Disgusted with the New York Mets. And I should have known it was coming. After winning series againt Cincinnati and Houston, I was starting to be lulled into thinking maybe the Mets don't need to make a trade for a starting pitcher to have success in the playoffs. Boy oh boy. Is there a bigger idiot than me?
Because on Sunday, Mike Pelfrey, our young phenom gets manhandled and can't get past the fourth inning. Then the smelly stinky crappy Chicago Cubs come to Shea Stadium for three games. Last week we beat them 2 of 3 in Chicago. And this joke of a franchise is coming off losing three games to the Washington Nationals, the worst team in the worst division is baseball. They were outscored 21-10 over those three games. Even more, Derrek Lee, the Cubs best hitter, has to on the DL with his wrist injury still not healed. The Cubs have the second worst record in the NL, the Mets have the best. What happens?
What a shock. They lose the first 2 games. And the offense is doing their part. They got 5 runs off Carlos Zambrano tonight and hammered Greg Maddux the night before. But how bad is this pitching. Steve Trachsel and Tom Glavine, our 2 and 3 starters, allow 8 and 7 runs respectively to a putrid Cub lineup. Absolutely disgraceful.
Pedro is still out and he'll never be the same again. Since May, Glavine's ability has been spiraling downward like Enron stock. Trachsel has only won games because he's had run support. His ERA is over 5 and has been all year. Orlando Hernandez has a pattern. He looks dominant one start and in his next two starts gets hammered like a thin nail. John Maine is a question mark at best. Am I supposed to be confident with John Maine on the mound starting a big playoff game against the Cardinals, the Braves, or the Reds? Are you kidding me?
And here are some stats that gt me very nervous as if I'm not already.
1) The Mets are 23–36 against teams with a .500 record or better this season. That's it! It's only because the NL is so bad that they've done well.
2) Against the National League’s starting pitchers with ERAs better than Pedro Martinez’s 3.45, the Mets are 2–5, while the opposing pitchers have posted a 2.84 ERA.
3) This may be the worst. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Mets starting pitchers are a combined 9-12 with a 6.34 ERA in their last 27 games (since June 24). That's the highest earned run average for any major league team's starting pitchers over that span.
Omar Minaya has got to get Barry Zito right now. Right now. I don't care if it costs Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman anymore. Get Zito in that rotation. He can eat innings, he's young, and he's got the moxie to make it here. And get him signed immediately. And after the season, get Trachsel out of here. He was a fine pitcher for a while here. He's finished now. Glavine can take a hike and go back to the Braves. But that probably won't happen since the Mets have already exercised his contract option for next year. Hopefully next year, Phillip Humber and Mike Pelfrey will be able to join the rotation full time.
Pedro and Glavine will never improve. Their best days are clearly behind them. Now is the year. I know we'll probably make the playoffs. But with the state of the NL, this as good a chance to win the pennant as the Mets have had in 18 years. But I am convinced now that this rotation will not win playoff series. Not when St. Louis has Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter and that young bullpen. Not when the Braves has the damn Jones'es, Edgar Renteria, Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, and now Bob Wickman doing well as their closer. Not when Houston have Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens, and Brad Lidge. And not when the Reds have Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel, Ken Griffey, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, and Eddie Guardado.
Forget trading for Livan Hernandez, Gil Meche, Jeremy Affeldt, Roberto Hernandez, or even the terrible Kip Wells, who I've heard about. If we want to to win the pennant and contend for a World Series, get Zito in here now.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
This isn't the place
Everyone in their life has to deal with stuff. Some of it we bring on ourselves. Sometimes we get it put onto us.
I guess the big thing is how do you deal with the situations that are so out of your comprehension and ability to do much about them that it goes beyond your own intellect and experience? The problems that you know are so insolvable, all you feel you can do is ride out the storm.
It's a helpless feeling. And it's times like that I really feel I have to pray. A few things I'm learning.
1) Don't hold grudges. If you've been wronged, work to forgive, which does not mean accepting whatever someone has done. Forgiveness can accomplish a lot. What does staying bitter and angry really do for you? If you can answer this question, let me know. I can say I'm glad there's really no one I know who I'm bitter at.
2) Alcohol in excess does no good for you or anyone around you. Yes I drink on occasion but I never get drunk and I'm seriously considering cutting it out of my life.
3) It will take someone very special for me to get married.
4) Character seems to develop in the harder times. Maybe that's happening now.
5) Jesus' line at the end of Matthew. Even when his work was done on earth, he promised "I will be with you to the end of the age." Though I've heard that before many times, it seems to mean a little more right now.
I've said what I need to say.
I guess the big thing is how do you deal with the situations that are so out of your comprehension and ability to do much about them that it goes beyond your own intellect and experience? The problems that you know are so insolvable, all you feel you can do is ride out the storm.
It's a helpless feeling. And it's times like that I really feel I have to pray. A few things I'm learning.
1) Don't hold grudges. If you've been wronged, work to forgive, which does not mean accepting whatever someone has done. Forgiveness can accomplish a lot. What does staying bitter and angry really do for you? If you can answer this question, let me know. I can say I'm glad there's really no one I know who I'm bitter at.
2) Alcohol in excess does no good for you or anyone around you. Yes I drink on occasion but I never get drunk and I'm seriously considering cutting it out of my life.
3) It will take someone very special for me to get married.
4) Character seems to develop in the harder times. Maybe that's happening now.
5) Jesus' line at the end of Matthew. Even when his work was done on earth, he promised "I will be with you to the end of the age." Though I've heard that before many times, it seems to mean a little more right now.
I've said what I need to say.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A draining Wednesday
Well I got up at 6 am which isn't too much earlier than the time I normally get up to go to work. But this day was going to be different. Instead of a pair of shorts and a golf shirt, which is what I typically wear into work during the summer, I was sporting a 3-piece suit. As I walked out the door, in my right hand I clutched a maroon folder with resumes and my writing samples and in the left hand, a bottle of Coca-Cola Blak to give me a morning pick-me-up. And I will never drink one again.
I drove to the West Chicago train station to board the 7:34 Metra commuter. I got into Chicago and walked over to Riverside Plaza on the west side of the river, which is maybe a 2 block walk or so. And with the sun shining, I almost wished the walk could have been a few more minutes. I was heading to a job interview.
It's complicated to explain but basically I've been talking with this guy for the last week about a creative/technical writer position for this comapny, Sogeti, which is an international consulting firm. He emphasized he wanted a young guy who could write and knew some technology. Now considering my hopes a few years ago were planted on marketing, this was a pretty radical change. But I decided I'd try. He gave me some incredible help with my resume and arranged an interview for Wednesday and he sent me an e-mail with the instructions. So I show up to one of these big office towers with the 30 story elevators. I didn't see Sogeti. So then I went to the electronic directory in the lobby and typed the name of the individual I was interviewing with. Her name wasn't there.
So I called the guy and after finally reaching him on my third call, he said I was supposed to go to Trans Union. He never mentioned that in the e-mail he sent me. All I had was an address and a name, but no company. So I showed up about 5 minutes late, but it was ok. I interviewed with Anne for about 50 minutes. It turns out I would be working for her. I'm not quite sure I still understand the whole Sogeti-Trans Union deal, but the job sounded better as it went along. And coming in, I wasn't too sure if this would be worth my time. So right now, I'm waiting for Friday when she calls to arrange a second interview. But I walked out of her office and onto the elevator feeling pretty good about how I handled myself.
Then I took the train back to West Chicago, which is an hour ride. Actually first, I stopped to get a Jamba Juice. Citrus squeeze with a protein boost. I took off my coat and tie, got tothe station at 11:45 and drove to Houghton Mifflin. I worked from 12-5 but by 4, I was ready to go. In that last hour, I really got nothing done, I was just buying time. Fortunately, just about everyone else was gone by then.
But my day wasn't over. I went to the Daily Herald to do some work over there. It gets better. On Tuesday or Wednesday, a virus got into the computer system. My computer was one of the worst infected in the office. So I tried to open my e-mail, but it immediately closed. This happened 4 or 5 times, even after I restarted the computer. So I went to my boss' computer and worked for a half hour over there. By the time I finally got home, it was 5:45. So I was out of the house for about 13 hours. I finally settled in the basement with a big burger with pickles, cheese, and Smith & Wollensky's sauce, along with pita chips and salsa.
PS It wasn't a total settling down. The picture tube on my TV in the basement just died so now we need a new TV down there! Man we had that Toshiba for 20 years! And there's nothing worse than turning a White Sox game on the TV when you can hear the announcers call the game but not see anything.
I drove to the West Chicago train station to board the 7:34 Metra commuter. I got into Chicago and walked over to Riverside Plaza on the west side of the river, which is maybe a 2 block walk or so. And with the sun shining, I almost wished the walk could have been a few more minutes. I was heading to a job interview.
It's complicated to explain but basically I've been talking with this guy for the last week about a creative/technical writer position for this comapny, Sogeti, which is an international consulting firm. He emphasized he wanted a young guy who could write and knew some technology. Now considering my hopes a few years ago were planted on marketing, this was a pretty radical change. But I decided I'd try. He gave me some incredible help with my resume and arranged an interview for Wednesday and he sent me an e-mail with the instructions. So I show up to one of these big office towers with the 30 story elevators. I didn't see Sogeti. So then I went to the electronic directory in the lobby and typed the name of the individual I was interviewing with. Her name wasn't there.
So I called the guy and after finally reaching him on my third call, he said I was supposed to go to Trans Union. He never mentioned that in the e-mail he sent me. All I had was an address and a name, but no company. So I showed up about 5 minutes late, but it was ok. I interviewed with Anne for about 50 minutes. It turns out I would be working for her. I'm not quite sure I still understand the whole Sogeti-Trans Union deal, but the job sounded better as it went along. And coming in, I wasn't too sure if this would be worth my time. So right now, I'm waiting for Friday when she calls to arrange a second interview. But I walked out of her office and onto the elevator feeling pretty good about how I handled myself.
Then I took the train back to West Chicago, which is an hour ride. Actually first, I stopped to get a Jamba Juice. Citrus squeeze with a protein boost. I took off my coat and tie, got tothe station at 11:45 and drove to Houghton Mifflin. I worked from 12-5 but by 4, I was ready to go. In that last hour, I really got nothing done, I was just buying time. Fortunately, just about everyone else was gone by then.
But my day wasn't over. I went to the Daily Herald to do some work over there. It gets better. On Tuesday or Wednesday, a virus got into the computer system. My computer was one of the worst infected in the office. So I tried to open my e-mail, but it immediately closed. This happened 4 or 5 times, even after I restarted the computer. So I went to my boss' computer and worked for a half hour over there. By the time I finally got home, it was 5:45. So I was out of the house for about 13 hours. I finally settled in the basement with a big burger with pickles, cheese, and Smith & Wollensky's sauce, along with pita chips and salsa.
PS It wasn't a total settling down. The picture tube on my TV in the basement just died so now we need a new TV down there! Man we had that Toshiba for 20 years! And there's nothing worse than turning a White Sox game on the TV when you can hear the announcers call the game but not see anything.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Ecclesia photos
These were taken by Ryan, one of the guys I hang out with at Ecclesia. He's also the guy I played disc golf with last week. Anyway, he took a few photos at the Village Tavern and I thought I'd post a few.
Uh, that would be me patiently waiting for my bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions. It wasn't bad, but nowhere near the chicken fingers. Now I kind of didn't know if Ryan was going to shoot at that point so I'm giving the infamous Bartolo Wolfman stare. The girl next to me is Sarah, who I met that night. She's studying anatomy at Midwestern University. I really have no clue what she's looking at...
Bill is in the plaid shirt. He's basically one of the friendliest guys you'll ever meet. Seems like he's always smiling. He's married to a girl named Jamie, who's sitting across the table in this shot so you can't see her. Tim is in the Superman shirt. He went on the Greece mission trip that Ecclesia recently took and is now actually thinking about going into long-term missions. He also does a lot of the tech work at each service.
This is Rachel, who is usually our waitress when we go to the Taven. She goes to Willow Creek Church and she got baptized in their huge lake a few weeks ago. I think about 500 people were baptized that day. We've become pretty decent friends. In fact I was talking with her for a few minutes, and a few girls at my table asked me if I was hitting on her. I wish I had a good story for you just to be able to write something, but it's really not like that.
Here's a whole group of faces from another table. I'm not sure of the two guys on the left. I mean how often do you recognize someone by the top of their head? Clayton and his wife Michelle are in the far left. Clayton used to be the assistant pastor at Ecclesia until he moved to the high school ministry and Ted came in. Interestingly, Ted and his wife Melissa are sitting right across from them. And the bald dude in front is also named Adam and he teaches math in a school in West Chicago (the suburb, not the neighborhood).
And then there was Sunday
A section in this post is tough to write, but I'll do the best I can. I started the morning with some softball practice and out of the 13 or 14 of us on the team, a grand total of 4 showed up. We basically took batting and fielding practice for an hour and called it a day. It was 95 degrees out and so we cut it off. We'll try to make our record 3-3 when we play a team next week that hasn't won a game yet.
I headed over to Willow Creek. I saw Evan and Mary from my Mississippi team and we caught up on what we'd been up to the last few weeks. In church, Mike Breaux talked about the need to wait and be patient. Solid message.
Then I got home. I found my dog Hogan laying on the tile floor panting. He had dumped on the floor. Now that's happened a few times in the past, so initially I didn't think much of it. But then I put his leash on him to take him outside. I noticed he wasn't coming. I looked and his back legs weren't working. He was dragging them and using his front legs to push himself forward. He laid on the deck, and went to the bathroom right there. I carried him inside. He was panting heavily, shaking, and could not get up. And his right eyeball looked like his at droooped down and to the right. Theat eyeball was moving back and forth as if he was trying to see everything that was going on around him. I just laid on the floor with him most of the afternoon.
So Mom got home and after a few hours of debating, we finally took him to the emergency room. The doctor basically said it was probably vestibulitis, which is similar to a stroke. His balance center in his brain was thrown off, which could have been because of inflammation somewhere in his ear. So when he tried to stand up, his back legs were widely spread out and he had trouble shifting his 55 pound body. She was also worried for his kidneys because he was panting so much and losing fluid. So we were relieved when he started drinking water.
The doctor said the same three things we always hear whenever we took Hogan to a vet, to a camp, or to the groomers. He's the biggest cocker, he's the nicest to people, and he's in great health. I guess we did a few things right raising him. If only he was nice to other dogs...
Right now, we have him on antibiotics and Benadryl to calm his nervousness. I really don't know if he'll get better. I've heard some dogs recover from these things inside of 2 or 3 weeks. Sometimes, it doesn't work out. Monday was a much better day for him than Sunday as he wasn't panting quite as much and he ate more. We'll know more as the next few days progress.
I don't know how much time he has. I really don't want him to be in pain. Right now he's 5 days from his 14 1/2 year birthday. Let's hope he makes it.
I headed over to Willow Creek. I saw Evan and Mary from my Mississippi team and we caught up on what we'd been up to the last few weeks. In church, Mike Breaux talked about the need to wait and be patient. Solid message.
Then I got home. I found my dog Hogan laying on the tile floor panting. He had dumped on the floor. Now that's happened a few times in the past, so initially I didn't think much of it. But then I put his leash on him to take him outside. I noticed he wasn't coming. I looked and his back legs weren't working. He was dragging them and using his front legs to push himself forward. He laid on the deck, and went to the bathroom right there. I carried him inside. He was panting heavily, shaking, and could not get up. And his right eyeball looked like his at droooped down and to the right. Theat eyeball was moving back and forth as if he was trying to see everything that was going on around him. I just laid on the floor with him most of the afternoon.
So Mom got home and after a few hours of debating, we finally took him to the emergency room. The doctor basically said it was probably vestibulitis, which is similar to a stroke. His balance center in his brain was thrown off, which could have been because of inflammation somewhere in his ear. So when he tried to stand up, his back legs were widely spread out and he had trouble shifting his 55 pound body. She was also worried for his kidneys because he was panting so much and losing fluid. So we were relieved when he started drinking water.
The doctor said the same three things we always hear whenever we took Hogan to a vet, to a camp, or to the groomers. He's the biggest cocker, he's the nicest to people, and he's in great health. I guess we did a few things right raising him. If only he was nice to other dogs...
Right now, we have him on antibiotics and Benadryl to calm his nervousness. I really don't know if he'll get better. I've heard some dogs recover from these things inside of 2 or 3 weeks. Sometimes, it doesn't work out. Monday was a much better day for him than Sunday as he wasn't panting quite as much and he ate more. We'll know more as the next few days progress.
I don't know how much time he has. I really don't want him to be in pain. Right now he's 5 days from his 14 1/2 year birthday. Let's hope he makes it.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Riding it out
This has been a bizarre weekend. Hardly an hour went by without something happening. I got a call from a woman while I was at work on Friday morning. She was from one of those staffing companies, the people who supposedly try to hook you up with jobs. She asked if I would drive to Oak Brook and fill out some paperwork and I said sure. We got to talking for a while and it turns out she is the sister-in-law of one of the women I work with at Houghton Mifflin! Oh and she's my age too... Unfortunately, she's tall and I know good and well that tall women don't go out with men much shorter than them.
I took a few computer tests, including one on Excel, which I knew very little about. What made it hard was all the tolbars were inactivated. So if I wanted to do something as simple as center some text, I didn't know any other way than the toolbar. So that got a little frustrating.
Then I met with a couple of people at this company. The office manager is a few months older than me and if I must be honest, a little ditzy. She runs marathons and all but this knocked me out. I mentioned I was from New Jersey. And she starts talking about a talk she had with her husband who is into geography evidently. She spent 10 minutes trying to convince him New Jersey was not a state, it was a borough in New York. I just dropped my head to the table. So I don't know if anything worthwhile will come out of it, but we'll see.
After 2 1/2 hours, I got back into my car just in time for the eighth inning of the game and the Mets wound up winning 6-3. Good night all around.
I got going on Saturday bright and early. I drove to Bartlett to play disc golf. I ran into this guy who was playing the course while his dog trailed after him. That dog actually listened and behaved! Anyway, the guy gave me some tips on my release point and my wrist and I got better as the round progressed. As for my score, well, I stopped keeping track around the 6th hole. I can't count that high.
Then I drove to Wheaton Academy to lift some weights. When I got to the gym, some people were playing volleyball. I asked if I could get in. But this new guy, Burger, our new football coach from Cleveland, didn't want to let me in. He said alumni were only allowed in Monday through Thursday. But he agreed to let me in. Anyway, this gym has no A/C and it was probably 95 degrees outside. After one set of bench presses, my T-shirt felt like I just dipped it in water and threw it on. I was sweating that hard.
So after an hour or so, I remembered there was a BBQ for our housing development at 12 p.m. I got into my car around 12:05 so I headed home. I didn't shower, I just washed up and went over. I went through 2 brats, a burger, some really good pasta salad, watermelon, and a Sam Adams, which I will never drink again. I guess I ate a little too fast. When I got home, I nearly threw up.
After that morning, I decided to just chill the rest of the day. So I did some reading outside, watched a few minutes of the Mets 9-2 loss, and watched my new Ring of Honor DVD, Final Showdown. Excellent matches including Roderick Strong vs. Alex Shelley and the steel cage with Bryan Danielson and Homicide. Danielson won with the absolute longest airplane spin I've ever seen. An airplane spin is where you lift the guy on and across your shoulders and behind your head so he's facing down. It's like a fireman's carry. Then you spin around really fast and drop him on his back. Now most spins go maybe 4 or 5 times around. Danielson went a good 80 or 90. Never has a crowd cheered an airplane spin as loud as they did.
I took a few computer tests, including one on Excel, which I knew very little about. What made it hard was all the tolbars were inactivated. So if I wanted to do something as simple as center some text, I didn't know any other way than the toolbar. So that got a little frustrating.
Then I met with a couple of people at this company. The office manager is a few months older than me and if I must be honest, a little ditzy. She runs marathons and all but this knocked me out. I mentioned I was from New Jersey. And she starts talking about a talk she had with her husband who is into geography evidently. She spent 10 minutes trying to convince him New Jersey was not a state, it was a borough in New York. I just dropped my head to the table. So I don't know if anything worthwhile will come out of it, but we'll see.
After 2 1/2 hours, I got back into my car just in time for the eighth inning of the game and the Mets wound up winning 6-3. Good night all around.
I got going on Saturday bright and early. I drove to Bartlett to play disc golf. I ran into this guy who was playing the course while his dog trailed after him. That dog actually listened and behaved! Anyway, the guy gave me some tips on my release point and my wrist and I got better as the round progressed. As for my score, well, I stopped keeping track around the 6th hole. I can't count that high.
Then I drove to Wheaton Academy to lift some weights. When I got to the gym, some people were playing volleyball. I asked if I could get in. But this new guy, Burger, our new football coach from Cleveland, didn't want to let me in. He said alumni were only allowed in Monday through Thursday. But he agreed to let me in. Anyway, this gym has no A/C and it was probably 95 degrees outside. After one set of bench presses, my T-shirt felt like I just dipped it in water and threw it on. I was sweating that hard.
So after an hour or so, I remembered there was a BBQ for our housing development at 12 p.m. I got into my car around 12:05 so I headed home. I didn't shower, I just washed up and went over. I went through 2 brats, a burger, some really good pasta salad, watermelon, and a Sam Adams, which I will never drink again. I guess I ate a little too fast. When I got home, I nearly threw up.
After that morning, I decided to just chill the rest of the day. So I did some reading outside, watched a few minutes of the Mets 9-2 loss, and watched my new Ring of Honor DVD, Final Showdown. Excellent matches including Roderick Strong vs. Alex Shelley and the steel cage with Bryan Danielson and Homicide. Danielson won with the absolute longest airplane spin I've ever seen. An airplane spin is where you lift the guy on and across your shoulders and behind your head so he's facing down. It's like a fireman's carry. Then you spin around really fast and drop him on his back. Now most spins go maybe 4 or 5 times around. Danielson went a good 80 or 90. Never has a crowd cheered an airplane spin as loud as they did.
Friday, July 14, 2006
My favorite matchup
...in all of sports happens in 20 hours from now when the Ney York Mets travel to Wrigley Field to play the Chicago Cubs. I have been living out in Chicago since June 1997. I have had a lot of joy and sorrow with these matches. Let me shuffle through my memory banks and see what I can remember.
1998: Didn't go to any games though both teams were really good. The Mets had Mike Piazza for a full season and had an excellent chance to take the wild card. With only 5 games left in that season, the Mets could not win a single game against both the Montreal Expos at home and the Atlanta Braves on the road, the Mets could have forced a 3-way wild card tie by winning their last game. Meanwhile the Cubs and Giants finished tied for the wild card. Steve Trachsel (who starts for the Mets today) pitched the Cubs in by beating the Giants in a one-game playoff. They immediately lost three straight to the Braves, scoring a total of one run in 27 innings.
1999: A horrible year. Yes the Mets made the playoffs and had a chance to go to the World Series. But the day I'll never forget is July 31, my 18th birthday. I'll tell the story again. Mom, Unger, and I scored tickets on the deep third base side. I had to watch Met pitcher Octavio Dotel give up 9 runs in 2 innings! Cub starter Jon Lieber was almost as bad allowing 9 runs in 4 innings. But our super reliever Jason Isringhausen gave up 5 more runs over three innings. Gary Gaetti, who I think was around 50 years old, hit a grand slam, Jose Hernandez had 5 RBI.
When the score became 7-0 Cubs, I was so mad I slammed my soda down in front of me. It went all over the people in front of me. From what I heard it ruined some woman's dress. I high-tailed out of there. So then by the top of the 5th, the Mets tied the score at 9-9 thanks to 2 Robin Ventura homers. And I'm thinking, oh man. If we win this, I will feel so guilty. That was taken care of as Chicago scored six times over the fifth and sixth innings. I didn't go back to my seat until it was time to go.
Mom ripped into me and I deserved it. When we stopped for dinner, I had to stay inside. I was mad at myself but madder that we got tickets for such a lousy game!
2000-2002: During these years, I started going to college and moved to North Carolina. I didn't get to a game but I always watched the WGN Games when I could.
2003: The Mets were so bad by September 16, it was just painful. The Cubs won this game I attended, but it was never close. Mark Prior struck out 13 in 8 2/3 innings en route to his eighth win in nine starts and Sammy Sosa drove in three runs as the Cubs edged the Mets, 3-2. Sosa's 2-run shot off Jae Seo put the game away. But the worst part was the 5th when Danny Garcia was on third with two outs and Piazza was up. He struck out on 3 pitches. Here's the Mets lineup from that night.
Roger Cedeno (Total bust)
Danny Garcia (I liked him in Norfolk)
Timo Perez (Batting third!!!)
Mike Piazza (Started to slow down by this point)
Jason Phillips (Slowest runner since Rosie O'Donnell)
Ty Wigginton (Good player)
Jorge Velandia (Career minor leaguer)
Jeff Duncan (Ditto)
And our bench? Raul Gonzalez, Tony Clark, Matt Watson, and Mike Glavine! Eesh!
The Cubs made the playoffs that year as the Central champs, and we all know what happened in the playoffs! It's been 98 years. Keep counting!
2004: Now the memories turn around. Having the Wild Card lead by a game and a half on September 24, the Cubs proceeded to drop 7 of their last 9 games. But the one that started the ball rolling was September 25 against the Mets. Prior was excellent again for the Cubs and they lead 3-0 going to the 9th. And who comes in to close the game. The biggest stiff of a closer since Mel Rojas. LaTroy Hawkins. Eric Valent and Jason Phillips walked and Jeff Keppinger flied out. But then rookie Victor Diaz hit a game tying, three-run homer to tie the score. And he was a Cubs fan growing up! And then Craig Brazell hit his first home run in the 11th on a 1-2 pitch from Kent Mercker to win it. Chicago's five-game winning streak was done.
I had to work that afternoon so my boss told me about it, and I thought he was kidding. The next day I was in Lake Geneva and I convinced Mom to leave the radio on in the car so I could hear the game. I can still show you exactly where on the highway I was when Braden Looper recorded the final out for the win.
And of course the Cubs traded Sammy Sosa in the off-season, after he had left the final game early and then attempted to lie about it publicly. The disappointing season also led to the departure of broadcasters Chip Caray (who blows) and Steve Stone, who became increasingly critical of management toward season's end.
2005: The Cubs never got going last year and the Mets hung in there. We dropped 2 in Wrigley but won 3 straight in Shea. I was at the one game we won. I went with my friend Nef, and it was delayed twice by rain.
The Mets scored three times in the first against recent call-up Jon Leicester. Carlos Beltran started the two-out rally with an infield single and Cliff Floyd followed with a single before Piazza hit his sixth homer of the season. After a 20-minute delay in the bottom of the first, Kaz Matsui hit a solo homer in the top of the second. Play was halted again after he ran the bases, this time for 1:14. Nef took off to go home.
The Cubs scored 4 times in the 6th, thanks to a three-run homer by Michael Barrett off Dae-Sung Koo. But Doug Mientkiewicz made things right again with a 7th inning solo homer off Hawkins, who else! Piazza and Minky had RBI singles in the 8th, Looper struck out Derrek Lee to end it and that was all. I had to stay somewhat quiet. But in the car ride home, I put on Billy Joel's New York State of Mind and blasted it as loud as I could!
2006, more memories to add. Let's go!
1998: Didn't go to any games though both teams were really good. The Mets had Mike Piazza for a full season and had an excellent chance to take the wild card. With only 5 games left in that season, the Mets could not win a single game against both the Montreal Expos at home and the Atlanta Braves on the road, the Mets could have forced a 3-way wild card tie by winning their last game. Meanwhile the Cubs and Giants finished tied for the wild card. Steve Trachsel (who starts for the Mets today) pitched the Cubs in by beating the Giants in a one-game playoff. They immediately lost three straight to the Braves, scoring a total of one run in 27 innings.
1999: A horrible year. Yes the Mets made the playoffs and had a chance to go to the World Series. But the day I'll never forget is July 31, my 18th birthday. I'll tell the story again. Mom, Unger, and I scored tickets on the deep third base side. I had to watch Met pitcher Octavio Dotel give up 9 runs in 2 innings! Cub starter Jon Lieber was almost as bad allowing 9 runs in 4 innings. But our super reliever Jason Isringhausen gave up 5 more runs over three innings. Gary Gaetti, who I think was around 50 years old, hit a grand slam, Jose Hernandez had 5 RBI.
When the score became 7-0 Cubs, I was so mad I slammed my soda down in front of me. It went all over the people in front of me. From what I heard it ruined some woman's dress. I high-tailed out of there. So then by the top of the 5th, the Mets tied the score at 9-9 thanks to 2 Robin Ventura homers. And I'm thinking, oh man. If we win this, I will feel so guilty. That was taken care of as Chicago scored six times over the fifth and sixth innings. I didn't go back to my seat until it was time to go.
Mom ripped into me and I deserved it. When we stopped for dinner, I had to stay inside. I was mad at myself but madder that we got tickets for such a lousy game!
2000-2002: During these years, I started going to college and moved to North Carolina. I didn't get to a game but I always watched the WGN Games when I could.
2003: The Mets were so bad by September 16, it was just painful. The Cubs won this game I attended, but it was never close. Mark Prior struck out 13 in 8 2/3 innings en route to his eighth win in nine starts and Sammy Sosa drove in three runs as the Cubs edged the Mets, 3-2. Sosa's 2-run shot off Jae Seo put the game away. But the worst part was the 5th when Danny Garcia was on third with two outs and Piazza was up. He struck out on 3 pitches. Here's the Mets lineup from that night.
Roger Cedeno (Total bust)
Danny Garcia (I liked him in Norfolk)
Timo Perez (Batting third!!!)
Mike Piazza (Started to slow down by this point)
Jason Phillips (Slowest runner since Rosie O'Donnell)
Ty Wigginton (Good player)
Jorge Velandia (Career minor leaguer)
Jeff Duncan (Ditto)
And our bench? Raul Gonzalez, Tony Clark, Matt Watson, and Mike Glavine! Eesh!
The Cubs made the playoffs that year as the Central champs, and we all know what happened in the playoffs! It's been 98 years. Keep counting!
2004: Now the memories turn around. Having the Wild Card lead by a game and a half on September 24, the Cubs proceeded to drop 7 of their last 9 games. But the one that started the ball rolling was September 25 against the Mets. Prior was excellent again for the Cubs and they lead 3-0 going to the 9th. And who comes in to close the game. The biggest stiff of a closer since Mel Rojas. LaTroy Hawkins. Eric Valent and Jason Phillips walked and Jeff Keppinger flied out. But then rookie Victor Diaz hit a game tying, three-run homer to tie the score. And he was a Cubs fan growing up! And then Craig Brazell hit his first home run in the 11th on a 1-2 pitch from Kent Mercker to win it. Chicago's five-game winning streak was done.
I had to work that afternoon so my boss told me about it, and I thought he was kidding. The next day I was in Lake Geneva and I convinced Mom to leave the radio on in the car so I could hear the game. I can still show you exactly where on the highway I was when Braden Looper recorded the final out for the win.
And of course the Cubs traded Sammy Sosa in the off-season, after he had left the final game early and then attempted to lie about it publicly. The disappointing season also led to the departure of broadcasters Chip Caray (who blows) and Steve Stone, who became increasingly critical of management toward season's end.
2005: The Cubs never got going last year and the Mets hung in there. We dropped 2 in Wrigley but won 3 straight in Shea. I was at the one game we won. I went with my friend Nef, and it was delayed twice by rain.
The Mets scored three times in the first against recent call-up Jon Leicester. Carlos Beltran started the two-out rally with an infield single and Cliff Floyd followed with a single before Piazza hit his sixth homer of the season. After a 20-minute delay in the bottom of the first, Kaz Matsui hit a solo homer in the top of the second. Play was halted again after he ran the bases, this time for 1:14. Nef took off to go home.
The Cubs scored 4 times in the 6th, thanks to a three-run homer by Michael Barrett off Dae-Sung Koo. But Doug Mientkiewicz made things right again with a 7th inning solo homer off Hawkins, who else! Piazza and Minky had RBI singles in the 8th, Looper struck out Derrek Lee to end it and that was all. I had to stay somewhat quiet. But in the car ride home, I put on Billy Joel's New York State of Mind and blasted it as loud as I could!
2006, more memories to add. Let's go!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
The absolute stupidest lawsuit
This is from the Chicago Tribune.
A Portland, Oregon man is suing Michael Jordan and Nike founder Phil Knight for a combined $832 million. Allen Heckard filed suit, contending he has been mistaken for Jordan nearly every day for 15 years and he's tired of it.
"I'm constantly being accused of looking like Michael, and it makes it very uncomfortable for me," Heckard said.
Heckard, an airport shuttle driver and auto detailer with a prison record for drug possession, filed a lawsuit in Washington County Circuit Court last week asking for $416 million from the former basketball star and another $416 million from Nike founder Phil Knight because he promoted Jordan.
Heckard apparently is suing Jordan for defamation and permanent injury, emotional pain and suffering. He is suing Knight for defamation and permanent injury for promoting Jordan and helping make him one of the world's most famous athletes.
Heckard, who stands slightly taller than 6 feet, says many people miss the fact that he is roughly six inches shorter than Jordan. But Heckard bears a physical resemblance to Jordan because he has a shaved head, an earring in his left ear, and is in good physical shape — from playing basketball.By the way, a TV station apparently caught Heckard wearing blue Air Jordan tennis shoes.
"Even when I go to the gym, I'm being accused of playing ball like him (Jordan)," Heckard said.
Wouldn't most people consider that a compliment?
"Yes, don't get me wrong it's definitely a positive thing, because Michael, like I say is one of the best ball players that I've known to play the game. But then again, that's Michael and I'm me. So I want to be recognized as me just like Michael's being recognized as Michael."
How he decided to sue for $416 million each?
"Well, you figure with my age and you multiply that times seven and, ah, then I turn around and, ah, I figure that's what it all boils down to."
OK, let me try to do this. He's 52 years old. 52 times seven is 364. So that's for the pain and suffering. 364 million dollars and 728 million total. How appropriate he decided he deserved 1 million dollars for each day of his life. Were people telling him he looked like Jordan when he was 5 years old in 1959? Was he going through pain and suffering then? And how is any of this Nike's fault. Just because he wears Air Jordan sneakers when he plays basketball at the YMCA? In Portland? A town where less than 2 percent of the population is black?
Anyway, he is also demanding $52 million from each of the two defendants for "defamation and permanent injury." That's 104 million, 832 million dollars total.
And if he's going to go after Nike, why stop there? Go after Gatorade, Wheaties, Ball Park franks, and Hanes underwear! Let's see how big a fool he can make out of himself.
And if this dude makes even one dollar, our legal system needs to be overhauled.
A Portland, Oregon man is suing Michael Jordan and Nike founder Phil Knight for a combined $832 million. Allen Heckard filed suit, contending he has been mistaken for Jordan nearly every day for 15 years and he's tired of it.
"I'm constantly being accused of looking like Michael, and it makes it very uncomfortable for me," Heckard said.
Heckard, an airport shuttle driver and auto detailer with a prison record for drug possession, filed a lawsuit in Washington County Circuit Court last week asking for $416 million from the former basketball star and another $416 million from Nike founder Phil Knight because he promoted Jordan.
Heckard apparently is suing Jordan for defamation and permanent injury, emotional pain and suffering. He is suing Knight for defamation and permanent injury for promoting Jordan and helping make him one of the world's most famous athletes.
Heckard, who stands slightly taller than 6 feet, says many people miss the fact that he is roughly six inches shorter than Jordan. But Heckard bears a physical resemblance to Jordan because he has a shaved head, an earring in his left ear, and is in good physical shape — from playing basketball.By the way, a TV station apparently caught Heckard wearing blue Air Jordan tennis shoes.
"Even when I go to the gym, I'm being accused of playing ball like him (Jordan)," Heckard said.
Wouldn't most people consider that a compliment?
"Yes, don't get me wrong it's definitely a positive thing, because Michael, like I say is one of the best ball players that I've known to play the game. But then again, that's Michael and I'm me. So I want to be recognized as me just like Michael's being recognized as Michael."
How he decided to sue for $416 million each?
"Well, you figure with my age and you multiply that times seven and, ah, then I turn around and, ah, I figure that's what it all boils down to."
OK, let me try to do this. He's 52 years old. 52 times seven is 364. So that's for the pain and suffering. 364 million dollars and 728 million total. How appropriate he decided he deserved 1 million dollars for each day of his life. Were people telling him he looked like Jordan when he was 5 years old in 1959? Was he going through pain and suffering then? And how is any of this Nike's fault. Just because he wears Air Jordan sneakers when he plays basketball at the YMCA? In Portland? A town where less than 2 percent of the population is black?
Anyway, he is also demanding $52 million from each of the two defendants for "defamation and permanent injury." That's 104 million, 832 million dollars total.
And if he's going to go after Nike, why stop there? Go after Gatorade, Wheaties, Ball Park franks, and Hanes underwear! Let's see how big a fool he can make out of himself.
And if this dude makes even one dollar, our legal system needs to be overhauled.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Thoughts joys and rants on Friday.
4 days off, 3 days of work, and then a 3 day weekend? Good deal! Actually my medical insurance premium went up since I got my bill, so there's a little less green to cover the blue of BlueCross.
I have a wedding on Monday (I know that doesn't happen often) out west in Mt. Morris. This will make a total of 2 weddings that I have attended in my life where I actually knew what a wedding was. And since it's in Mt. Morris, I'm going to have to find a way to drive 20 minutes south to Dixon (Ronald Reagan's home) and visit the White House to get some fried chicken and onion rings, the best fried chicken and onion rings in the world. Of course I'm driving someone, so it'll take a little maneuvering, since I don't have the freedom to go wherever I want. Maybe I'll get there, we'll see.
I'm hoping Vince and Stephanie do well together. I'm not as optimistic about it as I was about the last one I went to 2 summers ago. But they've been together a long time, and I just hope they are ready to take this kind of a step.
Now on to the aggravation department. My softball team is 1-3 and we lost our last game 19-0. That was 3 weeks ago now. To make matters worse, the team I played with for 3 years in the co-ed league that I fell out with is a perfect 6-0. 6 and 0! Without me leading off and playing left field! It really makes me want to vomit. It just does.
And now I'm hearing from the Knicks' 3 rookies, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, and David Lee. They're whining about things are much better under Isiah Thomas as coach then they were when Larry Brown was there. Listen I understand Brown criticized players too openly, he never defined roles, and was flat out miserable while he was coaching in New York.
But who are these guys to know what a great NBA coach is? You're having fun under Isiah because he lets you run up and down the court? The preseason hasn't even begun yet guys! Win some games and then tell me how much better things are with Larry Brown gone. And let's see how Isiah manages to juggle a roster made up mainly of shoot-first guards, and soft, passive front-court players. Granted, things couldn't get much worse than they were last year with 23 wins and 59 losses. But can they get better with Isiah Thomas coaching you? That's my question for Mr. Frye, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Robinson.
Mets take 3 of 4 from Pittsburgh. Now it's Florida for 4. And tonight it's Lima Time! I thought we were done with him after he stunk up New York the last time he was here. But the big news is their young phenom, Mike Pelfrey pitches Saturday and I hope he pitches the second game so I can see it. I'll be in downtown Chicago on Saturday afternoon watching Moving Out, the musical with a lot of Billy Joel songs in it. I'll let you know how that goes later.
And then comes the All-Star break and 3 games in Chicago against the Drubbies. I can't wait.
Fresh meat for New York to chew up...
I have a wedding on Monday (I know that doesn't happen often) out west in Mt. Morris. This will make a total of 2 weddings that I have attended in my life where I actually knew what a wedding was. And since it's in Mt. Morris, I'm going to have to find a way to drive 20 minutes south to Dixon (Ronald Reagan's home) and visit the White House to get some fried chicken and onion rings, the best fried chicken and onion rings in the world. Of course I'm driving someone, so it'll take a little maneuvering, since I don't have the freedom to go wherever I want. Maybe I'll get there, we'll see.
I'm hoping Vince and Stephanie do well together. I'm not as optimistic about it as I was about the last one I went to 2 summers ago. But they've been together a long time, and I just hope they are ready to take this kind of a step.
Now on to the aggravation department. My softball team is 1-3 and we lost our last game 19-0. That was 3 weeks ago now. To make matters worse, the team I played with for 3 years in the co-ed league that I fell out with is a perfect 6-0. 6 and 0! Without me leading off and playing left field! It really makes me want to vomit. It just does.
And now I'm hearing from the Knicks' 3 rookies, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, and David Lee. They're whining about things are much better under Isiah Thomas as coach then they were when Larry Brown was there. Listen I understand Brown criticized players too openly, he never defined roles, and was flat out miserable while he was coaching in New York.
But who are these guys to know what a great NBA coach is? You're having fun under Isiah because he lets you run up and down the court? The preseason hasn't even begun yet guys! Win some games and then tell me how much better things are with Larry Brown gone. And let's see how Isiah manages to juggle a roster made up mainly of shoot-first guards, and soft, passive front-court players. Granted, things couldn't get much worse than they were last year with 23 wins and 59 losses. But can they get better with Isiah Thomas coaching you? That's my question for Mr. Frye, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Robinson.
Mets take 3 of 4 from Pittsburgh. Now it's Florida for 4. And tonight it's Lima Time! I thought we were done with him after he stunk up New York the last time he was here. But the big news is their young phenom, Mike Pelfrey pitches Saturday and I hope he pitches the second game so I can see it. I'll be in downtown Chicago on Saturday afternoon watching Moving Out, the musical with a lot of Billy Joel songs in it. I'll let you know how that goes later.
And then comes the All-Star break and 3 games in Chicago against the Drubbies. I can't wait.
Fresh meat for New York to chew up...
Ribfest recap
My 4th of July was spent at Naperville Ribfest on Tuesday night. I was worried I might be going alone as I sent out invites to 7 or 8 people and basically got maybe's from everyone. Let me assure you if you get ten maybe's, one will show up if you're lucky. But I hung with John and Ryan. And I should mention it was particularly helpful that Ryan showed up. I didn't expect him there. But he had volunteered at Ribfest on Sunday. And he was able to score free drinks for us. No not beer, drinks. I drank about 6 Dasanis and paid for the one I brought before he showed up. But it was 2 bucks, and I really thought that was decent for a festival.
When I first got in, I went to the ticket window to buy my 8 dollar admission fee. So I said to the lady inside the oversized porto-potty, "One please." She pointed to her left outside the window and drew my attention to a green piece of paper. She explained a family had brought their tickets ahead of time but had gotten one extra so they had a spare ticket. I could take it if I wanted. Easy decision there, wouldn't you say? So I saves 8 bucks and got in free and another 10 on drinks.
As for the ribs, well, we sampled about a third of the 17 vendors. Before John and Ryan showed, up I had already had a 4 rib sampler from Pigfoot with hot sauce. It wasn't that hot truth be told, maybe a little tangy. This was the only place that was voted into the top 3 of best sauce and best ribs. They were very meaty and the sauce had a nice bold flavor. Compared to previous years, I thought most of the ribs were meatier. I'd usually wind up with one portion that was mostly bony. Maybe I had good timing this year, I don't know.
So then we got a couple of full slabs and samplers. We got a slab from Armadillo's in Youngstown Ohio. Very tangy sauce. There was a little bit of a spice taste that came up your throat as the sauce went down. It was a very good aftertaste if you like a hearty bold BBQ sauce. I was very pleased. Then I got a sampler from 17th Street. Now I had heard about this place from my old college roommate, Anthony. He has family in Vegas and there are several locations over there as well as one in southern Illinois. The line was shorter than most places and I found out why. The meat was fine and a little chewier than the others I had. And they had a decent spice rub to shake on. But the sauce was lame. It seemed like the makers couldn't decide on a vinegar or tomato sauce so they went in the middle.
The Australian ribs were better than I remember them. They use apple and cherry wood to smoke. John got this as a sampler and I tried one. The thing is the hot sauce he got was too strong. I like spice but this reminded me of a buffalo style sauce. Howling Coyote's (a southwestern joint) was very weak. The ib was limp and it just tasted like pork and sauce.
Finally I hit Texas Outlaw's and I brought the guys a full slab. They won best ribs for the third time and it's easy to see why. The ribs were as full of meat as can be and the spice was perfect, strong but not overpowering. My only issue was they didn't have any sauce for you to put on like practically every other vendor did. For me, that hurt them.
My top 3
1) Pigfoot
2) Outlaw's
3) Armadillo's
Then it was time for the Charlie Daniels Band to play. Folks, that band can jam. Country, blues, southern rock, and gospel were all touched on over the 2 hour set. I loved hearing "Drinking My Baby Goodbye" and of course, everyone went crazy for "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Charlie said, "We have time for one more song, what do you want to hear?" We all screamed Devil and Georgia! And he goes "Georgia On My Mind?" Then they ripped into his signature song. He also sang a chorus of "How Great Thou Art." Certainly not the prettiest voice who's ever sang that song, but that's not what gospel music is about. It's about faith, passion, and the willingness to share it with people.
I'm glad he played "Simple Man" a controversial song on crime in America. I remember in 1989 when that song came out and Charlie was on talk shows over some of the lyrics. For example:
As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess
Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest
Hard to imagine that caused controversy isn't it?
"Long Haired Country Boy" and "The South's Gonna Do It Again" got big responses too. I was hoping to hear "Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues," but that didn't happen. To bottom line this, country music duo Montgomery Gentry was interviewed a few years ago and Troy Gentry said "We tell new artists coming up 'If you want to learn how to entertain, go watch Charlie Daniels live.'" I can see why. For 70 or so years old, he and the band rocks.
We finished the night with Oberweis ice cream and a bus back to the car at Naperville North HS. We were just to tired to stay for the fireworks, so we caught the last bus that was running for another 2 hours. We were lucky to get it or we would have walked a long way.
All in all a good night. And for the concert, 5 waters, 14 or 15 ribs (a slab and a half), and ice cream, I only spent 26 bucks. Not too shabby.
When I first got in, I went to the ticket window to buy my 8 dollar admission fee. So I said to the lady inside the oversized porto-potty, "One please." She pointed to her left outside the window and drew my attention to a green piece of paper. She explained a family had brought their tickets ahead of time but had gotten one extra so they had a spare ticket. I could take it if I wanted. Easy decision there, wouldn't you say? So I saves 8 bucks and got in free and another 10 on drinks.
As for the ribs, well, we sampled about a third of the 17 vendors. Before John and Ryan showed, up I had already had a 4 rib sampler from Pigfoot with hot sauce. It wasn't that hot truth be told, maybe a little tangy. This was the only place that was voted into the top 3 of best sauce and best ribs. They were very meaty and the sauce had a nice bold flavor. Compared to previous years, I thought most of the ribs were meatier. I'd usually wind up with one portion that was mostly bony. Maybe I had good timing this year, I don't know.
So then we got a couple of full slabs and samplers. We got a slab from Armadillo's in Youngstown Ohio. Very tangy sauce. There was a little bit of a spice taste that came up your throat as the sauce went down. It was a very good aftertaste if you like a hearty bold BBQ sauce. I was very pleased. Then I got a sampler from 17th Street. Now I had heard about this place from my old college roommate, Anthony. He has family in Vegas and there are several locations over there as well as one in southern Illinois. The line was shorter than most places and I found out why. The meat was fine and a little chewier than the others I had. And they had a decent spice rub to shake on. But the sauce was lame. It seemed like the makers couldn't decide on a vinegar or tomato sauce so they went in the middle.
The Australian ribs were better than I remember them. They use apple and cherry wood to smoke. John got this as a sampler and I tried one. The thing is the hot sauce he got was too strong. I like spice but this reminded me of a buffalo style sauce. Howling Coyote's (a southwestern joint) was very weak. The ib was limp and it just tasted like pork and sauce.
Finally I hit Texas Outlaw's and I brought the guys a full slab. They won best ribs for the third time and it's easy to see why. The ribs were as full of meat as can be and the spice was perfect, strong but not overpowering. My only issue was they didn't have any sauce for you to put on like practically every other vendor did. For me, that hurt them.
My top 3
1) Pigfoot
2) Outlaw's
3) Armadillo's
Then it was time for the Charlie Daniels Band to play. Folks, that band can jam. Country, blues, southern rock, and gospel were all touched on over the 2 hour set. I loved hearing "Drinking My Baby Goodbye" and of course, everyone went crazy for "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Charlie said, "We have time for one more song, what do you want to hear?" We all screamed Devil and Georgia! And he goes "Georgia On My Mind?" Then they ripped into his signature song. He also sang a chorus of "How Great Thou Art." Certainly not the prettiest voice who's ever sang that song, but that's not what gospel music is about. It's about faith, passion, and the willingness to share it with people.
I'm glad he played "Simple Man" a controversial song on crime in America. I remember in 1989 when that song came out and Charlie was on talk shows over some of the lyrics. For example:
As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess
Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest
Hard to imagine that caused controversy isn't it?
"Long Haired Country Boy" and "The South's Gonna Do It Again" got big responses too. I was hoping to hear "Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues," but that didn't happen. To bottom line this, country music duo Montgomery Gentry was interviewed a few years ago and Troy Gentry said "We tell new artists coming up 'If you want to learn how to entertain, go watch Charlie Daniels live.'" I can see why. For 70 or so years old, he and the band rocks.
We finished the night with Oberweis ice cream and a bus back to the car at Naperville North HS. We were just to tired to stay for the fireworks, so we caught the last bus that was running for another 2 hours. We were lucky to get it or we would have walked a long way.
All in all a good night. And for the concert, 5 waters, 14 or 15 ribs (a slab and a half), and ice cream, I only spent 26 bucks. Not too shabby.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
My reaction to RVD and Sabu getting busted
I really don't know how to write about this except to shoot.
Two WWE/ECW wrestlers, Rob Van Dam and Sabu, were pulled over in Hanging Rock, Ohio at about 10:15 p.m. on Sunday. The two were driving from their performances at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena earlier in the evening.
According to the OSHP, they were initially stopped for speeding. Troopers found RVD in possession of 18 grams of marijuana and five Vicodin prescription pain pills. Brunk was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and also had nine pills that were not immediately identifiable, but were known to be controlled substances, according to the OSHP. Both were cited and posted bond at the scene. However, sources at the courthouse say the date has been changed, but has yet to be determined.
Ironically, I was actually watching a 1996 RVD-Sabu match the morning I found out. Now you know Van Dam is one of my favorite wrestlers. I've met him twice. Sabu was the one who brought the idea of moonsaulting wrestlers through tables to the US. He was doing this is in 1993 and 94 when WWE was highlighting characters who were hockey players, garbage men, clowns, and mythological bulls.
I knew Van Dam was pro-marijuana and he used it previously. Evidently, Sabu used on occasion. I was always worried this could happen. But as the whole 4:20 ECW gimmick faded, I kind of forgot about it. Now he becomes WWE champion and three weeks later, gets busted. Not surprisingly, he lost the title the next night after he got caught. I should have seen it coming.
If I could speak to Van Dam right now, what would I say? I would tell him he really let me down. I'm hurt and a little bit numb, but I'm not really shocked. But I would say to him it doesn't matter how acrobatic you are, doesn't matter how flexible you are, it doesn't matter if you can do a split across two benches and deadlift 160 pounds. You can't do an exercise to make your brain cells grow back. Personal life is personal life, but I think people have a right to know if a guy they pay money to see is using. And when they are illegal substances, it is criminal action. Painkillers I can totally understand. Being on the road that much and taking as much physical abuse as they do, it's no wonder wrestlers do what they can to get by.
And these are not young guys! Van Dam is 35 and Sabu is 41. I hope for their sake they will use this as a learning experience. Sabu will probably be gone from ECW soon and Van Dam will be taken off TV for a little while and they deserve it. But with these two guys in this situation, this could be a huge issue for the re-birth of the new ECW. These two guys were pushed hard as the cornerstones along with Kurt Angle. This could devastate the chance for success of this group.
Bottom line: It's a bad day for wrestling fans.
Two WWE/ECW wrestlers, Rob Van Dam and Sabu, were pulled over in Hanging Rock, Ohio at about 10:15 p.m. on Sunday. The two were driving from their performances at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena earlier in the evening.
According to the OSHP, they were initially stopped for speeding. Troopers found RVD in possession of 18 grams of marijuana and five Vicodin prescription pain pills. Brunk was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and also had nine pills that were not immediately identifiable, but were known to be controlled substances, according to the OSHP. Both were cited and posted bond at the scene. However, sources at the courthouse say the date has been changed, but has yet to be determined.
Ironically, I was actually watching a 1996 RVD-Sabu match the morning I found out. Now you know Van Dam is one of my favorite wrestlers. I've met him twice. Sabu was the one who brought the idea of moonsaulting wrestlers through tables to the US. He was doing this is in 1993 and 94 when WWE was highlighting characters who were hockey players, garbage men, clowns, and mythological bulls.
I knew Van Dam was pro-marijuana and he used it previously. Evidently, Sabu used on occasion. I was always worried this could happen. But as the whole 4:20 ECW gimmick faded, I kind of forgot about it. Now he becomes WWE champion and three weeks later, gets busted. Not surprisingly, he lost the title the next night after he got caught. I should have seen it coming.
If I could speak to Van Dam right now, what would I say? I would tell him he really let me down. I'm hurt and a little bit numb, but I'm not really shocked. But I would say to him it doesn't matter how acrobatic you are, doesn't matter how flexible you are, it doesn't matter if you can do a split across two benches and deadlift 160 pounds. You can't do an exercise to make your brain cells grow back. Personal life is personal life, but I think people have a right to know if a guy they pay money to see is using. And when they are illegal substances, it is criminal action. Painkillers I can totally understand. Being on the road that much and taking as much physical abuse as they do, it's no wonder wrestlers do what they can to get by.
And these are not young guys! Van Dam is 35 and Sabu is 41. I hope for their sake they will use this as a learning experience. Sabu will probably be gone from ECW soon and Van Dam will be taken off TV for a little while and they deserve it. But with these two guys in this situation, this could be a huge issue for the re-birth of the new ECW. These two guys were pushed hard as the cornerstones along with Kurt Angle. This could devastate the chance for success of this group.
Bottom line: It's a bad day for wrestling fans.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wonderpowers: Activate!
Last night I went to Willow Creek Church, which I do once in a while, and Harvey Carey was the guest speaker. About three years ago, this guy started a multi-racial church called Citadel of Faith in central Detroit after years at working at a black church in downtown Chicago. That church is now the fastest growing church in Detroit. Now in South Barrington, it's a middle class to upper class white area. In other words, when they acknowledge something in church, they don't raise their voices above a certain decibel. Not after last night though! This guy was very animated, but more than that, he gave a great speech. He discussed the body of Christ and referenced Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
He opened by mentioning superheroes (appropriate with the Superman craze), especially Wonder Twins, those comic book guys who when they come together have all these crazy powers and capabilities. But by themselves, they could barely do anything. They would come together by saying "Wonderpowers: Activate!" They needed each other. And it's the same way with the church.
He talked about the necessity of the city and suburbs coming together for God and some of the things his church is doing to make a difference in Detroit. One was urban camping. Over the summer, 55 men are going to pitch tents in front of crackhouses throughout Detroit, even the roughest sections. They're doing tents, because you can always move it around. And as he put it, it's a lot harder for a person to buy drugs when they hear God's praises being shouted with genuineness. But there are too many divides as far as people groups go in the church. And that is one of the enemy's best tactics to quiet or damage the voice of the church in the world.
One of the things we're hearing over and over in the church world is how we need to get out of our comfort zone. You can't grow as a human being if you don't get uncomfortable. And I know that and I think more and more Christians are figuring that out as well. The question is what are we doing? Well my trip to Mississippi was a great start. But once I come back here to suburban Chicago, where life is relatively safe and predictable, how do I grow? How do I stretch? How can I encourage others to do the same?
There are plenty of problems in the world and I know I can't change everything. But I don't want to become a person who reads the newspaper every morning, get frustrated at the bad news, and wonder "Who will do something about it?"
So what I pray for, not just for me, but for others, is courage to not give in to fear. And the boldness to get out in the world and give hope where hope is needed.
http://ww.citadeloffaith.org/main.htm
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
He opened by mentioning superheroes (appropriate with the Superman craze), especially Wonder Twins, those comic book guys who when they come together have all these crazy powers and capabilities. But by themselves, they could barely do anything. They would come together by saying "Wonderpowers: Activate!" They needed each other. And it's the same way with the church.
He talked about the necessity of the city and suburbs coming together for God and some of the things his church is doing to make a difference in Detroit. One was urban camping. Over the summer, 55 men are going to pitch tents in front of crackhouses throughout Detroit, even the roughest sections. They're doing tents, because you can always move it around. And as he put it, it's a lot harder for a person to buy drugs when they hear God's praises being shouted with genuineness. But there are too many divides as far as people groups go in the church. And that is one of the enemy's best tactics to quiet or damage the voice of the church in the world.
One of the things we're hearing over and over in the church world is how we need to get out of our comfort zone. You can't grow as a human being if you don't get uncomfortable. And I know that and I think more and more Christians are figuring that out as well. The question is what are we doing? Well my trip to Mississippi was a great start. But once I come back here to suburban Chicago, where life is relatively safe and predictable, how do I grow? How do I stretch? How can I encourage others to do the same?
There are plenty of problems in the world and I know I can't change everything. But I don't want to become a person who reads the newspaper every morning, get frustrated at the bad news, and wonder "Who will do something about it?"
So what I pray for, not just for me, but for others, is courage to not give in to fear. And the boldness to get out in the world and give hope where hope is needed.
http://ww.citadeloffaith.org/main.htm
Monday, June 26, 2006
Ring of Honor recap
First of all, I picked all seven matches correctly! No prizes or anything, but I am a broadcast journalist! A few thoughts on the evening.
The crowd was around 800-900. They were not as into it as the November show I was at or the two shows from Wrestlemania weekend. I was in the fourth row of section C, the loud section! I'll give a few thoughts on the crowd and my own feelings with each match.
Josh Abercrombie defeats Rhett Titus at 4:14. Solid match. Abercrombie has a mustache, and he rubs it often, and he's the heel. He wore teal trunks and is kind of like Carlito. Titus is an ROH trainee in green trunks, and he's fairly muscular. JA jumped off the rope and nailed RT with a backcracker.
Boz defeats Alex "Sugarfoot"" Payne at 2:37. Boz was good, but a couple of guys behind me started chanting Sugarfoot! Sugarfoot! And then for the rest of the night, Payne was sitting at a lighting scaffold next to our section. We kept chanting for him, but he didn't respond. I'm sure he has be quiet as a new guy. But he was like the cult hero of the night.
Venom Mike Walker defeats CJ Otis and Bobby Dempsey at 4:33. Nothing much here except Dempsey looks like a cross between Dusty Rhodes and Adrian Adonis.
Main show:
Jake & Dave Crist defeat Shane Hagadorn & Trik Davis at 7:23. Big chants for the Crists. Hagadorn is really hated and Davis is a young guy. Jake held Trik across his back, and Dave jumped off the top rope, hitting a kick on Trik's head. Jake immediately hit a Death Valley Driver on Trik, across Dave's knees, and Jake covered Trik for the pin. Good opener.
Roderick Strong defeats Jimmy Jacobs (w/Lacey) at 15:03. Excellent match. Strong is one of the best young guys around with his chops and backbreakers. Jacobs comes out to this R&B music and the crowd held up their open cell phones (so the lights would show) and swayed them as Jimmy came to ringside. Strong locked in the Stronghold/Vertical Boston Crab, and Jacobs tapped out. Unfortunately, one a-hole grabbed at Lacey
Jay & Mark Briscoe defeat Jimmy Rave & Conrad Kennedy III (w/Prince Nana, Alex Shelley and Daizee Haze) at 12:55. Good match. The latter team is a faction known as the Embassy. Nana, who is from Africa, got on the mic and talked about how Ghana was number one (Soccer reference). When this group hits their pose (arms clapped overhead like a safety call in football), fans throw toilet paper. I had mine in hand. But we threw enough TP to fill every Sears Tower stall for the rest of the year. The throwing went a good five minutes. It was hysterical. When Kennedy was in the ring, a few of us went "Misteeeeeeeeeer Kennedy!" Mark nailed a Death Valley Driver on CK3 for the pin.
Samoa Joe defeats Delirious at 10:57. I'm a huge Joe fan and Delirious is basically a masked fan fave with an Ultimate Warrior look who acts like he's nuts. He's in the mid-card working his way up. It was fun, but not great. The crowd taunted Delirious with "Joe's gonna kill you!" Delirious hit 26 short-arm clotheslines in a row in the corner. In the end, Joe nailed the Musclebuster for the pin. Delirious and two fans (boyfriend, girlfriend) got into a fight after the match. Not a fistfight, but Delrious did shove the guy, though I heard he deserved it. I don't know what was said, but wrestlers should not touch fans in anger or vice versa.
Anyway, Necro Butcher of CZW ran to ringside to confront Samoa Joe. This allowed CZW turncoat Claudio Castognoli to sneak up and clip Joe's knee. Suddenly, we have six guys at ringside, and the bunkhouse match between Ring of Honor and CZW is underway!
Necro Butcher & Claudio Castagnoli & Nate Webb defeat B.J. Whitmer & Adam Pearce & Ace Steel at 8:30. Chaotic hardcore wrestling and some of it was out of my view. Webb, who I'd never heard of, nailed a guillotine legdrop, from the top turnbuckle, onto Ace, who was on a table on the floor, at 6:30! Whitmer had a crown of thorns placed on his head and got drilled with a chair and got busted open.
Pure Title match: Nigel McGuinness defeats Homicide via countout at 17:45. This was pretty disappointing to me, thought some people liked it. Referee Todd Sinclair read the rules. 3 rope breaks on a pinfall or submission, after that the ropes are in play. No closed fist punches and there is a countout of 20. McGuiness is from England and Cide is a Puerto Rican from Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn. I'd never seen an ROH pure wrestling match, so maybe that was why it was so different for me. Nigel gave Homicide a suplex through a table at ringside and Homicide was almost counted out, as he BARELY got back in the ring at the 19-count at 13:30. They went to the floor again. Nigel ran in the ring. Homicide nearly got in the ring, when Sinclair counted to 20, and Homicide was counted out. The crowd not only booed, but threw garbage into the ring. It was classless.
KENTA defeats Austin Aries at 20:49. STIFF, STIFF match, and one of the best I've ever seen live. The crowd booed Sinclair like crazy when he was introduced. I thought John Cena was in the house! KENTA wore his brown & gold trunks, and the crowd threw those colored streamers at him. Before they even touched each other, the crowd was chanting back and forth, "Let's go KENTA," "Austin Aries!" It lasted 6 or 7 minutes which is a long time. When KENTA had a chance to win and was covering Aries for the pinfall, we counted "Ichi, Ni, San!" There was plenty of attitude, great ring psychology, and plenty of athleticism. The end came when KENTA hit a running dropkick, and hit the Go 2 Sleep knee shot for the pin. Basically, he lays the guy across his shoulders like for an f5 or an airplane spin. Then he drops him to the side as if he's putting them on their feet, and as they're coming down, knees them in the face. Devastating. We chanted "Please come back" and "Ari Gato" (Thank you) to KENTA after the match.
Unfortunately, and I didn't hear this, there were some real jackasses taunting KENTA with Japanese chants. "Where's my fried race" "Wax on wax off" "Slanty eyes" I hope you're not expecting me to say anything here, because I think that says plenty.
American Dragon Bryan Danielson defeats Colt Cabana at 29:39 to retain the ROH world heavyweight title. I was one of maybe 20 people rooting for BD. Cabana, the Chicago guy, came out to Copacabana by Barry Manilow. BD came out to "The Final Countdown." Cabana hit a top-rope moonsault for a nearfall at 26:30. Dragon came back with a top-rope Saito Suplex for a nearfall. Dragon locked in the Cattle Mutilation, as shown.
The crowd begged for Cabana to not tap. Dragon went for the Crossface Chickenwing, but Cabana blocked that Cabana applied a reverse Boston Crab, pulling Dragon's feet toward his head. Cabana then applied his own cattle mutilation and the crowd went crazy! Dragon reached the ropes. Cabana put Dragon on his shoulders and he hit the Colt 45 slam (Tiger bomb, Pearl River Plunge)! However, Dragon, in one swift motion, rolled through the Colt 45, rolled up Cabana, and got the pin. More garbage gets hurled into the ring. Unnecessary and pathetic.
Cabana grabbed the mike and complained about losing on a cheap rollup. Dragon told him that "my small package is inescapable. Sometimes they call me Mr. Small Package!" We were in stitches laughing! Cabana challenged Dragon to a best-of-three-falls match on Aug. 26. Dragon agreed, saying that the stipulation is this is Cabana's last title shot against him.
Some more notes
I have my ticket already, 3rd row, same section. And the main camera zooms right in on this section, so I'll be easy to see when the DVD of this show comes out.
The show started at 6:15 and ended around 11:20.
Before the show, I got to Rosa's around 4:30 and met a couple of guys from Wisconsin. We told each other wrestling stories and ate some good pizza. The doors opened at 6:15 and I went to the merchandise stand. Samoa Joe came out to see everyone. I didn't get near him, but I saw him. It was very cool. I may have seen another wrestler or two, but I wouldn't have recognized them.
I sat next to a family from Arkansas who had never seen ROH live. The kid was 14 and knew more about wrestling than I ever will. He even knew the Japanese stuff. His parents weren't big fans, but they drove him 8 hours and they all went. That's very good of them. When I told the family I had been in MS working, the dad came back and he had brought me a bottle of water. That was really nice of him.
A group of 5 about 2 rows behind me was really loud and sometimes really annoying. They just would not stop chanting and I think they got on a few people's nerves. The crowd just seemed restless for whatever reason. On the message boards, this is being called one of the worst crowds in ROH in a while. Between the garbage, the chants, and the Delirious and Lacey incidents. At least nobody got violent, that I know of anyway.
I did have one really good moment. During one of the first matches, a guy hit a running face back kick in the corner like Umaga does in WWE. So I chanted "It's Umaga." Then I pretended to lift the cigar over my head and break it. And of course I then said "My name is Armandooooo...Alejandrooooo..." That got a pretty big laugh.
The drive home took about 50 minutes and 30 of them was getting off from 355 to home. I'm a 20-25 minutes from 3 major highways. It's kind of annoying after a late night. I was out from 8 am to 12:15 the following morning.
The crowd was around 800-900. They were not as into it as the November show I was at or the two shows from Wrestlemania weekend. I was in the fourth row of section C, the loud section! I'll give a few thoughts on the crowd and my own feelings with each match.
Josh Abercrombie defeats Rhett Titus at 4:14. Solid match. Abercrombie has a mustache, and he rubs it often, and he's the heel. He wore teal trunks and is kind of like Carlito. Titus is an ROH trainee in green trunks, and he's fairly muscular. JA jumped off the rope and nailed RT with a backcracker.
Boz defeats Alex "Sugarfoot"" Payne at 2:37. Boz was good, but a couple of guys behind me started chanting Sugarfoot! Sugarfoot! And then for the rest of the night, Payne was sitting at a lighting scaffold next to our section. We kept chanting for him, but he didn't respond. I'm sure he has be quiet as a new guy. But he was like the cult hero of the night.
Venom Mike Walker defeats CJ Otis and Bobby Dempsey at 4:33. Nothing much here except Dempsey looks like a cross between Dusty Rhodes and Adrian Adonis.
Main show:
Jake & Dave Crist defeat Shane Hagadorn & Trik Davis at 7:23. Big chants for the Crists. Hagadorn is really hated and Davis is a young guy. Jake held Trik across his back, and Dave jumped off the top rope, hitting a kick on Trik's head. Jake immediately hit a Death Valley Driver on Trik, across Dave's knees, and Jake covered Trik for the pin. Good opener.
Roderick Strong defeats Jimmy Jacobs (w/Lacey) at 15:03. Excellent match. Strong is one of the best young guys around with his chops and backbreakers. Jacobs comes out to this R&B music and the crowd held up their open cell phones (so the lights would show) and swayed them as Jimmy came to ringside. Strong locked in the Stronghold/Vertical Boston Crab, and Jacobs tapped out. Unfortunately, one a-hole grabbed at Lacey
Jay & Mark Briscoe defeat Jimmy Rave & Conrad Kennedy III (w/Prince Nana, Alex Shelley and Daizee Haze) at 12:55. Good match. The latter team is a faction known as the Embassy. Nana, who is from Africa, got on the mic and talked about how Ghana was number one (Soccer reference). When this group hits their pose (arms clapped overhead like a safety call in football), fans throw toilet paper. I had mine in hand. But we threw enough TP to fill every Sears Tower stall for the rest of the year. The throwing went a good five minutes. It was hysterical. When Kennedy was in the ring, a few of us went "Misteeeeeeeeeer Kennedy!" Mark nailed a Death Valley Driver on CK3 for the pin.
Samoa Joe defeats Delirious at 10:57. I'm a huge Joe fan and Delirious is basically a masked fan fave with an Ultimate Warrior look who acts like he's nuts. He's in the mid-card working his way up. It was fun, but not great. The crowd taunted Delirious with "Joe's gonna kill you!" Delirious hit 26 short-arm clotheslines in a row in the corner. In the end, Joe nailed the Musclebuster for the pin. Delirious and two fans (boyfriend, girlfriend) got into a fight after the match. Not a fistfight, but Delrious did shove the guy, though I heard he deserved it. I don't know what was said, but wrestlers should not touch fans in anger or vice versa.
Anyway, Necro Butcher of CZW ran to ringside to confront Samoa Joe. This allowed CZW turncoat Claudio Castognoli to sneak up and clip Joe's knee. Suddenly, we have six guys at ringside, and the bunkhouse match between Ring of Honor and CZW is underway!
Necro Butcher & Claudio Castagnoli & Nate Webb defeat B.J. Whitmer & Adam Pearce & Ace Steel at 8:30. Chaotic hardcore wrestling and some of it was out of my view. Webb, who I'd never heard of, nailed a guillotine legdrop, from the top turnbuckle, onto Ace, who was on a table on the floor, at 6:30! Whitmer had a crown of thorns placed on his head and got drilled with a chair and got busted open.
Pure Title match: Nigel McGuinness defeats Homicide via countout at 17:45. This was pretty disappointing to me, thought some people liked it. Referee Todd Sinclair read the rules. 3 rope breaks on a pinfall or submission, after that the ropes are in play. No closed fist punches and there is a countout of 20. McGuiness is from England and Cide is a Puerto Rican from Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn. I'd never seen an ROH pure wrestling match, so maybe that was why it was so different for me. Nigel gave Homicide a suplex through a table at ringside and Homicide was almost counted out, as he BARELY got back in the ring at the 19-count at 13:30. They went to the floor again. Nigel ran in the ring. Homicide nearly got in the ring, when Sinclair counted to 20, and Homicide was counted out. The crowd not only booed, but threw garbage into the ring. It was classless.
KENTA defeats Austin Aries at 20:49. STIFF, STIFF match, and one of the best I've ever seen live. The crowd booed Sinclair like crazy when he was introduced. I thought John Cena was in the house! KENTA wore his brown & gold trunks, and the crowd threw those colored streamers at him. Before they even touched each other, the crowd was chanting back and forth, "Let's go KENTA," "Austin Aries!" It lasted 6 or 7 minutes which is a long time. When KENTA had a chance to win and was covering Aries for the pinfall, we counted "Ichi, Ni, San!" There was plenty of attitude, great ring psychology, and plenty of athleticism. The end came when KENTA hit a running dropkick, and hit the Go 2 Sleep knee shot for the pin. Basically, he lays the guy across his shoulders like for an f5 or an airplane spin. Then he drops him to the side as if he's putting them on their feet, and as they're coming down, knees them in the face. Devastating. We chanted "Please come back" and "Ari Gato" (Thank you) to KENTA after the match.
Unfortunately, and I didn't hear this, there were some real jackasses taunting KENTA with Japanese chants. "Where's my fried race" "Wax on wax off" "Slanty eyes" I hope you're not expecting me to say anything here, because I think that says plenty.
American Dragon Bryan Danielson defeats Colt Cabana at 29:39 to retain the ROH world heavyweight title. I was one of maybe 20 people rooting for BD. Cabana, the Chicago guy, came out to Copacabana by Barry Manilow. BD came out to "The Final Countdown." Cabana hit a top-rope moonsault for a nearfall at 26:30. Dragon came back with a top-rope Saito Suplex for a nearfall. Dragon locked in the Cattle Mutilation, as shown.
The crowd begged for Cabana to not tap. Dragon went for the Crossface Chickenwing, but Cabana blocked that Cabana applied a reverse Boston Crab, pulling Dragon's feet toward his head. Cabana then applied his own cattle mutilation and the crowd went crazy! Dragon reached the ropes. Cabana put Dragon on his shoulders and he hit the Colt 45 slam (Tiger bomb, Pearl River Plunge)! However, Dragon, in one swift motion, rolled through the Colt 45, rolled up Cabana, and got the pin. More garbage gets hurled into the ring. Unnecessary and pathetic.Cabana grabbed the mike and complained about losing on a cheap rollup. Dragon told him that "my small package is inescapable. Sometimes they call me Mr. Small Package!" We were in stitches laughing! Cabana challenged Dragon to a best-of-three-falls match on Aug. 26. Dragon agreed, saying that the stipulation is this is Cabana's last title shot against him.
Some more notes
I have my ticket already, 3rd row, same section. And the main camera zooms right in on this section, so I'll be easy to see when the DVD of this show comes out.
The show started at 6:15 and ended around 11:20.
Before the show, I got to Rosa's around 4:30 and met a couple of guys from Wisconsin. We told each other wrestling stories and ate some good pizza. The doors opened at 6:15 and I went to the merchandise stand. Samoa Joe came out to see everyone. I didn't get near him, but I saw him. It was very cool. I may have seen another wrestler or two, but I wouldn't have recognized them.
I sat next to a family from Arkansas who had never seen ROH live. The kid was 14 and knew more about wrestling than I ever will. He even knew the Japanese stuff. His parents weren't big fans, but they drove him 8 hours and they all went. That's very good of them. When I told the family I had been in MS working, the dad came back and he had brought me a bottle of water. That was really nice of him.
A group of 5 about 2 rows behind me was really loud and sometimes really annoying. They just would not stop chanting and I think they got on a few people's nerves. The crowd just seemed restless for whatever reason. On the message boards, this is being called one of the worst crowds in ROH in a while. Between the garbage, the chants, and the Delirious and Lacey incidents. At least nobody got violent, that I know of anyway.
I did have one really good moment. During one of the first matches, a guy hit a running face back kick in the corner like Umaga does in WWE. So I chanted "It's Umaga." Then I pretended to lift the cigar over my head and break it. And of course I then said "My name is Armandooooo...Alejandrooooo..." That got a pretty big laugh.
The drive home took about 50 minutes and 30 of them was getting off from 355 to home. I'm a 20-25 minutes from 3 major highways. It's kind of annoying after a late night. I was out from 8 am to 12:15 the following morning.
World Cup all the way through
Let's review my picks of who I predicted would advance to the Round of 16.
Group A: Germany and Ecuador- 2 for 2
Group B: England and Sweden- 2 for 2
Group C: Netherlands and Argentina- 2 for 2
Group D: Portugal and Mexico- 2 for 2
Group E: Italy and Czech Republic- 1 for 2
Group F: Brazil and Japan- 1 for 2
Group G: France and Switzerland- 2 for 2
Group H: Spaine and Ukraine- 2 for 2
14 out of 16 which is pretty good. I thought the US would miss the second round, but I didn't think they would play as badly as they did. You only score one goal on your own, it's not the officials' fault. Now we come to the Round of 16. Let's check out the brackets.
Germany-Sweden
Argentina-Mexico
England-Ecuador
Portugal-Netherlands
Italy-Australia
Switzerland-Ukraine
Brazil-Ghana
Spain-France
Games 1, 3, and 8 figure to be the most competitive.
Quarterfinals
Germany
Argentina
England
Netherlands
Italy
Ukraine
Brazil
Spain
Semifinals
Germany
England
Italy
Brazil
Third place
England over Italy
Final
Germany over Brazil
If france wins at home in 1998, then I think Germany wins at home in 2006.
Group A: Germany and Ecuador- 2 for 2
Group B: England and Sweden- 2 for 2
Group C: Netherlands and Argentina- 2 for 2
Group D: Portugal and Mexico- 2 for 2
Group E: Italy and Czech Republic- 1 for 2
Group F: Brazil and Japan- 1 for 2
Group G: France and Switzerland- 2 for 2
Group H: Spaine and Ukraine- 2 for 2
14 out of 16 which is pretty good. I thought the US would miss the second round, but I didn't think they would play as badly as they did. You only score one goal on your own, it's not the officials' fault. Now we come to the Round of 16. Let's check out the brackets.
Germany-Sweden
Argentina-Mexico
England-Ecuador
Portugal-Netherlands
Italy-Australia
Switzerland-Ukraine
Brazil-Ghana
Spain-France
Games 1, 3, and 8 figure to be the most competitive.
Quarterfinals
Germany
Argentina
England
Netherlands
Italy
Ukraine
Brazil
Spain
Semifinals
Germany
England
Italy
Brazil
Third place
England over Italy
Final
Germany over Brazil
If france wins at home in 1998, then I think Germany wins at home in 2006.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Ring of Honor tomorrow night
20 bucks scored me a 4th row seat (27 if you count the handling charges from Ticketmaster!). This should be a very good wrestling card and knowing how good I am at predicting other sports and awards, here are my picks for tomorrow's matches.
ROH World Title Match
Bryan Danielson vs. Colt Cabana
Danielson has been champ since September. Cabana is from Chicago and the crowd would love to see the hometown guy win his first title in this company. Plus his entrance music is Copacabana by Barry Manilow! That takes some guts! I like Danielson to keep his reign going.
Austin Aries vs. KENTA
Aries is an excellent high flyer who has spent some time in TNA. KENTA is a young Japanese sensation who is here for 3 shows. I don't know much about his style, but I hear it's a combo of high flying and shoot (legitimate) fighting. I like KENTA. And he spells his name in all caps for the record, I'm not shouting here.
ROH Pure Title Match
Nigel McGuinness vs. Homicide
McGuiness is from Great Britain and has been champ since he beat Samoa Joe last August. That's one thing I like about ROH, titles don't change that often. It makes them more prestigious, in my opinion. Homicide is from New York, becoming immensely popular, and has promised to leave the company if he doesn't win a title by the end of the year. It's barely summer, I like Nigel to retain, but probably this will be a no-contest or there will be interference.
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Rave & Alex Shelley
Toughest call. The Briscoes have never wrestled in Chicago so I'll see what they can do. Shelley is becoming a big name in TNA and he and Rave are both part of a heel (bad guy) faction called the Embassy. I'll take the Briscoes as the Embassy seems to be going through some changes.
Bunkhouse Match
Adam Pearce & BJ Whitmer vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Necro Butcher
There is a huge independent promotion feud going between ROH, which is more pure wrestling based and CZW, which is more hardcore, and both are based out of Philly. Claudio was with ROH until he betrayed them 2 months ago and rejoined his old friend Chris Hero in CZW. The CZW has gotten the better of the feud this far and I think they win this no holds barred match.
Samoa Joe vs. Delirious
You know I love Samoa Joe. As the TNA chant goes, Joe's gonna kill you. Delirious is entertaining enough, but Joe is the man. Joe wins this one.
Roderick Strong vs. Jimmy Jacobs
Strong put on one of the best matches I've ever seen against Danielson last year. And his chops are the best I've ever seen and the loudest I've ever heard. Jacobs is on a losing streak, and I thin Strong is too good for him right now.
So that's seven matches in all. I'll have a recap by Monday.
ROH World Title Match
Bryan Danielson vs. Colt Cabana
Danielson has been champ since September. Cabana is from Chicago and the crowd would love to see the hometown guy win his first title in this company. Plus his entrance music is Copacabana by Barry Manilow! That takes some guts! I like Danielson to keep his reign going.
Austin Aries vs. KENTA
Aries is an excellent high flyer who has spent some time in TNA. KENTA is a young Japanese sensation who is here for 3 shows. I don't know much about his style, but I hear it's a combo of high flying and shoot (legitimate) fighting. I like KENTA. And he spells his name in all caps for the record, I'm not shouting here.
ROH Pure Title Match
Nigel McGuinness vs. Homicide
McGuiness is from Great Britain and has been champ since he beat Samoa Joe last August. That's one thing I like about ROH, titles don't change that often. It makes them more prestigious, in my opinion. Homicide is from New York, becoming immensely popular, and has promised to leave the company if he doesn't win a title by the end of the year. It's barely summer, I like Nigel to retain, but probably this will be a no-contest or there will be interference.
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Rave & Alex Shelley
Toughest call. The Briscoes have never wrestled in Chicago so I'll see what they can do. Shelley is becoming a big name in TNA and he and Rave are both part of a heel (bad guy) faction called the Embassy. I'll take the Briscoes as the Embassy seems to be going through some changes.
Bunkhouse Match
Adam Pearce & BJ Whitmer vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Necro Butcher
There is a huge independent promotion feud going between ROH, which is more pure wrestling based and CZW, which is more hardcore, and both are based out of Philly. Claudio was with ROH until he betrayed them 2 months ago and rejoined his old friend Chris Hero in CZW. The CZW has gotten the better of the feud this far and I think they win this no holds barred match.
Samoa Joe vs. Delirious
You know I love Samoa Joe. As the TNA chant goes, Joe's gonna kill you. Delirious is entertaining enough, but Joe is the man. Joe wins this one.
Roderick Strong vs. Jimmy Jacobs
Strong put on one of the best matches I've ever seen against Danielson last year. And his chops are the best I've ever seen and the loudest I've ever heard. Jacobs is on a losing streak, and I thin Strong is too good for him right now.
So that's seven matches in all. I'll have a recap by Monday.
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