162 Games Later, What Did We Learn?

Well, my St Louis Cardinals wrapped up the long season yesterday with another win to finish at 86-76, 11 1/2 games behind the first place Cubbies. We didn't make the playoffs, but what did we learn?

* We learned that Albert Pujols doesn't mail anything in. He won NL Player of the Week the last week of the season. Pujols posted a .588 (10-for-17) batting average with three home runs and 10 RBI last week. He homered in three consecutive games from September 25-27.

* We learned the Cardinals don't mail anything in, even when they're out of it. They completed a 6-game win streak, a season high, with the win on Sunday. Too little, too late though.

* We learned you can't count on injured arms as they hoped Chris Carpenter, Matt Clement and Mark Mulder all would be in the rotation by mid-season. Um... nope. they combined for 0 wins.

* We learned once again that the most important role on the team is more often than not the closer role as there were 31 blown saves and 31 losses by the bullpen. Unbelievable as that may seem (see above that we were 11 1/2 games out of 1st).

* We learned that we had a pretty decent makeshift rotation anyway as Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer, Adam Wainwright and Braden Looper all won at least 11 games.

* We learned that Albert Pujols is somehow still improving. For the first time in his eight-season career, Pujols had at least 100 walks, runs scored and RBI in the same season. In his first six seasons, Pujols had 100 RBIs and 100 runs before he finished with just 99 runs last year. He had never walked 100 times until 2008.

* We learned that Ryan Ludwick is just the man to protect Albert in the line-up. He finished at .299 with 37 HR and 113 RBI and played in his first All-Star game.

* We learned if Rick Ankiel stays healthy, he can be a star. Despite playing in only 120 games he whacked 25 HR and drove in 71 runs.

* We learned that Troy Glaus (.270 - 27 HR - 99 RBI) for Scott Rolen (.262 - 11 HR - 50 RBI) was a pretty damn good deal for us. Troy should get a Gold Glove as well.

* We learned that the Card's minor leagues are finally getting stocked again after being very thin for years. Outfielder Daryl Jones and right-hander Jess Todd were selected as the Cardinals' 2008 Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year. Jones, 21, combined to bat .316 with 13 homers, 24 stolen bases and a .407 on-base percentage between Class A Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield. Todd, 22, climbed three levels in his second professional season, going a combined 8-6 with a 2.88 ERA. Opponents hit just .213 against him in 28 games between Palm Beach, Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. Youngsters like Chris Perez, Jason Motte and Kyle McClellan, the Cardinals' 2008 Rookie of the Year all showed huge potential in the bullpen.

* We learned that we probably let the extremely popular Jim Edmonds walk at the right time as he hit just .178 in 26 games for San Diego before going to the Cubs where he hit .256, but at least found some power with 19 HR in 85 games. He finished at .235 overall and 82 strikeouts in just 340 at-bats.

* We learned that letting J.D. Drew walk a few years ago was still a smart move as he only played in 109 games for Boston this year. He hit .211 post All-Star break as they tried to stay in the playoff race.

Adding This To My Bucket List

Why does it seem like my Bucket List is filling up with things associated with beer and Playboy bunnies? I guess because it is, of course in addition to sky diving and spending 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. Well here's another addition. An Austrian holiday resort offers guests the chance to swim in a pool containing 42,000 pints of beer. Tell me some drunk didn't come up with that one!

What could possibly make this any cooler (other than the previously mentioned playmates)? How about the fact that it's in a freakin' medieval castle! The Starkenber Beer Myth resort located at the medieval castle of Starkenberger in Austria's Tyrol region filled seven 13-foot long pools with beer.

Management contends that beer baths heal various skin diseases. Consisting of dark beer, enriched with active beer yeast and dehydrated crushed herbs, the beer bath delivers detoxifying, regenerative and softening benefits to your skin through the wide range of vitamins proteins and sugar contained in beer yeast.

Homer Simpson said it best, "Beer... is there's anything it can't do?"

I wonder exactly how many pints it would take to fill up my hot tub?

Movie Review: Eagle Eye

Two strangers (Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monaghan) are thrown together by mysterious phone calls from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes them into a series of increasingly dangerous situation, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country's most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening

As I expected from the trailer, this was just pretty much an absurd techno-thriller, playing on the whole "big brother is watching you" and "machines are going to take over the world" theme that's been done plenty of times.

The good news is that despite it's complete absurdity, it's very fast paced, has a lot of action and is actually pretty darn entertaining once you unhinge your brain. It feels like a Michael Crichton film that should have starred a young Harrison Ford maybe, but that's not to say LeBeouf isn't an extremely competent and likable actor in his own right. I think he's good in this role and teams well with Monaghan while Billy Bob Thornton is also great in a supporting role.

It does start out suspenseful until it becomes too complicated for it's own good and actually just gets downright silly, but I still enjoyed it in a big ole popcorn movie sort of way. It's a derivative, high tech, paranoid, sci-fi thriller full of chases and explosions that gives the Die Hard series a sense of realism.

6.5/10

New AC/DC Video

I'm starting to get pretty geeked for the new AC/DC CD, Black Ice, which hits stores on October 20th. It this first song is indication, it's gonna be rockin'. Exactly what I'd expect from the Aussies. I hope their tour ends up stopping here too, although it's not on the early dates.

Here's the video for Rock 'N Roll Train:

Sunday Funnies

Paul Newman Was Definitely Cool

According to wire reports: Legendary film star Paul Newman, whose brilliant blue eyes, good looks and talent made him one of Hollywood's top actors over six decades, has died at age 83 after a long battle with cancer.

Wow. When I was growing up (and still to this day actually) Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were 2 of my favorite films. When Luke says "Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand", there was nobody cooler on the planet. I even tried to eat 50 eggs once. I only feel 47 short, which is about the same distance I fell short of Luke's coolness come to think of it.

R.I.P. Paul and thanks for some great memories. I'm digging out some DVDs for the weekend viewing now.

My 10 Favorite Paul Newman Movies

10. Absence of Malice
9. Road to Perdition
8. The Verdict
7. Hombre
6. The Color of Money
5. The Hustler
4. Slap Shot
3. The Sting
2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
1. Cool Hand Luke

Yankees Building Vacation Stadium In The Hamptons

The new facility will be an intimate beachfront stadium where the Yankees can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Concert Review: Paul Thorn

Tupelo, Mississippi may be most notable as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but the musician from there that I'm sure is actually still alive, doesn't dress like an idiot and I love to go see is Americana singer/songwriter Paul Thorn. He was at The Rev Room in Little Rock last night and I saw him for probably the 10th time (not entirely sure as I've sort of lost count). He does a lot of acoustic tours but last night he had the full band in tow and as usual, he didn't disappoint me.

Paul's music is a mix of blues and rock with a dash of country and a sprinkle of gospel thrown in for good measure. He entertains between songs with some witty storytelling and intros on a good night, in his slow southern drawl, with a huge smile on his face and usually some laughter. It's a pretty infectious show that will have anybody toe-tapping, laughing and singing along. If you've never seen him before or listened to his music, I highly recommend it. It's like a big ole Mississippi tent revival.



Set-List:

* Heart With 4-Wheel Drive
* Double Wide Paradise
* Fabio & Liberace
* I'm Still Here
* Crutches
* Starvin' for Your Kisses
* Rise Up

At this point, the band leaves Paul alone on the stage and he plays a few songs solo while telling stories and talking about his wife and daughters. At some point he gives a funny story about some woman at a show who asked him to kiss her on the cheek, but pulled the ole turn her head and got some lip instead, even going for tongue. Another song intro had him talking about working for over 10 years in a chair factory, but now getting to do what he loves.

He played these alone next:

* I Want You To Love On Me
* No Place I'd Rather Be
* When The Long Road Ends
* Resurrection Day (band joins)



During "Resurrection Day" the band joins him back on stage and by the end of it, they begin to crank it up again, full band. There are some major sing-a-longs during this portion, with the majority of the crowd knowing all the lyrics and Paul having only 2 members doing backing vocals for several songs that are done by choirs on the CDs. Most notably to really get that Pentecostal tent revival feeling going in the room are "What Have You Done" and "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand". After all, Paul is the son of a preacher so what would you expect?

* Everybody Wishes
* What Have You Done To Lift Somebody Up
* Woman to Love
* Long Way From Tupelo
* I Have A Good day
* Ain't Love Strange
* Mission Temple Fireworks Stand

A quick break and faux goodnight leaving the crowd screaming for more, but it's not long before Paul returns by himself and begins to play. By the 2nd song the full band is back again as they bring it on home.

* Lover's Vacation
* Something Out There
* Mood Ring

I loved the set list, but as usual when there is an artist who I like so much and know all of their stuff, there were omissions that I really wanted to hear despite having heard him play them many times. I guess my top 4 would be the left off songs "Burn Down The Trailer Park", "800 Pound Jesus", "Hammer and Nail" and "It's A Great Day To Whup Somebody's Ass". Despite those missing, I always love to hear "Mood Ring" and "I Have A Good Day", both favorites of mine. He played a bit heavy on the new CD, which is the point of touring of course, I just always want the oldies too. So I guess I would have been happier with about another hour of music. He's just such a great performer. Seek him out!



Here's you a bonus video for "Long Way To Tupelo" so you can see a preview of his live show:

Wooo It's Friday!

What a wild Thursday to kick off the weekend a day early. Crazy last at-bat pennant race games and the team I thought was unbeatable, #1 USC, getting beat by a team with a losing record, Oregon State. What a wild night of sports! Nothing quite as fun as sitting in a pub with a bunch of perfect strangers high-fiving and cheering a team you really care nothing about to beat the #1 team in the country. But who couldn't cheer for a team with the nickname "Beavers" I ask you? Nobody that's who. Fear the beaver!!

Also, I went to a North Coast Brewery beer tasting/dinner last night at The Flying Saucer and had some tasty brews from the California brewers paired with some good food. Never a bad way to spend a Thursday night of course, but on top of that I even got to walk just across the street afterward to The Rev Room and see one of my favorite country/folk/gospel singer/songwriters, a Mr. Paul Thorn. I'll try to post a review tonight of that show, but I will say North Coast Brewery makes some damn fine beers and the Saucer did a great job of pairing them with delicious food as we started with a nice stew, followed by some wonderful smoked salmon and rice, then ending with a great cheesecake. It's a good thing we had lots of food too as the beers were mostly pretty high alcohol ones. Tom Allen from North Coast was there to guide us through them and talk about how they were made, some brewery history and even how the beers got their names. Very informative and tasty evening. Here's what we had:

* Red Seal Ale (American Ale)
* Scrimshaw Pilsner (Pilsner Style... tastes a bit like a pale ale actually)
* Old Rasputin (Russian Imperial Stout... very rich & complex)
* Pranqster (Belgian Style Golden Ale)
* Le Merle (Belgian Style Saison)
* Brother Tehlonious (Belgian Style Abbey Ale)

North Coast Brewery just moved WAY up my list of favorite breweries for the record.

Anywho... back to the weekend! 3 new films opening wide today in the ole theaters:

Eagle Eye

The Plot: Two strangers (Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan) become the pawns of a mysterious woman they have never met, but who seems to know their every move. Realizing they are being used to further her plot for a political assassination, they must work together to outwit the woman before she has them killed.
My Thoughts: LeBouf and director D.J. Caruso are the ones responsible for Disturbia last year, a film I thought was just OK, and this looks like another thriller with a terrorism twist. Might be good.



Miracle at St. Anna

The Plot: A murder committed by post-office worker Hector Negron in 1984 sets in motion an investigation that ties back to the experiences of a battalion of black American soldiers who became trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII.
My Thoughts: I wasn't a big fan of director Spike Lee until I saw Inside Man, which I really like. The previews for this look interesting.



Nights in Rodanthe

The Plot: A doctor (Richard Gere) who is traveling to see his estranged son sparks with an unhappily married woman (Diane Lane) at a North Carolina inn
My Thoughts: Oh hell no. This just screams CHICK FLICK! I mean it's even based on a book by Nicholas Sparks, as if I need more of a reason to avoid it. Unless this is actually about Godzilla's old friend Rodan, I'm skipping it. I can barely watch this trailer without puking on myself.

Geek Got a Birthday Coming Up?

If that special geek in your life (hey, I'm not knocking geeks... hell I am one!) has a birthday coming up then you need to take a peek at some of the awesome birthday cakes on this website. Star Wars, Pac-Man (the video game, not the Dallas Cowboy's thug), Star Trek and Rubik's Cube all make a tasty appearance. My only problem if I got one of these is I'd hate to cut it up. Too bad I can't have my cake and eat it too. That's always been my goal in life.

Check it out here: Web Urbanist

Random Comics

McCains Economic Plan: Everyone Marry A Beer Heiress

John McCain pointed to his personal success in marrying a wealthy beer heiress to prove how the plan could benefit every American.

Walk In The Woods

Just in case you think all I do is lay around and watch sports and movies, drink beer and read the occasional book, I thought I'd post some pictures I took Monday on a little hike to Pinnacle Mountain. I mean sure, that stuff is what I do most of the time, I will admit, but I did ride 17 miles on my bike Saturday morning and climb the mountain also in addition to getting in couple of good runs and doing some yard work. So get off my back already. I do enjoy taking pictures as well.

See if you can find the hawk in the 2nd pic. When you're hiking and the hawks are flying below you, you know you're starting to get up there.

Of note, central Arkansas is loaded with deer. This is evident by the fact that I saw 4 deer (about 40 feet from me) during my bike ride and 2 more deer Monday just about 30 yards from me off the trail. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a deer around these parts. Why you would be swinging a dead cat is a bit beyond me anyway.

Fall Is In The Air

You know how I know it's Fall? No, not the new TV shows. Not the leaves turning. Not the baseball playoffs. Not even the cool nights. When I open my fridge and see this staring back at me I know it's officially Fall:


2 nice pumpkin ales and a couple of Octoberfest brews smiling back at me is the official signal. Let Fall begin.

Hey, check out the poll over there to the right. Quite a dual between Mcain and Obama going on. Be sure and vote! This is worth like 2 electoral votes! No seriously. It is.

New stuff coming out today:

* Jackson Browne ~ Time The Conqueror CD

* Everlast ~ Love, War and The Ghost of Whitey Ford CD

* Plain White T's ~ Big Bad World CD

* Cold War Kids ~ Loyalty to Loyalty CD

* Sex And The City DVD (movie)

* Leatherheads DVD (George Clooney old-time football flick)

* Two and A Half Men Season 4 DVD

* CSI: NY Season 4 DVD

* Friday The 13th: The Series Season 1 DVD

* Mother of Tears DVD (part 3 of Dario Argento "Three Mothers" series... horror/fantasy)

New Tesla Video

Tesla's new video for the song "I Wanna Live" from their upcoming CD Forever More. I still love this guys. I just saw them live a little over a year ago and they still rock with a lot of energy for old geezers like me.

Rockin' Rocktoberfest

The 2008 version of Little Rocktoberfest on Saturday night was pretty cool. The location this year was much better than last year as instead of an old armory it was outside at the fantastic Dickey-Stephens baseball park. Great selection of beer as local brewers Vinos, Diamond Bear and Boscos were all in the hizzay plus local brewers hawking their own stuff and also national breweries New Belgium and Boulevard brought their liquid to the party. Decent food too as I personally woofed down multiple brats and potato salad to insure my beer sampling didn't get too out of hand. Good crowd, live music, unlimited beer and food... what's not to like. I look forward to next year's already.

Here's a few we tried to look out for:

* New Belgium Abbey Grand Cru
* New Belgium Giddy Up! (tastes way too much like coffee for me)
* Boulevard Saison
* Boulevard The Sixth Glass
* Boulevard Long Strange Tripel
* Boulevard Double-Wide IPA (my personal favorite of the night)

And believe it or not, I'm actually tired of watching sports. Yes, I said it. Between all the football over the weekend, the Cards vs Cubs series, the final games at Yankee Stadium and the Ryder Cup I don't think I can channel surf anymore. I'm going to get outside today and see what the sunlight looks like for awhile I think.


How about the big game by former Hog Felix Jones for the Cowboys last night? 6 carries for 76 yards, including a 60 yard TD run (see pic above). That's a 12.7 yard per carry average. Not too shabby. He's got 18 carries for 146 yards on the season now with 2 rushing TDs and 1 TD on a kickoff return. Get that rookie of the year trophy polished up and sent to Dallas. Ok, maybe a bit premature. He did get the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award last week though to add to the trophy case. He already holds the Dallas Cowboy's single-game record for return yards, set last week with his 247 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown.

More Hogs... Darren McFadden had 12 carries for 42 yards in Oakland's loss. He was bothered by an injured toe apparently, he didn't look his usual self. Matt Jones had 4 catches for 32 yards for Jacksonville.

Movie Review: The Morgue

A supernaturel horror about six strangers who find themselves stranded overnight at a rural morgue as strange happenings occur and one by one they begin disappearing.

First off, I have no idea why this is rated R as there is little gore and zero scares. I found the editing extremely annoying also as the director uses too many jump cuts and double exposures as some sort of artsy way to set-up some foreshadowing, but it just ended up being really annoying like I said. I might as well throw in that the big twist ending promised on the back of the box can be figured out about 5 minutes into the movie by anyone whose seen one of the 100 other movies with a similar twist as this. Hell I figured it out during the opening credits.

Lastly, the characters behave so unaturally it was hard to really get into the movie, but part of that may have just been the really bad acting and dialog too. The only actor you might even know is Heather Donahue from The Blair Witch Project, who has a small part. If I'm saying that as a plus you know things are bleak.

Sounds sort of like I really didn't like this movie doesn't it? Well, I didn't. Is there anything good though? Well, the set is pretty cool. I love movies set in mausoleums and morgues but it seems to have gone to waste here.

All-in-all it's just a pretty disappointing film not really worth checking out.

3/10

Book Review: The Gingerbread Girl

The Gingerbread Girl
by Stephen King

Synopsis: In the emotional aftermath of her baby's sudden death, Em starts running. Soon she runs from her husband, to the airport, down to the Florida Gulf and out to the loneliest stretch of Vermillion Key, where her father has offered the use of a conch shack he has kept there for years. Em keeps up her running -- barefoot on the beach, sneakers on the road -- and sees virtually no one. This is doing her all kinds of good, until one day she makes the mistake of looking into the driveway of a man named Pickering.

Technically it's a novella, not a book, which means it's an easy 1 hour read. It was printed in Esquire magazine last year (which I have) but now you can find it on Audiobooks.

In typical Stephen King fashion, it's a suspensful hour of good storytelling. Since it is so short, it allows King to really keep a fast pace and the tension is thick. It's all from the young woman's point of view and she behaves realistically enough it's not hard to relate to what she's going through. It has the normal amount of violence that King is famous for without being too gory. Pickering is also pretty much a cardboard cutout of the usual King badguy... a little crazy and full on violent.

It's a quick, fun read (or listen) for anyone in-between books but nothing too memorable really. Might be a good introduction to Stephen King for someone who hasn't sampled his work (if such a person exists on this planet).

6/10

Sunday Funnies