docoflove1974

I've paid my dues - Time after time - I've done my sentence But committed no crime - And bad mistakes I've made a few I've had my share of sand kicked in my face - But I've come through We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end - We are the champions - We are the champions No time for losers 'Cause we are the champions - of the world - I've taken my bows And my curtain calls - You brought me fame and fortuen and everything that goes with it - I thank you all - But it's been no bed of roses No pleasure cruise - I consider it a challenge before the whole human race - And I ain't gonna lose - We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end - We are the champions - We are the champions No time for losers 'Cause we are the champions - of the world ________________________________________________ The last time it happened was 1954. The boys were still living in New York, playing at the Polo Grounds. This kid Mays was patrolling centerfield, The Say Hey Kid made a catch in the first game that is still considered one of, if not the, greatest defensive play of all time. In that series, the boys from New York swept the boys from Lake Erie, and there was so much hope for the team. Surely they would win more championships. Alas, they didn't. In 1957 the ownership decided to be part of the expansion of baseball to the West Coast, along with their biggest rivals, Dem Bums. Dem Owners of Dem Bums at least bothered to tell the fan base at the beginning of the season, so their fans had a chance to say their goodbyes, albeit unwillingly. But the Boys from the 'Grounds, well, the owners sprung it on the fans very late...and were in such a rush to get out, they left the plaque honoring their Captain Eddie, who died fighting in the Great War. A curse was placed on the Boys, that they would never win as long as they were in California. 1962...one of the greatest teams ever. Los Hermanos Alou patrolled the outfield, the only pair of brothers to do so in the World Series in the history of the sport, before or since. The Dominican Dandy could not be beat...or so we thought. Stretch hit the ball so hard and so far...but came up just shy. Peanut at third sucked in everything that came his way and threw out anyone who tried to run on him. Yet the Bronx Bombers knocked us down in 7. Maris, Mantle...yikes. 1989...A team that was easy to like. Kruk, Big Daddy and the rest of the pitching staff was one of the best in baseball. Mitch, Will The Thrill...they hit the ball a country mile, reminding us of Stretch. An infield of Matty, OOOO-RIIIIBAY, Rockin Robbie and Will The Thrill made twin killings look like eating a slab of sourdough. Even our opponents were fortuitous...the Athletics from just across the Bay. But Mother Nature had other ideas, and on the 17th, just before the first World Series game at Candlestick since 1962, she decided to give us a great big shake. Some say she was in cahoots with Captain Eddie and the Boys already up at the Big 'Grounds in the Sky. 2002...one of the greatest players of all time, the son of a great Giant and the godson of one of the Say Hey Kid, was on our side. Of course, we found out later that he was a bit more amped than usual...but oh well. He had a partner at second base that wasn't anyone to sneeze at. Great hitters...but they couldn't content with the Halos, who were managed by a former Bum. Of course, they lost...and in heartbreaking fashion. And now...with a pitching staff that is young, virile, and heart-breakingly good...with a collection of hitters and fielders who most everyone easily overlooked...against a bunch of Rangers who were considered the huge favorites...in 5 games we stomped them into the ground. Once again, the old adage is true: great pitching defeats great hitting. We beat the Bravos, we beat the Phighting Phils, and now we've beaten the Rangers. Not that it's noteworthy, but this year there were a series of plaques installed around AT&T Park, celebrating the great Giants of yore. Captain Eddies was one of the first installed. If you need me, I'll be on Market Street, celebrating with my boys.

Happy birthday! Hope you have an outstanding day!

Even I, a non-Porsche lover, scoff at that!

Ordinarily I hate that song. Both on general principals--I dislike Journey passionately--and the fact that it's way overused for sports teams. The concept is...well...to keep the faithful believing that the Home Team (whoever they may be) will in fact to all the way to become the next champions. Of course, my Giants, or rather fellow Giants fans, chose this song. Ugh. SOOOOOOOOOO many others could have been chosen. Instead, we have this bit of insipid guitar chords and wailing. And yet...the Giants are going on to the next round! I told you they would. Well, I always knew they would. And now we have Philly...and I think we'll beat them, too. Yeah, I said it. So there. On the flip side, my brother, the Oakland A's fan, is openly rooting against the Giants as he's wont to do. The boy loves disturbing the manure pile. And since his parents and older sister openly root for the Giants, he has to go the opposite way. There's always one in every family. I remember as a child I would ask, nay, demand of my mom that we see a game at Candlestick Park when the Dodgers came into town. You see, the Giants and the Dodgers have been bitter rivals since their days in New York and Brooklyn, respectively. They carried that out to the West Coast in 1958, with the Giants coming to San Francisco--Baghdad By The Bay--and 'Dem Bums' going down south to Los Angeles--that cesspool of smog and superficiality. In the 1980s, the manager for the Dodgers was one Tommy Lasorda, a man who pitched for the Dodgers (and who was average by all accounts) but who perhaps was their most legendary manager. He would rant and rave to make sure his players got what was right...in all honesty, if he was your manager, you loved him. We Giants fans, well, we hated him...his blood ran Dodger Blue. I had to go every summer to a game when the Good Guys would beat up on the Dodgers, just so I could boo Lasorda. Of course, we'll ignore the fact that the Dodgers always seemed to play well against the Giants, especially in Candlestick Park--a fact that seems counterintuitive, seeing as how the 'Stick was a hellhole of a baseball stadium, both as a player and as a fan. No matter, I wanted to go and root the Giants on and revile the Dodgers...and my mother loved that. So she would take us...she and I (and my dad, on the rarities that he could come with us) decked out in Orange And Black...and there was Matt, sitting next to us, sometimes in his A's Green and Gold, sometimes not...rooting for the Dodgers. Dammit. No matter...my prediction for the NLCS: Giants over Phillies in 7 games. Mark it.

I can't find my books right now, but there's a question I had regarding the object pronoun and the infinitive...I wasn't sure if the object pronoun could be placed in between the conjugated verb and the infinitive. I am pretty sure it can be done, but I wasn't 100% positive. It could be done in certain situations, as if to mark where the dependent clause starts--I think?

Or worse yet...the turbo fails (which, being an electronic element, is possible), and you think you're going to beat that 911 off the line...*wah wah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah*

But the Juke has a turbo button! How can you act so Cavalier about that? (Ok ok, I was laughing uncontrollably when I saw the commercial for it at first...check it out. As if I'd buy it in the first place.)

*puts on best New York accent* (where's Neph when I need her?) "Joo take your cricket and gedawda 'ere...we don'need jore stinkin cricket!" I much prefer our baseball...for one, I understand it, almost all of it. But mostly, because it's TORTURE...well, that's really only the Giants. With a 3 run lead bring in the best closer in the game for a 2-inning save, which he's almost done before. What would be wrong with that? Nothing...except we lose. Dammit. As we Bay Area fans know, the tagline for this team this year is: Giants baseball...TORTURE! No matter...we're going to take the Braves where they call home...right where they don't think it'll happen. Hah! (fake bravado...great stuff)

That's ok...we look at cricket and wonder how in the hell did baseball come out of that? I mean, yeah, baseball can run longer time-wise than football (American or otherwise), but it seems like cricket matches go for days. Plus, baseball uniforms are cuter, at least to me...take that for what it's worth

About 6 letters

After the intros for all the other Giants, you hear the sound of In the bullpen, warming up...number 55...TIM!!!!! LINCECUM!!!!!! Yes, it's the post season for Major League Baseball, and my Giants are in, and looking strong. While I don't have tickets to any of the games, at least I can watch at home. Also, I won't be freezing at AT&T Park, whic his very and entirely possible to do during night games. Oh, I had some gripes on what manager Bruce Bochy concocted for the 25-man roster...like why the hell did he let Pablo Sandoval onto the roster? Mr. I Swing At Everything And Am Too Pudgy To Play Defense? On the other hand, 'Boch' left Barry Zito off, which pleased everyone in the Bay Area. But overall, hey, the dude knows what he's doing, right? Hope so. Everyone here is worked up in a frenzy over this; even Oakland A's fans are happy for us, sorta. It's the first time in 7 years that the Giants have been in the playoffs. The last time they went in as National League West champs, same as this year. But not much came of it, as they lost in the first round. It won't happen again this year! No, I tells ya! In my family, there is a bit of a tradition. We never would watch tv while eating dinner--a practice that I hope to continue in life once I live in a place where the dining and living areas aren't connected together. There, however, were two exceptions: the MLB All-Star Game, and the first game of the World Series. Oh, not like the Giants were in there often--1989 and 2002 are the only times in my lifetime--but if they were playing in the playoffs, my mom would re-arrange dinner time so that we would miss the least amount of time from the tv as possible. We even listened to the radio broadcast during dinner, as an appeasement--mostly to me, as I probably was the biggest baseball fan in the family. As we got older, we would set up tv trays in the living room and eat there...a HUGE event, to be sure, as eating in the living room was taboo. So, forgive me, all, if I seem a bit more daft than usual, but my mind's on baseball. I promise, it'll be all back to normal in November

No, I think you have a valid point, Caldrail...although I'm in the reverse position as you, only knowing anything about the British system via tv and news. There is a direct attitude, especially with the Representatives, and definitely with local government. You don't get the actions of the citizens of Bell, California without the people taking direct interest and action, which stems from the belief that average citizens can make a difference. And yet...so many, like me, are cynical regarding how much actually gets done. In all honesty, that first Tuesday in November will be very interesting to watch

I find that interesting, especially in light of the fact that there are few political protestations here. I don't know that I would call the Tea Party Movement such a protestation, although I think it's along those lines. I don't know why we don't have that element in our political make-up. Perhaps it's because we vote our representatives in (and out) so frequently, or perhaps because we haven't gotten to that point. At least, not yet. I've heard a few political analysts on the boob tube comment that the likelihood of any incumbent gaining reelection in November is going to be slim--be they Republican or Democrat. These analysts insist that people are fed up with how things are going now, so the incumbents are going to suffer the consequences--as if to say, hey, this isn't working, and we need something different. I don't know that to be the case; so often these people say that the voters will do one thing, and then the opposite happens. I'm not saying that it's not possible, just that somehow I'm not sure. I do have a gut feeling that the Republicans will take over the House again, but I don't know how big that majority will be. Somehow I think that the majority of the Tea Party-style candidates will be shown as being too right-wing, which means that the likelihood of their election won't be very high. It's those of us in the middle who make the decisions, both on the ballot and in Congress. For most people, if a candidate seems too far to one side or the other, they tend not to be elected--something that I have a feeling is mostly true in the world at large.

No...spin...spin...need to spin the point of view. Or perhaps your presence does evoke fear and trepidation?

Life has been busy lately, but somehow I've managed. I've had to get creative in order to make ends meet...it doesn't involve a street corner, but it does involve applying my talents in new ways. I have decided that I need to be called a 'consultant.' Why, you ask? Because for one, I live not in the city, but in the suburbs, and evidently all those minimally-employed or unemployed professionals who are looking to rectify their economic situation call themselves as such. I've been told that 'consultant' sounds more dignified and represents the level of education and experience possessed by people like me. Also, because a consultant can charge more for services rendered than the average Joe or Jane. Eh, whatever works. As long as I can earn enough to keep the roof over my head, the lights on, and the fridge with some food, then things will be ok. ___________________________________________________ Very interesting discussion on BBC World News America tonight. Katty Kay did a report on economic troubles in Rhode Island, being representative of much of the rest of the country, but it was followed by an exchange between her and Matt Frei, the anchor. They made an interesting comparison between Europeans and Americans when it comes to these tough economic times. Both the Englishwoman and the German gentleman noted that Europeans have expected certain services by their governments--services for which they have been paying much higher taxes for a very long time--and now that the governments have to cut back some 20% on these services, the sense of entitlement that the government isn't helping the people is growing. By contrast, they noticed that most Americans aren't big on government help...we have never really expected the government to give us everything, but that probably is because we have a culture of wanting lower, not higher, taxes, along with a culture of do-it-yourself; we want to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, not have the government do it for us. On the other hand, they both figured that if things get much worse here, Americans will start striking and protesting just like in France, Spain, Italy and other European countries. (Of course, our first protest will come on the first Tuesday of November, with the elections.) Are they right? Very probably. It seems like it's always been a land of independence--it's not that we don't want help, but we have a pride in taking care of ourselves that seems to run counter to socialism in the strictest sense. Even though polls are suggesting that more and more Americans are warming up to nationalized health care plans, we also don't want the government to interfere all the time with our lives. Perhaps that's as a consequence of our history--pioneers fending for themselves, and all that. And as for the comment on Europeans feeling entitled to certain services but paying higher taxes, that probably has truth in it, too, but my knowledge and impressions aren't that strong. I will say that being in Italy this summer, people were highly disgruntled with the government telling them to expect less for more, even though the austerity measures would still result in more coverage and services than the average American had. Pushing the age of retirement from 60 to 62 seems to be unheard of and unacceptable for most Europeans...but my parents' generation saw retirement somewhere between 62 and 65, and for my generation it probably will be 68, or maybe even later. I guess the bottom line is that we humans are creatures of comfort and habit. We really aren't that fond of change, particularly if it disrupts our lives so much. Yet we always seem to manage through, all the same.

Erm, well, autumn in America depends on where you are. The famed 'fall colors' are the pride of the Northeast and Midwest...many maples and such. Out here in the Golden State, this is our best time of year weather-wise: warm days, cool nights. So I've made my applesauce, with Pippins (which weren't nearly as tart as I remembered), McIntoshes and Honey Crisps (love the texture of them). A friend of mine took me to task because I don't put sugar in my recipe. "You only need sugar if you have crappy, flavorless apples" was my reply, and it's true. A cinnamon stick, some star anise, and nutmeg...and happiness

Gee, and she could have even sent you a birthday wish...if only she hadn't been so awed by your presence...

Happy birthday, Mr. Caldrail! Here's to another year full of cheer!

Ooh, Braeburns and Pink Ladies are awesome, as are Fujis. Tomorrow I'm off to the market to get my stock for applesauce...and oddly enough, I'm excited about it. Something about fall and applesauce that works. Of course, it's slated to be hotter tomorrow than any other day so far this year. Go figure.

Very cool pic, m'dear. I love those kinds of shots.

Not only that, but Sasha Baron Cohen will be playing Freddie Mercury...I don't know that I like this. It feels too jarring.

In watching the news today, one couldn't help but notice that the Holy See visited Scotland, met with Her Royal Highness, and held mass in a park in Glasgow, all before heading off to Londontown. The head of the Catholic Church made stronger remarks on the molestation scandal than he has in the past, he made a reference to the strength of the British will in the face of the Nazis, and in general played diplomat. And somehow, I couldn't care less. I mean nothing. Dude, the Vatican has not been a seat of real political power since the Reunification of Italy, and maybe one could argue even before that. The fact that this guy is the Pope, the head on one of the major religions in the world, gives him the right to high respect. No one would begrudge him that. But the way that it was covered on local, national, and international news tonight, one would have thought that God literally made an appearance, instead of his (her?) human representative on earth. When I went to the Vatican, and in particular once I stepped into St. Peter's Basilica, I was indeed awed. And let's face it, you are meant to be awed when you walk in. Sumptuous colors, huge statues paying homage to past Church leaders. And while it was an unforgettable experience, going into Santa Maria Maggiore, and hearing Mass there, was even more gripping for me. Oh, it was full of riches itself--it's evidently thought of as the Second Vatican, and I believe it's the oldest cathedral in Rome. It is full of relics, of gilding, and of beauty. But it was a feeling, an intangible force that I sensed that made it a much more pleasant, rewarding, and indeed humbling (in a positive way) experience. Certainly it cannot be said that I'm a faithful Catholic; I go to Mass when I want, and that's not very often, and there are some elements of dogma that I disagree with. But I was more at peace at Santa Maria Maggiore than I was at St. Peter's; one could even say that I was almost nervous at St. Peter's. Maybe the novelty of the Papacy has worn off. I'll still always be a Catholic--I don't plan on changing religions--but I just don't see myself being endeared to the current leader. Maybe that has to do with his past, or his current (and historic) stances on various issues to which I am diametrically opposed. But I just don't see how this is all a big deal.

Particularly in student term papers

*Wah wah wah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah*

Folks, if you don't like baseball, then you don't need to be around the Bay Area right about now. The Giants are really in the thick of it...half a game out for the lead in the National League West, about that for the Wild Card...lots of games at home, and Dem Dodger Bums from LA are in town. Sadly, we have their best pitchers going against us right now, and the Boys in Orange and Black are having a tough go of it. But we have our best pitchers going for us, too, so it's been a tight, well-played series thus far. Last night the Giants lost 1-0; the one run came in via an error. Tonight, there's no score, and right now it's the bottom of the 6th. For those that have zero knowledge of America's Pasttime, it's like watching a nil-nil soccer match, but there cannot be a tie game. You go until someone wins. And it's the end of the season. Truly, I love sports, but baseball has always been closest to my heart. I used to listen to the radio broadcasts as a child: while doing homework, while in my room, even when I was at the game itself. I would live for the games to be on the tv, so that I could watch my favorite team. I played summer co-ed leagues as a kid, and always played catch with my parents. We would go to several games each summer, cheering the boys on. Of course, if you're a Giants fan, you know that the team has been cursed since they came out to California from New York City in 1958. The story goes that the Dodgers and the Giants decided to move out to California at the same time. The Dodger owners told the fan base early on, and gave the fans time to say goodbye--they didn't want to see their team go 3000 miles west, but at least they could see the team off. The Giants owners supposedly didn't announce the decision until right at the very end of the season...and the New York Giants fans put a curse on the team, that for as long as they would make their home in California, the team would never win another World Series. So what's happened? 1989, an earthquake erupts *in the middle of the series*...see? Even Mother Nature is against us. 2002 was the other recent chance...it still hurts. I don't want to talk about it. Anyway, the awesome part is that now in the new place, I have my couch in front of the tv, my footrest nearby...my kitchen is stocked, and I'm ready to sit and watch the game. My boys are going to go all the way...I can feel it. Unless, of course, the Fates decide that it's not meant to be. But c'mon...the Red Sox broke the Curse of the Bambino in 2004, the White Sox broke their curse in 2005...time to break this one, too. Just as long as it's before the Cubs break their curse...and that ain't happening any time soon.