The New Media

Ugh! The gray weather... Will it ever end? I've always entertained the idea of moving north to Toronto, but after the past few winters, I think I'm much more likely to wind up in Palm Springs.

Vince over at Exile in Wrigleyville (part of the MVN blogger network - link at right) did a short but interesting interview for Chicago Sports Review with Sox beat writer for the Daily Herald Scot Gregor, and Cub beat writer for the Tribune, Paul Sullivan.

Before I unload on this one, I think its important to note that I was a member of the Chicago media for a decade, from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. Most of that time was spent in the sports department of a variety of radio and tv outlets, which shall remain nameless (I don't want to reveal my true idetity). I interacted with many beat writers over that time, and even called a few my friend, including Brian Hanley, Dave Van Dyke, and Barry Rozner. And I know that being a beat writer is a low-paying, thankless job. That's one reason I got out of the "media" biz.

Sullivan, whom I've never heard of, comes off as a dinosaur with his head in the sand. Check out some of these quotes, with my impressions below:
"Being a baseball beat writer is like being a doctor."
Yes, you are on call 24-hours. I know from experience this is true. But the pay is way less. And beat writing ain't brain surgery.

"I agree that that the Sammy Sosa trade saga was one, long, boring affair, but we had to write constant updates even when there was no real news. "
You HAD to write about it? Why? What could possibly have possessed you? What motivated you? Because some editor told you so? If the writer AND the public aren't interested, how is that news? The media (ie -YOU, Paul Sullivan), MADE it news by your constant reporting of it.

"I never read (blogs). I know some of the other beat writers that read them, but I don't have the time or the desire. Sometimes people will email me a link to a fan site where someone is drilling me for something I wrote. I've learned never to respond. Some of these people are downright nuts. No offense to you, but everyone with a PC and a printer believes they're a writer. That's the worst aspect of the Internet Age -- everyone has something to say and a blog to say it in."
I don't understand why someone in the media would make such a blanket rejection of a new form of information and communication. Sullivan sounds like he's pretty closed minded. Also, PAAAUULL, if I am typing and publishing, like I am right now, guess what - whether you like it or not, that makes me a WRITER! I put fingers to keyboard and I create words (sometimes mispelled) and sentences (sometimes not grammatically correct). Maybe I can't make a living off it, but since when is money a qualifer for good writing? It sounds to me like Sullivan feels just a bit threatened by this new technology and increased competition for his readers' attention. His comment regarding the internet, and his disain of those who use it to express different viewpoints are not consistent with a lil idea we call "freedom of the press". That how it works in America, Paul. People have an opinion, they express it.

"(The internet and blogs) hasn't changed my job at all. I don't pay attention to what's written on the Internet. People can say or write anything when they know they wont have to deal with any of the principals (the players, managers, GMs, etc.). It's easy to trash people when you are anonymous. "
So you walk on eggshells? How does that benefit anyone? You have to pacify your subject to obtain that all important cooperation. What a sad existance.

"I get more annoying e-mails..."
Yeah, I'm sure.

"If you're talking about Bill James and his ilk, no I don't read much of his stuff. "
Agreed. But the angle of the "Bill Jamesians" is a unique one. What's you angle, Mr. Sullivan?

Sullivan worked as an assistant for Mike Royko, but that was 20 years ago, and if his comments are any indication, he's no Royko. Not even close. I've never read Mr. Sullivan, but I doubt anyone out there has a blog devoted to criticzing his writing. Additionally, who needs to read what a beat writer has to say? They're just a part of the marketing machine, the mouthpiece for the team (especially true for Trib reporters and the Cubs). About 99% of the time, player quotes are boring, pointelss, and interchangeable. they don't tell a story, nor reval much of anything. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Gregor, on the other hand, is smart enough to realize that much of the public is shifting their reading habits consistent with changing technology, and are getting their news from places other than newspapers, or traditional mainstream media - the internet, and blogs, have had an impact on how he does his job. Here are some quotes from him:

Some of the bloggers and fans on message boards know more about baseball and/or their respective team than some of the writers I've run across.

(My internet competition inspires me to) want to write something that jumps out because you can instantly see the reaction.(Traditonal media writers) have to be a lot more thorough and accurate (when writing), because there is a lot of information out there, and people are reading it

I hate getting bogged down in numbers, because you only have so much space.

Personally, I don't read any of the mainstream media, either in paper form, or online. I get my news from the likes of the BBC or Yahoo, and if I'm looking for baseball info, I read blogs - everyday. Reason being is that blogs offer more than a beat writer like Sullivan or Gregor can. They can stretch out, give opinions, analize stats, all without an editor to tell them 'no' , and without space limitations, which can allow the writers to really stretch out.

Funny how this whole issue of writing came up today. Just last night, I was sitting around wondering what happened to Chicago's reputation of producing great, really great, writers. (Maybe the topic was on my mind because of the James Farrell I'm reading.) Bellow, Hemingway, Sandburg, Algren, Farrell, Lardner, Royko...

I'm not that well read, but I have read a number of good things from Chicago writers in the past few years. But the only one that I thought was really good, is Michael Raleigh, who's fine novel In the Castle of the Flynns is fantastic.

If my hit counter is accurate, I had about 1000 reads again this month. Sure its not the Tribune, and I'm no Paul Sullivan, but I thank each and every one of you who've taken time out of their busy day to find some diversion from the daily grind here. During the season, I try to provide information in a clear, concise and occassionally humorous manner, without much opinion. I don't have an editor to censor me (or the benefits of a proofreader), and I can swear if want to, God Damn it!

AL Central preivew is coming. Please check back on wednesday.

The early days

under the sun

There is not much to report from the early days of srping training, under the sun in Tuscon. Other than the fact that I WISH THAT I WAS THERE.

Ther has been a much publicized "brush back" incident between newcomer Cuban fireballer "El Duque" and minor leaguer Casey Rogowski. Rogowski will be an interesting guy to keep an eye on in spring training and throughout the year. He had a great season in A ball last year, and the Sox have high hopes for him. He spent the off season in Chicago working with hitting coach Greg Walker, and will likely start the year at AA Birmingham.

The only other Sox news worth noting is new catcher AJ Pierzynski appears to be getting on with the pithcers well. This development is notable, very notable, after the bad year he had with his teammates in SF last year. AJ appears to be heading into his tenure with the Sox in a positive frame of mind. This is a big key to Sox season - AJ has to control the pitchers, and control himself. He appears to be on the right road. Only time will tell.

Still cold here on the southside. Will the warmer weather ever come? Not even Brazilian music is doing it for me today. I saw a part of Endless Summer last night (not to be confused with the trashy Brooke Shields' star vehicle Endless Love, which was filmed on the southside!), and that made me long for the warm sunlight on my frigid skin. Maybe lots of Old Style will make me feel better. Nah.

Just another day

Pure genius

I'm trying to hold everyones' interest here until baseball season begins.

Today the postman was kind enough to deliver my copy of James T. Farrell's My Baseball Diary. I anxiously opened it to begin scanning at a random passage, and on p. 29, this is - I shit you not - the first passage I read:

Obviously, because I was born on the south side of Chicago, I became a White Sox fan. Since baseball took such a strong hold upon me, it permeated my boyish thoughts and dreams. It became a consuming enthusiasm, a part of my dream or fantasy world. The conversation about baseball which I sometimes heard at home, the nostalgic recollections of players who had passed out of active play, the talk of players and games in an almost legendary way, all this was part of an oral tradition of baseball that was passed on to me, mainly in the home, during the early years of this century.

Baseball writing just doesn't get any better than that. Among the chapter titles are "My Grandmother Goes To Comiskey Park" and "What I Think of the Dodgers". I'm licking my chops, drooling actually, at the anticipation to begin reading this...tomorrow.

Music:
I needed Brazil today. Lots of Brazil. And the sweet soothing voice of Rosa Passos made all my pain disappear, floating away on a white puffy cloud against a sea of eternal sky blue happiness.

Stay tuned, I'm about half done with a preview of the AL Central. I'll try to have it done and posted by monday. In the meantime, have a sexy-ass pre-weekend!

Beer nuts recipe

nuts!

I don't go to many ball games. Last year, I went to 3 Cub games and 3 Sox games - down from a high in the mid-1980s of 15-20 games per year. My purchase of the 6/17 Sox-Dodger bleacher seats represents the first time I've paid for tickets since 1993. So when I do go to a game, its a big deal for me. One of the ways I usually prepare is to mix up a big batch of beer nuts. Easy and tasty, the simple recipe any bachelor can follow is below:

12 oz. beer (I use Special Export or Old Style)
1/3rd of cup of coarse (Kosher) salt
12 oz SHELLED, raw (unsalted, unroasted) peanuts

--Combine the beer, salt and 1 cup of water in medium sized pot.
--Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
--Remove pan from heat and add peanuts.
--Set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
--Drain.
--Heat oven to 325 degrees.
--Spread nuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
--Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once.
--Turn oven off, leave nuts in the oven for 3 hours.
--Store overnight.

Enjoy!

I'm such a slut

Oops, I did it again

Really... any half way decent looking girl can have her way with me.

But in this case, its less pleasureable.

You may notice in the right column, just under the Tavern Reviews section, I'm now running some ads. I figure I could always use the extra cash. And the ads are, so far, not overly intrusive.

So, I'd really appreciate, that when you leave my site after each visit, you exit by clicking on the ad link below at the right (I'm paid by clicks on the ad from this site). The more revenue I generate, the more high quality FREE content you'll continue to enjoy here on an (almost) daily basis.

Classic Baseball on VHS Part 1; 1985-7

So I finally got around to watching the old Cubs videotape I came upon while cleaning out my storage unit two weeks ago. Its a full game tape from Oct 3, 1985 - the Cubs hosting the Pirates on a beauitful day at Wrigley Field. I'm probably violating MLB copyright standards by posessing this tape, so I have since destroyed it.

Here are some of my impressions:
--rookie Shawon Dunston wildly swinging at nearly every pitch
--one of the worst defensive plays I've ever seen when Cub catcher Steve Lake blows a sure out when he holds the ball too long in a rundown and a 21-year old rookie PITCHER beats his throw to second.
--the players were all sooo much smaller compared to the guys out there today. The difference is incredible. Working out my ass. It's roids!!!
--Dwayne Staats promoting the upcoming first ever "Die Hard "Cub Fan Convention
--Bob Dernier choking up on the bat (when was the last time you saw a player choke up?)

And some classics quotes from Harry:
--Congratulations to Hawk Harrelson, just named Director of Operations for the White Sox.
--the suburbs have one thing the city doesn't - cable TV.
--the Illinois Supreme Court ruled against lights in Wrigley Field
--Bill Veeck is out in bleachers today, and he's brought his better half. Don't know who the gentleman is to his right, but he was with him yesterday as well.
--I see Sandberg hitting 40 home runs someday
--(Cub ballgirl) Marla Collins looking as pert and as pretty as ever. Even though she's now engaged and out of circulation.
--I gotta go talk to Keith Moreland

Oddly enough, after the game at the end of the tape was an old Late Night With David Letterman that featured Eddie Van Halen sitting in with the band, and also had a great segment with Dave interviewing Johnny Carson. Made me feel like I was in a time machine, and back in the "acne years."

Also, while in the library the other day, I checked out an old hour long VHS tape from 1987 titled The Chicago White Sox; A Visual History. Narrated by Jean Shepard, who is instantly reconigable as the adult voice of "Ralphie" for the film A Christmas Story. This is a pretty quick but fun history of the Sox with some good old footage and interviews.

First look

Let the games begin

The first pics from spring training are showing up in the local media... and being repurposed here. Again, a sure sign that summer is on the way!

Made a trip down to Hyde Park this afternoon to take care of some family bizness. Unlike last time, I had a chance to stop by and browse the dusty stacks of books at Powell's on 57th. I didn't see anything I wanted, except the cute blond girl working there. She looked like a U of C student, but they're not supposed to be cute. Maybe this is the new look of U of C? The Maroon was discussing bringing back the sexy (well, sexy for U of C anyways) Lascivious Ball. I don't know what it is about these Tina Fey types that turn me on. It has something to do with that naughty bookish look. You know the kind of girl, looks good without make-up and hasn't yet been sexually awakened... That was her. Tres sexy. And probably a lot smarter than me...

Toady's music of choice: the brilliant bossa nova of Jobim, Cypress Hill's bangin "Temples of Boom", the sexy sounds of Morcheeba and the always sultry Thievery Corp, and the interesting new Brazilian Girls, who are at Metro tonight...

Nation building

The future

Interesting story on the front page of The Wall Street Jorunal today discussing how the Guerrero Brothers - Vlad, Wilton, Julio and Eleazer - are investing their Dominican hometown. Unlike a lot of other DR stars who cash in big in the major leagues, the Guerreros aren't just giving away money. Instead, their building buisness and the community by investing in the people. They start businesses, give loans and create farms, which leads to building supermakets, hardware stores, and construction firms which ideally will support the community. Many locals make a good living (by DR standards) and the money gets pumped right back into the local economy.

Whether or not this form of economic development is successful in the DR remains to be seen. Only time will tell.

Reading this article, I'm reminded of Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari, a travelogue documentating his return to East Africa after living there more than 20 years ago. Theroux was discouraged to see how much worse life had become in that part of the world. Decades before, he had helped to set up schools, build infrastructure, and teach sustainable farming practices. Most of that work, and the people to do it, had vanished. This economic and social decline is the result of a wide variety of reasons - AIDS and wars chief among them. But also, decades of handouts turned that part of Africa into a virtual welfare state, where people and nations came to rely on the aid. Once the aid disappeared, a large societial gap was created. I recall Theroux discussing the problem with a local. When Theroux asked, and I'm paraphrasing here, "What can be done to help - what is the answer?" The local man replied "Maybe no answer." So it goes. Maybe there IS no answer.

Whether or not the Guerrero's succeed on a smaller scale will be interesting to watch indeed.

I'm listening to sleepy music today. Miles Davis' "In A Silent Way; the Complete Sessions"....

The Chicago Boys

Free market economy - IN ACTION!

Bored.

So here's a rainy day topic - a discussion of how the "Chicago Boys" southside brand of free market economic theory, which originated in the University of Chicago lecture halls near the corner of 58th and Woodlawn during the 1970s, had an affect on global markets.

So, below, is a brief overview:

Beginning in 1973, a group of 30 Chilean economists educated at U of C were provided with the unusual opportunity to apply their market theories to an entire country. Using Chile as a laboratory experiment, the hypothesis was to build a nation through free market economic prosperity. The experiment was based on the economists broad theories of decentralization, privatized, and deregulation, amongst many others. The Chicago Boys were followers of U of C prof and Nobel Laurate Milton Friedman (1972, Economics) and his theory of "free market" economy, which they took from the lecture halls of Chicago's southside to South America's Pacific Coast.

Chile's political climate in 1973 provide the ideal opportunity the economists were seeking to put their ideas into action. With the backing of Dictator-General Augusto Pinochet, and without any major opposition, (and with the support of the IMF and World Bank) the Chicago Boys embarked on this new approach to doing business in banana republics. Pinochet's only real role was the active - very active - suppression of opposition to the fallout of the application of these theories from lower working classes. This included, but was not limited to, union busting, death squads, and a general lack of freedom associated with democracy.

From 1978 to 1981, Chile experienced a so-called "economic miracle" as the economy grew an average of 6.6% per year. This number is deceiving, however, as the Chilean economy had been in such bad shape previously, that much of that growth was simply displaced workers returning to their old jobs as high-interest loans pumped life back into non-productive sectors of the economy. During this period of growth, data also suggests that the disparity of wealth among Chileans grew, and the quality of life for most dropped. Meanwhile, by 1981, Chile's mad rush into the world market left it over exposed to market forces. So when the global recession occurred in 1982, Chile was hit especially hard.

Additionally, the reckless implementation of this free market theory and pursuit of trade to foreign markets resulted in increased pollution and caused massive environmental damage to Chile; native forests disappeared, fish stocks declined, and Santigo's pollution became among the worst in the world, increasing infant mortality rates.

While Pinochet's reign of terror ended in 1989, the legacy of this experiment is still being felt today. Chile has one of the highest debts in the world and poverty remains overwhelming. On the positive side, Pinochet may finally be brought to justice for the crimes he committed during this dark era.

For more on this topic, check out the book Pinochet's Economists; The Chicago School of Economics in Chile by Juan Gabriel Valdes (ISBN # 0521451469).

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Are you ready for the summer?

Play Ball

Hell yeah!

"Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training today"

The best thing about Morton Grove

$20 well spent

STATS, Inc.

John DeWan, Don Zminda and crew may have sold out to media conglomerate News Corp but when it comes to crunching numbers - and baseball is a game of numbers - no one does it better than this crew. I picked up my copy of The TSN/STATS Inc 2005 Scouting Report a few days ago and haven't been able to put the thing down. Easy to read summaries with great details and necessary facts. Unlike Baseball Prospectus, this book focuses more on discussing a player's past performace, ability, strengths and weakness, and do not attempt to look into a crystal ball and predicte their future. BP isn't even in the same league. This book will be worn to pieces by seasons end. Anyone want a copy of the 2004 Baseball Prospectus real cheap?

Additionally, while browsing thru the huge fiction section of one of my favorite dusty old bookstores, looking for southsider James T. Farrell's collection of short stories or his lone and somewhat rare collection of poetry, I came across a work of his I had not previously known existed- a book called My Baseball Diary. Its a non fiction book from the 1950s that was out of print for 30 years, when the good folks at Southern Illinois University Press put this one back into circulation in 1998. Farrell goes deep into old time baseball, writing about the Sox and great players of the day like Ty Cobb. Always one to discuss southside culture, he profiles fans and the likes of McCuddahy's tavern. No way I was going to pay $20 retail, so I found it on http://www.abebooks.com/ (link at right as well) that wound up costing me $5 including shipping. Forget that Napoleon biogrpahy, I've got to dive into this book as soon as it shows up on my doorstep next week. Could be a "Farrell Spring", as I have the Studs Lonigan Trilogy lined up right to read after that... So, fans, have your thinking caps on, there will be plently of literary discussion, along with baseball talk, in the coming months.

The world don't stop...

June 17

..just cause I'm sick.

The Sox promotional and giveaway schedule has been announced. Pretty standard stuff, except for Fri June 17 (1959 cap night) and Sat June 18 (turn back the clock day). Both games are against the LA Dodgers. I've got to find the money to get to both of those games.

UPDATE: Since that post, I've caved in and ordered bleachers seats for the 6/17 game. $78! Ugh! I'm so weak!

VD

Lush

Today is Valentine's Day. I try to reject all holidays, especially Hallmark holidays like this one, and the accompanying consumer-driven, forced gift-giving. Isn't love more about sacrifice and compromise than hearts and flowers? So, despite being financially-challenged, I sacrificed about $100 and compromised my feelings towards this day and...

Purchased some items from Lush for the ladies. I stumbled across Lush in London in 1999, but until recently, they had no stores in the US. The past few years, I've been forced to make my orders over the web. So, I'm excited they've opened a shop in the 800 block of West Armitage. Its pricey, but worth it. Sure, you'll drop a $100 in there, but the gift giver gets that money back 5-fold in sex from the gift receiver. What do MILFs want for VD? About $50 worth of items from Lush (bath bombs, some jams and jellies), a copy of Frank McCourts Tis, a candle, some incense, a bottle of massage oil, a bottle of Veuve champagne, a pair of black panites (Buying bras and lingere can just be too complex, experience has taugh me that women like to buy their own lingerie) some Godiva chocolates (you CANNOT go wrong with this - unless she's allergic), and a blank journal notebook with the following on the inside cover:

Within you I lose myself
Without you I find myself
Wanting to be lost again

Sadly, there will be no lovin tonight - we're both sick with colds. Maybe later this week, so stay tuned...

Speaking of love, I watched The Real Cancun last night and was disappointed - it is not, as advertisied, among the great classic spring break films. Its more just a compressed "Real World" in Cancun. So compressed that you don't get a chance to learn anything about the "actors." There were a few good scenes, but ultimately, it was a set-up, it wasn't "real", and the sex scenes were pretty dull. But, the cinematography was great, it looked kinda like a surf movie.

One Sox note, they trade outfielder Alex Escobar to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Jerry Owens. A good move for the Sox. Escobar is a 26 year old who can barely hit his weight and is recovering from a foot fracture. Owens has some solid stats: (from the offical Sox press release) "Owens, who turns 24 on February 16, batted .292 (122-418) with one home run, 37 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 108 games with Class A Savannah in 2004. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound left-hander was selected in the second round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. "

The Roots of Fantasy League Baseball

not a female for miles around

Its that time of year again, when lonely Bill James-wannabe nerds all across the land begin pouring over the latest statistics in Baseball Prospectus in an effort to momentarily distract themselves from their own pathetic existance and create something out of their sad lives - in this case, a winning baseball team on the back of real life performance. In prepartion for the upcoming fantasy league season, I just picked up my copy of the STATS Inc. 2005 Scouting Report, so I guess I'm partially guilty of said nerd-like behavior.

While cleaning out my storage unit the other week, I came across an old copy of the the 1984 book Rotisserie League Baseball. This book traces the orgins of the game, the rudiements of which were allegedly founded by Bob Sklar, a professor at the University of Michigan, and then refined in 1980 by Dan Okrent, with the help of some friends at a now-defunct Manhattan restuarant call La Rotisserie Francaise (thus "Rotisserie" League). This book outlines the original basis for points and rules of a "keeper league", that is now the basis for virtually fantasy league for every sport across the globe.

Also, inside the book, I found an old article I had ripped out of Cleveland Magazine from April 1983, called "Of Time and A Summer" by Doug Clarke that was, at the time, a very inspiring account of an exciting season of fantasy baseball.

I bet Sklar, Okrent and Clarke had no idea how big their little numbers game would become....

I, William Ligue Junior...

do take theee...

The Sox sink to a new low in an effort to generate revenue to pay the likes of Dustin Hermanson. The latest official press release on http://www.whitesox.com/ introduces the "Wedding experience" at the ballpark. Though prices aren't given, future unhappy couples can make their vows before God and every drunken dopey stranger in the stands. Take your pick, suckers "may be married on the field, the warning track or the center field Fan Deck." I'm assuming its an additional fee to have Frank Thomas to serve as best man. Or an even higher fee for him to dress up like a bridesmaid.

In all seriousness, I can see some clueless guy wanting this. But what kind of a woman would want the most special, memorable moment of her life to take place on an outfield warning track littered with empty beer cups, peanut shells, cigarette butts, and tobacco juice? Are cat calls from the visiting team bullpen are optional? I can almost hear the PA echoing though the stadium - "Presentation of the rings is brought to you by your local Ford dealers." How mortifying. Christ, if I even suggested getting married at a ballpark to a sane woman, I'd get my skull bashed in. Women want to be married in the safety of a beauitiful church (the more stained glass and light - the better) surrounded by close friends and family. Or, barring that, the beach of a sexy, exotic land.

As bad as this Comiskey Park wedding sounds, I have to admit that about a decade ago, I went to the wedding reception of a local celebrity at Wrigley Field. The wedding was at a church, but the reception was in some fancy upstairs club at Wrigley. It was November, and gates blocked every entrance to the field, so my date and I were thrwated in our attempt to have sex on the pitchers mound. On the positive side, Ron Santo was there, and was a super nice guy to chat with. So, I guess having a reception at the park is as good a place as any, I guess.

Upon finishing up A Day In the Bleachers, I now have to admit that it would make a pretty lousy movie. That said, its a great, short read. Hano writes about a subject (baseball) that has been done to death, and approaches it from a new, interesting angle and fresh perspective. Just one day - start to finish - of going to a game. That game happened to be game 1 of the 1954 World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians at the old Polo Gorunds, famous if only for one of the greatest superhuman moments in baseball history - the Willie Mays catch and throw from the deepest part of centerfield. Looking back, the time and place of this book really provides the reader a great sense of how both the game and the business of baseball have changed so dramictically in just 50 years. Age has worked to great advantage of this book. Highly recommended.

No Jimmy's tonight, I'm sick with some kind of nasty cold. Maybe tomorrow or monday. Sorry, girls.

The Gray Season

The “gray season” has arrived. Chicagoans are familiar with the time of the year between New Years and spring when the weather is just so brutally depressing. That depression can carry over to other aspects of an individual’s life. Blah!

The US men’s soccer team won 2-1 at Trinidad & Tobago, which puts them well on their way towards qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. They’re undefeated in their last 30 games against CONCACAF opponents. The real test comes next month in Mexico.

My old college pal Doc Scott, who writes the Cincinnati Reds column over at MVN has a great summary of the coming 2005 baseball season in 6 parts. Check out the link in the right column.

In an effort to combat the “gray season” mentioned above, I’ve ordered both “The Real Cancun” and “Summer Lovers” from Netflix this weekend… That’s a big change from last weekend’s double feature of “Hot Dog; The Movie” (which is good because its so dated) and “Aspen Extreme” (which was awful. It was just “Light of Day” but with skiing instead of rock n roll).

Saw “Open Water” last night which was good and pretty scary. The best part for me was the nudity. That chick is a Hhhhotttie!

I’m taking a break from “Napoleon” and rapidly plowing thru Arnold Hano’s “A Day In the Bleachers”, which I think would make a great film… Though probably no nudity...

Wednesday

1983

I can't think of a title today...

Just got back from a brief sojourn down to Hyde Park. Only had time to drop off some family stuff and go right back to the real world. No Powells. No Jimmys (but U of C girls take note - I'll be making a personal appearance there on saturday night). I took the Metra Electric, and was struck by a few things:

1. the station at 57th (and 55th and 56th) is so nice and new. Sure beats the way it looked when I used to ride it when it was the old IC line (see pic above). Having 57th as the hub makes a lot more sense than 59th - that street is way more busy...
2. The cars on the line are in desperate need of an interior makeover.
3. The new main hub of Randolph Street station is very nice. The lighting in the main section is amazing. However, they need to add natural lighting to the platforms. Until they do, that section is still an old rat hole.
   
   Also, while we've all been watching the development of the South Loop over the past decade, I had no idea how many huge, tall high rises were going up right across from Solider Field. These buildings are massive. I wonder who is going to live in such a boring neighborhood.
   
   Today, I listen to Bill Evans' "Live At the Village Vanguard". The legendary NY jazz club is celebrating its 70th birthday this week.

Fat tuesday

The scene at 115

Photo courtesy of www.115bourbonstreet.com

In New Orleans, that means King Kake... In Chicago, it means paczki, which near as I can tell, is just a cream-filled doughnut.

If you're looking for craziness this evening on the southside, you might want to try 115 Bourbon Street (http://www.115bourbonstreet.com/), on 115th Street in Merionette Park. It should be crazier than usual. It promises to be the usual madness - alcohol, beads, stilt-walkers, and girls from the naybahud - times about 10...

The US men's soccer team begins the final leg of 2006 World Cup qualifying on wednesday, playing an afternoon game at Trinidad. Its on the deuce...

Dreaming of warm Brazilian bodies

Warm thoughts

...surrounding me as Chicago enters the "gray" season.

Ugh.

My cousin, who is a native southsider but has spent the past 15 years in sunny California, is coming back this weekend. He's bringing his wife, a California native who has been here a number of times, but has never expereinced real cold. Sure, she's been to Tahoe, where it goes down to the 20s, but I'm talking about the bone-chilling cold that cuts right to your bone and freezes your soul. Chicago cold, the kind that makes us tough. So, I'm hoping for sub-zero temps this weekend. A nice stretch of 30-40 BELOW...

The STATS Inc books for 2005 are now available. I'm going to try to pick up my copy this weekend. I haven't read their publications in many years, but there is no way I'm wasting my hard earned dollar on Baseball Propsectus again this year - they suck.

I cleaned out my storage unit this weekend and found some gems - including a videotape of a complete, very random Cub home game - Oct 3, 1985. Can't wait to watch it... I also pulled out my copy of "A Day in the Bleachers" and chose to dive into that instead of watching another forgettable Super Bowl on sunday.

This "Brail Now" comp of great bossa jazz is keeping getting me hot on this chill evening, in the absence of a female body or two, as Carnivale come to a close... Ah what I wouldn't give for bright sun to warm my skin, and the cool playful sand between my toes...

Grilli reassigned

Right handed starter Jason Grilli has been designated for re-assignment. This is good news, as his horrific stats both with the Sox and the Knights makes me thinks that unless he has a major turnaround fast, his days are numbered. Good. Watching him pitch last year was painful.

In the month of January, there were nearly 1000 views of this blog, which is the same amount of the first 4 months combined. And its the offseason...

So thanks for reading. I'll try to keep it interesting. I know things are slow now, it being the deadest dead of the offseason winter, but I'll continue to haul out some "rainy day" topics that will hopefully hold your interest until spring training begins next month.

I will be down in Hyde Park the next two weekends, which will include a return visit to Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap. So U of C girls, beware. Start practicing that eye-liner application technique, squeeze into those tight jeans, and go get em, tiger!