Rather than tweet each link individually, I've decided to post them as a single post and link to this instead:
Yemeni girl, 12, dies in painful childbirth - CNN.com http://bit.ly/FThGq
Police: Pregnant Teen's Shooting Domestic Related - Charlotte News Story - WSOC Charlotte http://bit.ly/6szwM
The Secrets Inside Your Dog's Mind - TIME http://bit.ly/1ZF9me
September 14, 2009
September 10, 2009
My NFL Preview
Everyone does an NFL preview, and I like predictions. Without further ado, here are some of my predictions for the upcoming NFL season:
Patriots win the AFC East by 5 games - they go 14-2 (losses to the Jets in week 2 and the Colts in week 10). Jets surprise everyone and finish 9-7. The Dolphins disappoint everyone and go 6-10, and the Bills come in as expected at 4-12.
The Cardinals will once again be a good team and finish 12-4, but will lose in the second round of the playoffs.
The Steelers will surprise people, if that's even possible since they won the Super Bowl last year, and will finish 13-3. They will face the Pats in the AFC Championship game, but will lose.
The Raiders will challenge Detroit's horrible 0-16 record from last year, but will beat the Browns in week 16 and finish 1-15. The Browns will also challenge the 0-16 record, but they will also fall short and win 2 games, losing the #1 overall pick to the Raiders. The Lions will shock the world and win 3 games (over the Vikings, Browns and Bengals).
Brett Favre will stink, causing Vikings fans to yearn for the days of Tavaris Jackson. The Packers in particular will beat up on Favre, who will be pulled 2/3 of the way through the season. He's not even going to pretend to retire at first and try to latch on to another team, and when nobody wants him, he'll slink away to Mississippi and retire for the last time.
Several fantasy stars will be out for the season by week 4, most likely all from my own fantasy team.
The Patriots will beat the Packers in the Super Bowl, 24-17.
Patriots win the AFC East by 5 games - they go 14-2 (losses to the Jets in week 2 and the Colts in week 10). Jets surprise everyone and finish 9-7. The Dolphins disappoint everyone and go 6-10, and the Bills come in as expected at 4-12.
The Cardinals will once again be a good team and finish 12-4, but will lose in the second round of the playoffs.
The Steelers will surprise people, if that's even possible since they won the Super Bowl last year, and will finish 13-3. They will face the Pats in the AFC Championship game, but will lose.
The Raiders will challenge Detroit's horrible 0-16 record from last year, but will beat the Browns in week 16 and finish 1-15. The Browns will also challenge the 0-16 record, but they will also fall short and win 2 games, losing the #1 overall pick to the Raiders. The Lions will shock the world and win 3 games (over the Vikings, Browns and Bengals).
Brett Favre will stink, causing Vikings fans to yearn for the days of Tavaris Jackson. The Packers in particular will beat up on Favre, who will be pulled 2/3 of the way through the season. He's not even going to pretend to retire at first and try to latch on to another team, and when nobody wants him, he'll slink away to Mississippi and retire for the last time.
Several fantasy stars will be out for the season by week 4, most likely all from my own fantasy team.
The Patriots will beat the Packers in the Super Bowl, 24-17.
April 28, 2009
the OTHER dog
So I have made remarks and gotten questions about mine and Carla's other dog. Here's the story:
Carla's sister Deirdre got a Chihuahua about a year ago. She's been getting busier lately and asked us if we would take care of him for a while. I'm not sure how long that will be, but in the meantime, we have Ace visiting us to go along with Bessie, who we've had for over 4 years.
Ok, that really wasn't as long a story as I thought it would be.
Carla's sister Deirdre got a Chihuahua about a year ago. She's been getting busier lately and asked us if we would take care of him for a while. I'm not sure how long that will be, but in the meantime, we have Ace visiting us to go along with Bessie, who we've had for over 4 years.
Ok, that really wasn't as long a story as I thought it would be.
February 13, 2009
Steroids in Baseball
For about 6 years now, there's been a pretty constant talk in baseball about steroids and other "performance enhancing drugs" (PED's). The talk has intensified over the last week when it was revealed that A-Rod, one of the best players in baseball for the last 11 years, used steroids for 3 years in the early 2000's.
I'll be among the first to agree - drugs are terrible. I have never used drugs, and I know that the government spends tens of billions every year trying to keep drugs away from children. Athletes set an example, and their using drugs obviously sets the wrong example.
On the other hand, I just don't care that much. I don't think steroids ruin the game. Someone injecting themselves in the ass so they get a better workout so they can hit 6 more home runs doesn't bother me any more than someone getting their elbow rebuilt after they tore a ligament (Tommy John Surgery) so they can come back and pitch for another 13 years (ala Tommy John). Steroids don't bother me any more than spitballs (when pitchers would put something on the ball or scuff it in a way to make it move more). Joe Niekro, the famous knuckleball pitcher, was suspended for 10 games in 1987 because he had a nail file in his pocket that he used to scuff the ball. Is that any better or worse than steroids?
The only part of my that cares is the voyeuristic side of me, who just wants to know what everyone was doing, who was honest and who is a big fat liar. Roger Clemens was a big fat liar. I still think he was among that 5 best pitchers of the past 50 years, if not ever. Alex Rodriguez says he used steroids for three years (2001-2003). Even without the 156 homeruns he hit in the time (in a park where it's notoriously easy to hit a homerun, BTW), A-Rod still has 400 home runs with 9 years left on his contract. He's averaged 44 home runs a year so far in his career. At that pace, he would still finish with over 800 home runs.
Say what you want about steroids, but nobody was complaining when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire his massive, moonshot home runs. I can even guess the exact moment Sosa started juicing. Based on the box scores of 1998, I would guess on or around May 25th. Before that day, Sosa had hit 9 home runs. Over the next 28 games, Sosa hit 23 home runs. I love seeing huge stats, and I don't care if the players destroy their own bodies in the process. That's their choice.
Man, I love baseball.
I'll be among the first to agree - drugs are terrible. I have never used drugs, and I know that the government spends tens of billions every year trying to keep drugs away from children. Athletes set an example, and their using drugs obviously sets the wrong example.
On the other hand, I just don't care that much. I don't think steroids ruin the game. Someone injecting themselves in the ass so they get a better workout so they can hit 6 more home runs doesn't bother me any more than someone getting their elbow rebuilt after they tore a ligament (Tommy John Surgery) so they can come back and pitch for another 13 years (ala Tommy John). Steroids don't bother me any more than spitballs (when pitchers would put something on the ball or scuff it in a way to make it move more). Joe Niekro, the famous knuckleball pitcher, was suspended for 10 games in 1987 because he had a nail file in his pocket that he used to scuff the ball. Is that any better or worse than steroids?
The only part of my that cares is the voyeuristic side of me, who just wants to know what everyone was doing, who was honest and who is a big fat liar. Roger Clemens was a big fat liar. I still think he was among that 5 best pitchers of the past 50 years, if not ever. Alex Rodriguez says he used steroids for three years (2001-2003). Even without the 156 homeruns he hit in the time (in a park where it's notoriously easy to hit a homerun, BTW), A-Rod still has 400 home runs with 9 years left on his contract. He's averaged 44 home runs a year so far in his career. At that pace, he would still finish with over 800 home runs.
Say what you want about steroids, but nobody was complaining when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire his massive, moonshot home runs. I can even guess the exact moment Sosa started juicing. Based on the box scores of 1998, I would guess on or around May 25th. Before that day, Sosa had hit 9 home runs. Over the next 28 games, Sosa hit 23 home runs. I love seeing huge stats, and I don't care if the players destroy their own bodies in the process. That's their choice.
Man, I love baseball.
February 5, 2009
more random facts/thoughts about me
I thought, why the hell not? Why limit myself to 25 things when I randomly think of so many more? So, here is more random stuff I've thought of that people might enjoy:
1) I got a speeding ticket the week of my wedding driving to a funeral.
2) I write an email to ESPN's Sports Guy usually once a week. I have been published once, in December 2007, and my email was the first one he published that week. One of the 10 happiest moments in my life.
3) In my graduation picture from UMass, I'm wearing sunglasses. It was really sunny outside, and I have sensitive eyes.
4) I was once employed at Six Flags New England for exactly 6 hours and 48 minutes. I was paid for 6 hours and 18 minute since I took a lunch break. It was among the worst 6 hours and 48 minutes of my life.
5) I have been to baseball games at 9 different ballparks. Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Olympic Stadium, SkyDome, Comerica Park, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field, and the old Busch Stadium.
6) I've won two trivia contests on the radio and didn't use either of the prizes.
7) I've broken in to each of the three houses in Springfield in which my parents have lived.
8) I've never passed out from drinking.
9) I've also never done any drugs. I'm very proud of that.
10) I smoked part of a cigar in Israel once. Other than that, never smoked anything else. I'm also very proud of that.
11) I'm fascinated by highway construction. I could sit and look at pictures and watch construction of roads all day long.
12) I also follow a blog of stadium construction pictures. Yes, I'm a little sick.
13) I'm an excellent parallel parker. Just ask my brother Ahron.
14) I've been the driver in two car accidents. Both of them were my fault.
15) The only bone I've ever broken was my second toe on my right foot. And it hurt - a lot.
16) I'm terrible with names. I've met Carla's coworkers like 5 times and I remember only 3 or 4 of them.
17) My toolbox has a weird smell to it, and I have no idea what it is.
18) The cellphone I have now is the first one I've ever really liked. It's also the first one I haven't lost or broken within 6 months of getting.
19) I hate being late.
20) I'm a transit and transportation snob. I'll admit it.
21) I've met two authors, and gotten books signed by both of them.
22) I sold my first car for $100 more than I bought it for, one year after I bought it.
23) My favorite city is Toronto. It's just so nice there.
24) I have a pretty worthless collection of baseball, football and basketball cards.
25) I've never been in an ambulance, but I have been to the Emergency Room at least 15 times.
26) I've never gotten more than 50% of my picks correct in a March Madness pool. I organized an office pool last year with people who didn't know anything. I came in 7th. Out of 8. And the person who came in last place only filled in half a bracket.
27) I absolutely love Extra Polar Ice sugarless gum.
28) I have a Costco card that my father gave me. It has his name, but I managed to get Costco to give me a new card with my own picture.
29) The most afraid I was in my entire life was when I drove from Toronto to Amherst in the middle of the night in December 2003. The headlights were poor, the windshield wipers just made the snow worse, my cell phone was dead, and I could only see about 20 feet in front of me. Also, huge trucks were flying by me at 60 mph.
30) I only dated one girl before Carla.
31) I hate beer.
32) I still look at my high school yearbook. I enjoy reading the notes people wrote to me. Sometimes it makes me cry a little. I also saved 3 letters some people wrote me when I went to Israel.
33) The happiest moment in my life was not my wedding, but rather when Carla told me she wanted to marry me.
34) I did not propose to Carla at all how I wanted to. I had a plan, but it fell apart because I just couldn't wait.
35) I have a fear of being stuck in an elevator, or being stuck in a place which is only accessible by an elevator.
1) I got a speeding ticket the week of my wedding driving to a funeral.
2) I write an email to ESPN's Sports Guy usually once a week. I have been published once, in December 2007, and my email was the first one he published that week. One of the 10 happiest moments in my life.
3) In my graduation picture from UMass, I'm wearing sunglasses. It was really sunny outside, and I have sensitive eyes.
4) I was once employed at Six Flags New England for exactly 6 hours and 48 minutes. I was paid for 6 hours and 18 minute since I took a lunch break. It was among the worst 6 hours and 48 minutes of my life.
5) I have been to baseball games at 9 different ballparks. Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Olympic Stadium, SkyDome, Comerica Park, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field, and the old Busch Stadium.
6) I've won two trivia contests on the radio and didn't use either of the prizes.
7) I've broken in to each of the three houses in Springfield in which my parents have lived.
8) I've never passed out from drinking.
9) I've also never done any drugs. I'm very proud of that.
10) I smoked part of a cigar in Israel once. Other than that, never smoked anything else. I'm also very proud of that.
11) I'm fascinated by highway construction. I could sit and look at pictures and watch construction of roads all day long.
12) I also follow a blog of stadium construction pictures. Yes, I'm a little sick.
13) I'm an excellent parallel parker. Just ask my brother Ahron.
14) I've been the driver in two car accidents. Both of them were my fault.
15) The only bone I've ever broken was my second toe on my right foot. And it hurt - a lot.
16) I'm terrible with names. I've met Carla's coworkers like 5 times and I remember only 3 or 4 of them.
17) My toolbox has a weird smell to it, and I have no idea what it is.
18) The cellphone I have now is the first one I've ever really liked. It's also the first one I haven't lost or broken within 6 months of getting.
19) I hate being late.
20) I'm a transit and transportation snob. I'll admit it.
21) I've met two authors, and gotten books signed by both of them.
22) I sold my first car for $100 more than I bought it for, one year after I bought it.
23) My favorite city is Toronto. It's just so nice there.
24) I have a pretty worthless collection of baseball, football and basketball cards.
25) I've never been in an ambulance, but I have been to the Emergency Room at least 15 times.
26) I've never gotten more than 50% of my picks correct in a March Madness pool. I organized an office pool last year with people who didn't know anything. I came in 7th. Out of 8. And the person who came in last place only filled in half a bracket.
27) I absolutely love Extra Polar Ice sugarless gum.
28) I have a Costco card that my father gave me. It has his name, but I managed to get Costco to give me a new card with my own picture.
29) The most afraid I was in my entire life was when I drove from Toronto to Amherst in the middle of the night in December 2003. The headlights were poor, the windshield wipers just made the snow worse, my cell phone was dead, and I could only see about 20 feet in front of me. Also, huge trucks were flying by me at 60 mph.
30) I only dated one girl before Carla.
31) I hate beer.
32) I still look at my high school yearbook. I enjoy reading the notes people wrote to me. Sometimes it makes me cry a little. I also saved 3 letters some people wrote me when I went to Israel.
33) The happiest moment in my life was not my wedding, but rather when Carla told me she wanted to marry me.
34) I did not propose to Carla at all how I wanted to. I had a plan, but it fell apart because I just couldn't wait.
35) I have a fear of being stuck in an elevator, or being stuck in a place which is only accessible by an elevator.
January 28, 2009
25 Random Facts About Me
(intro copied from Talya Moldoff, the 25 random facts are actually about me)
25 Random Facts About Me
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
1) The Red Sox didn't win a single game I attended for 8 years. From June 30, 1990 (my first game) until August 13, 1998, the Red Sox lost 11 (or so) games I was at.
2) So far, I have had 11 different paying jobs in my lifetime.
3) I'm more awake during the day if I wake up before 7am than if I wake up after 8am, no matter what time I went to bed the night before. Weird, I know.
4) Since I've started Weight Watchers, my shoe size has gone down.
5) Almost every single day, I think of something at my wedding I would have liked to do differently.
6) When I left YU in 2003, I watched the first two seasons of 24 over the span of 3 days. 48 episodes of 24 in less than 72 hours.
7) I bought a filing cabinet for my 2nd dorm room at YU for $49.99 from Staples. With $50, I got free shipping, so I added a box of paper clips for 7 cents. $50.06 = free shipping.
8) My first date with Carla was supposed to be us going to a movie in Hadley, MA. It was the only time in my life I bought movie tickets in advance. Of course, we didn't go. Carla was watching UMass hockey playing in the Hockey East finals (like the Final Four for college hockey). The game went in to 3 overtimes before UMass lost. I watched one of my favorite Red Sox game's ever on NESN at the same time - a replay of the Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners on April 10, 1998.
9) I lost my cell phone on a train in Springfield once. Thankfully my father was able to get it for me, and I got it back 2 1/2 weeks later.
10) I left my very expensive CD player on an ElAl flight back from Israel in 2003. They wouldn't let me listen to it, and I left it in the seat pocket in front of me. I realized it less than an hour later, but they had already moved the plane somewhere else and I never saw the CD player again.
11) I ran out of money when I was in Israel for the year. Somehow I spent like $2500 in 4 months, and I have no idea how. Thankfully I had my laptop and an Internet card, which I rented out for other people in my Yeshiva to use. I charged the equivalent of $1.25 for every 1/2 hour. For the very wealthy (everyone at Reishit was rich) I made deals - $20 a week to use the computer whenever they wanted. I made a LOT of money that way.
12) I've never been to Florida. I'm the only member of my immediate family who has not been there.
13) I drove off the highway in a snowstorm once in 2004. I was driving Devora Jaye to West Hartford from New York and I hit a patch of ice. We spun off the road, and it was among the 5 most terrifying moments of my life.
14) I had my appendix taken out on the day before my 12th birthday. I spent my 12th birthday watching Wimbledon for the first time in my hospital room.
15) I kept a journal on my computer in 10th, 11th and 12th grades. I stopped in Israel, and when I got back I had forgotten the password. I had to delete the journal, and I was sad.
16) During my last semester in YU, I got the letter "G" for a grade in one of my history classes. Since I rarely went to class, I doubt it stood for "Good." Although I have no idea what it does stand for.
17) My favorite subject in elementary school was Social Studies. I also won a Geography Bee in middle school. I don't remember the circumstances, I just know that Ari Kahan was really pissed b/c I somehow got a do-over.
18) I locked my keys in my car only once.
19) My net worth on the Hollywood Stock Exchange is just a shade under $50 million.
20) The most points I ever scored on word in Scrabble was 212 for the word REQUITAL. I got 2 triple word scores, one of them counting twice. It was awesome. I don't know what it means.
21) I was 9 for 9 from the foul line in a basketball game once. I scored 12 points, my high school career high.
22) I have a photographic memory when it comes to directions. If I drive somewhere once, I will always know how to get there.
23) One of my happiest memories from high school involved a football game in the parking lot outside school. That tells you how much I enjoyed high school.
24) I'm terrified of every airplane I see flying overhead in New York City. I have been since 9/11. Every single plane.
And finally, the best for last...
25) I once drove a van over my own foot. I was both the reckless drive and the innocent pedestrian.
25 Random Facts About Me
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
1) The Red Sox didn't win a single game I attended for 8 years. From June 30, 1990 (my first game) until August 13, 1998, the Red Sox lost 11 (or so) games I was at.
2) So far, I have had 11 different paying jobs in my lifetime.
3) I'm more awake during the day if I wake up before 7am than if I wake up after 8am, no matter what time I went to bed the night before. Weird, I know.
4) Since I've started Weight Watchers, my shoe size has gone down.
5) Almost every single day, I think of something at my wedding I would have liked to do differently.
6) When I left YU in 2003, I watched the first two seasons of 24 over the span of 3 days. 48 episodes of 24 in less than 72 hours.
7) I bought a filing cabinet for my 2nd dorm room at YU for $49.99 from Staples. With $50, I got free shipping, so I added a box of paper clips for 7 cents. $50.06 = free shipping.
8) My first date with Carla was supposed to be us going to a movie in Hadley, MA. It was the only time in my life I bought movie tickets in advance. Of course, we didn't go. Carla was watching UMass hockey playing in the Hockey East finals (like the Final Four for college hockey). The game went in to 3 overtimes before UMass lost. I watched one of my favorite Red Sox game's ever on NESN at the same time - a replay of the Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners on April 10, 1998.
9) I lost my cell phone on a train in Springfield once. Thankfully my father was able to get it for me, and I got it back 2 1/2 weeks later.
10) I left my very expensive CD player on an ElAl flight back from Israel in 2003. They wouldn't let me listen to it, and I left it in the seat pocket in front of me. I realized it less than an hour later, but they had already moved the plane somewhere else and I never saw the CD player again.
11) I ran out of money when I was in Israel for the year. Somehow I spent like $2500 in 4 months, and I have no idea how. Thankfully I had my laptop and an Internet card, which I rented out for other people in my Yeshiva to use. I charged the equivalent of $1.25 for every 1/2 hour. For the very wealthy (everyone at Reishit was rich) I made deals - $20 a week to use the computer whenever they wanted. I made a LOT of money that way.
12) I've never been to Florida. I'm the only member of my immediate family who has not been there.
13) I drove off the highway in a snowstorm once in 2004. I was driving Devora Jaye to West Hartford from New York and I hit a patch of ice. We spun off the road, and it was among the 5 most terrifying moments of my life.
14) I had my appendix taken out on the day before my 12th birthday. I spent my 12th birthday watching Wimbledon for the first time in my hospital room.
15) I kept a journal on my computer in 10th, 11th and 12th grades. I stopped in Israel, and when I got back I had forgotten the password. I had to delete the journal, and I was sad.
16) During my last semester in YU, I got the letter "G" for a grade in one of my history classes. Since I rarely went to class, I doubt it stood for "Good." Although I have no idea what it does stand for.
17) My favorite subject in elementary school was Social Studies. I also won a Geography Bee in middle school. I don't remember the circumstances, I just know that Ari Kahan was really pissed b/c I somehow got a do-over.
18) I locked my keys in my car only once.
19) My net worth on the Hollywood Stock Exchange is just a shade under $50 million.
20) The most points I ever scored on word in Scrabble was 212 for the word REQUITAL. I got 2 triple word scores, one of them counting twice. It was awesome. I don't know what it means.
21) I was 9 for 9 from the foul line in a basketball game once. I scored 12 points, my high school career high.
22) I have a photographic memory when it comes to directions. If I drive somewhere once, I will always know how to get there.
23) One of my happiest memories from high school involved a football game in the parking lot outside school. That tells you how much I enjoyed high school.
24) I'm terrified of every airplane I see flying overhead in New York City. I have been since 9/11. Every single plane.
And finally, the best for last...
25) I once drove a van over my own foot. I was both the reckless drive and the innocent pedestrian.
January 19, 2009
My Dream Baseball Vacation
About 7 years ago I thought about my dream baseball vacation. I would drive from Fenway Park to every single Major League ballpark. At least 30 games over the span of a month and a half or so. It would be awesome. I thought, if I were to do it now (there's no chance of that, but I can dream) what would my trip look like? Well, this is what my dream baseball vacation could look like:
Sunday 5/24 - Mets at Red Sox, Fenway Park, Boston
Monday 5/25 - Nationals at Mets, CitiField, New York
Tuesday 5/26 - Marlins at Philies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Thursday 5/28 - Rays at Indians, Progressive Field, Cleveland
Friday 5/29 - Astros at Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31 - Red Sox at Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Toronto (hey, I'm a Sox fan)
Tuesday 6/2 - Red Sox at Tigers, Comerica Park, Detroit (wahoo - 3 Sox games in a row!)
Wednesday 6/3 - Althletics at White Sox, US Cellular Field, Chicago
Friday 6/5 - Cubs at Reds, Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati
Sunday 6/7 - Rockies at Cardinals, Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tuesday 6/9 - Rockies at Brewers, Miller Park, Milwaukee
Friday 6/12 - Twins at Cubs, Wrigley Field, Chicago
Sunday 6/14 - Reds at Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Tuesday 6/16 - Pirates at Twins, Metrodome, Minneapolis
Thursday 6/18 - Rays at Rockies, Coors Field, Denver
Friday 6/19 - Diamondbacks at Mariners, Safeco Field, Seattle
Sunday 6/21 - Rangers at Giants, AT&T Park, San Francisco
Monday 6/22 - Giants at Athletics, McAfee Coliseum, Oakland
Tuesday 6/23 - Rockies at Angels, Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Wednesday 6/24 and Thursday 6/25 - Vegas Baby!!
Friday 6/26 - Mariners at Dodgers, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Sunday 6/28 - Angels at Diamondbacks, Chase Field, Phoenix
Monday 6/29 - Astros at Padres, Petco Park, San Diego
Tuesday 6/30 - visting my birthplace on my birthday (New Mexico!)
Friday 7/3 - Rays at Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX
Monday 7/6 - Pirates at Astros, Minute Maid Park, Houston
Wednesday 7/8 - Blue Jays at Rays, Tropicana Field, Tampa
7/9 - 7/16 - Florida Vacation!
Friday 7/17 - Philies at Marlins, Dolphins Stadium, Miami
Sunday 7/19 - Mets at Braves, Turner Field, Atlanta
Tuesday 7/21 - Mets at Nationals, Nationals Park, Washington
Wednesday 7/22 - Orioles at Yankees, New Yankee Stadium, New York
Monday 7/27 - Royals at Orioles, Camden Yards, Baltimore
Over 2 months, I would have logged about 13,300 miles in my car and seen 31 games in 30 different stadiums. I also would have been to Florida for the first time. With an average cost of $25.40 for a ticket (in 2008), tickets would cost me about $780. I don't even want to think about how much gas would cost, or food, or motels/hotels. Let's say the total cost of my trip is $2500. That'a a LOT of money to see some baseball games. Maybe I'll replan my trip to see minor league games...
Sunday 5/24 - Mets at Red Sox, Fenway Park, Boston
Monday 5/25 - Nationals at Mets, CitiField, New York
Tuesday 5/26 - Marlins at Philies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Thursday 5/28 - Rays at Indians, Progressive Field, Cleveland
Friday 5/29 - Astros at Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31 - Red Sox at Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Toronto (hey, I'm a Sox fan)
Tuesday 6/2 - Red Sox at Tigers, Comerica Park, Detroit (wahoo - 3 Sox games in a row!)
Wednesday 6/3 - Althletics at White Sox, US Cellular Field, Chicago
Friday 6/5 - Cubs at Reds, Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati
Sunday 6/7 - Rockies at Cardinals, Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tuesday 6/9 - Rockies at Brewers, Miller Park, Milwaukee
Friday 6/12 - Twins at Cubs, Wrigley Field, Chicago
Sunday 6/14 - Reds at Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Tuesday 6/16 - Pirates at Twins, Metrodome, Minneapolis
Thursday 6/18 - Rays at Rockies, Coors Field, Denver
Friday 6/19 - Diamondbacks at Mariners, Safeco Field, Seattle
Sunday 6/21 - Rangers at Giants, AT&T Park, San Francisco
Monday 6/22 - Giants at Athletics, McAfee Coliseum, Oakland
Tuesday 6/23 - Rockies at Angels, Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Wednesday 6/24 and Thursday 6/25 - Vegas Baby!!
Friday 6/26 - Mariners at Dodgers, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Sunday 6/28 - Angels at Diamondbacks, Chase Field, Phoenix
Monday 6/29 - Astros at Padres, Petco Park, San Diego
Tuesday 6/30 - visting my birthplace on my birthday (New Mexico!)
Friday 7/3 - Rays at Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX
Monday 7/6 - Pirates at Astros, Minute Maid Park, Houston
Wednesday 7/8 - Blue Jays at Rays, Tropicana Field, Tampa
7/9 - 7/16 - Florida Vacation!
Friday 7/17 - Philies at Marlins, Dolphins Stadium, Miami
Sunday 7/19 - Mets at Braves, Turner Field, Atlanta
Tuesday 7/21 - Mets at Nationals, Nationals Park, Washington
Wednesday 7/22 - Orioles at Yankees, New Yankee Stadium, New York
Monday 7/27 - Royals at Orioles, Camden Yards, Baltimore
Over 2 months, I would have logged about 13,300 miles in my car and seen 31 games in 30 different stadiums. I also would have been to Florida for the first time. With an average cost of $25.40 for a ticket (in 2008), tickets would cost me about $780. I don't even want to think about how much gas would cost, or food, or motels/hotels. Let's say the total cost of my trip is $2500. That'a a LOT of money to see some baseball games. Maybe I'll replan my trip to see minor league games...
January 18, 2009
A month of almost constant bordem
I know I intended to post every day or so, but clearly that has not happened (again). Why you may ask? Well, probably not since there's nobody reading anymore. But if there was, they might ask why. Nothing has been going on. Carla and I bought a new bedframe and come curtains, which makes our bedroom look much nicer. I've been wanting a new bedframe since we got married (3 1/2 years ago) and I was very happy to throw the old one out. Carla made our new curtains out of some fabric we got at Ikea, and she finished them today. Maybe I'll post a picture.
Carla and I had a couple of people over for New Year's. We don't do any celebrating or anything, we just find it's a time when nobody has work the next day. We started to watch Office Space, one of my all time favorite movies, but the crowd wasn't so in to it. So we watched Ocean's 11, which is also an awesome movie. The crowd liked that one a lot more. We ordered some chinese food from Gan Asia, which was a huge problem. I ordered 30 min before their deadline, but the food didn't come for almost an hour and a half. Also, they didn't give us Carla's food, so I had to run down to 94th St. to get it. But we enjoyed the people, so the rest is not relavent.
Work was really busy for only about 2 days. Last year I stayed late almost every day for the last 2 weeks of December. This year, only New Year's Eve, and that was only because I took Friday Jan 2nd off.
The reason for that day off was because Dave and Talya had a baby boy! I was fortunate enough to be able to go down for the bris, and they named their son Azriel Lev Weinberg (Azi for short). It was a very nice weekend, and thankfully we got to stay with Josh and Sigalle in their new apartment. Their son Elisha LOVES Bessie, and she loved following him around looking for food. All in all, it was a great weekend and everyone had a great time.
Otherwise, I've been pretty bored. Carla and I don't really go out much (last night actually being an exception) and we don't really have anyone over (New Year's another exception). Carla has her friends from camp and NFTY that she sees, but for the most part I don't really see anyone outside of work.
Not sure how that turned in to a sob story, but it is what it is. Back to watching the Cardinals-Eagles game (Arizona is up 24-13) and then having some leftovers for dinner. Good times.
--Marc
Carla and I had a couple of people over for New Year's. We don't do any celebrating or anything, we just find it's a time when nobody has work the next day. We started to watch Office Space, one of my all time favorite movies, but the crowd wasn't so in to it. So we watched Ocean's 11, which is also an awesome movie. The crowd liked that one a lot more. We ordered some chinese food from Gan Asia, which was a huge problem. I ordered 30 min before their deadline, but the food didn't come for almost an hour and a half. Also, they didn't give us Carla's food, so I had to run down to 94th St. to get it. But we enjoyed the people, so the rest is not relavent.
Work was really busy for only about 2 days. Last year I stayed late almost every day for the last 2 weeks of December. This year, only New Year's Eve, and that was only because I took Friday Jan 2nd off.
The reason for that day off was because Dave and Talya had a baby boy! I was fortunate enough to be able to go down for the bris, and they named their son Azriel Lev Weinberg (Azi for short). It was a very nice weekend, and thankfully we got to stay with Josh and Sigalle in their new apartment. Their son Elisha LOVES Bessie, and she loved following him around looking for food. All in all, it was a great weekend and everyone had a great time.
Otherwise, I've been pretty bored. Carla and I don't really go out much (last night actually being an exception) and we don't really have anyone over (New Year's another exception). Carla has her friends from camp and NFTY that she sees, but for the most part I don't really see anyone outside of work.
Not sure how that turned in to a sob story, but it is what it is. Back to watching the Cardinals-Eagles game (Arizona is up 24-13) and then having some leftovers for dinner. Good times.
--Marc
December 16, 2008
Chainsaw on the subway
On my commute home tonight, the middle of the subway car was being taken up by a man with a large box containing a brand new chainsaw. In my opinion, there is almost no good reason to own a chainsaw in Manhattan. The man's not cutting down any trees or trimming any hedges. He doesn't need to cut firewood for his fireplace. This leaves me with only one idea of why he bought it, and it's sad: it was on sale and he got a good deal. How many times do we all buy stuff simply because we got a good deal on it. We never use half the shit we own, but we got it on clearance so we had to get it.
Just a thought.
--Marc
Just a thought.
--Marc
December 11, 2008
Sad but nice sports story
In between all the greed and selfishness in sports, everyone once in a while a story comes out to remind us athletes are indeed human beings with families. Cuttino Mobley, most recently of the LA Clippers and traded to the NY Knicks two weeks ago, has decided to retire due to a heart ailment. People might know the heart ailment as the one that killed budding Celtic star Reggie Lewis in 1993. Mobley decided he'd rather walk away from the game now than risk dying on the court and missing his 8 year old son.
While a sad story, at least Mobley is walked away from the game with his head held high and not because of some arrest or accidental self-shooting. I wish the best of luck to Cuttino and the entire Mobley family.
While a sad story, at least Mobley is walked away from the game with his head held high and not because of some arrest or accidental self-shooting. I wish the best of luck to Cuttino and the entire Mobley family.
December 9, 2008
Public Financing for Private Parks
As you may have heard, the Yankees and the Mets are each building new stadiums in New York. The Yankees in the Bronx, and the Mets in Queens. Each team has gotten millions of dollars in pubic money, with the total price tag for the two parks approaching $2.2 BILLION. To me, that's just an obscene amount of money. The city and state have given, either through cash or some fishy tax-free bonds, a combined total near $1 billion. I can think of many, many better uses than giving the New York Yankees and the New York Mets cash machines new stadiums in which to disappoint New York fans.
How about finishing the Second Avenue Subway? They've only been building it since 1927.
How about a new school or 12? I hear some of the builings are a little run down and the textbooks might be a little old.
Did you know there's crime in New York? A few more cops might help that stop.
How often do you drive down a NY City street only to hit a huge pothole and give yourself a flat tire? Wait, it was only me? Well, I'm sure it happens, and a few dollars might make the roads a little smoother and easier to travel on. Which would make traffic run smoother. Which makes everyone happy.
So as you can see, I have some real problems with these parks. I oppose any public money for stadiums. You don't see the City of New York helping people trying to build houses, why help incredibly rich people and corporations build new parks? The Yankees aren't going to leave New York, and neither are the Mets. At least now they won't threaten to, for at least 20 years.
How about finishing the Second Avenue Subway? They've only been building it since 1927.
How about a new school or 12? I hear some of the builings are a little run down and the textbooks might be a little old.
Did you know there's crime in New York? A few more cops might help that stop.
How often do you drive down a NY City street only to hit a huge pothole and give yourself a flat tire? Wait, it was only me? Well, I'm sure it happens, and a few dollars might make the roads a little smoother and easier to travel on. Which would make traffic run smoother. Which makes everyone happy.
So as you can see, I have some real problems with these parks. I oppose any public money for stadiums. You don't see the City of New York helping people trying to build houses, why help incredibly rich people and corporations build new parks? The Yankees aren't going to leave New York, and neither are the Mets. At least now they won't threaten to, for at least 20 years.
December 7, 2008
Oops
Ok, so I did have a plan and intention of posting at least every other day. Clearly that has not been the case, since I haven't had a post in 2 weeks. It's no wonder nobody reads this blog...
Thanksgiving was a huge success. Carla and I made the turkey as well as green beans, sweet potatoes and (with help from Naomi) stuffing. Everyone arrived on time, the food was good, there were no arguments of any kind, and everyone left happy. Couldn't have asked for anything more.
Cassie (the bird) has laid 2 eggs over the last 2 weeks. She has built herself quite a nest and spends a lot of time sitting on the eggs, even thought there's no chance they're going to hatch in to anything. Carla and I got a little concerned because Cassie seems to have plucked her stomach clean of feathers. However, Carla found a website about birds that said that it's normal for a bird sitting on eggs to pluck their stomach's clean to get closer to the eggs.
In terms of my weight, nothing really has changed for me. I put on 2 pounds after Thanksgiving, and I've dropped one this week. Pretty much in the margin of error the last few weeks, which means I need to mix things up a little bit. We haven't done the best job planning our meals the last 2 weeks, but hopefully this week we'll get back on track.
Our friend Nili has been away for the last 2 months but came back to NYC last night. Carla and I were very happy to see her, and we're glad she's doing a lot better.
Ok time to find something for lunch and watch some football. Go Patriots!
--Marc
Thanksgiving was a huge success. Carla and I made the turkey as well as green beans, sweet potatoes and (with help from Naomi) stuffing. Everyone arrived on time, the food was good, there were no arguments of any kind, and everyone left happy. Couldn't have asked for anything more.
Cassie (the bird) has laid 2 eggs over the last 2 weeks. She has built herself quite a nest and spends a lot of time sitting on the eggs, even thought there's no chance they're going to hatch in to anything. Carla and I got a little concerned because Cassie seems to have plucked her stomach clean of feathers. However, Carla found a website about birds that said that it's normal for a bird sitting on eggs to pluck their stomach's clean to get closer to the eggs.
In terms of my weight, nothing really has changed for me. I put on 2 pounds after Thanksgiving, and I've dropped one this week. Pretty much in the margin of error the last few weeks, which means I need to mix things up a little bit. We haven't done the best job planning our meals the last 2 weeks, but hopefully this week we'll get back on track.
Our friend Nili has been away for the last 2 months but came back to NYC last night. Carla and I were very happy to see her, and we're glad she's doing a lot better.
Ok time to find something for lunch and watch some football. Go Patriots!
--Marc
November 23, 2008
My Ring Fits!
Carla and I got our resized rings back this week, and for the first time since early August, I am wearing my ring full time. In fact, I'm wearing my ring more now than at any other point since I got married in July 2005. I wear it to sleep because I'm not afraid it's going to fall off while I sleep. I wear it in the shower and when I wash the dishes because I know a little water won't loosen it to the point of falling down the drain. When I got the ring, it was a size 15. If you don't know ring sizes, just imagine that it's an XXXL. Very big. Now it's a 12 1/2, or about an XL. Still big, but not the huge bracelet I had around my finger before.
Time to go be domestic again. Time to clean some dishes and take out the trash.
--Marc
Time to go be domestic again. Time to clean some dishes and take out the trash.
--Marc
November 21, 2008
my week in review
I've had a pretty eventful week, but I don't have much of an excuse for not posting anything all week long. Here's what's happened:
On Sunday, Carla and I drove up to Springfield to spend some time speaking with my parents. It's not that big a deal, but we went up there and I think were somewhat successful in getting across the points we wanted to get across. Then we went to go visit Charles and Gwenn up at UMass. First time I've been there since I signed up for my internship in June 2008, and the construction there has done wonders for the campus. Even though we only saw a corner, and it was mostly night, the campus looked beautiful. Even the old apartment Carla and I lived in 2005 and 2006 is still standing. How nice it is, who gives a crap. It's still there. We then had dinner in the new and improved Kosher Dining Hall, which is about 12 times better than the hole they were using 2 years ago. The food is still leaving something to be desired, but overall it was nice to be in a regular DC and still have Kosher food.
Tuesday I was home sick all day, and instead of using the opportunity to catch up on sleep, clean or do laundry, I started watching Chuck, the spy-comedy-drama on NBC. Since the show is so awesome and funny, I watched 12 episodes on Tuesday. Carla and I caught up to the current episode last night, and I am looking forward to next Monday night to see a new episode.
Wednesday on my way home from work I decided to make dinner for Carla before she got home. I bought all the ingredients, got home and cleaned the kitchen, and went to work preparing and cooking. Even though it was pasta and meat sauce, there was still work to do. However, Carla was so caught up at work that she didn't come home until almost 8pm. Nonetheless, dinner was good and she was happy, which is what I was striving for.
I had a slight up-tick in my weight last week, but I think I got back on track this week and should lose the couple of pounds I put on.
And finally, for this week's most amusing moment, we go to Dave Weinberg in Silver Spring, MD:
Dave tells me on Tuesday that he sent me a package in the mail. I had no clue what it was, and was secretly hoping that it would offer me some clue as to if he and Talya are having a boy or a girl. When I got home from work yesterday, there was a large padded envelope waiting for me on my doorstep. I rushed inside and tore it open to find a very nice necktie. It was silver with blue diagonal strips. The note inside told me that this was the tie I had left at Dave and Talya's when Carla and I were there a month ago. However, this was NOT my tie, and I immediatly called Dave to straighten out the misunderstanding (it's not my tie). Dave said I can bring it back when I come down next month for whatever they're going to have. Which still does not bring me any closer to knowing what they are having, and I have an extra tie for my overflowing tie rack.
Have a nice weekend
--Marc
On Sunday, Carla and I drove up to Springfield to spend some time speaking with my parents. It's not that big a deal, but we went up there and I think were somewhat successful in getting across the points we wanted to get across. Then we went to go visit Charles and Gwenn up at UMass. First time I've been there since I signed up for my internship in June 2008, and the construction there has done wonders for the campus. Even though we only saw a corner, and it was mostly night, the campus looked beautiful. Even the old apartment Carla and I lived in 2005 and 2006 is still standing. How nice it is, who gives a crap. It's still there. We then had dinner in the new and improved Kosher Dining Hall, which is about 12 times better than the hole they were using 2 years ago. The food is still leaving something to be desired, but overall it was nice to be in a regular DC and still have Kosher food.
Tuesday I was home sick all day, and instead of using the opportunity to catch up on sleep, clean or do laundry, I started watching Chuck, the spy-comedy-drama on NBC. Since the show is so awesome and funny, I watched 12 episodes on Tuesday. Carla and I caught up to the current episode last night, and I am looking forward to next Monday night to see a new episode.
Wednesday on my way home from work I decided to make dinner for Carla before she got home. I bought all the ingredients, got home and cleaned the kitchen, and went to work preparing and cooking. Even though it was pasta and meat sauce, there was still work to do. However, Carla was so caught up at work that she didn't come home until almost 8pm. Nonetheless, dinner was good and she was happy, which is what I was striving for.
I had a slight up-tick in my weight last week, but I think I got back on track this week and should lose the couple of pounds I put on.
And finally, for this week's most amusing moment, we go to Dave Weinberg in Silver Spring, MD:
Dave tells me on Tuesday that he sent me a package in the mail. I had no clue what it was, and was secretly hoping that it would offer me some clue as to if he and Talya are having a boy or a girl. When I got home from work yesterday, there was a large padded envelope waiting for me on my doorstep. I rushed inside and tore it open to find a very nice necktie. It was silver with blue diagonal strips. The note inside told me that this was the tie I had left at Dave and Talya's when Carla and I were there a month ago. However, this was NOT my tie, and I immediatly called Dave to straighten out the misunderstanding (it's not my tie). Dave said I can bring it back when I come down next month for whatever they're going to have. Which still does not bring me any closer to knowing what they are having, and I have an extra tie for my overflowing tie rack.
Have a nice weekend
--Marc
November 15, 2008
the good stuff from today
I managed to go outside this morning and walk Bessie during a period of no rain. At other times this morning it looked a little bit like a hurricane outside, and I managed to get the time where it was not raining. I don't like the rain very much, so avoiding it is a very good thing for me.
Also, Carla and I are getting our rings resized. When I got my ring in 2005, it was measured as a size 15. When I get my ring back on Tuesday, it will be a 12 1/2. It's still big, but not as big.
Hooray weight loss!
Also, Carla and I are getting our rings resized. When I got my ring in 2005, it was measured as a size 15. When I get my ring back on Tuesday, it will be a 12 1/2. It's still big, but not as big.
Hooray weight loss!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
