bullpen.

It was gut-check time after a tough loss in St. Louis. And we discovered what the hometown team was made of. And it ain't pretty. Do you think Wickman will ever make it back on the Byrd Christmas card list?

When do the Browns begin camp?

My Indians Fever Broke

Indians fever had me in its grip for a short period earlier in the season. It must have been the 24 hour variety. The fever broke and now I just feel cold, clammy and have a bad taste left in my mouth. In my moments of fever-induced delirium, I thought there was a chance the Indians pitching would be solid and they would produce timely hits. I also thought they could play at least .500 ball. Not so much. The Tribe really isn't a very good team.

What to do if you are suffering as I suffer? Take two aspirin and call me next April.

Who will lead the AL Central at the All-Star break?

I have Indians Fever after they took three-out-of-four from the White Sox. But I still don't know if they can get into first place by the halfway mark.

Take this poll and let me know what you think!

Why Terry Pluto is an excellent writer.

Cleveland sports fans are lucky we have Terry Pluto writing about our teams. I enjoy his writing; he obviously cares about his subjects, he researches thoroughly, he does not shy away from having a strong "voice" (call it point-of-view, if you prefer.) He is enjoyable to read because it appears he enjoys writing. Anyone who has written for a paycheck will tell you that writing is not always enjoyable.

He has a new book coming out, Dealing: The Cleveland Indians' New Ballgame. It is about the business side of professional baseball and a recent history of how the Indians try to compete, contend and rebuild all at the same time. Here is an excerpt.

Fathers Day is around the corner. If Dad is a fan of the Indians, Browns or good books in general, Terry Pluto has probably written a book he would enjoy receiving.

Excellent Short Film

I have not read "The DaVinci Code", nor do I intend to see the movie. But I am a fan of Norman Rockwell, anagrams, and Don Knotts. If you would like to see and very funny short film that combines all of the above elements check out "The Norman Rockwell Code".

Hy-Lar-Eee-Us!!

Sabathia Should Sue Team For Malpractice

C.C. Sabathia pitched a heck of a game yesterday. Too bad there were three errors committed behind him and he was tagged with a loss. Not only were there three errors, there was a notable lack of effort. Need I mention Johnny P. standing in the batter's box and looking at a ball skip back into fair territory? Gave up an EASY out in a game they could have won. What was he doing? Who is to blame for the Tribe's skid? And they call themselves professional baseball players. I'm peeved.

Are the NBA playoffs fixed?

As I saw Gilbert Arenas miss two foul shots after being absolutely unconscious all game the thought crossed my mind. "Is this thing rigged?" The next day I see LeBron interviewed and a clip of him saying something the Arenas just before the throws. Now Mr. James claims he was playing mind-games. Taunting him, saying the game was over if he missed. But just think about it. Maybe he said "Stern called. The Cavs are advancing this year. We get better TV numbers. AND I can sell a Chinese boatload of jerseys. Bloggers can't even spell your name."

All I'm saying is, it just seems odd that a guy would miss BOTH throws when he wasn't missing all night. And I think the NBA is rigged. That's all.

May 1 - Day Without Immigrants

I do not watch much television news. I did not see how the rallies were portrayed in the electronic media. But the AP story in my local paper read like a news release from the organizers. My general impression is that far fewer actually attended than predicted, the primary businesses harmed are those that employ illegals, and there seems to be an increased awareness of the crazy corner we have painted ourselves in by not enforcing the current immigration laws.

Any other observations? Perhaps any law enforcement types who know first hand about the enforcement part of the equation?

Do you cheer or boo??

Jim Thome returns to Jacobs Field for the first time since he lied and cheated on the Indians fans. Will the fans forget him saying "its not about the money" "she's my rock" That makes it tough - do you throw paper money like we did to Albert "Joey" Belle or rocks to show Thome what we think of his beloved wife?

Limber Joe - please look into your crystal ball and let me know what will happen? My guess is not much - isn't he DH'ing these days?

Many choices for the tube tonight

If you live in Cleveland you have a difficult decision ahead of you. Tonight the Indians start a series with Boston, Game 2 of the Playoffs for the Cavs and if you are a music lover like I am, American Idol starts at 8pm. The thing is with this year's American Idol, there have been many weeks on a Tuesday morning when I remember its on and then think its no big deal. I'm not sure why I feel this way - is it the genre's they have selected for the week? is it the fact that I don't have a clear favorite as I have had in the past? The crazy thing is everytime I feel this way I end up watching it and being entertained - especially by Taylor Hicks. I'm not sure what we will decide tonight. I guess this is where picture in picture in picture would come in handy - or there is always the commercial shuffle but I'm not sure my son can handle all the channel changing.

Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins recently released his newest single "Swing" on MLB.com I listened to it today and I think its pretty good. Here is the link - http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/fan_forum/swing/index.jsp

check it out and let me know what you think. One thing I do know it should not replace "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning.

LeBron and The Cavs

I'm wondering how deep the Cavaliers will go in the playoffs. They looked pretty darn good in the first game. But I am only cautiously optimistic. I saw the Wine and Gold in one of the games they played without 23 and it was not entirely pretty. They pulled it out at the end. So maybe that should be my cue. They do what they have to do when they need to do it.

p.s. This post was a collaboration with Matthew K.

THAT's the Wickman we know and love!

Whew! Bob Wickman got the save and the Tribe de-throned the Royals 6-5. (OK, I know that the Royals are on an eleven game losing streak, so the only throne they occupied is porcelain.) Indians fans still like it because we needed to see a save. The last few games were not close in either direction. Ole' Bob always makes it interesting.

Baseball Clock

I love the baseball clock - can we get one in our house??

Torrid Tribe Triples Twins!

My beloved Wahoos won their fourth straight today! They blanked the Twins 3-0. Pronk went deep and the new guy got the W. The sun was shining and all is right in the world! Except it was fireworks night and the game ended with plenty of daylight to burn. Oh well, I was warm at home and basking in the glow of a good start under Eric Wedge's management. Since the team usually gains momentum in May...look out!

Can't Wait...

The Indians Home Opener is almost here. I like the fact that they took the series in Chicago. I like it when they take any series. The fact that it is April and the Sox seemed preoccupied by their new rings makes it even sweeter. I won't attend the game, but it still seems like a holiday.

In a way, it will resemble a holiday. My boy turns three years old on the same day as the opener. He LOVES baseball. (All sports, really.) So we will party like a bunch of pre-schoolers whether the Indians win or lose. Cake, toys, and Wiggles accessories. What a wonderful combination. And in case you think I am being ironic, I really do like the Wiggles. I feel fortunate I didn't have small children in the heyday of Rafffi and Barney.

My blood is boiling! Walking on the fighting side of me.

The immigration bills being considered in the House and Senate have been the buzz about the Internet and talk radio this week. I've kept a fairly moderate temperament about the whole thing. My main observation is this; if your first action upon entering a country is to break its laws, you are not really in a strong position to demand "rights" and lecture others about moral behavior. That, and Cardinal Mahoney is not my favorite churchman.

Then I stumble upon a picture of protesters raising the Mexican flag above an inverted American flag. That is too much for me. Just who in the HELL do these people think they are? I will admit that I am unusual in that from time to time I read the Flag Code and try to follow what it prescribes. But you needn't be a former Boy Scout to see there is something really wrong with what these people are trying to accomplish. Moreover, there is something doubly sinister in elected officials pandering to them in the hopes of returning to the majority party (or to appear "moderate").

The Baseball Season is upon us..

And I am going to predict how many games the Indians are going to win. I am going to go with 90 - 95. If I had to be pinned down on one number I'm going with 95. I think these kids are all going to have breakout years. As always injuries play a big part. Our bullpen is different but I think they will still hold steady. I am very excited what Shapiro and Dolan has done with the young kids and locking em up for the future. It reminds me of '95 when Hart was doing the same thing. I have goosebumps just thinking about it!! Can't wait for the 1st game!!

March Madness!!

#1 Ok - as I watch all the Division Tourney's this week and weekend the question I wonder outloud is this -- when a team is inbounding the ball, why does the defense waste a guy by putting a guy on the ball and not watching for where the ball goes or anticipates where the ball goes - that way they can possibly get a turnover because the offense can't inbound the ball. We did this many times in high school and I think its a good thing - why don't these over paid coaches do this?? Have I missed my calling??

#2 I understand the INDIANS want to make a little more cash this year - but their lack of planning is making me go gray. Will they hurry up their negotiations with my local cable company (who has already raised my rates by the way) and get the deal done so I can watch my team ASAP!!!!

#3 I am so done with germs and colds this season!!! I have had enough runny noses, coughs, and being puked on for one cold season.

Good luck in your brackets. Bartender can I have another???

Today's Soap Box

Two things I have read today have me sitting back and scratching my head.

1) The Bachelor and his girl are no longer together. I never watched this show closely because there was just something there that didn't seem believable. I know the show is edited for TV but I guess I have a hard time believing that a guy or girl is going to find the perfect mate in 8 weeks. I wonder if they like the free pass to date 15 people at once and not getting an slack for it.

2) Madonna's daughter asked if she was gay because she saw the footage of her kissing Brittany Spears. Madonna's response? I was passing on my super star powers. Oh - yea did I mention they play a game guess who is gay?? I hope my sons and I never play that game.

What would YOU have said?

My dear lovely wife has been suffering from congestion, headache, cough. She took some medicine this morning and it really gave her some relief. I have had the same type bug. Because she cares about my well being, she said "You should try this, I took some this morning and now I feel like a new woman."

Before I could stop myself, I replied; "That's great, I've been looking for a new woman."

What would have been a more appropriate response?

Spring is coming!

The birds are starting to sing again, the sun is staying out a little longer and the sound of wood hitting leather is in the air. Ah - yes Spring Training has begun. Of course you have your usual suspects making headlines because not much has happened yet. Barry Bonds isn't showing up until March - hey its his last year are they going to fire him?? Manny says he doesn't want to be in Boston - I guess the media wants a relationship with the guy but Manny would rather just hide his head in the sand. And the biggest news in Cleveland - Grady Sizemore has cut his hair - apparently short and military like. Can we see a picture? I know one thing - I would hate to be a reporter at the beginning of camp trying to get a story for the day and all you get is that Grady cut his hair. It has to be hell until the practice games begin for a reporter.

Blast From the Past - Brian Sipe

When I was in high school we were all Browns crazy. It was the days of the Cardiac Kids. Novelty songs on the radio about The Twelve Days of Browns Chritmas and a Brian Sipe poster in every girl's locker. Ok, not every girl. But enough cool girls to make it memorable. Cool girls are real opinion shapers in high school, you will recall.

So all these years later, Brian Sipe has long ago hung up his spikes. And moved back to San Diego. Where he bumps into Hugh Hewitt. And says all the right things. Check out the transcript of Brian Sipe talking with Hugh about politics, religion, and VERY serious matters like Cleveland Browns football.

Olympic Coverage on NBC

Ok, I really like the Olympic Games. However, sometimes the television coverage simply leaves me cold. Even in the summer games. My only criticism so far is Jim Lampley. More specifically his hair. Mr. Lampley has salt-and-pepper hair. Nothing wrong with that. In a matter of weeks, I will also. However, the manner in which it is styled causes a hypnotic moiré effect. Perhaps it is just my TV.

The tube is broadcasting the opening ceremony as I type. Now I have a second gripe. Brian Williams just attempted to edify us that there is some sort ofcontroversyy brewing in Denmark about cartoons. Mr. Williams shares that this controversy hasn't been covered much in the United States. Perhaps he has this perception because he gets his news from broadcast network television. I think the cartoon controversy has captured the attention of American blogging. Jeesh.

Super Bowl XL

Not the greatest game, definitely the worst National Anthem and Halftime show in recent memory and LOVED most of the commercials - FAVORITE commercial by far was the Ameriquest Commercial where they zapped the bug dead on top of the patient.

I think I am one of the rare Clevelanders who is happy for the Steelers, specifically Jerome Bettis. I think he is a classy guy who has had a pretty good career so I like when good things happen to good people. Maybe part of me wants to know what it feels like after your team wins the big sausage.

I just read that Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw were not apart of the pre-game - honor thy MVP's from past Super Bowls because of $$. The league was going to give them $1000 for incidentals but was taking care of flight, hotel, and game tickets. Call me crazy but I would sign up for that deal in a heartbeat!!

del Series el Caribe

Are you watching?

Tell me,
how many of you are glued to your TVs, watching Fox Sports Espanol, as the World Beosbal Classic is being played out?
I learned MATH by watching baseball, I might as well learn Spanish the same way! My God....I haven't seen a live game in 5 months......this is great.....even if Venezuela is beating the Dominican Republic 8-7

Skating With The Dancing Idols

Friends,

This year brings a whole lot 'o talent shows to prime time television. There is "Skating With Celebrities", "Dancing With The Stars" and "American Idol". I sheepishly admit I have seen at least part of every episode of all three.

• My first excuse is, "Yes, but have you seen the dresses those lovely ladies don't wear?" I know that does not explain "Idol", but cut me some slack.
• My second excuse is, "Yes, but my lovely wife enjoys these programs, it affords us an opportunity to spend recreational time together."
• My final defense is, "Darn it! I'm allowed to wallow in this pop culture dreck and enjoy it! That's right! I ENJOY it!"

So let me ask you, "Do you watch any of these shows?" Are you secure enough in your masculinity and refined taste in culture to admit it? That's the ticket! I AM masculine. I DO have refined taste in the performing arts.

CoCo Mania !

COCO for COCO!

I know that I may be putting a target on my back, and I may need to hire someone to test my food in public places, but I'm gonna say it anyway....."what's the big fuss about a potential trade of CoCo Crisp?".
My God, if you listen to the fans around Cleveland, you would think that Frank Lane is trying to trade Rocky Colavito again, and throwing in Sam McDowell and Gaylord Perry, too! Granted, Coco has one of the best baseball names around, but he is not the straw that stirs the offensive drink in our lineup. Coco has turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and he may have some more upside, but he is an average fielder at best. He is not a base-stealing threat, and should be expendable if Mark Shapiro and the scouts feel that the team can be improved. Many of the same fans that are whining now were dead against the trade that sent Bart Colon packing.....all we have to show for that deal is Cliff Lee (18 wins), Brandon Phillips(a bust so far....but alot of teams still ask for him), and, oh yeah, a kid named Grady Sizemore! No one had heard of Grady or Cliff back in 2002, either! The 2005 season has given Shapiro and his staff the credibility that they know what they are doing. It is much easier to plug a hole in one of the corner outfield spots, than it is to find a 3rd baseman that has been voted the best in every league that he has played in to date.
I am a diehard Tribe fan, but I cannot even begin to claim that I know the entire minor league talent pool....it's hard enough to keep track of the players that run thru Lake County! What I do know, from press reports, is that this Marte was ranked by experts as the top talent in the Atlanta organization, and in the top 10 in the entire country.
Let me share 2 past trades that I was upset about, at the time, because I didn't have the "inside scoop". The first was 1996, when John Hart sent Carlos Baerga packing in mid-season. Carlos had put up numbers that hadn't been seen at 2nd base since Rogers Hornsby! How could the Indians give him away? Well, the scouts and front office knew the true story, that CB was beginning a downward spiral, for many reasons not readily apparent to us fans, and decided that his value was never going to be higher. Guess what....good call!
The other trade that pissed me off was when the Tribe sent Felix Fermin (and Reggie Jefferson) to Seattle in the 93-94 offseason. I loved El Gato! Who was this chump that is going to play SS for us now...some nobody from Caracas? And then, I go to the Jake, in early 94, and watch this turkey boot 3 routine plays in the same game.....see, I told you so.
Well, if it had been left to the fans, we never would have had the pleasure of seeing a HOF shortstop work his magic for the decade that he was here, all because we were "taking a step backwards".
There, I feel much better now!

2.4 Million!

2.4 Million dollars - that is what the Indians felt Ben Broussard is worth for one year. I can't tell you how shocked I am at that number. This is the guy who was at the ball park physically but not mentally because he wanted to see what it would be like to be a rock star. Apparently Ben just got a wake up call that baseball is where the money is at. I don't know how many CD's he sold or what kind of musician he is. If the Indians feel like Ben is worth 2.4 Million - they shouldn't even think about giving Coco Crisp 3 mil per year. I think Coco was more productive and contributed more. I just can't believe it!!

Wacky "Riders" Reading

I'm sure you have heard of the fantastic mug shot collection at The Smoking Gun. By all means try and find Jim Trafficant and Don King's mugs. I think Don King in a flat top should be enough for anyone. But our friends at this fine website did not stop there. They have uncovered the contracts for dozens of entertainers from Jane's Addiction to K.C. & The Sunshine Band. Part of most artist's contracts are riders that specify what type of food, drink and cigarettes are to be provided in dressing rooms. It is fascinating that U2 requests bottles of Guinness. I would have thought they would demand a widget.

The Drive

ESPN2 is broadcasting an edited version of the 1986 Broncos v. Browns AFC Championship game. It is actually making me squirm to watch it. I've not seen the footage since the live broadcast.

We all know how it ends. Do you know what I just noticed? The players in 1986 (at least in this game) didn't have end zone routines. They didn't do the funky hippo at every first down. No Sharpies pulled from socks. And there was a HUGE Marlboro Country sign above the scoreboard.

I miss the football I grew up with. But I won't mind it if it is another twenty years before I see "The Drive".

What a day at work!!

Actually, nothing much notable happened today. The reason I am posting is that I did mention to my co-workers that I am a blogger and gave them the domain name. So I'm thinking they might stop by.

Hi guys. Sorry there is nothing here to share at the water cooler.

You want to be a part of the Super Bowl?

I just read that you and 19 of your closest friends can be part of the Super Bowl. How you ask? Well the entertainment group of the Super Bowl is looking for dancers to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show. http://www.starflowentertainment.com/pages/1/index.htm Click on this link to sign up. You have to go through some grueling practices (5-6 hours long). You don't get to watch the game, you don't get paid, just the satisfaction that you have the stamina to stand a really long time and dance. I think you do get a little gift package give away. I will be interested to see how many people do this. I guess it helps if you live in the Detroit area because the practices are there. This is too wild!
Oh yea, they prefer you to be 18-45 years old and if you don't have 19 other people to committ to this craziness you are basically stuck out of luck!!

For Me, Football Season Is Over

I just finished watching Ohio State defeat Notre Dame. Those were the last two teams still playing at any level in which I have any interest. The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl was a good contest. Looked beautiful on my HDTV. I even enjoyed a few Tostitos while watching it. Too bad Brent Mussberger called it. For some reason he grates on me like fingernails on a chalkboard.

The Cleveland Browns season mercifully ended yesterday. I really hate to admit it, but I keep getting drawn back to watching them and get excited when they win. It is like some nicotine addiction. You know it will probably end badly, but you think need your fix. Do I really care if Phil Savage remains? Not much. Do I read all the coverage in the papers about the Brownies? Nope. But when the game is on TV and I'm not changing my oil or involved in some other enjoyable pastime, I get emotionally invested in the game. I need help.