Special Announcement...

It is official.

Before this day, I was thrice declared an uncle (in fact, a step-uncle if such a designation exists) based on the respective births of Justine to my stepsister Shannon as well as Envy and Cheyanne to my stepbrother Danny and his then girlfriend.

Today, I have become an uncle yet again without the preceding 'step'. At 11:09 p.m. Eastern, my brother Richard and his wife Missy had a 5 lb 10 oz little girl named Madison Nalani.

The first indication came from the old man. He was at Danbury Hospital and said that all was well. A very brief labor. In at 9 p.m. The kid was out by 11:09 p.m. No drugs. No C-Section. All normal.

I received a text a few minutes later. Richard declaring he was the proud father of a baby girl.

I answered.

And then Richard called. Said Missy came into the hospital already significantly dilated. Which meant there was no time for the epidural. Which, Richard said, pissed Missy off entirely. And she's not one who gets angry easily. I congratulated him and suggested he call our grandparents. 'You think I should?' he asked. I thought to myself, 'They may be in their late 80s but this will energize them like nothing else.' 'Yes,' I told him, 'Call them.'

We said our goodbyes. And now I wait for the date of the christening.

Congratulations to Richard and Missy. And welcome to the world, Madison Nalani!!!

Sporting Rants and Raves: May 30, 2009

Happy 66th birthday to Mr. Gale Sayers, the Hall of Fame former running back of the Chicago Bears. Although he had a brief career lasting but four years (1965-1967, 1969), Sayers dominated the league with his lightning speed and remarkable moves during his tenure. In addition, Sayers supported his white teammate - Brian Piccolo - through the cancer that eventually took Piccolo's life at a time when race rioting permeated the US. Their friendship later paved the way for Brian's Song starring Billy Dee Williams and James Caan (as well as the unfortunate remake starring Mekhi Pfifer and Sean Maher).

Do you believe in Magic? Well, I hope you do. And I hope it's not just the Cavs against whom they match up well. With the little I know about this year's finals, I can say the following. First and foremost, I dislike the Lakers as a team. I have nothing in particular against any of the members personally. Not even Kobe. Although as a player, eh. Second, I fear for any team that must rely on 3-pointers. If said team goes cold, God help them. Third, in the two games the Magic and Lakers played this year, the Magic won 106-103 and 109-103 (although both of those wins came with Jameer Nelson). Who do I predict (know I do so well with playoff predictions)? I'm going to say the Lakers because of their experience and desire after last year.

Now, for the other finals. Today marked the first game pitting the Penguins against the Red Wings. And the latter took the lead in this rematch of last year's finals. I didn't see the game and can therefore not comment on the game. Who will take it? I choose the Red Wings.

Football comes in but 3 short months. Brady's back. Favre's a putz. Holt's a Jag. Clemens ain't the future. TO's a Bill. Osi's back. And more to come...

Trivia of the Week: Osi Umenyiora is 1 of 3 people originally born in this country to win a Super Bowl. Who are the other 2?

Where did they come from? Andy Pettite handed off a winning game to Mariano Rivera. And for the 58th time in that scenario, the Yanks came off with a win. Now 1.5 games ahead of the slumping Jays and those bitter rival Red Socks, the Yanks can boast a tie for the third best record in the MLB behind the Dodgers and the Rangers.

And where did they go? The Seattle 'Ken Griffey Jr. infused' Mariners have lagged 7 games behind the American West best Rangers. 'This is their year' I heard so many M's fans say. 'Okay,' I reply.

A quick note on the quickly waning softball season...

The Thrusters started well at 4-0 storming through the league. Then a weak showing and the loss of a game in international tiebreaker put us at 4-2. A 3-game series at Russell Road had us at 7-2 and in the thick of it. But a terrible outing 2 weeks ago has us back at 7-4. Tomorrow, we play 2 teams that beat us earlier in the season. We'll see what answers we have for them in the wee hours of the morning.

The Buzz started with 2 wins against weaker teams. And then lost with but 9 players in the third. At 2-1, the future was undecided. But the Buzz took the league into its own hands and won their next 5 before suffering defeat to a Wolves team that couldn't do anything wrong. With 2 wins 2 weeks ago, the Buzz sit at 9-2 and control their destiny in these last 4 weeks.

With that and with my allergies flaring, I bid thee adieu. I must wake early for tomorrow's games. Until next I write, happy sporting...

Thursday 13: Meals

What would I choose to eat? I mean for meals. Ice cream doesn't count. Nor does my mother's cake or strawberry rhubarb pie. Beer ain't gonna cover it. This is all about real meals.

1. Any pasta and marinara sauce (my mother's specialty - she always claimed she could put sauce on dog food and I'd eat it)
   
2. Hot dogs (Preferably at the ballpark)
   
3. Kielbasa (yes, it's much different than hot dogs and best on my grandmother's table for the evening of Christmas/Easter, etc.)
4. Moo Goo Gai Pan (the only Asian [American] dish to make the list)
5. Lil's Mac & Cheese (Dunno why but that's some good stuff)
6. Joseph's chicken (No matter how he makes it, it's always the juiciest chicken I've ever tasted)
7. Sweet Steak (It's the old man's term. It's been too long since I've had that miraculous taste in my mouth)
8. Lamb Chops with Mint Jelly (Yumm)
9. The old man's 17 egg omelette with the works
10. Though only once a year, the provider should think twice before denying me turkey... with dressing/stuffing... and the newly added greens... and mashed potatoes... and yams... I just love Thanksgiving dinners
11. Louie's or Napoli's pizza in Wallingford... it's a tie
    
12. Louie's (of West Haven and may have changed names 17 times since I was a kid) blueberry pancakes after mass at Our Lady of Victory
13. Chicken or Veal Parm... doesn't matter where, though Mama Theresa's in Milford and that place in Southington beginning with an 'S' (I think) bring back memories
    

3WW (Dreary, Timid, Embrace): American Sentences

American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.

The weak knight with timid embrace attempted to soothe the dreary lass.

His dreary and timid style prevented my embrace of the subject.

I embraced her who had raven hair once upon a midnight dreary.

Video of the Week: Sound of Silence

It was February. I had just landed a job as an Accounts Receivable Specialist 13 days prior. And exactly 7 months prior to that, I had arrived in Seattle. The sun had already set; darkness pervaded the small 860 square foot apartment I inhabited with Joseph that first year in Seattle. Joseph was about to view a program in which I had no interest. He asked me to watch with him. But because I had decided I didn't like much modern music, I chuckled and said the following...

I will only watch the Grammys with you if Simon & Garfunkel are the opening act. Yes, I really said this...

And the result?



I watched the entire show.

It's Personal: A Day in the Life

Memorial Day: The day in the United States when we remember those who have fallen while serving in the military. First established in 1868 to remember the Civil War dead, the holiday was later expanded after World War I to include the military deceased from all wars.

I thank those brave men and women who have given their lives that I may live in these United States.

And - for better or worse - that's about as far as my involvement with Memorial Day has ever gone. Except for once when I partook in a prayer service in St. Bridget's cemetery in Cheshire, CT. No one in my immediate family died while serving. Thankfully, they came back alive.

So what did I do today?

Woke happily late. Ate a fritata - an Italian omelette - made exquisitely by Joseph. And watched A Few Good Men. I must admit the movie's deceptively good. For all his weirdness, Tom Cruise is in fact a good actor. Not to mention I like Kevin Pollack. And who can't love Jack in that part? Played to a tee. 'You can't handle the truth' still gives me chills.

Tangent: While we were in Mexico and Matty was watching the pooches, we had a contractor build out a patio in the backyard. Where once we had a yard of poor drainage - moss was about all that would grow - we now have a path from the driveway to the patio, not to mention a wonderfully full patio.

The altogether useless backyard suddenly became useful and deceptively large. We brought a few rather nasty plastic chairs outside. And the grill. And we had some kielbasa. In the nasty green plastic chairs. We tried to eat while sitting in the chairs. Didn't work out so well. Mustard and relish dripping uncontrollably. Awkward attempts at eating the potato salad.

Joseph exclaimed, 'We need furniture.'

Yep.

Did you know patio furniture was that expensive? Yeah? Well, I didn't. Oy! So, we waited. For what, I'm not certain. I usually hope that some angel will direct me to a sale that includes a 7-piece patio set for $50. Not used or crappy either.

I know it will never happen. But I can always hope.

Joseph became somewhat impatient with my delusion and suggested again that we purchase the patio furniture. I yielded if only for logic's sake.

We packed the dogs into the car and ventured to Tukwila.

We went first to Lowe's. I've historically been rather disappointed with Lowe's. Always seems a little disorganized and messy. Maybe it's just that Tukwila store. We entered and looked at some furniture. After about 5 minutes, there came an announcement over the store speaker. Calling our license plate. Telling us to go to customer service. Since it was a beautifully sunny day, I knew it couldn't be the lights. I therefore figured it must be the dogs. We hurried outside utterly concerned. There those two dopes were. Cleo in the driver's seat. Buddy in the passenger's seat. They weren't allowed in those seats, of course, but there they sat. And they were fine.

We went to customer service. A manager came over. 'An associate told us that she had passed the car and had seen heavily panting dogs.' We were relieved. 'They're fine,' we replied. The guy looked at us somewhat accusingly and said, 'Okay' and shrugged his shoulders.

That's Seattle for ya. Concern for animals and passive aggression in one fell swoop.

We departed for Home Depot. A nice 7-piece set for $500. Not bad. And the ability to have no interest, no payments for 12 months. That's the way to go.

We had a minor dilemma. How do we get the set home? I mean, the Forester, is awesome. Roomier than you'd think. But this was a little much.

We had planned either to have it delivered (too expensive) or rent a Home Depot truck (there were none left). Ugh.

But the Home Depotians had an idea. We unpacked the dogs, using twine as leashes. (We hadn't planned on taking them out of the car during what we thought would be a short trip. Lesson learned there.) And we proceeded to pack the car. A Home Depotian tied the table (in a box) to the top of the car. We put the umbrella and chairs into the back. And Buddy pooped in the loading bay. All in a day's work.

Somehow, everything and everyone fit. We made it home without incident and constructed the patio furniture. We are now officially furnished and ready to have the first barbecue.

Who wants to come?

Summer has begun...

Sporting Rants and Raves: May 23, 2009

Happy 21st birthday to Ms. Morgan Pressel of Tampa, FL. Ms. Pressel is the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA tournament (Kraft Nabisco Championship) and has ranked as high as #4 in the Women's Rankings.

The New York Yankees have defeated their bitter rivals... the Philadelphia Phillies. Okay, so not bitter rivals. In fact, they rarely meet. But the Yankees still won. And they even helped their New Yorkian counterparts over in Queens.

On a tangent, do you know how many homeruns have been hit in the new Yankee Stadium at this point? 86. Ludicrous. Who were the geniuses who put this field there?

And another tangent. How many of you actually like interleague play? I ask not because I like or dislike the practice but because I'm truly fascinated by people's responses. Some still think it's the worst thing to happen to baseball since the DH. Others think it's exciting. And still others have no idea that the Royals are actually a National League team. Uh, I meant American...

Trivia of the week: In which year did interleague play officially begin (and this is not including the World Series for all of you trying to get me on a technicality)? What two teams played in the first interleague game? (Hint: The National League Team was originally from the United States' first capital city. The American League Team was originally from the United States' present capital city.)

Michael Vick's out of jail. I'm guessing Oakland or Cincinnati.

Okay, if I'm to take this situation seriously for a moment, then I must suggest forgiveness sans forgetfulness. Does he deserve another chance? Sure. I hope he's repentant. I hope he's contrite. And who am I to judge anyway? Was his action stupid. Double plus stupid, if you'd like. But there are wife / girlfriend beaters in the league (LJ), a man who didn't stab anyone (RL), and a dingbat who can't shoot straight (PB). In that company, Mike deserves a second shot.

Go Seattle! Beat the Giants and former M Randy Johnson. Denying him his 299th win.

Magic v. Cavs. Nuggets v. Lakers. I think most expect Cavs v. Lakers. And that would be quite the story. I personally hope for the Nuggets and whomever. I'm not a Kobe fan. (Though I like the hamburger meat.)

Ain't lookin great for the Whale. Detroit's faring better. I have hope that the Whale-a-Canes can still pull it off.

A sad day when lefty has to leave the tour indefinitely. His wife and family are in our prayers.

Finally, a bit of ranting from a dog owner. Pit bulls are not vicious dogs unless trained to be vicious. It isn't in their blood. Viciousness has been breed into certain dogs. Dalmatians, for instance, or Akitas. But not pit bulls. No, pit bulls must be trained to be vicious. And so, I ask, what in God's name does James Harrison - or any of his family members who should know better - have a vicious pit bull doing in the same general vicinity as a two-year old? And, why did that pit bull attack?

And with, that I must bid thee all adieu as I am on the verge of venturing to a barbecue on this beautiful Seattle day. Until next I write, happy sporting...

Thursday 13: Star Trek

In keeping with the Star Trek theme, I give to you 13 memorable quotations from the movies. See if you can guess which they're from:

1. McCoy: Green-blooded hobgoblin!
   
2. Kirk: How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life, wouldn't you say?
   
3. Riker: Klingons never doing anything small, do you?
   
4. Scotty: The more they over think the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.
   
5. Spock: It only knows that it needs, Commander. But, like so many of us, it does not know what.
   
6. Worf: If you were any other man, I would kill you where you stand.
   
7. Kirk: Everybody remember where we parked.
   
8. Picard: You're a starfleet officer. You have a duty!
   
9. Spock: Please captain, not in front of the Klingons.
   
10. Data: I believe I speak for everyone here, sir, when I say to hell with our orders.
    
11. Kirk: I'll give him this, he's consistent.
    
12. Picard: You have the bridge Mr. Troi.
    
13. Spock: If I were human I believe my response would be 'go to hell'... if I were human.
    

(1) 11 (2) 2 (3) 9 (4) 3 (5) 1 (6) 8 (7) 4 (8) 7 (9) 5 (10) 8 (11) 2 (12) 10 (13) 6

3WW(Treacherous, Optimize, Efficient): American Sentences

American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.

I optimize efficient processes with treacherous abandon.

The treacherous but efficient man optimized his foes’ apathy.

Video of the Week: Norma Jean

It was 47 years ago. That would make it 1962. Some of you remember that far back. Some don't. Ms. Marilyn Monroe was tasked with singing a certain song to a certain someone, even if 10 days earlier than that someone's birthday.

But, this video has a double meaning. I post it both because this is the 47th anniversary of that occasion. And because tomorrow is my own mother's birthday.

Happy Birthday Ma!

It's Personal: Star Trek

I am neither a Trekkie nor a Trekker.

I know some about STTNG. I can't tell you much about STTOS, STDSN, or STV. And I don't even acknowledge Enterprise.

I haven't seen the cartoon. I do not get daily updates from startrek.com. And I've read very few of the books.

I've never dressed up in a Starfleet uniform. I haven't worn Spock ears. And I do not own a Klingon dictionary.

But... there's something about the movies that I sincerely enjoy. Well, most of them anyway. I've watched them often enough to answer ridiculous questions about them. Not to mention there are certain movies among them that I can quote verbatim, not a normal talent of mine. I know the Star Trek Movie Curse. Enough that I somewhat agree. Logic is rarely binary, after all.

For those of you not in the know, the Star Trek Movie Curse states that the even Treks were better than the odd. Think about it.

The best Trek movie of all time? Even if you're not a Trek movie fan, you know it. The Reliant. Big space fight in a nebula. Weird bug things in Walter Koenig's and Paul Winfield's ears. Khaaaaaaaaaan! Spock dies. Yeah, you know it. Number 2. The Wrath of Khan.

After that, I suggest this order:
First Contact (8)
The Undiscovered Country (6)
The Voyage Home (4)
The Search for Spock (3)
Generations (7)
The Motion Picture (1)
Nemesis (10) [The Exception to the Rule]
Insurrection (9)
The Final Frontier (5)

But I'm not writing this post to talk about Star Trek movies of the past. I'm writing to talk about Star Trek. Arguably the 11th. Or the 1st of the franchise. And lest I ruin the premise, I refuse to say why.

What I can say about the movie... It takes the premise of the best movie with the original cast and the premise of the best movie with next generation cast and weds them almost unbelievably well. J.J. Abrams proves to be to Star Trek what Peter Jackson was to the Lord of the Rings. Abrams obviously enjoys - dare I say loves - the stories and the original cast. So much so that the truest Trek fans will recognize their favorite characters even if they happen to be played by different actors.

But Abrams - to his credit - also understands what the 21st century movie-goer desires. There are incredible special effects for those who want the big bangs. And there's a great story that doesn't require any prior knowledge of Trek lore.

I foresee the - for lack of a better description - next generation of Trek. And how odd that it comes from the original characters.

Gene Roddenberry would be proud.

Sporting Rants & Raves: May 16, 2009

Happy 33rd birthday to Mr. Brian Langtry, a lacrosse player for both the Colorado Mammoth (National Lacrosse League) and the Denver Outlaws (Major League Lacrosse). Alas, because lacrosse has not become a popular American sport like baseball and football, Langtry must also have a day job, i.e. teaching humanities at a school called The Challenge School in Denver, CO.

Congratulations to Ms. Rachel Alexandra who was the first since Ms. Nellie Morse to win a rather famous race.

Trivia Question of the Week: Who or what is this Rachel Alexandra? How long has it been since Nellie Morse won the famous race? What's the famous race anyway?

Michael Phelps has returned from the land of Mary J. And in his first race back? A loss. Yes, a loss. The first loss in 364 days, in fact. This loss? To Aaron Peirsol competing in the backstroke in Charlotte. The last loss 364 days prior? To Aaron Peirsol competing in the backstroke in Santa Clara. And Phelps says he has his eye on the backstroke for the next Olympic games. That should be a humdinger...

NFL quick hits: Favre either has some sense or is trying to build the dramatic tension. I sincerely hope for the former. Bruce Smith likes to drink and drive. Luckily, no kid really sees him as a role model anymore. The wide receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson will get something akin to his wish when he has Ochocinco welded onto his Cincy uniform. Unfortunately for him, Ochocinco technically means nothing. It's gibberish. Personally, I hope he gets traded to the Washington Redskins. Or some team that already has 85 retired.

Cleveland certainly looks strong. Boston and Los Angeles? Not as tough as they should be. And Denver cleaned house. I know nothing of basketball, but I think it'll be Cleveland v. Denver in the finals.

I'm rooting for the Whalers and Octopi. And then for the Whale. Okay, okay, the Hurricanes. But about what, other than a former professional hockey team, do Connecticutians have to cheer - at least in the professional arena. The cynics out there might claim that UCONN boasts 2 professional basketball teams...

An interesting note: Mr. Arnold Palmer was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal recently by the House of Representatives. By a 422-1 vote. So, who the heck voted against Arnie? Mr. Ron Paul, one-time presidential candidate. Why? His spokeswoman, Rachel Mills, replies:

"It is certainly nothing personal against Mr. Palmer. In fact, Congressman Paul admires him greatly. Dr. Paul opposes using public monies for any and all of these gold medals given to private citizens, just on principle. Not to mention, it is unconstitutional to use taxpayer dollars in this way. He even suggested on the House Floor before he voted against Rosa Parks's medal that if it meant so much to the Members of Congress, why not fund the award out of their own pockets? He pulled $100 out of his own wallet, but had no other takers. At a time like this when all budgets are stretched so thin, it seems especially inappropriate to lavish gifts like this on private citizens, as much as he may admire the individual."

What do you think?

The time for dinner has come. Barbecued beef ribs. Yum. And so it's time for me to hang out on the newly laid patio and smell that BBQ up close.

Until next I write, happy sporting...

Thursday 13: Favorite Books (thus far)

I admit I have not been reading as prolifically as I would like. It's a choice I make, i.e. making work, softball, and blogging a priority. I must therefore rely on my past favorites as I haven't come across a book that has wowed me in some time.

And thus, in no specific order, they are...

• The Promise - Chaim Potok
• The Alchemist - Paulo Coehlo
• Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
• Narcissus and Goldmund - Hermann Hesse
• Fifth Business - Robertson Davies
• Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder
• Life of Pi - Yann Martel
• The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R Tolkien (Yes, I know it's cheating. And not because it's 3 books but 6.)
• Magister Ludi (The Glass Bead Game) - Hermann Hesse
  
• Father Elijah - Michael D. O'Brien
• The Once and Future King - T.H. White
• A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
• My Name Is Asher Lev - Chaim Potok
  

3WW (Nervous, Bicker, Trajectory): A Love Quadrangle

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. No characters are based on real people, whether living or dead. Any resemblance to a real person is pure coincidence.

A love quadrangle. My ex works with the girl I like. And I work with the guy going out with the girl I like. I usually share this stuff with the guy going out with the girl I like since he’s my best friend. But I can’t in this instance. I’m nervous even being around him because I’ll eventually say something. Blurt out how much I love his girlfriend. Like I did while bickering with my ex. I was surprised by the sudden trajectory of her hand through the air. Well, more by the sudden collision with my face, if I’m honest. Not to mention the girl I like is my ex’s best friend. Thus the reason she hasn’t said anything to her best friend. Because she doesn’t want her friend to get upset, or so she says. I think she’s just waiting for the right time to screw me over, the bitch. Alas, what am I to do?

I’m thinking steal the girl, beg forgiveness from my friend, and slap the bitch back.

But that’s just a thought.

Video of the Week: Optical Illusion

As is my custom, I sifted through a number of videos. Pet videos. Comedies. Math tricks. Darth Vader prank calls. The whole nine.

Then I happened upon the video below. Stare at the dot. Notice the castle in all its splendor against the blue sky. Then look again at the picture without looking at the dot.

Fascinating...

It's Sunday Scribblings Personal (On Monday): Healing

A Brief Note: I woke yesterday at 7 a.m. We were off to softball by 8. A game at 9:40 (win). Another at noon (win). And a final game at 2:30 (win). A good day at the fields. Called mom to no avail. Called the older white folks and chatted. Headed for a post-game beer. Arrived home at 8 exhausted. And didn't blog. So, I've decided to combine my Sunday blog topic with my Monday blog topic.

It was an autumn Monday in 1991. I know it was 1991 because I was a freshman in high school. Autumn, because that's when the bulk of football games are played. And a Monday because that's when the Junior Varsity team generally played their football games at Lyman Hall.

We the freshmen were practicing behind Lyman Hall's Fitzgerald Field while the Junior Varsity played someone in the Housatonic League, which at that time consisted of teams like Derby, Shelton, and Seymour as well as North Haven, Sheehan, and Lyman Hall. There I was on the defensive line running full speed drills. Pounding each other incessantly. That's how our coach liked it. Some of us liked it too. I had my days of liking it. And then there were others that I didn't enjoy so much.

This was one of the latter.

There I was - I remember it rather clearly, which is saying a lot since I'm not one of those who remembers plays of which I was a part on some cold Friday on God knows what field during the early 90s. The running back - Scott, number 48 - plowed forward, almost out of my reach. Almost. I stuck out my hands and grabbed for anything I could. I succeeded in grabbing. But not in securing a handle on the pads. He drifted by like a bad dream. I fell to the ground.

It was then that I felt something weird. No pain. Just a weird sensation on my left hand. Two pieces of skin that normally don't touch. A finger that doesn't usually point in that direction. My ring finger had been dislocated. It pointed over towards my index finger. Almost horizontal (if you consider that fingers normally point vertically).

I stood. I think some of my teammates ogled the sight of a displaced finger. But I can't be certain as I was concerned only with putting it back the way it had been. The coach took one look and immediately decided it needed to be evaluated. Duh! He therefore took me to the ambulance that had to be present at any football game played in the state. The EMT sat me down and took a look. 'It looks like we'll need to take you to the hospital.' I looked at him with utter fear. He read my face. 'It's because we can't risk making it worse. And we're not doctors.'

I did not want to go to the hospital. The last time I had been for a serious injury, I had had multiple stitches in my head. Not to mention that if the ambulance carted me off to the hospital, I would have been responsible for the disruption of the JV game. I wasn't particularly thrilled about either possibility. So, the EMT searched the stands for a doctor. And found one.

I can't remember that doctor well. A seemingly nice middle-aged gentleman with a good bedside manner. He asked me if I wanted him to fix my finger. I told him I did. Then he started talking to me. Calmly. Too calmly, I realized only later. After he jerked my finger and put it back the way it was supposed to be. He subsequently gave me the disclaimer. 'You should go see a specialist to ensure that you didn't break anything in there.'

No ambulance ride. I sat out the rest of the practice - though I think the coach expected that with five semi-functioning fingers on my left hand, I should have been able to rejoin the practice.

That week, I visited a specialist. He commented that the doctor had done well. Put a splint on it and told me to take a week off from football. A reprieve. I kept the splint in place, waiting patiently for it to heal. I took off the permanent splint to find a crooked finger. 'It will be fine' he explained to me. I just had to do some exercises so that it would heal normally. So, I wore a splint that could be removed a few times a day for the exercises.

I exercised that finger. Had to make sure the tendon was stretched well enough to allow the finger to straighten out. I exercised. And exercised. And concentrated on making it go back to the way it was. I pushed that knuckle to the point of rather extreme pain. Day after day. Night after night. Expecting some day that it would miraculously appear as it did prior to that day.

After a year trying to exercise, I came to grips with the fact that my finger would be crooked forever. And so it healed crookedly. Scar tissue and tendon. A gross marvel for friends and family alike. A tribute to a doctor who couldn't read an x-ray. A prime candidate for future arthritis. And a handy keepsake from my days as a Lyman Hall Trojan.

I wouldn't trade this little unique piece of me for anything.

Abbreviated Sporting Rants and Raves: May 10, 2009

Happy 54th birthday to Connecticut's own Swami. 'He... could... go... all... the... way!'

Rest in peace Mr. Chuck Daly. The winner of back to back championships with the Detroit Pistons and the 1992 Olympic gold, Chuck Daly will be remembered for his coaching acumen. The NBA lost a great man.

Joe Torre is sticking by Manny saying he has a great work ethic. Didn't he say the same about Roger Clemens?

Speaking of which does anyone have any sympathy for Manny? [Crickets] I thought so.

Cavs and Lebron are beating the hell out of the Hawks.

If Brett returns to football as a Minnesota Viking, then he has absolutely no comprehension of his own legacy. And like most everyone else, I think I'd like to see it if only for the trainwreck quality of the entire ordeal.

Yanks winless against Red Sox. But Red Sox aren't in first either. Toronto? Really?

Seattle 2-8 in their last 10 games. That's about right.

Looks like the Carolina Hurricanes nee Hartford Whalers are about to oust the Boston Bruins. Wonderfully poetically just.

NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield has been suspended indefinitely for failing a drug test. The drug he took makes his foot more dense, it seems.

Softball update. The Buzz - the team I coach - is a wonderful 6-1. Alas, I haven't been able to see a majority of those games based on my schedule.

The Thrusters - the team on which I play - is a respectable 4-2. Here's to winning all three tomorrow.

And with that, I bid you a sporting night.

Thursday 13: Future Vacations

As I settle back into the wonderful world of work, I consider future vacation spots...

1. London, England - Hey kids, Big Ben, Parliament...
2. Between Supai and Tuweep, Arizona AKA The Grand Canyon - One of the 7 Natural Wonders
   
3. Jerusalem, Israel - Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holy sites
   
4. Byzantium AKA Constantinople AKA Istanbul, Turkey - The Hagia Sophia for one
   
5. Lhasa, Tibet - Don't have a particularly good reason
   
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina - Para ver la Casa Rosada (to see the Pink House - the Argentinian presidential house)
7. Sydney, Australia - I'd rather go to Mardi Gras there.
8. Giza, Egypt - C'mon, who really built those things?
   
9. Athens, Greece - The home of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
10. Shanhaiguan, China - The eastern most point of the Great Wall of China
11. Paris, France - I'll just visit briefly. I mean, there's always Notre Dame.
12. Philadelphia, PA - Yes, I know, I know. But would you believe I've still never set foot in Independence Hall? I grow up loving the Revolutionary War. Visited Concord and Lexington AND Yorkstown. But never saw the place where this country officially became treasonous from the top down.
13. The entirety of Spain. Yes, even Extremadura but especially Santiago, Barcelona, Asturias, Zaragoza, Valencia, Madrid, Cadiz, Granada, and Sevilla.
    

3WW (Malign, Cryptic, Flash): American Sentences

American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.

The much maligned critic cryptically flashed the crowd with witty words.

The silent flash follows cryptic thunder as the malign sun descends.

The Flash artfully sped past the oft maligned and cryptic Captain Cold.

Video of the Week: Tulum

Good Evening all...

I give to you 2 videos that show Tulum. One from the ground and the other from the air (a cheesy advertisement, but it still does it justice).

As stated in yesterday's post, Tulum was a Mayan city conquered by Hernan Cortes in the 16th century. The name, Tulum, means walled city, but it's interesting that the name was more than likely not used to refer to the city in its prime. Unfortunately, no one really knows what the name of the city was as the majority of its inhabitants were murdered by the Spanish.

As you watch the videos, you'll notice the turquoise water - it is that blue - and the remarkable architecture. Not to mention all the iguanas. Lots and lots of iguanas.

Enjoy...

It's Personal: Cancún

Here I sit. The downpour causing streams to straddle the roadway outside. An odd rain as Seattle is not accustomed to this constant heavy rain. The dogs still unsure if we're coming or going. The cats not caring much whether we come or go. Joseph watching Dancing with the Stars after his first day at a new job. I blogging.

We're back.

Well, how was it? Did you like it? Was it relaxing? Should I sit next to you? Should I wear a mask? Yes, yes, I'll get there.

But first, I begin at the beginning. At 2:30 a.m. on April 25th. A perky Asian man from Shuttle Express arrived in our driveway to whisk us away to the airport. He explained that he liked cats. And that he liked the night shift since it was so quiet. Ironically, he wasn't quiet. I tuned him out and concentrated on the yellow line outside so as not to fall asleep.

Something called swine flu flashed on the televisions at the airport. Great, we thought, it originated in Mexico. But we weren't turning back.

The flight from Seattle to Phoenix? Fine. No problem.

Landed in Phoenix and rushed to Burger King. Rushed back to the terminal. Ready to board. Boarding time came. And went. Delayed. An hour passed. US Air gave us no updates. Then they changed the gate. Not a huge change. We waited another 30 minutes. The plane pulled up. Finally. We boarded. The captain comes on. We have a maintenance issue; it should only be 30 minutes. Those 30 minutes pass. The captain comes on again. The mechanics are troubleshooting. Joseph does not like all this talk of maintenance issues. 'They should get us a new plane if this one's broke,' he said to no one in particular. The captain came on again. Said it was fixed. On our way.

A long flight, but nothing of note to recount. Except that I can't sleep on planes. And I'd been up since 2:30. I was a bit cranky.

Arrived in the airport. Got through all the hoops. And then were surrounded by people offering a Grey Line cab to our hotel of choice. We saw Grey Line and thought it was legitimate. There was a Grey Line bus company in Seattle, after all. And they told us the trip would be a good distance. They charged 500 pesos for the trip. Not thinking anything of it, we paid.

We exited to find that there were people from the resort ready to take us. We told them that we hadn't purchased a transfer ahead of time and thus we figured we couldn't get a ride. He asked how much we paid. When we answered, he chuckled. Just what you want to hear after no sleep and maintenance issues. The transfers cost half what we paid for the private taxi.

Dumb foreigners.

We took the cab and sailed along the road to Club Med, caring little about this ridiculous situation. We pulled up and were immediately bombarded with Mexican men and women offering warm facecloths and small glasses of some kind of alcohol beverage. I wanted and took neither. Just the room, please.

They lead us to the room. We had to swipe our card to get in. Didn't work. Tried again. Nothing. Are ya kidding? The small Mexican women strolled back to the front desk and retrieved more card keys. She strolled back and tried them again. Nothing. Again. Nothing. Another maintenance issue. She went to get the maintenance guy. I obsessively waved the stupid card in front of the sensor. I tried a wrist flick. A 'z' motion. Everything. Tara and Ashley - the friends with whom we enjoyed the vacation - showed up at that moment. They suggested I hold the card against the sensor. I did. It opened. Thank God!

The maintenance guy came by later and replaced the batteries in the sensor. Everything worked fine from then on out.

Watched a series of acrobatics that evening. The evening's entertainment. Didn't much care. Just sat and drank my Miami Vice, half piña colada and half strawberry daiquiri. Then went to play ping pong and drink until 1 a.m. Which was only 11 p.m. on the west coast. So I didn't quite make 24 hours. But close.

The next day, I woke up late and sat in the sun. Applied sunblock multiple times throughout the day. Swam in the ocean. Ate with the girls at the local eateries. The food wasn't particularly spectacular. But it wasn't bad either. For an all inclusive, I was impressed enough. Plus the drinks were included. I paced.

Got out of the sun and, looking at my skin, thought I had only burned my right upper thigh. Got into the shower in the room. Didn't hurt. Figured I had escaped the worst of the sun. Figured it was because I had applied the sunblock so well.

Visited the market briefly in Cancún itself. Haggled with people. Almost bought a New York Football Giants poncho. But couldn't haggle the guy down enough. My only regret of the trip.

Saw Erin Foley that evening. A comedienne. Somewhat funny. I have to admit that I haven't really enjoyed most of the comedians I've seen. I certainly didn't laugh out loud. Just watched and smiled every so often.

She made fun of swine flu. The girls asked us if they'd missed something. I told them they had. We had watched CNN briefly that day and saw that the swine flu had risen to level 4 on the disease scale. Obama said not to close the borders. But the European countries did.

Walked around a bit afterward. Ended up back in the room.

Woke up the next day. In pain. Yeah, that sunblock hadn't helped all that much. Top of the feet. Legs. Arms. Face. Neck. I had escaped with my chest and stomach rather unscathed because of my self-consciousness about that part of my body. In retrospect, I should have dressed in jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Ouch.

The days begin to squish together. As they should in any vacation that goes mostly unplanned.

We visited Tulum. A Mayan city that the Mayans had defended against the Spanish successfully in the early 16th century. Alas, Cortés decided to attack from inland. He poisoned the rivers and killed off most of the population with disease. Nice guy.

We watched Frida - as in Frida Kahlo - on the bus ride back. Seemingly a good movie, except the DVD the tour guide had was horribly scratched.

Saw an ex-Mousketeer perform that evening. Not an Annette Funicello Mousketeer. More a Britney Spears Mousketeer. She sang and told jokes. Great voice. Good humor. Very enjoyable.

The next day, took a catamaran to La Isla de las Mujeres (Island of the Women). Joseph and the girls snorkeled. Since I couldn't wear my glasses under water, I figured it wasn't such a great idea for me. All I'd have seen would have been multicolored blurs. With my luck, some barracuda would decide to take a niblle at my big toe. We had lunch on the island and then sailed to the market area. A bunch of people ready to rip us off.

It's weird to haggle. It's not a skill most Americans learn from living in the states. Except, perhaps, for buying a car. I don't think I'm very good at it. I'll have to work on it.

Spent the last couple days relaxing. And staying out of the sun. I found shade everywhere I could. And if there wasn't a shady spot, I went inside somewhere.

Now you all know why Seattle suits me so well.

Visited the hotel strip the second to last night and had a taste of America. A quick note for those of you who haven't visited the tourist portion of Cancún, it's not really Mexico. There's an Outback, multiple Starbucks, and other varied American chains. I wasn't impressed. But so many want to get away from home but still have what they consider to be all the comforts.

Other highlights (before I tell of our departure)?

I drank the water. It was supposedly filtered. And I wasn't visited by Montezuma once.

Iguanas everywhere. Tara fed them bananas.

We ate very little Mexican food. They didn't serve much of it at the resort. I did, however, have wild boar. And had no idea - as it turned out - that they also served crocodile and ostrich in the buffet on other nights when we ate elsewhere.

Every time I visited the bar with the girls, the Mexican men ogled the girls. Uncomfortably. Rather odd.

Saw very few people wearing masks. CNN told people not to hug, kiss, or shake hands with strangers. The people at the resort also put hand sanitizer in front of the restaurants for our use. And they told us to wash our hands after going to the bathroom. Do people really need to be told to do that?

Read a book. Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman. Not bad for some fluff reading.

Listened to the Mexican workers and tried to determine what they were saying. When I didn't understand, I figured I had lost all ability to understand Spanish. Then, I found out they were speaking Mayan. The only Native American language in that area that people still speak on a large scale. Millions of people speak it, in fact.

Saw an alligator in the lagoon on the other side - we were between the ocean and a lagoon. He just sat there.

Briefly watched the Smurfs in Spanish. Weird.

Spent 15 minutes each day checking in at work on the computer. Could have been worse.

Was wondering if we'd get quarantined when we got back to the states or if they'd just keep us at Club Med.

Learned to love aloe again.

And then we left.

We discovered that the entire hotel strip was to be shut down for the week of Cinco de Mayo as a result of the swine flu. What a blow to their economy. In fact, at Club Med they had originally anticipated a full house. But of the approx 1000 people who were supposed to come, 992 had canceled. More because there were no flights going into the country.

But we had no problem getting out. They took our temperature and told us we were fine to go. Arrived in Phoenix and the customs guy asked if we had anything we shouldn't. I said no, and we proceeded. Crazy.

Made it back to Seattle. And then made it home. A good ending, all in all.

And here we are. Joseph still watching Dancing with the Stars. And I still blogging.

Many thanks for the thoughts and prayers especially for our safe return...

Ciao