BOSTON BATS BEAT DOWN MY BANDWAGON BOYS

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Sports

October 29, 2007

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Ugh. That was my response to the few hours of the World Series that I did watch. I have never been a huge Rockie’s fan, but I was on the underdog bandwagon…especially given that they faced my second least favorite team ever (the Angels are more evil in my book).

I love baseball, and even though I do not like the Red Sox for various reasons, I can’t help but appreciate their domination and patience at the plate. Although I will never actually root for them, I do like some of their younger players with better attitudes (Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis). And frankly, Papelbon is just entertaining (go to YouTube and type in his name – you’ll find a video of his infamous Irish riverdance).

I know more Red Sox fans than A’s fans, and that is just sad. Someday I hope to be among a sea of green and gold, celebrating with similar fervor after a championship…just not in the city of Fremont.

Sigh. Six more months until Opening Day 2008. Perhaps I’ll finally venture out to AZ for a Spring Training weekend next year.

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A VISTA INTO MY WORLD: MLB PREDICTIONS

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Blog-related, General Pop Culture, Sports

October 2, 2007

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Warning: this is going to be a dull blog entry. I had a hectic day and am feeling quite uninspired. But I am working on some fun posts for later this week, so stand by.

I am now operating on Windows Vista. Well, that and caffeine.

Some might say I have entered the dark side. To which I respond…whatever, it came with my brand new laptop. I use my personal computer for the following tasks: blogging, reading, and watching DVDs. Apparently, four years of doing those three things almost daily led to the demise of my previous laptop. I am loyal, however, and have moved on to yet another Dell.

For years, Mac people have been trying to convert me. Frankly, I don’t feel I need a Mac if writing is my primary function. Yes, they’re prettier and seemingly easier to use, but I’m not sold. Clearly. For what it’s worth, Vista seems to mimic many of the Mac’s visual qualities and Microsoft appears to be inching closer toward the enemy. Perhaps they’re feeling the pressure from those Mac v. PC commercials. You know, the ones featuring Justin Long, who is now dating Drew Barrymore. Anyway…

Since ‘my’ team finished the baseball season in the bottom of the division, I have to root for someone else. Because I love the game and am familiar with just about every single player on every team.

Here are the teams I have always hated strongly disliked, in order:

  1. The (Los Angeles is 25 miles away) Angels of Anaheim
  2. The Boston Red Sox
  3. The New York Yankees
  4. The Los Angeles Dodgers

Of course, the first three are in the playoffs, which narrows down my choices to:

  1. The Arizona Diamondbacks
  2. The Chicago Cubs
  3. The Cleveland Indians
  4. The Colorado Rockies
  5. The Philadelphia Phillies

I am an American League girl at heart, and for sentimental reasons, I like to look at which team’s post-season roster contains the most ex-Oakland A’s. I’m also a sucker for an underdog and overcoming a curse. All of which have nothing to do with my final pick.

I do love Eric Byrnes, but is that enough to make me a D-back fan for a few weeks? No.

It’s hard not to believe that the road to the World Series is all but paved for the Rockies, who have gone on an impressive run to win the Wild Card. But I don’t think they have the energy or experience to get them there. Although it would be nice for Todd Helton.

I have casually followed Philadelphia and love to watch Jimmy Rollins play. But other than that, I don’t have a compelling reason to choose them as my team. Apologies to my friend Derek at Cinematically-Correct. I’m sure he’ll leave me a lengthy comment trying to convince me otherwise.

The Cubbies are this year’s ’04 Red Sox. They’re on a mission and if Zambrano and/or Pinella don’t implode, this might be their year. And they do have Jason Kendall now (not that his bat will contribute). Out of all four NL teams, I will jump on the Cub bandwagon.

But my overall choice is the Cleveland Indians. So I envision (or hope for) a Cubs-Indians World Series. And should that occur, my prediction is Cleveland in 6.

So bring it, people. Throw some baseball grief in my direction, and let me know what jersey you’ll be sporting during October ball.

And by the way, whoever chose Dane Cook as a baseball enthusiast/spokesperson should be fired.

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TIME IS ON MY SIDE…AND HERE’S WHAT I’M THINKING

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Film, General Pop Culture, Internet, Life, Sports, Television

August 29, 2007

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It is just over 100 degrees outside, and the power went out at work this afternoon, so they sent us home. It’s sad – I dIdn’t know what to do with myself. I was thinking about going to rent 300 but…

Because I’ve been making an effort to be more ‘green,’ as is the trend right now, I felt guilty about sitting inside with the TV system and air conditioner on. And I didn’t want to pollute the air further by driving any more than I already have today.

I could sit and read a book, but that won’t happen. I’m the kind of person that reads right before bed or on vacation only.

And I certainly do not want to start packing for my upcoming vacation to Alaska; the idea of handling wool or fleece in this weather is not very appealing. 

Somehow my guilt dissipates when I’m on the computer. Yes, it takes up energy, but I justify it because I am productive.

So for lack of any other original ideas, here is quick look inside my brain at the moment:

BASEBALL
Ugh. My team is not good this year. Ok, they’re average, but I’ve been spoiled by playoff runs for the past several years and this has been a trying season for loyal fans. And now, the fire sale. Loiaza to the Dodgers? COME ON. Next thing you know, Piazza will grow out the mullet and rejoin the evil blue empire as well.

And if you think I’M bitter, check out Athletics Nation.

For baseball’s version of TMZ or Perez Hilton, visit On the DL. It is a guilty pleasure.

MOVIES
Last weekend I finally went to see The Bourne Ultimatum. Now THAT is what I call a sequel.  I wish other studios and filmmakers would take the same approach: more action and less dialogue (memo to Michael Bay). This movie was an intense ride, and the best one I’ve taken all summer. Matt Damon is ten times the actor that Affleck ever was or will be. I’ve always felt that Damon is a tad underrated. The Talented Mr. Ripley? Crazy creepy good. Bonus points for putting Jude Law out of his onscreen misery.

MUSIC
I would rather play Eve’s ‘Tambourine’ than hold Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella.’

TV
As much as I love my Mulder, Duchovny’s latest small screen venture isn’t working for me. Are any of you hooked on Californication?

Is it sad that I was very excited to hear that the cast and crew of Lost are back to work, filming the first few episodes of Season 4? I am rewatching Season 2 right now, which is fascinating because of what we learned in Season 3. Before the new season begins, I will address lingering/annoying questions in a lengthy blog.

If you aren’t already hooked, I really think you should go out and buy the first season of Friday Night Lights for only $20. It is not a football show, I promise. Yes, there are pigskin scenes, but relationships and angst are the focal points. Jump on the bandwagon now, before Season 2 begins next month.

Even though the show has been canceled, there is going to be a Dead Like Me movie. Am I the only one who watched and loved that series?

I love Top Chef, but reading the blogs after each episode is almost better.

Damages is the BEST show on television right now. If you haven’t watched it yet, FX will be airing a five episode marathon of the series beginning at 3pm PST on Labor Day – this Monday!

WEBSITES/BLOGS
Have you checked out Michael Cera’s site yet? Hysterical.

Over at The House Next Door, Matt Zoller Seitz has written the best article I’ve seen yet about Owen Wilson.

I read A LOT of other people’s blogs, and I tend to leave comments when they cover topics that I’m passionate about. So I appreciate when readers do the same here, and would like to recommend two sites by two new friends: Cinematically Correct & Ex-Everything.

—–

And screw it. I’m off to rent 300 and Blades of Glory. You can’t get any more random than that.

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756 FOR NUMBER 25

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Sports

August 7, 2007

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Say what you will about the man. I sure have. But watching Bonds hit career homerun number 756 to break the all-time record was…great. I LOVE baseball. It was an amazing moment. Goose bumps. And then, the message from Hank Aaron. I teared up, I admit it. A very nice surprise.

I was at Pacific Bell/SBC/AT&T Park when he hit homerun numbers 71 and 72 in 2001, and it was one of the most electric and memorable experiences of my life as a sports fan. I felt that energy tonight, through the TV. Giants fans are VERY dedicated and I’m sure Bonds is relieved to have broken the record at home.

As he hit that homerun tonight, I set aside Bonds’ controversial journey to 756, and just focused on the arrival. 3-2 pitch from Washington Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik. Bullet to the right field bleachers. Gone.


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