Well I haven't seen any games yet, but I'm surprised. The Rangers sent Jozef Balej and Nigel Dawes down to Hartford. I think these are about the two brightest young forwards on the team. Hopefully, they'll get their playing time with the Wolf Pack. I guess that's beter than them being fourth liners. But I'm looking at the 32 players left and I'm seriously wondering. Who in the Broadway Blue h-e- double hockey sticks are these guys?!
Goal:Henrik Lundqvist, Al Montoya and Kevin Weekes.
Defense:Martin Grenier, Darius Kasparaitis, Maxim Kondratiev, Bryce Lampman, Marek Malik, Thomas Pöck, Tom Poti, Dale Purinton, Michal Rozsival, Joe Rullier, Jason Strudwick and Fedor Tyutin.
Forwards:Blair Betts, Ryan Hollweg, Jarkko Immonen, Jaromir Jagr, Jamie Lundmark, Dominic Moore, Garth Murray, Ville Nieminen, Michael Nylander, Jed Ortmeyer, Petr Prucha, Steve Rucchin, Martin Rucinsky, Martin Straka, Jason Ward, Craig Weller and Chad Wiseman.
Prucha? Rullier? I mean I followed the minor leagues a bit, but come on. And now they've signed Peter Worrell! The most overweight enforcer since Tony Sirgusa! He's had personal problems for years and been a career underachiever. He'll fit right in!
Here's who I want as starters. Goal is Weekes, then Lundqvist.
Forwards
Line 1. from left to right. Straka, Nylander, Jagr.
Line 2. Rucinsky, Rucchin, Lundmark.
Line 3. Niemenen, Murray, Ortmeyer.
Line 4. Moore, Betts, Ward.
Defense
Line 1. Poti, Kasparitis
Line 2. Tyutin, Malik
Line 3. Pock, Purinton.
Tough choices here. I don't really know about this guy Roszival and Strudwick's a decent veteran. But I think Pock will probably go down so he can play more.
Just tell me this. What forward on this roster can defend a power forward? Who knows what will happen.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
CMT Duets
Well CMT did their Top 100 duets. I'm a nut for music countdowns so I was into this. And the show didn't disappoint.
Obviously some songs were well out of place. But that's what a countdown does sometimes. I mean considering how well known "Luckenbach Texas" is, how is that #50?
But anyway they did a concert of the Top 12, but here's 15. The top 3 were probably expected. Some surprises.
15. Seven Spanish Angels- Wille and Ray. Enough said.
14. Whiskey Lullaby- Brad Paisley and Allsion Krauss. I'm no fan of anything associated with bluegrass, but this is an excellent song. Chilling. I don't know if I expected it this high though.
13. It's Your Love- Should have guessed this would be huge. I don't know, husband/wife duets never seem to do it for me.
12. The Whiskey Ain't Working- the No hats tour was a huge part of country music in the 1990's. It's too overlooked nowadays. But Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart did some great things together. The concert gets off with a bang.
11. When I Said I Do- Clint Black and Lisa Hartman. A little sappy, but a very good performance. A celebrity marriage that has lasted. Give em props.
10. After the Fire Is Gone- Never had heard of this song, but it's a Conway/Loretta. Terri Clark and Trace Adkins do a fine job.
9. Does He Love You- Never liked this one. Yet it won a Grammy. Have you noticed most bad songs are the ones that win Grammys. Maybe that's why Vince Gill won a bunch...
8. Every Time Two Fools Collide- Kenny and Dottie. Who hasn't Kenny Rogers sung a duet with? Lee Ann Womack knows what she's doing in front of a microphone.
7. You and I- Eddie Rabbitt was big for me when I was growing up. I never had a record of his, but he was almost always on the radio. Hey, like me, he's a Jersey Boy! Brooklyn Born! He passed away 7 years ago and it's a shame. Nobody seems to remember how good he was for so long. Raul Malo (Mavericks fame) and Crystal Gayle did very well. I wonder if Crystal's floor-length hair will ever go gray...
6. You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma- David Frizzell and Shelly West. I really wonder if this song would be as big if it came out today as it was then. Clint Eastwood started a record label just so this song could be released. Very interesting story. Whether you like it or not, you can appreciate it as a great song of its time.
5. We're Gonna Hold On- George'n'Tammy. I thought Golden Ring would have been in this spot. Joe Nichols took George's part. He has a great traditional voice. His first record has some very good songs.
4. Jackson- Johnny and June. It's not easy to pull off a good cheating song, especially such an upbeat one, but when you're as in love as they were, I guess anything's possible.
3. Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys- Montgomery Gentry and Shooter Jennings. Fine performance, but no live performance can match the original studio version. That song should have been expanded. It ends too fast!
2. Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man- One more Conway and Loretta. Travis Tritt and Patty Loveless sang it well.
1. Islands in the Stream- Kenny and Dolly perform. The Bee Gees wrote it. Did Barry, Robin, and Maurice ever write or produce a song that wasn't great?
A few more notes.
#80- Poor Boy Blues. Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler. I remember watching this old video from around 1990 or so. Watching the clips 15 years later made me realize how catchy that thing was! Not the most expressive singing but that song doesn't even need words.
#78- It's Such a Small World- Rodney Crowell and Roseanne Cash. I thought this was inspired by Disney World. Those made records where the drum was so strong I thought that beat would come throught the speakers and pop my eardrums out.
#53- Rockin' Years. Ricky Van Shelton and Dolly Parton. For the Man on Bay Street. An RVS mention.
#47-Funny How Time Slips Away- Al Green and Lyle Lovett. Hey, Al Green is Al Green. I wonder if he ever had his hair as high as Lyle...
#35- To All the Girls I've Loved Before. The best Karaoke song ever. I did this one by myself in college. I did both voices fine. Then I realized I would have to blend both during the chorus. Not easy.
#31- Beer For My Horses. The Pittsburgh Pirates theme song. Actually it could've been Send in the Clowns.
#26- Streets of Bakersfield. Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. The song that brought Buck back. "Hey you don't know me but you don't like me." You just don't hear lines like that. And the best country recording to use an accordian!
#25- Mendocino County Line- Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack. This song wasn't a big hit, but it's so good. A bit over the top musically with the strings, but the lyrics and Willie's weird pace of singing harmony makes it work. He sings from his soul.
Anthony if you're reading, there were no Billy Joel songs!
Obviously some songs were well out of place. But that's what a countdown does sometimes. I mean considering how well known "Luckenbach Texas" is, how is that #50?
But anyway they did a concert of the Top 12, but here's 15. The top 3 were probably expected. Some surprises.
15. Seven Spanish Angels- Wille and Ray. Enough said.
14. Whiskey Lullaby- Brad Paisley and Allsion Krauss. I'm no fan of anything associated with bluegrass, but this is an excellent song. Chilling. I don't know if I expected it this high though.
13. It's Your Love- Should have guessed this would be huge. I don't know, husband/wife duets never seem to do it for me.
12. The Whiskey Ain't Working- the No hats tour was a huge part of country music in the 1990's. It's too overlooked nowadays. But Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart did some great things together. The concert gets off with a bang.
11. When I Said I Do- Clint Black and Lisa Hartman. A little sappy, but a very good performance. A celebrity marriage that has lasted. Give em props.
10. After the Fire Is Gone- Never had heard of this song, but it's a Conway/Loretta. Terri Clark and Trace Adkins do a fine job.
9. Does He Love You- Never liked this one. Yet it won a Grammy. Have you noticed most bad songs are the ones that win Grammys. Maybe that's why Vince Gill won a bunch...
8. Every Time Two Fools Collide- Kenny and Dottie. Who hasn't Kenny Rogers sung a duet with? Lee Ann Womack knows what she's doing in front of a microphone.
7. You and I- Eddie Rabbitt was big for me when I was growing up. I never had a record of his, but he was almost always on the radio. Hey, like me, he's a Jersey Boy! Brooklyn Born! He passed away 7 years ago and it's a shame. Nobody seems to remember how good he was for so long. Raul Malo (Mavericks fame) and Crystal Gayle did very well. I wonder if Crystal's floor-length hair will ever go gray...
6. You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma- David Frizzell and Shelly West. I really wonder if this song would be as big if it came out today as it was then. Clint Eastwood started a record label just so this song could be released. Very interesting story. Whether you like it or not, you can appreciate it as a great song of its time.
5. We're Gonna Hold On- George'n'Tammy. I thought Golden Ring would have been in this spot. Joe Nichols took George's part. He has a great traditional voice. His first record has some very good songs.
4. Jackson- Johnny and June. It's not easy to pull off a good cheating song, especially such an upbeat one, but when you're as in love as they were, I guess anything's possible.
3. Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys- Montgomery Gentry and Shooter Jennings. Fine performance, but no live performance can match the original studio version. That song should have been expanded. It ends too fast!
2. Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man- One more Conway and Loretta. Travis Tritt and Patty Loveless sang it well.
1. Islands in the Stream- Kenny and Dolly perform. The Bee Gees wrote it. Did Barry, Robin, and Maurice ever write or produce a song that wasn't great?
A few more notes.
#80- Poor Boy Blues. Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler. I remember watching this old video from around 1990 or so. Watching the clips 15 years later made me realize how catchy that thing was! Not the most expressive singing but that song doesn't even need words.
#78- It's Such a Small World- Rodney Crowell and Roseanne Cash. I thought this was inspired by Disney World. Those made records where the drum was so strong I thought that beat would come throught the speakers and pop my eardrums out.
#53- Rockin' Years. Ricky Van Shelton and Dolly Parton. For the Man on Bay Street. An RVS mention.
#47-Funny How Time Slips Away- Al Green and Lyle Lovett. Hey, Al Green is Al Green. I wonder if he ever had his hair as high as Lyle...
#35- To All the Girls I've Loved Before. The best Karaoke song ever. I did this one by myself in college. I did both voices fine. Then I realized I would have to blend both during the chorus. Not easy.
#31- Beer For My Horses. The Pittsburgh Pirates theme song. Actually it could've been Send in the Clowns.
#26- Streets of Bakersfield. Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. The song that brought Buck back. "Hey you don't know me but you don't like me." You just don't hear lines like that. And the best country recording to use an accordian!
#25- Mendocino County Line- Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack. This song wasn't a big hit, but it's so good. A bit over the top musically with the strings, but the lyrics and Willie's weird pace of singing harmony makes it work. He sings from his soul.
Anthony if you're reading, there were no Billy Joel songs!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
The bottom line
This was quite a game.
Jets-Jaguars.
A 26-20 OT loss.
So many ups and downs, but the Jets never deserved to win it.
And the blame to me goes to Chad Pennington and the offense. I know he strained his shoulder and Fiedler subsequently got hurt. But what did he do before the injury? An injury that occurred on another fumble by the way? I want to hire Boomer Esiason and Kenny Stabler. Maybe they can teach Chad to throw left-handed. I want Kyle Orton, who threw 6 picks for the Bears, quarterbacking the Jets. I can't stand it. The pain never ends.
The defense did everything they could. Turnovers, they limited Fred Taylor to 1 or 2 big runs. But they were on the field twice as often as the Jet offense. They had to wear down. If we could have sustained a drive and kept their defense on the field, maybe things would have been different.
Curtis Martin may look old, but his line doesn't give him room to run. Don't forget, last year the Jets had the best rushing offense in football with a deent passing game. Now the passing game is worse so teams watch the run more. And losing McKenzie and Becht as blockers is critical too. So you have 3 old guys on the left side and middle. And two young guys and 3 if you count the tight end who are average. At best. No wonder we can't run the football behind this line. La Danian Tomlinson couldn't run behind that line.
The Jets are not good enough to beat the best defenses. Their own D is doing pretty well. Their punter is the best part of the team for God's sakes! He's the secret weapon! The punter! But as long as this O-line and this QB play like they did today, they're a 5 or 6 win team. They'll be in some close games, but they won't have enough. And that's what championship teams do.
Memo to Terry Bradway: Get an offensive line together.
And the Giants. Well, chances are I'll be ranting on them Monday morning.
Jets-Jaguars.
A 26-20 OT loss.
So many ups and downs, but the Jets never deserved to win it.
And the blame to me goes to Chad Pennington and the offense. I know he strained his shoulder and Fiedler subsequently got hurt. But what did he do before the injury? An injury that occurred on another fumble by the way? I want to hire Boomer Esiason and Kenny Stabler. Maybe they can teach Chad to throw left-handed. I want Kyle Orton, who threw 6 picks for the Bears, quarterbacking the Jets. I can't stand it. The pain never ends.
The defense did everything they could. Turnovers, they limited Fred Taylor to 1 or 2 big runs. But they were on the field twice as often as the Jet offense. They had to wear down. If we could have sustained a drive and kept their defense on the field, maybe things would have been different.
Curtis Martin may look old, but his line doesn't give him room to run. Don't forget, last year the Jets had the best rushing offense in football with a deent passing game. Now the passing game is worse so teams watch the run more. And losing McKenzie and Becht as blockers is critical too. So you have 3 old guys on the left side and middle. And two young guys and 3 if you count the tight end who are average. At best. No wonder we can't run the football behind this line. La Danian Tomlinson couldn't run behind that line.
The Jets are not good enough to beat the best defenses. Their own D is doing pretty well. Their punter is the best part of the team for God's sakes! He's the secret weapon! The punter! But as long as this O-line and this QB play like they did today, they're a 5 or 6 win team. They'll be in some close games, but they won't have enough. And that's what championship teams do.
Memo to Terry Bradway: Get an offensive line together.
And the Giants. Well, chances are I'll be ranting on them Monday morning.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Absolute agony, but an idea!
When I die and go to meet God, I'm going to tell him about baseball. Because I know without a doubt now God has absolutely nothing to do with baseball. He clearly has never heard of it, seen it, or thought about it. Because after watching the end of the Marlins-Bitch-lanta game tonight, I know demons rule this sometimes great sometimes horrifying game.
3-0 Florida. First and second no one out for the Marlins. A bunt for a popout and Alex "Rey Ordonez" Gonzalez is pitching a tent halfway between shortstop and third base and the idiot gets doubled off at second base! Then Mike Lowell comes up. Crushes a fastball. I thought it was headed to Miami. Ryan Scissorhands catches it on the warning track. In comes Antonio Alfonseca to pitch for Florida. He's got six fingers and no testicles. Allows two baserunners and in comes the CLOSER TODD JONES! In the eighth inning! Mr. Lights out all season comes in. Four runs score. Kyle Farnsworth closes it. The same Kyle Farnsworth who could never find control in Chicago or Baltimore. 1-2-3 including a strikeout of Juan Pierre (Who almost never strikes out by the way) to end it. Braves win. What a surprise.
So are you happy now? All I hear is from the "fans" of that damn team and the media is "Oh, it's not over, we've got six games left with Florida!" You know what, I don't want to hear it anymore. I don't want to hear it. Every damn year those 500-pound rednecks who'd rather watch Nascar and mock Native Americans get their little squeal in. If only 1995 had never happened.
I'd rather see the Mets lose every game the rest of the year if it meant Philly or Florida won the division. But I will say this. I have an idea.
Here is the foolproof way that I will never have to see Atlanta win another division crown again. I will have to become a Brave fan. I will have to sell my soul to Billionaire Ted, Crybaby Bobby, Leo "Resurface the ice with the" Mazzone. Bring em all on! Furcal aahhhhh. Andruw oooooohhhhhhhh! Larry! Oh I love Larry! Hit another double or homer off the Mets in a big game again Larry! I love ya! You named your son Shea? Great! I'll name my son Stadium. They'll be buddies! Smoltzie! Oh, the best postseason pitcher of all time! Forget Bob Gibson. We'll go golfing! John Rocker! Great humanitarian. Julio Franco. Hey I'll wheel your chair up and down Peach Street! Schuerholz! The greatest GM ever! Hell, sign Kaz Ishii! He'll be your next 20-game winner! Money in the bank!
Baseball is probably the best game on earth. But it's games like this that show how screwed up it is. The Bitch-lanta Braves about to win another damn division title. Just makes you want to puke.
3-0 Florida. First and second no one out for the Marlins. A bunt for a popout and Alex "Rey Ordonez" Gonzalez is pitching a tent halfway between shortstop and third base and the idiot gets doubled off at second base! Then Mike Lowell comes up. Crushes a fastball. I thought it was headed to Miami. Ryan Scissorhands catches it on the warning track. In comes Antonio Alfonseca to pitch for Florida. He's got six fingers and no testicles. Allows two baserunners and in comes the CLOSER TODD JONES! In the eighth inning! Mr. Lights out all season comes in. Four runs score. Kyle Farnsworth closes it. The same Kyle Farnsworth who could never find control in Chicago or Baltimore. 1-2-3 including a strikeout of Juan Pierre (Who almost never strikes out by the way) to end it. Braves win. What a surprise.
So are you happy now? All I hear is from the "fans" of that damn team and the media is "Oh, it's not over, we've got six games left with Florida!" You know what, I don't want to hear it anymore. I don't want to hear it. Every damn year those 500-pound rednecks who'd rather watch Nascar and mock Native Americans get their little squeal in. If only 1995 had never happened.
I'd rather see the Mets lose every game the rest of the year if it meant Philly or Florida won the division. But I will say this. I have an idea.
Here is the foolproof way that I will never have to see Atlanta win another division crown again. I will have to become a Brave fan. I will have to sell my soul to Billionaire Ted, Crybaby Bobby, Leo "Resurface the ice with the" Mazzone. Bring em all on! Furcal aahhhhh. Andruw oooooohhhhhhhh! Larry! Oh I love Larry! Hit another double or homer off the Mets in a big game again Larry! I love ya! You named your son Shea? Great! I'll name my son Stadium. They'll be buddies! Smoltzie! Oh, the best postseason pitcher of all time! Forget Bob Gibson. We'll go golfing! John Rocker! Great humanitarian. Julio Franco. Hey I'll wheel your chair up and down Peach Street! Schuerholz! The greatest GM ever! Hell, sign Kaz Ishii! He'll be your next 20-game winner! Money in the bank!
Baseball is probably the best game on earth. But it's games like this that show how screwed up it is. The Bitch-lanta Braves about to win another damn division title. Just makes you want to puke.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Sunday stuff
Jets beat the Fins 17-7. As they are getting used to a new offensive coordinator, it makes sense that the offense is not exactly in synch yet. So the defense has to step up. Kind of the opposite of last year when Donnie Henderson was the new defensive coordinator. It took that unit a few weeks to get going, but once they did they were nearly impenetrable for most of the season. Hopefully, Mike Heimerdinger (just wanted to type the name...) can get the offense going. Actually, it would be nice if our quarterback didn't throw his passes like Tim Wakefield throws knuckleballs for the Red Sox. No, he had a good drive in the fourth quarter which led to a TD after the Dolphins had closed to within 10-7. He completed 7 of 7 passes on that drive and Chad Pennington should be commended for that.
One problem. Why does Curtis Martin get the ball 31 times?! Keep this guy fresh! Use Blaylock (who looked very good when he did get a chance today). Try Cedric Houston. Try BJ Askew (Guzeundheit!)
And even better, New England lost (When was the last time I could say that?!) and Buffalo lost, creating a four way tie for first in the AFC East. It may seem a little early to look at the standings, but the first four games of the season mean as much as the last four games of the season.
Mets win 2 of 3 from Atlanta. The Mets had lost I think 76 series in a row. Cliff Floyd set a new season high in home runs so good to him. He almost reminds me of Darryl Strawberry in that every time he hits a ball right, the ball just seems to explode as the bat slams into the ball. You almost wonder if he'll bust the guts out of it, kind of like Rodriguez in "The Sandlot."
And much to my surprise, they called up Anderson Hernandez, their young infield prospect. He needs to learn a little plate patience, but he looked comfortable at second base. Sadly, they designated Koo-Koo-Ka-Joo for assignment. Hey Dae, we'll always have that hit off Randy Johnson.
But let's keep this series in perspective. Outside of seeing the young guys play and figuring out some bullpen options, this season is now meaningless. The last three weeks were putrid. A .500 record doesn't mean that much to me. It is better than last year. But next year the front office better have a higher goal than just playing meaningful games in September. Because they played one on Sep. 1 against Philadelphia. When they lost that game, the season lost all meaning. Know what I mean?
First Ranger pre-season game is Tuesday night. Michael Nylander is likely our number one center. A little different from Messier, Gretzky, Lindros, and Nedved. Then again, everything else has failed. It's amazing. I'm now almost 2 and a half years out of college. The last time the Rangers made the playoffs, I was a sophomore in high school! This team has a lot of prospects which is good. But from what I hear, they're destined to mostly be role players. Big deal. Seems to me that Florida, Anaheim, Washington, Carolina, etc. all made the Finals with teams filled with role players. Hopefully, these kids will develop into reliable players who are well coached. Here's my early thoughts on who I want to would fill out the Opening Night roster from top to bottom.
Forwards: Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Martin Rucinsky; Jamie Lundmark, Steve Rucchin, Michael Nylander; Jed Ortmeyer, Dominic Moore, Garth Murray; Ville Niemenen, Blair Betts, Jozef Balej, and if he's ready Nigel Dawes. If not, Jason Ward.
Defense: Tom Poti, Darius Kaspar-minus, Fedor Tyutin, Marek Malik, Mike Roszival, Dale Purinton, Max Kondratiev, either Thomas Pock or Jason Strudwick if Pock's not ready.
Goalies: Weekes/Lundqvist is all but set. Al Montotya (Wasn't he the Portuguese Man O' War in the WWF about 10 years ago?) will probably be in Hartford with Chris Holt and Dan Blackburn.
And in my 2 fantasy football leagues, I scored the most points in one league and the 2nd most in another!
I'll be back to discuss my reaction to the 100 Greatest Country Music Duets.
One problem. Why does Curtis Martin get the ball 31 times?! Keep this guy fresh! Use Blaylock (who looked very good when he did get a chance today). Try Cedric Houston. Try BJ Askew (Guzeundheit!)
And even better, New England lost (When was the last time I could say that?!) and Buffalo lost, creating a four way tie for first in the AFC East. It may seem a little early to look at the standings, but the first four games of the season mean as much as the last four games of the season.
Mets win 2 of 3 from Atlanta. The Mets had lost I think 76 series in a row. Cliff Floyd set a new season high in home runs so good to him. He almost reminds me of Darryl Strawberry in that every time he hits a ball right, the ball just seems to explode as the bat slams into the ball. You almost wonder if he'll bust the guts out of it, kind of like Rodriguez in "The Sandlot."
And much to my surprise, they called up Anderson Hernandez, their young infield prospect. He needs to learn a little plate patience, but he looked comfortable at second base. Sadly, they designated Koo-Koo-Ka-Joo for assignment. Hey Dae, we'll always have that hit off Randy Johnson.
But let's keep this series in perspective. Outside of seeing the young guys play and figuring out some bullpen options, this season is now meaningless. The last three weeks were putrid. A .500 record doesn't mean that much to me. It is better than last year. But next year the front office better have a higher goal than just playing meaningful games in September. Because they played one on Sep. 1 against Philadelphia. When they lost that game, the season lost all meaning. Know what I mean?
First Ranger pre-season game is Tuesday night. Michael Nylander is likely our number one center. A little different from Messier, Gretzky, Lindros, and Nedved. Then again, everything else has failed. It's amazing. I'm now almost 2 and a half years out of college. The last time the Rangers made the playoffs, I was a sophomore in high school! This team has a lot of prospects which is good. But from what I hear, they're destined to mostly be role players. Big deal. Seems to me that Florida, Anaheim, Washington, Carolina, etc. all made the Finals with teams filled with role players. Hopefully, these kids will develop into reliable players who are well coached. Here's my early thoughts on who I want to would fill out the Opening Night roster from top to bottom.
Forwards: Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Martin Rucinsky; Jamie Lundmark, Steve Rucchin, Michael Nylander; Jed Ortmeyer, Dominic Moore, Garth Murray; Ville Niemenen, Blair Betts, Jozef Balej, and if he's ready Nigel Dawes. If not, Jason Ward.
Defense: Tom Poti, Darius Kaspar-minus, Fedor Tyutin, Marek Malik, Mike Roszival, Dale Purinton, Max Kondratiev, either Thomas Pock or Jason Strudwick if Pock's not ready.
Goalies: Weekes/Lundqvist is all but set. Al Montotya (Wasn't he the Portuguese Man O' War in the WWF about 10 years ago?) will probably be in Hartford with Chris Holt and Dan Blackburn.
And in my 2 fantasy football leagues, I scored the most points in one league and the 2nd most in another!
I'll be back to discuss my reaction to the 100 Greatest Country Music Duets.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Food for thought
Mom says I should go with what I feel passionate about. Well I guess food qualifies. Now one of the more interesting things about me, I think, is my total disdain for chocolate. I have never brought a candy bar in my life. Though I think I'm making up for it now by eating 2 or 3 Vanilla Yogurt Protein Plus PowerBars a week! With that in mind, I thought I'd list my top 5 desserts. This is for 2 reasons. 1) To share the love of good food and 2) To show there's more to dessert than chocolate. In the event there are any women reading this, stick with me here.
5) Mom and Mine's Sour Cream Coffee Cake- Hey if you use half a pound of butter in anything, it's gotta taste pretty good to me. This is a classic "lick the spoon" batter. Yeah, it may not be cool, Carlito, but it's soooo good. Granted, you can't order this from us. Maybe if you give a little, you can get a little.
4) CPK's Key Lime Pie- I've had my fair share of key lime pies in my time. I've had them at Erik and Me in St. Charles, Pappadeaux in Westmont, Cheeseburger in Paradise in Downers Grove. It keeps coming back to the same problem. The filling is so tart. It's like you've just sucked on a lemon. Dat's not cool! But what I love about this one is the filling tastes really light. Like meringue. The graham cracker crust is firm, yet crumbly. And the spiral of fresh whipped cream with a twist of lime slice on the side makes for a fine presentation. Now to endorse the restaurant that I worked at takes some doing. But no matter what I think of the managers, the pie is worth coming. And I hear Red Lobster serves the same one. I haven't eaten there since gas was under $1.50! The pie could bring me back though.
3) Fresh Market's Apple Cinnamon Walnut Crumb Cake- I've had this once it knocked me out. I think almost any cake is better with something extra in it, whether it's fruits, nuts, vegetables, whatever. The chopped apple, crunchy walnut, and spices is a great mix. And heated in the microwave puts it over the top. I know a lot of places probably make a similar cake. But Fresh Market just knows what they're doing. This fancy grocery store is only in a couple of states, but they have some rock-solid stuff. PS Try their lamb kabobs!
2) Junior's Cheesecake- Brooklyn in the House! If you're a lifelong midwesterner, and don't know Junior's, shame on you. Tell me about Eli's cheesecake all you want. Listen, I like Eli's well enough. Try this and you never go back. Comparing any cheesecake to Junior's is like comparing takeout Chinese to PF Changs. You never go back. The sponge cake base just separates it from pretty much any other cheesecake. The sponge cake adds a smoooooooooooooooooth flavor you just don't get from grahams. (I wish I could've put that last sentence into a sound byte!) The fruit flavored ones are special. Apple crumb, peach crumb, cherry. They have a fruit sampler cheesecake that is great for variety. A classic. Plain and simple.
1) Carole's Cookies- You may or may not know about these. If you don't, you are now enlightened. Simply stated, the perfect cookie. These cookies are huge, they're fresh, they're full of flavor. These are only available in a few areas around the country. I get mine at Whole Foods. They cost about $2.50 each. In fact I picked up 2 oatmeal raisin with pecan today. Drove 30 minutes to get 'em. I get cinnamon swirl when available. The next thing I want to try is their sugar cookie with some ice cream and fresh strawberries. Yeah yeah, you can have ch. chip, peanut butter, white chocolate macademia nut... I microwave mine for about 33.6 seconds and then go nuts. If I'm really feeling into it, I'll heat up a cinnamon one, and scoop some vanilla ice cream on top! Oh yeah babe...
OK, by this time you're either salivating or ready to pass out. I'm guessing my dad is in the latter category...
5) Mom and Mine's Sour Cream Coffee Cake- Hey if you use half a pound of butter in anything, it's gotta taste pretty good to me. This is a classic "lick the spoon" batter. Yeah, it may not be cool, Carlito, but it's soooo good. Granted, you can't order this from us. Maybe if you give a little, you can get a little.
4) CPK's Key Lime Pie- I've had my fair share of key lime pies in my time. I've had them at Erik and Me in St. Charles, Pappadeaux in Westmont, Cheeseburger in Paradise in Downers Grove. It keeps coming back to the same problem. The filling is so tart. It's like you've just sucked on a lemon. Dat's not cool! But what I love about this one is the filling tastes really light. Like meringue. The graham cracker crust is firm, yet crumbly. And the spiral of fresh whipped cream with a twist of lime slice on the side makes for a fine presentation. Now to endorse the restaurant that I worked at takes some doing. But no matter what I think of the managers, the pie is worth coming. And I hear Red Lobster serves the same one. I haven't eaten there since gas was under $1.50! The pie could bring me back though.
3) Fresh Market's Apple Cinnamon Walnut Crumb Cake- I've had this once it knocked me out. I think almost any cake is better with something extra in it, whether it's fruits, nuts, vegetables, whatever. The chopped apple, crunchy walnut, and spices is a great mix. And heated in the microwave puts it over the top. I know a lot of places probably make a similar cake. But Fresh Market just knows what they're doing. This fancy grocery store is only in a couple of states, but they have some rock-solid stuff. PS Try their lamb kabobs!
2) Junior's Cheesecake- Brooklyn in the House! If you're a lifelong midwesterner, and don't know Junior's, shame on you. Tell me about Eli's cheesecake all you want. Listen, I like Eli's well enough. Try this and you never go back. Comparing any cheesecake to Junior's is like comparing takeout Chinese to PF Changs. You never go back. The sponge cake base just separates it from pretty much any other cheesecake. The sponge cake adds a smoooooooooooooooooth flavor you just don't get from grahams. (I wish I could've put that last sentence into a sound byte!) The fruit flavored ones are special. Apple crumb, peach crumb, cherry. They have a fruit sampler cheesecake that is great for variety. A classic. Plain and simple.
1) Carole's Cookies- You may or may not know about these. If you don't, you are now enlightened. Simply stated, the perfect cookie. These cookies are huge, they're fresh, they're full of flavor. These are only available in a few areas around the country. I get mine at Whole Foods. They cost about $2.50 each. In fact I picked up 2 oatmeal raisin with pecan today. Drove 30 minutes to get 'em. I get cinnamon swirl when available. The next thing I want to try is their sugar cookie with some ice cream and fresh strawberries. Yeah yeah, you can have ch. chip, peanut butter, white chocolate macademia nut... I microwave mine for about 33.6 seconds and then go nuts. If I'm really feeling into it, I'll heat up a cinnamon one, and scoop some vanilla ice cream on top! Oh yeah babe...
OK, by this time you're either salivating or ready to pass out. I'm guessing my dad is in the latter category...
Old days
It can get tough when you move around as much as I have in my life. It can be a challenge to sustain maintain friendships. Moving several times as a teenager was not always easy. But it was probably necessary. If I hadn't come to Illinois, who knows what would have happened to me. Considering what I was doing at St. Joe's HS in NJ, I certainly would not have made it to Gordon College. I was average in academics and had no social life. I mean, I didn't care, I felt like such an outcast.
And people say perception is reality. For me it was. The way I saw myself was everything. It still is. It is for you who are reading no matter how old or young you are. Maybe I'll be able to totally practice what I preach. I know I screw up. I just try to not to beat myself up over it anymore. At least I know I've got something better coming whether in the near future or later. I think the song "Right on Time" by Randy Travis says it best.
Why do I mention things like this in public? I don't know for sure. I guess in contrast to my NY rants, I want to do a little building back up. And sometimes you've got to knock down the tower and get back to the foundation to build the building back up right.
And people say perception is reality. For me it was. The way I saw myself was everything. It still is. It is for you who are reading no matter how old or young you are. Maybe I'll be able to totally practice what I preach. I know I screw up. I just try to not to beat myself up over it anymore. At least I know I've got something better coming whether in the near future or later. I think the song "Right on Time" by Randy Travis says it best.
I may still regret some moments, but it's just part of the ride. I count myselfWell I'm reading a book by John Maxwell. Winning With People. I've only gotten through the introduction and I already figured something out. For someone who cares as much as I do, I realize some things need to change. And what I realize is you can't give away what you do not have. Actually, I think I heard that on Dr. Phil. Anyway, the point is if you don't love yourself, you can't love other people. Makes cents ;)
among the fortunate ones who have made it to the other side. We've all done time
with the devil and I've done mine. It took a while to get here, but I'm right on
time.
Why do I mention things like this in public? I don't know for sure. I guess in contrast to my NY rants, I want to do a little building back up. And sometimes you've got to knock down the tower and get back to the foundation to build the building back up right.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Jim Croce
I picked up another Jim Croce record last week. My last one had 41 songs and this has one has 50. That's the one thing about short songs, you can get a lot more of them on each CD. With a Led Zeppelin record, you can get three songs on each one and they lyrics make no sense anyway.
So there were a few songs I had not heard, and while some were gems, some sounded very similar too each other. The similar sounding tunes were his duets with his wife Ingrid from the early days. The best one is Child of Midnight, not a song for children by the way. The three songs from the later days, More Than That Tomorrow. Maybe Tomorrow, And I Remember Her are excellent. "Remember" is a gem that only a handful of us have been fortunate enough to hear. A story about a guy who meets a woman working in Paris and I'll leave it at that.
Mom gives me a little bit of flack about liking Croce. Hell, the guy died eight years before I was born! But he writes quick, relatable songs. The words are the key, the stories are unique, and the guitars and whatever other instruments are used just enhance the message (the harpsichord on Time in a Bottle). Thanks for the music, Jim.
So there were a few songs I had not heard, and while some were gems, some sounded very similar too each other. The similar sounding tunes were his duets with his wife Ingrid from the early days. The best one is Child of Midnight, not a song for children by the way. The three songs from the later days, More Than That Tomorrow. Maybe Tomorrow, And I Remember Her are excellent. "Remember" is a gem that only a handful of us have been fortunate enough to hear. A story about a guy who meets a woman working in Paris and I'll leave it at that.
Mom gives me a little bit of flack about liking Croce. Hell, the guy died eight years before I was born! But he writes quick, relatable songs. The words are the key, the stories are unique, and the guitars and whatever other instruments are used just enhance the message (the harpsichord on Time in a Bottle). Thanks for the music, Jim.
Another night, another Met loss
And here I am in my dungeon drowning my sorrows in Oreos and milk... Nah, I'm numb to the pain of the Mets. I've been numb since last week. But that's OK, I have a whole new plethora of acupunture needles in me from the Jets. And I have to live on it for seven days until the Fins game.
I'm trying to get back into the Giants. I don't know what it is. It's getting hard to do it. Maybe it's the San Francisco playoff embarrassment from a few years ago, maybe it's Tom Coughlin doesn't do much for me, maybe it's that I've actually seen them win a Super Bowl in my lifetime. They used to be my guys with Simms, LT, Rodney Hampton, Bavaro, that little Meggett! I remember Phil McConkey's restaurant near the Houlihan's and movie theater in Secaucus, NJ. Maybe if I could get myself back into the Giants more than the Jets, I could be a little happier.
I'm actually looking forward to normalcy aka Ranger losses.
I'm trying to get back into the Giants. I don't know what it is. It's getting hard to do it. Maybe it's the San Francisco playoff embarrassment from a few years ago, maybe it's Tom Coughlin doesn't do much for me, maybe it's that I've actually seen them win a Super Bowl in my lifetime. They used to be my guys with Simms, LT, Rodney Hampton, Bavaro, that little Meggett! I remember Phil McConkey's restaurant near the Houlihan's and movie theater in Secaucus, NJ. Maybe if I could get myself back into the Giants more than the Jets, I could be a little happier.
I'm actually looking forward to normalcy aka Ranger losses.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Big update!
Carlos Beltran just hit his 15th homer of the year! Fifteen! He's on a roll!!!!
Uggh. Go on strike baseball.
Uggh. Go on strike baseball.
One freaking series
How many times? I've said it time after time. Every time the Jets have high expectations going into a season, something catastrophic happens. In 1999, it was Vinny tearing his Achilles at halftime. This year, just the realization they suck.
One series. Run, run, run = touchdown. It's not even midway through the second quarter as I write this and this game is over. Watching the damn Patriots, there is no way they're losing the division. The f'n Nazis will make it 4 of 5 in all likelihood, at least in division titles. And the Jets are not doing anything towards getting to the Super Bowl until they can get home field in the playoffs and that means winning the AFC East. And anyone who thinks "Oh they'll rebound, they have Miami next week," you know what, stick it where the sun don't shine. You are delusional.
Look at this schedule and you tell me. At least they didn't break our hearts in December this year.
The New York Rangers have more hope than the Jets. Hell, the New York soccer Cosmos have more hope than the Jets and they went out of business 20 years ago! Absolutely disgusting.
One series. Run, run, run = touchdown. It's not even midway through the second quarter as I write this and this game is over. Watching the damn Patriots, there is no way they're losing the division. The f'n Nazis will make it 4 of 5 in all likelihood, at least in division titles. And the Jets are not doing anything towards getting to the Super Bowl until they can get home field in the playoffs and that means winning the AFC East. And anyone who thinks "Oh they'll rebound, they have Miami next week," you know what, stick it where the sun don't shine. You are delusional.
Look at this schedule and you tell me. At least they didn't break our hearts in December this year.
The New York Rangers have more hope than the Jets. Hell, the New York soccer Cosmos have more hope than the Jets and they went out of business 20 years ago! Absolutely disgusting.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Agassi-Blake
That was simply the best tennis macth I have ever watched. With the New York crowd, the young American against the American legend, the fact that it went until 1 in the morning, it was through the roof. The only sad thing is it was in the quarterfinals, and not later. But chances are Federer wins it anyway.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Buck the Fraves Buck the Fraves Buck the Fraves
I will never use foul language on this site. This is as clsoe as I will come.
Is anybody surprised? IS ANYBODY SURPRISED?!?!?!?!?!
We get swept as ALWAYS happens to this piece of crap franchise, the New York Mets. They lose 4-3 in 10 innings.
Let's start with the 9th. Diaz doubles and moves to third on a groundout. So two outs, Jose Reyes up. A little pop fly to first stooge, Larry Jones.
In comes our beloved closer Braden Looper comes in. And there is no Met fan who has supported Braden Looper more than me. He sucks.
First pitch to the second stooge, Jeff F'nc'r. BOOM! Double into left center field. One pitch! And you weren't sure how, but you knew the Mets were losing. You knew they were more done than the USFL. McCann after working to a full count pops out to left. The third stooge of the night, Ryan Langerhans, who can go make a stupid baby with Bobby Cox, kills a line drive. Double. Run scores. Tie game. Hollandsworth, who may be the one problem the Braves have on their roster along with Kolb, gets an out, and Looper strikes out Giles. Yeah, Braden great timing.
So now, one question remains. Extra innings. What the hell will happen now to get the ice prick stabbed into my neck?
In comes Chris Reitsma. Matsui grounds out, Beltran singles, Floyd walks. Jim Brower relieves Reitsma. Up comes David Wright. Nobody else would I want up there. And indeed, he singles. And Beltran doesn't score! Chris Woodward, though, gets the job done like he has all year, and singles home Mr. 119 million dollars. Immediately Ramon Castro lines into a double play. Side retired. And they should've just called the game right there and awarded it to Hick City. The Mets had the 3-2 lead, but it felt like they were losing.
And Willie leaves Looper in! After blowing the save, he leaves him in! The first stooge singles, Andy Jones gets plunked on his fat, Julio Franco, who I believe is my great, great, grand-uncle five times removed, walks. Bases loaded, nobody out. Looper does his best Al Leiter playoff impression. In comes Shingo Takatsu. And I said out loud in the office I work out, you watch. He'll get two outs and then blow it. F'n'c'r' pops out. McCann pops out. And in comes in that piece of crap Langerhans. It goes to a full count. And at this point I'm crying on the inside, b/c I didn't make any bets for money. The hanging slowball. Line drive, 2 runs score. We suck. We lose. Hicks win.
I knew it was coming. I'm just numb now. The first question I will ask God when I arrive is how could you let vile and evil demons control a great sport like baseball?
Willie deserves a lot of blame. How could he put Looper out there in the 10th. And Loop just cost himself for sure a 6 million dollar option that the Mets might've picked up for next season. He's got me begging for Mel Rojas.
Any more questions why I get so angry?
Is anybody surprised? IS ANYBODY SURPRISED?!?!?!?!?!
We get swept as ALWAYS happens to this piece of crap franchise, the New York Mets. They lose 4-3 in 10 innings.
Let's start with the 9th. Diaz doubles and moves to third on a groundout. So two outs, Jose Reyes up. A little pop fly to first stooge, Larry Jones.
In comes our beloved closer Braden Looper comes in. And there is no Met fan who has supported Braden Looper more than me. He sucks.
First pitch to the second stooge, Jeff F'nc'r. BOOM! Double into left center field. One pitch! And you weren't sure how, but you knew the Mets were losing. You knew they were more done than the USFL. McCann after working to a full count pops out to left. The third stooge of the night, Ryan Langerhans, who can go make a stupid baby with Bobby Cox, kills a line drive. Double. Run scores. Tie game. Hollandsworth, who may be the one problem the Braves have on their roster along with Kolb, gets an out, and Looper strikes out Giles. Yeah, Braden great timing.
So now, one question remains. Extra innings. What the hell will happen now to get the ice prick stabbed into my neck?
In comes Chris Reitsma. Matsui grounds out, Beltran singles, Floyd walks. Jim Brower relieves Reitsma. Up comes David Wright. Nobody else would I want up there. And indeed, he singles. And Beltran doesn't score! Chris Woodward, though, gets the job done like he has all year, and singles home Mr. 119 million dollars. Immediately Ramon Castro lines into a double play. Side retired. And they should've just called the game right there and awarded it to Hick City. The Mets had the 3-2 lead, but it felt like they were losing.
And Willie leaves Looper in! After blowing the save, he leaves him in! The first stooge singles, Andy Jones gets plunked on his fat, Julio Franco, who I believe is my great, great, grand-uncle five times removed, walks. Bases loaded, nobody out. Looper does his best Al Leiter playoff impression. In comes Shingo Takatsu. And I said out loud in the office I work out, you watch. He'll get two outs and then blow it. F'n'c'r' pops out. McCann pops out. And in comes in that piece of crap Langerhans. It goes to a full count. And at this point I'm crying on the inside, b/c I didn't make any bets for money. The hanging slowball. Line drive, 2 runs score. We suck. We lose. Hicks win.
I knew it was coming. I'm just numb now. The first question I will ask God when I arrive is how could you let vile and evil demons control a great sport like baseball?
Willie deserves a lot of blame. How could he put Looper out there in the 10th. And Loop just cost himself for sure a 6 million dollar option that the Mets might've picked up for next season. He's got me begging for Mel Rojas.
Any more questions why I get so angry?
For something other than sports...
I quit my job at California Pizza Kitchen. Two years and two days. It was a mutual decision/firing/resignation. But the bottom line is this. When I walked out through those two heavy doors and onto the sidewalk of Geneva Commons, I felt free. Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Cream, Jefferson Airplane, all the bands of the 60's who sang about being free have nothing on the kind of freedom I felt at that moment.
My time ended a little more abruptly than I'd have liked. Do I have any regrets? I trusted some people I wish I had not trusted. That's about all. Nobody, and I mean nobody, worked harder, was more loyal, and was more of a team player than me. So i have few less dollars right now. It's not like my social life takes a hit. Let's see what happens from here.
My time ended a little more abruptly than I'd have liked. Do I have any regrets? I trusted some people I wish I had not trusted. That's about all. Nobody, and I mean nobody, worked harder, was more loyal, and was more of a team player than me. So i have few less dollars right now. It's not like my social life takes a hit. Let's see what happens from here.
Rosenberg's stupid remark
I rarely criticze media types outside of Chicago. But on WFAN in New York, Sid Roseberg (a Giant fan) tells Joe Benigno (a Jet addict) that the Jet loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC playoffs last year wasn't devastating because the Jets weren't supposed to win. He compared it to the Giants embarrassment against SF a few years ago. He said that game was excrutiating, but the Jet loss wasn't that bad because they had no right winning that game.
I wish I could set up an audio link for this. That's the biggest pile of bull I've ever heard. How can the finish to that game not be excrutiating? They coached the game and kicked the game away! They had the Steelers on the ropes all night long! To blow that opportunity where they are not guaranteed anything from year to year at all, you cannot help but be deflated. And to think. It would have set up the rematch with New England. Then again, the finish of last year probably was better than if they had won. If they had lost to New England in the AFC title game, I'd probably be living in Latvia or somewhere. I would've seriously had to divorce myself from all sports.
It's getting to this point. The Rangers announced they've re-signed Craig Weller and Jed Ortmeyer. That's the best sports news I've had all week. It's the same old treadmill I've been pacing on for 10 years and counting...
I wish I could set up an audio link for this. That's the biggest pile of bull I've ever heard. How can the finish to that game not be excrutiating? They coached the game and kicked the game away! They had the Steelers on the ropes all night long! To blow that opportunity where they are not guaranteed anything from year to year at all, you cannot help but be deflated. And to think. It would have set up the rematch with New England. Then again, the finish of last year probably was better than if they had won. If they had lost to New England in the AFC title game, I'd probably be living in Latvia or somewhere. I would've seriously had to divorce myself from all sports.
It's getting to this point. The Rangers announced they've re-signed Craig Weller and Jed Ortmeyer. That's the best sports news I've had all week. It's the same old treadmill I've been pacing on for 10 years and counting...
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