It May Be Red Sux Nation but It Is Yankee Universe

So I challenge anyone who thinks baseball is boring to say that after tonight's Yankee/Red Sux game. (Yes I said Yankee/Red Sux and I will always say it in that order.) This was baseball at its finest. Sure it helped that the Yanks won but no one can deny that it was one hell of a game.

Where to begin?

Let's start with my least favorite Yankee...A-Rod. I have no real complaints about him tonight. He played decently. Not 28 million a year good but well enough. His homer was a thing of beauty which reminds me that when he is on...he is on. His double that was almost a home run was a wake up call for me. As much as I despise him...he is a phenomenal slugger. He should stick to hitting and keep his mouth shut. As much as it pains me to say it...it was impressive to see him hit 522.

How impressive was Chad Moeller? Not bad for a kid who got called up for the minors because Posada and Molina are injured. Three hits in one game is not bad by any standards but it was the timing that was so impressive. I suspect that he will stick around which is awesome. He impressed me tonight and I am sure that I am not the only Yankee fan who is saying that.

I have no real strong opinion about Abreu but his home run in the 1st is what started the excitement so props to him. What made it even better was that Derek was on second at the time..but more on Jeter later.

Let's move on to the Yanks that I love...first up...Jorge. I am still bummed that he is only able to hit but that was more than enough tonight. 3 RBIs is pretty damn impressive. It is amazing to watch him hit...for two reasons. The first is because he is switch hitter which in itself is pretty remarkable. But he is an effective switcher hitter is what makes it so awesome. The other reason is because when he connects with the ball he makes it look effortless. He is the pillar of poise and control when up at bat...regardless of which side of the plate he is on.

Jason Jason...you still have a fan in me. Your batting average is much lower than everyone would like but there is no doubt that you are still among the sports top sluggers. It will fall into place soon.

Finally...let's talk about Derek. You know...I spend a lot of time talking about how utterly amazing Derek looks (can you blame me?) and sometimes forget to give proper due to his skills on the field. Last Friday Red Sux Manager Francona made a crack about Derek's injury but explained it by saying that you can't help but worry about a healthy Derek Jeter. How right he was. Sure Derek looks stunning in uniform but he is also an amazing player. When he hit his 2 run single...there was a look of pure joy on his face. It was great to watch. Derek belongs on the field...and here's hoping that he stays on Yankee field for years to come. 2366 hits is amazing regardless of who it is hitting them. The fact that this hitter is one of the most gorgeous men on the planet is a bonus.

But the best part of the game...besides the final score I mean....Manny's strikeout. How awesome was that when he thought he got the walk and ended up having to walk his arrogant ass to the dugout. Man was he pissed. The only thing that could have made it better was if he would have gotten thrown out. He didn't hit the ump but he looked like he wanted to. It was priceless.

For as terrible as yesterday was...today was most pleasant. I had a wonderful afternoon and then a great night of baseball. I enjoyed dancing around the kitchen while making dinner. Not even the rallies that the Red Sux put forth were able to get the smile off of my face.

To quote Ice Cube...today was a good day.

What If You're Making Me All That I Was Meant To Be?

Let me start by saying that this is not the first post that I wrote tonight. The first one was too angry and too jaded so I deleted it. Today was a terrible day from the moment it started to the moment that I got into my car to head home. Nothing went right. Oh well...

The nice thing was that I was pretty much alone in my section of the office and was therefore able to sing out loud without anyone noticing except the XO when he entered the office without me knowing. That man is like a ninja with his sneaking skills. It is one of many reasons that I can't help but admire the guy. If I ever become an officer...I hope I am a lot like him. I don't think that he heard my singing...but it is highly unlikely that he missed my rocking out. (I had abandoned my chair by about 1130 as I tend to do when I am pissed off.)

Once again I have to say that as much as I love crooners...there is something amazing about a guy who can belt out a rock tune. Today I was reminded how completely bad ass Daughtry really is. (I must have sang each one of the below songs at least a dozen times today.) Here is my Daughtry playlist and why these songs totally kick ass!

Wanted Dead or Alive - For the record...not better than the original. That being said...it is the best Bon Jovi cover ever and the only one that comes close to the original. Chris doesn't try to sing it like Jon...he just tries to sing it well which is why it works. I get chills every time he sings the line "Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink. (Tonight it was white zin for me.) Those times when you're alone and all you do is think." Chris has a very distinctive voice that is sexy in its own way and he shows it off in this song.

Over You - Is this one of the best "Moving On" anthems or what? The funny thing is that when the day started I knew the first verse and the chorus only. By the end of the day...I was busting this one at like I was a member of the band...equipped with the whole head shaking and bobbing, neck weaving, with my eyes closed. I absolutely love the line "I can't believe you were the one to build me up and tear me down like an old abandoned house." No shit huh?

Feels Like Tonight - This song is all about failing that one person that you least want to fail. I have been beating myself up for failing over the past couple of weeks. I totally understand the desire to make things right which is why I have come to like this song so much.

Suspicious Minds - Of all of the covers of this song...this is probably my favorite. Chris Daughtry was meant to sing this song. Once again...he doesn't try to sing it as anyone but himself and that is what makes it great. It is actually a little low key for a Daughtry song but I still really like it. No crazy rock moments for me while singing this song...just a singing and subtle swaying with the occasional finger snap. This version is iPod worthy for anyone who likes the song and or Daughtry.

What About Now - First of all...this song was done for charity so that gives it bonus points. That being said...it doesn't need bonus points because it is FREAKIN' AMAZING! The song is the perfect love song and it makes me hopeful about life in general. This song really showcases the vocal talents of Chris. I mean...sure there is a guitar accompanying him but the song really is all about him. He alone carries the song and he does it so well. How hot is the line "Now that we're here, now that we've come this far just hold on. There is nothing to fear for I am right beside you...for all my life I am yours"??

Its Not Over - OK...its not. Seriously...I hear this song and my brain automatically agrees. I know that he is not singing to me but when he sings this song there is so much passion that I would agree to damn near anything. It is impossible for me to sing this song without getting all into it and doing the crazy hand movements that come with it. You know...fist pumps, grabbing at air, patting the chest, etc. I am sure that I looked ridiculous but I pretty much stopped caring about ten minutes into my 9am meeting. Hell a couple of times I was doing the fist pump and the knee bends...full on rocker style. Some days I really think that I was meant to more than a yeoman. Seriously though...this song is so passionate that it is almost too much on the average day. Which is why I say...OK...its not over. I'll try to do it right this time around...I don't exactly know what "IT" is but as I said this song makes me want to agree to just about anything.

Actually I stand corrected...one thing went right. My beloved Yankees won again tonight. Let's hope that they keep the streak alive as the Red Sux journey to Yankee Universe tomorrow.

Do What I Should...Try To Stay Busy

Before I jump into tonight's shuffle...let me address the one issue that damn near everyone asked me about today. What is my take on the whole David Ortiz jersey in Yankee Stadium ordeal? (For those of you non sports fan...some construction worker who is a Red Sux fan hid a David Ortiz jersey at the site of the future Yankee Stadium in hopes to put a hex on the Yanks. After finding out about it, several construction workers tracked down the jersey and dug it up.) So what do I think about it?

First...what an awesome idea!!! I think that most Yankee fans are pissed because we couldn't do the same to the Red Sux. If the tables were turned...Yankee fans would be damn proud of this.

Secondly...is the hex really needed? I mean...did you see this weekend's series? It hardly seems necessary when assholes like A-Rod consistently choke against the Red Sux. (WTF was the deal with Hughes? Sure he is young but he was terrible. There is no nice way to put it...he blew it big time.)

Finally and more importantly...I have no beef with Big Poppi. Hell if he played for any team other than the Sux I would probably be a fan of his. Now if the guy had hid a Ramirez or Varitek jersey...I would be super pissed.

So overall...I am amused by the whole thing. Kudos to the die hard fans who went through the trouble of digging it up. I don't know if it will help matters but it couldn't hurt. It is necessary to point out that Yankees won tonight and Jeter was back in the lineup. Coincidence? I think not.

Now let's shuffle...

Shimmer by Fuel (127): This is just an awesome song. I don't know what makes it so great but I love it. It is my favorite Fuel song which actually isn't saying much being that I only like about four songs by the band. I loved it the first time I heard and have loved it since. I also love to sing if even though the lyrics are just average. I always think of Brent F when I hear this song as I flashback to him breaking ankle against Manzano HS. I was trying to distract him as we waited for the ambulance and for whatever reason we sang this song together. I heard that Brent is doctor now and fixes broken bones for living. Good for him. He wasn't a close friend but it was a bonding moment that I haven't forgotten. Seriously though...excellent tune. Worthy of any iPod. The line "We're here and now but will we ever be again cuz I have found all that shimmers in this world is sure to fade away again."

Apologize by One Republic (259): I love this song...it is also a totally awesome song. It is the type of song that gets into your head and heart. This song truly captures the pain that comes with loving someone who doesn't love you back. The strength that comes when the lover finally has had enough and walks away is amazing. Sometimes it really is too late. In the right mood this song gives me the chills. It oozes with passion and that is what makes it awesome. The line "I'd take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you cuz I need you like a heart needs a beat but that's nothing new."

You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi (191): I always forget how much I love this song until I hear it and then I remember why Bon Jovi is greatest band on the planet. It is also one of the best songs that the band performs live. One cannot help but rock out and sing this song. Who hasn't met someone that you loved even though it spelled disaster? I think that everyone with a broken (or breaking heart) can benefit from singing this song at the top of their lungs. The line "There's nowhere to run, no one can save me the damage is done."

Mony Mony by Billy Idol (106): What former cheerleader doesn't love this song? I think that it was played at every basketball game that I ever cheered at. It was guaranteed to make the crowd clap and get into the game. It always makes me smile to think of all the nights that I jumped around and flipped across the court to this song. Hell it still makes me want to get up and cheer. Sadly...my cheering days are done but songs like this ensure that those memories live on in my heart. The line "I said Yeah!" I hear the echo of the yeahs that follow.

Again and Again by Jewel (78): Another song that oozes passion which makes it a good song considering that I think that Jewel is highly overrated. It isn't one of her "put you to sleep" songs which is gives it bonus points. Even though it is love song it is whinny or weak. It takes a great deal of courage for a woman to look into the eyes of the man that she loves and admit that the situation isn't perfect but that she is willing to try anyway. Sometimes the situation is what it is and you can either fight it or embrace it. This song seems to capture the feelings that come with that sort of relationship. The line "If you'll try, I'll try, try to let us show us the way."

There Is Still Hope

Damn it all but the Yankees blew it today. A friend (I am using the term loosely as I am still pissed off by our conversation you Jeter hater!!!!) said that I should take comfort in the fact that today's game was one hell of game.

I don't. I would much rather it be a total blow out than to see my beloved Yanks barely lose in a nail biter kind of game. You know...I have to think that I might hate Manny more than A-Rod. I certainly did today.

All is not lost...there is still one more game this weekend and then I can go back to blogging about pop culture.

Dream A Little Dream

In spite of my current physical state, I felt it necessary to take a minute and say my peace about the upcoming Yankee/Red Sux match up for the weekend. Once I finish this post I will go straight to bed as promised. But I feel compelled to blog before the series starts.

Sure in the grand scheme of things...this weekend's series is pretty much irrelevant. Neither team has a strong winning record, in fact they seem to be content holding steady near the bottom of the AL East. Regardless of who wins, neither team will take the 1st place spot in the division. So one might ask what exactly is the big deal?

The simple fact is that I seem to be the only person on the planet who still classifies it as the Yankee/ Red Sux match up. Check any other source and it will list it as Red Sox/Yankees. It pisses me off. Sure Boston has dominated the decade when it comes to baseball but should that really be enough to overlook 26 World Series Championships? Clearly the media thinks so and it is downright disrespectful. Of course the Yankees have not helped their cause. They are playing downright terrible.

The reason that this weekend is so important is because it is the first time that the two teams will face off for the season. Now is the time for my beloved Yankees to send a strong message to the villains to the north. How awesome would it be for the Yanks to travel to Fenway and destroy the "Sweet Caroline Singing" Sux? What a way to recover from a disappointing start to the season!

Everyone seems to think that the Yankees are forever in the Red Sux shadow and that simply cannot be. This weekend series is the perfect time to shut up all of the haters and start playing like Yankees. All will be forgiven (except the A-Rod nonsense of course) if the Yankees can beat Red Sux this weekend.

Finally....I have taken so much abuse as a Yankee fan over the past couple of years. Hell there are three Red Sux fans in my office alone. As my time in Seattle rapidly comes to an end...I feel the need for payback. Sure the Yanks winning this weekend will not be the same as winning the World Series but in this time crunch...it will be enough.

So let's cross our fingers and hope for the sweep...but realistically...I will settle for 2-1 in favor of my beloved Yankees.

A-Rod Sucks cont...

You know for $28 million a year you would think that A-Rod would at least find his way on base just once a game! They were playing the fucking Royals and A-Rod was still 0-4! What a waste.

The Dice Was Loaded From The Start

So here we are again...it is Monday night and that means Monday Night Shuffle. But before we jump into the music...let's talk baseball.

I hate to admit it but I have missed baseball. I have missed it so much that I even watched part of the Boston game yesterday. And truth be told...as much as I hate A-Rod...I cannot stay away from the Yankees. What can I say? I just keep touching the damn stove.

So it started off as a great night of baseball. Elizabeth and I decided to have a picnic on the living room floor with sushi and chocolate milk as we watched our beloved Yankees take on the Devil Rays. (I take great pride in the fact that she is a fourth generation Yankee fan.) The first inning was extremely pleasant...highlighted by the ever so amazing Derek Jeter scoring off the Abreu home run. But right about the time that I finished my California roll...it was clear that Derek would not return to the game. Talk about a bummer.

The good thing is that the Yanks were able to pull of the win in spite of the absence of Derek. I actually watched the rest of the game in spite of the fact that my favorite Yankees were not playing. (Behind Jeter as my Yankee favs are Jorge and Jason.) In spite of my strong hatred for A-Rod and everything that he represents...I have to admit that he will no doubt have one hell of season this year. Good for the Yankees...bad for the soul of the sport. Perhaps if he can manage to pull his head together long enough to help bring home the pennant I will stop hating him...though it is unlikely.

Jeter will no doubt be back in the lineup soon. One can only hope it will be time for this weekend's trip to Boston. What is the point of paying for the MLB extra innings if Derek isn't playing?

That being said...let's shuffle!

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond (125) - I currently hate this song. It is baseball season and therefore it is associated with those damn Red Sux! Damn them for ruining such a great song! I can't even listen to the whole damn thing!

Power of Love by The Early November (17) - A remake of the Huey Lewis and the News version...it is supposed to be a punk rock cover but I don't think that it is. It is acoustic for one thing...and there is no sense of rock whatsoever. The singer sings in a low but sexy whisper for the entire song. The original is good...because it is the original and because it comes from the 3rd best trilogy of all time....but this version is not bad. It has a very intimate feel to it...which is never a bad thing.

Girl by Beck (94) - Let me start by saying that I don't know that I get this song. Next let me say that I am probably glad that I don't because the lyrics seem awfully dark but hot damn does it have a great dance beat! I love to dance around to this song!! I also love to sing the chorus...but only the chorus as the rest of the lyrics give me the chills. I am pretty sure it is another psycho stalker song...but that is okay. It is easy to ignore that minor fact as I rock back and forth in my computer chair. Have I mentioned the Beck is a musical genius?

Bennie and the Jets by Elton John (65) - Just try not to sing along with this song...assuming you know the words that is. Of course...most people don't know the words so what difference does it make? (For the record...I do know the words.) This fact was showcased in the movie 27 Dresses which I recently watched. It wasn't a bad movie. I do have to say that the first ten or so minutes were amazing!

Breathless by The Corrs (117) - I remember buying this album just for this song years ago when I was still living in Vegas. It was such a catchy song. When I listen to it now I smile because I still enjoy the lyrics...as peppy and cheerful and annoying as they are.

Romeo and Juliet by The Killers (24) - First let me say that I very much prefer the Dire Straits version of this song. That being said...I already covered that version in a previous Shuffle and I try not to repeat songs. So this is how to cheat at my own game I suppose. I bought the DS version by accident and ended up loving it. In fact...it has moved into the Millie Top 10 all played list. The Killers manage to maintain the romantic feel of the song...though Brandon Flowers does not match up with Mark Knopfler vocally. This is the type of song that one can close their eyes to and get lost in pleasant memories. It is also the type of song that one can sing in one's head to help forget the feeling of sheer terror that almost always arrives the moment one enters a tunnel. I am not sure why the Killers covered this song...but they did it well. It is such a well written love song that it would be hard to take away the romantic feeling that comes with it.

Well that is it for the night. Cross your fingers that Derek heals quickly as else I really am wasting an obscene amount of money on the MLB Extra Innings. Besides....it has been far too long since I talked shit to the Red Sux fans in my life.