Happy New Year 2006!

Here's lookin at you, kid

The changing face of Chicago's Loop

Last hurrah Feb 28

First, it was Field's.

Then Trader Vic's.

Now The Berghoff.

Are you shitting me?

What's next? The Art Institute? Buckingham Fountain?

I guess that's progress. Or greed. Maybe both. Add them to the scrap heap with the Union Stockyards, Geri's Palm Tavern, The Checkerboard Lounge, Riverview and Old Comiskey Park.

Garland signs

Back!

Jon Garland signed a 3-year, $29 million dollar deal with the Sox today. It breaks down to $7 mil in 06, $10 mil in 07 and $12 mil in 08. Garland is just 26 years old, and if last year's numbers (18-10, 3.50 ERA) are any indication, he's about to hit his prime. He doesn't strike a lot of guys out, but he doesn't put a lot of men on base either. He doesn't smoke it past the hitters, but is more of control type guy (like Maddux). And based on the going rates for other pitchers of Garland's caliber, I think the Sox got a steal here. And I way under-estimated in my post last month what the Sox would pay him in arbitration ($4 mil). Near as I can tell, the Sox payroll is now pushing $90 mil, and Crede remains unsigned.

So what does this mean for Contreras? Well, I'm trusting the KW has a trick up his sleeve here. What, I dunno. I sure as fuck don't want to see McCarthy spend any more time toiling away down in Charlotte. Nor do I want to see him rot in the pen. Somethings gotta give. Contreras' trade value will never be higher than it is now. With Rowand and Young gone, and Dye and sPod unpredictable and inconsistent at best, KW needs to add some depth to that outfield. With Konerko signed and Thome to back him up, I wouldn't be surprised to see popular farmhand Casey Rogowoski packaged in the deal as well. But for who?

Holiday Round-Up

The tempature climbed above 40 F here on the southside. And for the first time in nearly a month, I can see the grass again (still green, go figure).

The holiday season is now just about over. Good, I'm fuckin' exhausted. Back to the salt mines tomorrow.

One nice holiday gift from the folks at Comcast has been their re-running of all 12 post-season Sox games. I bought a DVD recorder ($80, in both + and- formats - what a deal) for the sole purpose of reproducing these games without the express written consent of major league baseball or the Chicago Amercian League Base Ball Club. I'm making copies for my die-hard Sox fan cousin out in Oakland, who should enjoy the post-game local features not included in the national coverage (hey Dan Jiggets interviewing drunken teenage broads at 115 BourbonStreet!). Today was the amazin Game 5 of the ALCS. Man, Crede was so CLUTCH! What a joy to re-live that moment... Game 1 of the World Series at 7 pm tomorrow...

Other than that, the only baseball related gift I received for Christmas was this. I'd been lusting after it ever since I read about it last summer on The Cheat's South Side Sox blog. More importantly, I had more fun giving joy than receiving it this year. Lots of great memories, despite my day-long headache on December 25th. Ate well, drank well... I'm one fortunate dude.

Speaking of which, I need to do some serious volunteer work next year.

(Is this starting to sound like a Jackie Harvey column from The Onion? If so, sorry).

Another great gift I received this year (albeit it non-sprots related) was the long lost Ed Haynes Sings Ed Haynes album from 1989, now on CD (by Ed Haynes, duh!)! Sent from an old friend from back in the Athens days... I can't recommend this album highly enough. Sorta like an acoustic Too Much Joy... or Fountains of Wayne...

More Sox news to follow, including a winter league round-up... I swear...

No sex stories, however... (tear...)

Away in a manger...

iPod Found Dead

iPod and friend, during happier times

'End of a great era in music'

(AP) - Toyko - EasyW's iPod was found dead today at an upscale Toyko hotel. He was 3 years old. Japanese officials gave no cause of death, but foul play is not suspected. "The premature expiration appears to be lifestyle related," said one anomyous Japanese official thru a translator.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs could not be reached for comment. But an Apple spokesperson denied rumors of a suicide. "This is a tragic event, and those close to the iPod would like to request privacy from fans and the media in order to properly grieve." said the spokesperson.

Sympathy poured in from musicians around the world."This is the end of a great era in music," said U2 frontman Bono when informed of the news as he fed children at a UN refugee camp in Southern Sudan, "But we've got to keep going, and move forward, and take the lessons learned from this great machine and apply them towards a brighter global future."

"We had a lot of good times together, crazy wild times." said rapper Chuck D. "Its a shame, too. I hear he was about to get into some Podcasting."

Even the usually reclusive Axl Rose emerged from his Malibu compound to express sadness. "I was really looking forward to working with the iPod on 'Chinese Democracy'," said Rose.

GOOD BEGINNINGS

iPod began his life at a bacteria and germ-free assembly plant near Hong Kong, and was shipped to North America as part of the iPod "Second Generation" invasion in early 2003. Landing at a Best Buy location in Bolingbrook, Illinois. iPod's original owner purchased the sleek device in June 2003. During the short 5-month ownership, the original owner loaded iPod with an ecclectic mix of music. But ultimately, 15 GB proved to be too small for such a big music fan, and iPod was quickly put on the block as his owner moved onto to a 20 GB model.

The iPod was resold to EasyW for $300 in November 2003. At the time, that was a substatial savings over the $350 list price. Once initial interface issues were resolved, the iPod was quickly up and running with a variety of new rockin tunes.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL

The iPod's finest moments came during the summer of 2004, when 15 GB of new music was rotated on an almost daily basis. Exciting and unique playlists were created weekly and touched on such influences as Hawaiian surf music, fat Minneapolis gay thrash punk of the 1980s and the nostalagic 'junior high memories'. Shortly thereafter, a bug in the Dell PC related to a driver recoginition issue with the remote storage device inabled the iPod to be updated with iTunes. As a result, since November 2005, the iPod shuffled along with its 15 GB of music unchanged. A downward spiral quickly followed.

Just last month it was learned that, as a child, its previous owner may have overcharged the young battery, thereby significantly reducing the iPod's lifespan. Additionally, iPod's earlist years may have been characterize by other forms of sonic abuse. "Good Charlotte, Nickleback, Whitney Houston.. shallow music of that nature," said one anomyous source.

Fellow Apple device Black Nano recalled a recent disturbing incident at his Silicon Valley home. "It was real late, like 4 in the morning, and he had been out at some mp3 party in the Valley, doing a lot of coke with Pink Mini. I could tell because they both had white rings around their input jacks. Anyways, she gave him a ride over to my place. iPod came in, his protective case was all frayed, and the snaps were broken. He pushed his way past me, went right for my Gateway mainframe, plugged in and starting downloading stuff like Led Zepplin... it was real disturbing. Then he snagged my new Bose headphones and ran out the front door."

Actor Nick Cage recalled a similiar incident that occurred just a few weeks ago, at a party for music industry executive Jimmy Iovine at his Beverly Hills mansion. "Springsteen was there and was trying to talk some sense into him.. talking about Roy Orbison, Dylan, that sort of stuff.. but the iPod was having none of it. You could tell by the look on his backlight that he just wasn't there. Later that night, I saw him disappear into a room with two groupies carrying some really big headphones.. it was the last I ever saw him."

In recent days, rumors had also circulated in the entertainment world that iPod had been banned from the Playboy mansion after allegedy giving a mild electric shock to a group of party goers in a hot tub. Actor Corey Feldman, who witnessed the incident said, "The media has blown the incident at the Mansion way out of proportion. It was not a big deal. It wasn't nearly as crazy as that time Fred Durst threw one of Hef's flamingos into the grotto."

In recent weeks, the iPod had gone to a repair center on the Hawaiian island of Molokai in attempt to get well, but wound up missing just a few days after its arrival.

The iPod apparently went home to Japan and was last seen backstage at a concert on saturday with Ashlee Simpson moments before she collasped on stage from "exhaustion".

THE FUTURE LOOKED BRIGHT

The iPod was a fixture on the Hollywood and fashion circuits, and was often found accompying various starlets on mundane errands. Among those linked with the iPod in recent months were actresses Natalie Portman, who was often seen in iPod's company on the set of her latest film, and Jessica Alba, who often had iPod accompy her when she worked out and went to the grocery store. For a brief period, iPod was also socialite Paris Hilton's traveling companion. Around this time, however, those closest to iPod began to notice some performance issues, most notably, a reduced battery life and occassional, unexplained shut-offs.

"It would just shut down completely," said EasyW, but come right back a few seconds later. It was a warning sign I should've picked up on."

Just six months ago, the future looked limitless, as iPod had signed a development deal with Miramax and was set to star as the lead opposite Tei Leoni in the forthcoming Jerry Bruckheimer film "Love Among The Pod People". Shooting was schedule to begin in Chicago this spring.

In an effort to cheer up the iPod, EasyW had recently downloaded iTunes 6.1 and was making an effort to finally fix the long-standing driver recoginition issue, going so far as to inquire about contacting a repair person. "I was really looking forward to adding some new Modest Mouse.. and I recently discovered an old Police disc I had meant to upload. I know it was looking forward to that new Strokes album as well... I guess its too late for that now." Thru tears, EasyW further lamented, "And I had all this christmas music on there, and had planned to take it back to the beach next summer..." his voice trailing off.

While an autopsy is expected, one person close to the iPod indicated the premature death was not caused by poor musical taste. "Sure, there was some Michael Stanley on it, but only a few songs. Mostly, the iPod will be remembered for having more rock in it than a quarry."

You can travel the world over...

...and never find a better beer!

Ah, that inviting green can of joy. You just know its ice cold... mmmmm...

That's what I really want for Christmas - BEER! That and world peace.

And my favoirte is Special Export. Its so full of flavor and smooth.. no bad after taste.... $11 for a 30-pack.

So, we know what makes its special.. but where is it exported to? From Wisconsin to Illinois? Does that really count?

Return of AJ

AJ signs a 3-year deal worth - get this - $15 mil. A bit high, in my opinion.

Catcher is the most important position on the field, and the person in that position needs to be the most important player on the team. While I like AJ, I don't like him to the tune of $4 mil in 2006, $5.5 mil in 2007 and $5.5 mil in 2008... I think KW spent too much here - I estimated his worth to be about $3 mil/year in a post back on Nov 26. I wasn't off by much. .

One thing I don't like is that AJ turns 30 next week. Additionally, while his power numbers are up, if you can call 18 homers a 'power number', and his 2004 league-leading GIDP is way down, (likely due to his position in the batting order rather than his tendency to hit a lot of ground balls and run like he has shoes made of cement) AJ has no notable ability to hit for average, drive in runs or create anxiety on the basepaths. In fact, his average and RBI totals were all way off in 2005. On the positive side, he doesn't strike out much.

His defense appears to be average. I didn't see him throw out a base runner all year (though apparently he did - 23 of them, or about 25%) Also, his "unquestionable" handling of the pitchers may be over-rated. I for one see him looking over to the Sox dugout for signs all the time. I know his former team - the Twins - when in town, rode him for this. He does, however, appear to know his stuff and keep the pitchers in check.

Mark my words, this deal will come back to bite the Sox in the ass. Not in 2006, maybe not in 2007, but in 2008 for sure... Of course, they can always trade him by then and bring in Johnny Estrada.

One More Saturday Night...in Loserville

the man himself - Earl Winfrey.

Instead of bein' out on the town bangin', this old man was exhausted, and decided on a night in, eating pizza, drinking some wine and watching some TV. And a saturday night means only the finest Public Access programming of the whole week. What's a saturday night without "Community Essentials", "Dance Chicago", "Glamore Productions Presents Star Performance Showcase Karaoke", and my favorite, "The Other Winfrey Show."

This week, Earl re-ran a classic segment from a warm day last summer during his invasion of Taste of Chicago. Kinda like a 'man on the street' sorta thing, he had random folks at the fest showcasing their talents for our viewing pleasure. Most them were singers or rappers, though one freaky chick did show how she could dislocate her own shoulder. Then there was Ernest. When Earl asked Ernest what he did, Ernest replied "I just hang out!" Ernest then said hi to some lady he had recently met at Six Flags Great America before Earl moved onto to his next victim. Classic. Like his website says - "Oprah is for love and education, Earl is for libation and entertainment." I'd say more like infotainment, Earl!

I also caught a bit of the "Boondocks", which I had never seen before and was pleasantly surprised at how funny it is - well done, too. In the part I saw, the kids favoirte rapper, Gangstalicious, gets shot while on stage at a concert. One of the kids, watching on TV and trying to be helpful says "We should do something." The other kid chimes in with, "I got an idea! Let's get a college education so we don't wind up like that." Hilarious.

I'm gonna come down your chimney!!!

"santa baby..."

Welcome fans to EasyW's 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Guide. I'm not much in the holiday mood this year. So, you can just check out some ideas from last year's installment. But, I did come up with a few:

--A Sox gift card, Unlike last year's gift certificates, which were accepted anywhere at Sox Park where real dollars were taken, from the ticket window to the churro stand, this card can only be used at the ticket window and the over-priced gift shop. Oh, and it only comes in two denominations - $50 and $100. Good news... if you live in a mansion in Hinsdale, eh, Gatsby!
--2005 championship gear. Yeah, like we don't have enough of this junk already.
--ebbets field flannels gift certificate (they have a killer sale in March)

Of course, ladies, the secret to making any man happy - whether its Christmas or not - is to keep his belly full and his balls empty.

"Away in a manger..."

UPDATE:

I usually don't post this sort of shit, but this one is too good to pass up. Talk about your holiday spirit. And I thought America had big problems. Holy shit! (OK FOR WORK VIEWING - ITS ON CNN FOR CHRIST'S SAKE).

If I was Brandon McCarthy

If I'm Brandon McCarthy, I'm wondering what the hell is going on right now.

The deal is complete, El Duque, Vizcaino and Chris Young are sent to Arizona for Javier Vazquez and $5 mil cash.

The Sox lose $6 m in salary, but take on Vazquez's contract. Near as I can tell, that means the Sox payroll actually increases by about $1 million with this trade. The cash the Diamondbacks are sending will help pay Vazquez for the next two seasons.

So that gives the Sox 6 starting pitchers, and two holes in the pen.

I'm sure Contreras is sad to see his countryman leave. Cubans in MLB are a rare breed indeed.

Sounds like Don Cooper is going to have his hands full with Vazquez.

Young becomes 3rd Sox prospect dealt in the past few weeks (the other two being Gonzales and Haigwood).

I guess I'm going to have to trust KW here, I'm just wondering how the starting rotation shakes out after this development.I don't think McCarthy will be traded - KW has had plenty of offers and chances in the past year, and he's held onto him. Maybe something is up with one of the other starters? Nah. None of those guys are trade bait.

On paper, the Sox just seem to get stronger.

There is definately a part of me that is sorry to El Duque go... during the 1st half of 2005, it was a pleasure watching his masterful delivery. Then, there was that 6th inning of game 3 of the ALDS...

Vizcaino, well, see ya... Jury is still out on Young. He could get hit by a bus tomorrow... But as I said before, with Rowand gone, the Sox don't have a whole lot of depth in the outfield.. more, or less, so now...

Hot Stove Heats Up

and in the kitchen

The Hot Stove League is in full swing. The latest rumor has yet another Yankee pitching cast-off, Javier Vazquez, who spent last year toiling away in the desert with the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming to the Sox for Jon Garland (or El Duque) plus reliever Luis Vizcaino and top minor league prospect, outfielder Chris Young. Scouting reports on Vazquez indicate he's - surprise - inconsistent (and inefficient). 2005 saw him post less-than-impressive data with AZ - he was 11-15 with a 4.42 ERA with 192Ks in 215 IP. At this point, I don't see enough in Vazquez to be convinced that trading away a solid starter (Garland) and yet another top prospect for a another starting pitcher prone to inconsistency is a good idea. Though I like the thought of getting rid of Vizcaino.. and apparently, there is a contractual element to this trade I don't fully understand (Garland would be up at the end of 2006, Vazquez not until 2007, or something like that). KW may be looking too far ahead, but I'm not sure that's a bad thing.

Also, I meant to post this earlier, but here is what the scouting reports say on super-utility man, Rob Mackowiak.

• good power, pulls pitches, especially low fastballs from RHP
• can be too aggressive at the plate
• shows more paitence at the plate in important situations
• good speed and knows how to use it
• good reflexes
• good arm
• average range
• smooth on the corners

Know why the snowman is smilin'?

cause the snow blower just went by

Snowed out

Things are a mess on the southside. The forecast on thursday was for 1-3 inches, 4-5 south of I-80. Since I live north of I-80, I didn't bother to gas up the snow blower - 3 inches just isn't enough to use that kind of heavy machinery. We got at least 10 inches. So much snow that part of my roof is actually caving in. As a result I now have huge muscles from shoveling snow for two hours. Gotta deal with the roof thing.

And while the snow might look pretty, it ain't no fun for those of us who have to live in it. I am in desperate need of winter boots. I'm holding out for the pair I really want but can't find in black, and might have to settle with these instead. Damn!

I also find that the older I get, the less I'm able to tolerate this sort of weather. I've lived in Chicago almost all of my life, love it, and swore I'd never leave. But all of a sudden, Arizona is sounding pretty sweet. This year, the City of Big Shoulders has already been hit with a major stretch of sub-zero temperatures and now this - among the 5 largest late year snowfalls on record. And its only December 9th!!! I swear, I've had it.

On the positive side, I'm going to try to get out and do some skiing this weekend. Hooray!

The tragic accident at Midway last night will no doubt prompt a series of lawsuits against Southwest, the city, and God himself. Bottom line is that some innocent kid is dead, a families' lives are ruined forever, and the lawyers will be the ones to profit off it. I've often found myself at intersections around Midway - like the one at 55th and Central - and thought to myself that it is only a matter of time until a plane crashes thru one of those barriers and into the street. Very sad to see it actually happen.

I've been busy this week with a variety of issues and events, not the least of which was my company and departmental Holiday gatherings. Nice to know that I can stop myself after just 2 drinks.

Sox Update: In a move that surprises no one, the Sox fail to offer arbitration to Thomas, Everett and Casanova, effectively making official what we've already known - their days with the Sox are done.The Sox selected 3 players in the Rule 5 draft.

DALLAS -- The Chicago White Sox selected infielder Tim Hummel, catcher Cole Armstrong and right-handed pitcher Dewon Day this morning in the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. Hummel, 27, was selected from St. Louis in the Triple-A phase of the draft. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder split the 2005 season between Class AAA Pawtucket (Boston) and Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals), combining to hit .262 (108-413) with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 120 games Hummel is a career .281 (654-2,330) hitter with 40 home runs and 284 RBI over six minor-league seasons. He also played in 82 games with Cincinnati in 2003-04, going 43-194 (.222) with three homers and 17 RBI. Hummel originally was drafted by the White Sox in the second round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft and spent four seasons in their minor-league system before being traded to the Reds in August 2003 in exchange for pitcher Scott Sullivan. Armstrong, a 22-year-old who bats left-handed, was selected from Atlanta in the Triple-A phase of the draft. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder spent the 2005 season at Class A Rome in the South Atlantic League, batting .225 (86-378) with seven home runs and 42 RBI. A native of Surrey, B.C., Armstrong is a .251 (143-569) hitter over three minor-league seasons, all in the Braves system. Day, a 25-year-old reliever, was taken in the Double-A phase from the Toronto Blue Jays. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder split 2005 between Advanced Rookie Auburn and Class A Lansing, going 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA (7 ER/16.1 IP) and 18 strikeouts in 12 games. Day has gone 2-3 with a 2.13 ERA (17 ER/71.2 IP) and 73 strikeouts in 67 games over three minor-league seasons, all with Toronto.

I can't find any info on whether or not the Sox lost any players in the Rule 5.

The Sox also traded Marte to Pittsburgh for Rob Mackowiak, a fairly good hitting utility man who is an Oak Lawn native. While Marte showed flashes of brilliance, he was inconsistent. We thought his days were done with the Sox after a bizarre incident in Sept when he showed up late for some rehab work. He came back and in the playoffs... Look for Arnie Munoz - definately - and Paulino Reynoso - probably - in Tuscon come march.

About 500 million people watched the World Cup 2006 draw friday afternoon from Germany. I was among them. US gets into group E, this year's Group of Death (or 'Groupo Deatho') with Italy, Ghana and the Czech Republic. Good preview here.

Sex Is...

Photo stolen The Looper Photo Blog

Sex is...

1. something I think about all the time
2. a single panel cartoon about 2 naked 8-year olds. Oh wait, that's "love is..."
3.something I want
4. need
5. haven't had in a month
6. oddly enough, have no interest in right now.. maybe its the cold weather.. maybe I've been working too hard, or have a lot on my mind with the holidays and all their associated 'joy.'

For once, your thoughts?

Welcome To Party Town

Photo stolen from Ed Venrick, The Athens News

"Here in Party Town
Yeah yeah
We sure do party down
Yeah yeah
We drink all night
and all day"
--Glenn Fry

Ohio University gridiron coach Frank Solich was bapitzied into the Party School Town culture last week, when he had a few too many at Casa Cantina and wound up all over USA Today, CNN/SI, SportsCenter and other media when got charged with (and pleaded guilty to) drunken driving.

For those of us who left our hearts (and livers) back on Court St, this incident comes as little surprise, not because of Solich's nature, but because the atmosphere of Athens just has a way of bringing that type of behavior out in you.

For proof of what I mean, see photographic evidence of some unlikely party animals here and here. And some likely ones here.

Solich led the Cats to a 4-7 record, an overwhelmingly successful season, the crowning jewel of which was an emotional upset of Pitt, at home, on national TV.

The Cats and Solich have a long way to go. And despite the look on OU President Roderick McDavis' face in the above photo, the decision to stick with Frank was, I think, the right one. President McDavis himself was at the University sponsored early-morning 'kegs n eggs' gathering in Evantson just this Septempber when OU vistied (and lost to Northwestern). That leads me to believe that he is not against having a good time...

OU is not a party school. they are THE party school. And in this environment, responsible behavior is compulsory. Coach Solich will serve as an example that may someday save the life of a student who will think before they drink.

ROCK ON, OU!!!

Jaded In Chicago

Photo stolen from Jaded In Chicago

With nothing better to do on a sunday morning, I went sledding at dawn. Childlike fun.

Apres-sled, sipping hot chocolate, I checked my email for the first time in 3 days and also stumbled across a great Chicago-based blog, Jaded In Chicago (also added link at right). After reading a few entries, and having nothing else to write about, I wanted to take the time to offer up my highest recommendation of her prose. She is truly a gem not to be overlooked.

I acutally have work to do today. Tonight, I'm meeting up with an old pal, now a stand-up comic and comedic writer who moved from Chicago to NYC a few years back, but is back in town this week dishing up the yuk-yuks on the southside (and north side as well).

Got a Xmas gift for myself. Didn't wrap it. A DVD recorder. I set it up last night to tape "The Other Winfrey Show" but wound up taping some Roy Orbison thing on PBS instead. My loss indeed. In blantant violation of the law and the rules of Major League Baseball, I am going to use this new piece of technology to reproduce all of the Sox playoff games when Comcast reruns them this month without the express written consent of the Chicago Southside Ball Club. Then I'm sending them to my cousin the Sox fan in California. Bud Selig knows where to find me.. if he's got the GUTS!

That reminds me, I have to copy my "Best of..." college CD collection for a few friends from Athens.. 6 discs that (for the most part) cover 1987-1991. Obscure stuff on there, even by obscure college radio standards. Second Self anyone? Gun? Ed Haynes? Yes, Ed Fucking Haynes!!!

I'm off to watch the Bears and drink a beer or two. More in this space later this week (though not much more). I have a feeling the MILF may - just may - give me something to write about in the coming days.