You cut me to the core, Cardinals

I cannot believe that the St. Louis Cardinals are the 2006 World Champions. YUCK! How can a team that was 2 games over .500 (and got swept TWICE by the Cubs, I might add) win the ring? Hopefully it's not a sign of the apocalypse. The only explanation I can come up with is that the baseball gods are trying to motivate the Cubbies to win it all in 2007. Their two most hated rivals won the championship in back-to-back years, so maybe this was the only way that management would finally get the kick in the ass they need to put a winner on the field. This is how I rationalize the victory of evil over good so that I can sleep at night. If you don't hear from me for awhile, it is because I had to relocate to Canada due to the constant ribbing I'm sure to receive starting tomorrow. I like hockey, so maybe it will work out. They do have a great national anthem over there. "O Canada. Our home and native land. True patriot love in all thy sons command..."

Don't forget the Motor City...

I am so glad that my picks were totally off for the playoffs. I got every series wrong except the Mets beating the Dodgers, so I wouldn't ask for my advice the next time you're picking lottery numbers. This is it-the Fall Classic. The Detroit Tigers vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which team I want to win the ring. I don't want to live in a world where the Cards are the world champs, so I hope that the Tigers won't break my heart. Pudge and company-please get it done. I've never met a Tigers fan that I didn't like, but I sure as hell know plenty of Cardinals fans who could use a good bitchslap. And considering I'm living in enemy territory and haven't been quiet about my hatred for their ballclub, I would never hear the end of it should the unthinkable happen. Oh baseball gods, haven't us Cubs fans been through enough?!? Please give the loyal Detroit Tigers fans the title and I will promise to be an even better baseball fan in 2007.

(Can't) Wait 'til next year

As expected, Dusty Baker was relieved of his managerial duties today. This move was necessary as the Cubs have gotten progressively worse over the past 3 seasons. A 66-96 record should not get your contract renewed. In Dusty's defense, he did not have any control over the plethora of injuries that have befallen the North Siders over the last 2 years. However, the key is that he did not motivate his players to overcome adversity. More importantly, Dusty had no clue how to properly use the bullpen (in the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em). His management of the pitching staff was pitiful on a good day. In addition, the Cubs have not played fundamental baseball during his regime, especially with regards to properly running the bases and executing basic plays they should have learned in Little League...

I can only hope and pray that the new manager will lay down the law and bring a winning attitude to the franchise. Former Cub Joe Girardi is the right man at the right time. It would be in the best interests of the Tribune Company to hire the probable NL Manager of the Year and turn the Cubbies around. Will we need some new players? Hell yeah! Should we count on the services of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in the rotation again without acquiring some top of the line starters? Hell no! Let's learn from the mistakes of the past 98 years and stop being "the doormat of the National League." Wouldn't it be nice to be a winner instead of a laughingstock? Can I get an amen?!? I'm already looking forward to next season because it can't get much worse than this one. We're closing in on a century of futility-let's reverse the curse! None of us are getting any younger, and I want to celebrate a World Series victory while I can still party like a rock star. GO CUBS IN '07!!!

My playoff predictions

Even though I have gypsy blood, I'm not usually the best at predicting the future. However, I'm going to look into my crystal ball anyway and reveal my picks for each postseason series:

American League Division Series

New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers-I'd love to go with the sentimental favorite and say that the Tigers will win this series. But, with apologies to my friend Jessie from the Detroit area, I begrudgingly choose the Yankees. This pains me deeply as I absolutely despise the Bronx Bombers. However, considering the Tigers blew their division lead today and have been in a freefall for over a month, I think the Yankees will emerge victorious and advance to the World Series. YUCK!

Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland A's- To me, this series is pretty much a toss-up. The Twins are hot right now, but the A's have better starting pitching. I'm going to choose the Twins on a virtual coin flip. It would be a nice tribute to Kirby Puckett for Minnesota to win this series.

National League Division Series

New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers-On paper, this looks like the most exciting match-up. I have a feeling this series will last 5 games. Although I'm pulling for the Dodgers with former Cubbies Maddux and Garciaparra on their roster, I think the Mets are the better team. However, the fact that Pedro can't pitch will make this battle all the more intriguing. I'm going with the Mets, hoping that my dad and Ron Santo won't hate me for being disloyal to the '69 Cubs.

San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals-Talk about a Cubs fan's worst postseason nightmare. BLECH! The Padres should sweep, considering the Cards almost blew it down the stretch. I can't stand either of these clubs and will probably not tune into this series out of pure bitterness.

My World Series prediction: Yankees over Mets in 6 (although I'd much rather see a Tigers-Dodgers match-up)

I'll be back tomorrow with much more baseball banter as the Cubs will announce the future of Dusty Baker/resignation of team president Andy MacPhail. This off-season is going to be interesting to say the least...

A nice little Saturday

Today has been a great day. I decided to spend some quality time with myself instead of suffering through the maddening traffic surrounding the Memphis-UT football game/Mid South Fair. What an excellent choice. First, I got my hair done, which is almost always a pleasant experience. Then, I ventured to the mall where I decided to update my fall wardrobe. I found a great pair of brown loafers on sale as well as a gift set of Miracle So Magic!, which included bath gel, lotion, and lip gloss for just a bit more than the perfume itself usually costs. Next, I scoured Macy's for pants and shirts that I can wear when the temperature actually dips below 90 degrees again. I found all kinds of bargains and saved an additional 20% because I used a one-day shopping pass. Sometimes it's good to be me. :) And I got home just in time to see my beloved alma mater Illinois actually win a Big Ten football game. GO ILLINI! Hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I am. If you need another reason to smile, check out this adorable video of Michael Buble' and Tony Bennett singing "Just in Time" on the Today show this week: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041478/. Isn't it precious?

Push for the pennant

As you are probably already aware, the Cubbies have pretty much been out of the race since May. However, I am still interested in the 2006 playoff contenders since I'm a huge fan of baseball in general. The happiest news I received today was that the White Sox are now officially eliminated from postseason play. Can I get an amen? :) I've had enough of the obnoxious South Siders' bragging. This year, there will be a new World Champion. We can only hope it won't be from one of the evil New York teams.

In case you haven't been keeping up with the standings, there are still some teams who haven't clinched their division or the Wild Card yet. The most exciting race in my humble opinion is that of the NL Wild Card. I'm rooting hard core for the Phillies since my friend Carol is a huge fan and because chicks dig the long ball (thanks, Ryan Howard). As for the NL Central, the Cards have been slipping as of late and actually have a chance to blow their division lead. For the rest of this week, it's root, root, root for the Astros. The AL and NL West are also not decided, but I don't know too many people who care. My hope is that the Dodgers somehow manage to win the division and the Padres collapse so that they won't make the playoffs at all. You may think that I am still bitter about the 1984 playoffs, and you would be right. I cannot and will not ever forgive the San Diego organization for causing me unbelievable heartache at such a tender age... Stay tuned next week for my playoff predictions after all of the spots have been decided.

Rock on!

Two weeks ago, I finally broke down and bought an iPod. At the time, it was the biggest one on the market. Then last week, Apple suddenly decided to release an 80 GB version for $50 cheaper. Not cool. However, I have embraced my beautiful, black 60 GB model named Willie Mays Hayes. I just didn't realize how much personal attention an iPod needs. It takes a lot of time to load all of my CD's onto this thing (I currently have 1800 songs in my library and it can hold a whopping 15,000). You also have to make sure your iPod is dressed and protected from the elements. Luckily, my mom and sister have had one for about a year, so they were able to guide me to the iFrogz website to design a custom case: http://ifrogz.com/ . Mine is blue and red with a baseball wheel cover (shocking, I know).

If it takes this much work to maintain a portable electronic device, then I certainly don't think having children is in the cards for me... However, I have enjoyed shopping for Pod gifts like TV shows and games (Pac-Man!). Apple has created a monster because they recently added movies to their iTunes store as well. It looks like I won't be bored the next time I get stuck in an airport. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking up one of these wonderful toys for yourself.

Never forget the lessons learned on 9/11

Here is a great article from Fox Sports regarding the changing role of sports in our lives after 9/11/01: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5953886

I used to be guilty of thinking that how the Cubs were playing was the most important thing in the world. Since that fateful day, I no longer allow a baseball game to carry so much significance in my life (with the exception of the 2003 playoffs, of course). Now, I always try to remember to tell people how much I care about them, just in case tomorrow never comes.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the dedication of the new baseball field at St. Bonaventure University. This was one of the coolest events I have ever experienced. Words cannot describe the impact it had on me. It's not every day that you can see hundreds of people who shared a common experience reunite and reconnect with former teammates, coaches, and staff members. I truly cherish all of the friends that I made at Bona's, and hope that I will be able to attend Baseball Alumni Weekend for many years to come. The events of 9/11 had a tremendous impact on me personally, and I will never forget the lessons learned nor the bond I share with these special people in Western New York.

For Pete's sake, Red Sox-please win tomorrow!

Today was a great day for this baseball fan. First, the Cubbies came back to beat the Cardinals in the 10th inning 5-4. Second, the Reds won, so now they are only 2.5 games back. Awesome! Finally, I just read that Peter Gammons went to the Yankees-Red Sox game:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2554773

However, it cannot be good for his health to see his favorite team lose to the Evil Empire 13-5. Therefore, please pull off a victory tomorrow night, Boston. Baseball fans everywhere want our beloved Peter to get back to his old self again. Falling further out of the Wild Card race is not going to help his road to recovery. Thank you for your support, Big Papi and company. Good luck and God speed.

What kind of soul are you?

You Are a Newborn Soul

You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance. On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others. You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative. Noconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you. Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter. You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything. You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships. Implusive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

If I Can Dream

There seems to be a misconception out there that the only two topics I care to discuss are baseball and pop culture. If you look at my blog description, I can understand why you might get that impression. However, I am in fact much deeper than that (please don't confuse my lighthearted nature with being shallow). One thing that deeply troubles me is the constant threat of terrorism against the citizens of the United States. Thank God the latest attempt was thwarted, but unlike many other Americans, I have not forgotten about the horrors of 9-11. As an eternal optimist, I would like to believe that someday conditions will improve and that eventually we will achieve world peace. The following song by Elvis Presley gives me hope and comfort during these trying times:

If I Can Dream-

Elvis Presley

There must be lights burning brighter somewhere

Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue

If I can dream of a better land

Where all my brothers walk hand in hand

Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true

There must be peace and understanding sometime

Strong winds of promise that will blow away

All the doubt and fear

If I can dream of a warmer sun

Where hope keeps shining on everyone

Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear

We're lost in a cloud

With too much rain

We're trapped in a world

That's troubled with pain

But as long as a man

Has the strength to dream

He can redeem his soul and fly

Deep in my heart there's a trembling question

Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow

Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle

And while I can think, while I can talk

While I can stand, while I can walk

While I can dream, please let my dream

Come true, right now

Let it come true right now

Oh yeah

My Five Factor Personality Profile

***Your Five Factor Personality Profile***

Extroversion:

You have high extroversion.
You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends.
You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation.
Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!"

Conscientiousness:

You have medium conscientiousness.
You're generally good at balancing work and play.
When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.
But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. (that's for sure)

Agreeableness:

You have high agreeableness.
You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.
Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.
You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.

Neuroticism:

You have low neuroticism.
You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.
Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.
Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseur of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.


The Five Factor Personality Test:

http://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/

Just for the taste of it, Diet Coke!

I bet this is what the new Pepsi vendors at work do just as soon as they get back to their trucks. Coke is the real thing! Perhaps I will eventually get over this change in beverage vendors, but today is not their lucky day...

Blogthings, you make my heart sing...

Like my buddy Maria, I too am addicted to Blogthings. Here are some of my favorite quiz results:

***Your 2006 Summer Anthem Is***

Hips Don't Lie by Shakira

"I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel it's right
All the attraction, the tension
Don't you see baby, this is perfection"

What's Your 2006 Summer Anthem?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyour2006summeranthemquiz/

***Your Personality Is Like Acid***

A bit wacky, you're very difficult to predict.
One moment you're in your own little happy universe...
And the next, you're on a bad trip to your own personal hell!

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdrugisyourpersonalitylikequiz/

***Your Quirk Factor: 45%***

You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it.
Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them!

How Quirky Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/howquirkyareyouquiz/


***The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic***

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.

Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?
http://www.blogthings.com/ifyourlifewasamoviewhatgenrewoulditbequiz/

Kelly, the inadvertent cleat-chaser

Last Thursday-Sunday, I ventured to Paris, Illinois for a quick trip home to visit the fam. I had a lot of fun doing lunch and reminiscing with my good friend, Nicole, and her new baby, Aynsley, in the Indianapolis area. My dad then picked me up in Terre Haute, where we did a little shopping and then headed home to eat dinner and watch the Cubbies. It was a great weekend not only because I got to spend some quality time with the V's, but also because we were all able to watch the Cubs sweep the Cardinals in a 4-game series at Wrigley (that hasn't happened since 1972, before I was born). The highlight of the trip, however, definitely occurred on Saturday night, when we went to the Danville Dans game...

I wanted to go to Danville to see 3 of my ballplayers from Memphis compete in the Central Illinois Collegiate League (http://www.ciclbaseball.com/ ). Now it's not real difficult convincing anyone in my family to go to a baseball game, and since we had a good time there last year, we all hopped in the car for a 45 minute road trip. The game was close and the beer was cold. Although the Dans lost 5-4, but we weren't too disappointed because they put in a solid effort. Since the players had an autograph session after the game, I yelled through the fence to my guys to let them know I was in the house. They asked me to hang around for awhile since there were a million kids waiting in line. My sister, Kelly, decided to wait with me while I sent my brother, Brian, and Dad to Royal Donut to pick up donuts for Sunday's breakfast.

Kelly and I stood in the autograph line for what seemed like an eternity until we finally reached one of my former athletes, who is an assistant coach for the Dans. He introduced me to a hottie assistant coach, for which I owe him a debt of gratitude. We then saw my other two guys, who were more than a little surprised to see me. Two of the three wanted to make changes to their Fall schedules, but I regretted to inform them that I do not carry Schedule Adjustment Forms in my back pocket. While I was chatting away with the boys, Kelly decided to have the whole team sign the poster they passed out at the gate so she could give it to me. When we reached the end of the line, we heard one of the ballplayers warning his teammate not to do "what he thought he was thinking of doing." I just figured they were lusting over my baby sister because she had the girls on display. However, when we got home, we noticed that one of the Dans had written his phone number across his picture instead of his signature (I won't tell you who gave his digits in order to protect the not-so-innocent)! It was pretty darn funny as Kelly is not exactly in the market for a 20-year old horndog after finishing law school. But I don't think she minded the attention one little bit. :)

Baseball Tonight is in shambles!

First, our beloved Peter Gammons has a brain aneurysm at the end of June. Good Lord willing he's going to be OK and will be able to come back and cover our national pastime again soon. Baseball Tonight has not been the same without him. Then this afternoon, Harold Reynolds is fired from ESPN totally out of the blue. None of the sports websites are saying why, but my friend Julie sent me the following website with allegations of sexual harrassment against HR: http://www.deadspin.com/sports/top/was-this-why-Harold-got-the-axe-189733.php

I am in shock. Can this show survive without its top 2 personalities? Don't get me wrong-I love Krukie and Ravie. However, Peter and Harold were the glue that kept Baseball Tonight together. I don't know who they're going to add to spice things up. Personally, I cannot stand former Mets GM/Mr. Know-it-all , Steve Phillips. Here's hoping they have Tim Kurkjian and Brian Kenny or Chris Berman on the program more frequently (and less random weekend fill-ins like Tino Martinez). Stay tuned. There's more drama on ESPN than the soaps right now...

HOLY COW!!!

In 2006, the Cubbies have found creative ways to lose. Tonight, after getting out to a nice 5-0 lead, they gave up TWO grand slams in the 6th en route to an 11-run inning. This season, I finally started following the good advice of my parents who have encouraged me for years to change the channel when it starts getting ugly. Well, I switched to Emeril Live after the 1st grand slam and the subsequent pitching change (anytime Novoa comes into the game, it's not a good sign), so luckily I did not have to witness this offensive explosion by the Mets. It has truly become embarrasing to be a Cubs fan. However, I will still wear my Believe bracelet with pride and will try not to throw my cell phone, remote controls, etc. in disgust...

Thank goodness for VH1, which has provided a welcome diversion from this maddening baseball season with some fun summer programming. All you pop culture nuts out there, don't miss The World Series of Pop Culture on Thursday nights at 9 pm CST . It is a blast playing along at home and seeing if you can answer more entertainment trivia questions correctly than the contestants. I think this is the one "sport" where I could become an all-star. I've also thoroughly enjoyed I Love The 70's Volume 2 because it was one crazy decade. Check them out if you need an escape from reality like I do.

What are the keys to your heart?

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to good manners and elegance. In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved. You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage pessimistically. You don't think happy marriages exist anymore. (I don't necessarily agree with this result) In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily. What are the keys to YOUR heart? Take the quiz to find out: http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/

81 down, 81 to go

Cubs fans, we have made it to the halfway point of the season. After Dumpster's blown save in the 9th yesterday, I didn't know if I could take it anymore. But the Cubbies came back today and beat the White Sox 15-11 to avoid a sweep. 30-51 is hardly a record to write home about, but at least we're not in the basement (thanks Pirates). I honestly don't think any of the Cubs are worthy of an All-Star selection this year. However, since MLB insists that each team must have at least one representative, then I guess we will have to put our hands together for Carlos Zambrano. If interleague play is any indication, the National League should get spanked pretty good by the American League in the Midsummer Classic once again . Take heart, Cubs fans/players/personnel-October will be here before we know it. Then we can all get some much-needed rest.

Song of the day: "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

My kind of town Chicago is...

This weekend marks the second Cubs-White Sox series of the year. The first matchup featured fisticuffs and a bench-clearing brawl. Although Barrett cold-cocking Pierzynski was certainly the highlight of the season so far, the Cubs still lost 2 out of 3 games. I'd love to see the Cubbies even the score this time, especially since they're playing at Wrigley. If we're going to have a terrible team, the least we can do is beat up on the White Sox and Cardinals whenever we have the opportunity. GO CUBS!

On a totally unrelated note, I wanted to let all of my loyal readers know that I returned to my new hair salon today without incident (see my "I'm feeling like a criminal" post if you're confused). There were no sightings of policemen or rent-a-cops in the vicinity. Maybe I've been taken off the neighborhood watch list. ;)