Saturday, August 23, 2008
Atari Bigby Update
Last night in Denver, Green Bay safety Atari Bigby, The OFPWAFNOTB, had 3 tackles in a 27-24 preseason win. After the game, Bigby was listed as "questionable" with some sort of injury. Then again, as they used to say on Sportscenter, aren't we all?
Losing Joementum
No doubt shattered by the announcement of Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for vice president, Jon Lester is battered hither and yon by the Toronto Blue Jays in an 11-0 disaster. In the mixed blessing department, Tampa beat Chicago, so at this writing, Boston is still in the wild card catbird seat, with Minnesota due to play tonight.
I don't know how I feel about the Biden choice. The first thing I think of is the plagiarism back when he ran in 1988. That is 20 years ago, but I take plagiarism kind of personally. Then again, it was accidental (he did attribute the quote properly sometimes, but lost or forgot the attribution other times) and I have said things not being entirely sure if I said it or if im quoting someone. Talking as much as Biden does, I can imagine saying something without realizing it was someone else's.
I guess what bothers me is that it isn't big-it isnt revolutionary or earth shattering. And it feeds into the "Obama is inexperienced" meme, which I think is BS. I don't think the experience of Rumsfeld and Cheney got us very far, first of all, and second of all, I don't think anyone is qualified to be president. The best you can hope for is good judgement, and I think Obama has that.
I don't know how I feel about the Biden choice. The first thing I think of is the plagiarism back when he ran in 1988. That is 20 years ago, but I take plagiarism kind of personally. Then again, it was accidental (he did attribute the quote properly sometimes, but lost or forgot the attribution other times) and I have said things not being entirely sure if I said it or if im quoting someone. Talking as much as Biden does, I can imagine saying something without realizing it was someone else's.
I guess what bothers me is that it isn't big-it isnt revolutionary or earth shattering. And it feeds into the "Obama is inexperienced" meme, which I think is BS. I don't think the experience of Rumsfeld and Cheney got us very far, first of all, and second of all, I don't think anyone is qualified to be president. The best you can hope for is good judgement, and I think Obama has that.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Byrd is the Word
Newcomer Paul Byrd, supported by homers from a resurgent Jason Varitek and our man DP, won his first game for Boston in an 8-4 win in Toronto tonight.
If Minnesota hangs on to beat the Angles, they will remain tied with us for the Wild Card lead. Tampa won, remaining 4 1/2 games up.
128 games in the books, 34 games to go.
If Minnesota hangs on to beat the Angles, they will remain tied with us for the Wild Card lead. Tampa won, remaining 4 1/2 games up.
128 games in the books, 34 games to go.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A little over dramatic, eh?
The Red Sox did not lose tonight.
Both Tampa and Boston did not play tonight.
The news that Josh Beckett is suffering from tingling and numbness doesnt help my mood though.
I'm just flat. Affectless. Done.
This is part of the reason I stopped blogging-I get sick of reading my own whining at times.
Both Tampa and Boston did not play tonight.
The news that Josh Beckett is suffering from tingling and numbness doesnt help my mood though.
I'm just flat. Affectless. Done.
This is part of the reason I stopped blogging-I get sick of reading my own whining at times.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cowboy Clay, Hit The Trail
Handed a 4-0 lead, Cowboy Clay gets beaten senseless in an 11-6 thrashing by the Orioles tonight.
What's worse, Minnesota wins, Chicago wins, and New York wins, although Tampa loses.
Therefore,
Boston finishes the night 4 1/2 behind Tampa, 5 1/2 in front of New York and a lousy half game in front of the Twins for the Wild Card.
Grumble.
I could get mad about something else, but I just don't have the energy. I've started rereading Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, coming off of relistening to the audiobook of "The Last Lecture". Secure in the knowledge that my childhood dreams are safely out of reach, I am going to bed. With any luck, I won't wake up.
What's worse, Minnesota wins, Chicago wins, and New York wins, although Tampa loses.
Therefore,
Boston finishes the night 4 1/2 behind Tampa, 5 1/2 in front of New York and a lousy half game in front of the Twins for the Wild Card.
Grumble.
I could get mad about something else, but I just don't have the energy. I've started rereading Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, coming off of relistening to the audiobook of "The Last Lecture". Secure in the knowledge that my childhood dreams are safely out of reach, I am going to bed. With any luck, I won't wake up.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Get well soon, Yaz.
http://tinyurl.com/5kqd2k
Behind home runs from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek, Boston beat Baltimore, 7-2. However, Chicago, Minnesota, and Tampa all won, so the status remains quo.
Behind home runs from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek, Boston beat Baltimore, 7-2. However, Chicago, Minnesota, and Tampa all won, so the status remains quo.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Oh, and incidentally....No.
ESPN just ran a graphic asking if you can compare Michael Phelps to Michael Jordan.
In a word, no.
If Michael Phelps had to beat the best swimmers in the world 100 times over the course of 9 months, take three months off, then do it again the next year, I'd buy it.
As fantastic as whatever he's done is, it does not COMPARE to being a professional athlete. Sorry.
In a word, no.
If Michael Phelps had to beat the best swimmers in the world 100 times over the course of 9 months, take three months off, then do it again the next year, I'd buy it.
As fantastic as whatever he's done is, it does not COMPARE to being a professional athlete. Sorry.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Brilliant!
A brilliant XKCD cartoon about voting machines.
http://xkcd.com/463/
In football news, Tom Brady is apparently struggling with an ankle problem, different from the Super Bowl ankle problem.
Oh, great.
In Green Bay's second preseason game, Atari Bigby (the OFPWAFNOTB) (Official Football Player With A Funny Name Of This Blog) only managed one lousy tackle. One tackle, Atari? Come on, step it up, man!
http://xkcd.com/463/
In football news, Tom Brady is apparently struggling with an ankle problem, different from the Super Bowl ankle problem.
Oh, great.
In Green Bay's second preseason game, Atari Bigby (the OFPWAFNOTB) (Official Football Player With A Funny Name Of This Blog) only managed one lousy tackle. One tackle, Atari? Come on, step it up, man!
Trampolining?
I'm sorry, what?
Jumping on a TRAMPOLINE is an Olympic sport? Really? No wonder I don't care about it.
I was thinking earlier today that I didn't note on here that Isaac Hayes, the Mack Daddy of Mack Daddies, passed away last week. Not my cup of tea, but an undeniably great musician.
I recieved in today's mail, and read from cover to cover before work, Nick Hornby's book "31 Songs". I was looking at something, and I saw the book listed, and realized, "Oh my heavens! I missed a Hornby book!"
Then, it turned out, I have read it. I'm not sure where my other copy was, but after reading it, I am now confident I read it before.
I had fun reading it anyway, even so. Nick is always a pleasure to read, although he does depress me with his skill and grace-I am insanely jealous of his skill.
In Baltimore, Boston beat Baltimore 6-3, thanks to everyone's favorite Canadian, Jason Bay, who clouted two circuit blasts. Tampa also won, leaving Boston 4 1/2 games out of first and 1 game up on either Chicago or Minnesota for the wild card.
Jumping on a TRAMPOLINE is an Olympic sport? Really? No wonder I don't care about it.
I was thinking earlier today that I didn't note on here that Isaac Hayes, the Mack Daddy of Mack Daddies, passed away last week. Not my cup of tea, but an undeniably great musician.
I recieved in today's mail, and read from cover to cover before work, Nick Hornby's book "31 Songs". I was looking at something, and I saw the book listed, and realized, "Oh my heavens! I missed a Hornby book!"
Then, it turned out, I have read it. I'm not sure where my other copy was, but after reading it, I am now confident I read it before.
I had fun reading it anyway, even so. Nick is always a pleasure to read, although he does depress me with his skill and grace-I am insanely jealous of his skill.
In Baltimore, Boston beat Baltimore 6-3, thanks to everyone's favorite Canadian, Jason Bay, who clouted two circuit blasts. Tampa also won, leaving Boston 4 1/2 games out of first and 1 game up on either Chicago or Minnesota for the wild card.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Very Well Written Piece
A very well written piece about a pro life leader's support of Obama.
http://tinyurl.com/5g6swv
"In Obama's America arguments for compassion for the unborn and all the other "least of these" will resonate regardless of Obama's stance on the legality of abortion. Roe is not the point. Our hearts are the point. The unborn like everyone else will do better in a country that puts people, the earth, and our future ahead of greed, oil company profits and jingoistic rule by fear."
This paragraph terrifies me, because it is so bloody true and because I am terrified Obama will not win.
http://tinyurl.com/5g6swv
"In Obama's America arguments for compassion for the unborn and all the other "least of these" will resonate regardless of Obama's stance on the legality of abortion. Roe is not the point. Our hearts are the point. The unborn like everyone else will do better in a country that puts people, the earth, and our future ahead of greed, oil company profits and jingoistic rule by fear."
This paragraph terrifies me, because it is so bloody true and because I am terrified Obama will not win.
Good thing the Homestead Grays arent on the schedule
In game 124 of the 2008 baseball season, Boston took it on the chin, losing 15-4 to Shawn Marcum and the Toronto Blue Jays.
It appears we have issues with teams with "ay" in their name.
As Wile E Coyote used to put it, Yipe.
Tampa plays Texas tonight, so the best case scenario is that we stay 4 out.
Sigh.
It appears we have issues with teams with "ay" in their name.
As Wile E Coyote used to put it, Yipe.
Tampa plays Texas tonight, so the best case scenario is that we stay 4 out.
Sigh.
The Sad and Lost Apostles
Bleargh, bleargh.
Vaguely nauseous this morning. I’m sure it is stress. I have read plenty of suggestions and bromides and philosophies for how to deal with stress-how to deny it or defuse it or otherwise shunt its power over me. I can’t honestly say that I have tried them all-I don’t really have the patience to try anything. But it still turns my guts to molten lead when I go in to work.
This is why I have stopped blogging from time to time-I get whiny. I don’t want to just complain all the time. It makes the blogging, especially, tedious and pointless. The life, too.
Charlie Pierce makes an excellent point on this week’s “Only A Game”-the episode where the Spanish men’s basketball team apparently took a picture while using their fingers to pull their eyes into a slanted shape-is both dumb and racist. The two terms are not mutually exclusive. (The question is usually phrased, “Was he being racist? Or merely stupid?”)
One thing you hear a lot of these days is “crying racism” or “playing the race card”. There’s a pretty simple solution to that. If you don’t want to be accused of being racist, don’t be racist. Yes, PC is terribly restrictive of the free flow of ideas, but is it so awful that we try not to offend other human beings? Is it really that hard? It seems to me there are enough words in our language that we can try to pick better ones.
In the novel, “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” my favorite detective, Spenser, says something mildly offensive to the title character, a lesbian activist. She calls him on it, and he apologizes and says, essentially, that he can’t unsay it, but he can try not to say it again. That seems to me to be a pretty sensible policy, from Don Imus on down.
TEN THINGS I BELIEVE
1.Jed Lowrie is a major league shortstop
2.There are too many NFL preseason games
3.It takes an enormous amount of courage to have a baby in 2008.
4.Flip flops are not acceptable on men, and only slightly less so on women.
5.It is possible to appreciate the larger meaning of something, and also just like it.
6.In a decent society, you should be able to go to the doctor if you are sick.
7.Bunting and stealing bases is almost never a good idea.
8.Unless it’s 1911.
9.Evil, at its core, is about denying the humanity of another.
10.Blaming the victim doesn’t accomplish anything.
David Gergen, at a wonderful CUNY Lecture Series podcast with NBC’s Brian Williams and Doris Kearns Goodwin, sees America as being at a “strategic inflection point”-a term borrowed from Intel CEO Andy Grove’s book. The game is changing-and we have become self satisfied, smug and self righteous, demanding bread and circuses and, frankly, blogging about life instead of living it.
Typical old guy snarkiness about blogs, but a good point.
But Kearns Goodwin ripostes with the memory that we have had other moments like this before-the famous painting of the signing of the Declaration, when one of the founders asked if the sun was rising or setting, or the Civil War, or World War II. We’ve always gotten through them before.
This one feels different, though.
Then again, they probably said that back then, too.
I’ve run myself out of podcasts for the moment, so it’s back to music.
I used to just always hit “shuffle songs”, but lately, I have kept it off of shuffle. I’ve already segregated the musicals, so I don’t go from “Creeping Death” to “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” any more. I want to really segregate the metal, so I have a harder playlist and a softer one, beyond that. Plus keeping it off of shuffle lets you play a musical soundtrack in its proper order.
What I do now is find an artist (right now, REM) and let the thing play through the albums alphabetically. I found that I missed the sense of order of an album, even when its not literally ordered like a musical is. (IE order critical, or at least important to the understanding of the action.)
REM’s latest album, “Accelerate,” seems to get better with every listen.
“All you sad and lost apostles…”
Lee Sinins (www.leesinins.com) is reporting that Tom Glavine may retire. 305 wins, very consistent lefthander. Great hitter, great hockey player. Good control pitcher. Surefire HOF player.
Native of Billerica, Massachusetts.
Vaguely nauseous this morning. I’m sure it is stress. I have read plenty of suggestions and bromides and philosophies for how to deal with stress-how to deny it or defuse it or otherwise shunt its power over me. I can’t honestly say that I have tried them all-I don’t really have the patience to try anything. But it still turns my guts to molten lead when I go in to work.
This is why I have stopped blogging from time to time-I get whiny. I don’t want to just complain all the time. It makes the blogging, especially, tedious and pointless. The life, too.
Charlie Pierce makes an excellent point on this week’s “Only A Game”-the episode where the Spanish men’s basketball team apparently took a picture while using their fingers to pull their eyes into a slanted shape-is both dumb and racist. The two terms are not mutually exclusive. (The question is usually phrased, “Was he being racist? Or merely stupid?”)
One thing you hear a lot of these days is “crying racism” or “playing the race card”. There’s a pretty simple solution to that. If you don’t want to be accused of being racist, don’t be racist. Yes, PC is terribly restrictive of the free flow of ideas, but is it so awful that we try not to offend other human beings? Is it really that hard? It seems to me there are enough words in our language that we can try to pick better ones.
In the novel, “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” my favorite detective, Spenser, says something mildly offensive to the title character, a lesbian activist. She calls him on it, and he apologizes and says, essentially, that he can’t unsay it, but he can try not to say it again. That seems to me to be a pretty sensible policy, from Don Imus on down.
TEN THINGS I BELIEVE
1.Jed Lowrie is a major league shortstop
2.There are too many NFL preseason games
3.It takes an enormous amount of courage to have a baby in 2008.
4.Flip flops are not acceptable on men, and only slightly less so on women.
5.It is possible to appreciate the larger meaning of something, and also just like it.
6.In a decent society, you should be able to go to the doctor if you are sick.
7.Bunting and stealing bases is almost never a good idea.
8.Unless it’s 1911.
9.Evil, at its core, is about denying the humanity of another.
10.Blaming the victim doesn’t accomplish anything.
David Gergen, at a wonderful CUNY Lecture Series podcast with NBC’s Brian Williams and Doris Kearns Goodwin, sees America as being at a “strategic inflection point”-a term borrowed from Intel CEO Andy Grove’s book. The game is changing-and we have become self satisfied, smug and self righteous, demanding bread and circuses and, frankly, blogging about life instead of living it.
Typical old guy snarkiness about blogs, but a good point.
But Kearns Goodwin ripostes with the memory that we have had other moments like this before-the famous painting of the signing of the Declaration, when one of the founders asked if the sun was rising or setting, or the Civil War, or World War II. We’ve always gotten through them before.
This one feels different, though.
Then again, they probably said that back then, too.
I’ve run myself out of podcasts for the moment, so it’s back to music.
I used to just always hit “shuffle songs”, but lately, I have kept it off of shuffle. I’ve already segregated the musicals, so I don’t go from “Creeping Death” to “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” any more. I want to really segregate the metal, so I have a harder playlist and a softer one, beyond that. Plus keeping it off of shuffle lets you play a musical soundtrack in its proper order.
What I do now is find an artist (right now, REM) and let the thing play through the albums alphabetically. I found that I missed the sense of order of an album, even when its not literally ordered like a musical is. (IE order critical, or at least important to the understanding of the action.)
REM’s latest album, “Accelerate,” seems to get better with every listen.
“All you sad and lost apostles…”
Lee Sinins (www.leesinins.com) is reporting that Tom Glavine may retire. 305 wins, very consistent lefthander. Great hitter, great hockey player. Good control pitcher. Surefire HOF player.
Native of Billerica, Massachusetts.
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