Coming into today, the only team the Indians were better than in the American League was Detroit, and the Tigers absolutely annihilated the Tribe. A few comments about the team in general, up through this point...
1. I think we all want the Sabathia of last regular season, not the guy who was terrible in the playoffs. Unfortunately he looks like he's having a playoff hangover... of crappy pitching.
2. Stay with Betancourt as closer even after Borowski comes back from the DL. I haven't seen a pitcher this automatic for a blown save since Jose Mesa.
3. More Runs. Offense. Hello? Where are you? Are you gonna show up today? The pitching won't so I thought I'd let you know...
If things keep up, I'll have to switch to my "contingency team", the Mets. I really like the Mets, but I don't follow them anywhere near as much as I do the Indians... except when the Indians really suck, then my attention is split. The way the first two and a half weeks have, gone, it looks like by this time next month I'll be devoting time to the Mets on my Blog.
Heck, I may even ignore sports for a while and focus on more important things like music and politics (i don't want to get political on here though... I may get a little salty and even more egregiously verbose).
On that note, I'm outta here. Just like the Indians chances if they keep up the craptacular play.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
May I borrow your Shower?
The water heater in the house is shot, and it forced my to go over to my Mom's to take a shower. I took an icy cold shower this morning, but in no way can I bear having to take another tomorrow. The plumber was clogged up with other work (the pun is intended and bad, I know) and won't be able to come over until after I leave to go to work tomorrow.
i got to look at this on the bright side though... I won't have to wake up as early in the morning.
i got to look at this on the bright side though... I won't have to wake up as early in the morning.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Happy Teeth
I went and had a teeth cleaning today, and my teeth are know a lot happier. My gums on the other hand, are a different story.
My gums have always been problematic, and after using 50/50 peroxide/ water mouth rinsing, there hasn't been much improvement. I was prescribed Peridex to take care of my gum swelling, and will be filling the prescription later tonight.
As I had the dental appointment, I had to forgo the walk in the park today, which is a bummer because today was a really nice day to do so.
My gums have always been problematic, and after using 50/50 peroxide/ water mouth rinsing, there hasn't been much improvement. I was prescribed Peridex to take care of my gum swelling, and will be filling the prescription later tonight.
As I had the dental appointment, I had to forgo the walk in the park today, which is a bummer because today was a really nice day to do so.
Empire by Kasabian
Reporting back from last night, I listened to the above album for the first time in months, and it's catchy. Very catchy. Too bad I don't understand what the singer is saying in about half of the songs.
It's far from great, but there are a few really great tracks on the album, primarily Shoot the Runner, Me Plus One and Seek and Destroy. Nothing really hit me as being terrible, but almost every other song just seems to exist for no purpose other than to make the listener move... nothing wrong with that.
One plus is that the album is short and sweet, just under the 40 minute mark, which means even though there are a couple clunkers, it's still a bearable listen from start to finish.
Overall, I'd give the album a 65 out of 100... just barely making the grade, because the few great song outweight the numerous okay songs.
It's far from great, but there are a few really great tracks on the album, primarily Shoot the Runner, Me Plus One and Seek and Destroy. Nothing really hit me as being terrible, but almost every other song just seems to exist for no purpose other than to make the listener move... nothing wrong with that.
One plus is that the album is short and sweet, just under the 40 minute mark, which means even though there are a couple clunkers, it's still a bearable listen from start to finish.
Overall, I'd give the album a 65 out of 100... just barely making the grade, because the few great song outweight the numerous okay songs.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Rather eventless day
The title of this post pretty much sums up how the day went for me, a whole bunch of nothing piled on with more nothing.
I originally had plans to do something, but they fell through. Instead of watching sports, I decided not to hassle myself and just kicked back and watch a couple hours of rerun programing on USA (for the first hour) and Comedy Central (for the second).
Only sports story I really thought of not was the wonderful news for the Cleveland Indians. Joe Borowski fortunately won't be blowing any more saves in a while because he's been put on the DL. The only way the news would have been better is if he was placed on the 60 day instead of the 15 day list.
Did the whole walk in the park thing again, and I'm about to call it a night, for I have to get back to the grindstone in the morning. I'll be going to bed listening to Kasabian's Empire and continuing on my re-read of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Until tomorrow, which will hopefully provide more writing fodder, good night.
I originally had plans to do something, but they fell through. Instead of watching sports, I decided not to hassle myself and just kicked back and watch a couple hours of rerun programing on USA (for the first hour) and Comedy Central (for the second).
Only sports story I really thought of not was the wonderful news for the Cleveland Indians. Joe Borowski fortunately won't be blowing any more saves in a while because he's been put on the DL. The only way the news would have been better is if he was placed on the 60 day instead of the 15 day list.
Did the whole walk in the park thing again, and I'm about to call it a night, for I have to get back to the grindstone in the morning. I'll be going to bed listening to Kasabian's Empire and continuing on my re-read of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Until tomorrow, which will hopefully provide more writing fodder, good night.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ring Road Walker
Man, I've done so much walking around the ring road at Delaware Park in the last 11 days, and have started ever so slightly to get back into better eating habits, that I have lost 8 pounds since April 5.
I still have a long way to go before I'm satisfied, but I'm so glad that the weather has gotten to become more seasonable, which has allowed me to go out after work to take a stroll and just enjoy the scenery around the park simultaneously.
Weather is supposed to be great for the rest of the week, and unless I otherwise specify, I see myself walking around the ring road twice each day for the rest of the week.
I still have a long way to go before I'm satisfied, but I'm so glad that the weather has gotten to become more seasonable, which has allowed me to go out after work to take a stroll and just enjoy the scenery around the park simultaneously.
Weather is supposed to be great for the rest of the week, and unless I otherwise specify, I see myself walking around the ring road twice each day for the rest of the week.
Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I-IV
After patiently waiting to receive my hard copy regular edition straight from the source, I was happy that when I got home, the physical product was finally in my possession.
Unlike many people, who were complaining that it was taking so long to get their copy after they pre-ordered directly from Trent and Crew, I was placated by the fact that I still had my 320 kbps download version on two discs to hold me over.
Now that I have the real thing, I won't be listening to the mp3 version of the album anymore. The sound quality is so much fuller and rich, and a lot of sound that got compressed out have made it back into the recording.
Is this the best album of 2008 so far? Hardly. That right now is currently being held by R.E.M.'s Accelerate. But none the less, Ghosts, in all 36 instrumental tracks of beauty, is definitely in the top 5, and may contend for end of year best 10.
Unlike many people, who were complaining that it was taking so long to get their copy after they pre-ordered directly from Trent and Crew, I was placated by the fact that I still had my 320 kbps download version on two discs to hold me over.
Now that I have the real thing, I won't be listening to the mp3 version of the album anymore. The sound quality is so much fuller and rich, and a lot of sound that got compressed out have made it back into the recording.
Is this the best album of 2008 so far? Hardly. That right now is currently being held by R.E.M.'s Accelerate. But none the less, Ghosts, in all 36 instrumental tracks of beauty, is definitely in the top 5, and may contend for end of year best 10.
Cleveland Indians Choked
What more can I say about the Cleveland Indians, who absolutely choked and blew the first of the short two game series against the Red Sox. As soon as Betancourt gave up the home run to Youkilis, knowing that Joe "Blown Save" Borowski would do as his name implied. what i didn't figure is that he would lose the game on top of it.
Everything was going well, things were fine, things were under control, and then just like that, with the swing of Manny "Why must you be a thorn in the side to your old team?" Ramirez, it was over. And I was outraged.
So far the only solace I've been able to take is that neither the Yankees or the Red Sox are leading their division (who would have thought the Orioles would be this good?) and the fact that the Detroit Tigers have fallen flat on their face.
Hopefully things will turn around for the Tribe.
Everything was going well, things were fine, things were under control, and then just like that, with the swing of Manny "Why must you be a thorn in the side to your old team?" Ramirez, it was over. And I was outraged.
So far the only solace I've been able to take is that neither the Yankees or the Red Sox are leading their division (who would have thought the Orioles would be this good?) and the fact that the Detroit Tigers have fallen flat on their face.
Hopefully things will turn around for the Tribe.
Quick thought before work
Last night when I went to bed, I popped in Pearl Jam's No Code, and I must say, after going a year without listening to that album, I don't understand why I don't listen to it more often. I mean, I like a lot of Pearl Jam's music, but nothing, not Ten, or Vs or Vitalogy or anything that came after hits me like No Code. Just a great album that always seemed to be underrated and under appreciated (even by me).
Going to be tough to figure out what to listen to today that would be able to top that, but I'll give it my best shot.
Going to be tough to figure out what to listen to today that would be able to top that, but I'll give it my best shot.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Nothing more than a walk in the Park
That is as truthful and honest as I can be about how my day went today. Everything was pretty uneventful, except for the fact that I walked around the Delaware Park ring road twice this afternoon, as part of my attempt to get myself in a shape other that "out of".
The Park wasn't really crowded, and it made the walk seem a lot more tranquil and peaceful than it normally is. It's good to take some time out and just walk and observe the things around you while doing so. It kinda cleanses the mind from the day to day stresses that seems to happen a lot of the time.
Sports wise, the only really good thing to happen today was that the Cleveland Indians have finally won again, and hopefully this is the start after a two week slump to start the season. Their game at home against the Red Sox (who I've always hated, and have come to hate even more because of the 1999 and 2007 playoffs) is on ESPN tomorrow night, and Ill probably catch the majority of it. Hopefully I'll report back on a happy note tomorrow.
The three and a half miles I walked this afternoon though has really knocked the wind out of my sails, and besides, I have to be at work at 8 in the morning. Time to rest my weary head.
The Park wasn't really crowded, and it made the walk seem a lot more tranquil and peaceful than it normally is. It's good to take some time out and just walk and observe the things around you while doing so. It kinda cleanses the mind from the day to day stresses that seems to happen a lot of the time.
Sports wise, the only really good thing to happen today was that the Cleveland Indians have finally won again, and hopefully this is the start after a two week slump to start the season. Their game at home against the Red Sox (who I've always hated, and have come to hate even more because of the 1999 and 2007 playoffs) is on ESPN tomorrow night, and Ill probably catch the majority of it. Hopefully I'll report back on a happy note tomorrow.
The three and a half miles I walked this afternoon though has really knocked the wind out of my sails, and besides, I have to be at work at 8 in the morning. Time to rest my weary head.
My Decision
After a short period of reflection, I decided to watch a little Saturday Night Live (even though I don't care for it all that much, and don't find it funny 90% of the time) when During the opening credits it was announced Gnarls Barkley was the musical guest, I decided that not only was I going to go out for a little bit, but I would also subject myself to mostly bad attempts at humor to get to the musical performances and then go out afterwards.
Gnarls Barkley predictably played both of the singles from The Odd Couple, Run and Whose Gonna Save My Soul, and as has been my usual observance, the microphone level for the first song was too low (come on SNL, it sucks when I can't hear the singing) but both performances were well done.
Afterwards I went to Bel Cibo, an Italian restaurant by day, House Music haven by Saturday Nights. It had been a while as noted in my previous post that I hadn't been out for a while, and most of that was because there was no real good place to go in town for a night out since Off The Wall had closed its doors.
After kicking back a couple Molson Canadians (and by couple, I truly mean only two) I started to dance and socialize with my regular crew, that has also found the beauty and fun of the new spot (drink prices are a little higher though, unfortunately).
Just got back and am about to get some shut eye, cause I've been up quite a while. I'll catch you all on the flip side.
Gnarls Barkley predictably played both of the singles from The Odd Couple, Run and Whose Gonna Save My Soul, and as has been my usual observance, the microphone level for the first song was too low (come on SNL, it sucks when I can't hear the singing) but both performances were well done.
Afterwards I went to Bel Cibo, an Italian restaurant by day, House Music haven by Saturday Nights. It had been a while as noted in my previous post that I hadn't been out for a while, and most of that was because there was no real good place to go in town for a night out since Off The Wall had closed its doors.
After kicking back a couple Molson Canadians (and by couple, I truly mean only two) I started to dance and socialize with my regular crew, that has also found the beauty and fun of the new spot (drink prices are a little higher though, unfortunately).
Just got back and am about to get some shut eye, cause I've been up quite a while. I'll catch you all on the flip side.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
A night to reflect... or to party... or to reflect... or...
Most everybody I know likes to go out and party and socialize and "live it up" so to speak on the weekends, especially Saturday nights. I was there too, and probably more outrageous and livelier than most everyone else, but I was getting tired of doing the same things and seeing the same people (and perhaps most importantly, spending all that cash). To add to that, it seemed that I wasn't being true to myself or others about who I really was... it was as if I had created a persona to handle my weekends.
I had told myself that I would no longer go out period, and chose to turn Saturday nights into a night in to reflect on things. It's great to just have the time to just settle down and forget the hustle and bustle, but after a little over two months of having no social life whatsoever, I decided it was time to go out again last Saturday night.
I had a really good time, and it was really cool to see a lot of my acquaintances and friends and listen to the music and have a few drinks, but I made the decision that I would make sure not to overdo anything, and not be as attention grabbing as I had been. I ended up having a really good time, and it was cool, but once again, I'm taking this weekend off to just reflect, and no it's not because I don't want to go out.
It's because I don't have the cash for it. I've started to save up money, and I don't want to just go back to the paycheck by paycheck thing. So here I am, writing out about my thoughts and reflections, doing something to pass the time, without having to spend a dime.
With all that being said, I have reflected and thought that it would be good to go out tonight. It's about that time I should put my foot down and make some sort of decision...
I had told myself that I would no longer go out period, and chose to turn Saturday nights into a night in to reflect on things. It's great to just have the time to just settle down and forget the hustle and bustle, but after a little over two months of having no social life whatsoever, I decided it was time to go out again last Saturday night.
I had a really good time, and it was really cool to see a lot of my acquaintances and friends and listen to the music and have a few drinks, but I made the decision that I would make sure not to overdo anything, and not be as attention grabbing as I had been. I ended up having a really good time, and it was cool, but once again, I'm taking this weekend off to just reflect, and no it's not because I don't want to go out.
It's because I don't have the cash for it. I've started to save up money, and I don't want to just go back to the paycheck by paycheck thing. So here I am, writing out about my thoughts and reflections, doing something to pass the time, without having to spend a dime.
With all that being said, I have reflected and thought that it would be good to go out tonight. It's about that time I should put my foot down and make some sort of decision...
Caps - Flyers Game 1, and other thoughts on the playoffs
The last series to get underway in the first round of the playoff proved last night to be the best game of the playoffs so far, and that's not just because I'm pulling for Washington to go all the way, either.
Anytime a team comes back from being down two with a period to go in the playoffs is a marvel, and Green and Ovechkin were the catalysts of coming back from a two goal deficit after squandering the lead in the game twice before.
As a Sabres fan first and foremost, it did feel great to see Martin Biron get his first career playoff start, and it was nice to see Daniel Briere get two goals, but as they both left town, I can't bring myself to root for the Flyers (same goes for Chris Drury and the Rangers, who seem to be taking care of the Devils pretty well at this point).
It will be tough for the rest of the series to live up to how the first game turned out, but other than the Wild and Avalanche series, nothing else seems to stand out as a series that may go down to the wire.
As I despise the Senators, it's great to see that they are down 2-0 in the series against Pittsburgh, but the series is far from over. Ottawa finally decided to show up after being nowhere in the first five and a half periods of the series, and almost forced overtime in a game they really had no business even being close to winning. Gerber alone is doing his best to keep the Sens alive... I mean 50 saves...
Anyway, that's all for now. More hockey commentary will be posted when I feel there's more to talk about.
Anytime a team comes back from being down two with a period to go in the playoffs is a marvel, and Green and Ovechkin were the catalysts of coming back from a two goal deficit after squandering the lead in the game twice before.
As a Sabres fan first and foremost, it did feel great to see Martin Biron get his first career playoff start, and it was nice to see Daniel Briere get two goals, but as they both left town, I can't bring myself to root for the Flyers (same goes for Chris Drury and the Rangers, who seem to be taking care of the Devils pretty well at this point).
It will be tough for the rest of the series to live up to how the first game turned out, but other than the Wild and Avalanche series, nothing else seems to stand out as a series that may go down to the wire.
As I despise the Senators, it's great to see that they are down 2-0 in the series against Pittsburgh, but the series is far from over. Ottawa finally decided to show up after being nowhere in the first five and a half periods of the series, and almost forced overtime in a game they really had no business even being close to winning. Gerber alone is doing his best to keep the Sens alive... I mean 50 saves...
Anyway, that's all for now. More hockey commentary will be posted when I feel there's more to talk about.
Friday, April 11, 2008
So this is how it feels to dive in head first....
This is my very first blog entry, and although I tend to have a lot on my mind, I have historically found it hard to truly say what is on my mind about music, current events, movies, and other things that come to my mind at the given moment.
I have decided to start up this blog so I may have a place to write these thoughts and ideas and reviews in one happy, tidy (by my standards at least) place, and without the worry that if I get a good idea, I will forget it before I can voice it (I am a bit forgetful).
My overall goal is to write things that I will have fun writing and you all will have fun reading.
Welcome to the Musings Of My Mind.
I have decided to start up this blog so I may have a place to write these thoughts and ideas and reviews in one happy, tidy (by my standards at least) place, and without the worry that if I get a good idea, I will forget it before I can voice it (I am a bit forgetful).
My overall goal is to write things that I will have fun writing and you all will have fun reading.
Welcome to the Musings Of My Mind.
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