I tried this year. I really tried, but I just can’t seem to sit through an entire all-star game. I love baseball and I know that this year, like last year, it counts. But I couldn’t do it. It bores me. I pumped myself up with thoughts about watching the absolute best of the best do the hardest thing in sports, and I was in awe watching Manny and the rest smack Rocket around his home field (I only wish Piazza’s mask wasn’t hiding his huge grin as his nemesis was being humiliated). Nonetheless, I found myself spending more time at ESPN watching a man who just started playing poker 6 months ago win a bracelet that has eluded many professionals. Talk about a contrast. You get the best of the best together on both channels but the difference is a lot of absolute novices can play in the World Series of Poker while only the elite are invited to participate in the All Star game, and for good reason. Can you see some overweight RV driving hick from the Midwest standing up to face Carlos Zambrano? He may be suited to go all-in against John Juanda but I think he’d shit his pants at a fastball up and in from Zambrano.
It’s hard to believe that it’s the halfway point in baseball. I almost feel like I’ve been through a whole season already. I need to step back a bit and see how things unfold from a distance. I’m already having nightmares about a Yankee/Red Sox, Schilling vs. Johnson ESPN Wednesday night baseball special. The Evil Empire just can’t get Randy Johnson. Theo must do everything in his power; he must use the force, to stop Darth Steinbrenner. And if I were Randy Johnson I would want to join my old teammate and help him bring Boston their first World Series in over 80 years. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that historic footnote?
Does anyone know who “The Rick” is? He’s my new hero.
Well, my poor little four year old, who yesterday picked out the trashiest, hot pink, two-piece, glitteriest bathing suit you have ever seen tossed and turned all night again. It looks like another boring summer day with dad inside again. Oh well. Maybe we’ll go to the video store and get some great family movies. Any suggestions? I just rented The Apple Dumpling gang and they loved it. I had forgotten all about it. However, I can’t quite bring myself to foist Old Yeller on them yet. I’d love to hear some suggestions.
David:
some video picks
comedy for both of you:
Muppets from Space;
Time Bandits;
and anything Nick Park
(Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts).
instead of Old Yeller, I’d suggest Antarctica. It’s a great survival adventure about sled dogs accidentally left behind on the ice. It kind of looks like a nature documentary, but there’s real drama — not really too heavy for young ‘uns — and you will cry at the (happy) end.
I didn’t watch the whole thing either, though I did enjoy seeing Clemens get smacked around like a rag doll.
As much as I love baseball, the steroid scandal and Selig’s and the MLBPA’s pathetic responses to it have dampened my enthusiasm for the game. By not even attempting to enforce the rules, MLB has turned every honest player into a loser and made heroes of those willing to cheat.
The wise control of technology will be the most important issue in sports for the coming century, and we’re off to a really LOUSY start…
What about Pete’s Dragon? Although I’m no fan of Helen Reddy, her singing is survivable, and Jim Dale (who reads the American Harry Potter books on tape) is great in it. And look for The Phantom Tollbooth. I sometimes see it in more “eclectic” video stores. It’s fun to watch and even a four year old will like it.
David, For The Love Of Pete!!! How about The Wizard Of Oz?????
HelllOOOOOO????????
Sorry. It breaks my heart when I hear of a kid who hasn’t seen this classic.
Piazza had to keep his mask on or else we’d have seen his lips move as he tipped pitches to the batters.
“The Rick” is a hoot. They resurrected him from an earlier series of ads, just in time for the all-stars.
I suggest trying “Really Rosie”- it is animated (Maurice Sendak-from Where the Wild Things Are fame) and the music is by Carole King. It dates back to the 70’s, but it is so good. My kids still love it!
Thanks for the reccomendations. I’m going to try them all. At least those we haven’t already seen, like The Wizard of Oz, Hellooooooo?? What kind of parent do you think I am?? I took my oldest to see it when she was four, on the big screen, and it was one of the more memorable parenting experiences. Now we own it and have seen it abot 3 billion times.
The Rick is my cousin. This is Sheila … signing on from a public library somewhere in the wilderness.
Looks like you all are having fun. Much love!!
anybody who hates the yankees can’t be all bad.
every time i go see a a young lady friend in new york, she gets us tickets to see satan.
satan loses every time.
you need to buy me playoff tickets.
SHEILA!!!! I don’t know if you are getting this, but I think it is the only way to contact you. (Hee hee). Saturday is Jayne’s beer brew/cookout thing. Mere and Betsy and I will be there- come!!! Then we are going to bid a fond farewell to my deck. Call me when you get to RI- I am heading up to Jayne’s around noon-ish.