The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being in a four game winning streak. In two hours there game two of a home and home series against the Red Wings. Yesterday afternoon, the Blue Jackets spanked them 3-0 in front of a joyous home crowd. It got a bit testy when, late in the game Justin Abdelkader got in a tussle with Vinny Prospal. While skating away Prospal pointed at the scoreboard, and got a deserved ten minute misconduct. After years of getting the crap beaten out of them by the Red Wings, I can understand the reasons for release, even if it was a schoolyard move. Going to be fascinating to see how the Red Wings react on their own ice, with their own crowd of lunatics behind them.
Everton are in a bit of a free fall. After an embarrassing and disgraceful 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan at Goodison Park that knocked them out of the FA Cup, I'm wondering how they react next week against Manchester City. The team is in disarray. There's little creativity in mid-field, the defense is woefully thin with the injury to Jagielka and Jelavic has not been effective up front in weeks. Plus you have the off again on again situation with Fellaini wanting to move to a bigger club. He was booed off the pitch yesterday after a passive performance against the Latics. If he continues like that, no one will want his services. Another reason this team is in crisis mode is the uncertainty of manager David Moyes. His contract is up at the end of the season and his stay at Everton will be reviewed at the end of the season. I'm not sure how much Moyes wants to stay in at Everton now. He has had little financial support from management in building a team, but when he does acquire a team, his tactics belie their abilities. He continues to rely on veterans who may be past their prime (Tim Cahill and Phil Neville) ahead of young players who are hungry for a chance to prove themselves. The last third of the season will be very telling. If Everton do not earn play in Europe I think Moyes leaves for another team.
Celtic are in first place in the Scottish Premier League, and are likely to be league champions for a second straight year. They were eliminated by the much in form Juventus from Champions League play this week, but gained some experience at top level play. A couple of players are likely to move on at the end of the season. Wanyama and Hooper are said to be moving on to England. Celtic are in the position of bringing in players cheap, then selling them at a good profit after developing them into quality athletes. An easy thing to do when, sadly, you are the only decent team in a poor league.
We're off to Glasgow next month and I have a ticket to the last game of the season against Hibs. I'm very excited to see a match in Celtic Park even though there will be little for the home side to play for.
The Crew have started play with a win and a loss. Still too early to tell what this season will bring.
Baseball's spring training has started. The Mets still do not have an outfield. General Manager Sandy Alderson has my number.
Showing posts with label Crew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crew. Show all posts
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Monday, July 23, 2012
A long post, mostly sports related
You may remember that we saw the Vice President's limo go by my workplace last week. Turns out, after his speech there were still people outside the building, waving and cheering as his motorcade went down the road. Biden stopped the limo, unexpectedly as the rest of the detail traveled on, got out and shook a bunch of hands.
The Vice President attached himself to one my co-workers, would not let go of her hand as he talked to people, asked for their names. He suggested they take a group shot on the stairs, which produced a wonderful photo that I wish I could post here, but it's not mine to post.
I left about an hour earlier so I do not feel bad about missing him. If it was ten minutes though, I'd be kicking myself for a missed opportunity. It was a great experience for librarians!
The NC$$ issued what it thinks is a severe and unprecedented penalty on Penn State University. In addition to scholarship reductions and losing post season opportunities for four years, the University was also fined sixty million dollars for covering up Jerry Sandusky's being a child rapist.
The one thing the NC$$ did that shocked me was erasing the wins of the team going back to 1998, when the cover up for Sandusky's crimes of child rape began. This wiped out coach Joe Paterno's coaching wins record, and most of his legacy at Penn State. A clear message was sent with this punishment.
A lot of people were expecting the 'death penalty', the team being shut down. However, as the NC$$ explains in its 'rules', the death penalty only goes to teams that deliberately cheated to gain advantage on the field. This is a tragic and unique case. I think the penalties issued are fair, justly harsh. In some ways, even worse than the death penalty, the program is going to be weak for many years. I am surprised that they did not issue a ban on playing, or that the team was not allowed to appear on television. The football culture of the university is going to be difficult to change. I do not think the administration really gets it, not in the theater they used in tearing down Paterno's statue early Sunday morning. Change has to start at the top, where the trouble and cover ups for child rape lie.
Going back to the sixty million dollars though. That is a lot of money. it's supposed to go toward helping sexual abuse survivors. I do hope this is the case, and that helping and healing victims comes from this tragic series of events. That money could go a long way to help.
The horrors of the Colorado theater shooting still resonate. It's still easier to buy weapons online that liquor in this country. Peace to the victims and their families. Strength to all the victims. I do not have any more words for this.
The Blue Jackets finally traded the franchise today, shipping Rick Nash to the Rangers. An expected move. I think Howson got the best deal he could, now and at the trade deadline it would have been about the same. Dubinsky is a solid player. Anisimov is a young scoring center with some upside. Erixson is a young defenseman with a lot of potential. They're very deep and competitive at the blue line. Now they have to address the goaltending situation and hope a bunch of players (especially you, Derek Brassard!) start to establish themselves and put the puck in the net. The double teaming of Nash has stopped. It's time for the potential to get to work.
The Blue Jackets also got a number one draft pick, which gives them three for the next draft.
A lot of people do not think Howson got enough for Nash. I do not think any package would have been enough for a lot of people. I wish Nash well. He had it very easy in Columbus for the ten years he was here. Expectations and pressure will be a lot higher in New York. We'll find out if he's capable of handling them.
News comes that Everton's Tim Cahill has been sold to the New York Red Bulls of the MLS. At his best, Cahill was one of the most passionate players on the pitch. An asset to the club. The Aussie often scored with his head then beat the crap out of the corner flag after doing so. I'll miss seeing him do that. In recent years though, I think his production dropped. Time to move on. He'll do well in America.
Then I found out the yankees traded for Ichiro. If anything can rejuvenate one of the greatest singles hitters in the game, a move to a winning team will.
Meanwhile the Mets relief pitching stinks, Jason Bay is worse and the Crew would rather have a tower than a designated player.
Sports calm me, keep my blood going and give me a sad - sometimes all at once.
The Vice President attached himself to one my co-workers, would not let go of her hand as he talked to people, asked for their names. He suggested they take a group shot on the stairs, which produced a wonderful photo that I wish I could post here, but it's not mine to post.
I left about an hour earlier so I do not feel bad about missing him. If it was ten minutes though, I'd be kicking myself for a missed opportunity. It was a great experience for librarians!
The NC$$ issued what it thinks is a severe and unprecedented penalty on Penn State University. In addition to scholarship reductions and losing post season opportunities for four years, the University was also fined sixty million dollars for covering up Jerry Sandusky's being a child rapist.
The one thing the NC$$ did that shocked me was erasing the wins of the team going back to 1998, when the cover up for Sandusky's crimes of child rape began. This wiped out coach Joe Paterno's coaching wins record, and most of his legacy at Penn State. A clear message was sent with this punishment.
A lot of people were expecting the 'death penalty', the team being shut down. However, as the NC$$ explains in its 'rules', the death penalty only goes to teams that deliberately cheated to gain advantage on the field. This is a tragic and unique case. I think the penalties issued are fair, justly harsh. In some ways, even worse than the death penalty, the program is going to be weak for many years. I am surprised that they did not issue a ban on playing, or that the team was not allowed to appear on television. The football culture of the university is going to be difficult to change. I do not think the administration really gets it, not in the theater they used in tearing down Paterno's statue early Sunday morning. Change has to start at the top, where the trouble and cover ups for child rape lie.
Going back to the sixty million dollars though. That is a lot of money. it's supposed to go toward helping sexual abuse survivors. I do hope this is the case, and that helping and healing victims comes from this tragic series of events. That money could go a long way to help.
The horrors of the Colorado theater shooting still resonate. It's still easier to buy weapons online that liquor in this country. Peace to the victims and their families. Strength to all the victims. I do not have any more words for this.
The Blue Jackets finally traded the franchise today, shipping Rick Nash to the Rangers. An expected move. I think Howson got the best deal he could, now and at the trade deadline it would have been about the same. Dubinsky is a solid player. Anisimov is a young scoring center with some upside. Erixson is a young defenseman with a lot of potential. They're very deep and competitive at the blue line. Now they have to address the goaltending situation and hope a bunch of players (especially you, Derek Brassard!) start to establish themselves and put the puck in the net. The double teaming of Nash has stopped. It's time for the potential to get to work.
The Blue Jackets also got a number one draft pick, which gives them three for the next draft.
A lot of people do not think Howson got enough for Nash. I do not think any package would have been enough for a lot of people. I wish Nash well. He had it very easy in Columbus for the ten years he was here. Expectations and pressure will be a lot higher in New York. We'll find out if he's capable of handling them.
News comes that Everton's Tim Cahill has been sold to the New York Red Bulls of the MLS. At his best, Cahill was one of the most passionate players on the pitch. An asset to the club. The Aussie often scored with his head then beat the crap out of the corner flag after doing so. I'll miss seeing him do that. In recent years though, I think his production dropped. Time to move on. He'll do well in America.
Then I found out the yankees traded for Ichiro. If anything can rejuvenate one of the greatest singles hitters in the game, a move to a winning team will.
Meanwhile the Mets relief pitching stinks, Jason Bay is worse and the Crew would rather have a tower than a designated player.
Sports calm me, keep my blood going and give me a sad - sometimes all at once.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Where can I get some Huntly F.C. Swag?
An interesting afternoon at work. Vice President Biden was in town and gave a speech at the union hall just across the street and down the road from my building. A couple of hours before he was scheduled to arrive, the police were out and getting set up to lock down the street.
As the time got near, protesters showed up, more police came and roadblocks were put out.
A few of my coworkers were outside, waiting to see the motorcade. How many time in your life do you get to see a political motorcade? I waited awhile. And waited. Then went back to my desk after hearing one of the police officers mention they were stopping for lunch and would be delayed. Naturally, after I waited a few minutes then went back to the exit, the motorcade showed up. I got this picture of the end of it.
He was trailed by what looked like every motorcycle police officer in the city. These guys took a break while Biden gave his speech.
This was right about the time I was scheduled to leave and pick up my son. The street was blocked though. So I got in touch with my son's mother and told her what the Vice President was doing. She understood and went to pick him up from day camp. Turns out, I got out just a little bit late because the police officer was cool about letting people leave or come in who needed to. He told me to hurry before he got word the VP was back on the move, I did so and everyone was safe.
For dinner tonight we went to a fancy downtown hotel for the Arts Festival Thank You dinner. It was a well done event with a lot good cheer and thanks. I introduced the director to my wife. He detected a Scottish accent and he was off about the town in Scotland that is named after his ancestors. Turns out, my wife's mother's family is from that area and worked at the post office of the town. There's a very good chance his relatives and my wife's relations had many business transactions and other typical village doings together. It's a very small world.
The director called up all the committee chairs to give a little speech after dinner. He asked me to come up. I did not expect that! Did not embarrass myself though. Said some heartfelt thank yous and handed the mic back to him.
I cleaned up during the raffle. Won a pair of tickets to a Columbus Crew game. After all the prizes were handed out we were asked to look at the bottom of our chairs. There was nothing under mine, but there was a sticker underneath the empty seat next to me. Ended up with a gift card to a Cameron Mitchell restaurant. Score!
As the time got near, protesters showed up, more police came and roadblocks were put out.
A few of my coworkers were outside, waiting to see the motorcade. How many time in your life do you get to see a political motorcade? I waited awhile. And waited. Then went back to my desk after hearing one of the police officers mention they were stopping for lunch and would be delayed. Naturally, after I waited a few minutes then went back to the exit, the motorcade showed up. I got this picture of the end of it.
He was trailed by what looked like every motorcycle police officer in the city. These guys took a break while Biden gave his speech.
This was right about the time I was scheduled to leave and pick up my son. The street was blocked though. So I got in touch with my son's mother and told her what the Vice President was doing. She understood and went to pick him up from day camp. Turns out, I got out just a little bit late because the police officer was cool about letting people leave or come in who needed to. He told me to hurry before he got word the VP was back on the move, I did so and everyone was safe.
For dinner tonight we went to a fancy downtown hotel for the Arts Festival Thank You dinner. It was a well done event with a lot good cheer and thanks. I introduced the director to my wife. He detected a Scottish accent and he was off about the town in Scotland that is named after his ancestors. Turns out, my wife's mother's family is from that area and worked at the post office of the town. There's a very good chance his relatives and my wife's relations had many business transactions and other typical village doings together. It's a very small world.
The director called up all the committee chairs to give a little speech after dinner. He asked me to come up. I did not expect that! Did not embarrass myself though. Said some heartfelt thank yous and handed the mic back to him.
I cleaned up during the raffle. Won a pair of tickets to a Columbus Crew game. After all the prizes were handed out we were asked to look at the bottom of our chairs. There was nothing under mine, but there was a sticker underneath the empty seat next to me. Ended up with a gift card to a Cameron Mitchell restaurant. Score!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Recapping a busy weekend
Saw the Avengers on Friday night. An hour and a half of exposition that leads to an hour of carnage as a good portion of Midtown Manhattan is destroyed. Very entertaining, no wonder it has taken in a billion worldwide already.
Walked around the Short North on Saturday and may have found an object we've been looking for to go into the dining room.
Watched the Crew pay an ugly game on Saturday night, only to come out victorious.
Went to a newer place in the Arena District, the Three Legged Mare (dislike the name, but it's a festive enough place) on Sunday morning to watch Survival Sunday. Ten Premier League games going at once, seven being televised on U.S. outlets for the first time. A very dramatic morning of sports. I had nothing really at stake, (Everton ended up in seventh, finishing ahead of Liverpool. Yay!) but the race for the championship title came down to a dramatic goal by Sergio Aguero in the final seconds to give Manchester City the edge. It was incredible. A few dozen soccer fans, some of whom were Manchester United supporters all got caught up in the spirit of fair play and all that. Everyone called Joey Barton names. He should be banned, not given just a lengthy suspension.
Came up with an idea yesterday afternoon that had me tearing apart a behemoth of a computer desk, throwing it in the trash and arranging bulk pickup. We put the crap that was on the desk on bookshelves a friend gave us, and pitched out even more stuff. Now there's more wall space, and floor space which is reserved for an item we saw on Saturday. Watch this blog for further developments. It is a bit unsettling turning the corner into the dining room and seeing no desk. You get used to things after nine years.
This Friday I have a mini-feature at Kafe Kerouac. I'm taking part in an all night fund raiser for the Writers' Block poetry slam team to get them some dough for their trip to Charlotte in August. I'm hitting the stage at 10:30PM with some old and new. Going to be a fun night.
Walked around the Short North on Saturday and may have found an object we've been looking for to go into the dining room.
Watched the Crew pay an ugly game on Saturday night, only to come out victorious.
Went to a newer place in the Arena District, the Three Legged Mare (dislike the name, but it's a festive enough place) on Sunday morning to watch Survival Sunday. Ten Premier League games going at once, seven being televised on U.S. outlets for the first time. A very dramatic morning of sports. I had nothing really at stake, (Everton ended up in seventh, finishing ahead of Liverpool. Yay!) but the race for the championship title came down to a dramatic goal by Sergio Aguero in the final seconds to give Manchester City the edge. It was incredible. A few dozen soccer fans, some of whom were Manchester United supporters all got caught up in the spirit of fair play and all that. Everyone called Joey Barton names. He should be banned, not given just a lengthy suspension.
Came up with an idea yesterday afternoon that had me tearing apart a behemoth of a computer desk, throwing it in the trash and arranging bulk pickup. We put the crap that was on the desk on bookshelves a friend gave us, and pitched out even more stuff. Now there's more wall space, and floor space which is reserved for an item we saw on Saturday. Watch this blog for further developments. It is a bit unsettling turning the corner into the dining room and seeing no desk. You get used to things after nine years.
This Friday I have a mini-feature at Kafe Kerouac. I'm taking part in an all night fund raiser for the Writers' Block poetry slam team to get them some dough for their trip to Charlotte in August. I'm hitting the stage at 10:30PM with some old and new. Going to be a fun night.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Shit Gaze as Poetry
My son has been using the iPod Touch. When I take it out all of a sudden I'm his best friend. He finds movie trailers and keeps playing the one for Rango, which is alright and Jackass 3, which make me wonder. He also gets into the music and finds his favorites by KT Tunstall. This weekend he's been listening to Here Comes the Sun and has found a song by the Acid House Kings that he likes as well as Airport, by The Motors. He does not like My Morning Jacket.
We were also in the yard in the afternoon, where he took a soccer ball and threw it against the fence, then the garage, then the fence on the other side of the yard. No, I never did anything like that ;)
Had an opportunity to meet up with a fellow blogger yesterday. He came down from Fredonia and we went to the Columbus Crew match. Good to talk about Fredonia then (as he was not there when I was) and now and some other conversation. The Crew were victorious!
The National Poetry Slam finals were held last night. Congratulations to team Nuba form Denver as they won the title. Writing Wrongs, from Columbus came in fourth. The Nuyorican team from NYC finished second and Team Providence third. From all reports is was a great bout with inspiring poems all around. Congratulations to Simone Beaubien and her staff for putting together a great event whose sole 'problem' was the bouts being sold out, with overflow crowds. What happened that was out of the organizers control was a fire in a venue, and when the venue was moved a poet had a seizure on stage. No one was injured, all is well today.
Have a few poems that are more than half finished that should be completed by the time we leave for Scotland. Some meaner stuff than usual. Some of it necessary, some of it deliberately spiteful. I'm a bad man.
We were also in the yard in the afternoon, where he took a soccer ball and threw it against the fence, then the garage, then the fence on the other side of the yard. No, I never did anything like that ;)
Had an opportunity to meet up with a fellow blogger yesterday. He came down from Fredonia and we went to the Columbus Crew match. Good to talk about Fredonia then (as he was not there when I was) and now and some other conversation. The Crew were victorious!
The National Poetry Slam finals were held last night. Congratulations to team Nuba form Denver as they won the title. Writing Wrongs, from Columbus came in fourth. The Nuyorican team from NYC finished second and Team Providence third. From all reports is was a great bout with inspiring poems all around. Congratulations to Simone Beaubien and her staff for putting together a great event whose sole 'problem' was the bouts being sold out, with overflow crowds. What happened that was out of the organizers control was a fire in a venue, and when the venue was moved a poet had a seizure on stage. No one was injured, all is well today.
Have a few poems that are more than half finished that should be completed by the time we leave for Scotland. Some meaner stuff than usual. Some of it necessary, some of it deliberately spiteful. I'm a bad man.
Friday, August 12, 2011
News from Cambridge
Been following updates on Twitter (thank you James Meranda) regarding one of tonight's semifinal bouts in the National Poetry Slam. Columbus' Writing Wrongs was competing with four other teams for a spot in the finals. Scores were tight and going into the final round WW was in second trailing by three tenths of a point.
WW was set to go last in the bout and needed a 26.2 to tie for first, which would have put them into the finals and Jason Braswell who nailed a 26.6 to win the bout. Man that room must have been electric. Congrats to Will, Rachel, Ethan and Jason for being the first team from Columbus to make the finals of the National Poetry Slam!
Finals are tomorrow night, and I'll be missing them because I'm going to the Crew game. As soon as I get home though the laptop gets fired up.
WW was set to go last in the bout and needed a 26.2 to tie for first, which would have put them into the finals and Jason Braswell who nailed a 26.6 to win the bout. Man that room must have been electric. Congrats to Will, Rachel, Ethan and Jason for being the first team from Columbus to make the finals of the National Poetry Slam!
Finals are tomorrow night, and I'll be missing them because I'm going to the Crew game. As soon as I get home though the laptop gets fired up.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Main Reason I Watch the Game
Guillermo Barros Schelotto is one of the primary reasons I am a soccer fan. Yesterday, the Columbus Crew announced they will not exercise his contract option and are letting him go.
One of the best players in MLS history is being shown the door for no real reason other than sating the ego of a stubborn, incompetent coach and a management that cares little about building a fan base of adults. They want eight years olds who do not care if Steve Lenhart and Jason Garey can't put the ball in the net. As long as Crew Cat and his buddies keep throwing t-shirts into the crowd, it's alright.
Well it's not because the Crew are doing one of the dumbest things I've ever seen a pro sports team do, and that's remove its main asset before it was time for him to leave. Schelotto is why the team won the MLS championship two years ago. Schelotto is the man who puts fans in the seats. Yes, he's 37. Yes, his skills are diminishing. Yet, he can still produce. He was the team's top scorer this season. What did the young players the team wants to lean toward next season accomplish on the field? William Hesmer, the goalie, had one goal to Jason Garey's two. This is going to cost the franchise, dearly, in goodwill.
Crew management should keep the picture above in their offices, and look at it once in awhile, because it's unlikely they will see a player of that caliber play in Crew Stadium, as a member of the home team, ever again.
Guille, thank you for showing me how to love the game.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
What it is ain't Exactly Clear
Summer's winding up already. The last week of day camp is here, and school starts on the 25th. Got his bus schedule yesterday.
We're prepping for the cabin in Nowhere, Ohio and road trip in early October.
Still working on IWPS season. One slam left before the Grand Slam. The big news is that IWPS has been moved from Philadelphia in October to Charlotte sometime in December. Better to be organized than not I'd guess.
The less I say about the Crew, the better. They looked poor against Real Salt Lake last night. A lot of players are not on the same page.
As for Everton losing to Blackburn on a major flub by Tim Howard, it's only the first game.
When the heat clears, it gets me into the back room to play some vinyl. Sadly, some flood damage has caused many records to be pitched.
Luckily this record survived. I have it on the Smash Label, in glorious mono. Did not realized that Scott Walker is from Hamilton, Ohio. A case where the band became big in the UK, but never really broke in the U.S. Scott Walker had an impressive solo career in late 60's England, even had his own television show.
We're prepping for the cabin in Nowhere, Ohio and road trip in early October.
Still working on IWPS season. One slam left before the Grand Slam. The big news is that IWPS has been moved from Philadelphia in October to Charlotte sometime in December. Better to be organized than not I'd guess.
The less I say about the Crew, the better. They looked poor against Real Salt Lake last night. A lot of players are not on the same page.
As for Everton losing to Blackburn on a major flub by Tim Howard, it's only the first game.
When the heat clears, it gets me into the back room to play some vinyl. Sadly, some flood damage has caused many records to be pitched.
Luckily this record survived. I have it on the Smash Label, in glorious mono. Did not realized that Scott Walker is from Hamilton, Ohio. A case where the band became big in the UK, but never really broke in the U.S. Scott Walker had an impressive solo career in late 60's England, even had his own television show.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Cese Fabergas Changed the Complexion of the Match
Yesterday was my parents 39th wedding anniversary. Mom was in the hospital earlier this month so I'm happy she was home for it. The frustration continues, being so far away from them. Airfare is ridiculous right now, and for the foreseeable future.
Just did the math, had I stayed married the first time, the end of this month would have marked twenty five years. A tarnished hunk of silver for sure.
I was asked Friday what I'd do if my first wife showed up at the radio reunion in October. I honestly did not have a good answer. She's the one who tried to interfere in my second marriage. Called me a sociopath after lying to my face. She's very bitter. This is not the time for bon mots.
My son has been making improvement in the pool. He's been going underwater on his own. Swimming along, putting his head under, very cute. I'll post video when I get time to upload it.
Fun night of music and poetry on Saturday at a friend's place. They have a cool music room in their house. Piano and drums, people were playing some very pleasant blues. A bunch of us read a few poems. I ended up playing Words of Love to an empty room. Then we got home in time to watch Doctor Who. We follow on BBC America so we're still two weeks behind everyone who watches on the torrents.
The World Cup has ended. Kudos to South Africa for putting up a great event. No love for vuvuzelas and even less love for FIFA and some wretched officiating. Much love to Spain for finally winning the whole thing. I called it! Cese set up the goal!
EPL starts next month. Celtic are playing Man U. on Friday in Toronto. I should be going to a Crew game on Wednesday night. Good things are happening for my wife at her job. It's a busy life.
Just did the math, had I stayed married the first time, the end of this month would have marked twenty five years. A tarnished hunk of silver for sure.
I was asked Friday what I'd do if my first wife showed up at the radio reunion in October. I honestly did not have a good answer. She's the one who tried to interfere in my second marriage. Called me a sociopath after lying to my face. She's very bitter. This is not the time for bon mots.
My son has been making improvement in the pool. He's been going underwater on his own. Swimming along, putting his head under, very cute. I'll post video when I get time to upload it.
Fun night of music and poetry on Saturday at a friend's place. They have a cool music room in their house. Piano and drums, people were playing some very pleasant blues. A bunch of us read a few poems. I ended up playing Words of Love to an empty room. Then we got home in time to watch Doctor Who. We follow on BBC America so we're still two weeks behind everyone who watches on the torrents.
The World Cup has ended. Kudos to South Africa for putting up a great event. No love for vuvuzelas and even less love for FIFA and some wretched officiating. Much love to Spain for finally winning the whole thing. I called it! Cese set up the goal!
EPL starts next month. Celtic are playing Man U. on Friday in Toronto. I should be going to a Crew game on Wednesday night. Good things are happening for my wife at her job. It's a busy life.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
It's May Day!
Celebrated the end of 30/30 by waking up at 2AM with a cluster headache. Man, those things hurt and there's not a damn thing you can do except toss and turn on the couch in the dark waiting for it to go away.
Thank you all again for following along and supporting the April Project. It was quite the experience.
For the first time in nearly three years, I have a stereo. Picked up a lil' Phillips system last night. Tiny speakers, but it is freaking loud!
Maybe I'll get my baseball uniform back someday before my son grows out of it, or before the person who gave it back to me just so she could see my son wear it, dies.
And who'd be reading my blog from Fiint, Michigan? Hmmm.
Gallery Hop tonight, my friend Stephanie has an opening. Hoping an umbrella will not be needed. New, to America anyway, Doctor Who tonight then the Crew at Claddagh.
Thank you all again for following along and supporting the April Project. It was quite the experience.
For the first time in nearly three years, I have a stereo. Picked up a lil' Phillips system last night. Tiny speakers, but it is freaking loud!
Maybe I'll get my baseball uniform back someday before my son grows out of it, or before the person who gave it back to me just so she could see my son wear it, dies.
And who'd be reading my blog from Fiint, Michigan? Hmmm.
Gallery Hop tonight, my friend Stephanie has an opening. Hoping an umbrella will not be needed. New, to America anyway, Doctor Who tonight then the Crew at Claddagh.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Loss and Perspective
If you've been reading this you know I watch sports and write about it here. The teams I follow, at this point in time, are losing, badly.
The NHL Blue Jackets are in the middle of a nine game losing streak, tying the longest streak of futility in team history. If you know anything about the team's history, right now they're sucking hard. The time to do something about this was last month, and only now are we hearing rumors of a trade from General Manager Scott Howson. Shaking them up should have been done a month ago. Now, the rot has set in and this team is very unlikely to make the playoffs. While you can't fire 22 players, you can replace a coaching staff. The time to save the season is over.
The Ohio State Hockey team is in the midst of another season of below average play. Coach John Markell's contract is up at the end of the year. It's time for a change in the hockey program, one that has seen dwindling performance and attendance.
The New York Mets were dreadful last year and are showing me no indication that they will be improving the team next year. The outfield lacks power, there's no true first baseman and I could do just as well as middle relief than the slop that's been passing for a pitching staff.
I support the Everton Football Club in the English Premier League. As I write this, they are besieged by injuries and the club is close to being relegated to a lower league next year. I am hopeful that Manager David Moyes can pull the team toward the middle of the league in 2010 and keep the team together and fit next season to make a run at the big four. They're also still in the fray for the Europa League and F.A. Cup so there's potential for more play. MLS MVP Landon Donovan is being loaned to the team next week - it will be interesting to see if he can improve the team, as he gains some international experience.
Celtic F.C. in the Scottish Premier League is trailing Rangers, as it usually is in the Old Firm dominated league. It's sad to watch the Glasgow teams continue to be one-two as the rest of the league falters. It's a sad game to watch players who are not good enough for the better European league teams come to Scotland and its mediocre game. I'd like to see the quality improve, but with little cash it's unlikely to happen.
The Columbus Crew played well enough to win the Supporters Shield but got knocked out in the first round. Now the team's (and league's) best player, Guillermo Barros Schelotto is rumored to not being resigned for next season unless he takes a massive pay cut. The Crew have shown some very skinflint ways in its financial matters in the past. Letting a great player simply go away would be an insult to the fan base, and the ability of a great player.
Then there's the Buffalo Bills. An organization that is once again preparing to rebuild. There's no proven quarterback. No defensive line depth. No offensive line to speak of and the coaching staff needs a complete overhaul. The team's owner, Ralph Wilson is 91 and his obit could come over the wire at anytime. When he dies, the worry of the city of Buffalo is that the team will be sold and move. It will be a darn shame if that happens and the city and the team are entwined economically and in the very marrow of the residents. If this happens, my allegiance to the NFL will end. Heck, I've watched only about three Bills games this year. I've seen them lose before and know how that movie ends. It's not worth it anymore.
I'm excited about the World Cup, and am looking forward to June 12th, when the USA will play England. After that, we'll see how the rest of the draws look as June approaches.
Not much a follower of Ohio State Football. It's nice when they win, but they're not my team. College football is a mystery to me. Growing up on Long Island there really was not a team to follow.
My team rarely wins it all. I've had a World Series win in 1986, a Crew Championship last year and that's about it. Forty five years of fandom and two championships. In between there have been a lot of playoff losses and the big four straight Super Bowl losses in the nineties. I'm not sure what makes me go back to it anymore - to turn on the TV for a 2-1 loss. To watch my team lose 9-1 in person. To go to a sports bar for a 2-nil defeat. Is my money and time invested worth it?
Well, there's a game on tomorrow night, but so is Men of a Certain Age.
The NHL Blue Jackets are in the middle of a nine game losing streak, tying the longest streak of futility in team history. If you know anything about the team's history, right now they're sucking hard. The time to do something about this was last month, and only now are we hearing rumors of a trade from General Manager Scott Howson. Shaking them up should have been done a month ago. Now, the rot has set in and this team is very unlikely to make the playoffs. While you can't fire 22 players, you can replace a coaching staff. The time to save the season is over.
The Ohio State Hockey team is in the midst of another season of below average play. Coach John Markell's contract is up at the end of the year. It's time for a change in the hockey program, one that has seen dwindling performance and attendance.
The New York Mets were dreadful last year and are showing me no indication that they will be improving the team next year. The outfield lacks power, there's no true first baseman and I could do just as well as middle relief than the slop that's been passing for a pitching staff.
I support the Everton Football Club in the English Premier League. As I write this, they are besieged by injuries and the club is close to being relegated to a lower league next year. I am hopeful that Manager David Moyes can pull the team toward the middle of the league in 2010 and keep the team together and fit next season to make a run at the big four. They're also still in the fray for the Europa League and F.A. Cup so there's potential for more play. MLS MVP Landon Donovan is being loaned to the team next week - it will be interesting to see if he can improve the team, as he gains some international experience.
Celtic F.C. in the Scottish Premier League is trailing Rangers, as it usually is in the Old Firm dominated league. It's sad to watch the Glasgow teams continue to be one-two as the rest of the league falters. It's a sad game to watch players who are not good enough for the better European league teams come to Scotland and its mediocre game. I'd like to see the quality improve, but with little cash it's unlikely to happen.
The Columbus Crew played well enough to win the Supporters Shield but got knocked out in the first round. Now the team's (and league's) best player, Guillermo Barros Schelotto is rumored to not being resigned for next season unless he takes a massive pay cut. The Crew have shown some very skinflint ways in its financial matters in the past. Letting a great player simply go away would be an insult to the fan base, and the ability of a great player.
Then there's the Buffalo Bills. An organization that is once again preparing to rebuild. There's no proven quarterback. No defensive line depth. No offensive line to speak of and the coaching staff needs a complete overhaul. The team's owner, Ralph Wilson is 91 and his obit could come over the wire at anytime. When he dies, the worry of the city of Buffalo is that the team will be sold and move. It will be a darn shame if that happens and the city and the team are entwined economically and in the very marrow of the residents. If this happens, my allegiance to the NFL will end. Heck, I've watched only about three Bills games this year. I've seen them lose before and know how that movie ends. It's not worth it anymore.
I'm excited about the World Cup, and am looking forward to June 12th, when the USA will play England. After that, we'll see how the rest of the draws look as June approaches.
Not much a follower of Ohio State Football. It's nice when they win, but they're not my team. College football is a mystery to me. Growing up on Long Island there really was not a team to follow.
My team rarely wins it all. I've had a World Series win in 1986, a Crew Championship last year and that's about it. Forty five years of fandom and two championships. In between there have been a lot of playoff losses and the big four straight Super Bowl losses in the nineties. I'm not sure what makes me go back to it anymore - to turn on the TV for a 2-1 loss. To watch my team lose 9-1 in person. To go to a sports bar for a 2-nil defeat. Is my money and time invested worth it?
Well, there's a game on tomorrow night, but so is Men of a Certain Age.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuned to a natural E, happy to be that way
Not much happening here. Keeping up practicing for IWPS. Doing it in front of the bedroom mirror, which is quite revealing and helpful. Still not memorizing to the level I'd like to. Been watching some video of the competition on youtube. They're good and in a normal world I'd be afraid, very afraid. But, it's all about the fun.
Kid's sleep pattern has been knocked askew for whatever reasons. He did not get to sleep until 2:30AM on Saturday. No nap yesterday, fell asleep at 11:30 after waking up at 9:30. Then he was up speaking gibberish at 4:30. He's still up and has to go on a field trip at school today. I do not know how he does it. His energy level is astonishing.
Had a couple of friends over last night. Emma made a cake. It was normal having people over. It's been awhile since we, ok I, helped entertain guests from in town.
Sent in the refinancing paperwork, now the waiting and seeing begins again. I'm not sure if this is going to happen, for many reasons, but if you do not try you will never know.
Bills offense is non-existent. What a sad game to watch yesterday, and the press trying to push Terrell Owens into saying something inflammatory about the team and organization is completely uncalled for. They're asking the wrong person those questions. At least I got to see Everton, Celtic and the Crew win.
October is going to be a very busy month. There's still time to DONATE for the trip to IWPS. Thank you for your support.
Kid's sleep pattern has been knocked askew for whatever reasons. He did not get to sleep until 2:30AM on Saturday. No nap yesterday, fell asleep at 11:30 after waking up at 9:30. Then he was up speaking gibberish at 4:30. He's still up and has to go on a field trip at school today. I do not know how he does it. His energy level is astonishing.
Had a couple of friends over last night. Emma made a cake. It was normal having people over. It's been awhile since we, ok I, helped entertain guests from in town.
Sent in the refinancing paperwork, now the waiting and seeing begins again. I'm not sure if this is going to happen, for many reasons, but if you do not try you will never know.
Bills offense is non-existent. What a sad game to watch yesterday, and the press trying to push Terrell Owens into saying something inflammatory about the team and organization is completely uncalled for. They're asking the wrong person those questions. At least I got to see Everton, Celtic and the Crew win.
October is going to be a very busy month. There's still time to DONATE for the trip to IWPS. Thank you for your support.
Monday, May 18, 2009
I took a little risk
I've only relocated a couple of times in my life. One was to college and the other was to Columbus. Once by choice, the other by necessity.
To move to another country completely is really hard, and she's very brave for doing this, especially moving in with the likes of me.
When she was in London, I asked her to find me the object on the right.
Went to Nancy's yesterday morning. Still not sure if they're staying open. I asked and was told they're closer than they were three weeks ago, They're trying, but I fear it's a tough battle.
Took her to get a library card in the afternoon. It was one of the things she was asking about when she was here last. Yay, now we can get five more movies!
Saw part of the Crew game but we had an appointment with our Officiant so we missed the Schelotto goal and the tying goal in extra time. Crew can't seem to hold a lead this year.
Touched base with the Officiant and got some good ideas, so that's on track. My biggest worries are tables and chairs, how to entertain her father and how to get RSVP's out of people who have not responded yet. Let's go people!
Back to work after a whirlwind weekend. It's all a whirlwind from here on out.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Soccer, wind and bouncing off the wall
Got up too early to find a feed for the Old Firm match. The crowd at Ibrox was loud as the home team came out ahead 1-0. They have a rock solid defense and the Celtic offense could not break through. I'd question why Strachan did not start McGready, but I doubt it would have made a difference.
Did not realize Everton was on FSC this morning so I got to see them draw for one half before taking my son swimming. That's how the game ended.
It's the Crew against the Wiz at home tonight. Will the canaries win their first game? In the wind?
The boy has a new obsession.
He comes into the back room and flicks the switch. He likes watching it move, for reasons that are only known to him. He does the same thing with the fan in the bedroom. He'll lie there with me and watch it for a long time. His mother tells me he will not go into her mother's bedroom, where she has one. I can only speculate why he he is not interested in going in there.
He also moved the chairs in the dining room to form a little tunnel, which he crawls though.
Really have to clean the house. I've also been told he's been doing this with chairs at school. His swimming is going great. He went the width of the pool and back, unaided, several times. He even kept his head above water most of the time. He also did not pitch too much of a fit when the lesson was over, unlike last week.
Still waiting on her visa. Got fed up with the vagueness and contacted my congresswoman. One of her aides sent a very polite letter of inquiry to the embassy on Friday afternoon. We'll see what happens come Monday. Could be an interesting week.
Did not realize Everton was on FSC this morning so I got to see them draw for one half before taking my son swimming. That's how the game ended.
It's the Crew against the Wiz at home tonight. Will the canaries win their first game? In the wind?
The boy has a new obsession.
He comes into the back room and flicks the switch. He likes watching it move, for reasons that are only known to him. He does the same thing with the fan in the bedroom. He'll lie there with me and watch it for a long time. His mother tells me he will not go into her mother's bedroom, where she has one. I can only speculate why he he is not interested in going in there.
He also moved the chairs in the dining room to form a little tunnel, which he crawls though.
Really have to clean the house. I've also been told he's been doing this with chairs at school. His swimming is going great. He went the width of the pool and back, unaided, several times. He even kept his head above water most of the time. He also did not pitch too much of a fit when the lesson was over, unlike last week.
Still waiting on her visa. Got fed up with the vagueness and contacted my congresswoman. One of her aides sent a very polite letter of inquiry to the embassy on Friday afternoon. We'll see what happens come Monday. Could be an interesting week.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sadness is Nature's Spanking
Yes, the subject line is a quote from Morel Orel. A wicked little cartoon that combines Ozzie and Harriet, South Park and Davey and Goliath.
Went on a little road trip to a British Food store. Wanted to see what was there so if my girlfriend gets an urge for food from her homeland, we can drive an hour west and pick up a few things. I did manage to snatch up a couple of bottles of Irn-Bru, which is a Scottish soda. It's hard to describe. Like a cream soda with quinine, it's also caffeinated - and addictive. The closest I've found to match its flavor is a Goya Product called Champagne Cola. It's also known for some very quirky and humorous ad campaigns. (and it's made is Scotland, from girders) This one, which came out last year, is a rather touching look at the character of Scottish people.
If Coca-Cola could do its ads half as good I'd buy more of it!
While west, I visited the Dayton Art Institute. There was a very good collection of Chinese works, including this 13th century Buddha.
I was not wowed by the museum. It had a surprisingly good cross section of modern American art. The rest underwhelming, and under represented. Yet for free parking and free admission, there's really no reason to complain.
Last night was the Columbus Crew's season opener on the road in Houston. I was invited by a friend who is a die hard fan to come view the game with him. So I found myself at Claddagah in the brewery district with a hundred or so people - most of them dressed in Crew Canary as they cheered, sang and drank. The Crew were down 1-0 until the 82nd minute when Guillermo Barros Schelloto scored to tie it up. The man's a legend.
Worked on some writing a little today, preparing for Wednesday's slam and the June reading. Had more usable material than I suspected, but still have a bit of time to fill in. There are over two months left to assemble some quality material that is worthy of a second place tie.
Had a friend take this one last night in a snug at the bar.
Trying to decide if I look literary or uncomfortable.
Back to work tomorrow, as we continue to wait for word from London.
Went on a little road trip to a British Food store. Wanted to see what was there so if my girlfriend gets an urge for food from her homeland, we can drive an hour west and pick up a few things. I did manage to snatch up a couple of bottles of Irn-Bru, which is a Scottish soda. It's hard to describe. Like a cream soda with quinine, it's also caffeinated - and addictive. The closest I've found to match its flavor is a Goya Product called Champagne Cola. It's also known for some very quirky and humorous ad campaigns. (and it's made is Scotland, from girders) This one, which came out last year, is a rather touching look at the character of Scottish people.
If Coca-Cola could do its ads half as good I'd buy more of it!
While west, I visited the Dayton Art Institute. There was a very good collection of Chinese works, including this 13th century Buddha.
I was not wowed by the museum. It had a surprisingly good cross section of modern American art. The rest underwhelming, and under represented. Yet for free parking and free admission, there's really no reason to complain.
Last night was the Columbus Crew's season opener on the road in Houston. I was invited by a friend who is a die hard fan to come view the game with him. So I found myself at Claddagah in the brewery district with a hundred or so people - most of them dressed in Crew Canary as they cheered, sang and drank. The Crew were down 1-0 until the 82nd minute when Guillermo Barros Schelloto scored to tie it up. The man's a legend.
Worked on some writing a little today, preparing for Wednesday's slam and the June reading. Had more usable material than I suspected, but still have a bit of time to fill in. There are over two months left to assemble some quality material that is worthy of a second place tie.
Had a friend take this one last night in a snug at the bar.
Trying to decide if I look literary or uncomfortable.
Back to work tomorrow, as we continue to wait for word from London.
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