Finally...part 2

The baseball season is finally over, let the hot stove league begin.

First, a few comments on the World Series. I watched every inning on my new 36-inch tv and it was awsome. I'm happy the Red Sox won, now Chicago fans can get all the attention for their well-deserved bellyachin'. 1918? Try 1917, or 1908. FOX's coverage was pretty bad. The pre-game show was awful. I also hated all the little music interludes. They didn't show enough clips of series past- no sense of history which I think detracted from the coverage. On the plus side, I liked those in-ground cameras near home plate, and for as much flak as people give Tim McCarver, I thought he was pretty good.

For all his good pitching, I'm not convinced Derek Lowe is worth the money he is going to get next year. I certainly don't want to see him with the White Sox. He's a smart, finesse pitcher- more like Maddux than Clements, but without the stamina. He's a converted relief pitcher with one - ONE - great season. I know another pitcher with one great season - Loaiza. I don't want to see him back either. Lowe's stats have gotten worse each season. From 21 wins, to 17 to 14, and his ERA has gone up. Admittingly, he didn't get much run support this year, but also he ain't gettin any younger. If I'm KW, I pass on this guy.

Same goes for Martinez. He's at the end of a good career, and a head case to boot. Pass.

36 inches

I have a relative who has been in the wholesale travel business for years. Its a travel agency but bigger, plus they all kinds of rewards programs for credit cards, etc... Business started getting bad after 9/11, and then the company was sold to incompetent management that finally drove it into the shitter. About a month ago, they closed their doors. Now, they're selling off everything at cheap ass prices. So, I plunked down $125 for a 36 inch, Sharp color TV - just in time for the World Series (not to mention 3 months of football season left). The thing is massive - a huge difference from the 12-year old 19-inch Panasonic I've been watching. The Sharp is about 6 years old, but was only slightly used to view trainig videos. I still have to figure out how to hook up the DVD player, but at least the cable is working.

I took today off to paint my garage. But its back to the salt mines tomorrow.

Time well spent

Last night, I finally got around to turning on the tv just before 10, and was surprised to find the Yankees-Red Sox game still going on. I had recalled the game was a late afternoon start - 4 pm CST - and here it was, nearly 6 hours later still going on. So I got to the Ortiz at bat, which was all I really needed to see... Then the FOX network went into its regularly schedule game- the Astros and Cards, which started 3 hours after the AL game, but was already in the 9th inning. And talk about a pitcher's duel! So, I watched the entire 9th inning, which was, again, all I needed to see. I guess I know what I'm doing tonight.

I know I've been awful lax on the Sox commentary, but it is a looonnnng off season. Good stuff a-comin', I promise...

So, you get stuck with my random thoughts for today. I apologize in advance fo sounding like just another boring blogger.

I forgot to charge my iPod battery and thus am musicless today. Too bad, as I could really go for some "OK Computer"-era Radiohead...

My trip down to my alma mater this coming weekend for homecoming has been cancelled. mainly because the 22 keg party got cancelled.

Made a quick $125 on eBay last week...

Shake the sheets

So I finally got a hold of the new Ted Leo and the Pharmacists album, "Shake the Sheets" which actually doesn't come out til later this week, though somehow a friend of mine got an advanced copy about 6 weeks ago and all my pals have been in awe ever since. I finally got my copy saturday.

I've been championing Ted Leo for more than a year now, and "Shake the Sheets" continues that noise. This is especially remarkable when you consider that over that same time period, I've purposely been avoiding music with lyrics, and have had a serious aversion to all things rock. Leo is the exception.. I guess cause he's so damn good, he's impossible to ignore.

If there is one guy who is about claim the king of rock throne, Leo is it. And "Shake the Sheets" is the album that should be his breakthrough. Couldn't imagine I'd say this, but I think I like it better than his last album - "Hearts of Oak", and that's my favorite rock album of the last 5 years or so... This album is less lyrically ponderous, a bit more poppy, but still hard... "Heart Problems" is the standout that I seem to remember as the highlight of his live performance at last summer's Randolph's Street Fest - it's the centerpiece of the album and hauls ass start to finish, as does "Criminal Piece" and "Walking To Do". Other tunes like "The One Who Got Us Out", "Counting Down the Hours" and the title cut are all great beyond description. There's not a bad song on the entire record...

He's on tour. I can't recommend him highly enough.

I also had the pleasure of seeing "Dirtly Old Town" - the hour long rockumentary on Leo that centers around a show he played at Coney Island in 2003. It's not as mind-bending as his music, but it's still a worthwhile watch... Besides the concert footage, there's a lot Ted talking about punk asthetics and crap...plus a lot of great camera work on the amusement park... And an "extra" of them playing some street fest during the NYC blackout of 2003, intercut with images of commuters walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, etc..

Sadly, there was no sheet shaking after my date on friday. I was hungover on sunday, but not becuase I drank too much on saturday, but because I mixed beer, wine and whiskey. Yeech. I've got to slow down, I've been drinkin too much lately...

More baseball news later this week, and I'm working on a Sox org depth chart covering all levels down to Great Falls, though that may take a little while...

Two arms

...that everyone is looking at; Tim Hudson and Roy Oswalt. They're a couple of decent mid-level pitchers that have been thrown around lately as being of interest to a lot of teams.

The A's just exercised their 2005 option on Hudson, so they'd be looking at a trade. Not sure if Lee or Konerko would fit the bill here. Hudson made $5 mil llast year and he pitches in the low-90s. He's got some Maddiu style years in front of him, though he started less than 30 games in 2004. Maybe he won't win 20, but he keeps hitters at bay, forcing them to hit a lot of grounders. He might fit as a good #2 or 3 starter if Garcia or Buehrle get hurt and the Sox are forced to trade.

Oswalt, if he can be wrastled away from Houston, could be a #1 starter. He's 27, made $3.25 mil in 2004, and is a "Cy Young award waiting to happen." He's also big and throws well into the 90s, and keeps hitters off balance. He started more games (35) than Hudson, and it shows - he won 20. Near as I can tell, he's still under contract with the stros... So again, a trade to get him, likely Lee or Konerko, if they take one of them.. You'll get a chance to see Oswalt pitch in game 4 of the NLCS on sunday.... Likely, the stros backs will be up against the wall, so he'll be going at it with everything he's got against the best team in baseball...

Got a date tonight that involves tequila, so hopefully, I have a juicy story to post saturday (or sunday).

Ole Ole Ole Ole!

US men's soccer team moves on to the final round of World Cup qualifying with a big win over Panama in DC. The Panamians gave the US a game during the first half, but after that secobnd goal, the air just went out of their sails. Mexico and Guatamala also davance. The other 3 spots are still up for grabs with one game to go, but it looks like Jamaica, Costa Rica and Trindad&Tobago. So I think that's the same 6 teams as in 2002... I'm assuming play begins next summer...

I didn't watch much of the Yankees-Red Sox game, but I saw the first inning when Pedro Martinez pitched himself into then out of a jam. The guy is a great pitcher, but his best years appear to be behind him. I think the Whitre Sox money could be better spent elsewhere. Plus, he's head case.

Soxfest tickets on sale tomorrow. Likely, I'm not going...

"Cacksuckers!"

I'm rapidly realising that other blogs do a much better job of covering White Sox baseball. That doesn't mean I'm giving up, but here in the offseason, I'll focus more on other topics. Sure, I'll have some "hot stove" league talk, but for more in-depth coverage, check out SoxTalk.com or the Cheat's blog (link at right). And rest assured, once the season begins, I'll provide my observations, and a daily round-up of the Sox minor league action.

That said, its football season... And I just finished up a great new biography of Papa Bear George Halas by Jeff Davis. It's just came out last week and you can pick up the hardcover copy for about $20. It's a worhtwhile investment for any Bear fan. The author went to great lenghts to interview a lot of ex-Bears for this book and it shows- the stories are incredible. This is the kind of book that will make you smile and keep you company on those long winter nights in a rocking chair in front of the fireplace. Halas was quite a character, and his gutter mouth is in every chapter - he likes to call everyone a "cacksucker!" Hilarious! Make a great gift for holidays!

Starbucks boycott day 2.

I missed the Yankees-Red sox game last night. Too bad, what a classic. I'll probably miss it again tonight, as I'll be tuned into the US-Panama men's soccer, or football, World Cup qualifer... A US win propells them into the final round of CONCAF qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Rex Grossman- Poser

Forgot to mention this last week regarding the Bear game I attended (Oct 3 loss to the Eagles). On the ticket, besides my usual seat and section number, is a picture of now injuried franchise QB Rex Grossman. Being the good citizens of the community that they are, the Bears have chosen this stage to highlight some great charitable work. Some of that charitable work is, apparaently, promoting literacy programs for kids. Great. One problem. The caption beneath the picture of Rex wearing the #9 jersey and reading a Dr. Seuss book to a 3-year old girl on his knee, reads "Rex Grossman poses to promote literacy." So, Rex isn't PROMOTING literacy, he's POSING for a picture and faking it? Now, I don't know, I'm sure Rex gives way more time and money to charitable causes than yours truly. However, that misleading statement is not flattering. Go Bears...

Speaking of football, I watched the Pack collaspe at home in front of a hostile crowd last night on national TV. I was rooting for Favre, my fantasy team QB, as I need him to have a good game - something like 3 TDs and 350 years... I even could've lived with an interception... But no luck. At only 12 fantasy points in my Yahoo league, I lost to the worst team by 10 points. I'm still in first and all the studs I had on the bench for the bye week are comin back...

Anyone watching the baseball playoffs? I'll tune in for the Red Sox-Yankees series. Last year, that was one for the ages... And I'm old enough to remember seeing the Bucky Dent game as it happenend back in 1978...

More later...in the meantime, check out another great piece today by The Cheat (link at right) on the number of open roster spots and salary considerations on the mind of every Sox fan...

Pitchin Woo Part 2; showin my true colors (or lack thereof)

First time I've posted twice in one day, but i just felt the need...

The Cheat's Blog (link at right) has a great piece on the Sox starting pitching situation. I guess I have to agree that Buehrle and Garcia are back... Hopefully they'll win at least 15 and only lose 10 or less... gettin 30 or so starts and 200 innings, ERA near 4... I thought Contreas' contract was up, but its not, so I'll alter my view here and throw him in the #4 or 5 slot. I just hope he can get his control together. If he does, he could win 20. If not, he could lose 20. Garland has no contract, so I say dump him - too many question marks...

Schonenweis is gone and Grilli starts at Charlotte...

The bullpen is set, so I'm not even going to touch it...

Comin up from the minors, you've got Felix Diaz and Brandon McCarthy. I saw Diaz pitch a few times last year and he looked OK, certainly light years ahead of Grilli. I don't know much about McCarthy...

So all that said, you've still got at least one hole - the #1 spot. I agree that Clement is not a #1 starter but if you get him in the #2 or 3 spot for a song, he might be worth it. I've seen him pitch plenty of times and haven't been real impressed. Nevertheless, he has a low low ERA and puts in the innings...

Anyways, read the Cheat's article and you'll get a better idea of where the Sox stand on the mound...

I also spent some time today reflecting on the evil monster that is Starbucks. Another thing they do that just makes my skin crawl is their whole false musical culture. I hate it when you walk in just to get some caffiene and they're rammin some awful Sheryl Crow or world music Malian guitarist down my throat. But I do wonder why they've never done a CD collection of songs about coffee - it seems so obvious. It got me thinking, and some pals helped me produce this list as a starting point:

Afghan Whigs * "Amphetamines and Coffee"
AWOL * "Coffee"
Black Flag * "Black Coffee"
Blur "Coffee and TV"
Brooke Benton * "Another Cup of Coffee, Then I'll Go"
Irving Berlin * "Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee"
Greg Brown * "Good Morning Coffee"
Charming Beggars – “Caffeine”
Coctails * "Clown's Coffee"
Lacy J. Dalton * "Black Coffee"
Dance Hall Crashers * "Java Junkie"
Rick Danko * "Java Blues"
Descendants * "Coffee Mug"
Dire Straits – “Espresso Love”
Eddie Duchin "Coffee in the Morning,
Orchestra * Kisses at Night"
Bob Dylan * "One More Cup of Coffee"
Enchanters * "Cafe Bohemian"
Ruth Etting * "You're the Cream in My Coffee"
Faith No More * "Caffeine"
Lefty Frizzell * "Cigarettes and Coffee Blues"
Bill Haley and the Comets * "40 Cups of Coffee"
Tom T. Hall * "Don't Forget the Coffee, Billie Joe"
Brenda Kahn * "I Don't Sleep, I Drink Coffee Instead"
Lightning' Hopkins * "Coffee Blues"
The Ink Spots * "Java Jive"
Lag Wagon * "Mr. Coffee"
Less Than Jake * "Black Coffee"
Gordon Lightfoot * "Second Cup of Coffee"
Link 80 * "Jennifer's Cafe"
Manhattan Transfer * "Java Jive" (Ink Spotscover?)
Bob Mould – “Black Sheets of Rain”
Bob Nell * "Why I Like Coffee"
Pogues * "Money, Guns, and Coffee"
Prince * "Starfish & Coffee"
Otis Redding * "Cigarettes and Coffee"
REM – “Java”
Paul Shaffer – “One Cup of Coffee”
Frank Sinatra * "Coffee Song"
Squeeze – “Black Coffee in Bed”
Suspects * "Caffeine

Kickin the Starbucks habit

I'll likely be in a more sour mood than usual the next few days as I attempt to give up my Starbucks habit. Nothin fancy - I only get the regualr drip coffee - but I'm hooked like a hillbilly on heroin...

The only thing worse than paying a $1.50 for coffee is paying a $1.61, which is the price after the increase due to "higher milk costs" or some such bullshit excuse. I use to tolerate such corporate shenanigans from 'Bucks because I was a shareholder. But when I discontinued that relationship a while back, I let my tolerance slide with it.

While I'll miss the cutie in the green smock slavin behind the counter, with her perky simle and her perky tits, I'm just not gonna pay more at this point. On weekends, I've already started going to Cousins Coffee instead - same taste, same potency, more convenient (I don't have to get out of my car), and now 11 cents cheaper. Fuck 'Bucks.

So, I'm stuck drinkin the goat's piss coffee they give for free here at the salt mines. Life is no bed of roses, but it could be worse, eh?

What a way to start the week.

Like the Charming Beggars might sing "I need caffine, in my bloodstream!"

As if that isn't enough, I'm broke. I get paid on friday, but after the bills are paid, I'll still be in the hole a few hondo...

I'm currently trying to calm myself down with some piano jazz- Bill Evans' "Sundays at the Village Vanguard."

Pitchin Woo

OK, enough about Valentin- the guy is history in Chicago. Let's move on to the Sox greatest offseason need; starting pitching.

Consensus around the water cooler is that the Sox have a #2 and #3 starters in place in the form of Buhrle and Garcia. The Garland experiment appears to be over, but he could still serve as, maybe a #5 starter. Contreas is likely gone. Grilli certainly can't pitch at the major league level. So, the Sox need to fill, I think, ideally, at least two spots here. There's been a lot of talk about Cub free-agent, goatee-sportin Mark Clement making the move 7 miles south. That'd be OK, but even MC is only a #2 or #3 starter at this point. the Sox need a stud in the #1 spot, someone who's gonna win 20 games, a leader the rest of the staff can rally around.

I have no clue who that person is, or how they'll wind up with the Sox. But here's hopin'.

Beyond that, I have nothing to report this weekend. I didn't get lucky, so I viewed some internet porn to fill the void. And you can pretty much figure where that led.

The Case Against Jose Valentin

Now that the 2004 season has ended, Sox shortstop Jose Vatenin is a free agent. I've read that some Sox fans want to hang onto him, others don't. Here are my deep thoughts:

Vatentin is a power-hitting shortstop with sub-par defensive skills and a bad on-base percentage. While JV has been a key part of the great Sox teams the past few years, I think with all the power in the Sox line-up, his time in Chicago is over. Likely, he'll request an increase in his $5 million dollar a year salary, and for the Sox, he's just not worth it.

The stats tell the story. Measured against the top 30 MLB shortstops, he ranks near the bottom in at-bats (450 - 23rd), hits (only 97 - 28th), doubles (20 - 25th), average (.216 - 22nd) and on-base percentage (21st - .287). He's in the middle on runs scored (73 - 16th) and walks (43 - 13th). To his credit, he's near the top in RBI (70 - 9th), slugging pct (.423 - 4th) and homers (30 - 2nd).

The defensive stats are notable as well. JV's 20 errors were 7th in the majors, but of the 6 who had more errors, all but one (Matsui - a rookie), played in significantly more games. And Matsui had more hits (125), more stolen bases (12), a higher average (.272) and a higher OBP (.331) than JV. To JV's credit, of those 7 defensively-challenged shortstops, he did have the 2nd best fielding percentage - .965, behind only Miguel Tejada at .971. And also, JV has been consistent in his defensive play the past few years, commiting 20 (2003), 19 (2002) and 22 (2001) errors, respctively. A big improvement over 2000, when he had 36. Bad, but far from the worst. (remember Shawon Dunston?).

To sum up JV's season in 2004 against his performance in recent years, he's playing in less games, scoring less runs, getting less hits, less RBI, has a lower average and OPB and striking out a lot more. The only categories he's imporved in is homers, and even then he's only up from 28 (2003) and 25 (2002), and power hitting is one thing the Sox have plenty of...

So I think JV should test the bounds of free agency beyond Chicago. He'd be a good addition to a team who needs a power hitting shortshop with below average fielding skills. I don't know baseball well enough to know what team out there can afford $5 mil and sacrifice power for defense at the SS position. But I think the Sox would do better to spend their money elsewhere, like on a #1 starter. Which I'll discuss at a later date...

Battle of the personal lubricants - "Wet" vs "Astroglide"

With all the Nobels being handed out this week, I had an urge to play scientist. With a willing volunteer, in an controled environment, yesterday I personally tested the sexually properties of two over-the-counter personal lubricants, available at your local Jewel or finer Dominciks stores.

I must confess that I entered the experiment, and the willing volunteer, as a higly biased researcher. I'd been using "Wet" personal lube for years and it has served me well in my many sexual escapades, but I still feel I may have been missing out on the fun that "Astroglide" promised. "Wet"'s consistency is silky smooth, very light and almost water-like. Just a bit provides all the necessary assistance. My partner agreed that the smooth and "jet-like" feeling increased our pleasure and orgasm. "Wet" was a nice addition to our own co-mingled juices, and offered easy clean-up.

Point of order; no condoms were used in this test. Skin-on-skin is the only way to go!

After being fully satisfied with our admitingly biased experience with "wet", we re-hydrated ourselves and began the "Astroglide" part of the experiment. The "AG" is a bit thicker, and seems to be more sticky. Because it was in a tube and not a phallaic-shaped comtainer, it also seemed to dispense more lube than required. Upon application and insertion, my partner stated that the feeling on the "AG" was not as comfortable. Orgasms occurred nonetheless. Clean-up was difficult and messy.

Conclusion: "Wet" offers a far superior experience for complete sexual gratification!

Tomorrow: "The Case Against Jose Valentin"

Smooth...

Tuesday. Garbage day. I was a bit late to work...the new me had to use "Nair for Men" to smooth out the chest. I don't have that much body hair, but if I'm looking to bed college-aged girls, well, I'd better be smooth to compete, right? I swear, at 35, with the exception of a few wrinkles and a few gray hairs, I'm looking as good as I did at 22, maybe better...and now I'm wiser, or so I think... The big test - the event - is coming soon... I think most women, in these days of metrosexuals and bisexuals, prefer smooth to hairy...its just -- cleaner. Luckily, I still have enough hair in the right places to be a man.

OK, on to baseball...

The playoffs begin today, and after last year, I'm not even going to try to predict a winner. I'll watch some of the Dodgers, and some of the Red Sox. More importantly, its time to figure out how the White Sox are gonna fill some holes... and I don't mean the groupies back at the hotel.. I'm talking middle infield and pitching. I've been reading a few other Sox blogs - one of which seems o have a fondness for Jose Valentin. I've been analyzing his stats and comparing his data to others... in the next few days, I'll throw up some stats that make a case for letting him go. Beyond JV, the only real goner I see off the bat is Contreas. I think his contract is up and he's just too wild, inconsistent and expensive.

I wound up finishing third in both my fantasy baseball leagues, which is a big improvement over last year. Even better, without paying any attention at all, I'm in sole possession of first place (4-0) in a 12-team fantasy football league with my fraternity brothers. And I've already played some of the best teams, this weekend I play the last place team. In fantasy football, unlike baseball, its all in the draft...

Nobel prizes being handed out this week... We'll see if any more get added to the trophy case at U of C.

And So It Goes...

Per my last post, I had a lot of plans this weekend, and accomplished few of said tasks...

The Sox season is over. I'll have a wrap up this week... The Cub season is also over. No wrap up, but it is a shame for the Cub and Chicago to lose Steve Stone - one of the sharpest minds in baseball.

One bit of Sox news- they did release their 2005 home schedule. For the first time since 1990, they open the season at home. Also, the LA Dodgers make their first trip to the southside since the 1959 World Series, and the Yankees are in on a weekend for the first time since 2000. The other NL team (besides the Cub) to visit new Comiskey is Arizona. For more info, check the Sox official site - link at the right.

And an interesting stat from the Trib; 2004 is the first year the Sox and Cub have had back-to-back winning seasons since 1937! How's that for awful? Chew on that, Red Sox fans!

Sox minor league wraps beginning this week. No, really. This time I mean it...

So I didn't watch any of the A's/Angels series... I did see the 4th quarter of the OSU/Northwestern game, but fell asleep in OT. Still don't know who won. Not sure I care... Ohio U upsets Kentucky in Lexington. Didn't see that either. Georgia looks like they are aiming fro a showdown vs USC.. They'll have to get by Auburn first, whose offense looks incredible as they tore apart in Vols in Tennessee. I think their QB is a true freshman. Regardless, he's one to watch.

One thing I did do was make way down to 18th and LSD to visit the new and improved Soldier Field for the first time. We tailgated for few hours and the weather was nothing short of perfect. The Chicago PD and the Bears need to put more porta potties in the parking lot - I was in line for half an hour at 10:30 AM trying to take a leak. I learned my lesson, the second time I just peed in a bottle in the car, which reminded me of that scene in "Dumb and Dumber" cause I filled more than one bottle.

I have to say, that for the very deserving criticism the new stadium recieves for its exterior, the inside is stunning. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house - it's built going up like the old Chicago Stadium, so you feel like you're right on top of the field. But it's not too steep, like new Comiskey. We sat in the north end zone, about halfway up. The sun shined on my face all afternoon and I've got a red face to show for it. Great view.

They did a good job of creating some cool spots - like the porch and grassy knoll (under the party deck) on the far NE corner that overlooks the lake... Also, on the west side, you can walk right thru the old columns, down the stairs to the lower level that was mostly left untouched... My only complaint - prices for food and drink are way way too high. $7 for a slice of pizza? $4 fries? $4 bag on pnuts? $6 beers? I bought nothing...

And the Bears lost - 19-9. They covered the spread, which was 11... McNabb looked good in front of the hometown crowd...and there were a lot of Philly fans there.

One thing not there were groups of horny women. Unlike baseball games, at the Bear game, men outnumbered women 10-to-1, and the few women that were there were all with dudes...

Busy busy few weeks in front of me. I'll try to watch some of the baseball playoffs. I guess I'll root for the Red Sox and Dodgers, but ultimately, really don't care.

I say...

...where were these guys in August? Uribe, Borchard and Rowand homer. Uribe gets 3 hits and drives in 2 runs. The Sox left 8 runners on base and still won, 9-2. It was nice of Buehrle to show up - he went the distance for win #16, striking out 8 and giving up just one earned run. Despite Burke's error, which cost the Sox a run, he was 2for4, with 2 runs scored and an RBI. The win assures the Sox will finish above .500 again. And fail to make the post season. Again.

The Cheat (link at right) has another great piece today on Sox highlights from the year. Most all of them are before the All Star Break, naturally...

Looks like the Cub are gonna need some help if they want to extend their pain into next week. The series I'll be watching is Oakland and Anaheim...

My two fantasy leagues are also coming down to the wire...I've got a shot to win both. Likely, I'll finish 2nd or 3rd, which is good enough for me. Last year I didn't even finish in the top half. In one league, I need a few saves to catch up, so as my starters pitch their final outings, I drop them in favor of a middle reliever in the hopes that maybe they'll get the save I need...

I'm going to Bears game on sunday. I'll be in the $55 seats, wherever those are... The bar car opens at 9 am for me... no Billy Sunday laws on Metra... Special Export beer, baby! It's a sad state of affairs for Lovie Smith and crew these days - after the week 2 win at Green Bay, everything looked sunny. What a difference a week makes. At least I'll get to see a good team in the Eagles. And, I'm looking forward to my first trip to the stadium, even if it is God-awful ugly on the outside.

Saturday night I need to find a bar that has ESPN game ticket so I can watch the Ohio U/Kentucky football game.

Even though the full moon is gone, I got lucky last night. What is it about thursday nights? The hook up was fun, and among the best sex I've had in over a year... The foreplay wasn't much, and the act itself only lasted about 20 minutes, but it was one of my fav positions- side-by-side locked in a sweaty embrace, lots of moaning and kissing... very wet and a bit wild... Luckily I got the operation a few months back- I'm shootin blanks. For me, condoms are a thing of the past...

I've been diving into a lot of good ol music lately. iPod is amazing for lots of reasons one of which is rediscovering all kinds of lost gems I'd normally never listen to - like Graham Parker's "Squeezing Out Sparks" and the Young Fresh Fellows "The Men Who Loved Music." Yesterday, I napped on the train to Brian Eno's "Amibent Vol 1; Music For Airports." I haven't bought a CD in over a year, but I think I'll have to shell out my hard earned cash for the new Rosa Passos. I heard a cut on NPR last week, and it sounded good...