Okay, a little back story is needed here. About a week ago it was determined that A-Rod's cousin was the person who injected him with an over-the-counter substance to gain an energy boost. This started a rash of emails back and forth between my brother, my cousin, and myself. In one of the emails my cousin starts off by saying "When one reflects back on the 'glory days' one can add details to the story at will." We have began referring to our former years in the gym and playing ball as the "glory days," mainly since they have passed the three of us up and now all we have our stories. My cousin's point was that while A-Rod couldn't remember much detail about these days, while we are always able to remember exactly how successful we were during our "glory days." It never fails that when we get together my brother explains to us how much we was able to curl and my cousin reflects on how bad an idea it was to try and squat twice his body weight. Anyway, to end his email, my cousin wrote, "One doesn't realize they're in the glory days until they have past."
So I wrote the two of them back, mind you they are both older than me, and said, "Are you saying that we aren't still in our 'glory days'." My brother then put an end to the question with the following email, "I promise you both that the glory days are over. If you have any doubt, try to remember the last time you hurt your back bending over. Was it to pick up a 75-lb. dumbbell or just something on the floor? Or maybe even just getting out of bed? 'I don't know what I did to my back!' That's a first sign indicator, the glory days are long gone."
I bring this all up, because I woke up this morning in a good deal of pain. For you doctors out there, or want to be doctors, see if you can figure this injury out. I work up this morning and my right shoulder was killing me, I could barely bend over because my back hurt, and I couldn't put hardly any pressure on my left knee. So right shoulder, back, left knee. Doesn't make much sense huh? For some of you it does. It is a common injury that is the result of playing too much Wii Sports Bowling.
I thought to myself, "seriously, I can hardly move because I played to much Wii Bowling." I wasn't even using a real bowling ball. Now most of you know that I remain somewhat active (not as much as in my "glory days") with tennis and squash. I play at least two to three times a week and most weeks more. I play pretty hard and most of the time it doesn't take long to recoup, but man I am sore this morning. So maybe my "glory days" are really past me. I am not willing to give them up just yet, but some of the signs are there.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What To Give Up For Lent?
For those of you who don't know, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. So, as is custom, I needed to figure out what to give up for the next 40 days (apparently it is something like 46 days, since Sundays don't count). So I thought about it for a while. Most of you know, I am just ending on month without eating any meat, which was for no reason at all. My wife kind of wanted to make that retroactive, but there are no grandfather rules in Lent, so we need to find something else to give up.
Before I started this blog, I did a little reading on Lent and found that the fasting during Lent is intended to be about self-discipline. You don't just fast (and by fast, in modern terms that is giving something up) for the sake of fasting, it has to be something that requires you to use some self discipline, self control, and be something that you will miss so that you think about it and make a conscience effort to ensure that you stay disciplined. That way, you are always keeping in mind the purpose of Lent (I will leave the purpose of Lent up to each of you individually, because that is how I roll).
So with that said, I thought about a variety of things, but nothing really seemed that hard. I then read something that said that fasting wasn't just for self discipline, but also to better one's self. It is not just about fasting, but fasting to cleanse yourself and to better yourself. In modern terms, I took that to be something that would make me healthier or a better person. So I thought about what I use and do everyday (for the self discipline part) and something that isn't necessarily the healthiest thing in the world for me (the cleansing part).
Well, I settled on caffeine. I did soda last year, but that really wasn't' that hard because I still had tea and coffee. This year I am going cold turkey. As I finish up this blog, I am drinking my last cup of coffee till April 11th. I probably drink about a total of 4 or 5 cups of coffee a day and three or four sodas/energy drinks a week, so this is going to be hard. Since I was in the mood to take this seriously, I decided to add chocolate to the list since it is high in caffeine. I will see what else I use that is also high in caffeine and nix those as well (goodbye Excedrin).
So when you see me over Lent, be careful for the first few days, as I will likely have a pretty strong headache. But also make sure that I am following my promise here. I hope that each of you who celebrate Lent have put some thought into your decision and I hope maybe I have provided you with some insight into a way to make your decision. Post your decision here, or hit me up on Facebook and let me know what you decided. Good luck.
Before I started this blog, I did a little reading on Lent and found that the fasting during Lent is intended to be about self-discipline. You don't just fast (and by fast, in modern terms that is giving something up) for the sake of fasting, it has to be something that requires you to use some self discipline, self control, and be something that you will miss so that you think about it and make a conscience effort to ensure that you stay disciplined. That way, you are always keeping in mind the purpose of Lent (I will leave the purpose of Lent up to each of you individually, because that is how I roll).
So with that said, I thought about a variety of things, but nothing really seemed that hard. I then read something that said that fasting wasn't just for self discipline, but also to better one's self. It is not just about fasting, but fasting to cleanse yourself and to better yourself. In modern terms, I took that to be something that would make me healthier or a better person. So I thought about what I use and do everyday (for the self discipline part) and something that isn't necessarily the healthiest thing in the world for me (the cleansing part).
Well, I settled on caffeine. I did soda last year, but that really wasn't' that hard because I still had tea and coffee. This year I am going cold turkey. As I finish up this blog, I am drinking my last cup of coffee till April 11th. I probably drink about a total of 4 or 5 cups of coffee a day and three or four sodas/energy drinks a week, so this is going to be hard. Since I was in the mood to take this seriously, I decided to add chocolate to the list since it is high in caffeine. I will see what else I use that is also high in caffeine and nix those as well (goodbye Excedrin).
So when you see me over Lent, be careful for the first few days, as I will likely have a pretty strong headache. But also make sure that I am following my promise here. I hope that each of you who celebrate Lent have put some thought into your decision and I hope maybe I have provided you with some insight into a way to make your decision. Post your decision here, or hit me up on Facebook and let me know what you decided. Good luck.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Best Show on TV
Friday night my wife and I got home from eating dinner and decided, like we do most Fridays, to start catching up on your shows that we put on DVR for the week. We have several shows that we watch, but as we were watching I started thinking about writing a blog about the best show on tv. First I thought about doing a blog on the best shows of all time, but man that got to be tough, so I may take a stab at that soon. Let me state for the record, that the best show of all time is The West Wing and I won't take any arguments on this one. Anyway, back to the best show on tv today. I tried to put some parameters on the selection, such as it has to be on regular tv. I don't have HBO or Showtime, so for me, those shows don't count (though there are some fine shows on those networks I hear). I thought about taking out reality shows, but they are just as much a part of tv as regular shows, so they stayed in (though none made the Top 10). I did however take out talk shows, such as The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. It breaks my heart not to include those shows, but I took them out. All other shows, whether it be comedy, drama, action, sci-fi, 30 minutes or 60 minutes, were included.
Okay, on with my list:
10: Nip/Tuck--I personally don't watch Nip/Tuck, but my wife does and Scott is always raving about it, and I really like what I have seen, so it made the list, if for no other reason than I think they have the best trailers each week.
9: House--I have been a big fan of House since the very first season, but I have to be honest it is beginning to slip a little, but just a little. They need to go back and focus on medical cases and take some of the personal stuff out of it. Still a great show and the fact that I sit endlessly and watch reruns on USA means it is still great.
8: Psych--This is a great show that I just recently got into. It is very funny and at the same times keeps you guessing about what is going on. It is like a CSI that is funny and doesn't take itself too seriously, so I like that.
7: South Park--I am not sure that South Park will ever not be on this list. It never ceases to deliver and it is always cutting edge and hilarious.
6: Damages--This is a great show, despite the fact that I leave each week's episode madder and madder because they won't reveal much of the plot. The show is entertaining and no one can say that it doesn't keep you guessing and wanting more.,
5: The Office--This show can really disappoint some weeks, but it can also be the funniest thing you have ever watched some weeks, so I keep it up top. The show needs to stay focused on being funny, so hopefully we won't be disappointed.
4: Numb3ers--This show just continues to amaze me. Last year I would have taken it off my list, but they really did a great job of getting the show back on track and have added on plot twists and some great graphics work to keep us entertained.
3: Lie to Me--This is the best new show on tv and if I was writing this blog a month from now, I bet that this show would be on top. It is the most interesting new show to come along in a long time and I am really enjoying it. It is one of those shows that will reach a breaking point in a season or two and have to decide which direction to go, but if they can keep it fresh, it will be a great show for years to come.
2: Gossip Girl--Yes, you read that correctly. This show has everything and I always get mad when I sit down and get ready to watch shows and realize that there wasn't a new Gossip Girl on. Also, I have to stay, I have never wanted to model my life after a character more than Chuck Bass. This isn't just a show for teenage girls, it is worth a viewing from everyone.
1: Burn Notice--Hands down the top show on tv. I got into Burn Notice at the end of last year and I can't wait each week for a new show. The season is almost over, but I am willing to wait. It is a difficult concept for the writers to continue to come up with fresh episodes each week, but they have done it perfectly and I think that they will continue to do the same for years to come.
Shows that missed the cut (and some explanation) in no particular order:
30 Rock--I just never really found the show funny except for Alec Bladwin. It just doesn't even come close to the top comedies on tv in my opinion.
Heroes--I tried to get into this show, but never really got it down. I think it is a great show and if there was an 11th, this show would probably be it.
Scrubs--This actually pains me to say and I almost didn't even put it down, but even though Scrubs is still extermely funny, it is a shell of its former self. I still sit for hours on end and watch old episodes, so it is difficult for this season to compare.
Grey Anatomy--This show has gone down each season since the first season and it continues to slip. I am still giving the show a chance, but after each episode, I always say that that was the last one.
Trust Me--This is a new show and it has the potential to make the list, but I am worried that this show is going to fade away.
Law & Order/CSI--Too many spin offs hurt the original shows. I know some people still like them, but there have been other shows that have come along and knocked these guys off the list.
Lost--I tried and tried to get into this show, but the concept never caught on. I just don't think it is as good as others do.
American Idol--Not even as close to as good as it used to be. So why do I keep watching? I have no idea
Hell's Kitchen--I love watching any show with Ramsey but they really need to update this show and put some new twists to it.
Big Brother--I know it isn't on right now, but this is my favorite reality show, so I thought I would mention it
Fringe--Two months ago, this show was on its way to being the new X-Files and at the top of my list, then something happened. They just went way to far out there and are on the verge of losing it. If they can wrangle in the concepts for the shows and little bit and bring it back to somewhat of reality, then it can make a huge comeback in my book.
Let me know what you think I have missed, what needs to be added, and what needs to be deleted.
Okay, on with my list:
10: Nip/Tuck--I personally don't watch Nip/Tuck, but my wife does and Scott is always raving about it, and I really like what I have seen, so it made the list, if for no other reason than I think they have the best trailers each week.
9: House--I have been a big fan of House since the very first season, but I have to be honest it is beginning to slip a little, but just a little. They need to go back and focus on medical cases and take some of the personal stuff out of it. Still a great show and the fact that I sit endlessly and watch reruns on USA means it is still great.
8: Psych--This is a great show that I just recently got into. It is very funny and at the same times keeps you guessing about what is going on. It is like a CSI that is funny and doesn't take itself too seriously, so I like that.
7: South Park--I am not sure that South Park will ever not be on this list. It never ceases to deliver and it is always cutting edge and hilarious.
6: Damages--This is a great show, despite the fact that I leave each week's episode madder and madder because they won't reveal much of the plot. The show is entertaining and no one can say that it doesn't keep you guessing and wanting more.,
5: The Office--This show can really disappoint some weeks, but it can also be the funniest thing you have ever watched some weeks, so I keep it up top. The show needs to stay focused on being funny, so hopefully we won't be disappointed.
4: Numb3ers--This show just continues to amaze me. Last year I would have taken it off my list, but they really did a great job of getting the show back on track and have added on plot twists and some great graphics work to keep us entertained.
3: Lie to Me--This is the best new show on tv and if I was writing this blog a month from now, I bet that this show would be on top. It is the most interesting new show to come along in a long time and I am really enjoying it. It is one of those shows that will reach a breaking point in a season or two and have to decide which direction to go, but if they can keep it fresh, it will be a great show for years to come.
2: Gossip Girl--Yes, you read that correctly. This show has everything and I always get mad when I sit down and get ready to watch shows and realize that there wasn't a new Gossip Girl on. Also, I have to stay, I have never wanted to model my life after a character more than Chuck Bass. This isn't just a show for teenage girls, it is worth a viewing from everyone.
1: Burn Notice--Hands down the top show on tv. I got into Burn Notice at the end of last year and I can't wait each week for a new show. The season is almost over, but I am willing to wait. It is a difficult concept for the writers to continue to come up with fresh episodes each week, but they have done it perfectly and I think that they will continue to do the same for years to come.
Shows that missed the cut (and some explanation) in no particular order:
30 Rock--I just never really found the show funny except for Alec Bladwin. It just doesn't even come close to the top comedies on tv in my opinion.
Heroes--I tried to get into this show, but never really got it down. I think it is a great show and if there was an 11th, this show would probably be it.
Scrubs--This actually pains me to say and I almost didn't even put it down, but even though Scrubs is still extermely funny, it is a shell of its former self. I still sit for hours on end and watch old episodes, so it is difficult for this season to compare.
Grey Anatomy--This show has gone down each season since the first season and it continues to slip. I am still giving the show a chance, but after each episode, I always say that that was the last one.
Trust Me--This is a new show and it has the potential to make the list, but I am worried that this show is going to fade away.
Law & Order/CSI--Too many spin offs hurt the original shows. I know some people still like them, but there have been other shows that have come along and knocked these guys off the list.
Lost--I tried and tried to get into this show, but the concept never caught on. I just don't think it is as good as others do.
American Idol--Not even as close to as good as it used to be. So why do I keep watching? I have no idea
Hell's Kitchen--I love watching any show with Ramsey but they really need to update this show and put some new twists to it.
Big Brother--I know it isn't on right now, but this is my favorite reality show, so I thought I would mention it
Fringe--Two months ago, this show was on its way to being the new X-Files and at the top of my list, then something happened. They just went way to far out there and are on the verge of losing it. If they can wrangle in the concepts for the shows and little bit and bring it back to somewhat of reality, then it can make a huge comeback in my book.
Let me know what you think I have missed, what needs to be added, and what needs to be deleted.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Fantasy Baseball Draft
Well, I know you all have been waiting for this, so I got into a fantasy baseball draft this evening, so I can blog during the draft. It is a 16 team, 25 player roster league, so I won't comment on each post, but I will give some insight into my team and stragtey and some other random things that go on during the draft. The draft starts at 11:00. I am going to finish watching Burn Notice and then I will be back, so stay tuned.
10:58--two minutes away from the first pick. I pick eighth. probably looking at Miguel Cabrera, assuming all goes like it should...we will see.
11:00--it never takes long in a fantasy draft to be surprise. Pujols went first. Not a crazy pick, but a reach considering the league allowed trading picks, so he should have done that.
11:03--my pick...the guys I thought would be gone, Ramirez, Rodriguez, Wright, Reyes, Pujols, Braun, Sizemore were gone, so I went with Cabrera.
11:08--first round in the books...no real surprise...the big surpise was that in a 16 team league were nobody knows each other, we only had 1 no show...that is a great turnout
11:10--two picks to me...looking for Ian Kinsler...we will see
11:12--got Kinsler...real happy to get a 2b...not a deep position, so I don't have to worry about that now...looking maybe for a pitcher next...John Lackey possible...if not maybe a catcher.
11:18--this is why you never think too far ahead in a draft when you don't know the players...Matt Kemp fell to me with the 40th pick...he is ranked 30th overall, so I had to pull the trigger on a five category stud (this is a 6x6 league)
11:20--not to get too far ahead, I am about 10 picks out, but I am looking at possibly going with Abreu if he is still around, Chris Davis maybe, or Geovany Soto...of course, if Lackey is still there I will have to go with him
11:23--Lackey just came off the board, three picks ahead of me, so I will have to switch gears
11:25--took Chris Davis with my fourth pick...it is a bit of a flyer, but with him and Cabrera, I can turn my attention away from power and rbis for a little bit...probably focus on pitching for a few picks...my hitters have all good average guys, Kinsler and Kemp will score and steal bases, while Cabrera and Davis have the power stuff down
11:30--i have never been able to resist a good bat if it is sitting out there, so I had to take Abreu with my 5th pick...he is too strong in all six cats, so I again passed up pitching...maybe next time
11:34--not sure why, but closers are coming off the board fast...I listen to my main-man Matthew Berry when he says "never pay for saves," so it isn't a big deal, just interesting
11:39--there were still some pretty good bats on the board, but I got my target in Zack Greinke, so put a pitcher on the board for me...probably do the same next time by
11:43--really glad someone just took Victor Martinez so that I didn't feel like I had to
11:45--well it happened again, I took Raul Ibanez...don't worry, I have my eyes on some pitchers, so I got that covered, but Ibanez is just too solid and consistent, just like Abreu...I had to do it
11:54--I got my man...Ricky Nolasco...maybe could have fallen another round, but he is the guy I wanted, so I made sure I got him...at this point in the draft (Round 8), you have to get the players you want
11:55--interesting trend I have noticed...it is still early in the fantasy season and in this draft and mocks I have done, I noticed guys are still taking names instead of stats...be interesting to see if that trends continues, because if you don't follow baseball closely, so always just draft names
11:57--wanted Kevin Slowey, but he came off the board two picks before me, so I switched up and went with Josh Johnson...again maybe a round early, but he fits my pitcher profile (low whip, low era, mid wins) perfectly
12:05--again got my target, Mike Aviles...I need a SS, but Aviles is both is 2b/ss, so if I get a weak, SS, I can just play him there..he is going to hit .300 and go 10/10, so good for this point in the draft
12:11--didn't really know where to go...I was going to the pen, but saw too many of the same guys out there, so I picked up Pablo Sandoval to fill my 1b/3b slot...the guy will hit .310 and I will need it, because I have to take a hit on average for a catcher
12:18--needed to get a relief pitcher in their, so I was happy to see Heath Bell still on the board...i still have some personal issue with Bell, cause of his time with the Mets, but fantasy can't be personal, so he was my choice...probably go back to the pen next time round
12:24--went with Chad Qualis for my pen...good sleeper closer this year...he has the job, so that is nice and he is solid, so I could have done worse
12:30--Clayton Kershaw was a good guy to see on the board this late in a deep draft like this, so I jumped at the chance...has huge upside and I needed some ks, so that should work out great
12:38--picked up J.P. Howell to fill my holds cat...he is considered a starter, which is nice, so he should work out real well...he may even get a chance to start some or close some, so a lot of upside late in the draft
12:43--got some really good, cheap saves by picking up Dan Wheeler...if Wheeler doesn't close, he will still pitch, so the era and whip will help, but he is in line to do most of the closing in Tampa, so it is worth a shot
12:49--settled for Erick Aybar at short stop...Jed Lowrie was right there, but got taken a pick in front of me...first time that has happened...Aybar hits for good average and some power, but his main upside is speed and I needed a lit bit...was going to target him as a bench player, but oh well
12:52--really, really happy to get Chris Perez this late...he is going to close in St. Louis, so that is a huge plus this late...good upside here
12:59--finally got a catcher in the 19th round...went with John Baker of the Marlins...he is going to hit .275 with maybe 10 homers, but more than anything, I just trust the Marlins to have guys that surprise everyone, so he is my pick to do that
1:03--in the 20th round it is all about upside, so I gave Elijah Dukes a chance...one day Dukes will go 30/30 and I want him on my team when he does...it probably won't be this year, but 15/15 is not out of the question and I can take a hit on a .250 average because I have enough cover with other guys
1:09--my first bench player was Hideki Okajima...he is going to get some wins, saves, holds and has an amazing era and whip...i don't know where he will fit in, but I am sure I will find a spot...he was just too good to pass up, with little left on the board
1:13--took Juan Rivera in the hopes that he gets playing time in LAA...think he will and if he does he can put up decent numbers...if he doesn't not a big deal
1:20--took a flyer on Kenshin Kawakami...he is going to start for the Braves, so why not...you never know with Braves pitchers, so I like the upside...and I needed another guy I knew was going to start
1:24--late round picks are about getting any reward because there is no risk...with that said I took a chance on Luis Castillo...he may lead off for the Mets, though I doubt it...he will still hit second and can run and score runs, so why not
1:30--last pick...I find some irony in the fact that the Yankees now have CC and Cleveland has the Yankees lastest bust in Carl Pavano...maybe Pavano can stick it to the Yanks, so I gave him a chance with my last pick
I like my team, at least looking at it at 1:30 in the morning (I find it hard to sleep when I travel). I may get more in depth later, but I got other drafts to come still, so I will probably wait and compare them all.
10:58--two minutes away from the first pick. I pick eighth. probably looking at Miguel Cabrera, assuming all goes like it should...we will see.
11:00--it never takes long in a fantasy draft to be surprise. Pujols went first. Not a crazy pick, but a reach considering the league allowed trading picks, so he should have done that.
11:03--my pick...the guys I thought would be gone, Ramirez, Rodriguez, Wright, Reyes, Pujols, Braun, Sizemore were gone, so I went with Cabrera.
11:08--first round in the books...no real surprise...the big surpise was that in a 16 team league were nobody knows each other, we only had 1 no show...that is a great turnout
11:10--two picks to me...looking for Ian Kinsler...we will see
11:12--got Kinsler...real happy to get a 2b...not a deep position, so I don't have to worry about that now...looking maybe for a pitcher next...John Lackey possible...if not maybe a catcher.
11:18--this is why you never think too far ahead in a draft when you don't know the players...Matt Kemp fell to me with the 40th pick...he is ranked 30th overall, so I had to pull the trigger on a five category stud (this is a 6x6 league)
11:20--not to get too far ahead, I am about 10 picks out, but I am looking at possibly going with Abreu if he is still around, Chris Davis maybe, or Geovany Soto...of course, if Lackey is still there I will have to go with him
11:23--Lackey just came off the board, three picks ahead of me, so I will have to switch gears
11:25--took Chris Davis with my fourth pick...it is a bit of a flyer, but with him and Cabrera, I can turn my attention away from power and rbis for a little bit...probably focus on pitching for a few picks...my hitters have all good average guys, Kinsler and Kemp will score and steal bases, while Cabrera and Davis have the power stuff down
11:30--i have never been able to resist a good bat if it is sitting out there, so I had to take Abreu with my 5th pick...he is too strong in all six cats, so I again passed up pitching...maybe next time
11:34--not sure why, but closers are coming off the board fast...I listen to my main-man Matthew Berry when he says "never pay for saves," so it isn't a big deal, just interesting
11:39--there were still some pretty good bats on the board, but I got my target in Zack Greinke, so put a pitcher on the board for me...probably do the same next time by
11:43--really glad someone just took Victor Martinez so that I didn't feel like I had to
11:45--well it happened again, I took Raul Ibanez...don't worry, I have my eyes on some pitchers, so I got that covered, but Ibanez is just too solid and consistent, just like Abreu...I had to do it
11:54--I got my man...Ricky Nolasco...maybe could have fallen another round, but he is the guy I wanted, so I made sure I got him...at this point in the draft (Round 8), you have to get the players you want
11:55--interesting trend I have noticed...it is still early in the fantasy season and in this draft and mocks I have done, I noticed guys are still taking names instead of stats...be interesting to see if that trends continues, because if you don't follow baseball closely, so always just draft names
11:57--wanted Kevin Slowey, but he came off the board two picks before me, so I switched up and went with Josh Johnson...again maybe a round early, but he fits my pitcher profile (low whip, low era, mid wins) perfectly
12:05--again got my target, Mike Aviles...I need a SS, but Aviles is both is 2b/ss, so if I get a weak, SS, I can just play him there..he is going to hit .300 and go 10/10, so good for this point in the draft
12:11--didn't really know where to go...I was going to the pen, but saw too many of the same guys out there, so I picked up Pablo Sandoval to fill my 1b/3b slot...the guy will hit .310 and I will need it, because I have to take a hit on average for a catcher
12:18--needed to get a relief pitcher in their, so I was happy to see Heath Bell still on the board...i still have some personal issue with Bell, cause of his time with the Mets, but fantasy can't be personal, so he was my choice...probably go back to the pen next time round
12:24--went with Chad Qualis for my pen...good sleeper closer this year...he has the job, so that is nice and he is solid, so I could have done worse
12:30--Clayton Kershaw was a good guy to see on the board this late in a deep draft like this, so I jumped at the chance...has huge upside and I needed some ks, so that should work out great
12:38--picked up J.P. Howell to fill my holds cat...he is considered a starter, which is nice, so he should work out real well...he may even get a chance to start some or close some, so a lot of upside late in the draft
12:43--got some really good, cheap saves by picking up Dan Wheeler...if Wheeler doesn't close, he will still pitch, so the era and whip will help, but he is in line to do most of the closing in Tampa, so it is worth a shot
12:49--settled for Erick Aybar at short stop...Jed Lowrie was right there, but got taken a pick in front of me...first time that has happened...Aybar hits for good average and some power, but his main upside is speed and I needed a lit bit...was going to target him as a bench player, but oh well
12:52--really, really happy to get Chris Perez this late...he is going to close in St. Louis, so that is a huge plus this late...good upside here
12:59--finally got a catcher in the 19th round...went with John Baker of the Marlins...he is going to hit .275 with maybe 10 homers, but more than anything, I just trust the Marlins to have guys that surprise everyone, so he is my pick to do that
1:03--in the 20th round it is all about upside, so I gave Elijah Dukes a chance...one day Dukes will go 30/30 and I want him on my team when he does...it probably won't be this year, but 15/15 is not out of the question and I can take a hit on a .250 average because I have enough cover with other guys
1:09--my first bench player was Hideki Okajima...he is going to get some wins, saves, holds and has an amazing era and whip...i don't know where he will fit in, but I am sure I will find a spot...he was just too good to pass up, with little left on the board
1:13--took Juan Rivera in the hopes that he gets playing time in LAA...think he will and if he does he can put up decent numbers...if he doesn't not a big deal
1:20--took a flyer on Kenshin Kawakami...he is going to start for the Braves, so why not...you never know with Braves pitchers, so I like the upside...and I needed another guy I knew was going to start
1:24--late round picks are about getting any reward because there is no risk...with that said I took a chance on Luis Castillo...he may lead off for the Mets, though I doubt it...he will still hit second and can run and score runs, so why not
1:30--last pick...I find some irony in the fact that the Yankees now have CC and Cleveland has the Yankees lastest bust in Carl Pavano...maybe Pavano can stick it to the Yanks, so I gave him a chance with my last pick
I like my team, at least looking at it at 1:30 in the morning (I find it hard to sleep when I travel). I may get more in depth later, but I got other drafts to come still, so I will probably wait and compare them all.
Being a Vegetarian
Okay, I am not a full fledged vegetarian, but my wife and I have decided to be vegetarians for the month of February. It is not that difficult, because we don't eat much meat on a regular bases. We do eat a good bit of chicken and turkey, but it really wasn't that big a lifestyle change.
I have told a lot of people about our big change for this month and they all act surprised. It really isn't that hard. It becomes more difficult if meals aren't already prepared, but if you make stuff in advance, then it isn't that bad. We are eating a lot of beans, rice, eggs, and some other great stuff that my wife fixes (you need to check out her blog for that).
We weren't making a statement by doing this, we just thought it would be something different to do. We all eat the same stuff all the time, so maybe try and switch it up every now and then and do something different. It will get you thinking about what you eat and how little thought you usually put into it. You don't have to choose the road we did, but through something different into your routine and maybe you will like the change. In March we will go back to eating meat, but we found some new dishes and a new way to think about what we cook, so it has been worth it.
I have told a lot of people about our big change for this month and they all act surprised. It really isn't that hard. It becomes more difficult if meals aren't already prepared, but if you make stuff in advance, then it isn't that bad. We are eating a lot of beans, rice, eggs, and some other great stuff that my wife fixes (you need to check out her blog for that).
We weren't making a statement by doing this, we just thought it would be something different to do. We all eat the same stuff all the time, so maybe try and switch it up every now and then and do something different. It will get you thinking about what you eat and how little thought you usually put into it. You don't have to choose the road we did, but through something different into your routine and maybe you will like the change. In March we will go back to eating meat, but we found some new dishes and a new way to think about what we cook, so it has been worth it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Podcast Recommendation
I have made recommendations about books and movies in the past, so today I thought I would make a podcast recommendation for all of you iTunes people out there. If you are interested in world affairs and international politics then you must download Fareed Zakaria GPS videocast. Fareed Zakaria is clearly the smartest man in the media, and one of the smartest persons in the world, concerning international affairs and his opinions should be taken very seriously by all of us.
Fareed is the editor of Newsweek International and now host a weekly show on CNN, Fareed Zakaria GPS. In 2009, Forbes referred to Fareed as one fo the 25 most influential liberals in American media. Some of you have already shut me down because he has been referred to as a liberal, but don't let that fool you. He is a centrist who believe that that "a new world requires new thinking" and that it is his job "...not to pick sides but to explain what I think is happenign on the ground." He has written four excellent books, The American Encounter: The United Staes and the Making of the Modern World, From Wealth to Power, The Future of Freedom, and his newest book The Post-American World.
I first learned of Fareed from the Daily Show. He is a regular guest with Jon Stewart and is one of the few guest that Steward always takes seriously. If you don't have time to watch Fareed's show on Sunday (1 pm or 6 pm on CNN) then download his podcast everyweek and take the time to listen. He is always able to get the best guests, because leaders and scholars around the world respect him and know that he will always allow them to speak and he won't push any agenda on them. This past week he had Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his show to discuss his reelection, corruption charges, and al Qaeda. It is well worth the listen each and every week.
Fareed is the editor of Newsweek International and now host a weekly show on CNN, Fareed Zakaria GPS. In 2009, Forbes referred to Fareed as one fo the 25 most influential liberals in American media. Some of you have already shut me down because he has been referred to as a liberal, but don't let that fool you. He is a centrist who believe that that "a new world requires new thinking" and that it is his job "...not to pick sides but to explain what I think is happenign on the ground." He has written four excellent books, The American Encounter: The United Staes and the Making of the Modern World, From Wealth to Power, The Future of Freedom, and his newest book The Post-American World.
I first learned of Fareed from the Daily Show. He is a regular guest with Jon Stewart and is one of the few guest that Steward always takes seriously. If you don't have time to watch Fareed's show on Sunday (1 pm or 6 pm on CNN) then download his podcast everyweek and take the time to listen. He is always able to get the best guests, because leaders and scholars around the world respect him and know that he will always allow them to speak and he won't push any agenda on them. This past week he had Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his show to discuss his reelection, corruption charges, and al Qaeda. It is well worth the listen each and every week.
Blog Update
My wife updated her blog last night, Splendid.Bites, so everyone have at it. I should note that this is not the meal I was talking about in my post yesterday.
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