Thursday, December 25, 2008

Eartha Kitt Dies at age 81


Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, has died, a family spokesman said. She was 81.


Kitt, famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.


Her career spanned six decades, from her start as a dancer with the famed Katherine Dunham troupe to cabarets and acting and singing on stage, in movies and on television. She persevered through an unhappy childhood as a mixed-race daughter of the South and made headlines in the 1960s for denouncing the Vietnam War during a visit to the White House.


Her role as Yzma in the 2000 Disney animated feature "The Emperor's New Groove" is a favorite in our household. It was one of the first movies Haley, Nancy and I went to see in the theater.

Friday, December 12, 2008

What I'm Reading....Now!


I got this from one of my aunts around the time Nana died. I forgot I had it. I also forgot how much I like this guy's stuff.

Did Yankees overpay for overweight CC?


As reported on si.com from a Boston Globe story...

One baseball executive offered an observation that seemed to bear truth with word of CC Sabathia's seven-year, $161 million deal: The Yankees will have to overpay to get any major free agent.

One general manager said, "It's just crazy. Seven years for a pitcher?" The Yankees have always had money to burn and have been burdened with big contracts that are eventually useless over time.

Sabathia is a terrific pitcher, perhaps the best in the game right now. He's lefthanded. Still, his big body worried every major suitor even though he's been amazingly durable.

"As he gets older, he's not gonna get skinnier," said the GM.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Robert Prosky dies at age 77


Robert Prosky, a character actor with hundreds of credits on stage and screen including "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Hill Street Blues," has died in a Washington hospital. He was 77.

Prosky appeared in more than 200 plays on Broadway and with Arena Stage, a regional theater company in Washington. He appeared in 38 films and numerous television shows.

A native of Philadelphia, Prosky studied economics at Temple University and served in the U.S. Air Force.

His role as Judge Henry Harper in the 1994 remake of "Miracle on 34th Street" is a favorite in our household.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant..."

From the address given by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., on December 8, 1941:

"[On] December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific."

The next day my grandfather turned 19. My recollection is that shortly after he learned the news, he made the trip from "The Farm" in Hartford, VT to Rutland, VT to enlist.


I can't even begin to comprehend how he, and the millions like him, were able to do what they did afterwards.


Friday, November 28, 2008

Whose Line is it Anyway - Sound Effects



James Bond



Two Jedi Attack The Death Star

Some Sox Thoughts From Tony Massarotti


Time for a baseball post!


The Joy of Sox (I am sorry to say I just "got" the title this morning!) summed up Tony Massarotti's most recent Boston Globe chat thusly: Mark Teixeira will be playing first base for the 2009 Red Sox (with Kevin Youklis returning to third), we'll be stuck with Julio Lugo (or at least stuck with his contract), the Papi noise is just that, the Sox will make a deal for either Ranger catcher Taylor Teagarden or Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Justin Masterson will stay in the bullpen.


And he mentioned Manny might fill the hole the Phillies have with Pat the Bat leaving town...

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ten Movies I Like....

As the title of this post would indicate, here are ten movies I like.
No order. No separating "Desert Island" from "Guilty Pleasures". No explanations.


"I've always wished for more artistic talent. Well, murder can be an art, too. The power to kill can be just as satisfying as the power to create. "

"Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much, my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to tell about days like today. "


"The first thing you've got to learn about this ship is that she was designed by geniuses to be run by idiots."

"Sergeant, you got your men this far. You did it right today. Now you gotta start thinking about getting them out of here."



"Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist."

"When I came home, there was a man in my house. I fought with this man. He had a mechanical arm. You find this man. You find this man."

"They all did it. But if you wanna know who killed Mr. Boddy, I did. In the hall. With the revolver. Okay, Chief, take 'em away. I'm gonna go home and sleep with my wife."

"Nine million terrorists in the world and I gotta kill one with feet smaller than my sister."

"Sorry, Venkman, I'm terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought."

"Am I in Spain? No I'm not in Spain, dear, I'm in agony, that's where I am!"

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia wins AL MVP


NEW YORK (AP)—Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has won the American League Most Valuable Player award.

Pedroia got 16 of the 28 first-place votes and easily beat out Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau.

Pedroia became the first AL second baseman to win the award since Nellie Fox in 1959.

By prevailing in the Baseball Writers' Association of America voting, Pedroia became the 10th Red Sox MVP winner and the first to cart home the coveted award since Mo Vaughn in 1995. The previous winners from Boston were Jimmie Foxx (1938), Ted Williams (1946 and 1949), Jackie Jensen (1958), Carl Yastrzemski (1967), Fred Lynn (1975), Jim Rice (1978) and Roger Clemens (1986).

Since Vaughn's victory 13 years ago, three Red Sox players finished second in the voting: shortstop Nomar Garciaparra in 1998, pitcher Pedro Martinez in 1999 and designated hitter David Ortiz in 2005.

Upcoming episodes of "The Office"

SPOILER ALERT! This post contains spoilers.

"Frame Toby" (November 20, 2008)

A mysterious person in the office has made a huge mess in the microwave and will not clean it up. Meanwhile, Michael has to come to terms with the fact that there have been certain personnel changes in his staff without his knowing.

"The Surplus" (December 4, 2008)

Oscar informs Michael that the office must spend a $4300 surplus or lose it in next year’s budget. When Michael opens up the floor for suggestions, factions break out and officemates square off against one another in order to get what they want. Meanwhile, Dwight takes Angela and Andy to Schrute Farms to work on their wedding plans.

"Moroccan Christmas" (December 11,2008)

Phyllis’ Moroccan-themed holiday party goes up in flames when Meredith’s hair catches on fire and Michael is forced to deal with the accident. Meanwhile, Dwight corners the market on the hottest toy of the Christmas season.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Who Watches The Watchmen...

I haven't seen "Dark Knight" or "Iron Man"* or "Incredible Hulk"** but I might go see this.




*Edited 11-25-08...have now seen "Iron Man"...it was fun.
**Edited about 2 hours later...it had its moments but a bit of a let down after "Iron Man"

Friday, November 14, 2008

Pedroia adds Silver Slugger to his Gold Glove


from espn.com...


Dustin Pedroia, who recently won a Gold Glove, on Thursday also earned the Silver Slugger in voting by managers and coaches. The honor is given to the top offensive performers at their respective positions.


Pedroia became the first Red Sox second baseman to receive the honor after batting .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs. The 25-year-old led the majors with 54 doubles, tied Ichiro Suzuki for first with 213 hits, and ranked second with 118 runs and 61 multi-hit games, both AL highs.


Selections for the Louisville Silver Slugger Award were based on a combination of offensive statistics including batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, as well as the coaches' and managers' general impressions of a player's overall offensive value.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans Day*

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army


IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.


We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.


Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.




*The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day on calendars. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that no apostrophe rather than the possessive case is the official spelling.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Jonas Brothers News

So Kevin just turned 21. There seems to be a lot of hubub about this photo circulating of him driving around in a quarter of a million dollar Lamborghini.

He updated the Jonas Brothers Myspace page yesterday, letting fans in on his birthday and the Lamborghini he was driving isn't his! He borrowed it from a friend!

Read what he wrote below:

"Hey everyone! Kevin here. Still can't believe I just turned 21 years old. Just wanted to thank everyone for all of the comments, messages, etc. You helped make this one of the best days ever.

We were busy all day filming our new show so everyone showed up at the set and sang Happy Birthday. Then a friend let me use his car (a Lamborghini) for the day. It was so much fun to drive it.

Although it is great...I still love my Tahoe Hybrid! Had fun all day with friends and family. But one of the best things was reading all the comments you left. Thanks again."

KevJo is so P.C.!

***UPDATE: The papers were able to get some pictures of Kevin and his New Jersey hometown love, Danielle, enjoying the ‘friend’s’ Lamborghini on Thursday

Friday, November 7, 2008

Homage Covers

Here are 9 covers that have a similar composition.
As always, I own a copy of each of these.
Click on the title of this post to read more about this cover composition.
February 1968


May 1980


August 1980


October 1985

May 1987
December 1991

April 1992

August 1993


April 2005

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Pedroia wins Gold Glove


From mlb.com....

For all the attention that little Dustin Pedroia gets for his big bat, his emergence into an elite second baseman has too often been lost in the shuffle.But that changed in dramatic fashion on Thursday, when Pedroia, the sparkplug of the Boston Red Sox, was officially awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove for his defensive excellence.

Pedroia nabbed the honor for the first time in just his second Major League season.


In 157 games, Pedroia made just six errors and had a .992 fielding percentage.


His strengths on defense are numerous, from his agility to his sure hands to the way he hangs in there on double plays.

Read more HERE.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama

Wow
Whether you supported John McCain or Barack Obama...tonight history has been made.




Sunday, November 2, 2008

Bond...James Bond.

For you, Nan. Cut and pasted from various sources.

Originally meant as the first James Bond film, Thunderball was the center of legal disputes beginning in 1961. Former Ian Fleming collaborators Kevin McClory and Jack Whittingham sued him shortly after the 1961 publication of the Thunderball novel, claiming he based it upon the screenplay the trio had earlier written in a failed cinematic translation of James Bond.

The lawsuit was settled out of court; McClory retained certain screen rights to the novel's story, plot, and characters. By then, "James Bond" was a box office success, and series producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman feared a rival McClory film beyond their control; they agreed to McClory's producer's credit of a cinematic Thunderball, with them as executive producers.

Later, in 1964, EON producers Broccoli and Saltzman agreed with McClory to cinematically adapt the novel; it was promoted as "Ian Fleming's Thunderball". Yet, along with the credit to screenwriters Richard Maibaum and John Hopkins, the screenplay is also identified as based on an original screenplay by Jack Whittingham and as based on the original story by Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham, and Ian Fleming.

To date, Thunderball has twice been adapted cinematically; the 1983, McClory-produced Never Say Never Again, features Sean Connery as James Bond, but is not an official EON production. (The title is based on a conversation between Sean Connery and his wife. After the film Diamonds Are Forever he told her he'd 'never' play James Bond again. Her response was for him to "Never say never again". She is credited at the end of the film for her contribution. As a result, it was the first Bond movie to use a non-Fleming originated title.)

The film For Your Eyes Only is noted for its pre-title sequence which sees the final comeuppance of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Bond's enemy in five previous films. For this film, Blofeld is deliberately not named due to copyright restrictions with McClory, who owned the film rights to Thunderball which supposedly includes the character Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the organization SPECTRE, and a number of other material associated with the development of Thunderball. The demise of Blofeld was added to show that the "James Bond" series did not need Blofeld.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tom Fagan 1931-2008

Been meaning to post this for a few days now.

Anyone who was really into Marvel and DC Comics in the '70's might recognize Tom's name. Tom was the organizer and co-ordinator of the Rutland (Vermont) Halloween Parade. For several years, he hosted a Halloween party that got several comics creators to attend, including Steve Englehart, Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman, Bernie Wrightson, Dennis O'Neil, Roy Thomas, Alan Weiss, Wendy and Richard Pini, Dave Cockrum and Len Wein.

These creators worked Tom and Rutland, VT into a bunch of comics, which led to what some consider the first inter-company crossover(Amazing Adventures #16 from Marvel led into a story in DC's Justice League of America #103 and concluded back at Marvel in Thor #207).

Tom passed away last week at the age of 77.

A couple of links you can check out (including the title of this entry):

The Wikipedia article on the Rutland Halloween Parade.

This site, all about the Marvel Universe, has an article on the Parade and Tom.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The 2008 Season is over.

The Phillies defeat the Devil Rays in 5 games.

While I obviously wanted the Sox to repeat, I think this is an okay runner-up scenario.

Cole Hamels was named MVP of both the NLCS and the World Series.

Joy of Sox put it best..."The Red Sox are no longer baseball's defending champions."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Upcoming episodes of "The Office"

Next Week:“Employee Transfer.”

Pam (Jenna Fischer) is embarrassed when she is the only person at corporate wearing a costume on Halloween. Holly (guest star Amy Ryan) and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) take the long trip to Nashua after they get some shocking news from corporate. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) torments Andy (Ed Helms) and tries to get under his skin.

Nov. 6:“Customer Survey.”

Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski) are shocked when they get the results of the annual customer survey report. Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim decide they want to spend every minute together using their bluetooth phones. Meanwhile, Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Andy (Ed Helms) pick an unusual location for their wedding.

Nov. 13:“Business Trip”

Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is ecstatic when David Wallace (Andy Buckley) decides to send him on a business trip to Canada. Andy (Ed Helms) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) become unlikely friends when Michael decides to bring them along on the trip. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) is counting down the days until Pam (Jenna Fischer) gets back from art school.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Red Sox bring back most of staff

The Boston Red Sox will bring back most of their coaching staff for the 2009 season.

First base coach Luis Alicea is the exception; the team said he will not be offered a contract for next year.

Pitching coach John Farrell, third base coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Dave Magadan, bench coach Brad Mills, and bullpen coach Gary Tuck have been asked back, the team said.

Also Wednesday, the team announced that right-hander Chris Smith elected free agency after being designated for assignment. Smith was 1-0 with a 7.85 ERA in 12 appearances with Boston; he also appeared in 37 games for Triple-A Pawtucket last season.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

DC Comics January 2009 Solicits

There is a theme here...I just can't figure it out yet.


Titans #9
Justice League of America #29


Detective Comics#852

Action Comics #873
Wonder Woman #28

Batman #685


Supergirl #37


Superman #684

Green Arrow/Black Canary #16


Justice Society of America #23







Monday, October 20, 2008

Wait 'Till Next Year

So they didn't make it. I think I am okay with it. I think that going to bed during game five thinking it was over helped soften the blow. And I think it would have been worse to go to the Series and lose there, to be honest with you. Looking at how far we made it in the condition we were in makes me happy.

I am quite impressed that NO member of the Sox is embarrassing themselves the way John Lackey did when the Angels lost. Look at these quotes:


    "I feel like there's no losers in here tonight," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "We got beat by a team that's playing great. We congratulate them. I still feel like this was a championship effort this year. [It's] something for the organization to be proud of. It's baseball. You don't win all the time. The effort was incredible. Every guy here left it all on the field." 
and

    "It definitely hurts," said Youkilis. "We battled so hard and had a great year of battling through a lot of adversity and a lot of things. We fell short. I feel like I should have done a little bit more, I think tonight and other parts of the series. I put a lot on my shoulders. I think I didn't carry this team enough tonight when there were some opportunities I could have."
and

    "You get used to a certain level, playing in this Red Sox uniform," said closer Jonathan Papelbon. "I don't think anybody else expected us to lose. It's just, these are the circumstances and it happened. We gave ourselves a chance to win. We fell just a little bit short. Year after year, we're going to put ourselves in a position to win championships. You can't ask for anything else." 


Pretty classy.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

And once again.....

It all comes down to this man.....


Did you know??

With the win Saturday against the Rays, the Red Sox are 8-0 in Game 6's when they are trailing 3-2 in a best-of-seven or best-of-nine postseason series.

Year Series Foe Game 6 Series
1903 WS Pittsburgh Won Won in 8
1967 WS St. Louis Won Lost in 7
1975 WS Cincinnati Won Lost in 7
1986 ALCS California Won Won in 7
2003 ALCS New York Won Lost in 7
2004 ALCS New York Won Won in 7
2007 ALCS Cleveland Won Won in 7
2008 ALCS Rays Won ???


The Red Sox are 9-1 in elimination games under manager Terry Francona.

Year Series Foe Game Result
2004 ALCS Yankees 4 Won
2004 ALCS Yankees 5 Won
2004 ALCS Yankees 6 Won
2004 ALCS Yankees 7 Won
2005 ALDS White Sox 3 Lost
2007 ALCS Indians 5 Won
2007 ALCS Indians 6 Won
2007 ALCS Indians 7 Won
2008 ALCS Rays 5 Won
2008 ALCS Rays 6 Won
2008 ALCS Pays 7 ???

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Did You Know?

The Red Sox have history on their side.

Under manager Terry Francona, the Red Sox are 8-1 in potential elimination games.

Since the ALCS became a best-of-seven series in 1985, six teams have taken a 3-2 edge into Game 6 with the home-field advantage. Three of those teams won Game 6 to advance to the World Series, one lost Game 6 but then won Game 7, and two teams lost both Games 6 and 7 at home.

The last time...when the Red Sox defeated the Yankees in 2004.

One game, one inning, one out at a time!!!
Not saying who I am voting for here so I will post both Presidential Candidates' appearances at the recent Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner.





Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To Nancy!

Happy Birthday To You!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I still say it is do-able....

The Red Sox have a 3-1 hill to climb, but it has been done before. Here are the 10 teams that have come back from a 3-1 series deficit to win a best-of-seven series, including five that closed out the series on the road:

Year Series Team Opponent
2007 ALCS Red Sox Indians
2004 ALCS Red Sox* Yankees
2003 NLCS Marlins* Cubs
1996 NLCS Braves Cardinals
1986 ALCS Red Sox Angels
1985 ALCS Royals* Blue Jays
1985 WS Royals Cardinals
1968 WS Tigers* Cardinals
1958 WS Yankees* Braves (Mil.)
1925 WS Pirates Senators


* Won final two on the road.

Did You Know?

Since 1985, four of the 15 teams that have trailed 3-1 in the ALCS have come back to win the pennant. The Red Sox account for three of those four teams: 1986, 2004, 2007.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Breaking News....

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government is on track for re-election after polls close, Canadian media project.

Got nothing....

Sorry, I am tired and spent.

Mikey did good.

Some students did not. Nor are the Sox.

But My Sweet Nanny and the kids remain awesome.

More but sleepy.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I just realized....

So I am listening to the game while I am surfing and typing.

I look at my predictions for this Red Sox/Devil Rays series and I predicted the Sox in 6. What I seemed to have forgotten is that means the Sox will LOSE 2 games!

Why can't I get my head around that! Have I been spoiled by the recent success of this team that I love oh so very much!?!?!?

And My Sweet Nanny's birthday is one week away...I ordered her presents tonight.....hee-hee.

The Office: Business Ethics

Jim Halpert: By any chance did you see Battlestar Gallactica?

Andy Bernard: No I did not. Was that any good?

Jim Halpert: Actually not. It was really so-so. [holds up stopwatch to Dwight]

Jim Halper:I mean I like all the crazy monsters and stuff, you know like Klingons and Wookies and all that but-- Sorry was, there something you wanted to add Dwight?

Andy Bernard: Is that anything like the original Battlestar Galactica.

Jim Halpert: You what's weird? It's practically a shot for shot remake.

Andy Bernard: Really? Huh. Cool.

Jim Halpert: The story's kind of bland. It's about this guy named Dumbledore Calrissian and he has to return the ring back to Mordor.

Andy Bernard: [pause] That doesn't sound right...



Originally aired 10-09-08

Game One Thoughts

Wow! That was fun. I don't think I was able to relax at all. Dice-K was impressive, to say the least.

Watching the game with my brother, Justin, was fun. He is a funny guy and I like talking baseball with him. He seems to have put this Yankee season in perspective. And in the 8th inning, he dozed off and his snoring was funny.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Found on FoxSports.com

Odds to Win the 2009 World Series

Boston Red Sox 7/4

Tampa Bay Rays 5/2

Los Angeles Dodgers 3/1

Philadelphia Phillies 13/4

-- Bodog

Championship Series Predictions

I think these are my honest predictions, not just what I hope for...


Red Sox over the Devil Rays in 6.

Phils over the Dodgers in 7.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

"Because there's no crying in baseball. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL! No crying!"

So you probably have heard about some of the comments the Angels are making after LOSING to the Sox last night.

Things like this:

"It's way different than last year. We are way better than they are. We lost to a team not as good as us. ... The last two days, we shouldn't have given up anything. ... I want to throw somebody through a wall.
...[On Sunday] they scored on a pop fly they called a hit, which is a joke. [On Monday], they score on a broken-bat ground ball and a fly ball anywhere else in America [except in Fenway Park]. And [Pedroia's] fist-pumping on second like he did something great."

It was summed perfectly on PTI tonight. Michael Wilbon called the Angels a bunch of whiners and told Lackey to "shut up!"

Monday, October 6, 2008

Bring on the Devil Rays!!!!!

WALK-OFF FOR LOWRIE (11:31, END 9, 3-2 SOX)

The Red Sox defeated the Angels, 3-2, to win the divisional series, 3-1. Starter Jon Lester threw 7 shutout innings, but the Sox pen gave up a pair of runs in the 8th.

Top of the ninth and Morales hits a double and is replaced by Willits. Kendrick sacrifices him over to third. Then Aybar takes two balls before trying the suicide squeeze. On the third pitch Aybar missed the bunt with Willits halfway to home. Jason Varitek chased him down and tagged him on the rear end. Aybar then bounced to first.

Then comes the bottom of the ninth....

After Drew strikes out, Jason Bay hits a ground rule double with one out. Teixeira grabs Kotsay's laser for the second out. Then Lowrie hits the first pitch he sees through the right side for a game-winning single, bringing the Red Sox out of the dugout and the series to a close.

As Cora just said "Great win. Now let's go to Tampa!"

It all comes down to....

...this man...

No Duh?

From SI.com....

"Red Sox Covet Padres' Peavy"

If Jake Peavy does indeed become trade bait in San Diego, watch the line form out the door for his services. Peavy, 27, is precisely the type of pitcher the Red Sox covet. And considering the close relationship between GMs Theo Epstein and Kevin Towers, don't rule out the Sox. The Padres would want a Dan Haren-type deal, and the Sox have the chips to do it.

Did You Know?

The Red Sox's streak of 11 consecutive postseason wins over the Angels came to an end with a 6-5 loss in Game 3. Now we are at 2-1.

The only time the Red Sox have lost a postseason series after taking a 2-0 lead in their history was in the 1986 World Series against the Mets. It is going to stay that way.

So, in other words, TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT, BABY!!!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Get Well Soon!

According to The Modesto Bee, 87-year old actress, comedienne and icon Carol Channing suffered a fall at her Modesto, California home and broke her hip and both legs a little over two weeks ago.

The fall caused her to cancel her concert that was to kick off "Hello, Carol! A Celebration of Carol Channing," an exhibition on her life and work.

The exhibition is scheduled to run at the Museum of Performance & Design in San Fransisco through March 14.

"It's a painful and temporary setback," Channing said in a statement, promising to return to San Francisco.

More baseball thoughts...

So, the Cubbies were swept by the Dodgers and the Phils took down the Brewers in 4. I hope the ChiSox take the Devil Rays to at least four or five games to wear them down. And I hope I am wrong about the Red Sox losing tonight's game. Things are looking so much better for them since I made my prediction....

I'd write more but I hear Nan upstairs banging on the floor that dinner is ready.

Maybe I'll try to write after dinner when I need a break from writing Progress Reports!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

All Division Series at 2 and 0!

ALDS
Red Sox lead the Angels 2-0
Rays lead the White Sox 2-0

NLDS
Dodgers lead the Cubs 2-0
Phillies lead the Brewers 2-0

So all we know is that "Home Field Advantage" hasn't helped the Halos or the Cubbies. Phils are down as I type this against the Brewers 3-0 in the top of the sixth.

And we're sending (what sounds like) a healthy Josh Beckett to the mound tomorrow night at the reasonable hour of 7:17 PM.

His 1.73 ERA in 10 postseason appearances is the third lowest among pitchers with at least 40 innings. The .159 opponents batting average in the postseason is the lowest of any pitcher with 40-plus innings.

Lastly, from all accounts it seems like I should be glad we don't have TBS!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

The Siegel & Shuster Society

There has been an effort recently to save the home of Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman. The goal was to raise $50,000 just to work on the outside of the house. Instead, they raised $101,000. Which now means they'll be working on the inside of the house as well.

To celebrate there was an impromtu clean-up at the house this past weekend. Here is a photo from that day:


And lastly is a note from Jerry Siegel's wife and daughter:
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved in this massive undertaking. We have great admiration for you and what you are accomplishing with the auction. We deeply appreciate the love and care you put into it. The amount of money that's already been raised to restore Jerry's house is a magnificent tribute to Jerry's memory! We thank you and everyone who made this effort possible for honoring Jerry in this very special way.
Sincerely,Joanne Siegel and Laura Siegel Larson

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Up One Game to None

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for any former member of the Montreal Expos. But, Vlad, you are not the speedster you once were....

And Ellsbury continues to impress me, both at the dish and in the field...


And welcome to the post season, Mr. Bay!


Elsewhere, the Dodgers shock the Cubbies, the Devil Rays continue to defy logic and the Phils got one last night and are about to beat CC for number 2!

And no new episode of "The Office" tonight because of the Vice Presidential debate. :(

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Red Sox finalize ALDS roster...

Here is the official roster breakdown:

Pitchers (10): Jon Lester; Daisuke Matsuzaka; Josh Beckett; Tim Wakefield; Paul Byrd; Jonathan Papelbon; Hideki Okajima; Manny Delcarmen; Justin Masterson; Javier Lopez.

Catchers (3): Jason Varitek; Kevin Cash; David Ross.

Infielders (7): Kevin Youkilis; Dustin Pedroia; Jed Lowrie; Alex Cora; Mike Lowell; Sean Casey; David Ortiz.

Outfielders (5): Jason Bay; Jacoby Ellsbury; JD Drew; Coco Crisp; Mark Kotsay.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Post Season Predictions

Even though the AL Central hasn't been decided, here are my predictions....

ALDS:

Red Sox over Angels in 4 (with Beckett's start our only loss)
Devil Rays over whichever team in 4

NLDS:

Cubs over Dodgers in 3
Phils over Brewers in 5

I could be bold and predict further, but let's wait and see if this pans out.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

It's hard to win a pennant, but it's harder losing one.

There are still two undecided playoff spots: the AL Central and the NL Wild Card.

In the AL Central, the Twins are 1/2 Game up on the White Sox.

If the Twins win and the White Sox lose, Minnesota wins the division and heads to Tampa Bay. In any other scenario -- both teams win, both teams lose, White Sox win/Twins lose -- the teams would remain a half-game apart and the White Sox would have to make up a September 13 rainout against Detroit.
That game would be in Chicago at 1 PM on Monday. If, after that game, the White Sox are tied for first place with the Twins, they would play Minnesota in another tiebreaker, also in Chicago, on Tuesday.

The ALDS against the Rays starts on Thursday.

Over in the NL, the Mets and Brewers are tied for the wild card.

If Milwaukee and New York remain tied, a one-game playoff would be played in New York on Monday.

Both NLDS begin on Wednesday.

"Because there's no crying in baseball. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL! No crying!"

Clemens heartbroken over Yankee Stadium snub

Estranged former Yankee Roger Clemens was "heartbroken" when his former team left him out of Sunday night's Stadium-farewell festivities, which included a video montage honoring the Bronx Bombers' greatest pitchers - but not him, a relative told The Post yesterday. Clemens was sitting at home in hurricane-ravaged Texas, in front of a battery-operated television on his living room couch, when the team delivered a final crushing blow to its former star. Clutching wife Debbie's hand on one side and mother-in-law Jan Wild's on the other, Clemens tuned in to his final team's last home game hoping for some recognition for helping win two World Series titles, Wild said. But that Rocket never launched. When the team played the video celebrating its greatest players at every position, the steroid-scandal-scarred Clemens was nowhere to be seen. "Debbie and I held his hand while we watched the game, and he was heartbroken," said Wild, 70. "Not mad. He still loves baseball and the Yankees, but it was sad what they did to him."

As Artie likes to say "Wah!"

From the "New York Post"

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tonight is the night!



UPDATE: It looks like the video is gone from NBC.com but I sure liked the season premiere!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Red Sox clinch postseason berth

RED SOX GUARANTEED PLAYOFF SPOT WITH5-4 WIN OVER INDIANS

The 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox are headed back to the playoffs. The Red Sox wrapped up their fifth postseason berth in six years with a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Kevin Youkilis started things off by launching a two-run homer into the Green Monster seats in the fourth inning, and Dustin Pedroia hit a two-run double as part of the Red Sox's three-run fifth. That was enough to support starter Tim Wakefield and some impressive bullpen work.

(from mlb.com)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Today is the day!

When the Red Sox win and the Yankees lose (in the final game at 33-year-old "Yankee Stadium II"), then New York will be officially eliminated from post-season play for the first time since 1993.

I like that...might have to stay up and watch the game on ESPN tonight.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

"It was twenty years ago today..."

So today is the "anniversary" of my brain surgery. I have lived longer without the tumor than I did with it.

There have been dizzyingly high highs and depressingly low lows...but it all got me to where I am today and I wouldn't change a thing.

I am such a lucky man. I worship my wife. I adore my children. I am blessed with a caring family, a phenomenal career and wonderful friends..

I love my life.

Friday, September 19, 2008

David Ortiz on winning the division or wild card

"If you're in, you're in. It doesn't matter. We won the division last year. We look forward to being back in the playoffs this year. I never noticed the difference between winning the division and going in as the Wild Card. As long as you're in, you're in. That's what everybody looks for -- being in the top four."

(Quoted by Ian Browne on mlb.com)

"Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey hey goodbye...."

The Yankees can be officially eliminated from the division race tonight, if the Rays win and New York loses.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Similar Comic Covers

As usual, I will only do ones I own. Other examples can be found all over the net.









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