My Son will not eat solid food, but he will bite his nails. I guess this is a genetic trait. He may like high school more than I did, but he is not saying.
News may be breaking about tax returns and who controls wikileaks, but the wrong people are doing the shouting and getting heard. Who gave roger stone and his bowler valuable air time?
What news has diminished to. Sadly, the entertainment draws numbers, which draws corporate ads, which fuels the pump.
Liar. Scream. Repeat.
After many months I did get my official Equity Punk Card from Brewdog, making me an official something. And I renewed my AAA membership so maybe there is hope in me that we have another year left. Possibly until the end of April, 2018, when my membership expires. After then, all bets off the table?
We're having a wild year for all the wrong reasons, although there is a trip to Vegas actually booked and paid up.
What are we going to be flying into?
Showing posts with label the torture of hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the torture of hope. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
The clouds, the breeze
How does a parent tell their 14 year old non-verbal child that the world has changed? I’ve had to tell him about the deaths of Grandparents and other relatives and it is so hard to know what has registered. As a parent of a severely autistic child, I’ve been advised to assume he is aware of the world around him even if he behaves as if he’s separate from it. Gauging his reaction is always difficult and in the wake of a death or other Earth shattering event it’s frustrating for me.
“I have to tell you something important happened last night. You know how Daddy yells when something bad happens to Everton? Well it’s like that, but a bit bigger….”
Oh Hell I do not know what I’m doing but I’m even more fearful about his future now, and about the health care of so many special needs children and adults who are probably going to lose their benefits when the new administration erases the Affordable Care Act.
The new sheriff in town does not inspire confidence when he mocks a man with cerebral palsy onstage and his followers kick a child’s wheelchair.
It’s not a good time to live in this country unless you’re a straight white male with some means. I have no idea what the next four years will bring, even the stock market shocked me with a rally today. Yet I can’t seem to want to give up hope. Maybe when the guy leaves it will be better than it was? I can’t help but be cynical and frightened for my friends and coworkers who do not look like me though.
“I have to tell you something important happened last night. You know how Daddy yells when something bad happens to Everton? Well it’s like that, but a bit bigger….”
Oh Hell I do not know what I’m doing but I’m even more fearful about his future now, and about the health care of so many special needs children and adults who are probably going to lose their benefits when the new administration erases the Affordable Care Act.
The new sheriff in town does not inspire confidence when he mocks a man with cerebral palsy onstage and his followers kick a child’s wheelchair.
It’s not a good time to live in this country unless you’re a straight white male with some means. I have no idea what the next four years will bring, even the stock market shocked me with a rally today. Yet I can’t seem to want to give up hope. Maybe when the guy leaves it will be better than it was? I can’t help but be cynical and frightened for my friends and coworkers who do not look like me though.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
A few hits to fill in the blanks
This was a good little record by the Fine Young Cannibals back in 1989. It was a year I do not remember too well. Too much drinking, a few too many drugs and general unhappiness/uncertainty. At the end of the year we moved to Ohio, leaving the alcoholic comfort zone of lousy pay for the mystery of a big city. If I stayed on I would not have survived. The next decade was a combination of being broken down and breaking myself. Bad career decisions were made, one after the other. A marriage fell apart. The next decade seemed to repeat itself with financial strain replacing the alcohol. These days the stressors are different but profound and worrisome. I've found it harder to reach my son when the show in his head is greater than that around him, or if he's in pain. It's hard for him to tell us that, and it weighs heavy.
Then this song becomes the show in my head -
"Oh I know that times are bad
and they make you want to cry
Don't be sad, we'll get by"
All I can say is, maybe.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
The return of the October Classic to my radar
Twenty nine years ago this month I was sitting in my living room in Fredonia, New York, watching the Mets win the World Series on a 13” black and white television trying not to celebrate too much as my then wife had her face in a pillow. She was a Red Sox fan and was devastated. I had to mute any joy I had, which was fairly representative of that relationship.
Fifteen years ago I was at a New York Rangers/Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game the night Roger Clemens threw part of Mike Piazza’s bat back at him. I saw this happen through long lost binoculars as I looked at the screens of the luxury boxes of Madison Square Garden from my Uncle’s seats. My then fiance and I were on vacation, visiting my family on Long Island. That is about the only memory I have of the 2000 Subway Series other than the yankees won it all at now demolished Shea Stadium. They should have won it on their own turf, but so it goes.
It was harder for me to follow my team from Columbus, Ohio back in those days. After the 1994 strike that cut the season short, I did not look at a game or a box score in the newspaper for an entire year and never really got my enthusiasm for baseball back. It took a few more cable channels devoted to baseball and an internet that could always find access to a game to bring it back.
I watched two end of season collapses from afar and a horrible playoff loss in the last decade or so. This year I have been paying even more attention.
After an impressive take down of the Dodgers and a sweep against the Cubs that I would never have predicted the Mets find themselves in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals return to the series for the second straight year after getting defeated in gut wrenching fashion by the San Francisco Giants. The team has not won the series since 1985.
So this is where we are at: the solid hitting of the Royals vs. the young hurlers of the Mets.
Will the bats of the Royals solve the fastballs of the Mets pitching, or will control be the key for the New Yorkers? From my side, I’m worried about the left shoulder of Yoenis Cespedes they way I was about the field crippled Rusty Staub in 1973. Can Lucas Duda produce in the way he did in game four against the Cubs? If so, he is capable of carrying a team.
And of course there’s the explosive chaos that surrounds Daniel Murphy, who had owned opposing pitching this postseason to the point where he now has a major league record of most games in the postseason with a home run to call his and his alone. Will he be able to keep up his amazin’ pace against the erratic starting pitching of Kansas City?
The Royals have home field advantage, which means the designated hitter will be involved in at least two games. The Mets are said to be using Kelly Johnson in this role, but I prefer the seemingly out of favor Michael Cuddyer. I think the starting pitching is going to be ok and adjust to the fastball hitting Kansas City lineup, the way for the Mets to win will once again be maintaining their offense and ability to generate runs. I’m excited!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Chewing the authenticity
I may be one of the few people in this country who is not excited about McDonald's serving breakfast all day. It seems to be The Wire of fast food. It's also been years since I've been inside one, and that was to reassess the Shamrock Shake.
And it sucked. The food I've avoided since reading Fast Food Nation so it has been at least ten years since I've had a quarter pounder. Sure I go to Wendy's, a company with their own challenges with their practices and White Castle a couple of times a year whether I need to or not. And they do plenty for autism awareness even if it is with autism speaks.
Of course that would change if my son gave a shit about happy meals, but that has not happened.
The teenager has recently lost his joy in swimming, which makes me sad. I'm also not sure how the horseback riding is really going since he's cut the last two sessions short. Maybe he does not like the saddle, they're going to leave it off this week.
And it sucked. The food I've avoided since reading Fast Food Nation so it has been at least ten years since I've had a quarter pounder. Sure I go to Wendy's, a company with their own challenges with their practices and White Castle a couple of times a year whether I need to or not. And they do plenty for autism awareness even if it is with autism speaks.
Of course that would change if my son gave a shit about happy meals, but that has not happened.
The teenager has recently lost his joy in swimming, which makes me sad. I'm also not sure how the horseback riding is really going since he's cut the last two sessions short. Maybe he does not like the saddle, they're going to leave it off this week.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
A word is acceptance
In a lot of ways, when there's no cure for autism but a series of treatments to help your child cope with the world around him, my son is a pioneer.
He was the first patient in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Feeding Clinic. He was one of the first students in the Shakespeare and Autism program. He's thirteen now, just started seventh grade, and his whole life is ahead of him. So many experiences, so many more relationships await.
And there's always the thought of what happens when I'm gone in my head.
We're keeping him in horseback lessons, the rate is reasonable and it does not conflict with school. Tomorrow one of the local news stations is filming his lesson as part of a story they're doing on the center where the lessons take place. Stockhands Horses for Healing.
There are a number of parents who have paved the way for me (who are the real pioneers) and who have been a guide to me in dealing with my son's autism. I cannot thank Katie enough. She came in my life through Live Journal and has been a friend who is always willing to listen to me vent about shit. My friend Mary Beth has helped me though thick and thin while dealing with her son's condition and her own health issues.
After reading her book, Making Peace With Autism - Susan Senator has been a swami of information as she works though a maze of bureaucracy in her success in having her son thrive. We've never met, but our lives have intertwined like family.
They and so many others have made me realize I'm not alone in dealing with this. Despite some philosophical differences my son's Mother is terrific and none of this would be happening without the love and support of my Wife, who took on the task of raising another person's child as her own - and has put up with some crazy shit in the process.
I've just started reading the book NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman and have a feeling this is going to be the book that makes people realize that there are going to be a fuckton of autistic adults out there in a few years. Something I've been screaming about for several years now. We're not prepared for the numbers. Silberman has done some extensive research into the history of autism and from what the buzz says predicts a lot about what's going to be happening in the world of autism in the next few decades. I'm looking forward to the conversation this book is going to start.
He was the first patient in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Feeding Clinic. He was one of the first students in the Shakespeare and Autism program. He's thirteen now, just started seventh grade, and his whole life is ahead of him. So many experiences, so many more relationships await.
And there's always the thought of what happens when I'm gone in my head.
We're keeping him in horseback lessons, the rate is reasonable and it does not conflict with school. Tomorrow one of the local news stations is filming his lesson as part of a story they're doing on the center where the lessons take place. Stockhands Horses for Healing.
There are a number of parents who have paved the way for me (who are the real pioneers) and who have been a guide to me in dealing with my son's autism. I cannot thank Katie enough. She came in my life through Live Journal and has been a friend who is always willing to listen to me vent about shit. My friend Mary Beth has helped me though thick and thin while dealing with her son's condition and her own health issues.
After reading her book, Making Peace With Autism - Susan Senator has been a swami of information as she works though a maze of bureaucracy in her success in having her son thrive. We've never met, but our lives have intertwined like family.
They and so many others have made me realize I'm not alone in dealing with this. Despite some philosophical differences my son's Mother is terrific and none of this would be happening without the love and support of my Wife, who took on the task of raising another person's child as her own - and has put up with some crazy shit in the process.
I've just started reading the book NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman and have a feeling this is going to be the book that makes people realize that there are going to be a fuckton of autistic adults out there in a few years. Something I've been screaming about for several years now. We're not prepared for the numbers. Silberman has done some extensive research into the history of autism and from what the buzz says predicts a lot about what's going to be happening in the world of autism in the next few decades. I'm looking forward to the conversation this book is going to start.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Reasons to be sad and unhappy
The one and only time I was on a horse, it stopped and rolled over on to its back. I had to jump clear so I would not have been crushed.
I did not get back on that horse.
While I was away I received an email from my son's mother saying that he was accepted into a equine therapy program about a half hour north of us. I've heard that horse riding may be beneficial for autistic children and I was as pleased as she was that he was accepted. It's been funded through some generous donations so it's free to us and the other dozen or so participants in the program.
Why not, right?
The orientation session was this afternoon. There were a number of screaming, quirky kids in the corral. My son was not happy more or less from the get go. There was a ceiling fan in the waiting area that bothered him. The noise other people were making bothered him. The smell of the barn probably bothered him.
He went to his mother's car and got in the back seat saying "Bye bye" and "Time to go" over and over.
We waited for him to calm down and then brought him back into the barn to wait for his turn to get on the horse. He did not like getting sized for the helmet. And when the time came, he did not want to stay in the area where the horses were. It's not that he was afraid of the horses, but this was not what he wanted to do today. None of this was in any of the routines he knows and he reacted in the only way he knows how.
The horses seem to be quite chill and I'm very impressed with the ability of the volunteers who work with the kids. One of them while on a horse for the first time, was asked to put his hands over his head, "It's too dangerous" was his logical reply.
Sometimes, ok, most of the time I have no idea what to do to help my son. We're blindly throwing therapies, treatments and coping solutions at the wall - trying to find some hope in whatever sticks. I wonder who we're really doing this for. Him, or us. He can't sit there in his iPad all day, watching videos (do as I say not as I do) it's my job as a parent to try and socialize him. So I try not to once again feel like a failure as I read about all these super fantastic and authentic parents leading and teaching their kids to all kids of accolades.
Meanwhile, we cheer when my kid plays with a garden hose.
In two weeks, the sessions will have fewer kids and we'll try again. Maybe this time he'll be ready to take the next step.
As if that was not enough, on Saturday I found out that one of my co-workers died on Friday. She worked next to me and was one of the most giving people I've ever met. I know her health was not great, but this is a real blow, and not how I wanted to end a vacation. She'd been with the library for about fifty years. Not sure what kind of maelstrom I'm going to be going into Monday morning.
I did not get back on that horse.
While I was away I received an email from my son's mother saying that he was accepted into a equine therapy program about a half hour north of us. I've heard that horse riding may be beneficial for autistic children and I was as pleased as she was that he was accepted. It's been funded through some generous donations so it's free to us and the other dozen or so participants in the program.
Why not, right?
The orientation session was this afternoon. There were a number of screaming, quirky kids in the corral. My son was not happy more or less from the get go. There was a ceiling fan in the waiting area that bothered him. The noise other people were making bothered him. The smell of the barn probably bothered him.
He went to his mother's car and got in the back seat saying "Bye bye" and "Time to go" over and over.
We waited for him to calm down and then brought him back into the barn to wait for his turn to get on the horse. He did not like getting sized for the helmet. And when the time came, he did not want to stay in the area where the horses were. It's not that he was afraid of the horses, but this was not what he wanted to do today. None of this was in any of the routines he knows and he reacted in the only way he knows how.
The horses seem to be quite chill and I'm very impressed with the ability of the volunteers who work with the kids. One of them while on a horse for the first time, was asked to put his hands over his head, "It's too dangerous" was his logical reply.
Sometimes, ok, most of the time I have no idea what to do to help my son. We're blindly throwing therapies, treatments and coping solutions at the wall - trying to find some hope in whatever sticks. I wonder who we're really doing this for. Him, or us. He can't sit there in his iPad all day, watching videos (do as I say not as I do) it's my job as a parent to try and socialize him. So I try not to once again feel like a failure as I read about all these super fantastic and authentic parents leading and teaching their kids to all kids of accolades.
Meanwhile, we cheer when my kid plays with a garden hose.
In two weeks, the sessions will have fewer kids and we'll try again. Maybe this time he'll be ready to take the next step.
As if that was not enough, on Saturday I found out that one of my co-workers died on Friday. She worked next to me and was one of the most giving people I've ever met. I know her health was not great, but this is a real blow, and not how I wanted to end a vacation. She'd been with the library for about fifty years. Not sure what kind of maelstrom I'm going to be going into Monday morning.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Jürgen's Boys
So proud of the U.S. Men's Soccer Team, even after their defeat by Belgium today. They worked hard today, and in every game this World Cup, but even that is not enough.
The team lacked an attack, possession time and timely scoring, which is exactly what Belgium did to win. Tim Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves, which shattered the old record. Without him, the match never would have went to extra time and it would have been a lopsided defeat. Truly a performance in goal for the ages.
This team displayed a lot of grit though, lesser teams would have given up when they were down two goals in extra time, not this one. They fought, got a goal back and nearly pulled out the tying goal late. Not meant to be. Not enough polish to get through. Fair play to Belgium, who seem to have a penchant for late, dramatic goal scoring during their run this tournament. Best of luck to them against Argentina.
As for the U.S. Team something to build on for 2018. Klinsmann and his staff have some tweaking to do. A few players are likely to leave, Tim Howard will most likely step aside for Brad Guzan, and some attack needs to be developed.
No idea if this team, this World Cup is going to increase the interest in soccer here. I've heard all the jokes for the past 12 years about how boring soccer is, they have not changed. The fan base though, is on the upswing. If you were watching this match and not freaking out in joy and the potential of belief during the last ten minutes of this game, you have no soul. How can that not grab your attention and make you want more?
The team lacked an attack, possession time and timely scoring, which is exactly what Belgium did to win. Tim Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves, which shattered the old record. Without him, the match never would have went to extra time and it would have been a lopsided defeat. Truly a performance in goal for the ages.
This team displayed a lot of grit though, lesser teams would have given up when they were down two goals in extra time, not this one. They fought, got a goal back and nearly pulled out the tying goal late. Not meant to be. Not enough polish to get through. Fair play to Belgium, who seem to have a penchant for late, dramatic goal scoring during their run this tournament. Best of luck to them against Argentina.
As for the U.S. Team something to build on for 2018. Klinsmann and his staff have some tweaking to do. A few players are likely to leave, Tim Howard will most likely step aside for Brad Guzan, and some attack needs to be developed.
No idea if this team, this World Cup is going to increase the interest in soccer here. I've heard all the jokes for the past 12 years about how boring soccer is, they have not changed. The fan base though, is on the upswing. If you were watching this match and not freaking out in joy and the potential of belief during the last ten minutes of this game, you have no soul. How can that not grab your attention and make you want more?
Monday, April 29, 2013
Signs of hope
The Blue Jackets gave it their all but despite an incredible 19-5-5 run fell just short of making the playoffs. A bittersweet end to a season that began with a lockout and a horrible start then some real change and confidence.
I'm convinced this team, this franchise, is no longer the laughingstock of the league thanks to the efforts of John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen. I'm convinced this team has a head coach in Todd Richards who knows how to motivate talent and get wins out of them.
What do they need now? Consistency. One or two more goal scorers. More depth. A locked in goaltender.
I think the consistency is going to be there. This team has definitely learned not to lose and on that final six game road trip in which they went 5-1, they learned how to win. I'm not convinced Gaborik is going to be the team's long term solution for a lead scorer and I'm not sure if Atkinson or Anisimov are ready to take on that role so at least more more guy who can score is needed via free agency or trade.
Sergei Bobrovsky was the team's MVP, for certain. The Blue Jackets would not be where they are now without his efforts in net. He's a restricted free agent. Which means if he signs elsewhere the team would get compensation in extra draft picks from the league. I think he can write his own contract and the team will pay him. I just hope he's more than a one season wonder. I think he will be a very good goaltender for years. They're also going to have to address the backup situation.
The Blue Jackets do have three first round picks in the upcoming draft, this will definitely help franchise depth. They also have prospects Ryan Murray and Boone Jenner waiting to compete for a position in the lineup. And who knows if the next Darren Prout will come into play next season? Prout came out of a taxicab in Chicago, got dressed and made an immediate impact on the back line. Does the team have anyone else in the minors waiting to shock?
There are cases to be made that the team has finally established itself as a contender, now they need to prove it with wins on the ice and hockey in Columbus in May of 2014.
I'm convinced this team, this franchise, is no longer the laughingstock of the league thanks to the efforts of John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen. I'm convinced this team has a head coach in Todd Richards who knows how to motivate talent and get wins out of them.
What do they need now? Consistency. One or two more goal scorers. More depth. A locked in goaltender.
I think the consistency is going to be there. This team has definitely learned not to lose and on that final six game road trip in which they went 5-1, they learned how to win. I'm not convinced Gaborik is going to be the team's long term solution for a lead scorer and I'm not sure if Atkinson or Anisimov are ready to take on that role so at least more more guy who can score is needed via free agency or trade.
Sergei Bobrovsky was the team's MVP, for certain. The Blue Jackets would not be where they are now without his efforts in net. He's a restricted free agent. Which means if he signs elsewhere the team would get compensation in extra draft picks from the league. I think he can write his own contract and the team will pay him. I just hope he's more than a one season wonder. I think he will be a very good goaltender for years. They're also going to have to address the backup situation.
The Blue Jackets do have three first round picks in the upcoming draft, this will definitely help franchise depth. They also have prospects Ryan Murray and Boone Jenner waiting to compete for a position in the lineup. And who knows if the next Darren Prout will come into play next season? Prout came out of a taxicab in Chicago, got dressed and made an immediate impact on the back line. Does the team have anyone else in the minors waiting to shock?
There are cases to be made that the team has finally established itself as a contender, now they need to prove it with wins on the ice and hockey in Columbus in May of 2014.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Addicted to sports
Last night at open mic I read a sports poem that was filled with a ton of references to losses I have experienced as a viewer. I freely admit to watching little television, but sports, I watch. Often. It probably is a crappy poem, but it made me feel better while writing it and putting it out there.
Later in the night, during a break, I was part of a quartet poets who were talking about video games. Well two of them were, the other guy and I just kind of looked at each other and nodded along.
I'm not a gamer. I have enough addictions to know how to avoid this one. But one of the poets was talking about a gaming experienced he had. He was riding a horse and having wonderful adventures with the horse and was going home to his virtual wife and kid. Coming down the mountain he heard a roar. It was a bear, and it suddenly killed his horse. The poet was in tears.
And that is what my poem was about.
Later in the night, during a break, I was part of a quartet poets who were talking about video games. Well two of them were, the other guy and I just kind of looked at each other and nodded along.
I'm not a gamer. I have enough addictions to know how to avoid this one. But one of the poets was talking about a gaming experienced he had. He was riding a horse and having wonderful adventures with the horse and was going home to his virtual wife and kid. Coming down the mountain he heard a roar. It was a bear, and it suddenly killed his horse. The poet was in tears.
And that is what my poem was about.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Things that give you hope
Not a follower of Katy Perry, but this is an amazing thing she did with Jodi DiPiazza.
The kid has come a long way. Every kid is different. You never know what is going to happen, what is going to blow you away. Every day.
You cannot give up, not when songs like this are done. You can't.
The kid has come a long way. Every kid is different. You never know what is going to happen, what is going to blow you away. Every day.
You cannot give up, not when songs like this are done. You can't.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Really should start packing, or pacing
Today I am home with a sick child. The boy has a cold and cough. He got some rest last night, but needs more - and for the cough to diminish some more. Hoping I do not get what he has because I'm going to IWPS tomorrow and having a voice is kind of important in a poetry slam.
Yesterday was also his IEP meeting, which is always an hour of lost hope for me. I'd go on about it, but it's too damn depressing. I also had my goals and objectives meeting at work, which is all I'm going to say about that here, too. A double whammy I do not recommend anyone having to go through in a day.
Trying to get my act together for the trip to Fayetteville, it's tough with all the other stuff that is going on. All I can say is that I'm going to do my best.
Yesterday was also his IEP meeting, which is always an hour of lost hope for me. I'd go on about it, but it's too damn depressing. I also had my goals and objectives meeting at work, which is all I'm going to say about that here, too. A double whammy I do not recommend anyone having to go through in a day.
Trying to get my act together for the trip to Fayetteville, it's tough with all the other stuff that is going on. All I can say is that I'm going to do my best.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
A Better Day
For the first time in several years, there is a glimmer of optimism at the Everton Football Club. For too long the club has claimed being broke as its main reason for not acquiring players that will improve the team. This was happening while teams with lesser fan bases and scanter coffers were making improvements to the point of passing Everton on the table.
Last month though, team management went all in, or what Chelsea would spend on twenty percent of a useless Spanish striker.
They first sold under achieving winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov back to Russia, and purchased under achieving and in the doghouse mid-fielder Darren Gibson from Manchester United.
Everton manager David Moyes has been somewhat maligned by the supporters. His loyalty at starting ineffective players is one of his flaws. Recently he has been able to see the error of his ways and has began giving some motivated players such as Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi starting roles, to modest success.
The team has been lacking in strikers for years and yesterday the team signed FC Rangers leading scorer Nikica Jelavic, giving the team a threat in the front line. Really hoping Jelavic has some success in the EPL, for other Scottish strikers have not been able to score outside the SPL, just ask Kris Boyd.
Everton also loaned out past his prime striker Louis Saha to Tottenham and at the last minute acquired mid-fielder Stephen Pienaar from this same Tottenham side. I liked Pienaar when he played for Everton, he left in a money dispute, and a false promise that he'd get playing time with the Spurs, but he was not able to break into their lineup.
So it was with good feeling that Everton played first place Manchester City yesterday. A point would have been a success but miracles build in Goodison Park as Darron Gibson scored the only goal as the Toffees beat the Blues 1-0.
The game was also marked by a stoppage late in the first half when a clown came out of the crowd and handcuffed himself to Joe Hart's goalpost.
Everton's now ninth in the league. Honestly, I still do not see them getting much higher. Maybe seventh is possible, with luck sixth. After another disastrous start, it will be hard to advance. It was a relief to see Kenwright break out some money for some clear improvements to a stagnating squad.
Kenwright incidentally is in a long term relationship with an actress from one of my favorite films.
Everton's next match is on Saturday against Wigan.
Last month though, team management went all in, or what Chelsea would spend on twenty percent of a useless Spanish striker.
They first sold under achieving winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov back to Russia, and purchased under achieving and in the doghouse mid-fielder Darren Gibson from Manchester United.
Everton manager David Moyes has been somewhat maligned by the supporters. His loyalty at starting ineffective players is one of his flaws. Recently he has been able to see the error of his ways and has began giving some motivated players such as Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi starting roles, to modest success.
The team has been lacking in strikers for years and yesterday the team signed FC Rangers leading scorer Nikica Jelavic, giving the team a threat in the front line. Really hoping Jelavic has some success in the EPL, for other Scottish strikers have not been able to score outside the SPL, just ask Kris Boyd.
Everton also loaned out past his prime striker Louis Saha to Tottenham and at the last minute acquired mid-fielder Stephen Pienaar from this same Tottenham side. I liked Pienaar when he played for Everton, he left in a money dispute, and a false promise that he'd get playing time with the Spurs, but he was not able to break into their lineup.
So it was with good feeling that Everton played first place Manchester City yesterday. A point would have been a success but miracles build in Goodison Park as Darron Gibson scored the only goal as the Toffees beat the Blues 1-0.
The game was also marked by a stoppage late in the first half when a clown came out of the crowd and handcuffed himself to Joe Hart's goalpost.
Everton's now ninth in the league. Honestly, I still do not see them getting much higher. Maybe seventh is possible, with luck sixth. After another disastrous start, it will be hard to advance. It was a relief to see Kenwright break out some money for some clear improvements to a stagnating squad.
Kenwright incidentally is in a long term relationship with an actress from one of my favorite films.
Everton's next match is on Saturday against Wigan.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sanford keeps the junk out of the yard
Friends of our asked us if we wanted to go see the Blue Jackets play the Sabres tonight. We were thrilled to say yes. It's true the Blue Jackets have been the doormat of the NHL this season, but their play of the last couple of weeks may indicate that the situation is improving.
I am also a Buffalo Sabres fan, they're my second favorite team. The last time I saw the Sabres and Blue Jackets battle this was the result. I was at this game, which I believe was Pascal Leclaire's last win as net minder for the Blue Jackets.
We had really good seats. The type of seats where your section has wait staff and they show up between periods and hand out the team stats for the game. Impressive.
We were slightly stunned when the home team went up 1-0, and I was elated when Nash deflected a blast from Wisniewski to put them up for good.
The Blue Jackets added to their lead, three, then four goals to nothing by the Sabres. They did not seem to show up tonight. I'm trying to remember when the Blue Jackets chased he other team's starting goalie and I cannot. The Sabres did get one goal back, but Nash scored another goal and the final was 5-1!
Here's the difference maker.
Curtis Sanford has given this team confidence. He's 3-0-2 as a starter for the team, and they played like a team tonight. Players were covering for each other in both zones, they were scrapping, passing well. One Sabre got in a little shot on Sanford after the whistle had blown and The Wiz's reaction was to grab the guy by the neck and nearly throw him to the ice. This grit has been missing from the Blue Jackets for, well, a long time and it's great to see, finally. It's a long season, and one way or the other, anything can happen.
I am also a Buffalo Sabres fan, they're my second favorite team. The last time I saw the Sabres and Blue Jackets battle this was the result. I was at this game, which I believe was Pascal Leclaire's last win as net minder for the Blue Jackets.
We had really good seats. The type of seats where your section has wait staff and they show up between periods and hand out the team stats for the game. Impressive.
We were slightly stunned when the home team went up 1-0, and I was elated when Nash deflected a blast from Wisniewski to put them up for good.
The Blue Jackets added to their lead, three, then four goals to nothing by the Sabres. They did not seem to show up tonight. I'm trying to remember when the Blue Jackets chased he other team's starting goalie and I cannot. The Sabres did get one goal back, but Nash scored another goal and the final was 5-1!
Here's the difference maker.
Curtis Sanford has given this team confidence. He's 3-0-2 as a starter for the team, and they played like a team tonight. Players were covering for each other in both zones, they were scrapping, passing well. One Sabre got in a little shot on Sanford after the whistle had blown and The Wiz's reaction was to grab the guy by the neck and nearly throw him to the ice. This grit has been missing from the Blue Jackets for, well, a long time and it's great to see, finally. It's a long season, and one way or the other, anything can happen.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Not even Sophia can help this team
After five games the Blue Jackets finally broke an 0 for 20 streak and scored a power play goal. It was not enough as they lost 2-4 to the Dallas Stars. The team is off to an 0-4-1 start to the new season, the worst start in franchise history.
In fact, if you go back to last season and include this year's start, the team is on a 3-16-8 run, with only one win in regulation.
Why even question what is going on anymore?
Despite the additions of new defensemen, a trade for a number one center, and a new goaltending coach, the results have been the same. Loss. Defeat. With little hope in sight.
I can't put the woes on Steve Mason alone. He has not been the sole reason for the team sucking. Being 1 for 21 on the power play this season, not managing to score more than two goals in a game, getting only one shot on goal in the third period in one of the games - these all add up to a completely inept offense. No goalie can compensate for this ineptitude. Is Mason playing well? No, but he has four lines of offense and three pairings of absent defensemen who are contributing to some serious futility.
Nationwide Arena was at less than half capacity for the last home game. I cannot expect it to get any better. Why should it? Who in their right minds will pay to see this team deliver another defeat?
I'm at a total loss for answers. Do you fire coach Arniel this early in the year? And who do you bring in to replace him? Ken Hitchcock? Please, no. Who do the Blue Jackets have to trade? Anyone?
Is there a lack of leadership in the locker room and on the ice? I see nothing wrong with taking the captaincy from Rick Nash and giving it to Umberger. As a friend said last night, it's been the one constant in the last few seasons of loss - other than team president Mike Priest.
Just when you think the franchise has hit its lowest point, it finds a way to dig deeper. It's a very sad culture around this team, and I no longer have a clue, as a fan, what to do to stop the bleeding.
In fact, if you go back to last season and include this year's start, the team is on a 3-16-8 run, with only one win in regulation.
Why even question what is going on anymore?
Despite the additions of new defensemen, a trade for a number one center, and a new goaltending coach, the results have been the same. Loss. Defeat. With little hope in sight.
I can't put the woes on Steve Mason alone. He has not been the sole reason for the team sucking. Being 1 for 21 on the power play this season, not managing to score more than two goals in a game, getting only one shot on goal in the third period in one of the games - these all add up to a completely inept offense. No goalie can compensate for this ineptitude. Is Mason playing well? No, but he has four lines of offense and three pairings of absent defensemen who are contributing to some serious futility.
Nationwide Arena was at less than half capacity for the last home game. I cannot expect it to get any better. Why should it? Who in their right minds will pay to see this team deliver another defeat?
I'm at a total loss for answers. Do you fire coach Arniel this early in the year? And who do you bring in to replace him? Ken Hitchcock? Please, no. Who do the Blue Jackets have to trade? Anyone?
Is there a lack of leadership in the locker room and on the ice? I see nothing wrong with taking the captaincy from Rick Nash and giving it to Umberger. As a friend said last night, it's been the one constant in the last few seasons of loss - other than team president Mike Priest.
Just when you think the franchise has hit its lowest point, it finds a way to dig deeper. It's a very sad culture around this team, and I no longer have a clue, as a fan, what to do to stop the bleeding.
Friday, March 4, 2011
While watching the Blue Jackets Fall Apart...
I'm returning to the land of the healthier while having a Genny Cream and watching the Blue Jackets' season essentially come to an end in Calgary.
More loss, but it's only a game I have no stake in.
I've been listening to a lot of soccer over the internet the past few weeks. It's become so much easier to find a match through my Tunein Radio app than find a video link online that may get cut off, could be of middling quality or a wonderful Veetle feed that takes up all the RAM so you can't do anything else on the laptop.
While sick on the couch Wednesday I could have listened to Arsenal beat the crap out of Leyton Orient but I found a station similar to ESPN radio and dozed to reports of gambling odds interspersed with updates of the live matches. So I got to hear the reports of the Scottish Cup match when Neil Lennon acted like a thug. Yes, it's an Old Firm match and tempers are in the red zone, but Lennon's really got to tone it down if he's going to be manager long term. The guy's already facing a four match ban.
Watched Nowhere Boy last night. A decent look at John Lennon's awkward teenage years. Most of the film took place during the time he was just beginning to listen to rock and roll and before he met Paul. Aaron Johnson did a good job at portraying Lennon. Thomas Brodie-Sangster was outstanding as a teenage Paul. Just looking at his resume I see that he played Sam, the kid in Love Actually.
Kristin Scott-Thomas was very effective in playing Aunt Mimi, who essentially raised John. The weak link in the film was Anne-Marie Duff, who gave Julia a bit more vacancy and cool mom vibe than was necessary. I'm not going to quibble about historical accuracy, but John's eyes were brown, not blue. First time director Sam Taylor-Wood did a good thing by including a rendition of the opening chord of A Hard Days' Night into this film's opening. She and Johnson also fell in love during filming.
Another film we just watched was The Secret of Kells. A fictional, animated rendition of the writing of the Book of Kells. The animation was gorgeous. The story held together quite well. But this is one I would have liked to have seen on a large screen, the colors and details are a treat.
More loss, but it's only a game I have no stake in.
I've been listening to a lot of soccer over the internet the past few weeks. It's become so much easier to find a match through my Tunein Radio app than find a video link online that may get cut off, could be of middling quality or a wonderful Veetle feed that takes up all the RAM so you can't do anything else on the laptop.
While sick on the couch Wednesday I could have listened to Arsenal beat the crap out of Leyton Orient but I found a station similar to ESPN radio and dozed to reports of gambling odds interspersed with updates of the live matches. So I got to hear the reports of the Scottish Cup match when Neil Lennon acted like a thug. Yes, it's an Old Firm match and tempers are in the red zone, but Lennon's really got to tone it down if he's going to be manager long term. The guy's already facing a four match ban.
Watched Nowhere Boy last night. A decent look at John Lennon's awkward teenage years. Most of the film took place during the time he was just beginning to listen to rock and roll and before he met Paul. Aaron Johnson did a good job at portraying Lennon. Thomas Brodie-Sangster was outstanding as a teenage Paul. Just looking at his resume I see that he played Sam, the kid in Love Actually.
Kristin Scott-Thomas was very effective in playing Aunt Mimi, who essentially raised John. The weak link in the film was Anne-Marie Duff, who gave Julia a bit more vacancy and cool mom vibe than was necessary. I'm not going to quibble about historical accuracy, but John's eyes were brown, not blue. First time director Sam Taylor-Wood did a good thing by including a rendition of the opening chord of A Hard Days' Night into this film's opening. She and Johnson also fell in love during filming.
Another film we just watched was The Secret of Kells. A fictional, animated rendition of the writing of the Book of Kells. The animation was gorgeous. The story held together quite well. But this is one I would have liked to have seen on a large screen, the colors and details are a treat.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Passed on to me
When my son gets sick, it's doubly hard. First, you feel bad that he's sick. Second, he cannot tell you what is wrong, and is not very good at self care.
He seems to have some sort of eye infection, but that's been cleared up with drops. Giving him the drops is a lesson in patience, he does not like it when you put anything on him. So it's been a struggle pinning him down to get the drops in, but it has not been as horrible as I imagined.
It's sad seeing him listless, with no energy and so unlike himself. He slept in the afternoons for a couple of hours this weekend and still went to bed around his usual time. When he deliberately sleeps during the day, you know he's not well.
So we're home today, and maybe he'll shake off the illness. Well, he's already given me a sore throat.
Been following the situation in Madison. Protesters were allowed to stay in the capitol for another night, but for how much longer. Another protest in planned in downtown Columbus tomorrow to rally against senate bill five. The Oscars were dull dull dull, Everton won, Celtic lost some poetry drama got smoothed out a little and the Blue Jackets lost a heart breaker at Nashville.
There's still hope though.
He seems to have some sort of eye infection, but that's been cleared up with drops. Giving him the drops is a lesson in patience, he does not like it when you put anything on him. So it's been a struggle pinning him down to get the drops in, but it has not been as horrible as I imagined.
It's sad seeing him listless, with no energy and so unlike himself. He slept in the afternoons for a couple of hours this weekend and still went to bed around his usual time. When he deliberately sleeps during the day, you know he's not well.
So we're home today, and maybe he'll shake off the illness. Well, he's already given me a sore throat.
Been following the situation in Madison. Protesters were allowed to stay in the capitol for another night, but for how much longer. Another protest in planned in downtown Columbus tomorrow to rally against senate bill five. The Oscars were dull dull dull, Everton won, Celtic lost some poetry drama got smoothed out a little and the Blue Jackets lost a heart breaker at Nashville.
There's still hope though.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Three Losses in a Day
Yesterday consisted of loss. Sports loss. Nothing I have not written about here before. It was a frustrating morning finding links to the Old Firm game. Once I had, it was time to find another link to the Everton/Tottenham match. All happening with a shouty child and a pounding headache.
Everton went down 2-0 in the first half. It was time to find the Celtic/Rangers match. Maybe something was happening there. Nothing happened until Maurice Edu scored with seconds left in added time for Rangers, and one loss was in the column.
By now Yakubu had managed to score for Everton, but the tying goal was not to be.
Two teams defeated and it was not even 10AM yet.
After the match my wife announced that there was no water. So I went to the basement with great trepidation, expecting a massive leak and saw no signs of damage.
I went outside and saw a sign blocking out road and some construction being done a block away, looked like there was a problem with the water main. Went over to the neighbors to see if they had water, like us, they did not.
Problem solved, and I did not have to get a wrench out.
The water came back on in about half an hour.
Later, the whiny boy and his whiny father took a nap before the hockey game.
I woke up about halfway through the first period.
The game was fantastic. End to end action, skill and suspense. Too bad my son slept through it. I was not yelling at the television, but let out a good squee when Parise tied it late.
It was disappointing to see the U.S. team lose in overtime, but few expected them to get into a medal round, let alone the gold medal round. Goalie Ryan Miller got the MVP, I’m sure he’d exchange that for a gold medal. He’s going home with hardware though, which is something few people can say.
It was not a sad day, just unproductive – which is what happens when you attach yourself to a computer or screen, watching instead of creating.
What I saw of the Olympic closing cermonies was amusing. Neil Young doing his thing, weird opera singers, SHATNER!, Catherine O'Hara sadly bombing, a well loved Michael J. Fox, mountie statues that looked like they came from Easter Island, Michael Buble lip synching very badly, mountie go-go dancers, inflatable moose and beaver. Go Canada!
Today is frustration, waiting for phone calls. Dealing with the medical/insurance complex, I crawl on.
Everton went down 2-0 in the first half. It was time to find the Celtic/Rangers match. Maybe something was happening there. Nothing happened until Maurice Edu scored with seconds left in added time for Rangers, and one loss was in the column.
By now Yakubu had managed to score for Everton, but the tying goal was not to be.
Two teams defeated and it was not even 10AM yet.
After the match my wife announced that there was no water. So I went to the basement with great trepidation, expecting a massive leak and saw no signs of damage.
I went outside and saw a sign blocking out road and some construction being done a block away, looked like there was a problem with the water main. Went over to the neighbors to see if they had water, like us, they did not.
Problem solved, and I did not have to get a wrench out.
The water came back on in about half an hour.
Later, the whiny boy and his whiny father took a nap before the hockey game.
I woke up about halfway through the first period.
The game was fantastic. End to end action, skill and suspense. Too bad my son slept through it. I was not yelling at the television, but let out a good squee when Parise tied it late.
It was disappointing to see the U.S. team lose in overtime, but few expected them to get into a medal round, let alone the gold medal round. Goalie Ryan Miller got the MVP, I’m sure he’d exchange that for a gold medal. He’s going home with hardware though, which is something few people can say.
It was not a sad day, just unproductive – which is what happens when you attach yourself to a computer or screen, watching instead of creating.
What I saw of the Olympic closing cermonies was amusing. Neil Young doing his thing, weird opera singers, SHATNER!, Catherine O'Hara sadly bombing, a well loved Michael J. Fox, mountie statues that looked like they came from Easter Island, Michael Buble lip synching very badly, mountie go-go dancers, inflatable moose and beaver. Go Canada!
Today is frustration, waiting for phone calls. Dealing with the medical/insurance complex, I crawl on.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Memo Tuesday
Dear 670,
Thank you for having that bump on you that I did not see in the dark on Sunday night. Your shoddy skin bent the rim on my tire, and also shredded it.
No Love,
Me
Dear Bank,
Remember what I asked you three months ago that you did not answer? You’d better have a response for me soon. One that is closer to a number I gave you.
Awaiting Your Response,
Me
Dear Surgeons,
Remember what happened to Andy Warhol? Don’t do that on Friday, ‘k?
I Applaud Your Skill in Advance,
Me
Dear Son,
Poop in the toilet, please,
Love,
Dad
Thank you for having that bump on you that I did not see in the dark on Sunday night. Your shoddy skin bent the rim on my tire, and also shredded it.
No Love,
Me
Dear Bank,
Remember what I asked you three months ago that you did not answer? You’d better have a response for me soon. One that is closer to a number I gave you.
Awaiting Your Response,
Me
Dear Surgeons,
Remember what happened to Andy Warhol? Don’t do that on Friday, ‘k?
I Applaud Your Skill in Advance,
Me
Dear Son,
Poop in the toilet, please,
Love,
Dad
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