I realize I'm probably a few days behind the times on this one, but I don't live as close to P-town as I once did, so give me a break. Anyway, apparently Koin 6 news gave legendary sportscaster Ed Whelan his pink slip about a week ago.
What kind of crap is that? Whelan was a Portland institution, like Waterfront Park or Powell's or Tonya Harding. Who doesn't have fond memories of Whelan giving out the Burnt Biscuit Award to some bonehead of the day in the world of sports?
What will Portland lose next?
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
How many months until spring training?
Kyle's list of reasons why the Twins are not in contention right now, in no particular order:
* Nick Punto, who has the worst batting average of any regular player in baseball, has played in 129 games so far this year. I have no beef with Terry Ryan bringing him back this year -- the guy hit .291 last year, he has speed, and can play defense. But something should have been done about this back in May. The guy is batting .198 now. I'll put up with occasional error if it means a mediocre batting average and somebody who can at least lay down a bunt.
* For some reason, Justin Morneau decided to stop hitting around the All-Star break.
* Formerly great general manager turned mediocre general manager Terry Ryan decided to trade Luis Castillo mid-season for a bag of baseballs. Yes, we would have lost Castillo at the end of the season anyway, but unless you're going to get something significant for him, why not let him play his contract out?
* Santana is 0-5 against first-place Cleveland.
* By the end of the season, Joe Mauer will probably have missed about 60 days due to injuries. Maybe he'll become our Mark Prior after all.
* The Twins haven't had a reliable DH in about four years. Give Terry Ryan another four years -- maybe he'll find somebody.
* The list goes on...
* Nick Punto, who has the worst batting average of any regular player in baseball, has played in 129 games so far this year. I have no beef with Terry Ryan bringing him back this year -- the guy hit .291 last year, he has speed, and can play defense. But something should have been done about this back in May. The guy is batting .198 now. I'll put up with occasional error if it means a mediocre batting average and somebody who can at least lay down a bunt.
* For some reason, Justin Morneau decided to stop hitting around the All-Star break.
* Formerly great general manager turned mediocre general manager Terry Ryan decided to trade Luis Castillo mid-season for a bag of baseballs. Yes, we would have lost Castillo at the end of the season anyway, but unless you're going to get something significant for him, why not let him play his contract out?
* Santana is 0-5 against first-place Cleveland.
* By the end of the season, Joe Mauer will probably have missed about 60 days due to injuries. Maybe he'll become our Mark Prior after all.
* The Twins haven't had a reliable DH in about four years. Give Terry Ryan another four years -- maybe he'll find somebody.
* The list goes on...
Happy Labor Day!
And don't forget to pick up The Office Season Three on DVD tomorrow.
(No, NBC didn't pay me.)
(No, NBC didn't pay me.)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Curses upon Mike Sweeney!
Congratulations to Scott Baker for a masterpiece of a performance tonight. And curses upon overpaid old fart Mike Sweeney, who had to spoil the party in the 9th inning.
Regardless, it was a very fun game to watch, and a reminder of how entertaining baseball can still be even when your team is out of the race.
I haven't been that nervous in the late innings of a Twins game since 1991.
Regardless, it was a very fun game to watch, and a reminder of how entertaining baseball can still be even when your team is out of the race.
I haven't been that nervous in the late innings of a Twins game since 1991.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
You Know What Would Be Awesome...
is if you had one of those hotel-style waffle makers in your kitchen, and every morning when you came downstairs there were a couple of those dixie cups with the batter in them.
That would rule.
That would rule.
Is There Anybody Alive Out There?
In case you have been living in a cave recently, Bruce Springsteen is releasing a new album on October 2, with the E Street Band.
You can listen to the first single, "Radio Nowhere," by clicking here. It's a great, rocking opening track. I'm even more excited for the album now.
You can listen to the first single, "Radio Nowhere," by clicking here. It's a great, rocking opening track. I'm even more excited for the album now.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
See Youuuu in Septemmmberrrrrr
Today is officially my last day of summer vacation, even though I have been out to school a couple of times this week. Tomorrow and Friday, I get to sit in all-day technology training sessions in Eugene, probably spending 4 hours on things like learning how to turn on a digital camera. Yee-haw. Oh well -- I get an extra few cents on my paycheck for it.
In honor of the last day of my summer, I turn it over to the eternally dreamy Bryan Adams.
In honor of the last day of my summer, I turn it over to the eternally dreamy Bryan Adams.
Monday, August 20, 2007
'Staches of Fury
If you're like me, and you miss the lost art of the great baseball mustache, you should really click here.
Friday, August 17, 2007
I Got My Balls Signed
Greetings, bloggers! I apologize that I have been away from the blog for a few days, but it is good to be back and to see all of your smiling faces.
For most of the time I have been away, I have been watching baseball. From Monday to Wednesday, I was hitting up all three games of the Twins-Mariners series at Safeco Field. And -- for the first time in August -- the Twins actually won a series! Not only that, but they scored 20 total runs in the series! Funny how you actually win some games when you score runs.
I always enjoy getting to the ballpark early and watching batting practice and just hanging out and watching the players. Occasionally I will seek out an autograph, but I don't tend to be very aggressive about it. I figure that if some kid gets an autograph instead of me, I'm OK with that. It should be for the kids anyway, not for old farts like me who just feel like a kid when they're at the ballpark.
Anyway, whenever I'm at Twins games, I always see Bert Blyleven wandering around the field before the game, but I've never seen him come over to the dugout before. For those readers who are not baseball buffs, Bert is one of the all-time greats and he currently does the TV broadcasts for the Twins. He pitched from 1970 to 1992, racking up 287 career wins and is sixth on the all-time strikeout list. He really should be in the Hall of Fame, but ends up a little bit short every year in the voting. I really hope he makes it.
Anyway, Bert was hanging out in the dugout for a bit before the game, and I yelled out "Bert!" and got him to sign a baseball for me. Score for me! On Wednesday, Dan Gladden was hanging out in the dugout before the game. Dan does the radio broadcasting for the Twins now, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the greatest World Series ever played, he scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning in game 7 of the '91 series. I recognized his baldspot before he was completely visible in the dugout. "Dan! Sign one ball?" Sure enough -- "Dan Gladden, 87*91, #32." Score for me. Gladden and Blyleven are significant parts of my childhood. I was pretty excited.
I also got current pitchers Boof Bonser and Matt Guerrier to sign for me. All in all, a great 3 days.
Last night I hit up Thirsty Thursday at PGE Park and drank some delicious (*cough*) Miller Lite while watching the Beavers. They pulled it out 3-0.
What a great week. I'll try and throw up a few pictures from my rad trip in the next few days.
For most of the time I have been away, I have been watching baseball. From Monday to Wednesday, I was hitting up all three games of the Twins-Mariners series at Safeco Field. And -- for the first time in August -- the Twins actually won a series! Not only that, but they scored 20 total runs in the series! Funny how you actually win some games when you score runs.
I always enjoy getting to the ballpark early and watching batting practice and just hanging out and watching the players. Occasionally I will seek out an autograph, but I don't tend to be very aggressive about it. I figure that if some kid gets an autograph instead of me, I'm OK with that. It should be for the kids anyway, not for old farts like me who just feel like a kid when they're at the ballpark.
Anyway, whenever I'm at Twins games, I always see Bert Blyleven wandering around the field before the game, but I've never seen him come over to the dugout before. For those readers who are not baseball buffs, Bert is one of the all-time greats and he currently does the TV broadcasts for the Twins. He pitched from 1970 to 1992, racking up 287 career wins and is sixth on the all-time strikeout list. He really should be in the Hall of Fame, but ends up a little bit short every year in the voting. I really hope he makes it.
Anyway, Bert was hanging out in the dugout for a bit before the game, and I yelled out "Bert!" and got him to sign a baseball for me. Score for me! On Wednesday, Dan Gladden was hanging out in the dugout before the game. Dan does the radio broadcasting for the Twins now, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the greatest World Series ever played, he scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning in game 7 of the '91 series. I recognized his baldspot before he was completely visible in the dugout. "Dan! Sign one ball?" Sure enough -- "Dan Gladden, 87*91, #32." Score for me. Gladden and Blyleven are significant parts of my childhood. I was pretty excited.
I also got current pitchers Boof Bonser and Matt Guerrier to sign for me. All in all, a great 3 days.
Last night I hit up Thirsty Thursday at PGE Park and drank some delicious (*cough*) Miller Lite while watching the Beavers. They pulled it out 3-0.
What a great week. I'll try and throw up a few pictures from my rad trip in the next few days.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Lovable Losers
I'll be in Seattle for the next few days watching those lovable losers -- the Minnesota Twins. Unsure if I'll have any posts or not until I get back, but if not, there will surely be a full report.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Saturday Night
From NPR:
Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan, says he is concerned about the toll the war in Iraq and extended deployments are taking on U.S. forces.
The man who is widely known as the "war czar" also says that from a military standpoint, a return to a draft should be part of the discussion. (Full article)
Not to depress y'all too much, but this brief 1994 Cheney clip is worth watching:
*sigh*
Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan, says he is concerned about the toll the war in Iraq and extended deployments are taking on U.S. forces.
The man who is widely known as the "war czar" also says that from a military standpoint, a return to a draft should be part of the discussion. (Full article)
Not to depress y'all too much, but this brief 1994 Cheney clip is worth watching:
*sigh*
Thursday, August 9, 2007
More Shattered Dreams
I really enjoy how the Twins actually win a couple of games -- allowing for a few optimistic thoughts about how they are still mathematically in contention -- and then revert back to their sucking ways. The Twins were shutout this afternoon for the 11th time this season, and guess what -- that's a category they can say they lead the majors in. The Twins are incapable of scoring runs. Sure, they scored 11 last night, but that means that they'll probably score 3 or 4 over the next week.
Here's one of my favorite (note sarcasm) quotes from the game summary, regarding Kansas City winner Kyle Davies:
"He kept us off-balance the whole game," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He threw the heck out of the ball."
He threw the heck out of the ball. Blah blah blah. I'm tired of hearing about how the Twins can't score runs because they are always facing such great pitchers. The Twins make every pitcher in the league look good.
Next week I will venture to Seattle to check out the three-game series against the M's. Start placing bets now on how many runs I'll get to see the Twins score. I'm putting my money down on 2.
Here's one of my favorite (note sarcasm) quotes from the game summary, regarding Kansas City winner Kyle Davies:
"He kept us off-balance the whole game," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He threw the heck out of the ball."
He threw the heck out of the ball. Blah blah blah. I'm tired of hearing about how the Twins can't score runs because they are always facing such great pitchers. The Twins make every pitcher in the league look good.
Next week I will venture to Seattle to check out the three-game series against the M's. Start placing bets now on how many runs I'll get to see the Twins score. I'm putting my money down on 2.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Drinking with Kyle
3 beer reviews tonight, including 2 new-to-me beers and one that I have had a couple of times before.
Sierra Nevada Summerfest 2007: I'm a big fan of Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, so I was hoping for a treat here. Eh. When it pours, you will not notice a great deal of color. The taste is kind of bland -- not necessarily more impressive than what you might find in a bottle of Henry's. If I was going to stick with Sierra Nevada, I would definitely stick with the Pale Ale.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Bayern Amber: I'm always a sucker for a quality amber, and this one is...OK. A tad heavier than a lot of the grocery store ambers, it would make for a quality dinner beer. Still, not a great deal to write home about.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale: I've had it a couple of times before, and it is a very unique beer. It's a pretty heavy beer, so don't plan on putting away 6 of these in a night. You might either love or hate the Scotch flavor, but it is definitely worth trying
Rating: 4 out of 5
Sierra Nevada Summerfest 2007: I'm a big fan of Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, so I was hoping for a treat here. Eh. When it pours, you will not notice a great deal of color. The taste is kind of bland -- not necessarily more impressive than what you might find in a bottle of Henry's. If I was going to stick with Sierra Nevada, I would definitely stick with the Pale Ale.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Bayern Amber: I'm always a sucker for a quality amber, and this one is...OK. A tad heavier than a lot of the grocery store ambers, it would make for a quality dinner beer. Still, not a great deal to write home about.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale: I've had it a couple of times before, and it is a very unique beer. It's a pretty heavy beer, so don't plan on putting away 6 of these in a night. You might either love or hate the Scotch flavor, but it is definitely worth trying
Rating: 4 out of 5
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
In case you enjoy pain...
ATTENTION NORTHWEST:
In case you enjoy reliving pain and frustration, ESPN Classic will rerun Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals at 5 a.m. Friday morning.
If it's too much pain to rewatch it, you can reread about it here.
In case you enjoy reliving pain and frustration, ESPN Classic will rerun Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals at 5 a.m. Friday morning.
If it's too much pain to rewatch it, you can reread about it here.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Santana Gets Grumpy (and is not entirely wrong)
Johan Santana said yesterday that he doesn't see himself being a part of the Twins' future because they won't do what it takes to win. So is he just being a grumpy athlete, or does he have legitimate complaints?
Both. When Terry Ryan (Twins GM) sent Luis Castillo to the Mets on Monday and only got two mid-level minor leaguers, it seemed to be a "looking to the future" move. Unless he was planning on making a big move for a bat on Tuesday. Which he didn't.
It's true that signing Castillo after this year just wasn't going to happen. However, when Ryan says that it doesn't mean he is giving up on the 2007 season -- well, I don't buy it. When you truly believe you are in it to win it, you don't trade your starting second baseman and a consistently above-.300 hitter for prospects, even if you think he is going to walk at the end of the season.
That being said, Ryan is in a tough place. Santana, Joe Nathan, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau are all in need of contracts or contract extensions. Money has to come from somewhere. And even though the Twins wrapped up a 7-game losing streak last week, they have won 4 in a row since, and are only 6 games back of Detroit and 5 back from Cleveland -- with two months to go. My guess is that Ryan himself was wondering if the Twins are in it or not.
If the Twins do have a run left in them, and they do end up in the playoffs -- which I concede is a longshot, especially with Detroit and Cleveland being two very solid teams -- maybe Santana will get over it and hope to resign with the Twins.
That being said, in an era where mediocre pitchers are receiving big-money contracts -- Santana will likely be in a Yankees or Red Sox uniform in the near future.
Both. When Terry Ryan (Twins GM) sent Luis Castillo to the Mets on Monday and only got two mid-level minor leaguers, it seemed to be a "looking to the future" move. Unless he was planning on making a big move for a bat on Tuesday. Which he didn't.
It's true that signing Castillo after this year just wasn't going to happen. However, when Ryan says that it doesn't mean he is giving up on the 2007 season -- well, I don't buy it. When you truly believe you are in it to win it, you don't trade your starting second baseman and a consistently above-.300 hitter for prospects, even if you think he is going to walk at the end of the season.
That being said, Ryan is in a tough place. Santana, Joe Nathan, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau are all in need of contracts or contract extensions. Money has to come from somewhere. And even though the Twins wrapped up a 7-game losing streak last week, they have won 4 in a row since, and are only 6 games back of Detroit and 5 back from Cleveland -- with two months to go. My guess is that Ryan himself was wondering if the Twins are in it or not.
If the Twins do have a run left in them, and they do end up in the playoffs -- which I concede is a longshot, especially with Detroit and Cleveland being two very solid teams -- maybe Santana will get over it and hope to resign with the Twins.
That being said, in an era where mediocre pitchers are receiving big-money contracts -- Santana will likely be in a Yankees or Red Sox uniform in the near future.
"Seinfeld" Randomness
Elaine: I was sitting there making a cup of soup singing that song from "The Lion King".
JERRY: "Hakuna Matata"?
ELAINE: I thought I was alone.
JERRY: That doesn't make it right.
-- from "The Merv Griffin Show," 11/6/97
JERRY: "Hakuna Matata"?
ELAINE: I thought I was alone.
JERRY: That doesn't make it right.
-- from "The Merv Griffin Show," 11/6/97
Daytime TV Rules
Maybe it's just a sign from God that I need to go back to work, but my love of "The People's Court" has really been reignited over the past couple of weeks. I think I even have a bit of a crush on Judge Marilyn Milian. According to Wikipedia, she was the first Hispanic court judge on TV. Muy caliente!
Everytime she says something in Spanish, my heart melts. She really is the best "People's Court" judge since Wapner.
And as great as Marilyn is, she's not the only reason to watch "The People's Court." Where else can you see guys like this:
"The mustache." Priceless!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Congrats, Steve
Saturday, July 28, 2007
I'm a Winner!
So, a couple of weeks ago I was walking through the Beaverton Borders, and on one of their end displays was a bunch of DVDs, CDs, and books. At first glance, it would appear that nothing connected all of these titles...which was the challenge. They were having a contest to see if you could guess what the common link was.
Some of the titles were "48 Hours," Bob Dylan's self-titled album, "Carrie" by Stephen King, etc. I knew that these were all works featuring the debut of somebody who would go on to become famous. So, I entered, more just to see if I was right than to win the free sandwich and drink in the Borders cafe.
Well, strip me naked and throw me in the chicken coop! Beaverton Borders called me today to tell me I won! Now, the next time I'm in the Beaverton area, I can stop by for a free sandwich and drink!
File this one under "booyah!"
Some of the titles were "48 Hours," Bob Dylan's self-titled album, "Carrie" by Stephen King, etc. I knew that these were all works featuring the debut of somebody who would go on to become famous. So, I entered, more just to see if I was right than to win the free sandwich and drink in the Borders cafe.
Well, strip me naked and throw me in the chicken coop! Beaverton Borders called me today to tell me I won! Now, the next time I'm in the Beaverton area, I can stop by for a free sandwich and drink!
File this one under "booyah!"
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What a Disaster
The Twins just gave up 11 runs in a single inning. How many more days until the 2008 season?
Monday, July 23, 2007
Amen, Bill
Bill Simmons sums up pretty well many of the reasons why I have been disenchanted with the NBA for years, and probably now more than ever.
Sure, Tim Donaghy is a jackass. But the NBA created the environment for him to get away with it for so long.
Sure, Tim Donaghy is a jackass. But the NBA created the environment for him to get away with it for so long.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Everywhere you look...
Full House fans rejoice! Jodie Sweetin, a.k.a Stephanie Tanner, who has had a troubled past, seems to have moved beyond all that and is starting a new life. She has just remarried! Congrats to Miss Sweetin.
She has certainly, *cough*, grown up.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Slapstick Rape?
Fighting a bit of insomnia last night, I turned on the TV and ended up watching the 1984 classic (?) Revenge of the Nerds, which featured an all-star lineup such as Golden Globe-winner Anthony Edwards, Golden Globe-winner John Goodman, and Academy Award-nominee James Cromwell. I suppose it's the kind of movie that's made for watching on cable in the middle of the night 23 years after its release.
For those of you have seen this landmark in cinema, you'll probably remember that there is a scene toward the end in which the Robert Carradine character ("Louis") screws -- I mean, makes love to -- the sorority princess Betty. Except, nerdy Louis has a costume helmet on, and Betty thinks that she is screwing -- I mean, making love to -- her fraternity stud boyfriend. Now, I know that Betty is supposed to be a bitchy character at this point in the movie, but I'm pretty sure that this is, um -- what's the word? -- oh yeah, RAPE.
On a related note, who remembers in Sixteen Candles when the Anthony Michael Hall character ("The Geek") screws (makes love?) to the completely drunk Caroline in the back of a car?
I know these are kinda dopey 80s teen sex comedies, and perhaps I'm reading too much into them...or maybe somehow rape was just considered funnier in the 80s.
For those of you have seen this landmark in cinema, you'll probably remember that there is a scene toward the end in which the Robert Carradine character ("Louis") screws -- I mean, makes love to -- the sorority princess Betty. Except, nerdy Louis has a costume helmet on, and Betty thinks that she is screwing -- I mean, making love to -- her fraternity stud boyfriend. Now, I know that Betty is supposed to be a bitchy character at this point in the movie, but I'm pretty sure that this is, um -- what's the word? -- oh yeah, RAPE.
On a related note, who remembers in Sixteen Candles when the Anthony Michael Hall character ("The Geek") screws (makes love?) to the completely drunk Caroline in the back of a car?
I know these are kinda dopey 80s teen sex comedies, and perhaps I'm reading too much into them...or maybe somehow rape was just considered funnier in the 80s.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Funny Crap
Yesterday I discovered the best web-show on the Internets -- "Clark and Michael." If you are a fan of Michael Cera and/or Arrested Development, you'll enjoy it. Each episode is about 8-10 minutes long, and there are eight episodes up at the moment, so there is no reason why you shouldn't watch them all in one sitting right now. And it has the best opening credits for a show ever.
You'll find the link under my links on the righthand side.
You'll find the link under my links on the righthand side.
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Working Poor
I know I'm a few years behind the times on this one, but I just finished reading Barbra Ehrenreich's book Nickel and Dimed. Essentially, Ehrenreich takes some time off from her middle-class lifestyle and attempts to support herself working only minimum wage jobs. This was inbetween 1998 and 2000 that she was doing this -- on July 24 of this year, the federal minimum wage will jump all the way up to $5.85. The idea that only people who are "too lazy to work" experience poverty is a bunch of bologna, not to mention another b-word that has one more letter.
Interesting book.
Interesting book.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
New Beginnings
Faithful readers know that once upon a time, in a previous lifetime, I maintained a blog. And then, almost a full year ago, the magic died, and that blog ceased being updated. Fans greived. The world was a different place without it.
This is my return to the world of blogging. This is the blog equivalent of the return of Michael Jordan. The first time he returned. Not the Washington Wizards years.
Faithful fans of the old blog may wonder what will be different about this blog. A legitimate question. For one thing, I am older and more mature than I was when I was writing the old blog. This will be a very high class blog.
This is my return to the world of blogging. This is the blog equivalent of the return of Michael Jordan. The first time he returned. Not the Washington Wizards years.
Faithful fans of the old blog may wonder what will be different about this blog. A legitimate question. For one thing, I am older and more mature than I was when I was writing the old blog. This will be a very high class blog.
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