"... the butcher, the banker...

"... the drummer and then... makes no difference what group I'm in" Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone (1968)

I live in a better place today. I'm proud of my country today.

Today, everyone who didn't stay up late the night before, heard that Barack Obama is our new president elect. An African American president. I gotta say, I'm impressed with this country today.

It's important for every American, and especially for the African American community. For them, it's gotta be overwhelming. Since I don't have African roots, I can't say I know exactly how they feel, but I do know how it feels to witness something you never thought you'd see. Mine was actually a someone, as it was when I met my dad for the first time in my early 20's. I truly believed that I would never, ever... freakin' never see the day when he'd be with me in the flesh... and when I actually did see him, it's was unbelievably overwhelming. It changed my life. It breathed hope... and optimism... and believability... and relief... and comfort... and excitement... and security, all at once. It was intense.

On TV last night, I heard a couple African Americans say they could finally tell their children they really could be President of our country one day. Not because the law says it's possible, but because we've proven as a country that it is possible. That's pretty sweet man... Like I said, I'm proud of my country today.

Obama's election to the presidency means most of us don't really care about ethnic background when deciding who should lead us. It symbolizes less judgement among us as a whole. It means we've progressed as a people... grown as a society.

Does all that mean we made the right choice?? Hmmm... not necessarily.

There's a ton of work to be done in this country, so we'll see what happens and pray for the best in the meantime. I'm not elated Obama won because of his political views per say, but because his election has a positive impact on our society's racial issues and that in itself was something we needed a jolt of. I hope to see us prosperous in other ways as well now...

Stay tuned...

9-11-01

Dude... did you see the 9-11 documentary on the History Channel. Man, it was mesmorizing!! I had seen it flippin' w/ the remote over the last few days, but last night I caught it from about 15 mins in, and I couldn't take my eyes off it. It's basically edited footage from 8 or so people who decided to film the experience from their NYC location once the terror began. All intertwined during the edit and played in real time.

What made the documentary so compelling was that it was real. Yes, real reality TV in a sense (don't get me started on that topic). But it was genuine raw emotion from many people only blocks away for the towers. I don't want to say the show was great, only because it was such a horrific moment in our nation's history. But you know what I mean...

So check it out, I'm sure it'll play a few more times. It was on the History Channel and I believe was 2 hours long.

"Woke up... fell outta bed...

"...dragged a comb across my head... found my way down stairs and drank a cup... and looking up... I noticed I was late" A Day in the Life - The Beatles (1969)

So let's talk 'bout the jobs these days, huh?? Yeah, that's right... jobS... plural on that shit!! I long for the day when a single job will the ends meet like a mutha!! The day job... kinda like it. Pay's alright, bennies are sweet and the people are cool, but it can be like high school sometimes. Not that that isn't bad all the time. It's got it's cool elements like struttin' down the hall to the printer like the cool kid with the hall pass. I'm still a show off... but it's good for moral to keep the place smilin', so I do my part.

But there's a huge female contingent on my end of the building, and chicks can sure yap it up. Always drama about what this one said, this one did, the other ones don't understand and my boss don't listen. Ay-yi-yi.... somedays it takes all the strength in the world in order to not tell them all to shut-the-fuck-up!! It is just a job though and once I'm out the door for the day, whateva gay shit engulfed my mind for the day is pretty much gone once I get home. Well, except for nights like this went I vent on the blog...

But whatever goes on during the week (and thanks to the newly implemented 4-day work week from the day job), I get back to basics on Fridays o'er at Eastern CT Lawn Care. Manual labor sucks, but we do put on a show drivin' around town working on lawns and landscaping n' what not. Spottin' the hotties, taunt sessions, the truck game, the radio game, trimmer games, droppin' a knee behind the shed, pee racing on the asphalt, cup n' serve farts, trivia, more taunt sessions... freakin' hilarious. Makes the day go by quicker, that's for sure.

Speakin' of the radio game, here's the latest power rankings:

8. Matt - if it ain't the Jeff Healey Band, he's got nuttin'

7. Adam - awful unless it's a lame teeny-bop station that plays his ring-tone songs

6. Lambs - so much worse than he thinks he is, I almost feel bad kickin' his ass.

5. Tim - too-cool-to-play attitude at Russ' wedding soured the voters

4. Jay-scapes - "showtime" gets the crowd into it with his high-octane antics, but he's meerly the best of the rest these days

3. vacant - out of respect for how much better the other 2 are

2. Sid - the legend

1. JB - head-to-head I'll fuckin' work JB, but he plays more often so his game's on point. I'll give him the advantage... but just for now

Anyway...

Back to the jobs... #3 is down at the ol' 'bowl. Season's almost over... 4 weeks left, then the World Series of Asphalt Racing @ Thompson in the middle of October. One of the best weekends in the history of earth, but I'll break that down for you when it comes around. Speedbowl still rocks!! Cosmetically hideous, but our weekly playground nonetheless. My cult status as track program editor-in-chief and internet writer is pretty wild. I gotta admit, it's pretty freakin' schweet to walk around the place seein' everyone reading my program. Most of the race teams are great people with years of history at the track. It's just down-home local sports... at it's core and far from the mass-produced, over-hyped, multi-sponsored product that is professional sports these days. Ah, don't get me started!! I'm ready for the season to end as it is a grind, but I'll miss the extra $$ that's for sure.

Nothing new on the woman front. A girl at the day-job caught my eye the other day... Currently scouting that situation. Hopefully an update coming soon... til then, it's back to nights like this when it's all about Family Guy reruns.

Laids

Maybe I'm amazed at the way...

"you love me all the time... maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you... maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time... and hung me on a line... maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you" Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney (1970)

So the final leg of Sid's Wedding Tour '08 ended on Aug 16th when 2 of my close friends finally wed the night after being together for about 13 or so.... 13 years, hey!!! This bad boy was a matter o' formality as Dino & Melissa's dedication to each other well proceeded the wedding. But it was time to celebrate, and that we did, as it was a wedding filled with tons of old friends we hadn't seen in a while.

Melissa is the younger sister of one of my closest friend in the world Jason Griswoldian and by the transitive property, Meliss is kinda like a lil' sister to me too. My man Dino and I go back to the Little League South days in Waterford back in 1985... Premium pride baby!! In fact, that squad also included Dino' best man Ben Swain and Melissa's cousin Jay Messina... so it was like a lil' mini reunion and and great to know friendships can seemingly last forever.

And ya know it's gonna be a good show whent the Saunders boys are in the house. I mean, who doesn't like my man Dwayne... he's quite simply one of the funniest mutha-fckers on earth and I've known that cat since we's was 5 years old. 30 years laughin' with that dude. And his younger brother Gayle cracks me up too... Actually, Gayle and I played ball together in the Elks days of the Babe Ruth league. That cat was a great athlete.

But the day belong to Dino & Melissa... as I stated earlier, I go way back with both of them, but our friendship strengthened during a few month stint down in Atlanta back in 2003. That was when they let me set up shop at their pad to clear my mind of disaster of which was my divorce back in Connecticut. It was then that we really connected, just talkin' about life... the highs and lows, decisions, expectations, disappointments, curiosities, dreams, embarrassments, obstacles, and everything else that life may throw ya. It was a refresher being down there, one of the most important times in my life that I'll never forget.

So for me, I have all the confidence in the world that D-$$ and Melissa will spend their lives together forever. It was the time that I spent with them that I learned more about acceptance and compatability then any other time I can remember. I couldn't be happier for them and hope my friendship with both lasts just as long. Congratulations!!!

I'm just sitting here watching...

"...the wheels go round and round... I really love to watch them roll... no longer riding on the merry-go-round... I just had to let go" Watching the Wheels - John Lennon (1980)

This week, I lost a good friend when Tommy Parrish passed away. For those of you who don't know, Tommy (or TP as we affectionately called him) was Richie's original crew chief when the 65 Mini Stock debuted at the Speedbowl during the 1999 season. TP battled some health issues over the years, but stayed around in a more limited role and always stayed loyal to Richie's racing career right up to his cameo in the 46 ARTS machine just a few weeks back.

TP is actually the reason everyone down at the 'bowl calls me Sid. Back in the day, to avoid us both sayin' "huh" anytime someone said "Hey Tom", my cousin Rich suggested callin' me Sid as he knew that my close friends called me that. Tommy was just good people, and only days before his 41st birthday, he left us far too early...

Life's too fuckin' short I tell ya!

Tommy (middle) was a founding member of when of the most popular teams to ever grace the Sailfest Wiffle Ball Tournament - THE HOT HOGS

Tommy (to the left of Richie) was one of the most loyal members of the Big Ball Motorsports operation

I'll miss you man!!

Rest in peace good friend

Your boy Sid

My Baby, my baby and of course...

"... I'll do anything for her ... my baby got sauce... your baby ain't sweet like mine... she's got sauce" Baby Got Sauce - G. Love & Special Sauce (1995)

On July 26th, my boy Russ tied the knot with his girl Kate. Flanked by his Pleasure Beach (CT) based wedding party, 'Dino' and Kate were married in the church on Providence College campus. Ceremony was a tad long, but which ones aren't these days. My man Russ struggled a lil' gettin' Kate's ring on her finger and someone dropped their camera or some shit and made all kinds of racket. In the end, another friend enter's into the lifelong promise to share his life. All the best to the happy couple!!

... and the reception was outta control. Let's just say it was open bar and there was also a shuttle back to the hotel. How sweet is that?? As we get older, weddings sure are a hell of alot more fun. Maybe cuz life's filled with so many responsibilities, it's not often we can get totally ripped with little worries... case in point, check out your boy:

Freakin' tremendous!!

Post-reception ran til 4pm with Matt Valentine pullin' the upset special 1st place showing. Homeboy changed into his Red Sox pajamas and ended up passed out fetal position while me, Mayor Tim, Joe and D-Lamb threw down some grits til 4am. Needless to say, it was a painful ride back to CT the next morning. Especially when the breakfast buffet makes ya a lil' gassy!!

Wedding #3 outta 4 for me this summer. Next one on the 16th, and that'll be a show... I'm callin' it now, suckas!!

Laids

"I say to myself..."

"... 'You're such a lucky guy'... to have a girl like her is truly a dream come true... out of all of the fellas in the world she belongs to you... but it was just my imagination running away with me" Just My Imagination - Temptations (1972)

So I was reading up on the blog to see where I left off. Indeed I was happier than a pig in shit when I last left off. I had just started dating Barbara Jean, a native Southerner who was living in New Hampshire, who I met thru mutual friends at a Labor Day BBQ. Although the distance made me feel like Anthony Michael Hall in the Breakfast Club lying about a girlfriend in Niagra Falls, we did fall pretty hard for each other and tried to make it work through weekend roadtrips and endless phone calls in between. But eventually, it just got to be too much...

But we both had obligations where we live that meant neither of us could seriously entertain relocating, so the relationship could only go so far. No hope to spend our everyday lives together without at least one of us making huge sacrifices... and I don't think either of us were ready to even contemplate doing, so eventually and amicably, we split. We still email now and then to stay in touch, as she really was a sweetheart. So it's back into bachelorhood I go...

Freakin' wonderful!!

"Don't call it a comeback..."

"... I been here for years" Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J (1990) So it's been some freakin' time since I've been out in blogger world, eh?? Well, the wait is over... back by popular demand, it's time to catch up into the mind of one fucked up dude. We're gonna mix it up now, use some elements from my quality post-race recaps I do for the Waterford Speedbowl NASCAR short-track on jeff-pearl.com. One of those nuggets include using some lyrical titles from my endless vault of useless music trivia. Another will be gettin' more photos into the mix... changin' up the font colors only does so much, so I'll try to get s'more photos going too... Lots to get to, so stay tuned...

Outta nowhere came this wonderful woman...

So it's about time!! I've finally met a woman who threw me for a loop... I'm so giddy it'll make ya wanna puke - and at the same time, I wouldn't want to feel any other way. I met Barbara Jean at a Labor Day picnic given by mutual friends. She caught my eye instantly with these killer blue eyes. We immediately hit it off and have spent pretty much every weekend together since.

Weekends?? Why just the weekends you ask?? Well... that's cuz she lives in New Hampshire! Figures, right?? Mu-tha Fu-cker... But our chemistry runs deep and for right now, we make the best of it. She just makes me happy. I feel so much better when she's around. She's gotta great sense of humor (i.e. she laughs at my jokes), she has a great smile, beautiful skin and most importantly - nice feet! (phew!!)

She also has a son Preston who just turned 7 years old. Dating a woman with a child is new for me, but I usually get along with kids great, so it's not detering at all. Preston's actually a really cool kid. Well behaved and very protective of his momma. In fact, he wasn't diggin' my flirtin' with his mom at first, but he's since seemed to give me the OK. That's huge, ya know.

We're 7 years apart, and that's something new for me too, but who cares. It's all about chemistry, and we sure have some o' that goin' on so no worries for me. I'm just excited. I get up with a smile on my face every day since we first kissed and it's been along time since I've been waking up like that. She's wonderful... Barbara Jean & Preston are coming down for the weekend and will be here tomorrow night. I can't wait...

I haven't been this happy in a long time... and it feels great!

...since last we visited...

Yo - what up! 2 months since I've been out here... ya'd think I'm busy or some shit... Well actually, I am!! Woohoo!! Boredom sucks lemme tell ya... Been workin 2 full time jobs and mixin' in some landscaping now n' then... plus try to mix in a date here n' there... barely enough time to sleep after that - but it's better than doin' jack shit like I do in the winter... Thank god for summer!!

So I got word this week that one of my closest friends is moving south. I'm gonna miss this guy - he's one of my closest friends... like a brother. He's got a wife and 3 kids now and the move seems right... more job oppurtunities, lower cost of living and kids haven't started school yet... I'll miss him bein' around, but he'll always be my boy no matter where he lives.

Here's a little nugget from divorce-land. I had this dream a few weeks back... it was a wierd one like usual, with people from different times in my life poppin' up here and there - one of which of course was my ex-wife Michelle. This time around, I saw her walking. She comes up to me and says she can't talk because her husband's sick. Uh... alrighty then... and then she's gone. Although wierd all by itself, this wasn't the first time she makes these random appearances in my dreams - but it wasn't much different than her past cameos.

Years ago I had these dreams where I'd see a glimpse of her through a crowd or something. Later I had ones where we saw each other, but acted like we didn't. Then more recently, I'd see her and we exchange awkward hellos. All the way up to this last one when she said she couldn't talk because her husband's sick - whateva the hell that means... dreams man, they sure are fckn' wierd... Somewhere along the line I had this one where we hugged, but never spoke - that's the oddball one outta the mix...

Anyway, no need to get all deep on it - even if you don't know much about what happened, the symbolism in the dream in pretty evident. I always wonder what triggers her visits to my dreams... Lately I've seen alot of old friends - most of whom I saw regularly when I was married. Eventually during the night, the "have you seen her lately" question pops up... so I dunno, maybe this time around that was the case.

Divorce nuggets aside, I've been the most active in the dating world that I have been since the D went down. Don't be confused and translate that into success... lotta nonsense to get through to find the real thing that's for sure. I still see the woman I mentioned in my last post that I was kinda excited about. We definitely have alot of fun when we're together. The timing's wrong for us though... she's getting a divorce - as in, she's not legally divorced yet and that's a tough time. There's moments we have that have great chemistry - then there's times when she's kinda all over the place - indecisive and nervous almost it seems... I dunno. I don't expect a 'relationship' per say with her anytime soon. But we haven't gotten into anything serious, so for the time being I'm just chillin...

I also met this other woman through mutual friends a few weeks back... and this one - lemme tell ya. She was pretty intriguing. Beautiful eyes, brunette... even a Yankee fan...LOL!! But she was a sweetheart. Had some accent too... not sure from where, but sexy sounding nonetheless. Laid back it seemed, not craving the center of attention. I dunno - I was just diggin' her...

Didn't get to know her too well as we were amongst a group of friends and had just met. Didn't even get a chance to grab her digits as the time between when she said "I gotta get going" to when she got in her car was about 20 seconds. She bolted out like a champ... and as is my luck, our mutual friends told me later that unfortunately it seems she's still hung up on her ex-boyfriend. DAMN!!!

So whateva... something's bound to happen soon... it's now only a matter of time.

Laids suckas!

just checkin' in...

Holy shit - it's really been a long time since I've been out here... last post was on Christmas Eve... what can I say - sometimes it's good to get away from this blog... So let's see... Woman front is the same ol', same ol'... well, actually it is different - but the results are the same: still a bachelor yet to find a woman who really captures my attention. Might as well kick the horse while he's down and let ya know that dating still sucks. Oh my goodness, such trivial dilemas all the time it seems... Am I that blaise about everything... am I that passive now? Maybe I'm so attentive to signs of stressful situations that at the slightest signal, I choose to not get involved further? Let me explain... ...or ramble I should say... Dating so revolvant... so unstable. I've spent time with a few different woman over the last few months. A couple dates with nothing more than an innocent kiss at the end of the night and one pretty intense evening. The latter was pretty hot... definitely a good night. But the unbelievable spin that came afterward with all the "what does this mean now" was so far from what I wanted to deal with. What does it mean?? What does what mean?? It means we had sex? I wasn't opposed to spending more time with her, but the time we did spend - we talked about what that night meant... YIKES!! If that's all we could talk about, maybe we should just take some time away.... ay-yi-yi!! The last woman I spent some time with was really cool. Very relaxed... she's divorced too and that helps understand things others might not without having to get into details about each other's personal situation. Yeah just know... that is of course if they're at peace with what went down. Not much worse than being on a date and learning she's still all jammed up with anger and bitterness... that's the worst. Then again, if they don't talk about it at all, ya know there's probably even more damage goin' on. At least the bitter ones are getting it out, and things get better. The ones that hold it all in - that can be dangerous too... Yet when out this past weekend, I wasn't thinking about any of that shit when we were together - and that's the most important. So enjoyable you don't have to think. There's a comfort there... it's relaxing... very intriguing... That's good chemistry and that's actually pretty sexy... Nothing more than good conversation, laughing and a hug and kiss goodnight. So who knows - I'll see her again this weekend and we'll see what happens. But when you've been dating in your 30's long enough - you know better than to get any hopes up real early... it was only one night. But it sure was alot of fun... Did I mention how many people try to set me up... oh man is that just awful when someone says "Hey are you single?... cause I know this girl..." AAAAHHH!!! That scoreboard reads 0-for-5 in that department with no rush to attempt a 6th set-up. Maybe I've been watching my Seinfeld DVD's too much and I'm just your stereo-typical shallow man - but looks friggin' count man, what can I say? All right - I'm tired...

I'm down with Festivus

Another Christmas in bachelorhood and scoreboard says:

Holidays-when-you're-single definitely still suck!!

THE GIFTS: My homegirl Heather called me today to say "Sid... have ya gotten any gifts ya wanna tell me about yet?" as my annual bonanza of odd-ball gifts usually give my friends a chuckle. Ah well... at least someone enjoys them. I've long since stopped hoping for the day when most of my family gives me something I could actually use. To be honest, I'd rather not recieve gifts than find room for more shit I'll never use. My mom always said it's the thought that counts...

I think I'm just bitter cuz I don't have a girl or any children to make the gift giving part of Christmas enjoyable. Ironically, I became pretty bland and boring with my choice of gifts when I married - who'd a thunk I'd eventually miss something I wasn't all that into when I had it around.... damn regrets!!!

THE QUESTIONS: So are you dating? So do you have a girlfriend? So are ya seeing anyone? This year I really got bombarded with these questions. And I guess I deserve it - it has been a while. I'm not a complete hermit. I've been on some hideous dates, reconnected with some old friends and even casually dated someone for a few months - but I've yet to meet a woman who's even made me wonder about a future together with her. Maybe '07's my year... let's fuckin' hope so, huh?

THE AGENDA: So the plan is to get through the family obligations and get to my man Adam's still in a good mood to end the day with some drinks and some cherades with some longtime friends. I gotta go finish wrappin'....

Happy Holidays

Making Sense of the Confusion

Oh look at how she listens

She says nothing of what she thinks

She just goes stumbling through her memories

Staring out on to Grey Street

She thinks, "Hey,How did I come to this?

I dream myself a thousand times around the world,

But I can't get out of this place"

There's an emptiness inside her

And she'd do anything to fill it in

But all the colors mix together - to grey

And it breaks her heart

How she wishes it was different

She prays to God most every night

And though she swears it doesn't listen

There's still a hope in her it might

She says, "I pray,

But my prayers fall on deaf ears,

Am I supposed to take it on myself?T

o get out of this place"

There's a loneliness inside her

And she'd do anything to fill it in

And though it's red blood bleeding from her now

It feels like cold blue ice in her heart

When all the colors mix together - to grey

And it breaks her heart

There's a stranger speaks outside her door

Says take what you can from your dreams

Make them as real as anything

It'd take the work out of the courage

But she says, "Please

There's a crazy man that's creeping outside my door,

I live on the corner of Grey Street

and the end of the world"

There's an emptiness inside her

And she'd do anything to fill it in

And though it's red blood bleeding from her now

It's more like cold blue ice in her heart

She feels like kicking out all the windows

And setting fire to this life

She could change everything about her using colors bold and bright

But all the colors mix together - to grey

And it breaks her heart

It breaks her heart

It breaks her heart

To grey

Grey Steet

Dave Matthews Band

THE LONG AWAITED HIGH SHOOL REUNION

15 years and yet some things never change

So last month I attended my 15 year high school reunion. I know alot of people who've said they would never attend their reunion, but I actually had a blast in high school so I was looking foward to seeing everyone. As it turned out, I think only about 1/3 of our alumni actually showed up, but it was still a good time. So lemme tell a little about the good and some of the perplexingly bad...

For starters, it was just great to see some of my ol' friends - most of which still live within an hour. I was fortunate enough to put together a video of old footage and pictures to show at the event, and this allowed me to touch base with many classmates beforehand. And that was really cool.

For some, like my girl Melanie whom I've known for over 25 years (wow - is that scary) it was an instant reconnection with a good friend. Since first talkin' 'bout the reunion in the early stages close to a year ago, we've been keepin' each other entertained throughout our work week with emails - reminiscing about the old days and what not. Then there were others, like my old friend Mike: back and the day, Mike and I partied together quite a bit - but for some reason as the years went by, we saw less and less of each other. It was great to reconnect and realize that we still had a good time hangin' out. Although we're all a little busier with each passing year, hopefully we'll be able to get together every now and then and stay in touch.

And the list goes on and on... Becky, Jennie, Steph, Chris, Kristi, Margaret, Jen, Angela, Wally, Dwayne and countless others... it was great to see everyone. I've been fortunate to remain extremely close with 5 or 6 friends throughout the years, but for many other once close friends, we drifted apart. That's just how it goes. Life's so complicated these days - it was just cool to be around some of my other ol' friends from the days when life was much less hectic.

Ah yes - but there was some wierd moments too. Although overall I had a blast, there were definitely some odd shit that went down - either witnessed on my own or told to me by someone afterward. All incidents gave me the same overall impression - "No matter where our lives have taken us since, some people reverted back to there high school alter-ego at the reunion"... almost like that When-in-Rome cliche analogy. So here's a few things that struck me in that vain throughout the night:

Let's start with our former prom queen. And I'll be honest, I wasn't the best of friends with this girl back in the day. We were just different. She didn't seem to laugh too much back then - who knows... maybe she just didn't think I was funny - but most of the time, our personalities clashed. She just seemed too uptight for my style back then. But ironically, over the years after high school, we actually got along pretty well. I would see her now and then through mutual friends' gatherings and we had some good times together. I remember thinking "ah... we were all a little different growing up"

So fast foward to reunion night, I'm at the bar... after the video presentation and getting a round of drinks for some friends. I see her at the bar and with a somewhat annoyed tone she asks "How'd you get a picture from my wedding? I didn't give you any pics to use" Huh... whatta say to that? Definitely sounded like something I'd hear from her back in the day... Not a big deal - but that conversation definitely gave me the when-in-Rome vibe...

The video was actually well recieved, and I did have a blast doin' it. I consciously tried to include every classmate (whether they attended the event or not) in the presentation. And I'm sure some people were disappointed they weren't in it more, but I was at the mercy of the pictures that were submitted by various classmates. Once I felt everyone was in there once, I went with what would be most entertaining to watch on screen.

So I was stunned when two former classmates asked me the same exact question afterwards: "How come there were so many pictures of the clique in the video" Ah yes - the clique... talk 'bout a high school term. For if ya didn't have one in your school, that was the term used for the more popular kids... who knows if I was in the clique or not - nor did I ever care. I always tried to be friends with everyone despite any of their or my perceived 'status'. I guess I am (and proudly I must add) just so far removed from any of those teenage social terms and seperations. If anything, I was naive to assume everyone else would be too.

But what was most disturbing was that the two people that made this comment were people I remained casual friends with during our post high school years. I mean, I don't go to their kids birthday parties, but we have each other's phone number - so it just stung that two friends actually would even use that term... or be bothered by who was in the video more. Were they counting along the way?? I can't count how many pictures both of them submitted for the video combined: uh... that'd be zero!! With insuing conversations with each of them, it was obvious they both felt some sort of betrayal on my part to include some more than others - and for that I can't help them - they should have better things to worry about. Or not worry about it at all and just have a good time for cryin' out loud.

And then there was a story I heard from a close friend during a post-reunion conversation. My friend mentioned a story where at the reunion she told a close friend how she was hoping to catch up with another classmate at some point during the night - to which her close friend said "you better not!! I hated her in high school!!" I mean, c'mon already. How old are you?? That's just sad...

Guess it paid to enjoy high school. I definitely don't harbor any ill will towards any of my classmates - despite how we may or may not have socialized back in the day.

I even took the oppurtunity to hang with a select group of alumni for a hotel room after party. The lure: the fact that in no way would we have all tied one on together back in the day - no would I have the oppurtunity with this particular group again.

And that's what a reunion should be about, shouldn't it? Well, for me it was... and I had a blast!!

Taking the Long Way Home

So I was drivin' home the other day and I drifted back a bit...

...back to the days when I'd be driving home to spend the rest of my day with someone. That sure was a long time ago. It was a different time back then and there are definitely days when I miss it. It can defintiely be a struggle to keep myself entertained after work these days. And the weekends... man can they be long and boring. Back then it was different - the thought of tomorrow was always present. That feeling was really great... It was wonderful to share your life with someone. I miss that optimism from day to day.

I think one of the things I miss the most is sharing my everyday life with someone I truly enjoy being around. Unfortunately my ex and I had an awful split, but when it was good, we had a lot of fun together. We had great chemistry when it came to everyday compatibility... always making each other laugh now and then throughout the night. Simply put, back then, we geniunely enjoyed each other's company.

Ironically on the way out, she'd say I didn't appreciate her a million times - to which I'd say "bull fuckin' shit" or "ah, whateva" (no suprise we're divorced, huh?). I always wonder how it would have played out if I knew back then what I know now. But I don't know if I woulda gotten to the understanding I needed to if I hadn't ultimately got divorced. And only I would have to hit rock fuckin' bottom emotionally before finally starting to understand what the hell happened. (She said I was stubborn too).

So the ride home this day wasn't that great... Don't get me wrong, understanding things about yourself is always good. But to get to this point the way I have makes it all the more humbling too. There's a level of embarrassment when you're humbled... and guilt too - and it makes it hard to talk about. Who knows if I'm even writing about it effectively right now.

Anyway, when I finally pulled into the driveway I got this emptiness in my stomach for a second or two. I don't know what it was. Maybe it's cause all the reflective thinking I did on the way home came and now it was time to walk in the front door alone once again. Maybe I'm just sick of being bored... who knows?

So as I settled in for another night of bachelorhood in front of tube, I just accept the fact that I'll probably always think about my ex-wife from time to time. I'd only be lying if I tried to say otherwise. And inevitably, at some point down the road, I'll drift back to those times again - until something will avert my attention elsewhere... like those LeBron commercials or a Seinfeld rerun... or until I meet some other woman who will affect my everyday life...

... so until then...

Thank god for the remote!!

THE PLEASURE BEACH REUNION

Me & the boys... What... I'm not short... Roll call was hot chicks... where'd Tim come from?? Ya know it's a good party when.... ... you're shit-faced and singin' off key... ... at 3 o'clock in the morning. We can still hang...

Go Sid-ney... It's ya Birth-day

Well today was my birthday - the Big 3-3. To be honest, I don't feel that old. I'm still workin' the 26-28 vibe which hopefully is a good thing. Now on to the next year of my life. Start a new job next week, so that'll change some of the current daily routine. Have a HS reunion in couple months and plenty of volunteer and freelance work to keep me busy.... and hopefully one day.... when I least expect it... a beautiful woman will stop me in my tracks... and from a first look I'll get that giddy vibe... and well... it all starts from there. The only question is when...

Father's Day Letter

For Dad:

I seem to recognize your face

haunting, familiar, yet I can't seem to place it

cannot find the candle of thought to light your name

lifetimes are catching up with me

all these changes taking place,

I wish I'd seen the place

but no one's ever taken me

hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...

hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...

I swear I recognize your breath

memories like fingerprints are slowly raising me,

you wouldn't recall, for I'm not my former

it's hard when, you're stuck upon the shelf

I changed by not changing at all,

small town predicts my fate

perhaps that's what no one wants to see

I just want to scream...

hello...

my god its been so long, never dreamed you'd return

but now here you are, and here I am

hearts and thoughts they fade...away...

hearts and thoughts they fade...away...

from "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town"

lyrics by Eddie Vedder

Thanks to ol' friend who's made this holiday matter

I miss you Dad

Happy Father's Day

I love You

Little League Stories - Vol. 2

Next weekend is the start of the little league season - and lemme tell ya, it couldn't come any sooner. Cuts the boredom factor in half, and that alone makes it tremendous. But the kids, of course are why I even do it. They're just so much fun to hang out with. I love how hard they try - it's great to be around people who's biggest worry is whether or not I'll buy the team sodas after the game...

Remember when life was that simple?

So some kid will get plunked by a fast ball and instantly burst into tears...

The last kid on the first day's practice lap will still be the last kid around at season's end, no matter how hard I tried to make him any faster...

One 12 yr old (or crafty veteran in little league world) will talk smack a bit too much and be quickly humbled by the ball that just went through his legs...

Hopefully a 9 yr old (or rookie in little league world) will hold up his glove high, turn his head, close his eye and magically have the ball land right in the web of his glove - makin' him feel like a superstar, if just for a moment.

And they finally made it a rule to ban curveballs - thank god!! Why they even allowed them in the first place was ridiculous. Kids don't need to be throwing curveballs...

So spring is one it's way - cuz that's when baseball starts. Time to be outside all the time, breathin' the fresh air and hang with my boys out on the diamond...

giddy up!!

SPORTS N' SHIT: "Hot as a pistol"

I saw an unbelievable moment in sports today... one worth talkin' about, that's for sure... Sports geek that I am, I have the luxury of listening to the radio at work, and sports talk is the order of the day - every day. Today, the chatter was all about this autistic high school kid named Jason who went beserk lofting up 3-pointers during his one and only appearance in a HS basketball game...

The footage (just shown on CBS' Nightly News) apparently ran originally sometime in the last week, but because of the overwhelming response, they re-aired it tonight... and man, is it a good show...

The student body up in the bleachers had all these pin-up sticks Jason's mug on it for the last game of the year. It was the coach who, in reward for his dedication to the team as their manager over the years, decided to let Jason 'suit up' for the final game and sit on the bench as a member of the team.

And that's where this footage they show comes in. Late in the game, and on the losing end of a blowout, the coach stands up, turns and unexpectedly points towards Jason to enter the game... and the place goes wild. It was evident the last possessions were designed for one purpose, get Jason the ball and hope he sinks a shot before time runs out...

1st shot - airball

2nd - misses an off balance hook shot

3rd - blows a lay up...

Then, as Jason himself says, he became "hot as a pistol"

And he just starts draining these ridiculous shots. 3 pointers, man! Not cheesy lay-ups with no defenders around... The crowd just goes bananas... it hard not to watch without a tear wellin' up...

He ends up hitting his last 7 shots (including (6) 3-pointers), the last at the buzzer, for a total of 20 points in the last 4:30.... Did I mention the kid's autistic... just unbelievable.... Then, just in case you weren't choked up enough already, the crowd rushes the floor, picks Jason up and he's carried off the court by the delirious student body with his hands in the air triumphantly... The 3 minute piece shows everything that's right with sports. Unfortunately high school home videos like this is where you're most likely to find them in this day and age - but I wouldn't ruin a great story by including the marketing-obsessed professional sports giants and how much they get on my nerves....

Jason spent years giving the team water, towels and enthusiasm... but words can't describe what he gave his teammates that night... It's just a wonderful story...

Last I heard, CBS will also re-air this piece on Sunday Afternoon (Feb 26) during halftime of the Michigan State college hoop game (... whenever that is). So watch it, tape it, TiVo.... whateva ya gotta do, just make sure you see it...

God I love sports...

BACHELOR MOMENT: ...alright Cupid, I'm sorry... I've cooled off...

Ah... Valentine's Day wasn't that bad this year. It's less annoying each post-divorce year, so that's kinda a good thing, right? I just start thinking too damn much on this day...

Talk about a bias holiday. What are all us loser ass single people s'pose to do on this day? Ah well, the Trifecta of Miserable Holidays is now over. I gave my thanks, got the usual bachelor standards for Christmas and got stood up for a Valentine's Day lunch g to round it out. Guess it could be worse...

That damn divorce and all it's lessons. I'm almost tired of them. I mean, I value them immensely, but sometimes I wish I could just be naive and happy and stupid again. It just seemed less complicated. I guess I just need a woman... I mean a good woman... who makes me get all giddy and stupid... and not even care how dorky I may act because of it. I need someone to spark my excitement cuz ...man, am I gettin' bored.

Ya know, about 10 years ago I was living in a bachelor pad with 2 of my boys when very suddenly and unexpectedly, I fell hard for this woman. And while I was smack-dab in the middle of those first butterfly days, I was home alone one afternoon and had the tunes blaring. I believe the song was a dance version of "Sexual Healing"... ya know, the one with the reggae skattin'... Anyway, not the most masculine song for the bachelor pad, but I was dancing on the couch regardless, turnin' the mutha OUT, I tell ya!

I was in such a great mood that when my roommate Jay came home, I turned around admist some sad white man move I probably made up on the fly - he was standing in the doorway saying "Dude.... what the hell are you doin?" Ha, if that happened today, I'd probably freeze in humiliation. But that day, all I could say was:

"Fuck it man, I'm in love!!"... with the biggest smile on my face. I might have even kept dancing there a little bit if I remember correctly. It was such a carefree, confident and genuinely happy moment.

That ain't too much to hope for, is it??

WINTER SUCKS!!

So it's the winter time - man do I hate the fuckin' winter. It's butt-ass cold, lips chapped, skin dry, car takes forever to warm up, grass is dead, trees are naked, no baseball, no beach, no Dairy Queen... I mean, winter just brings me down.

Still another 2 months til Little League starts... at least coaching keeps me busy... and outside, enjoying some fresh air. So what the hell is there to do then? Skiing? No thanks, I'm good. Ice skating... yeah right, what am I? Gay?

Sometimes I wonder why I didn't stay down south when I had the chance - but then I remember that other than the cold, New England is much better. But that don't cheer me up when I'm freezin' my balls off pumping gas!!!

Ah well, maybe if I had a lady I'd be in a better mood...

Maybe if I made more money I'd care less about the cold...

Did I mention the ridiculous price of oil to heat my house?

Alright - I guess there's worst things in the world to get bent outta shape about...

Tommie kicked my ass.... hard!!!

So Christmas night was eventful, or so I was told. The annual gathering of old friends once again took place at my man Adam's house. He and his girl Jill have been hosting the Christmas bender for a few years now.. and I was ready to get my drink on...

The drink of choice for the night... what we like to call a 'Tommie'. Named after the package store clerk who suggested the drink, it's simply a Mike's Hard Lemonade spiked with Absolute Citron. Oh yeah, them's is good!!!

I believe the record for Tommies in 1 night was 3. Set a few months back by some cat whose name I've forgotten. But no worries, he's no longer the record holder anyway... That's right, yours truly almost doubled the record, throwing down 5 1/2. It could been 6, but from what I was told, my hand stopped working 1/2 through my 6th, as I dropped my glass while talking with my man Joe and it was a wrap from there...

Can't say I remember much after the 2nd actually. But word around the campfire is I was quite the entertainer. Apparently I told Jill's mom not to worry about the kids sleeping, as I'd get up with them if I had to (yeah, right) using F-bombs to make my point too. Jill's stepfather was repeatedly pointed out as a "hard ass". I had several conversations I don't even vaguely recall - I even was unaware of who was at the party the next day... Even Adam's attempts to warn me of the Tommies effect was drunkenly shaken off everytime I started anutha...

And not only did I set the Tommie record, I came in 1st place for the nite as well (that's our little term for the most drunk). But it came at a price... let's just say I spent the first 2 hours the next morning crawling back and forth from my bed to the toilet (thank god it was only straight across the hallway). I took a couple breaks, face down on the cold bathroom floor, in between pukes... now that's old school...

Needless to say, New Year's Eve wasn't nearly as interesting. I planned on going to a party, but fell asleep on the couch, waking up around 10, seeing the snow outside, and simply staying in...

Besides, my body couldn't take even a sip of champagne almost a week after the Tommie ass-whoopin'....

The Santa List

So what do I want for Christmas this year? ...hmmm... well:

If Santa was Chuck Woolery, I'd ask for a brunette about 5'5', long hair, curves where they count, soft skin, a bare left ring finger and a gorgeous smile.

If Santa was Mother Nature, I'd ask for sunny and 70* everyday of every year

If Santa was a millioniare, I'd ask him to pony up enough dough to eliminate my debt and buy a house without a mortgage

If Santa was my boss, I'd ask for 52 weeks of paid vacation

If Santa was George Steinbrenner, I'd ask him to get some better pitching for cryin' out loud!!!

If Santa was pornographer, I'd ask to be his cameraman

If Santa was our President, I'd ask for New Orleans and Biloxi to get more of his attention

If Santa was Spike Lee, I'd ask when he's gonna make the Jackie Robinson bio-pic

If Santa was a gardener, I'd ask for a lifetime supply of garlic, broccoli and tomatoes

...and if Santa isn't real - please don't tell Julia, Hannah, Courtney, Anthony, Charlie, Simon, Nicholas or Michael....

because they're what Christmas is all about anyway...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

Lisa Guerrero - What a Jip!!!

So Lisa Guerrero, who used to be the field reporter on Monday Night Football among other TV sporting gigs, was in Playboy this month. And I have to say, I was pretty psyched for this issue, as she is definitely a hottie - an I'm enough of a loser these days to get all excited about it...

BUT what a letdown - she's got fake boobs!!! Damn Hollywood...

She went from a 9 1/2 to about a 6 or 7 on my scale for that one. Yikes - not my deal those damn overly firm racks. Ah well, doesn't make her a bad person....

just doesn't qualify for my ultimate fantasy anymore.

like she cares, right?

Useless Knowledge - Part 1

Did you know:

• Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, who passed away last week, was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid "...show me... sand da floor"
• Lisa Bonet (a.k.a. Denise Huxtable) co-wrote the song "Rosemary" on Lenny Kravitz first album Let Love Rule
• Beastie Boy Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz) was once married to actress Ione Skye, who's most remembered as the recipient of John Cusack's boombox blaring "In Your Eyes" in the Cameron Crowe classic ...Say Anything
• If you subtract Hank Aaron's 755 career home runs from his career hit total, he would still have over 3,000 hits
• Of the 15 albums The Beatles released in the U.S. during their career (1964-1970), 11 of them hit #1 on the charts for a combined 118 weeks. (the other 4 all hit #2)
• ABC's Monday Night Football, which will move to cable next year, is the second longest running primetime network program - behind CBS's 60 Minutes
• Nicolas Cage, who has an uncle named Francis, had a bit role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High under the name Nicolas Coppolla.
• Eagle Eye Cherry has a sister named Neneh, who had a hit in the late 80's with "Buffalo Stance" "...so don't you get fresh with me..."
• The 11 U.S. cities who are home to teams in each of the four major sports are: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Miami, Denver, Phoenix, and Washington D.C.
• Comedian Bob Newhart's 3 network sitcoms were called Bob, Newhart and The Bob Newhart Show
• The Simpsons is a spin-off (actually was a sketch portion) of the FOX variety series The Tracey Ullman Show back in that network's first year of broadcast television.

You are now dumber for having read that

Happy Holidays

10 SIGNS I'M GETTING OLDER

1. My forehead is bigger
2. Pregnant women are sexy
3. I get heartburn like a mutha
4. Interest in today's music is at an all-time low
5. Overall hair maintainence is at an all-time high
6. I'll check out a woman's ass before her boobs now
7. Softball injuries are more frequent and more painful
8. 15-year HS reunion is less than a year away
9. Bouncers stopped carding me
10. Carolyn on The Apprentice is kinda hot

The Thanksgiving Shout Outs

Aahh yeah - Thanksgiving. Football, grubfest, power naps.... uh, I mean... the time of the year to give thanks for what life has brought you. I'd say it's been a good 4 years since I've done the latter, but it's definitely time...Time to reflect on what's gotten me to this thirtysomething point in my life and the incredible people who've touched my life along the way. So with that being said:

I'd like to give thanks to:

• Julia Rae for her infectious giggle and Hannah Nicole for the world's best super-hugs
• Adam & Jill who've open their home to me whenever I didn't want to be alone and to their amazing children Courtney & Anthony for always making me smile no matter how awful I might have been feeling
• to the countless members of my little league team because they gave me a reason to get out of the house when I'd otherwise wallow alone in my own misery.
• my sister Arlene, who keeps me calm when the chaos of the day gets on my last nerve and my brother-in-law John for giving me a oppurtunity to do what I'm best at.
• Steve & Carrie who are always willing to listen, even after those times when I know they wish they hadn't.
• my Mom for understanding the buffer zone without being overbearing.
• my Dad for letting me feel his presence even though he's no longer here.
• Heather for the much needed: "Dude, you need to chill..."
• my main man Eric who onced thanked me for how helpful sharing my experience was to him. It was the first time I thought I might actually be learning from all of this.
• my cutie Katie, who was the ray of sunshine in my once cloudy reality
• Mary Beth for understanding I'll always love her no matter what the hell happens
• Jay Grizz for giving me the blunt brotherly advice whether I wanted to hear it or not.
• Appleby for being the one guy who can make me laugh when I'd least expect to and for continually being such a great friend, even though I wasn't always one in return.
• my extraordinary Aunt Mary, whose unconditional love for her family has given me a re-energized pride in my Portuguese heritage.
• Dino & Meliss for providing me with a stress-free, uncomplicated enviroment complete with long talks and camping trips during the Atlanta Experiment.
• my aunt and uncle Gail & Tony, for exposing me to great music and creative writing during my childhood. Both of which gave me something to occupy my mind when I needed to stop thinkin' so damn much.
• the beautiful Dianne - who's my angel - the calm in my self-induced storm. Without her I wouldn't be who I am today
• Big Joe, for not only tolerating me bending his wife's ear for hours at a clip, but making me laugh so hard it hurt on more than one occasion
• my bad-ass cousin Rich, who provides my weekly adrenaline rush when he's on the racetrack and always makes me feel like I contribute to the team - when I'm really just along for the ride.
• the ball bustin' Andy who makes me want to be funny whenever we hang out and to his beautiful wife Lori who reminds me that it eventually can get better down the road.
• Gina for reaching out despite the risk
• my amazing sister Rachel for caring more than I ever expected after all this time and the wonderful way it's made me feel ever since
• the wonderful Melissa for once telling me "it'll get worse before it gets better" which gave me the optimism I needed during my most dreadful times
• Kate for asking how I felt instead of suggesting what I should do
• Rich & Nancy for being the coolest cats in the neighborhood, always there if I needed something
• Stephanie for taking the time to share her experience with me and listen to mine in return - it gave me my first steps towards understanding things better
• and yes, after all this, I'm genuinely thankful for Michelle, who brought out the best in me - and then the worst - Both of which ultimately gave me a broader perspective, overwhelming humility, unconditional forgiveness and finally a deeper understanding of not only myself, but of her as well...

because whether you understand it or not,

that was what I needed to learn in the first place.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!!

Little League Stories - Vol 1

During an early season practice, I had broken my 12-boy team up into groups. The coaches and I had set up little stations to rotate the kids through. I had the ground ball station. So I took 4 kids, sent 3 of them out a ways, and kept my man Timmy with me to be my catcher.

Timmy was my man. He was 12 that year, so he was big time now. The 'veteran' of the squad - He was our first baseman and he could pitch. He was a lefty, had a good glove, made contact at the plate with some power now and then. But he was stocky kid, and he couldn't run a lick. He was the worst at the running drills we ended each practice with. But he tried like hell...

Anyway, As I was hitting soft grounders to the other 3, I told Timmy...

"listen, my man, you're a leader now. I don't want to see anything get by you here. You're too good for that. You're our first baseman, and even if the throw is in the dirt, it can't get by ya... got it"

"Yeah coach, I got it"

"In fact, everytime that ball gets by you, you owe me a lap"

"Awe man"

"Hey, keep the ball in front of ya, and you won't have to run one"

"OK, coach"

It wasn't too long after that he missed an incoming throw and thud, right off his cheek... instant tears (there's no cryin' in baseball!). It was definitely a stinger though, and I was able to talk him down, asked him where it hurt and made sure he wasn't in any pain. Indeed he was OK, just shaken up a bit...

He took a minute, then got himself back up. He was still crying a little, but he was a tough kid, and didn't want to take a break. I was proud of him. It was refreshing. I mean, it's Little League, not all of the kids have that toughness. So I let him know....

"Hey Timmy, I know that stung a little bit, but ya know what.... the ball didn't get by ya, it's right there in front of ya. You still did your job on defense. I'm proud of ya... I mean, think about Tim - what sucks more - taking a ball to the face or running a lap?"

He took a sniffle, picked up the ball, handed it to me and said....

"Running a lap..."

No Yellow Cheese, Please

So I was on my way to my cousins after work one night and I was thinking about what to do for some dinner. We had some stuff around the shop to get done, and I didn't want to take too long to eat...so ya know, nothing fancy needed. I eat enough fast food when I'm on the road, so I thought maybe I'd mix it up.

My choice wasn't that much healthier, but I thought a nice turkey grinder would do the trick. Stopped at this pizza joint and placed the order:

"Large Turkey, American cheese, lettuce..."

I get this bad boy to go, with a bag of Sun Chips, bottled water - I'm stylin' right? I get to my cousin's and proceed to get my grub on. Unwrap the grinder and then it all went down hill...

They put yellow cheese on the grinder. That's right, good ol' Kraft singles chillin' on my turkey sub. What's the fuckin' deal with that. I got a plenty of that back in the ol' bachelor fridge, I don't need to be paying for someone to give me theirs. That totally ruined my whole grubfest...

Yellow cheese just sucks man!! The processed kind ain't sweetening the deal either!! What a friggin' jip! I mean, seriously: who puts yellow cheese on a turkey grinder!! But whatta ya gonna do - I was starvin' man... so I started eating it anyway. And it just wasn't the same. I couldn't even get through one half of the sub before I called it a wrap.

So is there where we are in this world. Do I have to order a Turkey sub "with white cheese, non-processed please" What the hell man...

Shoulda just went to Mickey D's after all... at least there, I know I'm getting yellow cheese goin' in...

10 WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS

1. Go to the gym
2. Play the drums
3. Read Maxim while you're droppin' a duece
4. Run around the block like you're Forrest Frickin' Gump
5. Scream at the TV whatchin' your team in playoffs
6. Say "MU-tha...FUCK-ah!!"
7. Sing a song with your voice cracklin' and way off-key
8. Shout a couple f-bombs at the jerk who just cut you off
9. Have great sex
10. Fart

BACHELOR MOMENT: The Tongue Sucker

I'll tell ya - Single at 32 couldn't fuckin' blow any worse. Ho-ly Shit Batman!!

I mean, do I really need to have a date end with a woman who can't kiss. What's that all about!! Are ya kidding me? I mean, I'm not asking for much here, am I?... Lame as it sounds, that was how my last date ended a few weeks back - and I can't say I'm chomping at the bit to do that again. I gotta tell ya, 6 back-to-back episodes of Seinfeld on TBS (all of which I've already seen 50 gazillion times) sounds a hell of a lot better on a Friday than getting my tongue sucked....

Ya know, finding the mother of your children isn't easy - and these non-kissers aren't giving me any signals she'll be coming around the mountain anytime soon...

So what the fuck!!!! After dates like this, I have to admit, I start thinking maybe single life ain't all that bad - if only because it's better than these suck ass dates. But of course, that'd mean I wouldn't be having much sex for the rest of my friggin' life - and that just ain't gonna cut it either.

Typically guy right? All about the sex. Believe me, I'm well aware of all the beautiful aspects of a healthy relationship, most of which are more important than sex.

But that's for when you're in love...

which I'm not right now...

so bring on the smokin' hot chicks...

And leave the tongue-suckers at home...

10 REASONS WHY BASEBALL IS BETTER

1. You can't run out the clock
2. You can't double or triple team an opposing offensive threat
3. The defense has the ball
4. It's season is during the best time of year
5. Whether you strike out or hit a grand slam, you have to wait for your other 8 teammates to have an at bat before you can try again.
6. The Little League World Series
7. Double headers (although these won't happen much longer)
8. It's so difficult to play that even Hall of Famers failed 70% of the time they went up to bat.
9. Brush Backs, Chin Music & Purpose Pitches
10. Fat guys can play too...