The newest cd in my office playlist is Alicia Keys - As I Am. At first I was a little bit skeptical and wasn't feeling it as much as her previous discs, but it has really grown on me, and its on full fledged repeat mode in the office. Two thumbs up, but you might have to give it a few spins past the initial listen to let it get to ya.
p.s. Did anyone watch How I Met Your Mother last night? Hilarious. I especially enjoyed the part when they were debating about Canadian Thanksgiving. I laughed really loud all by myself at the house.
p.p.s. It's snowing again. Last night Zeb had to work until 12:30 AM or so. Poor guy. But its early in the "overtime season" so he's not sick of it yet. He woke up and was singing "money money mooonnnneeeyyy" in the shower this morning. Ha.
A long time ago. July I believe, we got a plant. We found it at Costco when Damon was here visiting and it was love at first sight. We sorted through about 10 plants that all looked nearly identical and found this one. The best one. We brought it home and named it "Fenway". We're trying to gradually increase the number of living things in this household. This makes it 4. Me, Zeb, Robinson (the fish, who will be discussed later) and now Fenway. I guess it's weird to name a plant. But.....oh well. What's done is done. It took me forever to find the kind of pot that I wanted to plant Fenway in. Since Zeb was working full days while Damon was here, and I was only on half time, I forced Damon to accompany me in finding the perfect pot. I do feel pretty sorry for him, because I think we spent upwards of a few hours debating in the home/garden section of several retail establishments in Bozeman. But it was all worth it, because Damon was actually the one to finally find this pot and convince me that this was the one. But he was right. Now he knows what Zeb goes through on a very regular basis. Sorry Damon.
Fenway is doing very well in the house, and the odds that we will continue to keep it alive are in our favor.
___________________________________________________________ Late Pass Part 2) The Fish
The fish has not been doing well lately. He got all lethargic, and never wanted to eat. And to make matters worse, Zeb broke his lovely fish shaped living space while washing it.
evidence article 1
evidence article 2
So we were forced to get a new bowl for Robinson. We opted for this larger bowl (about 2 gallons) Along with this interesting decoration. We were hoping he might want to swim through it, you know, give him some extra entertainment. He really seemed to enjoy his plastic grass, so we really thought this would be a hit. But it wasn't. Still just floating at the top, not eating. And no, he wasn't dead. Through much google research, Zeb determined that Robinson was either constipated (huh?) or had a fish mouth rot caused by too cold of water. We bought a beta remedy solution to put in his water to make him healthy, got a smaller bowl (pictured below) for him, and have been trying to keep him water warmer by using an electric heating pad next to the bowl sometimes. He seems to be doing much better. At times we thought about just flushing him and getting a gold fish, but we are very committed to this fish. So, I would say that his odds are looking better everyday. Keep your fingers crossed. So there you have it, I know I need a late pass for my late pass this week, but it's finally here. Make sure you share your own late pass information too!!!
Okay, a lot has gone on in Yankeeland since the season ended, so I figured it was time for a quick recap with my commentary.
A-Rod out. maybe? This is the best news to me EVER. I rejoiced. I did the fist pump. No, better yet, I did the mini lunge-triple fist pump-80's guitar leg kick. Take that. Management said, goodbye A-Rod and vowed to not negotiate with him, and the spawn of satan Scott Boras. And now they tell me he might be back in? NO. It's almost enough to make me shun the yankees. It's almost too much for me to handle. I'm getting an ulcer just thinking about it. I mean....i did the mini lunge-triple fist pump-80's guitar leg kick. You can't take that shit back.
Joe Torre out. It was inevitable, so I'm not that stressed. It's weird to see him with the Dodgers, but I hope he does well for himself and I wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees/Torre grudge match in the '08 World Series. Would make for some good media right?
Joe Girardi in. Yes. This guy was my top pick. He is a GREAT yankees, and he was with all the important teams that won back in the day. Back in the Tino Martinez, Chuck Knoblauch, Wade Boggs, Paul O'Neill, David Cone perfect game day. I see great things in the future.
Posada and Rivera get offers they might accept & Pettite says its the Yankees or Retirement? Great, this is all going in the direction that I like. I've said before that I think Posada is the biggest priority of this off season. Keep him, and somehow manage to hang on to our young pitching prospects and we're golden. GOOOOOLLLDEN.
So in closing, I leave you with this image. And I hope it's enough to ward off his evil presence with the Yankees. P.S. Go to http://www.arod.com/ and try not to vomit. I dare you.
Yesterday was the first day that it really snowed. We had a little bit of snow in september, but it didn't stay long and it happened on the weeekend, when I could just close my eyes and stay in bed until it went away. Yesterday I actually had to drive in it. I detoured from my normal snow route to work (which is the straightest and slowest possible path) and almost hit a light post. So much for detours. When i got to work I decided to deviate from my strict "no christmas music until thanksgiving policy" and brought out the mythical Christmas Mix. I promised myself I would only listen to it once through, but I ended up listening twice. I'm weak - what can I say? Will any of you admit to pulling out the christmas music yet?
Once again, I appologize for my lateness in last week's recap post. I was on the road, without my laptop, but I luckily did get a chance to catch the episode on Thursday night. Jim was such a douchebag in that episode. I get the point that he was "turning into Michael" but Michael is so much funnier, even when hes a jerk. Jim just came across as a jerk. Lame. I get that the writers are trying to build up all this new character stuff, but come on, if this writers strike doesn't end soon, we'll be stuck with all the build up, and no payoff. Michael as survivor man was hilarious, I'm pretty sure I've never seen them make their pants into shorts, and then back into pants again on any of those shows. great stuff. Also, Dwight still just seems off to me. Not the normal Dwight especially from seasons 1 and 2. Anyone else with me?
So I know we've been doing a lot of talking on the comments section on another post about this, but I thought it would be good to get a new place going for this discussion. Here are some links I found related to the writers strike that could soon be wreaking havoc on our lives. My top 3 television priorities are in rank order 1) The Office 2)Friday Night Lights & 3) How I Met Your Mother. In contrast to previous years, this does not include any reality TV. I can't go back to the old way. I must have new episodes of my shows. Here are a few links that you might find interesting regarding the strike (a.k.a. The Great Office Tragedy of 2007) I might try to get Gal to guest blog in the future to provide more commentary as necessary. Meanwhile, we'll just rely on her providing lengthy descriptions in the comments section.
Allegedly (if you read that first link) this is the last new episode that is ready to air, until the writers come back. Savor it. It could end up being the season finale..?!?!? Apparently I may not be typing this again anytime soon....but...here goes......Next week on The Office:
THE DEPOSITION 9/8c TV14 11.15.2007 SUE CRAZY IN THE OFFICE--Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) finds himself between a rock and a hard place when Jan (Melora Hardin) sues Dunder Mifflin and Michael is deposed as a witness. Meanwhile, Kelly (Mindy Kaling) trash-talks Pam (Jenna Fischer) after Darryl (Craig Robinson) beats Jim (John Krasinski) at ping-pong. Rainn Wilson, B.J. Novak, Leslie David Baker, Ed Helms, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Paul Lieberstein, and Creed Bratton also star. -->
My blogging is so sad lately. I promise that I will get back in the game soon though. Here are some ideas that I have for upcoming blogs, and just some random news:
I got a new phone. It's orange.
My recent hair cut "experience"
MSU Women's Basketball Season just got started this last week.
My dad is coming to Montana for Christmas!
Yankees news update (Manager Drama, A-Rod, all that)
My new initiative to get Gal blogging.
Fish update. Robinson might be on his last legs.
What is Zeb doing now that baseball season is over?
There is only one thing that I have to say about last night's episode, and that is:
Wanted: Middle-aged black man with sass. Big butt, bigger heart....
Up next week is:
SURVIVOR MAN 9/8c TV14 11.08.2007 INTO THE WOODS-SPECIAL GREEN WEEK EPISODE - After Ryan (B.J. Novak) excludes Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) from a corporate wilderness retreat, Michael heads into the woods for his own survival adventure with nothing but the suit on his back. Back at work, Jim (John Krasinski) tries to revolutionize the office birthday party. Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey, Kate Flannery, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.
I found last night's episode slightly disturbing. Michael was just such a jerk! How great was Daryl's Dunder Mifflin-Scranton theme song, and everyone signing together...come on! I'm convinced THAT commercial would have won over coporate, and frankly, I just wanted to see the full version of that song finished. GREAT. I was so annoyed with Michael. Also, started to see some slight hints at trouble in PB&J-land. Uh oh. So soon? Poor Jim had to ride home with Meredith. She probably sexually assaulted him. The only other thing I have to say is, "OH D"
Here is what we have to look forward to next week:
BRANCH WARS9/8c TV1411.01.2007 BATTLE OF THE BRANCHES - RASHIDA JONES ("Boston Public") GUEST STARS - When Karen (guest star Rashida Jones) tries to woo Stanley (Leslie David Baker) away from Scranton, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) fights back, dragging her ex, Jim (John Krasinski), into his war. Meanwhile, the existence of a "Finer Things Club" further disturbs Dunder Mifflin's calm. Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, B.J Novak, Ed Helms, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.
Word Roundup is potentially the greatest work game ever. It is quick, and there is only one game a day so it is impossible to waste hours worth of time on it (well that can be seen as both a positive and a negative) Here at my work we all compete to score the best word-roundup time of the day. I'm trying to institute some sort of policy like, whoever wins word-roundup for the day gets to leave an hour early. Check it out, and let me know you like it.
My appologies, I forgot to post on "The Office" last week, and now I kind of forget the memorable moments. Looks like the old Dwight might be back though? Feel free to comment if you have anything you need to get off your chest about last week *cough* GAL *cough*
Here is a look at what we can expect for tomorrow, back to half hour episodes.
LOCAL AD 9/8c TV14 10.18.2007 THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ADVERTISING - When the Scranton branch is asked to participate in a Dunder Mifflin ad, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) seizes his chance to exhibit his creativity. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) explores the online world of Second Life. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star. -->
In the name of parity on on the blog, I suggested that Zeb post a blog on the Red Sox. He declined my suggestion, but he did agree to give a rare interview on the topic. Enjoy. My notes are in italics.
HAE: Your Red Sox just won the ALCS…give us an idea of where your head is at right now? ZBE: In the land of joy. I can’t believe my boys did it. It had to have been the cards (Zeb's newest ritual of displaying baseball cards of the entire team in front of the TV during the game, also, I'm not allowed to touch the remote during a game, for any reason), it had to have been the soxtober shirt (an iron on sweatshirt that I fabricated for Zeb, pictured above), it had to be Heather rooting for the sox (I was not technically rooting for the Sox...maybe a little, but only because when they lose it is really unfortunate to be around Zeb, it was really all about self preservation.) It all just came together today.
HAE: Can we talk about your superstitions? What are they, how do they work & how do you know when to use them? ZEB: I have a supersition about everytime the pitcher gets behind in the count, I have to rub my knuckles together until they even the count. I had to bring out the 2007 team baseball cards and I set them up by the TV in batting order. I always put the starting pitcher in the leadoff spot, because the pack didn’t come with Dustin Pedroia, and I always end with Paplebon. That has been some good vibes. When we’re hitting, and when the count is even, and if I’m sitting down, I always put my left leg up on my right, and then I switch legs. If that doesn’t work, I lay down on the couch, and same thing if laying down isn’t working. I always wear the shirt of the pitcher. I don’t have a Beckett shirt, or a Wakefield shirt, so I wear either the American Leauge East shirt or the Manny Ramirez shirt on those days. I never wear a hat during the game.
HAE: Give us your highs and lows of the ALCS? ZBE: The first low is when Trot Nixon hit the double in the 11th inning of the 2nd game. That pissed me off, and they pretty much opened up and took the next two games from us. Even when we were losing, I just keep thinking we’ve done it before, we can do it again. I really just wanted the team to get it back to Fenway, because I knew we could win both games there if we had the chance. Definitely the first high is watching Beckett dominate in his two starts. How dominante he was against the powerful Indians lineup was magical. Watching our lineup destroy C.C. and Fausto was amazing to see.
HAE: What is the turning point of this series that sticks out in your mind? ZBE: Probably Beckett’s game 5 start, and the fact that he was just a force to be reconed with. Ryan Garko made his comments, and it really did wake up the giants in Fenway. That same game you have Beckett and his competitive edge against Kenny Lofton. Lofton should have been respecting the game more, and Beckett wasn’t afraid to let him know. HAE: What are the great individual player performances of this post season? ZBE: Game 7 Dustin Pedroia. He hit a 2 run homer, a 3 run double after all the crap the media talked about how much he was struggling. He came back and he’s batting well over .300 now. You have Kevin Youk. Everyone was talking about Peralta and all that he was doing, but Youk flew under the radar. He had 3 homers and a batting average of over .500. How does he do it?
HAE: Speaking of your superstitions again, do you have any new plans for the World Series? ZBE: I’m going to the World Series. (doubtful)
HAE: Can you talk a little bit about the loud clap? ZBE: I don’t have a loud clap. (Yes he does, very loud) It’s more or less just my fan clap that I have when I want someone to do good. It could be a 2-clap, or it could be a fast series of claps, but it has to all keep the same tone (yeah, the same tone, LOUD).
HAE: The Colorado Rockies have been hot, are you worried? ZBE: Nope. HAE: Give us your predictions for the World Series? Keys to victory for Boston? ZBE: I definitely think that our 3 and 4 starters need to pound the strike zone and let the defense take over. Keeping the bottom of our lineup hot and getting on base will be huge. Keeping Jacoby in there I think is definitely a smart decision. Prediction is Boston in 5.
HAE: In 2004 you threatened to sell your Honda Civic and fly to Boston, do we have anything to be worried about this year? ZBE: We have enough in savings to take care of it. (not hardly)
NEW YORK -- Joe Torre is out as manager of the New York Yankees, rejecting a substantial pay cut after the team failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Torre turned down a $5 million, one-year contract Thursday -- $2.5 million less than he made last season.
Rather than put up with the indignity of a salary slap coupled with a performance-based contract, the man who led the Yankees to playoff appearances in all 12 years he managed walked.
"A difficult day," general manager Brian Cashman said. Bench coach Don Mattingly is the leading contender to replace Torre, who won four World Series championships with the Yanks but none since 2000. Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi, the NL manager of the year with Florida in 2006, is another top contender.
Most Yankees fans could see this day coming. After losing the first two playoff games to Cleveland, owner George Steinbrenner said he didn't think Torre would be asked back if the Yankees didn't advance.
The 67-year-old Torre, who took over the team to start the 1996 season, made his decision after traveling from New York to the team's spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., and meeting with Steinbrenner, the owner's sons and top executives for about an hour. He was accompanied by Cashman and chief operating officer Lonn Trost.
New York's offer included $3 million in bonuses if the Yankees reached next year's World Series and an $8 million option for 2009 that would have become guaranteed if New York won the AL pennant.
Torre just completed a $19.2 million, three-year contract. The Chicago Cubs' Lou Piniella was the second highest-paid manager at $3.5 million.
"Under this offer, he would continue to be the highest-paid manager in major-league baseball," team president Randy Levine said. "We thought that we need to go to a performance-based model, having nothing to do with Joe Torre's character, integrity or ability. We just think it's important to motivate people."
It appeared to be an offer designed to be rejected. Scott Boras, the agent for Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, said players would have interpreted an acceptance by Torre as weakness. "It is difficult, near impossible, to accept a salary cut," Boras said. "Successful people can afford their principles. They understand if they accept the position, there is a great risk the message to all under him is dissatisfaction."
Torre called Cashman on Tuesday and asked to meet with the 77-year-old Steinbrenner and the owners' sons, Hal and Hank, who have taken an increased role in recent months. They spent an hour together, and then Torre was gone.
Torre led the Yankees to 10 AL East title, but they have gone without a Series championship in the last seven and haven't reached it since 2003.
With 2,067 regular-season wins, Torre is eighth on the career list and was third among active managers behind Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals (2,375) and Bobby Cox (2,255) of the Atlanta Braves. Torre's four World Series titles are likely to earn him a place in the Hall of Fame -- every manager with three or more has been inducted.
Torre's was the longest uninterrupted term for a Yankees manager since Casey Stengel held the job for 12 years from 1949-60. Stengel was pushed out, too, let go after his team lost a seven-game World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Under Torre, the Yankees went 1,173-767. He trails only Joe McCarthy (1,460) for wins among Yankees managers. "This has been a great 12 years. Whatever the hell happens from here on out, I'll look back on these 12 years with great, great pleasure," Torre said after his final game, his voice quavering as he tried to avoid choking up. "The 12 years just felt like they were 10 minutes long, to be honest with you."
He wouldn't address his future. "If I have some options, I'll look at it because I'm certainly not ready to move somewhere and not do anything," the New Yorker said.
When Torre succeeded Buck Showalter, the Yankees had not won the World Series since 1978, the longest drought since the team's first title in 1923. It was the 20th change in manager following Steinbrenner's purchase of the franchise in 1973.
Torre never had much success as a manager before landing in New York, and many predicted he would be gone in no time. But he turned out to be a rock and a buffer to the blustery Steinbrenner. He was calm, stoic and brought an unprecedented period of stability to a team accustomed to constant turmoil.
The Brooklyn native was a former NL MVP and a nine-time All-Star. Before joining the Yankees, he had unsuccessful managing stints with the Braves, Cardinals and New York Mets -- the three clubs he played for. When the Yankees hired him, one New York paper dubbed him "Clueless Joe."
But New York won the World Series in 1996, led by a group that included Bernie Williams, rookie Derek Jeter, setup man Mariano Rivera, Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez. With catcher Jorge Posada added in, they won the Series from 1998-2000, the first team to win three straight since the Swingin' Oakland A's of 1972-74, and advanced to Game 7 of the Series in 2001, when they failed to hold a ninth-inning lead at Arizona.
Since then, despite baseball's largest payroll, there has been only frustration: a first-round loss to the Anaheim Angels in 2002, a World Series defeat to the Florida Marlins in 2003 and a painful exit the following year, when they allowed the Boston Red Sox to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the AL Championship Series.
They lost to the Angels in five games in the first round in 2005, were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers last year and were knocked out by the Cleveland Indians this year. Communication between Torre and Steinbrenner deteriorated in 2005, and it wasn't clear that Torre would return for 2006 until after the pair met in Tampa. Steinbrenner meddled less with the team the past two seasons -- even during a 21-29 start this year -- giving almost unprecedented authority to Torre and Cashman.
Mattingly became the Yankees' bench coach this year following three seasons as hitting coach. A six-time All-Star and a former AL MVP, he starred for the team from 1982-95 and is a fan favorite whose No. 23 was retired by the Yankees in 1997.
"Don is reserving comment, at this time, out of respect to Joe Torre," Mattingly's agent, Ray Schulte, told 1050 ESPN New York.
Girardi is a Torre protege who kept a young Florida team in contention until late in the 2006 season with a no-nonsense approach.
I thought "Launch Party", or should I say, Lunch Party, was a great episode. Here are my key points for this week:
Loved Dwight VS. The Computer. "What is a Jim?"
Andy asking Angela out in song?!? This could make for some serious office drama. I'm afraid Dwight might go crazy if Angela starts dating Andy. But you have to admit it was pretty cute!! What is his acapella group called? Here Comes Trebble?
Michael kidnapping the pizza boy?!
Meredith's crotch cast?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! So wrong.
What were your favorite moments?
This week on "The Office":
MONEY 9/8c TV14 10.18.2007 EASY COME, EASY GO - As Jan (Melora Hardin) renovates the condo, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) confronts his growing debt every way he can, which includes pressuring his employees for a loan. Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim (John Krasinski) spend a night out on Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) family farm, now a bed and breakfast. B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Paul Lieberstein, Mindy Kaling, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.
I found this shirt at Old Navy in the kids halloween section. Pretty Awesome. This is pretty much how I feel about baseball right now. Sometimes I wear this shirt when the Red Sox play, and I think it might jinx them.
I know its not usually acceptable to brag about a birtday present you got someone, but for Damon's birthday we got him some things that I felt the blog community would really appreciate. First of all is the "Listen Up." This is the "as seen on TV" device that helps you eves drop on people. If you've seen the commercials you know exactly what I'm talking about. Damon, we are expecting a full product review! Does it actually work? And secondly, but certainly not least is the "world's best boss" mug. As pictured, Damon proudly uses this at work. Awesome.
Yeah, go ahead, Defend A-Rod all you want, but would you want him on your team? And, before you answer whole heartedly yes, take a look at the status of his previous teams. With all of his inflated numbers he has never been able to bring playoff success. You really want that? Well, you can have it. And I hope he opts out of his contract and you get it. Although I really don't think that will happen.
The good news is that last night the Yankees finally got their bats going. Little Philly Hughes (pictured above) was the hero of the night with a stellar long relief performance. For another day, A-Rod escapes my ridicule, and I give him the benefit of the doubt once again. The game is on tonight at 5:30 my time, I'm working on my superstitions already.
Today is potentially A-Rod's last shot to redeem himself to New York Yankee fans. In an attempt to give him a fair shot to prove himself, I am taking down my photos. In the case that A-Rod continues to choke, I will re-post them. But, hopefully, I will be able to make a post celebrating a big Yankees win tonight.
Getting back to my regular schedule: this is "The Office" Friday. And there is pleanty to catch up on:
Kevin - As noticed in the season opener, Kevin is really coming into his own. What about him giving Ryan the Temp a noogie?
Ryan the Temp - Douchebag. Thats all I have to say. But does anyone else have the distinct feeling that he is about to ruin Dunder Mifflin as we know it?
Jim & Pam - How cute are they? We'll see how long this can go on before it starts becoming annoying. Also, how did Pam get this reputation as the office sluzy? Can you believe Phyllis?
Toby - I think this episode was a clear message to fans like Gal who actually like Toby. He is a jerk, he is not supposed to be liked.
Kelly telling Ryan the Temp that shes pregnant. Loved it.
Dwight is getting just a little bit boring to me...I hope he gets back to his usual outlandish ways soon...anyone else?
Coming next week on "The Office":
LAUNCH PARTY9/8c TV14 10.11.2007 THE WORLDWIDE WEB - The Dunder Mifflin Infinity website is launching and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is excited about going to the big launch party in New York while Angela (Angela Kinsey) plans a satellite party for the Scranton branch. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) competes against the website to see who can sell the most paper in one day. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Melora Hardin, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton, and Craig Robinson also star.
The newest cd in my office playlist is Alicia Keys - As I Am. At first I was a little bit skeptical and wasn't feeling it as much as her previous discs, but it has really grown on me, and its on full fledged repeat mode in the office. Two thumbs up, but you might have to give it a few spins past the initial listen to let it get to ya.
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