The Olympics

So, it's four years already. Time flies. Olympics, Summer that is.

Remember when both Winter and Summer Olympics were in the same year (or thereabouts)? But awhile back (1994), the IOC (which has a reputation that makes the Gambinos look like candy-stripers), decided that they should stagger the games, and have one happen every two years, which of course, makes them less special. Great job, IOC!

Anyhoo - now the SO is back, and NBC's got 'em. And showin' 'em. Everywhere. On my TV, with about 5 channels (though I didn't count), on my PC, and if I had a cell-phone, I guess I could get it there as well.

And judging from the medal count, once a communist regime is over-turned, a country loses all hope of multiple medals. See USSR and East Germany if you don't believe me.

So, being a PATRIOT, I root for the U.S. in every sport. As a matter of fact, we need to totally dominate and teach these lesser beings a lesson! (-'
(Note - that is the first time in my life I've used the cutesy symbol!)

Go for the Gold!

Dog Days

That' what August brings - my family and I vacation at the end of August, so by the first week of month eight I am usually chompin' at the bit to get away.

Now here is where I become an enlightened sort. Though I am a North Jersey guy, and pledge allegiance to the greater metro NY area, we've grown fond of vacationing in Delaware, on the Delmarva Peninsula. Because we go when we go, Delaware is a lot more economical than the Jersey Shore, so we save a bundle, have a great time in the surf and getaway from it all. I've even learned to live with the absence of the NJ Sausage and Pepper sandwich, my favorite. Like the Bolis though.

Just a couple more weeks!

Green Baseball

In my near daily quest for information on the WWW, I came across something that interested me - a documentary about the development of the game of baseball in Ireland.

The Emerald Diamond is the film in question and it is an interesting look into how the game was first introduced in the land o' me ancestors. For National Pride these folks play a game that most take for granted in the U.S. Incredibly refreshing to see how people not jaded by all we have here explain their fascination and love for the game. Check it out.

ARGGGH!

M. Loretta hits a Grand Salami last night to lay a beatin' on the NY Mets when the score was tied in the 8th. Rough. Heilmann is having a tough one this year folks. I wonder how Minaya will get a quality reliever during the restricted trade period, because they are a little short right now. Maybe it's time we see Eddie Kunz and see what he's got.

The TRADE DEADLINE saw some moves.

• Texeira to Angels is the one that will haunt the rest of the AL and have the biggest impact.
• Yankees get Nady, Marte and Pudge. But unless one of them is a starting pitcher, then they are still a little short when they are featuring Ponson and Rasner every 4th and 5th day!
• Manny to LA. Hit into a DP to end game in his debut. I think LA will challenge Florida for the worst fielding team (sorry R. Martin!) in BB. At least he's not on the Phils or the Fish.
• J-Bay to Red Sox. Graziano claims the Red Sox have thrown up the white flag on season. They will win division. Funny - a Google Search shows he's used the same phrase at least four other times with four different teams.
• Jr. to White Sox. Without all the injuries, we'd be watching him chase the HR record. I hope he does well, and gets deep in playoffs. He deserves it.

Later.

Birdland

Took my family to the Northernmost Southern City, Baltimore - for a long weekend thing. Object of the trip was to see the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. First time to the park that Cal made famous for me and in a word - WOW. Great place to see a ballgame.
Now growing up where I am, I have been to Shea and Yankee Stadiums dozens of times. Too many to count. I know that YS has all the mystique (I don't buy it) but it's old. Shea is a dump. So we go to the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards and I am nearly in BB Heaven. Got to shake hands (and the kids got autographs) with Boog Powell, who makes a mean BBQ (Boog's Barbecue), got some foul balls, sat in some great seats, saw a good game. The experience of the whole place was like magic.

Other things we did - National Aquarium, walked the Inner Harbor and ate some food. Odd thing - we stopped at an "Irish Pub" to eat on the water. I ordered a Corned Beef Sandwich. Great meat, but served cold. Never had a cold CB sammy before. Strange. I'll have to investigate. Crabcakes were great as well.

The Empire vs. The Nation

Big weekend in Beantown - the hated (to Boston fans) Yankees vs. the Red Sox in a 3gamer at Fenway.

Here's my predictions:

Friday Night
Joba vs. Beckett
Red Sox Win Big

Saturday Afternoon
Pettite vs. Wakefield
Yankees Win a Squeaker

Sunday Night
Ponson vs. Lester
Red Sox Win

I'll watch at least 2 out of 3.

Heading to the Inner Harbor tomorrow to catch the Angels-Orioles game. First time to Camden Yards, so I'm excited. Hoping to have some of Boog's Barbecue.

How many...

Mets relief pitchers does it takes to get three outs in the 9th inning?

UNBELIEVABLE.