"It's like summer is a natural aphrodisiac."

Oh Will Smith, if you only knew how right you were... This Monday I had to take the day off from work because my apartment flooded on July 15, the night before I left for a week's vacation. Needless to say, when I got back, the humble abode stunk to high heaven. So, on this fateful morning, I decided to stock up on cleaning supplies and air fresheners at the local Rite Aid. As I'm loading up my cart with goodies, this random guy comes up to me and starts telling me that we should go out because we both wear glasses (now the last time I checked, sharing a need for corrective lenses was not a basis for starting a romantic relationship). This particular gentleman was not my type, and since I don't like to be cruel, I decided to tell a little white lie that I already have a boyfriend. It just seems to me like letting 'em down easy is nicer than flat out saying you're not interested (plus you never know who might be packin' heat in Memphis). You would think that this would give the guy a big hint to run along, but instead he decides to write his home number and pager number on the back of my package of AirWick scented oil refills! I have to give him points for creativity because I have never gotten digits on the back of an air freshener before. Anyway, the dude keeps asking me questions about my imaginary lover and then proceeds to tell me that he would marry me right now. At this point, I felt the need to blurt out, "You don't even know me!" I was starting to get annoyed until I convinced him that my faux beau and I were quite serious but he's just a bit younger and not quite ready to settle down yet. Romeo finally got with the program and told me to give him a call if my "boyfriend" and I ever breakup. You've gotta love the male ego.

"Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, no doubt about it. The Cubs are on their way!"

Break time is over, Cubbies, so now it's time to kick it into high gear in the 2nd half of the season. 43-44 is not too impressive, but things could be a lot worse with all the injuries the North Siders have suffered this year. Sweeping the Marlins after getting their butts handed to them by the Braves was a nice start to getting back on track. The Cubs need to take advantage of their home field and win at least 3 out of 4 vs. the Pirates at Wrigley starting this afternoon. After this series, the Cubbies visit cellar-dweller Cincinnati where they need to dominate. Supposedly, Nomar is going to be back by August 2 so maybe the boys in blue still have a realistic chance at the Wild Card. Even though we have a lot of games left vs. the Cardinals, I just don't think the Cubs can catch them at 12 1/2 games back unless St. Louis has a total collapse (which is highly unlikely). Let's play ball and see what happens.

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!

The Cubs have finally ended their 8 game losing streak and beat the Marlins tonight 9-6! Can I get an amen? The bullpen tried to blow it again as the Cubbies had an 8-3 lead in the 8th, but luckily the baseball gods decided to bring some blessed rain. This fortunate downpour lead to a 57 minute rain delay, and chased the pathetic Michael Wuertz (or as I like to call him, The Worst) off the mound. Thank God for small favors. Anyway, hopefully this game will turn the season around. The good news is that the All-Star break is just around the corner, so there are 3 days next week when the Cubs can't possibly lose because they don't play.

Hey now, you're an All-Star...

Congratulations to Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez on being selected to their first All-Star team! It will be nice to see some Cubbies in the infield again (how about a shout out to future Hall of Fame Cub, Ryno). Hopefully the National League will get out of their funk and finally win the All-Star Game again because as you know "this time it counts!" Home field advantage is crucial during the World Series (although it's beginning to look like the Cubs will be watching the playoffs on TV).

Speaking of the Cubs, they are in another tailspin. They have yet to earn a W in July and have lost 5 in a row. The Astros and Brewers are closing in and the Cardinals are so far ahead that it's not even funny. Sure, it's possible for the Cubbies to go on a big winning streak and get back in the Wild Card race, but they better quit lollygagging...