Achievements In Irrelevance

Another October

2007-09-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

13 straight seasons of reaching the post season, that is pretty impressive and who would have thought that way back in May when the Yankees were 14.5 games out of the division lead and 7 games out of the wild card that the Yankees would be celebrating another post season appearance. What happens now? Who knows but I do know that this Yankee team will no go out without a fight like last year's team did. The next few weeks should be a lot of fun.

Another Great Weekend

2007-09-10T10:34:00.001-07:00

The Yankees swept the Royals, ARod is still on fire, Ohio State won and Notre Dame and Michigan both got smacked around. The only downer was the Giants loss last night.

A little over 3 weeks until I get married....where does the time go?

What A Day

2007-09-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those sports days that you just live for, big win for the Yankees with one of their big time prospects making his debut then wins by the Buckeyes and Trojans. Notre Dame got smacked around at home. The cherry on top? Michigan losing at home to Division 1-AA team Appalachian State, thats just priceless.

Unreal

2007-08-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Does Bush's arrogance know no bounds? Obviously not:

The federal government has agreed to pay $80,000 to a Texas couple arrested
in Charleston three years ago during an appearance by President Bush.
Nicole and Jeffery Rank of Corpus Christi, Texas, were removed from the July Fourth, 2004, rally at the state Capitol in handcuffs.
They had refused to cover up the homemade T-shirts they were wearing that featured anti-Bush slogans. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit alleging the White House has a formal policy of trying to hide dissenters from the media and the president.
In today's settlement announcement, ACLU of West Virginia Executive Director Andrew Schneider said it's a real victory not only for the Ranks but also for the First Amendment. He says that from now on, public officials will think twice before ejecting peaceful protesters from public events.

The Scooter

2007-08-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Phil Rizzuto passed away today, I'm way too young to have seen him play but I do remember him being the Yankees broadcaster in the early to mid 80s, my earliest memories of watching Yankees games on Channel 11 are filled with play by play from the Scooter and Bill White and Rizzuto always talking about leaving the game early to beat traffic, wishing people happy birthdays and plugging his favorite restaurants who would give him free food. He wasn't perfect but he was always very enjoyable. I miss those days.

On a happier note, where are all those people who were burying the Yankees a couple of months ago?

It's The Final Countdown

2007-07-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

So yesterday "the" fiancee and I bought our one way tickets to California for October so this whole move is now becoming more and more real by the day. It's a bit scary but very exciting at the same time.

On another note, the Yankees are only 7.5 games out and looking strong.

So Much for That

2007-07-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today the high in New York City is 96 and the forecast is for 95 tomorrow. The one saving grace is that its surprisingly not humid. I am so not a fan of this weather.

Some Thoughts

2007-07-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Its July in New York City and its in the 70's, I feel like I'm already in Cal. but I shouldn't get too used to this as its suppose to get hot and humid again by mid-week.

A few weeks ago I saw this documentary called 'Jesus Camp' and its still haunting me. I mean rarely does a movie stir these types of emotions in me...shock, anger, sadness. Just a very disturbing film but really worth a look.

The last few days I've been listening to a lot of Lily Allen, not my usual cup of tea but her songs are really catchy.

I wont even get into the Yankees today but I do LOVE the move that my Rangers pulled off yesterday. Can't wait for the season to start already.

How Good...

2007-06-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Is The Wire? We watched the first 2 seasons on dvd from blockbuster.com and after having to wait 3 weeks for season 3 we cancelled our blockbuster account and signed up with netflix just so we can finally watch season 3, which we started last night and I'm happy to say is just as great as the previous seasons. The Wire is the best show on TV hands down.

So do people still think the Yankees are dead?

Tonight

2007-06-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the long awaited series finale of the Sopranos, after 7 years (some great, some not so great) we finally get to see what happens to Tony and the rest of the North Jersey gang. After last week's episode which I think might have been the best episode of not only this season but of the series its going to be hard to top it. This past week has been fun talking to people about the show and what they think will happen, so many theories it'll be interesting to see if anyone came close to predicting what actually happens. So, what do I think will happen? I don't think Tony or anyone in his real family will die, I don't know about his crew though I think one or 2 guys might get whacked. I have a feeling that something will happen with the pool in the family house, I read a while back that David Chase said that the first episode of the series will explain the last episode so I'm guessing that at some point in tonight's episode the pool will come into play. I just hope that tonight's episode is really good and that it answers all the questions.

On another note, the Yankees have won 5 in a row and have won their last 3 series, this is what they have to keep doing, is keep winning series after series and they'll be ok.

Last but not least back in November I predicted that the Spurs would beat the Cavs in the NBA Finals, why didn't I go to Vegas with that?

Fantasy Land

2007-05-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting watching the Mets game with my old roommate and I was actively rooting for the Mets, not because I like them but because Billy Wagner who's the Mets closer is on my fantasy team. I love playing fantasy sports but the biggest drawback is that it totally distorts how you watch games. Before I can root for the Yankees to destroy who they're playing but now I want the Yankees to win but if one of my players is playing against them I want my guy to go 4-4 and somehow have the Yankees get the win or if one of my guys is pitching against the Yankees, I want him to get 15 strikeouts but somehow lose 2-1.

Speaking of the Yankees, I'm still not panicking. People are already writing them off which I think is crazy when we're still in May.

Good F'ing Riddance

2007-05-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, the iconic evangelist who inspired millions of right-wing Christian conservatives to political action, died yesterday of apparent heart failure. He was 73.
The homespun TV preacher, who was found unconscious in his office, founded the Moral Majority in 1979 to spearhead campaigns against abortion and gay rights, and helped shape political debate for decades.
But Falwell also outraged many with claims that AIDS was divine punishment for gays and that Sept. 11 was God's way of getting back at America for losing its moral compass.
He even claimed the colorful characters of the children's show "Teletubbies" were part of a gay plot to brainwash kids, singling out the pudgy, purple Tinky Winky as a stooge of "homosexual activists."

Time to Panic

2007-04-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe not but you wouldn't know that by reading the papers here in New York after the Red Sox sweep of the Yankees this weekend. Last time I checked no team ever won a division championship in April, its a long season people. Relax.

Hello Pittsburgh

2007-04-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to tag along with the fiancee who was a conference in Pittsburgh. I figured a few days away and a chance to check out another ballpark, why not? First thing I noticed about the city is that much like Cleveland there was no one in the streets which is kinda weird for me, the city itself was very clean and very easy to get around.

Pittsburgh has many bridges, this is one of them with Heinz Field in the background:

I got to check out PNC Park which was the great, easily in the top 3 of all the parks that I've been to.

Another thing that I noticed about Pittsburgh is that they LOVE their sports teams, every where you go in Pitt. you see signs or stores devoted to the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates.

All in and all a good time in Pittsburgh, nice city to visit for a couple of days.

Wow

2007-04-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've been to many, many sporting events but I don't think I've ever had as much fun at one like I did last night at the Rangers game. Madison Square Garden is a great place when its rocking like it was last night. Just a great night.

Some sights from Times Square before the game:

Teams line up for the National Anthem:

Rangers Score and the crowd goes nuts!

Rangers Win and Sweep the Series.

The traditional handshake line after each playoff series:
Rangers salute to the Garden crowd:

Let's Go Rangers

2007-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Game 4 tonight at what I'm sure wil be a very loud Madison Square Garden as the Rangers try and sweep the Atlanta Thrashers. Can't wait.

Your Town Sucks

2007-04-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I was at a Yankees game with some of my friends and we got into a discussion about what is the worst sports city in America and without missing a beat we all said Atlanta at the same time. The Braves who were in the playoffs for about 12 years in a row struggle to sell out playoff games, the Hawks who are usually pretty bad usually play to thousands of empty seats, the Thrashers who kick off there first playoff series tonight can't sell out playoff games. Compare that to NYC where getting a ticket to a regular season game is hard enough and getting playoff tickets almost impossible, it makes me wonder what the hell is going on down there and how that city got 4 pro teams?

Play Ball

2007-04-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight is opening night for the Major League Baseball season, I don't care for this whole "opening night" thing, it's opening day not opening night. This is baseball not a Broadway play.
Ok, with that out of the way, its looking like it'll be a very good season because so many teams think they have a shot at the playoffs. So as I usually do, I'll post my predictions as to how I think things will play out this season.

AL East - Yankees will have a slow start but will start rolling in mid-May and not look back and win their 10th straight division title.
AL Central - This one is tough to call but I think the Tigers will be the team to beat this season in the AL Central.
AL West - Barring any major injuries the Anaheim Angels should win this division.
AL Wild Card - This will come down to a 4 team race with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, White Sox and Twins, I'm going with the Blue Jays to pull it out.

NL East - I'll go with the Mets in this one.
NL Central - This is my sleeper pick, I'm going with the Reds to have a breakout year and win the division.
NL West - Dodgers will win the worst division in the league.
NL Wild Card - Going with the Phillies to win this pretty easily.

We'll see how good I did in October.

Just hope that all the players on my fantasy teams have a monster year.

So We Meet Again

2007-04-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

In January the Ohio State Buckeyes met the Florida Gators in the BCS Championship game, sadly things didn't go so well for my Buckeyes as they got beat up pretty badly by the Gators. Well, tomorrow night its the Buckeyes and Gators for the NCAA basketball championship and hopefully things will turn out better for the Buckeyes, although Florida is looking pretty unbeatable now so the Buckeyes will have to play their A game. Plus, if the Buckeyes win, I'll win my tournament pool which will be nice.

On another note I'll be at the Rangers game in a couple of hours, I'm pretty pumped for this, they'll be playing the Toronto Maple Leafs who trail the Rangers by 2 points in the jam packed race for the final 3 playoff spots. Should be an intense game.

Final 4

2007-03-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

2 Weeks ago I picked my Final 4: Ohio State, Georgetown, UCLA and Florida. I'm 4-4 and tied for 1st in my bracket pool. Go Buckeyes!

Lets Go Rangers

2007-03-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Rangers/Bruins game at the Garden. Couldn't really ask for anything more, Saturday Night at the Garden, pumped up crowd, Rangers scoring 7 goals and King Henrik getting the shutout. Good times.

Hate This

2007-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Their are many things that I dislike about New York City but one of the biggest is the weather, a couple of days ago it was 70, I thought I was done with dealing with the really cold weather but as look out my window today, what do I see? Snow...and a lot of it so apparently we're not done with winter after all. I so look forward to the days when this is no longer an issue.

Let's Dance

2007-03-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year again, March Madness! Its crazy because I'm not really big into college basketball but once the tournament starts I'm all into it, I guess having so many games played in such a short amount of time and getting caught up in the upsets, last second buzzer beaters and cinderella teams does it to me. So my Final 4 predictions? I have UCLA, Florida, Georgetown and Ohio State. For the finals I have Ohio State over Florida. I guess we'll see how good I am in 3 weeks.

Just When I Thought I Was Out

2007-03-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

They pull me back in. I tried not paying attention, going against you in hopes that you would improve yourself, I even flirted with those people from Jersey in order to forget about you. It didn't work...once a Knick fan, always a Knick fan. Growing up, I loved this team even when they were really, really bad. I guess when you're 11 years old, it doesn't really matter how bad the team is. In the early-mid 90's the Knicks finally started getting good but every season seem to end at the hand of Michael Jordan and the Bulls but one thing was for sure, every spring you were sure of seeing playoff basketball at the Garden. The last few years things have gone very wrong with this team, bad personnel moves and even worse front office and coaching moves have made these last few seasons unbearable. I'm nowhere near as big of a fan as I use to be but I still am a fan, last night I did something that I haven't done in a long, long time...I was loudly cheering watching the game last night, I don't remember when was the last time I did that. Felt like old times ...well ... maybe not, the Knicks are fighting for a playoff spot whereas the Knicks of old would have been coasting to another division title. Who knows maybe they'll get back to those days sometime soon.

Been A While

2007-03-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while, just keep forgetting to post so hopefully I'll be back to posting on a somewhat semi-regular basis.

First all, big congrats to 2 of my favorite people The Mack and A on their big news, I couldn't be happier for you two.

While I'm on that subject, I don't know what is going on these last 6 months, in 6 months time not counting myself and "the" fiancee, I know 6 other couples who got engaged, now for some people that might not seem like much but for me, who in the last 4 years have been to 2 weddings this is quite the turn of events. Anyways, a couple of weeks ago we went to a store to do a registry, fun times, but the funniest thing was seeing all these women run around the store picking stuff out while the guys just kind of wandered behind them trying to be as excited about the whole thing. I mean it is kind of fun but not the type of thing that I would be lining up to do.

So on a totally different note, big game tonight at the Garden, Rangers-Islanders. The Rangers season is pretty much on the line, the Rangers haven't beaten the Islanders in all 4 games they've played this season and if they lose tonight the season is all but over. So which Ranger team is going to show up? Hopefully its the one that came back from being down 2-0 halfway thru the 3rd period on Saturday to win the game.

Hopefully it won't take me 2 months to update again.

Lame

2007-01-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about this I thought it was a joke but then I went to Ticketmaster and saw my for myself:
The San Diego Chargers have restricted sales to the Divisional Playoff game to residents of Southern California and the surrounding area only. Residency will be based on your credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside of Southern California will be canceled without notice and refunds given.
So you mean to tell me that the Chargers can't get enough of there own fans to a playoff game that they would go this far to keep Patriots fans from going to the game? I think I'll be taking the Pats and the points on Sunday.

The Waiting

2007-01-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Buckeye's vs. Gators - BCS Championship game. One more hour to kickoff. Its strange because up until a couple of hours ago I wasn't this pumped about this game, not like I was for the Michigan game back in November but now I'm starting to get really excited about this game.
I want to say the Buckeyes will roll in this game but I have a feeling that this is going to be a really close game, which means it will be a very long evening for me and "the" girl who's stuck watching the game with me and putting up with my little quirks when I'm watching a big game.

Go Buckeyes!!!!

Good Start

2007-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

USC spanked Michigan yesterday at the Rose Bowl 32-18. The weather here in NYC is in the mid to lower 50's. Good times.

2007

2007-01-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Hope that 2007 is a great one.

Game 2

2006-12-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday it was onto to Monster Park in San Francisco for the 49'ers - Cardinals game.

Monster Park is really big, I went up to the last row to get this shot:

The 49'ers cheerleaders, The Raiderettes I think were better:

View from our seats:

The 49'ers ended up losing the game 26-20 and kissed whatever playoff hopes they had goodbye. This game was much more enjoyable, maybe it was sitting in the 4th row or not freezing or not having to worry about a riot breaking out. I'd definetly check out another Niners game in the future.

Game 1

2006-12-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Part of my Christmas weekend in California inculded going to 2 football games, since getting tickets to Giants or Jets game is pretty tough I jumped at the chance to check out 2 NFL games out west.

First up was the Raiders vs. Chiefs on Saturday night at the Oakland Coliseum, Home of Champiopns (Well at 2-14 not this year)

A view from the last row at the Coliseum:

Raiders fans like to play dress up:

View from our seats:

The Raiders of course lost to the Chiefs 20-9. The Raiders game was a bit crazy, the fans are really into it and I guess because the Raiders suck so bad this year they are just angry, I kept getting the feeling that a riot could break out at anytime at that game. I don't know how many Raiders games I'll be going to in the future.

A Running Diary

2006-12-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

I was going to write something profound to introduce this entry but I think it stands up on its own. Enjoy.

Thursday, November 2, 2006
Went to the store today to put the initial deposit on the ring. My heart skipped a beat when I was there because the salesman couldn't find the ring that I wanted, luckily for me I had the printout of the ring with me which had the model number so they were able to find the last one in the store. I wasn't happy about the thought of starting my search for the ring all over again but luckily I didn't need to. The salesman said something that made me feel good he told me that when things like that happen it's meant to be.

Monday, November 27, 2006
10:48 P.M.
Tonight is the night that I will ask "the" parents for their blessing for asking "the" Girl to marry me, needless to say I'm nervous as hell right now. How does one ask someone about this? I just hope that I don't come across as a rambling idiot, although I'm sure I will. I want to do this but I'm not looking forward to it, I have a bunch of ideas of what I want to say but no idea of how I'm going to say it. I keep telling myself that its going to be quick and painless but I don't know how much I'm believing that right now. Well, its time.
11:21
Got off the phone about 10 minutes ago, it went well. Very nerve-wracking but it went well. I don't even want to know how it'll be next month.

Thursday, November 30, 2006
I went to make another payment on the ring today and when I went they told me that the ring is done and I can pick it up when I pay the balance in 2 weeks. I got to see it and its really nice, I hope she likes it. I kept thinking to myself, this is really happening. Couldn't be happier.
Funny thing, all 3 times I've been to the store I've gotten a text message from her. Weird.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Picked up the ring today. I really hope that she loves it, I'm sure she will. Sure enough, as I was walking into the store I get a text message from her.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tomorrow night is the night. Been able to keep it under wraps so far so I hope that everything goes as planned.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006
She said yes.

I Can See Into The Future

2006-12-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

This conversation took place 3 weeks ago between Me, "The" Girl and One of her good friends from USC. USC had just beaten Oregon so they were all happy about the win so I say "Wouldn't it be something if USC beats Cal and Notre Dame and then loses at UCLA?" They weren't laughing when I said it and sure enough USC beats Cal and Notre Dame and then they go and crap the bed against UCLA. The one game that they should have won and put them in the National Championship against my Buckeyes, they go and play the worst game they probably have played in years. Its for the best though because the trash talking had already started between the girl and I about a possible USC/Ohio State match-up eventhough we all know that USC wanted no part of the Buckeyes. So it'll be Ohio State/Florida for the championship next month, should be a good game and 2 good things came out of it: 1)An SEC team is in there so we can be spared the annual SEC fans bitching and crying about being left out and 2) Its not Michigan.

So much for the 60 degree weather, its freakin' freezing in NYC. I hate this weather.

It's Nice

2006-11-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of November, in New York City and its in the 60s. Why can't it be like this all the time?

Go Buckeyes!

2006-11-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

What a game. Sums it all up right there. Rarely does such a hyped game live up to the hype but this one delivered big time and thank God the Buckeyes pulled off a 42-39 win. The game was probably one of the most tense games I've ever watched, after the game I was emotionally drained and just happy that it was over and the Buckeyes won. Now the debate starts on who should play the Bucks in the BCS Championship game, it shouldn't be Michigan, I don't think I can sit thru another OSU-Michigan game, 1 a year is enough. Big shout out to the Mack for getting me into the whole OSU thing, out of all his recommendations over the years this has been the best one.

Surprise, Surprise

2006-11-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

The birthday weekend came and went but not before having a surprise party thrown for me by "the" girl and a bunch of friends. I want to say that I knew it was coming but I really didn't. I had a great time and I think everyone there did as well. This year I was able to keep myself under control unlike last year's b-day bash which got out of hand very quickly. So once again, big thanks to "the" girl, love you S.

I have to say that the weather over here has been really nice, its November but its still in the 60's, really nice. This is as cold as it should get, that'll rule.

One last thing, if you haven't done so already go see the Borat movie.

Time is Flying

2006-11-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Holy crap...I'm officially in my 30's today. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was turning 21. The good thing is that there is lots to look forward to in year 31.

Song

2006-11-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

This song came on my ipod this morning, such a great song.

Present Tense

Do you see the way that tree bends? Does it inspire>
Leaning out to catch the sun's rays. A lesson to be applied.
Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?

You can spend your time alone redigesting past regrets, ohh, or you can come to terms and realize you're the only one who can forgive yourself. Oh.
Makes much more sense to live in the present tense.

Have you ideas on how this life ends?
Checked your hands and studied the lines.
Have you the belief that the road ahead ascends off into the light?
Seems that needlessly it's getting harder to find an approach and a way to live.
Are we getting something out of this all encompassing trip.

You can spend your time alone redigesting past regrets, ohh, or you can come to terms and realize you're the only one who cannot forgive yourself. Oh, ohh.
Makes more sense to live in the present tense.

Thoughts and a List

2006-10-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

So I got the 5 games right but got the winning team wrong. I cant think of a more lackluster series. Hopefully the Yankees will be there next year. Speaking of St. Louis, it was just ranked as the most dangerous city in America. So chances are that me and Double A will be making a stop there sometime soon following in the foot steps of our jaunts thru Camden, NJ and Detroit.

I can't believe that its the end of October already, time flies. Although, I have to say that I'm really looking forward to the end of the year and next year should be filled with many changes.

So, I'm going to blatantly rip her off here but one of my favorite bloggers did a list of things she loves so I'll follow suit. In no particular order...Things that I love:

The Girl, Pearl Jam, watching the Yankees win, 24, Fog and Drizzle, Hitting on a parlay, Not having to go out to do laundry, Going to Rangers games, Reading the Sports Guy, My Mom's cooking, Playing softball, Hanging out with Friends, Walking around the city, Seeing new places, Watching a good movie, Reading an even better book.

So thats a short list of things I love.

Sigh Of Relief

2006-10-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

At least its not the Mets. Even though there was $50 in it for me if the Mets would have won the Series, I'm happy the Mets got bounced last night. The thought of all these happy Met fans gloating and carrying on about the Mets winning it all was not something that I was looking forward to and now I don't have to deal with it for another year. Part of me is sad because it would have been great to see the Mets get smacked up by the Tigers in the Series. Oh well. My prediction for the series, I want to say Tigers in 4 but I'll go Tigers in 5.

Weekend is finally here. Go Buckeyes!

Week 41

2006-10-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Loose Change, George Washington Bridge, Diner, Fire Hydrant, My Favorite Theater, Meter, Swedish Fish

Week 40

2006-10-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Parlay Slips, Books, ALDS emblem, Left Field Upper Deck, Bike, Coke Bottle, The Apple Store

Week 39

2006-10-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Door Handle, Softball box, CBGB's, View from the Roosevelt Island Tram, Inflatable Pig, The Stratosphere, Fountains at the Bellagio

Week 37

2006-10-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

This one only has 6 images because 1 of them I had to take on my cell phone and I haven't quite figured out how to email that picture to myself.

Crock Pot, Tribute In Lights, The Bat at the Stadium, Turner Field, Guy riding a pink bike on the highway, Servants of Christ Bike Gang

M.I.A.

2006-10-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted but I finally have gotten back around to it. Lets see what's happened: Went to Atlanta (the south is a weird place) Went to Vegas (definitely the strangest place on earth), The Yankees got bounced in the first round of the playoffs - AGAIN, The Rangers started a new season with a lot of promise and the Buckeyes are undefeated headed to a huge showdown with Michigan in a month.

I still cant believe the Yankees lost in the 1st round, for the first time in my life I was embarrassed to be a Yankee fan. This was worst than the collapse vs. Boston in '04 because at least that team competed and got beat by the better team not like this team who didn't even bother to show up after game 1. I was all for firing for Joe Torre but after a while of thinking about it, its better that they keep him because chances are that ARod wont be back and nothing would make me happier than seeing ARod in a different uniform next season. The next 2-3 months should be very interesting.

I'm glad to say that the picture project is still going strong, 79 more days to go.

Week 36

2006-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Candy, City Skyline, Change in plasic bottle, My new favorite drink, 66t Street train stop, Playing under the bridge, Cuba Poster

My Evening at the Open

2006-09-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Last night "the" girl and I went to the US Open out in Queens, for me it was my first ever visit to the US Open.

Sign welcoming us to the US Open:

Statue of some guy serving:

The Globe at Flushing Meadow Park:

One of the cool things about this event is that you can watch no names play in one of the many small courts on the grounds:

Shit...I mean Shea Stadium

A view of Arthur Ashe Stadium:

I never got anything like this at Yankee Stadium:

Serena Williams serving:

One thing about the Open is that you definetly want to bring money with you. This small soda was $3.50

The crowd cheers:

It was a bit weird being at a sporting event where the crowd cheers for both sides, definetly not used to that. Overall a pretty cool experience, hope to do it again next year.

Week 35

2006-09-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Airline reading, PS 2 Controller, Columbus Circle, Front of my building, Dominican take out, The Flag, USC T-Shirt

Lots of Stuff

2006-08-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Where to begin....ok, I was in Ohio last weekend with "the" girl visiting some of her family, it was a very pleasant weekend but I know that I could never live in Ohio or probably anywhere in the mid-west, although very nice its definitely not the place for me.

- I was at the Yankee game last night, I should have known it was going to be a bad evening from the beginning. I get to the stadium, stop at the Italian sausage stand and get my sausage w/peppers and onions and a drink and then carry it to my seat, almost half way across the stadium and all the way up to row V, I eagerly open the wrapper waiting to eat and what do I find? Sausage with NO PEPPERS OR ONIONS. Part of me wanted to go right back but rather than trek all the way back down and across the stadium I ate the sausage, which btw is nowhere near as good without the peppers and onion. Anyways, the Yankees trail 2-0 then come back to score 3 runs and take a 3-2 lead into the top of the 9th. Thinking this game is over I decide to high tail it out of there to beat the rush to the subway. I get home, turn on YES and see that the Yankees lost 5-3.
Unreal. At least I got to get home quickly and in uncrowded train.

- I can't believe that its August 31st already. What the hell? Where did all the time go? If there is one good thing about this its:

- Football season is here. College football starts this weekend and I just saw that ABC is airing the Ohio State game Saturday at 3:30 so my Saturday is all set. Yankees-Twins 1:00, Ohio State-Northern Illinois 3:30, USC-Arkansas 8:00. Life is good.

- Pearl Jam's "Parachute" - What a song...I don't know what it is about it, I mean I liked it when I first heard it but it came on my ipod a couple of days ago and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since. Just a great song.

- Last but not least, the long weekend is finally here.

Week 34

2006-08-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

My Yankee jersey, Ass Kickin' Ketchup, The last of the Milstein Bridge, Bread Rolls, Pearl Jam San Francisco Poster, Lionel Richie, Buckeye Duckies

Changes

2006-08-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Went to the Yankee game on Wednesday, during the day the Yankees broke ground for the new Yankee stadium. I'm torn on this, I loev the Stadium because of the history, I've been to countless games there since I was a kid but at the same time its definitely time for something new. Hopefully it'll be something special and won't look like all the other new parks.

Walking around work at the LC there is construction going on everywhere here, it'll be a few years before its all said and done but it'll be a lot nicer around here.

Maybe I'll have to come back and check out all the changes.

Week 32

2006-08-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Derek Jeter running the bases after a home run, Door in green light, "The" Girl's new bag, Pearl Jam MSG Framed Poster, Red Vines, A whole lot of wine, Holding Hands with "The" Girl

Observations

2006-08-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

The weather in New York City is finally gotten better, low 80s and low humidity. Its too bad that its not like this all the time, I can very easily get used to this type of weather.

Maurice Clarett? WTF!?!?!? Driving around with 4 guns, wearing a bullet proof vest? What the hell was he up to? What a waste of talent.

Thats Enough Janet Jackson! Walking to work today, saw a magazine with Janet Jackson on the cover in her now patented pose of her shirtless with her hands over her breasts. I wonder if they keep telling her that looks good at her photo shoots? Nevermind that she's been doing the same thing for about 10 years already.

The Daily News and NY Post have been having a field day with the Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca's upcoming divorce. Front page story every day for the last week or so. I'm beginning to think the the News and Post aren't really real newspapers.

Week 31

2006-08-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Giambalco bag, My softball shirt after playing in 90 degree heat, Manhattan traffic, My AC, What a 100 degree heat looks like, A Church, The Garden

Overheard in the Elevator

2006-08-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

This really happened today in a crowded elevator at work:

Girl on Cell Phone: Speaking loudly "We had an agreement"
Everyone in the crowded elevator standing uncomfortably
Girl on Cell Phone: Getting louder "You are in violation of our agreement"
Everyone in the crowded elevator still standing uncomfortably
Girl on Cell Phone: Really loud at this point, pretty much yelling "Well you better pay the child support"
Everyone in the crowded elevator anxious to get out of said elevator.

The lesson to be learned here? Please keep your private conversations private, no one wants to hear it.

Minor League Baseball, The Post Office and Other Random Tidbits

2006-07-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

We went to a Staten Island Yankees game last Friday, the Staten Island team is the Yankees Class-A team. Class A is pretty much the lowest rung on the baseball ladder. It was kind of fun watching, although probably only 2-3 of the players we saw that night might make it to the big show. Some other tidbits from the game on Friday night, apparently being at Single A game gets you Single A service, my buddy and I waited almost an inning and a half on the concession stand line and there were only 5 people ahead of us. Going by what we saw on Friday night the majority of Staten Island is Italian, there were some interesting characters at the ballpark that night, none more so than the old lady who told one of my friends that he was talking to loud. I've been to hundreds of ballgames in my life and I have never heard that one before. Un-freaking-believable.

Had to run to the post office today during lunch, the post office on Columbus and 67th is always an experience. I walked in there, go to the automated machine which of course was out of service so I go on the line which was only 4 people deep, sweet. I've never seen it less than 15 people so I thought it must be my lucky day. Not so fast. I'm waiting and I see that this woman at the counter is shipping a rather large box and a suitcase. Yes, a suitcase. I mean who brings a suitcase to the post office? So it takes 3 postal workers about 5 minutes to decide if this is something that they can handle while I notice that the line is quickly growing. This post office has about 8 windows, 4 of them were open the other 4 were closed but had 3 workers at there windows talking about God knows what. Finally after waiting close to 15 minutes I get up, take care of my business and am done in less than 2 minutes. You have to love the U.S. Postal Service. No wonder the 2 most famous postal workers are Cliff Claven & Newman.

Its been hot as hell over here, tomorrow and Wednesday its going up to the 100's. I just love New York City in the summer.

Week 30

2006-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've made it through 30 weeks:

Food, Construction, Line outside of Tower, Flowers, My new video game, Minor league stadium, Matchbooks

Week 29

2006-07-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Pearl Jam on stage in SF, Mini Golf, Swedish Fish, A lot of change, Big PSP, Brooklyn Bridge, New Sneakers

Week 28

2006-07-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

U2 Poster, Plane, Construction Update, Borat, Helicopter, "The" Girl's book case, Obnoxious License Plate,

Week 27

2006-07-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Rainbow over Manhattan, Chicken Marsala, 4th of July Fireworks, Signed Artie Lange DVD, My Buckeyes Jersey, My Keys, Manhattan at Dawn.

Week 26

2006-07-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

A leg, Painter, Jesus Christo, Superman, The Divorce Papers, Art? at LC, Country Club

Hot, Hot, Hot

2006-07-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Like that song from the Dunkin Donuts commercials, its like 1 billion degrees over here in the NYC area. The fact that last weekend I was walking around with a sweater in San Francisco isn't exactly endearing me to New York City much more. Walking out of the airport on Tuesday was the worse, all the heat and humidity hit me like a punch in the face. I felt like turning around and jumping on a plane right back to the bay area. Oh well, I guess I have to make the best of it while I'm here and things could be worst, I could live in my old 'hood of Astoria, they haven't had any power since Tuesday. At least its the weekend.

Soccer, Heat and Whatever Else

2006-07-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

The World Cup ended on Sunday with Italy beating France in penalty kicks. First off having to decide a World Cup on penalty kicks is a horrible idea, there has to be a better way. Secondly, I was happy to see the Italians win, anyone but the French. I'm a bit sad that its over, its been fun watching the games and seeing how much people get into this event. Its cool to see people standing outside bars and stores watching a game, its crazy how this brings so many people together. I get really into the World Cup but then I totally lose interest in soccer for 4 years, so its been fun this past month but I wont watch till 2010.

Its freakin' hot as hell in New York City, I'm so happy to be heading out to the bay area on Friday. I'll be in San Fran on Saturday and Sunday where the highs are only in the mid to upper 60s. Most of my time will be in the East Bay where it'll be in the 70s so it should be quite nice.

So the big story in NYC is about the guy that blew up his townhouse in order to stop his wife from getting it in the divorce settlement. Its funny because women's reaction has been "how horrible" while guys that I've heard talking about have been pretty much saying "good for him". Now, I'm not condoning what this guy did and I would hope that I would never do anything like that but I understand. That's a bit of Chris Rock humor on that last line.

Friday can't get here fast enough.

Don't It Make You Smile?

2006-06-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot over the last couple of days about this post, about what I was going to say since I got the very good news a couple of days ago that my divorce is now finalized and I'm officially divorced. I guess having so much time pass has lessen the sting somewhat of having everything crumble in the worst possible way. I see where I'm at now, being the happiest that I've ever been thanks in large part to the great collection of friends and family that rallied around me when all the chips were down and having the greatest girlfriend that anyone could ever ask for and I can't help but to smile.

"No Matter How Cold the Winter, There's a Springtime Ahead"
- Pearl Jam "Thumbing My Way"

So Long, Farewell

2006-06-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Went down to lunch today and noticed that a few of my favorite lunch places are closing down next week. I'm not happy about this at all, its weird because I've been going to these places for a while and they won't be here anymore after next week. Oh well, I guess people move and things change.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

2006-06-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have my yahoo home page set up where it has the weather forecast for New York City. Yahoo has been re-designing there site and when I was finally able to sign on today instead of the NYC weather it had the weather for Union City, Freemont and Newark.

Washington D.C.

2006-06-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

So I was down in D.C. over the weekend seeing friends and watching the Yankees split 2 games with the Nationals at beautiful RFK Stadium.

So we get up to our seats and I saw my seat:

The view from our last row seats. Not too shabby considering we were up in the last row:

And then there was this douchebag. I mean if the Red Sox were playing the Mets at Shea I would not shell out money for a ticket to go to the game decked out in a Yankee shirt and hat just to root against the Sox. It'd be funny if it weren't so sad.

The Weekend and Other Thoughts

2006-06-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

"The" girl and I went down to D.C. over the weekend to see a friend of mine and his wife and their adorable 10 month old daughter. Great times as we also got to catch 2 of the Yankees-Nats games at RFK Stadium but that'll be its own post later on.

So I was looking at the newspaper today and came across this:

Man slain in christening party horror

A Queens christening bash turned deadly early yesterday when three party crashers attacked a guest, brutally beating and stabbing him to death, cops and witnesses said.

Now if that's not the definition of irony then I don't know what is.

Tonight is game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, maybe just maybe I'll get my overtime wish.

Its freaking hot in NYC, I hate this weather. I look forward to the days when I don't have to deal with this.

About Time

2006-06-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

It took a while and at first I couldn't believe what I was seeing but yes a Yankee pitcher finally showed some testicular fortitude and stood up for one of there players. Posoda gets hit and the next inning Randy Johnson brushes back the Indians catcher, he got thrown out of the game but it was worth it to finally see a Yankee pitcher step and protect his teammate. There's hope for this team yet.

Week 23

2006-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

June 3rd Poster, Sensual Restriction, Slanted Building (unfortunantley it came out too dark), Powder blue limo, Union Square, Books, Yankees losing

Week 22

2006-06-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Vodka Coolata, Presidente Beer, My messy closet, Tourist, Morning fog, Pearl Jam June 1st concert poster, Meadowlands Arena

Week 21

2006-06-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Souvenier baseballs, Cup, Red, White and Blue Building, Buses and Trucks, Church, Roast, Queens Plaza Subway

Week 20

2006-06-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

I still can't get all the images up but some are better than none:

So we have: Popcorn, My new cell phone, Play ball, Notorious Bagel, Wings and Plantains, My very old ipod, Roommate's Met cap.

It and Some Other Thoughts

2006-06-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Their was a great article in today's NY Post about what pro athletes have "it" and which don't. The it being that x factor that certain players just have that you know they will deliver in the biggest moments. Reminds me of a conversation I had with my roommate a little while ago about the same topic and how A-Rod just doesn't have it while David Ortiz and Derek Jeter do. Its crazy how you can find players in every sport who fall into one of those categories: Tom Brady has it, Peyton Manning does not. Mark Messier has it, Eric Lindross does not. It kills me to say this but I don't think the Yankees will ever win a World Series with A-Rod.

Last week "the" girl and I saw what has to be the laziest guy ever. We're sitting on a west bound bus, coming up on 11th avenue and we see a guy run to catch the bus which we thought was a bit odd because the bus was only going 1 more block before getting to the west side highway, anyways the guy makes it on the bus and goes 1 freakin' block. I mean, how lazy do you have to be to take the bus 1 block? I could understand if the person was handicapped or if it was someone with young children or an elderly person but this was a young guy. Unreal.

Check this out

2006-06-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

This guy is awesome. Please check it out.

http://www.evanwashere.com/StolenSidekick/

I Don't Much Care For You

2006-06-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is my 2nd go-around with this post so I'll see what I can remember:

Some people that I don't really care for:

-People who just have to have long, loud conversations in public places. You know what? No one cares about your conversations and no one wants to hear it. If you must talk on your phone please try not to butcher the English language in the process.
-Seat Hounds. These are the people that bulldoze their way onto the subway, usually with little disregard for people exiting the subway, in their quest for a seat.
-Male Seat Hounds - There is just no excuse for that.
-Dumb junior high and high school kids. The amount of stupidity that you hear on any given weekday on the subway is almost comical. What are they teaching these kids in school? The sad thing is that most of these kids are probably pretty smart yet one would never know by listening to them. Even Sadder? They don't seem to notice or just don't care about how dumb they sound.
-Tourist. Yes, its great that they come to visit the big city but there is absolutely no reason that they need to walk down the sidewalk, 5 across at the slowest possible pace, stopping short to look at every window and building. Another tourist thing, if you're going to take pictures at a busy intersection, have your camera ready to go.

So that's my short list of people I don't care for.

Special Guest

2006-06-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

I'm having "The" Girl post here today:

I recently had the pleasure of taking in my first - and second - Pearl Jam concerts with my "boy", who easily qualifies for the #1 fan contest. Many of you who read this, or know him in any capacity are well aware of this. First, and foremost, the shows were amazing and were worthy of what I thought was slightly over-the-top hype I've been hearing for the last 9 months. The crowd is so into it, and the vibe is something that is hard to describe. It is something that everyone should experience. During the course of the shows there were more than a few things I picked up about Pearl Jam, their fans, and the shows in general.

10 OBSERVATIONS BASED ON TWO PEARL JAM SHOWS

1. Pearl Jam fans do not like to be referred to as "The Jamily". Please do not perpetuate this habit.

2. The newspaper reviewers of these shows make some blatant errors in their writing about the shows. Talking to just a handful of fans would be a source of great quality control. For example, they should know that Pearl Jam always plays the last couple of songs with the house lights on, and this is no indication that the arena management is trying to send a message that the show should be brought to an end.

3. Pearl jam fans are extremely loyal. Talk to them and they will recount to you all of the shows they have seen and their favorite moments. They will also be more than happy to share with you their own bit of Pearl Jam trivia. One guy was telling me that Saturday was his 8th show of the tour - uh…there have only been 16 shows on the tour so far, so he's batting .500. Not only are they loyal, but their fan base is very wide as well. I spoke to a guy in his 50's and a 19 year old girl within 10 minutes of each other, and both had been to multiple shows on the tour already, so it wasn't like they were casual - or new- fans.

4. The crowd can really make or break a show, and not just the crowd in general but the few rows that surround you. One person might say it’s the best crowd ever, and someone sitting 3 sections away will say that the crowd sucked.

5. Each and every Pearl Jam show is different. In the two shows I saw I heard over 60 songs, 48 different songs, which means that only 12 were repeats at both nights. That is pretty amazing in itself since most bands do the same shows each and every time.

6. The mad dash for posters the moment the doors open is one of the more intriguing things to witness. It's interesting that people get so excited for a piece of memorabilia that, granted may be rare since they only have a couple thousand per show, but they also have no idea what it will look like until they manage to procure one. What happens to the poor souls that think the show's poster is ugliest thing to ever grace the tour? They now have to hang around the arena for the next two-hours waiting for the show to start. And I still say screw you to the guy in the green jacket that didn't think he should wait in line like the rest of us, and also to all those people that ignore the one poster per person rule so they can make 100 bucks on e-bay selling them to the true fans that didn't make it to the front of the line within 20 minutes before they sold out.

7. There are those fans that will go crazy over EVERY song, and sing damn near all of the lyrics without missing even a minor inflection. The guys in front of me practically humped each other every time a new song started from sheer excitement…much to my amusement. It was actually a lot of fun to watch the hard-core fans get really into the show. I mean hearing 15,000 people scream out "Get out of my fucking face" is something special.

8. Its pretty sweet that for someone who has been to damn near 20 shows, they still get to hear songs they've never heard live, and I am not just talking about the songs off the new album, but songs going way back. I think that is rare in music nowadays.

9. Eddie Vedder will be hammered by the end with those frequent chugs from the wine bottle. And when you see him jump around the stage you're just waiting for disaster to strike. And it almost did when he fell on his ass - hard - Thursday night and limped off the stage for the break before the 1st encore. You'll get dizzy watching Mike McCready on stage, unlike Stone Gossard, who is more like…well, a stone. All the members have defined stage personalities, and they are all fun to watch. Plus their solos rule.

10. Pearl Jam's fan club, known as TEN CLUB takes care of its own. For a measly 15 bucks a year, you get goodies like special records, plus the opportunity to buy concert tickets before the general public, and without having to deal with ticketmaster, or their ridiculous service fees. Not to mention that the seats 10 Club will get you are better than anything you'd get through ticketmaster anyways. They'll be great seats, with other 10 club members, so you're likely to be enjoying the show with a fun group of people that will be way into the show.

11. Okay so I couldn't quite limit myself to 10, so you all get a bonus item. Pearl jam has some of the best lyrics around. Just read the lyrics to some of their songs and you could learn some life lessons, and/or find you personal mantra. One example: "No matter how cold the winter, there’s a springtime ahead" - Thumbing My Way.

So, basically, I was blown away. I recommend a Pearl Jam show to everyone. If it's been a decade since you over-played that Ten album, don't worry, you will fall right into loving them again. It helps that you can expect them to play a few of those songs that made them a household name in the first place. And please, don't say anything about this new album being such a come back for them. They never went away, they've been rocking out this whole time to a mounting list of great stuff. Unfortunately, a large majority of us have been missing it until now.

Yes, you can add me to the already long list of Pearl Jam fans. I liked them before, but now I understand the adoration for these guys, and must admit, I am well on the way to being part of that group of crazies.

One last thing…San Francisco here I come. Now I am prepared, and expecting another great show.

Night 1

2006-06-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

"The waiting drove me mad" - Corduroy

Well tonight is the first of 2 shows at the Meadowlands Arena (I so wish that it was at MSG) anyways, I'm really pumped about these 2 shows as I usually am whenever Pearl Jam is playing and I'm lucky enough to be going. Another thing about these 2 shows is that "the" girl will be coming along and seeing them for the 1st time so my music snob reputation is riding on these 2 shows, Saturday night's show I know a bunch of people that are going and a lot of them seeing them for the 1st time after hearing me go on and on about how great this band is. I'm sure PJ will deliver the goods, they always do.

I'm Just Saying

2006-05-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last night Madonna played the Forum in L.A. tickets range from $55 to $350 she played 19 songs.

Last night Pearl Jam played the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Tickets were $51, 2 of which go to local charities. They played 18 songs in the first set plust another 14 in 2 encores.

Goings Ons

2006-05-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Its 12:45, I really should be asleep now but for some reason I'm wide awake. Had a double-header today, first game one of the teams that I'm on got destroyed, then I raced uptown for another game with my team in which we proceeded to hand out a severe beating. I think the final was 22-1 but I also think we just stopped counting after a while. This team is 6-0 thus far and we're having a great time playing ball and drinking it up after the games. I'm a pretty good G.M. if I do say so myself.

Interesting story from last week, I was sick as hell and decided to go do laundry on Friday morning at the place down the block from me. So I'm listening to my ipod, putting my clothes in the machine when I hear someone yell something, I turn and look up and I see 5 NYPD officers, one of them with his gun pointed at me, well not me but the guy about 5 feet from me. I'm sure I looked like a deer in headlights. I've been coming to certain realizations, as much as I love it here I think it might be time to really think about getting out of here.

"The" Girl's Mom was in town the last few days and she got to meet my mom which I'm happy to say went really well. I don't know how or why I got this lucky, I'm just glad that I did.

Countdown to Pearl Jam is less than 2 weeks, I'm trying not to get too excited about it...It's not really working.

Deep In The Heart of Texas

2006-05-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

A bit late but I spent last weekend in Dallas, Texas watching the Yankees take 2 wins in Arlington over the Rangers. So what did I learn on my trip to Dallas? Lets see:
- Texas is really big and really flat.
- The radio stations in Dallas are terrible, other than the spanish station that played "Pollito con Papas"
- Texans love there beer, bbq and strip clubs. I couldn't believe the amount of strip club billboards that we saw.
- DFW Airport is huge.
- Texas Stadium, home of the Cowboys, is a dump. It makes Shea Stadium look great and that is saying something.
- Yankee fans are really devoted and are everywhere. Its a beautiful thing.

So that was my Texas experience.

3 more weeks for Pearl Jam at the Meadowlands. Can't wait.

This, That and The Other Thing

2006-05-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason I haven't been able to post pictures on the site but I have still managed to take a picture every day and the streak is in-tact.

I was at my nephew's confirmation last week, it's funny because I haven't been to church in years and all the responses during the mass all came back to me, I guess thats what 12 years of catholic school do to you.

I was at the Rangers-Devils game 4 on Saturday afternoon where the Rangers lost and got swept by the Devils. I was pretty upset about it but the more I think of it back at the beginning of the season no one (myself included) expected much from this team and they gave us a good season and returned to the post-season. I'm not happy about the way it all ended but I am very excited about next season.

Last but not least, I got the the new Pearl Jam cd today. I listened to it once and I can say that it is really good and worth all the buzz that has been generated thus far.
Speaking of PJ, the last few days "Elderly Woman Behind A Counter" has popped up a few times on the old ipod, that is so the song of the moment, I always thought that my elderly woman would be a person but I think I'm wrong.

Rant and Rave

2006-04-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

You know when you want to keep something "Super-Secret" it might not be a good idea to publish it in the Village Voice.

Hockey Playoffs

2006-04-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

In one night I've gone from rooting for the Rangers, Montreal and I can't believe I'm going to say this, the Islanders. Rangers and Islanders lost so now I just had to change direction and root for the Devils to win which they have just made up a 3-0 deficit. My reasoning for all of this? I have tickets to Game 1 at MSG and next week is a busy one and this would give me the best chance of making the game. Rangers and Devils in the 1st round, its going to be on.

Week 14

2006-04-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Ok...this is the west coast edition of the week in pictures:
Big steak, San Francisco Hill, Mr. October, Buddy the Dog, Driving down the 101, Stewie and Cartman, My first Wal-Mart

California

2006-04-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

"There's a feeling I get when I look to the West..."
- Led Zeppelin

Got back from an awesome trip out to California, from beginning to end a wonderful time, even though I saw the Yankees go 1-3. Just a great time. Some things I picked up while out on vacation:

I really love California,
The Yankees are the most loved and hated team in all of sports
I will never have paella as good as I did at "the" girls aunt's and uncle's house
Driving from downtown L.A. to Anaheim takes 2 hours
Red eye flights suck

Big thanks to "the" girl's family and friends and the Mack and A. for helping to make this trip such a great one. Last but most definetly "the" girl who made all of this possible.

3 more weeks till Dallas.

Pictures

2006-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

A bit late but here we go: Yankee slippers, Globe sculpture, Where I was born, Luggage, Dining Room, Cool looking bridge, Thats how I roll.

Back To Cali

2006-03-31T06:43:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I head back to California, I haven't been out there in a while and I'm pretty excited about this trip. First and foremost, I'm going with "The" Girl so a week away with her will be good. I should be nervous about this because this is the first time we're going away together but I'm not, I'm really looking forward to it. Secondly this will be the super sports week, I'm still trying to figure out how all of this came together it started with seeing the Yankees open the season in Oakland for 3 games (can my loyalty to this team ever be questioned?), then we found out the Giants were playing the A's in San Francisco on Sunday afternoon so that got added, then I saw that the Yankees were going down to Anaheim on Friday so we managed to get tickets for that, although we had to pay a nice mark up on it then to cap it off the girl suggested that we check out a hockey game in L.A. at the Staples Center on Thursday so we'll be doing that as well. It is going to be a crazy week with all the events, meeting family and friends, I'll get to hang out with the Mack and A and get to see my favorite cat while in L.A. as well. I hope to get a lot of pictures this week, wish me luck.

2006-03-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

These are the lyrics to American Jesus by Bad Religion. Its one of those songs that I've liked for a long time and I just heard it today and really paid attention to what they're saying. Interesting Stuff.

AMERICAN JESUS

I don’t need to be a global citizen, Because I’m blessed by nationality
I’m member of a growing populace, We enforce our popularity
There are things that seem to pull us under
And there are things that drag us down
But there’s a power and a vital presence, Thats lurking all around
We’ve got the american jesus, See him on the interstate
We’ve got the american jesus He helped build the President’s estate
I feel sorry for the earth’s population ’cuz so few live in the u.s.a.
At least the foreigners can copy our morality, They can visit but they cannot stay
Only precious few can garner the prosperity
It makes us walk with renewed confidence
We’ve got a place to go when we die and the architect resides right here
We’ve got the american jesus, Overwhelming millions every day
He’s the farmers barren fields, The force the army wields
The expession in the faces, Of the starving children,
The power of the man, He’s the fuel that drives the clan
He’s the motive and conscience, Of the murderer
He’s the preacher on t.v., The false sincerity
The form letter that’s written, By the big computers
He’s the nuclear bombs, And the kids with no moms
And I’m fearful that he’s inside me

Week 12

2006-03-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, here we go: A Plant, Magnet collection, Where I went to grade school, Tasty sandwich, The Intrepid, Musicians at Columbus Circle, My old-school iPod which might be on it's last legs.

Baseball, More Praise and Other Thoughts

2006-03-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

The finals of the WBC is tonight, no Dominican and no USA but still this has been a very enjoyable tournament. As crazy as it seems, its probably best that the U.S. is not in the finals, I think that in 3 years when they stage this again we're going to see a much different attitude towards this event by the Americans.

A while ago on my old blog I did a post titled "In Praise of the Mack" about my friend JM, who's blog you can check out on the links section. Anyways, the Mack has a perfect track record with recommendations for TV shows and movies. Whenever I hear the Mack say "You should watch this" I know that it'll be good. Anyways, a while back he told me about 'Arrested Development' on Fox, last week "The" Girl rented the first season and we watched it yesterday. I can't believe that it took me this long to watch this show. One of the funniest shows that I've seen in a long time and in typical Fox fashion they cancelled it. Hopefully it'll get the Family Guy treatment and they will bring it back.

Book recommendation time - "The Bad Guys Won!" by Jeff Pearlman. This is the story of the World Champion 1986 Mets. When I was a kid I HATED this team, this book made me dislike them more. Very good read.

The Week In Pictures

2006-03-20T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, here we go...Stewie Griffin, Mr. Softee, Old School Cab, Horse Carriage, Softball Trophy, Green Empire State Building, Nighttime Construction

Random Notes

2006-03-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

These last few days have seen some good games in the WBC. Big win on Tuesday by D.R. knocking off Venezuela, holding them to just 1 hit. That was one of the most tense games I've ever watched. Funny thing about it was watching my roommate who's usually very laid back and calm get all worked up watching these games since I'm the one that is usually yelling at the television, not that I wasn't on Tuesday night.
The USA got bailed out again last night, a win tonight and they go on to the semi's. This has been a great tournament, I already can't wait for the next one.

The weather here in NYC has been crazy, last Saturday it was about 70 degrees, tomorrow the forecast is calling for snow. I just want the spring weather to get here and have it stay here.

On a happier note, Pearl Jam - Meadowlands Arena June 1st and 3rd. I will of course be there. This spring/summer is really starting to shape up quite nicely. Can't wait.

Week 10

2006-03-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

10th week of pictures: La Pela, Old School Phone, Dominican T-Shirt, Guy Cleaning Window, Basketball, Pimpmobile, My New Travel Bag

Lazy Sunday

2006-03-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

Just another lazy Sunday afternoon, watching the WBC which so far has been pretty good and now that it is in the 2nd round only promises to get better. Big game tonight w/DR vs. PR, that is going to be an intense scene tonight. Its been a real treat to watch the Latin American games, the vibe at those games is so much different from anything you would ever see here in the States.

On another note, Pearl Jam will be touring this spring, definetly check them out if you get a chance.

Week 9

2006-03-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Another week in pictures: My new fancy watch, "The" Girl's b-day flowers, Dr. Evil and Gumby, Empire State Building, My gift wrapping skills, At the Lanes, Wine shopping.

Play Ball

2006-03-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

So the WBC has kicked off, unfortunatley a lot of players have dropped out but I'm still into it and looking forward to see how it plays out. Let's see how I think this will play out: Pool A which is the Asian Pool, look for Japan and Korea to come out of that pool. I like USA and Mexico in Pool B, Cuba and Puerto Rico in Pool C and Dominican Repbulic and Venezuela in Pool D.
Final 4 - USA, Japan, Venezuela, Dominican Republic. Finals -Venezuela over USA.

If thats how it goes down remember where you heard it.

Like Old Times

2006-03-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to see Dropkick Murphys and Sick Of It All at the Nokia here in NYC. Good show, it was odd watching Sick Of It All play I haven't seen those guys in a good 7-8 years since I saw these guys and it just brought back a lot of memories from back in the day. Wetlands, Bond Street, Pyramid, CB's all the hardcore matinees. I miss the good old days sometimes.

On another note the WBC starts tomorrow but that will be its own post.

Last but definitely not least have to send Happy Birthday wishes to "The" Girl.

Week 8 In Pictures

2006-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Great weekend but unfortunately it's over but have a great week to look forward to.
Ok so here we go: The top part of my desk, Icicles on the subway, The Hammer, Calamari appetizer, My Tino Martinez foul ball, Cookies, Rack 'Em.

Random Thoughts

2006-02-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday on Good Day New York they had a whole thing about people giving up there seat on the subway or bus and under what circumstances they do so. Now, usually if I see an older person, a disabled persons, pregnant woman or someone with kids I offer my seat. Sometimes I'll offer my seat to a woman if I'm in a good mood...well coming into work today a bunch of people get off at a stop and I was about to take a seat but saw a lady who was coming into the car and eyeing the seat so I stopped and let her take the seat and she takes it and no thank you or even a nod. I'll remember her, next time she can stand.

On another note the WBC is starting next week, I have to say that its losing it's luster because so many top players are not playing. I'll still be watching because I'm too much of a baseball nut not to watch, hopefully it'll still be good.

It's finally Friday, now if the weather could just get nice again everything will be perfect.