Dear Fans: We Suck, Sorry

Just because everyone else on these blogs has written about it, I guess I will. Look at more here, here, here, and here.

If you didn't know, a letter was issued by Reds owner Bob Castellini and Walt Jocketty apologizing for the season of Cincinnati Reds baseball that has been like last year, and the year before and the year before, etc.

The letter screams of absurdity to me and my comrades and whats worse is the snide little comments the owner and his pawn put in the letter asking for continued support and 'patience'.

Below is said letter:

Dear Fans,

Thank you for your loyalty and support of the Cincinnati Reds. You are extremely vital to the success of the Reds, and it is important we share with you the thinking behind our recent personnel decisions.

Since taking ownership of this franchise, we have aggressively tried to improve our Major League roster for the purpose of restoring championship baseball to Cincinnati. We have sought and signed proven players. We have extended the contracts of select current players. We added Dusty Baker, a proven winning manager. And, we have capitalized on our burgeoning younger players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto.

We had high expectations for the 2008 season. Unfortunately the team has not played up to our expectations and we have sustained injuries to key players within our starting lineup and rotation.

We opted to trade Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn at this time because we believe it provided the best outcome for the long-term success of the organization. By executing these inevitable changes now, we secured more players as part of our focus towards building a deeper, stronger inventory of young talent.

We are pleased that the trades allow Griffey and Dunn the opportunity to play for teams in tight division races. Both Ken and Adam made significant contributions to the Reds and we are extremely proud and grateful they wore the Reds uniform.

While the run production generated by these two veterans will not be quickly replaced, we chose to endure the short-term ramifications for the sake of building a strong, competitive team for 2009 and many seasons to come.

The vast majority of our 50 draft picks were signed, culminating last week with first-rounder Yonder Alonso and a pair of talented pitchers. Our expanded scouting operations also signed
Juan Duran from the Dominican Republic and Yorman Rodriguez from Venezuela, who are arguably the best amateur free agent position players from their respective countries.

As we near September, we will continue to provide valuable playing time to our young players and new acquisitions who we feel can become significant contributors at the Major League level. We ask your continued trust and patience as we build the roster that will get us back on top. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.

Sincerely,

Bob Castellini
President & CEO

Walt Jocketty
President of Baseball Operations & GM

Patience. Hell, if I have had patience, people that have cared longer than me must have had something much more than patience.

As much faith as I had going into this season, I soon realized that even though I wasn't happy with Griffey and Dunn, my faith was built on them. And the reason I now recognize this is that after they traded both, even though the team was under-performing already, I soon realized I had no hope for this season. Or next year, or the year after that.

Getting young players can only do so much, if they perform. And most times they do not.

In religious terms the Reds have been in purgatory for the last 13 years. They are now in Hell and are a long way from crossing the river Styx.

Once again I now see no hope for anytime soon. The team is so poorly constructed, there isn't a team in the National League I wouldn't trade straight up for, aside from Washington.

The other night, Paul Daughtery, columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer compared the Reds starting lineup to the Cubs and noted only one player in the Reds starting lineup would start in the Cubs lineup. Brandon Phillips would start over Mark DeRosa. But no one else.

That got me thinking and thinking. I thought about how in even my biased mind, I wouldn't take anyone but BP over the Cubs starters. It's sad, really sad, because even when the Cubs were bad a few years ago, they still had players to build around and money to work with.

NOW, the Reds have neither.

On Golden Pond

Is this guy unreal or what?

Six events, six gold medals and six world records.

At this point with one individual event (100 butterfly) left I don't see anything stopping him from taking home what he sought out to get.

At this point I'm in awe every time they talk about Phelps and as his name fills up talk radio across the country I know I'm not the only one who is watching. Heck even Ocho Cinco is watching but he thinks he can beat Mr. Phelps.

In other news, baseball season is over. Oh, it is still going on, well I forgot after that baseball team in Western Ohio decided to cash in their chips at Argosy before August even started.

But from death there is life and with the prospect of football on the horizon, I can rest assured the Bengals won't let me down as much as the Reds did. You expect it from them.

Fantasy Football Preview

It's football season again and more importantly its fantasy football time.

I've taken the time to pour over stats and projections, sleepers and can't miss rookies and I think I have some advice that might be beneficial to your draft no matter what type of league you are in.

The running back world has been taken over by LaDainian Tomlinson for the past few years but with an influx of talent the gap is diminishing between some of the top level backs. With the emergence of Adrian Peterson and this years version Darren McFadden along with others including Steven Jackson (Rams), Joseph Addai (Colts), Brian Westbrook (Eagles) and others, this will be an interesting year with the RB field being plentiful.

Even more plentiful may be WR with Randy Moss again leading the pack after a 23 TD year last year. Don't expect a repeat performance but with a little luck he could get near 17 again. Last year Braylon Edwards (Browns) lived up to his no. 3 overall selection out of Michigan and caught 16 TD and looks to be dangerous enough to perhaps catch 20.

Targets like Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), Terrel Owens (Cowboys) and Reggie Wayne (Colts) are almost guaranteed studs, while Andre Johnson (Texans), Marques Colston (Saints) andBrandon Marshall (Broncos) to move up to the next level of elite receiver status.

Even the TE field is deeper than previous years with different projections coming from all over the place. The largest consensus is that Antonio Gates (Chargers) is still the top of the heap but with guys like Jason Whitten (Cowboys), Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs) and Kellen Winslow (Browns) there are more options than in previous years.

Quarterbacks remain about the same with a few exceptions including the emergence of the potent Cleveland offense and the surprise arrival of Derek Anderson, which many will pay a lot for. But with plenty of targets including newly signed Donte Stallworth the Cleveland offense has the potential to be the best in the NFL.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are the only elite QB at this point with Carson Palmer (Bengals), Drew Brees (Saints) and Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) being very viable options.

As far as kickers go none should be better than Stepen Gostkowski (Patriots) but Nick Folk (Cowboys) should get plenty of opportunities.

Sleepers

A few guys to keep your eyes on and perhaps pay a round higher than you would normally think are below.

RB

Ronnie Brown (Dolphins) has the potential for huge numbers but can't stay healthy. Is healthy now and poised for a big year despite lackluster team. (watch for Ricky Williams as well)

Julius Jones (Seahawks) Will probably become premier back after leaving Marion Barber III's shadow in big D. Will battle through the remainder of training camp with Maurice Morris.

Michael Turner (Falcons) Finally out of LT's shadown Turner has poster very high numbers in yards per carry forever and should be watched very closely. Could be a superstar.

Ryan Grant (Packers)
Earnest Graham (Buccaneers)
Thomas Jones (Jets)
Brandon Jackson (Packers)
Chris Perry (Bengals)

WR

Bernard Berrian (Vikings)
Nate Burrleson (Seahawks)
Anthony Gonzalez (Colts)
D.J. Hackett (Panthers)
Jabar Gaffney (Patriots)
Jerry Porter (Jaguars)
Donte Stallworth (Browns)


Can't Miss Rookies

With all the hoopla surrounding Darren McFadden he is set up for failure even if he plays moderately well. However, there may be some sleeper options in terms of rookies and many think that McFadden might NOT even be the best rookie rusher.

Darren McFadden (Raiders) -- the backfield in Oakland will be crowded but McFadden seems to be the next heir to the bulk of carries but watch out as there are many options for the Raiders.

Johnathon Stewart (Panthers)-- Perhaps the best rookie rusher and someone that will get a large bulk of carries with the under-acheiving DeAngelo Williams alongside. Stewart is a power back and will get a lot of goal line carries.

Kevin Smith (Lions) -- Even though he went to a small school is stats were impressive (2,567 yds 30 TD, last year) and has the tools to be a rookie-of-the-year candidate.

Matt Forte (Bears) -- has the inside line at the starting job and averaged 200 yds per game last year in college.

Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers) Could be the heir apparent to a declining Willie Parker in Pittsburgh. Was a stud at Illinois last year in big games and had 19 TD.

Felix Jones (Cowboys)
Chris Johnson (Titans)
Ray Rice (Ravens)

I'm Back

So, after a long break, I'm back and ready to report.

Just wanted to let you know that I didn't forget about this.

Watch the Olympics tonight, not the Cubs game.

Phelps goes for Gold no. 2.

More to come. . .

Week(s) at Camp

Seemingly away from civilization for the past week, I have thought of many things to write about and upon but have not been able to take the time.

For those not in the know I have been working at Isanogel Camp outside of Muncie. I have accompanied a man by the name of Steve, who has downs syndrome.

The camp is a branch of Hillcroft Services, a mental health organization that I have had the luck to stumble upon.

The experience is more than can be put into words but helping people with what we consider as everyday functions; eat, bathe, etc. is very enlightening and leaves you with a melancholy feeling that cannot be described.

There is much more to say, I can say, but I will write in much more clear detail about the experience.

Dark Knight's hilarity

Last night I had the privilege, as my mother has said, to attend the Reds game with my comrades and counterparts from the FCBL.

The game was exciting thoroughly until the disappointment that ends most every Cincinnati sports event. I had a good time, got no trades done and made it out of GAPB without giving the organization any more money.

Today I am planning on seeing The Dark Knight, which has gotten rave reviews throughout the land and should be the choice view of the summer.

I am also working on a few things for the Star Press including one blog entry that details the changes at the fair, which WOULD include this statement, but I do not have the grit to send it in.

Yes, the scene is a bit more quiet now, the animals and their overseers have disappeared and I’m left with the fair’s more modern pieces of Americana; the midway, the shake-up stands and the teenage stroller pushers.

I mean seriously does that offend you? It sends a shot of adrenaline into my blood stream, fashioned from its hilarity and whit.

A few choice photos

OH MY JOSH!

Last night was one of the greatest scenes of athleticism I have ever seen.

Josh Hamilton offers came through my phone from my fellow FCBL owners as fast Hamilton placed balls 500 feet from the plate.

I sat in awe, mouth gaping open watching the heroic feat as it unfolded in front of me. To think that someone could hit 28 HR in one round would be only a dream, one that Hamilton himself claims to have had.

The night did not end as it seemed it would, as Hamilton was all tuckered out at the end allowing Justin Morneau the opportunity to win, even though Hamilton will be the one remembered from this night for years to come.

"Oh My Josh," ESPN had as its headline last night after the first round echoing the same reaction as the fans that sat watching what seemed to be the second coming for a few minutes.

Today I am going back to the fair before checking in for the night to watch the All Star game I have been complaining about.

One thing is for sure however, Hamilton won't be hitting 28 HR tonight. :(


Oh and read my blog.

Served Fresh Daily: my first fair blog post

First day at the fair and here is the inaugural post from the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

I hope to get a feed or a way of automatically getting my posts up as soon as I can on here.

Enjoy!

I'm officialy ready for the disapointment of football

Simply put, the Reds are done again before the All-Star break.

I will not watch anymore, I will not watch anymore. . . .

Fair weather fan

Tomorrow marks my first day of covering the fair from one angle or another.

Taking the plunge into something that is new to me should be fun but yet I hope it will be an entertaining project that showcases how much I enjoy just mingling and learning stories that I can in turn put on paper, so to speak.

I will place a link on this site to my fair blog, which at the present time is still unnamed but not without a significant effort my myself and my colleagues.

AND now on to the fair. Well, dinner then sleep then the fair.

Cheers!

Brennaman vs. Cubs

According to Hal McCoy Marty Brennaman the voice of the Cincinnati Reds will have added security tonight in Chicago and throughout the week. This comes as a result of the fallout from Cubs fans in regards to Brennaman's comments calling Cubs fans "the most obnoxious in all of baseball" after they threw a dozen baseballs on the field following an Adam Dunn home run April 17.

(Hal also scooped ESPN by about 10 minutes on the Cubs trade; they acquired Rich Harden from A's)

This comes in a long line of conflict between Cubs fans and the outspoken-long-time broadcaster. According this site some 'people' took it upon themselves to edit Brennaman's Wikipedia page adding a fake death that took place on this date, the opening game of the Reds series against the Cubs.

Lifting my opinion from this matter, the fact that there has to be more security for Brennaman shows a lack of confidence in the actions of Cubs fans. I would have to say that their fans tend to be more raucous and outspoken. I don't specifically see this reflect in loyalty as I consider fans from baseball cities like St. Louis and New York to be much more loyal and knowledgeable in terms of baseball and have had a much better history of winning.

This should make for an interesting series to say the least.

Fair Froth

On my mind today is not what is on my plate as the Reds open a 3-game series against that one team, for the life of me I can’t say because of hatred that continues to mount.

And also I am having difficulty getting a hold of sources for a story I should have finished. But in essence it is a timeless piece and can run at any time.

Also on my mind is the Delaware County Fair, which will fill me with activities to enjoy as well as report upon. I will have my own blog and will post something at least once per day next week and will get started as soon as tomorrow.

Apparently the editors were happy with my stories last week. One was about underage drinking and another about thrift stores and consignment shops.

I have to come up with a name for my fair blog, if there are any ideas floating out there feel free to let me know. (who am I kidding no one reads this thing anymore).

I have some great ideas to go with for next week especially but there are many more that I hope to stumble upon whilst at the DC fairgrounds.

All Star Snubs

I know, i know more baseball news but it has to be said.

The MLB All Star game went to a fan voting process a few years ago to give YOU and I more say in the process. In that time the All-Star balloting has become a popularity contest with the largest markets putting their players on the teams, while leaving out the best players at certain key positions.

This year brought the idiocy and hypocrisy to the forefront. NY, Chicago and Boston teams fill up the lineups yet only the Cubs are in first place. And while the Cubs are in first place their fans decided to vote for two of their outfielders that: A. are blatantly not the best at their positions in terms of hitting and B. not good defensively. Teamed with Ryan "I don't know what position I'm playing" Braun in LF, this should make for a 3 stooges episode reincarnation of an National League outfield.

And while we're on the topic of the CUBS it is interesting how the bias stretched to perhaps the most important position in baseball, seeing that Geovanny Soto will start over Atlanta's Brian McCann, the best catcher in the NL, and heads and shoulders better defensively than Soto. Amazing.

And in light of another blown save by Kerry Wood, what does Clint Hurdle do? He invites Wood to the All-Star game, and why not all his buddies are their including Aramis Ramirez, another knuckle-headed defensive baseball player who in his time would struggle to get weak grounders to first with a fish net and rocket launcher.

But again the Cubs sit in a large market, are in first place (for the time being), are shown on ESPN every week when the BoSox aren't on, and have A LOT of knuckle-headed fans pulling for them; ones that dismiss 100 years of history to act like buffoons at on the road any ballpark they see fit whenever their beloved-overpriced-early-season-wonder-of-a-team rolls in, only to have their brains beat out most of the time. (i.e. 20-26 on the road)

I will not rant about the American league because I don't care if they win. But for the most part they got at least their OF right. And they have better players to choose from and they actually have most of them starting at their respective positions.

NL lineup for 2008 All-Star Game

C	Geovany Soto, CHC
1B	Lance Berkman, HOU	S/L
2B	Chase Utley, PHI	L/R
SS	Hanley Ramirez, FLA	R/R
3B	Chipper Jones, ATL	S/R
OF	Ryan Braun, MIL	R/R
OF	Kosuke Fukudome, CHC	L/R
OF	Alfonso Soriano, CHC	R/R

My Lineup would be:

C	Brian McCann, ATL	S/R
1B	Lance Berkman, HOU	S/L
2B	Chase Utley, PHI	L/R
SS	Hanley Ramirez, FLA	R/R
3B	Chipper Jones, ATL	S/R
OF	Ryan Braun, MIL	R/R
OF	Ryan Ludwick, St.L	L/R
OF	Matt Holiday, COL.	R/R

The subs are a joke as well but I don't even want to get into it because I'm fed up with it. All Star voting should not be in the hands of the fans.

And before you say it, I am not mad that only one Red made it to the All-Star team, I could care less. However Brandon Phillips is much better than at least 5 of the 2b's who received more votes in the NL, including Mark DeRosa. You've got to be kidding me.

What the Reds are looking at

And here we find the Cincinnati Reds at 39-47, past the halfway point of the year and 11 ½ games out of first. The season is not over as the Cubs continue to falter and in general the National League shows its inferiority to the American League.

The Reds pitching has been a quiet surprise at times, while disappointing also. Aaron Harang leads the charge as the most disappointing starter this side of Bronson Arroyo, who I wasn’t counting on as much anyway. Homer Bailey can be added to this list as well.

Edinson Volquez seems to be the find of a generation even though Josh Hamilton is equally impressive out West. Johnny Cueto seems to be coming around more and more and seems to be a lock in the rotation for the next 10 years.

Relief pitching has been OK. There seems to be more stability with a hammer in middle relief, Jared Burton. And with closer Francisco Cordero the Reds have a nice 1-2 punch. However David Weathers has struggled and aside from the 8 and 9 inning guys the Reds do not have good bullpen by any measure.

On offense, it has been interesting, to say the least. Consistency is something that can attach more to the policies of a Washington decision maker, than to the Reds offense.

Going down the lineup it screams inconsistency and just bad decision making by GMs. Corey Patterson should be gone and should not be on this team. Jeff Keppinger has been the most consistent offensive producer. Junior Griffey has been disappointing as a 3 hitter and seems destined to live in the 3 hole for as long as he is on this team. To me, he is a 7 hitter at this time in his career, on this team. No more, no less; if you can get less.

Dunn is always inconsistent and his lack of contact is hurting the team. He also seems like Pedro Cereno in Major League, as he is afraid to swing the bat for fear of “killing gnats.” Phillips has been ok but is not improving, as he has plenty of improvement room at the plate. He unlike Dunn does not take a pitch and often swings at the first pitch he sees, ruining rallies, killing spirits and slowly adding to a 8th straight losing season.

Encarnacion; more inconsistency from a player that has one of the highest ceilings on the entire roster. Seems lost and uninterested at the plate oftentimes but has the ability to hit game winning homeruns on command. Ross. . .I am getting sick to my stomach as I didn’t realize the poor structure of this roster.

Jerry Hairston Jr. has been times better than the other junior, and has been one of the nicest surprises of the season.

What to do now.

The lineup is full of inconsistent left-handed bats. Acquiring a right-handed hitter would be a goal of mine if I ran this team. Targeting someone like Alex Rios would be something the Reds might have looked into, but might get a better price tag on after a less than stellar season.
You have to wonder if Hairston Jr. can fit the bill as a leadoff hitter, as he has been good this year. His age plays a factor and the fact that he hasn’t been successful with any degree of consistency, hence the journeyman tag. I’d like to see Phillips draw more walks and be more patient, giving him the ability to be a leadoff hitter but it seems at this point in his development he is unable to look at more than 2 balls. But perhaps he can, look at the comparison of what Aramis Ramirez is doing this year.

No. 2
Keppinger is a lock for the two spot. Period.

No. 3

At this point Joey Votto has been the most consistent hitter and he deserves to be the no.3 hitter. However Jay Bruce is a natural born no. 3 hitter and with a bit more maturity, perhaps by this time next year, Bruce will fit this spot just as well as some of the best in the game.

No. 4

If not 3 for Votto, here is the perfect fit. Imagine Bruce then Votto for the next 15 years back to back, it gives me goosebumps.

No. 5

Ideally E. Encarnacion is the No. 5 hitter and has the potential to be the No. 3 as his ceiling has not been reached. I look for him to settle down the rest of the way and hit close to .280/.360/.530 with 28 HR and 75 RBI. He will break out. . . he will break out. . .

No. 6

Encarnacion can fit well here if the Reds do not address their right-handed bat dilemma. Like I said a trade even at the deadline for A. Rios, although the Reds won’t be buyers as much, or

No. 7, 8

Catcher needs to be addressed and I don’t mean signing Bako longterm. I mean by way of trade during the deadline or offseason as there isn’t much on the free agent market and to be honest there isn’t too many catchers out there that are that impressive. I still say the Reds make a move at Jeff Clement in Seattle, C. Iannetta in Colorado or even Gerald Laird in Texas.

I look for the

A lineup like this would be appealing, IF a lot of things happen however.

1. J. Hairston jr.
2. J. Keppinger
3. J. Bruce
4. J. Votto
5. A. Rios – This can happen.
6. B. Phillips
7. E. Encarnacion
8. Catcher
9. Pitcher

News of the weird, Reds Lose

More great news this morning starts in the motherland where one fish may have been so upset with the Euro Cup final that he took his own life.

Jumping back across the pond a woman crashed her car into a now, not-so-convenient store before getting out and buying a six-pack.

Starbucks is closing 600 stores. That’ll teach ‘em for selling $6 cups of coffee. And lastly in the Hoosier state, Lafayette more specifically, a boy suffered burns after he ignited the body of a dead deer.

Last night we and by we I mean Andi, Mike, Kyle and I went to the Heorot, yes, I know again. We hung out for a while before heading back to the apartment to discuss movies, politics, language, Americanism and the size of our apartment.

This morning I awoke with baseball on my mind, as the Redlegs failed in extra innings last night. Tonight is the rubber match of the 3-game set at GABP against the Pirates.

On the mound tonight is Darrell Thompson who I am optimistic about as a good 4 or 5 starter when everything pans out for everyone else.

I think I’ll post about what the Reds need to do, seriously. Stay tuned.

Weird News, Trip I Should Have taken

Moe, a toilet-trained chimp is missing in a Calif. forest, while a man was arrested for walking around in questionable gear.

Some weirdos went skinny dipping in a reservoir and the city is taking action. Some woman had her house destroyed and is suing because it was the wrong house.

The trip I should have done.

Today I was reading a story about the lack of criticism from Sharm El-Sheikh on Robert Mugabe the ‘new’ president of Zimbabwe.

However as I began reading my attention slipped to just focusing on Sharm El-Sheikh, a city on the coast of the Red Sea, near Mount Sinai, in Egypt.

Rewinding back 3 months: There I was running down the escalator to make it to the eastbound Central Line train to Tottenham Court Road, in London.

As I hopped over a suitcase, three kids and a bum with a Tesco bag full of belongings I bended right and just missed the doors as that nice lady chimed: “Please do not obstruct the doors,” in North-London draw.

So I stood watching to train fleet from me as I waited for the next one that, according to the overhead illuminated board, would be here in two minutes.

Then, there it was: an advertisement from EasyJet for £99 roundtrip flight to Sharm El-Sheikh, the jewel of the Red Sea.

I thought how neat it would be to go to Egypt for a weekend or one of my weekend trips, but never thought of flying to Sharm and then taking a train or bus to Cairo, where I really wanted to go.

Gosh, why didn’t I book that as I look at the pictures now and as I discover that in addition to the only $200 flight, there is a bus via Super Jet Bus Co. that costs only £6.

Woulda Shoulda Coulda. Bollocks.

NBA 'stars': You Owe it to your country

Lack of patriotism in our major sports hit a new low as Mark Cuban made a thought-provoking statement this week, an aberration, perhaps, from his usual asinine remarks.

Wednesday, Cuban’s comments were published in the Dallas Morning News regarding the Olympics and how we, as Americans, are lying to ourselves if we accept them as anything different than another lucrative opportunity.

“I hate the fact that we lie to ourselves and pretend this is about representing country," Cuban told the Dallas Morning News. "It's not. It's about money."

Cuban, who doesn’t want his players to play because of the money he has invested in them, brought up an interesting point that is just simply embarrassing.

As the U.S. basketball team is assembled and NBA players are pulled, scratching and clawing from their posh-multi-million-dollar estates, to make ‘the best’ team in the world, it shows the sad state of our major-sports stars.

The best players in our country have become too good to play for the country that has given them the opportunity to make iniquitous amounts of money. Some cite fear of injury, others give little reason, as Amare Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups did this week, respectively.

And although Cuban is in the middle of this, he is attempting to run an enterprise that he has to pay millions to sustain. Who can blame him for not wanting his players to play when his star: Dirk Nowitzky made over $16 million last year alone, and will by the way play for Germany.

Imagine being invited to play a game you supposedly love, that comes easy to you, and you make vast amounts of money playing, and turning it down. The self-inflicted embarrassment is worse than yawning with satisfaction at the urinal in a crowded bathroom.

Other than a lack of patriotism, this situation is reflective of the how wide the gap between our major sports and the minor sports has become.

While it takes less work and more natural ability to be good at the major sports than say swimming or distance running, the players make more money and yet turn down the opportunity to represent their country; the ultimate goal of a track, swimming or soccer athlete.

And it can all be blamed on one thing: $. Or rather: $$$$$$$.

Capitalism is great, don’t get me wrong and I am happy the players in our major sports are getting their share of the money rather than the times when owners ruled and players had to get second jobs in the off-season.

But the money has become too much and is reflective when our greatest athletes are worth too much, for one reason or another, to play for the country that allowed for their current economic status.
For the first time I’m embarrassed to be a major American sports fan.

When Steve Prefontaine spoke out against the AAU and called for paid athletes to be allowed to compete it was a good solution to allow our best athletes to represent our country.

But now as Pre’s dream is ever apparent and the best athletes ARE asked to represent our country it’s sad to say the best people, they are not.

Another rounds third and heads for home

TODAY, following my routine consisting of walking in the newsroom, grabbing a cup of coffee and today’s paper and sitting down ended with a jolt as I opened to the sports page.

It was Thursday, June 5 and I was sitting here working on one story or another, fielding every few telephone calls as the main line runs through my phone.

I will answer calls running through my phone at least once or twice a day before transferring them on to their intended recipient. This one morning the phone rang and for some ‘reason’ I picked up the phone.

On the other end was, as I was to find out, Betty Chambers. She inquired right off the bat for the sports department, to which I explained they did not come in until the afternoon, brushing her off as another ‘complaining’ customer, that are the majority of my fielded calls.

She questioned the Cincinnati Reds schedule as it was listed in the paper, as she thought they were to play in Florida that day, not in Philadelphia as it was listed.

I assured her, as I knew because of my own allegiance, that indeed the Reds did play the Phillies in the cap to a rare 4-game series.

She proceeded to tell me who she was and that she called every day asking if her beloved Reds were going to be on the radio, 1340 AM in Muncie. Her usual call recipient was Greg Fallon, sports editor, who she said, “didn’t even have to look at the phone to see who was calling and instead just answers: Yeah Betty what do you need?”

I talked to Betty about my own family and the importance of listening to the Reds on the radio. She told me of how she loved to hear Marty Brennaman on the radio, how she missed Joe Nuxhall and how she couldn’t wait to see Ken Griffey Jr. break into the 600 HR club.

“And when they win and Marty say’s: And this one belongs to the Reds, I always say it with him,” she told me.

Well, as you know where this is going, Betty died last night at Westminster Village in Muncie at the age of 81.

As I led with my daily routine the story that caught my attention was a tribute to Betty Chambers written by Greg Fallon, which can be read here.

The Reds lost again last night, as the Dodgers finished up a three-game sweep at Great American Ball Park. And although Betty will go unnoticed by most, including the Reds, she deserves a hero’s honor for following the team she loved these many years.

And as perhaps one of the greatest Reds fans ‘rounded third and headed for home’ I now wonder whether that random answer of the telephone, that rings off the hook, was all that random.

Betty Chambers (1926-2008)

A bit of humor

For a funny story about how the Cubs uniforms are the most quirky of all-time click here.

No poke at Cubs fans, I genuinely thought this was a funny article.

Gay Marriage and Consignment Shops

Your mind can rest at ease now that George Takei is happily married.

Yesterday was the official day that gay couples could tie the knot officially in California.

Of course there has been as much outrage as rejoice from people across the nation but I don't see the problem.

On another topic, consignment shops or used-clothes sellers are seeing an increase in business. Several shop owners are thanking the high-gas prices. That's a first.

Vinyl albums are on the rise and making a comeback and there happens to be a record store in Muncie that specializes in vinyls. Dan's Downtown Records is the name and I think I might stop by after work.

I just found out that Michelle Kinsey that works in the cubicle right next to me is related to Karl Malone. Yes, that Karl Malone. Cool huh?

寿司

Today I awoke late and didn't go to the newspaper because my stomach had been bothering and I just figured it would be OK to take the day off.

The theme of my day took a different turn however as I have been interested in learning the secret of making good sushi. I just can't get enough of the stuff and thought I've learned to cook everything else why not sushi.

And before you get that idea in your mind, it is not the raw-fish variety instead a variety where well, I do whatever the heck i want to do with it.

After a brief interview for another job at Isanogel camp, where my sidekick is working, I made my way back to Meijer with the thought of picking up some essentials to making sushi.

I headed directly for the ethnic food aisle and proceeded to look over three different packs of rice attempting to decide which one would work the best. While I was at it I picked up other essentials including rice vinegar, soy sauce, Nori (seaweed paper for wrap), imitation crab meat, frozen spinach and a new knife w/o a serrated edge.

After leaving Meijer I made my way back to the flat/apartment, can't get that out of my lexicon. I went through the processes that I have been reading about for a few weeks that ran as follows:

Rinse 1 cup rice until the water coming off of it is clear
Fill up a pot with 2 cups of water and 2 Tbsp. of rice vinegar and pinch of salt
After letting the rice drain I dump it in the pot and evenly layered it at the bottom of the pan with all of it being fully submerged.
I turned on the heat to simmer/2 and let it sit for about 25 minutes before turning off the heat and letting it sit for another 15 minutes.

After I let it do that I opened up the lid and found the rice to be quite sticky - SUCCESS!

I then took out a layer of Nori, seaweed paper and applied the rice about 1/2 thick on the paper leaving one end of the paper without rice on it.
I then took bacon I had fried and laid it out in the middle before rolling the entire roll up and then slicing it up.

You can put whatever you want in the middle with the rice being the staple but this time i was modest making the bacon roll and one with baby spinach and pastrami.

Its rather easy if you are good at making the rice, which I am. (;

Wish Wash

Yesterday was interesting in that I did almost NOTHING!

Awaking at 8:30 a.m. is not a big thing anywhere but here. I live in a basement if you didn't know and so the amount of light that trickles through the crevices they call windows resembles the amount that creeps into Mammoth cave.

I stumbled to The Star Press at about 9 a.m. without caffeine running through my veins leading to a disillusionment with the world rivaled by only these people.

I plopped at my desk and planned to stay for only three hours. I received an email back from my advisor in London, Dr. Popovich who at this moment is still cleaning out the remains of 30+ years of teaching at Ball State. It was a kind email telling me that he misses London everyday and that it is something WE can only understand fully.

"It is a special time, but probably a time that can only be experienced in a certain way. We certainly are richer for that special time. Just don't let yourself forget to go back."

He also urged me to read an English paper online everyday, as he reads the Daily Telegraph. Talking to him also reminded me of our 'Happy Hour' we used to have at the local Prince Alfred pub, when he would buy nachos for all of us. They were good nachos.

Doing research for stories I ran upon an Iraqi doctor that goes to Ball State and created a prize-winning documentary on the Iraq war and the state of hospitals.

I discovered while drinking the coffee out of a styrofoam cup that it causes cancer just like everything else. At the rate things are causing cancer these days, I figure we'll all be dying of cancer in about 20 years. So much for you heart disease, I'm eating all the cholesterol I want.

I also began looking for a job on journalismjobs.com, and stumbled upon a job of interest in Georgetown, KY.

SPORTS

Here is an interesting column that I heard Paul Daughtery talking about. Had no idea about Bernie Carbo.

And here is an interesting article about Pete Rose and A-Rod and their interestingly close relationship.

The Reds were off yesterday and therefore the pains of losing two out of three to the BoSOX rings in the ears of Reds fans as much as, well maybe not as loud as the Homers that Homer gave up in only 2 1/3 innings in his most recent start.

It's beginning to make me wonder if the scouts got him wrong like Brandon Claussen, Ryan Wagner, Brandon Larsen, like well the list can go on forever for the Reds.

I don't think that the debate over the fifth starter position should be getting the talk that it is in Cincinnati as THAT spot in the rotation is not supposed to be as strong and therefore in my opinion send Homer down, and just let Fogg or Belisle pitch in the fifth spot.

There are worse things the Reds are having to deal with right now is what i'm saying.

Weekend Life

After the astounding weekend I just fleeted from, I think refreshment is in order and I am not finding it at the desk of The Star Press.

However I did have two stories run over the weekend. Not on topics that I expect will excite you but hey, I am not exactly in a position to write about everything that I want, yet.

One is reflective of father's day and another of strawberry season.

The weekend began Thursday night with a slight pause on Friday. But Thursday night I traveled down old 101 to Cincinnati to see our beloved Reds play the hated Cardinals.

I made the trip with my dad but also met friends or I should say colleagues from our Fountain City Baseball League. For those of you unfamiliar, well, who am I kidding no one reads this anyway.

Anyway we met a few of those characters at the front of the stadium before marching in to watch the Reds beat the Cardinals 6 to 2.

Friday morning I arose and traveled back to Muncie to finish my final project for my J315 Media Editing class. And that's all I have to say about that.

That night I watch a bit of the Greece football match on the tele before going to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner of Mr. and Mrs. McMorrow to be, at the time.

Saturday I woke up and spent the day as I do every other weekend at Reid Hospital scraping and washing trays and dishes and arguing baseball. At night I went to the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. McMorrow.

Sunday I did the same thing as Saturday before NOT going to a wedding and instead heading up to Fountain City to have a father's day cookout with family. This was prior to seeing the commissioner of our league riding a bicycle.

Digital Doldrums

Several media outlets are reporting the coupons issued to recompense the digital converters needed for TV’s transition to all digital, are expiring before people can redeem them.

According to an official at the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration told a congressional committee yesterday; they need more money to pay for the postage to send out the coupons.

But that is not all. Apparently the coupons are also expiring before people can redeem them because stores are unable to keep the converters in stock because of the tidal wave of consumers to get the converters.

If you need some context, DTV a branch of the Federal Communications Commission has this statement on their website:

“On February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels.”

Tomatoes equal Death

Don’t blame the tomatoes.
For those of you out there that are blaming tomatoes as the cause for the salmonella outbreak well you might be right but its really more of a ‘guilty by association’.
The tomatoes that have affected nearly 150 people nationwide carried trace signs of salmonella causing grocery stores, restaurants, and other food vendors to pull their tomatoes.
The FDA has urged people to NOT eat red Roma, red round or red plum tomatoes because of the salmonella that may be on or in them.
Salmonella for those of you not in the know, is a virus borne from animal feces. (poop)
Which makes me think, why not just wash your fruits and veggies. I know some people do, my grandma included, but some people don’t.
I WAS one of those people that didn’t well, in regards to grapes that I bought from the Church Street market in London. That’s London, England, not Kentucky, which may be more of a health hazard town than the latter.
I bought some red grapes and didn’t wash them. Leaving them to sit out all day while festering whatever bacteria it was that affected me grew and grew until the moment that I did eat them, to which I was punished soon after.
This caused a great 48 hours of abdominal thrusts I didn’t pay my trainer for as well as becoming more up-close-and-personal with the porcelain throne that I am now 4,000 miles from.

It's A Boy!

Congrats to one of our most loyal readers!

Congratulations Greyson Zane Blewett for making it to THIS world unscathed. Well, almost.

Anyway, congratulations Heather and Phill and here's hoping we see each other again soon.

Bruce Almighty and The Natural

And yet another amazing chapter in the evolution of the “Jay Bruce story.”

The kid has not stopped since he arrived last week and in his first full week he has a .591 batting average with 13 hits in 22 at-bats, two home runs, three doubles, six RBIs and six walks.

And speaking of good, check out yet another story about Josh Hamilton here, what an incredible story. As the writer says: "The Josh Hamilton story never gets old, even for Josh Hamilton."

Headlines and Deadlines

There is a lot going on in the world but more importantly in my life. That was a joke.

Anyhow, there is a lot going on and for once there are fewer people living in high risk hurricane zone's. For once, people might be getting it. Thanks to Al's Morning Meeting for that one. I'm now an every day reader, that's every day (two words). More on that later.

In other news, Democrat, that's Democrat with a big 'D', insiders meet Saturday to decide how Michigan and Florida are to be handled in the delegate race that seems like it has gone on longer than the Iraq War. If you don't know, the democratic primary quagmire, I mean process, does not include the Florida and Michigan delegates that could prove fatal for Barack Obama's candidacy, despite the feelings of some.

More importantly, thieves are punching holes in gas tanks to steal gasoline; even in Hawaii. This, perhaps an aberration from all the pump 'n' run nonsense that has ruled the gasoline-thieving industry.

And, once again some ideas from Al's; ideas the president should propose. These include:
- Five-day-a-week postal delivery
- A Manhattan Project for energy
- Year-round school
- Tax credit for blood and organ donations
- Scrap the electoral system
- All fed officials should hold a news conference at least once per month
- End the Social Security penalty for working seniors
. . .among others.

And, another crane collapsed in NYC. One person is dead.

In my life, I have been stressed all week about this or that. And I haven't even had anything in the paper!

I have been working on a few larger assignments; one about a teacher retiring 42 years after he started and another about tornadoes.

The state of my bank account perplexes me but that is OK, because I'm sure I'll be making millions in a few months time. (No sarcasm)

I am heading back to the hospital this weekend to work. I'm on this bi-monthly work schedule there and that's just fine with me because it means i get to hang out with my best buds.

I'll be doing really well though, when I'm done with this class, it's killing me. But, now its time to leave, time to eat and time to well, put gas in my car. yuck.

Mauk, Georgia - - Braves v. D'backs

Those red-dirt roads just do it for me.

Whether you know or not, I made a trip with my sidekick to Mauk, Georgia this past weekend.

The trip was centered around my sidekick's cousin's graduation but culminated with a trip to Turner Field in Atlanta, GA.

The trip began with a 629 mile drive from Richmond, Ind. to Mauk, which took about 11 hours and enough gasoline to make these guys happy.

We arrived at supper time, which is southern for dinner. And waiting for us was a large pot of sloppy joe's that my sidekick's cousin has made up.

They were delicious as I had not had sloppy joe's since before my departure to the old country. I ate 4 before calling it quits and going outside to enjoy the pool and the 80 degree weather, I have not seen since Greece.

After swimming we hung out with the family including the new one, "junior" who looks just like his daddy when he was his age.

The next morning we arose early to get dressed prior to the graduation at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia. The graduation was highlighted by names like Balil and Vlady and the police escorts issued to a few in attendance for talking during the handing out of diploma's.

Yes, they arrested people for yelling when someone walked across the stage. The person being escorted would then have to serve a community service sentence before the "yelled for" could get their diploma. Crazy isn't it, well its true. If you still don't believe me read this from Macon, Georgia.

After graduation we headed back to their house, but not before sliding into Sonic, a staple of every where but here.

Once arriving back to the homestead, I put on my swimming trunks, Richmond Park Dept. issued, and laid on the newly built deck by the pool. As temperatures grew I took more time in the pool than on the deck. We had hamburgers for lunch and I got to see a velvet ant.

That night we had a campfire in the back yard, as I made up a story while everyone questioned my sanity.

The next morning we awoke early, again. We had a fun day full of cheeseburgers and sunbathing. I took a walk through the woods on the Marino's property.

The rest of the night was full of fun and relaxation before we retreated to board games before retiring early. That night the Reds lost in 18 innings to the SD Padres.

The next morning we arose early and packed our bags with pancakes in our belly's and baseball on our minds.

Around 9 a.m. we departed for Atlanta and Turner Field. We arrived about Noon and walked around before the game.

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!

All those naysayers before the game that said the messiah had not come to save the day were wrong.

If they were right, and it looks like they WEREN'T, they are going to have a hard time arguing with the thousands/millions of disciples that there are now.

Jay Bruce did come up and with a loud crack heard from Cincinnati to Jerusalem, after going 3-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base and two RBI, in his MLB debut.

Thousands of his disciples pined to kiss the saviors feet after the game, but were denied as a shaving cream pie greeted his face instead.

The irony of that is that Bruce, although GREAT in every detail of human existence, is so young that might have been the first time shaving cream has graced his face.

No, but really Bruce came up in the 1st and drew a walk. In the 5th Bruce walked again before scoring on a meaningful Adam Dunn home run. In the 6th Bruce came up and got an opposite field single knocking in his first RBI. In the 7th Bruce doubled in another RBI.

At the advent of the near-homer, the crowd of 17,964 cheered:"Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce! Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!"

I'm sure he liked it.

Photo property of http://reds.com

Onion Reports: Nike Signs Big Brown to $90 Million contract

According to The Onion, the most reliable source of news on the internet, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner has signed a $90 million horseshoe contract with Nike.

This from The Onion:

PORTLAND, OR—In a move that added the world's pre-eminent equine athlete to its stable of endorsers Tuesday, Nike signed Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown to a seven-year, $80 million endorsement contract that included a $10 million signing bonus as well as the creation of a signature horseshoe, the Air Brown.

"Nike is ecstatic to sign the top star in horseracing," CEO and Nike president Mike Parker said, unveiling the "jumphorse" logo as the Kentucky-bred colt trotted onstage. "From Michael Jordan to Tiger Woods, Nike has created formidable partnerships with the very best in sports. I can't say how proud we are to work with B.B., who is an extraordinary individual both on and off the track."

"Big B doesn't complain when he gets the far outside starting gate position," Parker added. "He just gallops. And he gives hope to everyone out there that if they train hard, push themselves, and keep their snout clean, they can accomplish anything."

Big Brown, whose Nike endorsement deal is the largest ever for a thoroughbred, was flown from New York to Portland in a private Nike jet stocked with the world's finest bourbon, caviar, sugar cubes, cigars, carrots, and hay. Upon arriving on the west coast, the equine superstar's handlers whisked him past a throng of cheering fans into a stretch limousine bound for Nike headquarters, where Brown, his 11-horse entourage, and his team of lawyers reviewed the contract one last time before signing.

Read more here.

Information acquired from: http://www.theonion.com/content/index
All rights belong to The Onion

Reds, Reds and Paul Harvey

Jay Bruce is finally here. Check this out, its my other blog, on the Cincinnati Enquirer site.

Also, WLW dropped Paul Harvey according to this.

Oh and the trip to Georgia was great, above is a picture of me at Turner Field. Fun Fun.

Nonsense

Although, I support Barack Obama I do not get caught up in the celebrity-'he said-she said' nonsense. When the Jeremiah Wright fiasco surfaced last month, I held my head not in anguish but in annoyance. And, now as this link has come out, I am wondering how it will hurt John McCain's prospects and image.

Apparently, as you read, The Rev. Hagee, a McCain supporter, and one that has been at his side until recently, said "God, sent Hitler to help Jews reach the promise land," or some other variation of such.

Don't you love how much attention this will get from CNN? And don't you love how politics has become like teenage drama, or better yet professional wrestling?

Sweet Lou At The Track

I know there are Cubbies fans that read my blog, so get a hit on this story about 'Sweet Lou', its pretty funny. It comes from Hal McCoy's Cincinnati Reds blog, The Real McCoy; check it out!

Speaking of Big Brown, one of the nation’s prettiest horse tracks is Del Mar, not far from San Diego. Lou Piniella loves the sport of kings and the last year he managed the Reds he and I went to Del Mar on a Saturday afternoon.

You had to wear a sport coat in the clubhouse. I wore one, Lou didn’t. So they brought him an usher’s jacket - a blue blazer with an orange Del Mar logo on the pocket. So there was the manager of the Cincinnati Reds sitting at a table checking out his program in an usher’s blazer.

He hit three out of the first four races and it was time to go - Piniella needed to make out a lineup card for batting practice. But he was running hot with the ponies and wanted to stay. “One more, one more,” he said.

I nearly had to drag him out of Del Mar and as we sped down the interstate toward the ball park, I said to him, “We’re going to be late. Batting practice starts soon and they don’t even have a lineup.”

It was early September and Piniella wanted a contract extension from owner Marge Schott, but she wouldn’t talk to him during the season. So, at that moment, on the freeway, Piniella said, “To hell with them. I’m not coming back next year anyway.”

And that’s how I got the scoop that Piniella wasn’t returning for another season.

Oh, for the good ol’ days - back in the day…

Thanks again Hal!

Scotty's To Georgia

Last night I did my first assignment on deadline: covering the American Idol party at Scotty's Brewhouse in Muncie, Ind.

I covered the event and rushed back to the newsroom to write the story, about the craze that was, or more accurately, wasn't, at Scotty's.

The finished product is here, and let me tell you, it was fun to write on deadline and get it in within an hour after starting it.

Another interesting thing I ran across this morning, after finishing my articles for tomorrow's Star Press, is this map that details gas prices across the country. You can type in any county and find the average. Quite interesting, especially for me, who is travelling with my partner in crime to the Peach State.

Also, I am thinking about two story ideas, including one about how and why, 90 percent of students pass on to the next grade, while only 30 percent do the necessary work to succeed at their given level. Controversial, yes, but interesting, well yes too.

And, one more happy story: CNNMoney is announcing that if the U.S.A. has a bad hurricane season, a 60 percent chance, we will probably be looking at $6 a gallon gas by the end of the year.

So, I guess you were right Uncle Bob; just like you always said.

Livin' in America

I have been back in the United States for nearly a month and a half now. I am leading a different life than my travels across Europe, where I found myself in places that only seem like dreams now.

The other day I ran into Dr. Mark Popovich, and to see how sad I am, I walked into his office and he quickly asked me: "Do you miss London?"

To which I felt inclined to merely say yes, without enthusiasm - which radiates the furthest thing about how I miss that old place.

Like I said it seems like a dream now, but I keep reminding myself that it wasn't.

But, we all have to grow up at some point and whether or not that growing up smacks us in the face as it is now.

I began at The Star Press last week as part of my internship and hopefully it goes well.

I hope to keep this blog running so don't stop reading. I will post links to articles I write and I will add news of the weird and fun and hopefully some news of the relevant.

Cheers To You

As you may or may not have guessed, I am home and glad to be back.

However, I cannot leave London and Europe without expressing how much the entire time meant to me. The lessons I learned are hard to describe yet I feel I have been taught through experience, things I could never get at Ball State.

Therefore, I am grateful to all that took the time read everyday or ever week. There is more to come, so don't stop reading because there is plenty more to write on about my 3 1/2 months in Europe, as well as on other topics that will come up in OUR own exciting country.

I hope to outline my trip in detail in the next couple days and pick most exciting times, favorite places, things and experiences, as well as least favorite things and tips for trips to Europe.

More to Come. . .

Athens (cont.)

After trudging back to Damareos and avoiding the metro, tram and bus system, I proceeded to subject myself to a significant amount of rainfall. This came after I arrived back in Athens having taken the metro from Pireaus to Syntgma.

Once I arrived at the Pagration Youth Hostel, I took notice of how wet my pants and feet were. This would not bear well considering the fact that our rooms don't even have heat, let alone an instrument for drying "stuff." So I did the best I could and hung my pants on the end of the bed. It was at this time I met two lads, American's to which I would be sharing the room with that night. They were from Oregon and Los Angeles respectively and were on a 4 week holiday from school, which translated to a backpacking trip across Europe.

That night I did the usual, got on the internet, although it was being a bother, ate a Gyro and took a nap. I would never have thought of wasting time in Athens but, as my clothes were soaked and it was a constant downpour, I thought it OK to take a break and rest. After climbing into bed about midnight, another roommate appeared this one much older, reiching of cigarettes and Ouzo. I did my best to control my gag reflex and attempted to go to sleep, which didn't take an attempt at all, because I was out like the light that I switched off after said roommate climbed into his bed.

Suddenly and without restraint I awoke and jumped up at about 3:30 a.m. and didn't know why. Sooner than later I found out what had awakened me, as I also realized that my two American comrades were awake as well. At the time I realized the cause for my pause in the REM state, I was disgusted beyond belief, as were my American friends. Ouzo man had taken it upon himself to enter into the loudest and most inconsistent snoring performance I have ever heard. Louder than one Justin Heredia and twice as loud as one Robert Snyder (Uncle Bob).

By this time, I soon discovered my disgust as well as the other American's disgust as they began pounding the walls. At this time I figured I wasn't going to go to sleep, so, I rose and headed to the lobby, computer in hand. As I plugged the cord of my computer into the European adapter and then power strip that dangled from the wall, I heard one of my roommates yell, "HEY!" trying to awaken Ouzo man or just shutter him enough to make him stop. It didn't work, obviously because they (Americans) began a display of noise that surely awoke the rest of Damareos (street). One got up and slammed the door to our room, continued pounding the walls while the other began picking up his bed and slamming it on the floor. I was in tears, I was laughing so hard by that time. For whatever reason, he stopped snoring finally and I crept back into the room and went to bed after utilizing the internet for about an hour.

When I awoke, ear plugs pushed deep into my head, I dressed quickly and discovered my pants and shoes to be no drier than when I hung them up 10 hours earlier. However, I headed out, said goodbye to the American's who looked as if they had been up all night for some reason and made my way to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

After I walked around the perimeter of the temple, which is merely 16 columns left of an original 140, with no roof and plenty of empty space, I headed toward the Roman Forum/ Acropolis. On the way toward the Acropolis I bought a postcard, stamps and wrote some corny stuff on the card that I will surely beat home. I took a dirt path once, I circled the entire Acropolis and found my self in the Plaka and then at the Roman forum. It was more remains, though intense considering the fact they had been sitting there since Emperor Augustus moved the forum from the Agora to this piece of land in 150 B.C. or something.

After walking around the area, I picked up a rock and headed to find something to eat, which translated into: Gyro stand. After eating a Gyro for the 4234840349th time I walked down toward some markets, I had read about and found that like at part of the Portobello road market, people just throw junk on the ground and stand by it. For example: old Nokia cell phones, trumpets, underwear, beach balls, curtain rods, driving manuals, porno tapes, etc. Once I realized that this is all there was I turned back and headed toward Plateia Omonia, a square close to the central market.

After hiking up the road, which I've found is a common occurrence in Athens; always climbing, never going downhill unless it’s raining which causes a person to slip on the marble sidewalk, which I've done, twice. I made it to Plateia Omonia, bought an ice cream cone and basked in the 70 degree sun for about an hour. I noted at this time that I was a minority in this square along with the whole of Athens. Nothing but brown skinned Greeks and middle easterners around enjoying the sun the same way I was. However, it does do a lesson on how minorities feel in the USA and has taught me a bit more than I ever could get at home. I think everyone should experience what I did at Plateia Omonia someday; it would go a long way to help the outlook of so many Americans who looked at minorities as bothers.

But, after I arose I made my way down Athinas street heading toward the Central Market, having added to my tan or rather burn. The central market was non-operational however, as it was Sunday I didn't think about that. But, I trudged on with the Acropolis in my sights and one more trip up the ancient hill in my ambitions.

I spent another hour at the Acropolis, attempting to get the nerves to ask someone to take my picture for me. After I succeeded the sun was pouring down, making me sweat and making me realize once again that I was in GREECE! How incredible!

Making my way down I headed toward the National Gardens, bought a drink and then headed through the green expanse prior to going to Sytgma and listening to a free concert, where I didn't understand the lyrics. At this time I took notes of my day, giving reason to the amount of text in this post. I sat for a while in the shade, giving my pasty white complexion a break before I headed toward Fillopapaus Hill, supposedly the hill offering the best view in all of Athens.

Once I wandered past the Acropolis and then up the hill I soon found out that the assessment of the hill was correct. There was free range on the top, allowing anyone the ability to walk anywhere without any real danger while offering some of the best views of a metro area in the entire world. Now, that is an editorial comment but if you were there, there would be no way that you could disagree unless you are severely biased for one reason or another.

I did the camera switch and then walked around until I found a spot where I camped out until the sunset.

As the sun set behind the mountain to the west right by the sea, I thought of how lucky I was to be there and that once again this was the view of a lifetime. As the sun fell slowly down behind the mountain I sat up, cold as the wind was picking up and headed back up the hill a bit, which I had descended slightly to get away from the other people that crowded the top of it for the same site. I headed for the opposite side of the rock, which offered the best view of the acropolis and there I sat and waited for the time to come when it would be illuminated. I took notes while I was waiting and then mid sentence I looked up as it was getting very dark and the entirety of the Acropolis stood illuminated. It was as if it was a dream. A postcard view for me alone with no one around. I sat for a while did the camera switch and then descended keeping my eyes transfixed on the site as I descended.

After having reached the base of the hill I headed back to Damareos, about a 30 minute walk, or 10 minute metro ride. I vowed for the walk, as I always do and arrived just in time as I my stomach began to rumble. And, I guess you know what followed. Yes, for the final time I attended the Kebab/Gyro shop, where the guy knew my face by then and knew my order, wishing a "Good Nat," as I left. I ate and headed back to the hostel, experiences in mind and heart and Gyro in hand.

Ferry to Paros

Planning to get up early at any time is difficult for some people. For me its usually a piece of chocolate cake, especially when I have something exciting to do, as I did today.

At this moment I am aboard the Blue Star Ferrie "Blue Star Paros" preparing for departure for the island of Paros.

When I finally arose from my slumber this morning I checked out, again, gave the owner of the hostel my sheets and blanket and then headed for Monastiraki metro station. The walk took me at least 45 minutes as I tried to remember my way down the thin and Greek language named streets. As I made it, I purchased a ticket for €0.80 and then grabbed the train to Pireas.

After 7 stops, I minded the gap and left the platform. I made my way to the exit and saw for the first time the inner harbor, laden with cruise and ferry ships. With thoughts (worries) in my mind about getting a ferry ticket, I ducked in the first travel agency booth I saw and waited. The middle aged Greecian man running the desk was on the phone, with another phone ringing the entire time. As he paused from one call, I said "English," to which he said, "English yes, yes,." At that moment I asked him if I could get the cheapest ferry ticket possible to Paros. He told me there was a ticket for 5:30 p.m., later than I wanted but I bought it for €29 along with a return from Paros for tomorrow morning.

After that, my mission was accomplished so I decided to wander down the busy main street that ran parallel to the harbor. The street was buzzing with traffic and the sidewalk wasn't any less busy, as mopeds will cut through sidewalks whenver they see right, bringing back memories of Florence and Rome. I ducked into a McDonald's, as I do in every country to see what they had special on the menu. Offered at this McDonald's was a shrimp burger as well as a "farm" burger and beer on tap, as usual. The patrons were all smoking inside, heavily and it made me think of how restaurants used to be everywhere.

After leaving, i headed down the street adjacent to the McDonald's, busy with a daily market I had read about in my "Top 10 Athens" travel guide. The market offered mostly produce, which is never a disappointment, along with screaming booth owner's advertising their "superior" fruits and veggies. After passing most of the produce dealers I turned left into a warehouse-looking part of the market that was full of men with white aprons stained in blood. Ok, ok, the blood was from the meat they were selling and like in all countries in Europe the displays are not modest. Whole skinned lamb hung from each booth along side displays of freshly cut port and sausages.

After passing through the warehouse that reiched of death, I took in a fresh breath of air and turned left to looked at all the vendors selling flowers, some real and some fake. I wandered a bit more after that grabbing another Gyro along the way for €2.30, the most expensive and worst yet, and then I walked back towards the docks. I had close to 5 hours before my departure and my back was hurting from my backpack that seems to get heavier every day. So, doing my best Otis Redding impersonation, I plopped down and whistled his tune in my head.

The breeze was blowing in from the sea and the sun was out shining, while I sat in shirt sleeves soaking up the rays, which I'm sure I will have to wait on at least another month back home. At that moment I realized how truly incredible it was that I was sitting on the main dock of Pireas, Athens, Greece. Four months ago, I never would have dreamed I'd be here.

After my break, slid my arms through the straps of my pack, grabbed my camera case and headed back to where I had come from. After grabbing a bottle of water from a lady that had to point out how much I owed her for it, I continued on, walking down some of the same streets I had walked earlier. I settled down close to where my ferry would be coming into port at 3:00 p.m. about 2:15 p.m. and layed out once again on my outstretched sweatshirt, leaning my head against my pack, while soaking up the rays.

As my ferry came into port about 3:00 p.m. I followed it along the dock until it backed up and all the passengers came spilling out. After I watched the unorganized mess of people leave the ferry I made my way back up into town.

Wandering and wondering what the words on the signs meant. I thought, there might be something I really want in one of these shops but with them only using “their” language there is no possible way I would ever know.

(I got up at this point in typing because I headed outside)

As 4 p.m. drew close I headed back toward the ship and boarded once I got there. I toured like I’d never been on a ship before and to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever been on a ship this big before. Unlike all of you out there who have been on a cruise or cruises. But, lets just call it even as I’m in Greece, on the Aegean Sea right now.

I made my way to the top deck and took a seat, noticed there were four American girls close by so I left. The other day I met some American’s and they couldn’t believe I was American, they said when I started talking to them they thought I was from Europe. So, to all of you, if I’m different, be prepared.

The ship was not to leave port until 5:30 p.m. therefore, I had plenty of more time to sit in the sun and get add to my sunburn that I just noticed I slightly have. In the mean time, I sat, read my book and listened to my iPod.

As the ship left port, I stood and did the camera switch (note; you must have read the previous entry) before I waved at a man standing by the lighthouse point just before we left the harbor. And, guess what; he waved back.

Αθήνα = Athens

I'm here, in the land where signs look like this: Μέγαρο Μουσικής. Yes, I'm in Greece and where are you? Most of you are close to 6,000 miles away.

But, don't fret, you could be having as much trouble as I am at reading signs and getting around.

I am happy to be here though and today was eventful as I toured the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Agora, and Lykavittos Hill.

This morning I awoke to a headache and so, I did what I felt was best and went back to sleep. After I awoke and rose, I made my way out of the hostel.

I soon found out that I didn't need my jacket and sweatshirt and shed both. I made my way toward the Acropolis and on the way stopped and admired the Japanese tourists admiring the Panathanaic Stadion. It doesn't matter where I am, they seem to follow me; Athens, Venice, Rome, London, Berlin; they're everywhere!

Anyhow, i pulled myself from those sushi making, camera yielding, samurai sword making people, and headed toward the gardens adjacent to the Acropolis.

As I passed by the Temple of Olympian Zeus I snapped pictures, about the only thing you can do and then continued on. Reaching the gate to the Acropolis, I brandished my CWC student ID card like those tourists are known to brandish those swords and watched the gatekeeper as she summoned me through the gates, free of charge.

After Sigourney Weaver allowed me in I made my way up the Acropolis, pausing to switch between my digital and my video camera, giving them equal time, as they tend to quarrel in their shared bag. I passed by said tourists and continued pausing every so often, switching cameras back and forth. As I reached the summit, I slipped in mud and dropped my camera down the hill; no not really. Gotcha!

I did slip in mud however and the result is staring at me right now on my shoes, or rather I'm staring at it. I reached the Temple of Athena Nike and continued the camera switching, trying to avoid the group of Italian adolescents that I thought I'd left on Via Della Corso in Rome.

I checked out the top of the rock and it was seriously one of the most impressive things I've seen in my short 22 year life. To see the Parthenon, was simple amazing and now, since I've seen the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum in London, I've seen the whole thing. I admired the view and admired some more before descending the slope, and heading toward my next stop.

Once I climbed down the opposite side of the Acropolis I made my way over to the Agora and wandered around there for about an hour before sitting down and planning the rest of my day, along side my fighting camera's because of the larger amount of time I used my digital in the Agora.

After we were all finished I continued through the Agora before I headed down one of the main streets in the Plaka neighborhood, known for its tourist trappiness and now, great Gyro booth. I had a gyro at a place I can't either spell or pronounce and continued until I found the train station I am going to need tomorrow. Once there and thoroughly confused with the ticket system, although its cheap, I continued toward Lykavittos Hill.

Now, I have climbed mountains and slopes, snowy surfaces and brush lands; but I have never felt I was going to pass out more than today when I was climbing that hill to get to the top. After admiring the sweat now pouring down every nook and cranny I have, stopped and admired the view that now is the best view I have seen in all my 22 years of being alive.

To describe it is impossible and to look at pictures will not do the trick either. But, surprisingly there was very little wind and I did the camera switching again.

After I felt that it was enough, I descended, carved my name on a cactus leave (everyone else had) and then made my way back to the hostel.

Tonight I sat on my computer for a while and listened to the Reds game before going and getting a Gyro at some place I can't spell or pronounce, but it was good and all for €1.70.

Tomorrow, I am arising early to catch the train at the train station I found before I go to to catch a ferry to the island of Poros or Paros, depending on your source. I will be staying the night there and the day and coming back to Athens on Saturday.

Cheers until next time!

A Greecee Good Time

Well, the time has come. After dropping my bags at Excess Baggage at Earls Court I'll be on my way to Greece.

I will be arriving in Athens about midnight Athens time and 5 p.m. East Standard Time. Talk to you soon.

Final Night in London

Tonight we had our final dinner at the Prince Alfred pub on Queensway. Tonight was the last time most of us will be together as some of us, including me, are leaving on separate trips tomorrow.

There were also awards for the night for every member of the London Centre group. I received the "Most Birthdays in a Calendar Year" award.

To explain, on Facebook, a social networking sight, a person can list their birthday. Every now and then, I will change my birthday to see who wishes me a Happy Birthday. I tell people that I do it to boost my confidence but I really do it because it is very funny to watch the same people time after time wish me a Happy Birthday.

On one specific Wednesday trip, I had changed my birthday to that specific day, I boarded the bus and everyone wished me happy birthday. This led to my explanation of why i did it and the rest is history.

more to come later. . .