Matt Sinclair's Coffee Cup

Chapter 90.5: Turning on the Hot Stove

2011-11-03T14:48:00.002-04:00

Ok, I have about three minutes to squeeze in a blog post (which is often the case, and a big reason why there are few posts here lately.) Anyway, I was just chatting with a work friend, who like me is a baseball fanatic.

He asked where I thought Luis Pujols would end up. I told him I expected that he'd remain in St. Louis, but I could also see him heading out to Anaheim, despite their young first baseman Mark Trumbo. "What St. Louis needs to ask itself," I said, "is whether signing a 31-year-old Pujols, who may be on the downward side of his career, or Jose Reyes, who is 28 but prone to injury." I don't think they have the capacity to sign both to the contracts they will command on the open market. Basically, do you sign a top-notch shortstop, a position very hard to fill with quality, or a Hall of Fame first baseman, a position that is easier to fill.

My friend talked about how Pujols might be willing to offer a "home-town discount." Of course, for a guy who's already earning upward of $20 million a year, a hometown discount is still more than $20 million a year! And I don't think Reyes could command that.

For the record, I don't think my Mets will resign Reyes. I also don't know that he's definitely staying in the National League. But his market will not be as large as some people seem to think. The teams that might be able to sign him mostly have a solid shortstop in place or are unlikely to be attractive to Reyes, who I woudl expect wants to go to a perennial contender.

What do you think?

Chapter 90.2: Volunteer Spirit

2011-08-27T10:58:00.000-04:00

In a couple weeks, our nation will recognize the tenth anniversary of one of the most horrifying attacks on its soil. I live not too far from New York City. These days, I work in Manhattan, a quick subway ride away from the area now known as Ground Zero. Ten years ago, it was just "the trade center" and it describes a larger area than most non-New Yorkers realize.

Those who know me well are aware that I'm an emergency medical technician (EMT) and have been for more than half my life. So, 9/11 hit me differently than it did for a lot of other Americans. I lost a friend that day and remain very thankful I didn't lose more. But this year will be a little different. Not only is it the tenth anniversary of that fateful day, but I'm also assigned to my squad duty that day. I don't expect anything tragic to happen to mark the day. But if it does, I have my training and experience to fall back on as well as the assistance of many able fellow volunteers.

You don't have to be an EMT to serve your community; it's my way, I don't expect it to be everyone's. But I hope that if you're able you'll find a way to volunteer your time, either on that day or on other days. Regardless of what your political positions might be, volunteering is mostly about helping to better your community or society. We're still months off from New Year's Resolutions, but maybe you can resolve to squeeze in a bit of volunteering into your life. You may find it's a wonderful way to improve not only your community but your perspective. Good luck. Stay safe.

Chapter 90: Hot Stuff

2011-07-22T08:37:00.002-04:00

While I was jogging this morning, I passed an attractive young woman who was chatting with a neighbor of hers. She saw me and flashed me a thumbs up sign. I smiled, waved, and said good morning.

I don't think she was flirting with me. I think she was acknowledging that we both suffer from the same sickness. You see, she had exercise clothing on, too. For all I know, she might have just come back from a workout at the gym. Mind you, this is before 7 a.m. As Met first baseman Lucas Duda said about playing yesterday in 90-plus degree heat, "It's freaking hot out there!"

Of course, that's why I was out jogging before the rest of my household (other than the cats) was awake. It's freaking hot out there and getting hotter!

Why is it that joggers feel the need to get those miles in, mile after mile? Is it a madness derived from wanting to know how far we've gone? I mean, most joggers I know keep logs of either time run, miles run, or both. Or is it possibly because we have some undisclosed need to torment our bodies? No, I don't think so. If I did, I'd be like I was in high school and run in the middle of the day during days like this, running sans t-shirt in the hope that I might impress someone. To my knowledge, the only remarks I ever heard were about how stupid it is to run in such deadly weather.

I don't run as far or as long as I did just a few years ago. Kids'll do that to a guy. Probably to a woman, too. But I still long to put those miles down, to mark the steps taken. To know that, for at least a half hour or so, I pushed myself on this day, despite the obstacles.

Crazy. It's just too freaking hot out there.

Stay cool, everyone!

Chapter 89.8: Songs, Suicides, and Sitting Around

2011-06-14T22:53:00.002-04:00

When I get the chance, I like to listen to music. For many years, I wrote music and lyrics, and I always feel like I can pretty much jump back into it at any moment even though I know my guitar muscles need to get back in shape. These days, most of the music I hear is sung by, to, or with a muppet, so I'm not sure I should attempt to write any music at the moment unless I'm ready to get heckled by two-year-olds.

But a song that still catches my attention is one that Dave Matthews came out with a couple years ago: Funny the Way It Is. In essence, it's about perspective. He describes children playing in the park on a beautiful sunny day; their cries of joy become mixed with the sound of a fire engine's siren and he reflects on how someone's home is burning down "on a day like this."

I especially love the lyric: Funny the way it is, not right or wrong/
Somebody's heart is broken, it becomes your favorite song.

I've written songs like that. The lyrics just ring so true.

Although I didn't hear the song this morning, it's one of the things that crossed my mind after hearing about my train being delayed this morning. Apparently in the early morning hours of the day soon ending, a person "trespassed" onto the tracks and was struck by a train. Hours later, trains were still delayed. I got into my office at least a half hour later than usual.

I suspect things were worse for the person who was killed by the train — worse still for that person's family. I wondered if it was drunken stupidity that led the person to the tracks before dawn or the prospect of yet another day of sadness that brought about that fatal decision. I don't know and never will.

On the train, a few people complained about the delay, the crowded conditions that resulted. But not many. Personally, I think folks in New Jersey understand that terrible things could happen to anyone and it's best not to dwell on them. Respect the moment, thank God you and your loved ones are ok, and move on to whatever is next.

Tonight, I'm thinking about that person whose life ended not twenty-four hours ago. I'm hoping the sun shines in blue skies, but I know that if it doesn't I'll be able to get through the day. And I pray that you're all well.

In the meantime: Sing. Sing a song...

Chapter 89.7: Nostalgia and Wandering

2011-05-26T06:12:00.002-04:00

It's funny the things that can jog your memory. I was musing the other day about blogging and it occurred to me that this blog was coming up — indeed has passed — a milestone, a birthday. It was seven years ago that I started this blog. Seven years and two weeks now.

I was a different person way back in 2004. I wasn't yet a dad, though I very much wanted to be. I was barely making ends meet, which is the same as now, but I was still working in New Jersey and driving to work each day (remember when gas was less than $3 a gallon?) and supplementing my salary with a few umpiring gigs. They were fun but basically covered beer money for a week at best.

But one thing that has remained the same is writing. It is part of who I am and always has been, since the days I'd walk to kindergarten making up stories along the way.

I learned about this free blogging software and thought, why not? I didn't know about building a "platform" for myself as a writer. I'll admit I thought it might help me get noticed, but I knew then that it was difficult to be heard amid the maelstrom. It didn't bring in any money then and it doesn't now. (Note to self: disable google ads; they don't work for me.) But, like baseball, it's fun for me. I enjoy it and I'll do it for as long as I'm physically able.

So my blog is seven. Ta da! It still doesn't have a focus and I'm almost in need of a refill to my coffee cup. In just a few seconds I'll wander back down the hall to do just that. Along the way, I might spend a few seconds to think of what I could do in the next year of blogging here and at my other virtual rest stops. What will you blog about today?

Chapter 89.3: Baseball 2011

2011-03-27T14:47:00.003-04:00

For those of you who aren't baseball fans, I'm sorry. You'll probably gain very little in your life from this post, and I permit you to leave. I hope you come back for the next post, which shouldn't be too long from now, and I'm pretty sure it won't be about baseball, since I've already begun writing it.

For the rest of you, this is what I'm thinking about when it comes to baseball 2011: Transition.

I think we're going to see a major power shift in the divisions. Let's start in the AL East.

AL East: The Boston Red Sox still have a great pitching staff, but even there the word of the day is transition. This staff isn't about Josh Beckett and it's certainly not about Diasuke Matsuzaka. The question is going to be whether the Cy Young Award goes to Jon Lester or Clay Buchholz. Combine this great staff with an improved lineup — which added Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez — and the Sox should be a powerful team.

But now I see a major transition. My sleeper team is the Baltimore Orioles. They played excellent baseball after Buck Showalter arrived in late August. Sure, they had nothing to lose at that point, but they played like they actually wanted their jobs. It's hard to say they're improved enough to actually take the AL Wild Card, but they might be able to keep the Yankees from taking it. I see the Yankees having problems with their starting rotation. Let's face it, the back end of their rotation (Freddy Garcia and Ivan Nova) are a has-been and a not-yet. The front end will do fine, but in the mostly improved division, the Yankees bats will need to step up to overcome mediocre starting pitching. The bats are capable, even those that are aging, but this is a team on the decline. And if they fall behind, how long will it be before CC Sabathia's contract status (he can opt for free agency at the end of the season) becomes a distraction?

The Blue Jays have a lot of question marks in their rotation, too, and it'll be interesting to see if new manager John Farrell, the former Red Sox pitching coach, can help put this team on the same page. They have bats, they have arms, but I'm not sure they have enough of either. The Tampa Rays took a major back step. They've still got stars and will be asking them for more productivity, but I don't think they can compete this year.

My picks: Red Sox; Yankees; Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays

AL Central: Here's another area of transition, but this division has been rather flexible the past few years. The Twins still have a solid core, but injuries may have slowed down Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. Can a pitching staff that relies heavily on Carl Pavano really continue to thrive? I think the White Sox have improved their lineup and have a strong enough rotation to at least give the Tigers and Twins a run for their money. I like the additions the Tigers have made in their lineup, and this team is still capable of amazing people. The Indians, not so much. Who pitches for this team? The Royals have some amazing talent, but there too it may be too green to flourish in this division.

My picks: White Sox, Twins, Tigers, Royals, Indians

AL West: The home of the AL Champion Rangers could be headed for a new leader, and it's not the team you'd expect. It may not be too thin a limb I'm going out on, but I think the A's have the arms to win what has been a remarkably successful division the past ten years despite having such terribly weak teams. The Rangers lost their ace when Cliff Lee departed, and I'm not just sure their revised rotation can handle it. There was a lot of talk of moving stud closer Neftali Feliz to the rotation and if this team starts off poorly, expect that talk to regain momentum. They may struggle to hold off the always tough Angels. But this team is far removed from its world championship in 2002. As for the Mariners, they have the reigning Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez and former MVP Ichiro Suzuki, but not a whole lot more. It's possible Eric Bedard might make a resurgence, but it seems more likely to me that the team will once again languish and come July we'll see them shopping Hernandez and maybe even Ichiro.

My picks: A's, Angels, Rangers, Mariners

Now to the National League.

The NL East. Only a fool would bet against a rotation that consists of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, (an aging but capable) Roy Oswalt, and Joe Blanton. Sure, things could go wrong, there's a lot of age and with age come injuries. But I think the Phillies will start off strong and the league will fall by the wayside. Fredi Gonzalez takes over a changing lineup in Atlanta, where I expect we'll see Chipper's final go-round the league. But this team won 91 games last year and could do so again. They'll have to fight off Gonzalez's former team from Miami. The Marlins keep winning 80-plus games, but I think this year they boost things up a notch. Their pitching staff has talent — not Phillies-level talent, but it'll be interesting to watch. My Mets are a mess, but if new manager Terry Collins can get them moving and keep the team's play in the papers rather than the ridiculous nightmare in their owners' offices, perhaps they can surprise some folks. I'm not holding my breath. The Nationals have made major improvements, but it still comes down to pitching, and they don't have a whole lot, with Stephen Strasburg recuperating.

My picks: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals

NL Central: This could get very interesting. In St. Louis we have a potential problem as the Albert Pujols contract watch will continue throughout the season. The Reds, last year's surprise, are losing pitchers by the day. The Cubs still have personality conflicts to resolve in the clubhouse. The Astros have little hitting and the Pirates have little of anything (though I think Clint Hurdle will find a way to make some magic happen.) Almost by default, I think the Brewers, which improved themselves by acquiring former Cy Young Award Zack Greinke, are ready to take control.

My picks: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, Pirates, Astros

NL West: The World Champion Giants look pretty much like the team that took it all last year, and that's ok, but when other teams improve, it's tough to keep winning when you're standing pat. The question, then, is how well have the Colorado Rockies improved? I think it's enough. They already have a surprisingly decent pitching staff and a powerful offense. But the Giants GM, Brian Sabean, has never been one to stand pat for too long. So I think it will be interesting to see how this division progresses throughout the season. It'll also be interesting to see how Don Mattingly fares as a manager. Usually, teams like to shift managerial styles when changing who heads the team, but Joe Torre retired, so the circumstances are a bit different. Still, the Dodgers were an underachieving team and I can't help but wonder if they need more of a fire-breather to get them going. The Padres, who fought the Giants to the wire last year, have fallen far and I wonder if Buddy Black will be packing his bags soon. And the Diamondbacks will need to show they can pitch.

My picks: Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks.

Wild Cards: Rockies, Twins

Playoffs:
AL: Red Sox defeat Twins; A's defeat White Sox
NL: Phillies defeat Rockies; Giants defeat Brewers

ALCS: Red Sox defeat A's
NLCS: Phillies defeat Giants

World Series: Phillies in 6

Chapter 89: Ok, I'm Not Going Away After All

2011-03-09T17:47:00.003-05:00

Stay tuned. I've decided not to let this blog get lost in my back pocket and crinkled up in the wash, after all. Coming soon: my picks for the 2011 baseball season. But first, some reader participation.

In the past couple days, I've added followers, despite my most recent post saying I'm going on hiatus. I can only imagine it's because readers have found The Elephant's Bookshelf interesting and wonder what else I might have to say. Since the previous post, I also took the plunge and bought a Website address, MWSinclair.com, which is still being developed but which will serve as my journalism and fiction-writing home, and I'll link to both blogs there.

For those who are relatively new, the Coffee Cup was designed to be undesigned. Slightly less vaguely, I created it to be a place where I might ruminate over my morning cup of coffee. In fact, check out this interview I did with Victoria Dixon who blogs at Ron Empress, to see what I intended for this blog and the Elephant's Bookshelf.

And feel free to suggest anything you'd like to see here or on the Bookshelf. I'm a full-time writer, after all, which means I have an opinion on things, and sometimes I even share them.

Welcome back!

Chapter 88: A Blog on Hold

2011-01-25T22:24:00.001-05:00

I've decided that rather than feel guilty about not writing much of anything for this blog, I'll press pause. At some point, I'm sure the little icon/screensaver will start moving around, or something of that nature, but eventually I'll shake things around again and refill my coffee cup.

By no stretch of the imagination, however, am I giving up blogging. I'm not as active as I want to be at The Elephant's Bookshelf, but it's kinda where I live in terms of blogging these days. When I post comments on other blogs, that's the URL I type in. When I tell people about where I blog, that's the site I point them to. You can reach me there at elephantsbookshelf@gmail.com. And if you'd like to continue to read what I have to say about reading, writing, and writers, then I would love to see you there.

Indeed, come. Maybe we can chat over a cup of coffee.

Chapter 87: A New Leaf on Life

2010-10-07T07:06:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed, it's been a long time since I posted anything here. Life gets in the way. In fact, it has been so long that I'd forgotten about my little redesign. I'm still not used to it.

When last we spoke here, it was summer. Now, the air has gotten a bit chillier, Halloween decorations have begun to sprout on yards and houses, and a school year is in full gear as we sprint toward the holidays.

Me, I'm trying to catch up on my summer vacation, which evaded me. Until now. I'll be away for a week (not that my missives were regular enough that a week would make much difference.) But to be honest, my writing-related blog, the Elephant's Bookshelf, has been my primary blogging location lately (though I've not done much there either.) So if you'd like to read my little missives more often, feel free to follow me there. It's different: it's got a definite writing and reading focus. But that's a big part of who I am. Still, this was my first blog and I'm not abandoning it. Not in the near future, anyway.

So here is my leaf-season resolution: I will post at least once a month on this blog through the end of the year.

What's that? Oh, the llama... Yeah, well, lately I feel like I've been trying to stuff too much into my life, which is kinda why the blog has been back-burnered. But you know what? Life can be interesting even when crammed full of stuff. Hence, the llama.

Rediscovered Quote

2010-08-01T14:17:00.003-04:00

I'm in the midst of cleaning a desk and found several old notebooks from conferences I covered as a reporter. Written on the inside cover was this quote. It's probably not mine, but I'll claim it if no one else will. It sounds like something I'd write.

If you stand around waiting for destiny, you will only meet fate.

It seems appropriate today, as we start a new month. I've had a sense of destiny lately. Some things are clicking, and the revisions of my "completed" manuscript are moving ahead nicely, though I've put the work-in-progress on hold for the summer. Of course, as we discussed in a previous post, we're always writing and I know of some significant changes I'll be making to that manuscript once I return, and I'm sure it'll be much improved.

So, welcome to August, friends and fellow writers. What are you working on?

Chapter 86: Thoughts on a Rainy Day

2010-08-01T10:21:00.002-04:00

It's one of those days. You know the type. They start off with such promise: a cool breeze, a well deserved restful night, and soothing silence. Then things change. A stink arises, a hunger emerges, and out of nowhere come the rains. These things can be dealt with and handled. And they even lead to promising results. A diaper gets changed, babies and parents get fed, and thirsty lawns welcome the water.

Today I intend to reflect on the simple things. Like a neglected blog. Tune in again and I hope you will see newness grow. Happy day, y'all.

Chapter 85.5: New Look

2010-06-22T17:46:00.000-04:00

I'm not the fickle type. I tend to look the same day in day out. No purple hair on Tuesdays and red on Friday. Just increasing specks of salt among the pepper.

But I've been growing bored with the look of this blog, so when Blogger offered a few new design, I dove into this one. It may change again soon. Let me know what you think. Like it? Does it suck? Do you want me to spring for a more professional looking blog?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment box below. I'll post them.

Chapter 85.4: Perfect Imperfection

2010-06-04T12:09:00.006-04:00

A moment to write on this blog. Perfect.

You know what else was perfect? Armando Galarraga's performance against Cleveland the other night. By retiring 28 consecutive batters — including the call that umpire Jim Joyce screwed up — he accomplished something few others have done. But more important, I think, was the class with which he comported himself. He could have been furious. Instead, he spoke with graciousness and understanding. He's a credit to the game, the Tigers, and to his family.

As a baseball fan, I totally understand the desire to rectify the situation so that he could have received official credit for the perfect game. After all, he deserved it. But personally, I think there's no recourse. It was not a rule violation that caused the incorrect call; it was simple human frailty. A mistake. This was not akin to the Pine Tar game, when George Brett's home run against the Yankees was initially ruled an out because the pine tar on his bat extended beyond the allowable amount. In this case, the umpire made the wrong call — and he's a guy who usually makes the right call.

Jim Joyce will probably be remembered forever for this call, which is unfortunate. But I bet the next time something comes along in which he's making an instantaneous decision about something that affects a game in which Galarraga's playing, he'll do the same thing. I don't mean make a mistake, I mean call it the way he sees it. He knows what he's doing, and in this case, so does baseball.

Instead, Galarraga will go down in history as having almost pitched a perfect game. As Casey Stengel used to say about the oddities of baseball, "You can look it up."

Chapter 85.3: Monkeying Around

2010-05-04T18:14:00.001-04:00

As noted in this recent bit of reportage in the New York Times, when Jane Goodall discovered chimpanzees making and using tools in order get food, humans were left having to rejustify their superiority: "Now we must redefine tool, redefine Man, or accept chimpanzees as human."

Well, obviously they're not human, but like many people I have known, they seem to have some pretty kinky ideas if left to their own devices. In this case, the device is a leaf — and it's not for hiding behind. Not at all.

Apparently, this leaf is sex toy nonpareil in the animal world. Horny male chimps use the leaf to make noise in order to draw a female chimp's attention to their erection. This apparently is chimpanzee for "subtlety." There's probably a YouChimp video of the simian equivalent of Justin Timberlake singing "Leaf in a Box."

I kinda wish I'd known about this leaf method years ago. Back in high school and college, there were many times when I sat idly in class or the library and spied an appealing female student for whom I'd have loved to tear a leaf or two or six. Such tactics probably couldn't have fared any worse than my usual approach (which back then typically included too many beers and ill-timed jokes.)

Be that as it may, I suppose it's good to know that we're not the only species on the planet that devises its own sex toys — or has to. I'm glad that there was an intelligent, possibly nerdy chimp who got laid primarily because he was literally inventive. Here's to you, Cheeta, I'll be your wingman any night.

Chapter 85.2: A Song in My Heart and Head (in Praise of Teachers)

2010-04-20T17:57:00.003-04:00

I try not to write too much here about my kids, but lately their music has meandered through my brain a lot. Silly songs, educational songs, songs that should never be played to anyone over the age of three...

But as my girls graduated from the Baby Einstein videos to Sesame Street and Barney, I noticed something shocking: I knew some of these songs! Sure, there were standards like The People in Your Neighborhood and Rubber Ducky. But there was also one about lady bugs that I'd completely forgotten about.

I asked a co-worker what shows she remembered from her childhood. She was born to one of those families that didn't believe in television for many years, so she hadn't seen too much. But as she thought about it, she remembered seeing Barney. To this day, she said, she hums a song about cleaning up as she washes the dishes.

I've always had a thing for songs and song lyrics. I've entertained/pissed off people by singing the lyrics to a shortlived show from the late '70s called Hello Larry, which starred McLean Stevenson, after he left MASH. Long after I composed songs in my head as I walked to school as a kindergartner, I would find music offered me the first entree to a world of creativity.

It pains me to see the arts decimated in public education. I hate to hear about teachers losing their jobs or ridiculed by people who've never tried to teach that they get paid too much. Teaching children is perhaps the most important job in the world. Those that do it should be continually trained to do it better, and classrooms should be kept at relatively small sizes so that children receive the attention they need and deserve — which means that more teachers are necessary.

I know people will disagree with me. I've heard the arguments. Sometimes, those people make excellent points. But if it weren't for my parents and my teachers, I'd not have been able to succeed in the ways that I have.

Chapter 85.1: Initial Thoughts on the 2010 Baseball Season

2010-04-05T23:57:00.004-04:00

As usual, my life has been a fast-paced, loony series of days that band together to call themselves weeks and months. They get larger and more unruly as I get older.

For example, not many years ago I'd have been incredibly excited about the beginning of baseball season. I'd watch spring training games on television, read up on the next Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays coming up through the ranks, and prepare for a fantasy baseball draft or two. These days, I grumble about how my fantasy draft got moved to the girls' bedtime and whine (to myself) about how I rarely get to see an inning of baseball, what with the Elmo and Barney DVDs that play almost nonstop on our TV these days.

I can't even prepare for my usual World Series predictions properly any more. I don't know who half the pitchers are in baseball these days, and without that, such forecasts are about as accurate as predicting the weather for August 22 while looking out on the darkened streets on an April evening.

So here goes — my abridged predictions for the 2010 baseball season.

Division leaders
NL East: Philadelphia Phillies.
I don't think my Mets will do any better than third place. Even that might be tough to achieve. The Phillies, Braves, and even the Marlins all appear to be more potent than my inconsistent favorite team.

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals.
Strong pitching and weak competitors should make it look easy for the Redbirds.

NL West: Colorado Rockies.
Because the whole division sucks.

NL Wild Card. Atlanta Braves.

AL East: Yankees.
I hate them, but they're strong.

AL Central: Minnesota Twins.
They've kept Joe Mauer. If they can pitch well enough, they might be able to do some serious damage to other AL teams.

AL West: Los Angeles Angels.
I wanted to pick the Mariners, who've made some great acquisitions during the winter (and one terrible one by getting Milton Bradley). But even I have heard about the injuries that keep happening.

AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox.

World Series: Phillies vs. Red Sox
The Red Sox will win in seven games in what will be a classic.

Ok, for all you non-baseball fans out there, I suspect you'll be able to keep following this blog because this could be the last baseball-related item I'll be able to write, seeing as how my Mets will embark on a seven-game losing streak by the beginning of May and I'll just lose heart.

Chapter 85: Thoughts During a Vacation Rain Storm

2010-03-13T17:22:00.005-05:00

Earlier today, while measuring my ark cubit by cubit, I was thinking about spring. There are lots of aspects to the season. Baseball, as usual, is toward the top. Love also, though I don't know that spring really has cornered the market on that. I've enjoyed snuggling down on a cold winter's night, summer romances, and fall... No, love pretty much sucks in the fall.

Anyway, spring brings with it a bucket load of change. But like most change, you don't really feel it until after the change has occurred. A couple weeks ago, it still felt wintry enough, with snow and chill and stomping of feet. But the tell-tale signs of spring were there if you looked.

For example, the sun has been still visible when I get out of work. This practically never happens during the winter. But just last week, some friends and I walked in sunlight to a relatively nearby pub for our first-ever post-work, pre-season softball team pep rally (basically, an excuse to get together for a couple pints with people who we'll be spending time with over the next few spring and summer months).

And St. Patrick's Day is nearly upon us, which is another sure sign of spring. St. Patrick's Day is that special day when a bunch of people decide to insult everyone of Irish heritage by claiming that since they've had five pints of Guinness they're actually Irish, despite the vowels and collection of Ys and Zs at that end their names. No, that just means you're drunk. And that's fine; I don't hold that against anyone. Most of the time.

As someone of Irish descent — who learned how American I am by going to school in Ireland for a semester of college — I find spring and St. Patrick's Day to be kinda special. Like I said earlier, it's a time of transition. I used to be a summer person. But at this point in my life, I like a good mudslide, a mild rainstorm (not like this windy crap that's tormenting me now), and a nice week off to try to relax.

For what it's worth, a portion of my relaxation will take place on Tuesday, when a buddy of mine and I head over to the Diamond Bar in Brooklyn to enjoy a night of mayhem with Zane Lamprey (which must be a madeup name), author of Three Sheets: Drinking Made Easy. So if anyone in the neighborhood feels like enjoying a little spring break adult style, feel free to join me. I'll be the guy with the leather trench coat and all-season beard.

What does that have to do with change? Well, I don't usually go out now that I'm the father of a pair of beautiful ankle biters. Especially without the wife. So this is a sign that the world is in transition. More certain than the destruction of the planet in 2012, I will be enjoying a pint on Tuesday night. Maybe even two. Can spring be far behind?

Chapter 84.7: Olympics Fever

2010-02-21T15:58:00.002-05:00

Lately, I've been extremely busy. Not just at work, but in my personal life, too. Important things have been back-burnered or tended to in dribs and drabs. I recently completed a piece that I'd only been able to write at random moments — not the way I like to write.

There have been some evenings after I've gotten one of the babies to sleep to find the other one not quite there yet, and I spend another 15-30 minutes trying to get her to sleep too.

And in the background, we've kept the Winter Olympics playing.

I've always enjoyed the winter games. There's something more accessible, more intimate than in the summer games. Indeed, now that there's no baseball in the summer games, I feel even more removed from them. I simply can't relate to men and women who can sprint faster than a stiff breeze. But I've skiied down a hill or two. I've sledded down hills. I've even fallen on my butt while trying to skate. The winter games seem more real to me.

After the tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, I feared that something worse might happen and I thought I might avoid the entire games. But my wife tuned into the opening ceremonies, and we've had them running ever since.

I haven't regretted it. Too soon, the games will be over, and I'll be happy to welcome spring training and baseball. But for now, I am enjoying the games as they offer a small sense of greatness in an otherwise stressful winter.

I'm going for gold for the rest of 2010.

Chapter 84.5: Hot Stove on Low

2010-01-14T17:32:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me fairly well is aware that I'm a Mets fan. And if they've spoken to me in the past several months about baseball, they know I have very little hope for the Mets this year. I haven't been optimistic about the 2010 season since midway through 2009 — if then. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that I lost hope for the 2010 season somewhere around July or August.

But I'd been starting to feel slightly better after the Jason Bay signing. Bay is a good hitter, has some pop, and will fill a nice role in the lineup, but I figured he'd be a way of offering protection to David Wright or Carlos Beltran in the lineup.

Then Beltran went down, and the same feelings of hopelessness arose like a AAA outfielder when a star goes on the disabled list. I could opine on the Mets doctors and who I believe said what, when, and blah blah blahdy blah. But I also recognize that there's been little to no word about what we can expect from Jose Reyes. What it comes down to is that the offense is still in bad shape, and the more important element — pitching — is as full of question marks as a three-year-old.

So, what do I think will happen? I think Omar Minaya will be sipping margaritas by Memorial Day, paying for them easily with the contract extension he received before the 2009 season. Probably Jerry Manuel will close behind him, if Omar doesn't ax him prior to his own departure. The Mets are a mess right now. And as lovely as Citi Field is, I don't know that I want to spend any major league money on a seat for a game filled with minor leaguers. Call me crazy.

Chapter 84.4: Resolutions and Revolutions

2010-01-03T13:33:00.004-05:00

I like the beginning of the year. No, I don't have a hankering for snow and sleet and chill of night. Such inconveniences are fine in small amounts — when I'm inside and able to look out at them with little fear of having to subject myself to such evil elements.

But the new year brings with it the idea of a clean slate, a newness that bodes well for the future, even if past still serves as prologue for so much of life in general. For example, I'm hopeful that I'll finish the manuscript for my second novel this year. I have worked on it piecemeal since the end of November; I'd returned to it for National Novel Writing Month, which is November. That's more than I can say of what I did after November 2008 when I'd started writing it.

I have written more than 25,000 words, which isn't too shabby — nothing awe-inspiring either. It's progress, nothing more, nothing less. Anyway, I believe I can write another 65,000 to 75,000 during 2010. I have goals and the means to accomplish them. I also have lots of other responsibilities, which I also need to accomplish. Life, like politics, is often found in the choices we make about what we can accomplish and what needs more time.

The past five years or so, I've rediscovered an affinity in my life for the 18th century. I don't attend mock Revolutionary War battles or anything of that nature. But ever since I was a little kid, that era has resonated with me for some reason. I liked that a group of people stepped above their own personal needs to start a nation, ostensibly to benefit all of those who lived in what became the United States. I was enthralled by HBO's John Adams series. I've read a lot about John Paul Jones for a project that hasn't come to fruition. And a book that my great aunt gave me decades ago recently returned to me; it was about ordinary life during the time of the American Revolution. Some thirty years after the original gift — before I really had the capacity to understand much of its significance — I'm going to read it.

That's not a New Year's resolution. But rather, I'm resolving to have a little revolution in my life: to accomplish things for my family and for me that aren't necessarily easy but are easily necessary. I'm not quite sure how I'll do all that I need to do, but opportunities have a way of making themselves available to those who work hard to a goal.

So that basically is what I intend to do in 2010: To put a little revolution in my life for the betterment of my family.

How about you? What are your goals for 2010? Care to share?

Chapter 84.3: Junk Day

2009-12-15T19:21:00.006-05:00

Just laid several old items at the curbside to be picked up for junk day. Already, a couple cars have slowed — one even stopped — to check whether my junk was their treasure. It seems, however, that there's not much of a market for ten-year-old Macs, fifteen-year-old televisions, or a ceiling lamp that looks like it belongs in a Korean deli.

I expect 2010 to be a year of garage sales. I hope we have one (I've been saying this for at least four years), but I'm sure there'll be lots more around the neighborhood. Sure, there's the economic reasons. I know I can always use a spare twenty or two to scare away the moths, especially these days when we count ourselves lucky to not spend $30 to fill a tank with gas.

But junk is a relative thing. I had gone into my basement intending to toss more stuff. But the CD player still works (I have a five-CD player these days), and there's a mixer that might still be useful for when I start playing the guitar and recording songs again. So they're still downstairs, and now that the other stuff is gone, these old items seem to have gained a little luster. They're less "old crap" and more "stuff from my past." There's a tinge of nostalgia to them rather than a layer of dust — well, there's that too, actually.

But I think more positively about the future now, if for no other reason than I'd love for 2009 to be over. It's been an exhausting year — even moreso for my wife.

So as another car moseys by the curbside, I wish you all good luck cleaning out your 2009 mind of the stuff that's accumulated, and preparing to start 2010 with a clean slate.

Chapter 84.2: 5 Questions for ... Matt Sinclair

2009-12-07T07:13:00.001-05:00

Victoria Dixon, a fellow member of the online community of writers at AgentQuery who blogs at Ron Empress, asked who among us was willing to subject ourselves to a short interview. Nothing too dangerous, just five questions based on her reading of our online Blogger profile.

Here's what we came up with. Feel free to ask me any additional questions in the comment section. I may just answer them!

1) What is your metaphysical reason to blog? What do you get from it beyond contacts, marketing tools, etc. (This is akin to asking why do you read.)

The short answer to your question is that blogs help me think. I read to know; I write to express. When it comes to blogging, it’s somewhat more complicated. I’m a chronic thinker, and blogs allow me to vent or ramble on a variety of topics as I try to think them through.

To me, blogs can be less formalized, less complete, than any novel or magazine article I write. But to layer on the metaphysical aspect of your question, I do like the element of permanence — or at least endurance — that an electronic compendium of my thoughts offers.

In my personal writing life, I write fiction because I love to imagine. We all have our own lives, our own realities; a great number of readers would prefer to learn about realities they’re not already aware of (i.e., they prefer nonfiction). I love to enter a world created by another writer. I love getting lost in my imagination, exploring ideas that wouldn’t come up in my every day life otherwise.

On another point, I won’t discount the marketing and contact aspects you cited, but those are not my chief reasons to blog at this time. If and when I have published novels to hawk, I’ll be far more targeted in the marketing of my blogs. One of my projects for 2010 is to create a Web site for myself as a writer of fiction and nonfiction. My wife and I decided to work on a book project together related to the work she’s done for the past twenty years. It’ll be nonfiction, but I think I’ll be able to get that published before I get a fiction agent and sell any of my manuscripts.

2) Speaking of your amazing number of blogs, what's the purpose behind each? This is where you get to remind your readership of some of the things you have to offer. :)

I’ve started several blogs, but I only have two that matter in my writing life. The first was Matt Sinclair’s Coffee Cup, which I created in 2004. I expected it to be basically a place where I could write some early morning thoughts on the day ahead or the day behind while drinking a cup of coffee. The posts were supposed to be no longer than it took me to write while sipping my morning caffeine. As such, the topics could go anywhere, and usually did.

One of the beauties of blogs is you can learn something about a writer’s personality through them — at least as far as the writers allow — even as they discuss the most mundane things in their lives. After my daughters were born in December 2008, I knew my blogging time would be vastly cut back. I was surprised at how much time I had to write during their first couple of months of life. I started a new section of posts, called “Matt Recommends,” about things that were really helpful to my wife and me as new parents. This was my attempt at recognizing the importance of advertising. I’ve worked for many years in magazines and I’ve never felt very comfortable with the (necessary) role of advertisers. “Matt Recommends” was my way to acknowledge that if I had any future in getting money out of my blogs, I’d have to push products that I believed in.

But once the girls were about two or three months old, the sleep deprivation hit full bore and my work schedule got tougher. Blogging regularly over coffee just wasn’t possible.

My second blog, The Elephant’s Bookshelf, arose not long after the first, but I wanted it to be focused on writing and reading. I had hoped it would evolve into a writing community — this was before I knew about AgentQuery — and I could get people to write book reviews, which I’d edit and post. I’m still open to that possibility, but I’ve not really pursued it. Elephant’s Bookshelf has also expanded a little beyond its original intent to include my thoughts on lots of things at least tangentially related to writing and reading — awards, contests (including National Novel Writing Month) films, the death of newspapers...

The others, including one you probably didn’t see in WordPress, were half-hearted attempts to discuss things like traffic in New Jersey, book stores, reviews of book fairs and readings, and other things that I’ve since forgotten. At least one was established so I could help teach a sibling how to create a blog.

3) In your favorite book list, you mention authors for the most part. What is your all-time-favorite, cannot-do-without book?

For me, that’s very hard to answer. I don’t think there is just one. But if I were forced to live in the world of Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451 and "become" a banned book until society allowed books to exist again, I might choose Michael Chabon’s Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany. I also loved John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things, which now that I think of it might be the book I’d memorize. It has so much of what I love in a novel: intelligence, humor, a story that is both engaging and meaningful. That’s what I hope my works will offer readers. I like to share things I’ve learned without being too didactic.

4) If an editor/publisher came to you and said, "We'll pay you to write this book," what would be the worst possible topic they could think of?

One that I not only knew nothing about but which I had no interest in learning anything about. A history of defecation comes to mind. I’d call it “I Don’t Give a ...”

5) What would be the best?

The universe is my oyster! There are so many things I’d love to write about. If I could get interviews with all the surviving Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts, for example, I’d love to do something with that. But Andrew Chaiken’s already written A Man on the Moon and I don’t think that’ll ever be topped; it was the basis for the HBO series “From the Earth to the Moon.” Other topics could include something related to my first love: baseball. And if a publisher has a hankering for an interesting tale that takes place in Antarctica, well, I’m about 25,000 words into it.

But that barely scrapes the surface of the types of books I want to write. I have a list of a couple dozen novels, screenplays, short story collections, and other works that I hope one day to write. In all honesty, I doubt I'll live anywhere near long enough to write all I hope to write. But I'll do what I can.

Thanks, Victoria, for the opportunity.

Chapter 84.1: It Was Worth Another Try

2009-12-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't quite get to where I wanted to go with my 2009 attempt at National Novel Writing Month. I had less than a thousand words to go with five days in which to write them, but between babies and other family demands, I wasn't able to spare any time. That happens.

Much thanks to all those who joined me in this and encouraged me to keep at it. I know several of my NaNo buddies topped 50,000, including a co-worker who I suspect is quite proud of herself — and justifiably so. She knows that 50,000 words is just the beginning; there's more to be written, revised, shaped, and decided. A novel doesn't happen in a month, but the writing can.

Congratulations to all you NaNoers who put in the time. Whether you completed the 50,000 goal or not, you should be applauded for making the attempt. While that's all well and good, if you truly believe you want to write a novel, keep going, regardless of your "winning" status. On the NaNo site, they often mention that "December is for revising." (Or do they say 'editing'? I may need to revise that.)

For me, I have 9100 words that I didn't have on October 31. That's on top of the 15,000+ words I'd written for this manuscript last November. Who knows what the next tweleve months have in store for me. I'd like to believe that by next November I'll have finished this particular manuscript, or at least written too much more to use Nano to complete it.

What have you written lately? Please share a story about your latest story.

Chapter 84: What Happened to Halloween?

2009-10-31T20:53:00.000-04:00

The evening's festivities are over, and my wife and I are settling in for our annual Ghost Hunters live event. I don't know if it was the drizzle and rain or something else, but this year's Halloween was disappointing.

Not many kids stopped by in their costumes. We have too much candy left over. And even the costume creativity seems to have taken a nosedive. I'm just not that impressed.

I used to look forward to Halloween as a kid. It was a night to go out after dark, explore, get candy, and goof around. I looked forward to seeing what others would wear and, in case I forgot to mention it, getting candy.

This year it was a Saturday night. I expected more children, not fewer. Are people afraid to let their children roam a neighborhood?

Now that I'm a father, I look forward to taking my girls around the neighborhood. I think I might even enjoy dressing up to give people a little scare as well. Forget the associations with paganism and satanism that some people place on this celebration of individuality, Halloween is Mardi Gras for children. It should be cherished and enjoyed.

Chapter 83.7: My 9/10 Novel

2009-09-10T07:44:00.002-04:00

Living in northern New Jersey, it's difficult, if not impossible, to not think about the events of 9/11, 2001. Indeed, it's probably bad for your mental health not to think about it from time to time if you lived through it here. I suspect I will always remember exactly where in my commute I heard about the first plane hitting one of the Twin Towers. I chastised myself for assuming we were under attack — especially after the guy on WDHA amended his comments saying that it had been a small plane, not a large plane as he initially had heard.

In between the time I parked my car and turned off the engine and I entered my office, the second plane had hit the second tower. It immediately struck me: We're at war.

By 9/10, 2001, I had begun my first novel and written about thirty pages. I was stuck not on what to write next but when did my story occur. Was the time significant? On 9/11, I realized that we had just experienced an important line of demarcation in history; there is a pre-9/11 world and a post-9/11 world. From there, I had to determine how this affected my novel

I decided to use it obliquely. My novel begins on 9/10, 2000 and ends on 9/10, 2001. Because such attacks were barely contemplated by the average person, nothing more than faint glimpses of fear and omen are displayed. The story takes place in Hoboken, New Jersey, a town I know well that lies directly across the river from New York City. Ground Zero is within view. Indeed, the clouds of smoke and debris floated above the river after the towers fell.

Whether my oblique references to the tragedy of 9/11 should remain part of my novel — and not an overt focus of it — has been a frequent point of discussion with my initial readers. Usually I bring it up, but some of my readers have anticipated the question. I still think it's more than just a moment of inspiration; I think it's important to the story, subtle though it remains.

So, each year, I think a lot about the people who experienced 9/11 first hand. I lost a friend that day and thank God that I didn't lose more people who were close to me. I lost some innocence as well, which is largely what my novel is about — not my loss of innocence, but the nation's; or maybe it's that our eyes were opened to the terrible possibilities. And I reflect on those fictional people who mean so much today who came to life on 9/11.

With my young innocents at home, I have had almost no time to work on the latest novel much less to send my "finished" one out to agents. I respect their time and my own too much to look for representation when I don't have the time to respond appropriately if I should actually get an offer. It's like going fishing without the strength to reel in the fish.

Remember 9/11, my friends, in your own way. It's important for all Americans, regardless of political party or ideology.

Chapter 83.6: What to do?

2009-08-30T16:35:00.004-04:00

Recently, my wife has been updating the Web site for her company. And that's gotten me to thinking about a topic I've had on my mind a lot over the past couple of years: Should I build a Web site for myself — my writing self?

I do a little freelance work. Having a Web site might be a good way to attract more work, though to be honest, the best way is to go out and pursue it, not expect it to come to a Web site others don't know exists.

Should I try to park my domain name now and come back to the site later, when I have published books to hawk? Perhaps. But my name is already being used by someone else (probably someone named Matt Sinclair), so what would I be saving? Perhaps the name of my first book. There may be sense to do that, but does that mean I'd have to create a new site for the second book? And what if the first book is never bought and published, but the second (or third or fourth) becomes my first "real" novel? Well, I don't really know.

Then, there's also the issue of having the time. If I'm to build a site, I need to take time to do it right. As those who've visited this blog and my writing-related blog, the Elephant's Bookshelf, know, I barely have enough time to habitate this little avenue of cyberspace, so adding one more rest stop along the highway probably isn't going to make the trip any smoother.

My hope is to eventually blend this and the other blogs into one primary site for me as a writer. But I believe it makes more sense for me to take what little time I have to actually write. I have work that could be done on my "finished" novel, and query letters to send out. I also have a second novel that's begun, which has characters locked en flagrante in Antarctica. Ok, maybe that's not quite true, but I think there was some love brewing when I was last mentally visiting that little spot of ice on the world.

So for now, I'll stick with my blogs. I don't need to spend money to park something when I can always get a new domain that's named something interesting. Hope no one minds.

Chapter 83.5: Meaningful Games in 2011?

2009-08-25T20:54:00.005-04:00

My Mets are so done they're using the lines from the grill as their pinstripes.

Remember April? Back then, this Mets team was supposed to be the one that fans would look back on and say, "Remember that '09 club? Johan, Cy Young Award. Reyes, MVP. Wright, a Gold Glove and the solid gold leader of the team. Gary Sheffield came in and hit his 500th homer in April and then Carlos Delgado did the same in September, like Hall of Fame bookends. Even Billy Wagner, expected to be gone for the entire year, came back in August to solidify the bullpen with the best late-inning one-two punch the game had seen in a decade. That was the final ingredient that perfected the recipe. New York Mets, World Champs of 2009."

But no. Not even close. The Mets haven't had a meaningful game since before the All-Star break. Every single one of their so-called "core players" went on the disabled list: Reyes, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Santana. Add to them Brian Schneider and Angel Pagan, John Maine and Oliver Perez. (Don't get me started about Perez!) Hell, even Alex Cora was lost for the season!

Abysmal. Thank God for the Washington Nationals.

Back in March, I had meant to do my annual season predictions. I had expected the Mets to come in second behind the Phillies, win the wild card, and advance to the World Series. But I didn't write it. There just wasn't enough time. I'm glad. It's bad enough that I'll admit that I thought this was going to be a good team. What's worse, Omar Minaya was signed to a three-year contract extension that hasn't even begun yet. This team is bad. The mechanic hasn't proven he can be fully trusted after several years under the hood. What's a fan to do?

Chapter 83.4: A Few Moments Alone

2009-08-15T10:29:00.005-04:00

The classical music has soothed the savage babies. The wife is out for an hour or so. And the coffee still tastes good. I will try to keep from wasting too much time from the one day when I can accomplish something on my own.

Later, in between diapers and bottles, I'll mow the lawn, which has grown once again to jungle lengths. Till then, however, I'll enjoy the skirl of the cicadas and crickets from my air conditioned home — pushing back the annoying question of how I'll pay for such amenities — and see what else I can accomplish in the time allotted.

How's your day?

Chapter 83.3: Summer in the City

2009-08-05T07:59:00.002-04:00

The streets of New York City stink of garbage this morning. Scents of fish and piss and withering whatchamacallit grab onto the sticky humid air and embed themselves deep into people's nostrils. The occasional open door at this hour already has the air conditioner blasting out onto the sidewalk — an all too brief respite as I continue walking groggily to work.

I slept well on the train this morning as a pretty woman in a sundress read her Jodi Picoult beside me. Dreams of babies crying and parents consoling them. Diaper and feed.

I need my coffee. I need to sit for a minute or two. I need to clear the air. Welcome back, summer.

Chapter 83.2: Re-Emerging or Just Shifting?

2009-07-27T17:16:00.003-04:00

It has been too long since I posted anything other than a new poll question here. Indeed, it used to be unusual for me to go two weeks between published posts much less the two months it has been.

Those who know me know why that's happened, and while I have shifted the dexterity in my hands to diapering the girls, my fingers and my mind remain quite able to type and think. Ok, the fingers still work, the brain's not always there without enough caffeine to fuel it. This is my coffee cup, after all.

As July ebbs in the rain-drenched streets of New York and New Jersey, I pledge to post more often in August — both here and at The Elephant's Bookshelf, where I've posted a tad more regularly. I know these posts won't come frequently, but they will occur. But I've got a first novel to re-re-revise and a new novel to continue writing. After all, these characters in my soul don't stop bugging me when I'm not writing about them.

Chapter 83.1: Time Passes

2009-05-18T23:08:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago, an anniversary passed without notice. It wasn't important in any great sense. No parties were deserved. No parades planned. Barely a word was really necessary. But this blog turned five.

Life has been busy for me lately. Those who know me and my family understand why. The parties on that end were deserved, and parades of a different sort took place. As for words — nothing really quite captures the feelings. And blogs aren't the answer to such issues.

But still, it's true that I enjoy sharing the occasional thoughts or words here with the world of mostly strangers, and especially with those few, precious friends who stop by and leave word of their visit.

So happy fifth "blogoversary." And I'll see you as the spring and summer get even warmer.

Chapter 83: Reflections on Time and a Bottle

2009-04-22T07:03:00.003-04:00

Several weeks ago, now, there was a column in the New York Times that I kept here in a draft, intending to write about it. But I'm sure the sardonic stuff I would have "scribbled" here isn't what I'm writing now. Not that I don't feel the same way, I just don't feel that way ... now.

The Proof column, which is among those being sliced due to cost-cutting measures, is about alcohol and American life: a worthy topic of discussion, particularly in pubs and especially with intelligent people who can extemporize without spilling anything on the nicely lacquered bartop. But I'm writing this at about 7 a.m., after an evening in which the screams of babies literally drove me to drink — not much, and only after I'd gotten them in a safe place with their mother.

The article by Tim Kreider, which feels less like an op-ed piece and more like an essay in a men's magazine, still keeps me thinking. There are a couple lines I particularly like: "I don't feel middle aged — I just feel like I’ve been young a lot longer than most people" and "I’m a little appalled at all the time I’ve lost, but then, wasting time wasn’t exactly an unforeseen side effect; it was part of the fun. Of course it was; if drinking wasn’t so much fun it wouldn’t be such a widespread and terrible problem." And this is a classic: "As my metabolism started to slow down the fun-to-hangover ratio became increasingly unfavorable."

Truer comments may never have been written, and it takes a middle-age wastrel to write them. I'm not passing any judgement on this guy; it's quite possible he's accomplished more than I have. Indeed, he's got a column in the New York Times. And I'm fairly certain his words have found more readers than mine have — so far.

This man is approximately one full year older than I am. It seems to have taken him, perhaps, ten-twelve years more than it took me to realize that drinking like college kids isn't really much fun any more. And yes, it is "any less" fun. Neither is this blog piece a public pledge to quit drinking; such proclamations are only needed for those who want to be anonymous, and they know not to make public pledges — just private confirmations or acknowledgements.

Rather, I think of this as another morning, children fed and sleeping, cats fed and sleeping, wife unfed and sleeping, in which I don't have to say to myself, "My God, what have I done?"

Chapter 82.97: Anyone Else?

2009-04-11T08:10:00.002-04:00

I'm sure I'm not informed enough to comment intelligently about this, but anyone else find it amusing that banks are complaining about the fees they have to pay related to their bailout? Obviously, we need banks to be healthy, but I can't help but think it serves CEOs right.

Chapter 82.95: Novel Update

2009-04-09T06:55:00.003-04:00

I don't really have time to type this, but for those who've asked in the past about my completed novel (in italics because I know a novel is never finished until it's published), I have sent it to a friend who is an agented writer. He offered to take a look at it and consider passing it along to his agent.

I don't really expect anything to come of this, but at least I have sent it out with the intention of getting it to an agent. So I am celebrating my having done this ... not with actual Champagne but in my brain it is the first step in a long walk.

Chapter 82.9: AIG=MESS

2009-03-18T08:05:00.000-04:00

A couple quick comments that I expect to expand upon later: From an article I can't recover yet, I read that the people who earned these "bonuses" from AIG were being paid $1 in salary. So let's call these things what they are. They are not "bonuses," they are multimillion dollar salaries. I can understand why folks in the financial world are balking at the government's efforts to quash the use of taxpayer-paid bonuses. In the real world, we have another term for these negotiated deals: Bullshit.

To my ears, this is yet another example of duplicity coming from major financial companies — nose-thumbing at the financially unsophisticated, ignorant public. Not that anyone's asking me, but I have no problem with the administration taking the company to task.

But I also believe that what's happening is the administration is looking to the courts to play the bad guys and determine legally that the bills must be paid while providing political cover for the administration's collective asses. Like I said, more later.

Chapter 82.8: Time Is a Harsh Mistress

2009-03-08T18:57:00.006-04:00

Even now, at the end of the day, I feel the time change. Last night I was awake as 2 a.m. instantly became 3 a.m. I don't remember when that last happened.

I know enough about the history of DST, but I can't help but wonder if it's still relevant.

What's your opinion? Should Daylight Saving Time continue?

Chapter 82.7: Matt Recommends: It's All Kids Play

2009-03-03T20:54:00.008-05:00

As a new father and an old daycamp director, I know something about how important keeping a child entertained can be. That's one of the reasons I was so eager to check out the new Website It's All Kids Play, which is free to all. Created by Canadian writer (and fellow Agent Query denizen) Jean Oram, the site boasts more than 700 cheap (even free!) things to do when the kids whine, "I'm borrrrrred!"

Of course, many of the ideas are well known by children everywhere. (I think I was born aware of how to make armpit farts, for example. Though I suppose my brothers may have had a hand in teaching me.) But I suspect most American kids don't know about curling, and I didn't have a recipe for Glop.

There are too many sections to review at one sitting — and where's the fun in that? — but the navigation bar is blissfully intuitive. For those who need things even simpler, there's also a site map. Actually, the site map provides a handy source to get the RSS feed.

Not to be missed is the related blog, which includes a tip of the day. Today's was an ice cream sundae. Sorry, folks. I've got to go. I just had an idea.

While I'm gone, check out It's All Kids Play.ca. You and your kids will be happy you did. ... Now, where did I put the chocolate syrup?

Chapter 82.6: Rocky Mountains Crash to Earth

2009-02-28T17:21:00.004-05:00

I've never lived in Colorado, so it doesn't affect me as much as it does the people out there, but as a journalist, I can't help but feel sad for the death of yet another newspaper. The Rocky Mountain News published its final edition today, just a few weeks short of its 150th anniversary.

I don't have personal stories to share about what that paper meant to me, but I'm sure they exist, and I'd be happy to have people share them here in comments.

Journalism remains popular with college students. I see news of new fellowships and grants for journalists all the time, and I hear from college students that they want to get into journalism. So I know the interest is out there. What isn't out there right now is a viable business model that would allow many of the old papers to continue to exist. The old model isn't working anymore.

Papers have gone online, and that's good. I suspect many of them eventually will only exist online. And that isn't as good, because not everyone has access to the Internet. That's a discussion for another time.

If nothing else, I'll reflect on the death of a grand old paper, what it means for the hundreds of people who worked there and their families, and look forward to the future of journalism, because people remain unchanged in their desire to have access to objectively presented information.

Chapter 82.5: Spring Cleaning

2009-02-21T09:24:00.005-05:00

It's cold and breezy still, but the sun is shining and my mood isn't as dark as it was last night. Amazing what a couple of sleeping babies and cups of coffee can do to a person.

Anyway, I have had a lot of things on my mind lately, one of the least of which is this blog, which I cherish but have been neglecting lately. So I decided to give it a little bit of a makeover — nothing too earth shattering (there really are not many template choices when one has a free blog) — and mark a milestone.

Recently, I crossed over the 500 post mark. I'm not quite sure which one it was (though I'm thinking it might have to do with dirty diapers). But since I have a few posts in the hopper and others that are actually notes for myself (who knows what evil lurks in the post lists of man...), it's possible that this one is #500.

I've also added a followers list. I don't expect too many, but as that little woman in the Poltergeist movie said: "All are welcome. All are welcome."

In the grand scheme of things, 500 blog posts is not much of an accomplishment. I may, however, try to do something to mark my five-year "blogoversary," which is a few months away.

Anyway, enjoy your weekend. There's a lot of work still to do.

Chapter 82.4: Matt Recommends - Diaper Genie

2009-02-18T23:48:00.004-05:00

Everyone knows the three basic functions of an infant: eating, sleeping, and pooping. Well, as far as I can tell, you can't get through that last function without a hygenic place to send the diapers. Enter Diaper Genie.

The idea behind Diaper Genie is simple: store diapers without letting the stink leak out into the air. With newborns, it's hard to say how much the scented Diaper Genie bag covers the odor, but I've not noticed a stink yet, so I take that as a positive. Working with Diaper Genie is easy too, though I'll admit it wasn't so obvious to set up when I first put it together. Mind you I was looking at the real possibility of tossing the dirty items in a supermarket baggie otherwise.

The disposal is a silo that stores a couple dozen diapers at a time, which are twisted to section off each diaper, leading to a string of pearls when it's time to toss them out.

Simple, efficient, and oh my dear, so necessary. Diaper Genie should be in the homes of every new parent.

Chapter 82.3: To Seek Out New Life and New Civilizations...

2009-02-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

Now this seems pretty cool! The folks in charge of the Hubble Telescope have created a contest in which people can vote for what they think it should explore next. I remember not too long ago people were talking about letting the Hubble die an ignominious death, so I'm glad to see people still see value in the work it continues to do.

But the contest ends on March 1, so go out there and seek out new life and new civilizations. Boldly go where only Hubble can go right now.

Chapter 82.2: In Vino Veritas

2009-02-03T23:54:00.004-05:00

I love finding inspiring stories about alcohol.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not in favor of inebriates running (or driving) rampant across America or the world, wreaking havoc on unsuspecting (or perhaps also drunken) neighbors, or destroying lives and families. But I'm all in favor of appropriate use of social elixirs to smooth out the rough edges of life.

Apparently, I'm not the only one and this idea is as old as civilization. In the New York Times the other day, an item was published in one of their blogs by a teacher whose students asked about the abundance of drinking in Homer's The Odyssey. Of course, Greeks weren't the only folks enjoying the fruit of the vine back then. It was common to drink alcoholic beverages, as the Times piece notes.

But Homer and others of his era also demonstrated that alcohol should be used in moderation — let me refine that: alcohol should be enjoyed, but used in moderation. Okay, maybe I'm editorializing a little about what Homer meant.

But I love the way the writer concluded his piece:

I wasn’t quite satisfied, and the question continued to bother me until, days later, I found a passage in “The Odyssey” that succinctly captures the complexity of the Greek attitude towards alcohol. Odysseus is speaking to a sympathetic swineherd, and though he is in disguise, the words have the unmistakable ring of honesty:

[I]t is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine
that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs,
laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing...it even
tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.

After two decades away from home, there must have been so much to say, so many bottled-up tales of friends lost and battles won. Somebody get the poor guy another round.

Chapter 82.1: So Little Time, So Much to Do

2009-01-28T19:43:00.005-05:00

Here we are, in the final week of January, and I feel like I've accomplished nothing. I have valid reasons — who poop and cry and drink bottles like drunken sailors — but it's still amazing to see time evaporate before me.

Anyway, I've been meaning to conduct several interviews for work and haven't even called people to set things up yet. I've got pieces to edit that are piling up in nice messy stacks and I'm only starting to gain the energy to work on them.

So it's nice to see that the world is moving forward regardless of my schedule. The Democrats in Congress have gotten a stimulus package passed despite not having a single Republican vote in its favor. I respect that Republicans might disagree with the amount of money being directed at various programs, including those they consider entitlement programs. But it surprises me that not a single Republican voted in favor of this bill. It's not as though President Obama didn't reach out for their input.

But it's a House bill and this was a stand the Republicans chose to take against the Democrats, who have the votes in the House to pass it. The Senate bill will be different, and if Congress is to get a stimulus package on Obama's desk by Lincoln's birthday, there'll likely need to be compromises made. So much government sausage making.

The way I see it, the issues the administration and Congress are addressing are important, but getting the economy moving in the right direction again will ultimately come down to businesses feeling confident enough in the future to hire people to work instead of laying them off. Big companies like Boeing, and Microsoft, and Target have announced layoffs. These are companies that are relatively strong but recognize that the economy isn't getting better; it's getting worse. So they're bracing for the storm. Friends of mine at other companies have lost jobs, despite having ten, twelve years with their former employers. And the credit card crisis hasn't even hit yet. But it's coming. You can bet your last dollar on that.

It's scary out there. The future looks bleak. Yet, somehow, I think we — my family and those I most care about, including those who are unemployed — will get through it. We'll need to scrimp and save, consolidate things that we used to take for granted, reuse stuff that probably would have been tossed in the past. We'll likely have lots of competitors when we hold a garage sale, and you have to wonder who will be buying. But I think that in the end we'll survive, possibly even come out of things feeling rejuvenated if not a little grayer around the temples.

This is our generation's crisis, and crises mean people step up and do what they need to do. They do what's needed. This is our time to be a great generation. There's no shortage of things to accomplish. We've all heard the ancient curse: may you live in interesting times. Well, at least we won't be bored.

Chapter 82: Matt Recommends – Saving Baby's Life DVD

2009-01-18T12:41:00.005-05:00

Geraldine Hickey, an award-winning neonatal intensive care nurse, has created Saving Baby's Life, a DVD with instructions for new parents about how to respond to a choking, respiratory, or cardiac emergency experienced by your infant or newborn. I heartily recommend that all first-time parents get a copy, which provides exactly what it promises: simple, concise, accurate, and effective instruction. Even a seasoned parent who has a newborn and never learned these life saving techniques would be advised to pick up a copy.

I am a certified New Jersey EMT and have served on a first aid squad for more than twenty years, but even I found this DVD useful. There are differences between adult and infant CPR, but Hickey doesn't bog the DVD down with comparisons. She focuses her comments squarely on the infant's care. She gets right to the point and shares her knowledge. Clearly and articulately, Hickey describes the entire process of performing rescue breathing, CPR, and dislodging an object from an infant's airway. When it comes to emergency situations for infants, these are the ones a new parent most needs to know how to address.

She also helps explain when to call 911. Even as a trained EMT, I would call 911 to activate the emergency response system. A child who goes into cardiac arrest, for example, needs to be seen by a doctor.

The creator of Baby Zone & Beyond LLC, Hickey also discusses ways to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, with helpful guidance for new parents such as having the child sleep on its back, keeping infants away from second-hand smoke, and keeping potential obstacles from cluttering the basinette or crib. The stuffed elephant is cute, but it should not be in the crib of an infant.

Again, I recommend that parents of newborns pick up a copy of this professionally produced DVD, which is about 20 minutes long and worth every second. Even those who have had adult CPR courses would benefit from this instruction.

I received no compensation for this review. It's part of my new focus on this blog of products for infants and children — a way to offer my knowledge and initial impressions to those parents like me who are new to this wonderful stage of life. I'm proud to have made this the first product I review on this site. Emergency care is too important to put on the back burner.

Chapter 81.7: Thanks, Happy New Year, and Good Luck!

2009-01-16T19:54:00.004-05:00

I was very pleasantly surprised to see the recent results of my latest poll, which asked whether you had made a New Year's resolution. I got six responses in a week, which for this little blog is pretty much record-setting territory.

Not only that, but no one responded that setting resolutions is a waste of time. I used to think they were. I used to say "I resolved not to make any resolutions," but that joke got old. So did I, and I realized that setting resolutions is essentially goal setting, and I have many goals.

I won't go into all of them, but my goals for 2009 include getting a literary agent, finishing my second novel (a tough challenge, with newborns), and doing my diaper duty. (Pardon the play on words.)

Anyone else care to share their resolutions for 2009? You don't even have to be among those who responded to the poll.

Chapter 81.6: Hot Dog and Rice

2009-01-12T20:38:00.003-05:00

The Baseball Hall of Fame will have at least two new members. In my opinion, both Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice deserve the laurels they will finally wear. Henderson — baseball's greatest base stealer and the consummate leadoff hitter — was a no-brainer. The only issue for him was whether he actually was finished playing.

Though he turned 50 on Christmas day, Henderson probably could still hit .280 and provide 15-20 stolen bases and score 75 runs if he played in 2009. He was always in fantastic shape and his skills hadn't fallen apart like those of many older players. With more than 3,000 hits, 1,400 steals, and 2,000 runs, his election was a foregone conclusion.

Rice, on the other hand, required all fifteen of the annual ballots before he was elected. In my view, he was one of the greatest power hitters of the '70s and '80s. If you look at his numbers, you see that he was quite productive for at least ten years. The ongoing criticism of him was that he didn't get along well with the media. I just don't understand why that should matter so much.

I could write more (and better) on both these players, and hopefully I will, but if nothing else, I say congratulations to two of baseball's greatest.

Chapter 81.5: Matt Recommends

2009-01-04T13:39:00.006-05:00

I've decided to add something new to this blog, now that I have a new sphere of important things to think about. It's called "Matt Recommends," in which you'll find links to Web sites of important people or products for caring for newborns.

Periodically, I will offer write-ups of items that I have found useful and which I want to promote so other parents might learn and help their children. The first will be for Baby Zone & Beyond, which produced an excellent video about emergency care for newborns and infants.

I do not get any payment for this review and I will only review companies or products that I have personally used and feel willing to attach my name to. My review is not yet written, but you can find other positive reviews (indeed, they're all positive) at the Amazon page for the video, Saving Baby's Life.

Happy Birthday, Girls!

2008-12-30T23:03:00.002-05:00

Welcome to this wonderful world, Cathleen and Shannon.

Chapter 81.4: Earthrise on a New Era

2008-12-26T00:54:00.003-05:00

I had almost forgotten that forty years ago, our first moon adventurers were in orbit. One of them, Bill Anders, took the photo that accompanies this little post.

Andrew Chaikin, who wrote A Man on the Moon, which was the basis for what became HBO's excellent From the Earth to the Moon series, posted an article on Space.com about the legacy of that flight and the prospect of a future flight to Mars. I can only hope, like Chaikin, that in the not too distant future we send a new group of astronauts to Mars. While it seems unlikely to happen soon, given the economic crisis this country and many others are facing, to my mind a flight to Mars is about reaching beyond ourselves and achieving together that which we can never achieve alone. Landing humans on Mars won't happen in 2009, but I hope that we make progress toward that end.

Chapter 81.3: A City Not Forsaken

2008-12-25T13:18:00.004-05:00

And so this is Christmas, for old and for young. Another year over. A new year just begun. And so happy Christmas, I hope you have fun.

In the background, as you may have guessed, is John Lennon's And So This Is Christmas, a song from the CD that my wife bought me for Christmas. (Yes, Virginia, there are CDs.) Another reason for celebrating this Christmas is because I have finally reinstalled the Internet to the computer, which is now part of the makeshift office/nursery. We have set up the house in preparation not exactly for the Christ child, but for the two little girls who are coming to join us.

When? That's not exactly for us to know, just yet. Suffice it to say, it could be any day now. It could be today. It could be almost three weeks from now. But it won't be any longer than that. Alas, these children will be born within a Bush presidency, but at least they will never truly know it.

But unto us shall be born quite soon two children, who shall know love and joy and music and words — such beautiful words have not yet been spoken.

This morning, as I sat at Christmas mass (during the boring priest's homily) I read the readings that I'd missed because I was late. And in one was a line I'd not remembered; I think it was from the Old Testament. It was about a city not forsaken. I've forgotten much of what was said already (it was 7:30 mass and I was tired), but I suspect that line was not talking about my children. Yet, that's how I took it.

I intend to not say much about my children on this blog. It is too unprivate. Too exposed. Those who I wish to share thoughts with of that nature know where to find me. But on this Christmas day, when all things are possible — even peace on earth — I can't help myself.

These children provide me with a modicum of hope. I long to meet them, to share with them, to feed and nourish them as they will nourish me. I long to feel their hair, to smell their skin, to clean and pamper them. (And Pamper them ... or whatever brand name we end up with.) They find me unforsaken. Brimming with hope. Happy.

Merry Christmas, everyone. May peace be upon you.

Chapter 81.2: Return of the Prodigal Blogger

2008-12-06T10:52:00.003-05:00

I have returned. I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to blog here (or at the Elephant's Bookshelf, for that matter), but I do want to try to get back to writing at least one post per week.

Even today, I'm slipping a quick five minutes in to write here. Most of November's writing time was taken by National Novel Writing Month, which ended up as a productive failure for me. As you can see from the little do-dad to the right, I didn't quite reach 16,000 words. I've added a little since December started, but mostly what I've done with the new novel is organize it better and think about where the story goes from where it is now.

One other reason I haven't blogged lately is because I don't have much that I want to tell the world at large. My brain has been more on things closer to home. While this isn't a wildly traversed plot of cyberspace, I do average 1,500-2,000 hits a month, so I don't need to share everything with everyone. And the things I might share, no one else really wants to hear.

I just dodged a call from a chimney sweep offer ... what else is new?

The Christmas shopping is essentially done, there's still work to do around the house before the big day arrives, and I'm completely swamped at work. I'm sure I'm not alone in those types of situations.

So I say, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. You'll see me dropping off bloggy presents from time to time before the new year begins, but until then, be well!

Chapter 81.1: I'd Underestimated the Creepiness

2008-11-12T21:56:00.001-05:00

At first, I thought this was very interesting: Google.org has collected and analyzed flu search data that seems to identify trends faster than the experts, based primarily on how people are utilizing their search engine. Great! I thought, someone has finally been able to monitor how real people are being affected by life's various maladies.

The more I thought about it, though, the more it reminded me of that TV commercial with the baby who buys stocks. You know ... the one where he used his profits to hire a clown. "But I underestimated the creepiness factor," he says ... or words to that effect.

It's perfectly logical that a large search engine like Google can check this type of stuff. But it's still strange to think that our basic privacy might be rendered "marketable."

What's next? Can data on search tendencies be amassed and sold? Probably. I don't know that such things aren't already happening. So let's say the search keywords of the millions of people who live in New Jersey are collected. And maybe it turns out that various terms of a sexual nature are up toward the top, perhaps the usual celebrity names, numerous political issues, etc. What does that say about New Jersey? In my opinion, not much of anything unless it has context. But the more these things are examined, the more our privacy gets shaved. Slippery slope. Creepy.

Chapter 80.9: Back to the Future, Forward to the Past

2008-11-06T19:28:00.001-05:00

Every now and then, I actually poke around through the emailed newsletter I receive from the Council on Foreign Relations. Given the significant transition we are facing as a nation, I found the latest issue particularly interesting. In it is a link to an essay written by Dean Rusk, then a trustee with the Rockefeller Foundation and in less than a year of this essay being published, the U.S. Secretary of State.

In the essay, which is very long, he makes prescient observations on the status of the United States at that time and where he envisioned it going. But I was caught also by one of his simplist observations: "To the rest of the world [the president] embodies the dignity and sovereignty of the Federal Union and has much to do with the image of America projected beyond our borders. He leads our solemn observances and sets the tone of our national life. Whether we move with zest and confidence in our public and private affairs or plod along in apathy or bewilderment turns in large part upon the morale which flows from the White House."

In light of what America has seen over the past 28 years (i.e. since President Reagan), Rusk's words should be instructive for president-elect Obama. One of the things I like about Obama is how smart he is and that he is able to use that intelligence to convey confidence. I don't doubt that Sen. McCain is intelligent and I honestly don't doubt that President Bush is intelligent, though I think his arrogance and that of Vice President Cheney have brought shame to the United States that will take years to wash clean. But neither Bush nor McCain — and not even President Clinton when he was so embattled — left me feeling confident.

We need President Obama to continue to instill confidence in Americans of all stripes if we are to succeed during what promises to be one of the most challenging economic periods of our history. Right now, Web sites are filled with speculation about what an Obama presidency will mean for investors, what it will mean for health care, even what it means for Sen. Joe Lieberman. I'm sure some of the points noted in these pieces are accurate, and I'm sure that some will prove to be wrong or misguided. The facts will play out and like the Roshomon effect, will depend on perspective in order to convey a semblance of truth.

Perspective is important to a leader. What Americans need now is to believe in the power of that office for good once again. After eight years of President Bush's ideologically driven decisions that left half the nation unguarded and President Clinton's self-centered dalliances that sullied the office, I hope that President Obama can restore confidence in America's place in the world, in our leadership, and in our goodness.

It is a lot to ask of any leader — probably too much. And I'm sure there'll be times when he fails; he's human. But damn, we need a leader now.

Chapter 80.7: President-Elect Obama

2008-11-04T21:29:00.004-05:00

All right! You don't have to be a math whiz to see the blue ink on the wall. With Ohio now declared for Sen. Barack Obama, Pennsylvania unsurprisingly going Democratic, and Florida looking ready to go Democratic too, it's time to stick a fork in Sen. John McCain's campaign. It's done.

There's a party in Grant Park in Chicago, and I think there will be celebration throughout much of the United States. Barack Obama is on the verge of history!

President-Elect Obama will have a lot of work ahead of him, and there remains much to learn about the House and Senate races as the night goes on, but short of an unspeakable catastrophe, he has accomplished what many African-Americans never thought possible in their lifetimes.

This may sound silly to some, but I'm proud of America. We're still a nation with deep racial divisions, but at least it can be said now that we have elected a black man president. There's never been a black prime minister of England or a black president of France. Don't even think about Germany in this equation. I don't know for certain, but I'd be shocked if there's been an Aboriginal PM of Australia.

This truly is history. I'm proud to have witnessed it and to be part of this historic vote.

Chapter 80.6: Google and Books

2008-11-03T18:19:00.002-05:00

I meant to post something about Google's resolution about making the content of many books widely available, but life was simply too busy.

So I've decided to call attention to what Peter Osnos has to say about this matter. As he notes, this is a complicated matter and still has many moving parts.

What you think about Google's agreement? Leave a comment :-)

Chapter 80.5: It Has Begun

2008-11-01T07:20:00.009-04:00

Ordinarily, this would be something I'd post on the Elephant's Bookshelf, but I think it qualifies as worth noting here at my Coffee Cup, too. Plus, my last post there was about National Novel Writing Month, anyway, so I'm going to share the wealth. (Or should that be "redistribute the wealth"?)

For all those who aren't aware, NaNo WriMo has begun. Throughout this thirty-day month, tens of thousands of masochists all around the world will work on new novels (well, even that isn't an ironclad rule; I've heard of one writer who plans to do fifty 1,000 word short stories. Now that's masochism!) I've already begun and posted about 740 words to my tally, and I'll add more today. The morning is young!

And I even have some energy yet to share this news with all of you. So, if you're a fellow Wrimo, feel free to say hi here or at the Elephant's Bookshelf. I'd love to hear from you (I'm "Elephantguy" in Wrimo land), but I suspect you're dedicating your writing to your actual book. Good luck everyone. It's time for coffee.

Chapter 80.4: World Champion Phillies

2008-10-31T00:25:00.004-04:00

No one picked them in my poll. None of my friends thought they'd win. I thought it was possible, but I expected the Rays pitching to dominate. But no, the Phillies are the World Champions.

Congratulations, Phils. But next year, we're going to be gunning for you.

Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets!

Chapter 80.3: Interesting Endorsements

2008-10-26T16:02:00.005-04:00

There have been some interesting newspaper endorsements and interesting op-eds as well lately. Earlier this week, the New York Times offered its endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for president. That in itself is hardly a surprise; as the Times' sidebar demonstrates, the paper hasn't endorsed a Republican for president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. But what surprised me was how it essentially stated that McCain's campaign had virtually negated the decades of good work he had accomplished in Congress. As the editorial board wrote: "Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.

"Mr. McCain offers more of the Republican every-man-for-himself ideology, now lying in shards on Wall Street and in Americans’ bank accounts. Mr. Obama has another vision of government’s role and responsibilities."

While I would never disrespect the service Sen. McCain has given to this country, both in the Navy and in Congress, I suspect McCain has allowed his campaign to be over-run with the conservatives who helped President Bush get elected twice to the highest office in our country.

I don't believe all Republicans are like Bush or even like McCain, who I suspect is conservative but also has many of the qualities that made the Republican party strong since the days of Abraham Lincoln. But NY Times columnist David Brooks, in his op-ed, offered a qualified endorsement of McCain: "McCain would be an outstanding president. In government, he has almost always had an instinct for the right cause. He has become an experienced legislative craftsman. He is stalwart against the country’s foes and cooperative with its friends. But he never escaped the straitjacket of a party that is ailing and a conservatism that is behind the times. And that’s what makes the final weeks of this campaign so unspeakably sad."

I find it hard to disagree with Brooks. As someone who tends to vote Democratic, the only Republican candidate I thought could defeat a Democrat this year was McCain.

But there have been other interesting endorsements recently. For the first time ever, the Chicago Tribune endorsed a Democrat. This is a publication that chose Eisenhower over Illinois' own Adlai E. Stevenson — twice. So its endorsement of Obama isn't about him being a favorite son of Illinois.

The endorsement that really caught my eye, however, was the Anchorage Daily News. That's the largest circulation newspaper in Alaska, best known these days as the home state of Tina Fey impersonator Gov. Sarah Palin. They, too, have endorsed Obama. The Daily News's editorial board wrote: "Gov. Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency — but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and down, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation." It added: "Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time."

Of course, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who served in that role during George W. Bush's first term as president, also provided a stunning endorsement of Sen. Obama. And lately the wheels seem to be falling off for the McCain campaign.

Personally, I think all these endorsements have one thing in common other than the person they selected; they all suggest — in between the lines if not directly — that the Republican party is due for a major reassessment of who and what it represents. The party is splitting. (Added on 10/27: I found the final line of this brilliant piece of fiction quite illuminating.) Moderates and conservatives have less in common than they once did. If Sarah Palin is a serious candidate for president in 2012, I think it will be an indication that the party is still reeling and trying to find its unifying message.

But first things first. There are less than 10 days before the election. I'm excited for the future, because I believe Barack Obama can change our country's direction to a positive route.

Chapter 80.25: Debtors, Creditors, and Editors

2008-10-22T18:54:00.005-04:00

I've been feeling quite wonderful today, and I owe it to optimisim for the future. No, I didn't win the lottery or get a raise or even find a $20 on the street. All I did was have a wonderful interview last night with a person who conducts research at the area of Antarctica where my next novel takes place.

But there's an implicit contract with an interview, as Margaret Atwood well knows: For every debtor there is an creditor; for every interviewer there is an interviewee who expects his comments to be regarded properly and accurately.

What will come of this interview — and hopefully others — remains to be seen, but I commit to her and to the others I've communicated with about my Antarctic novel that I will work on this story as diligently as possible and give credit where it's due.

Thank you, Jill.

Chapter 80.2: Stranger Things Have... No, This Is Uniquely Strange

2008-10-20T23:08:00.005-04:00

I don't think even Jerry Springer, former city council leader in Cincinnati, could top this. This past weekend on Saturday Night Live, Sarah Palin impressed voters by showing she has the skills to be ... a television star. No, I don't think she'll do it soon, even if the Democrats take back the White House. But Gov. Palin actually looked comfortable on SNL. Hard to believe for a woman who seems to dislike the east coast.

Personally, I think she's going to stay in politics. Indeed, how she's positioning herself for after this campaign is over already become a topic of speculation. If Sen. Obama wins the presidency and Palin returns to her northern territory, don't expect her to stay there too long. I don't know how it will happen, but I expect her to run for the Senate. Perhaps she'll take Sen. Ted Stevens' seat. And she'll probably win.

By gaining a seat in the Senate, coupled with her experience as both a governor and as a partially scrutinized vice presidential candidate, she'll have established a record that other Republicans would love to have. I still don't like her conservative politics, but as she gets more comfortable on television, she's going to learn how to become a political force.

Chapter 80.1: Wet October Surprise?

2008-10-16T07:13:00.000-04:00

Perhaps I should have taken our leaky pipe in the basement as a sign. The 2008 presidential campaign seems to have had its October surprise burble up finally. This time it came up through the pipes in Toledo, Ohio, one of the swingingest states in America.

The gist of it is a guy now known for the rest of his 15 minutes as Joe the Plumber asked Sen. Obama about how his plan to tax only those making at least $250,000 will affect Joe's chances of having a successful plumbing business. (Almost uncommented upon has been that Joe isn't a licensed plumber, which apparently is required in Toledo.)

By clogging up the debate with plumber references, Sen. McCain seems to have re-engaged his campaign with at least some of the voting populace. Whether it will be enough to actually sway what few undecideds are out there or reconvert those Republicans who had given up on McCain remains to be seen.

But if you have your Joe the Plumber t-shirts already, I advise you get ready to sell them, because after early November, regardless of who wins, they'll probably be going cheap.

Chapter 80: This Would Be Nice

2008-10-08T06:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a difficult post-season for me. I have no vested interest — even less now that Chicago is out of it. But the Boston Globe put a smile on my face this morning. They reminded me that Don Zimmer is associated with the Tampa Devil Rays. Of course, he's been associated with several different teams; that's what happens when a guy's been in major league baseball for over 60 years.

Zim managed the Red Sox when Bucky F. Dent hit his infamous home run. He got tossed to the ground by Pedro Martinez during the 2003 ALCS. He was an original Met (and went 1-23, if memory serves). He managed the 1989 Cubs to the playoffs. He was on the Dodgers when Don Larsen tossed the only perfect game in World Series history. Even when he worked for the Yankees, Zim was fun to have around.

His stint with the Yankees really solidified his association with Joe Torre — not that they didn't know each other already, but when you serve as someone's bench coach and take over managing the team when that guy deals with butt cancer, you've kinda got a level of relationship that is above mere teammate. And he stood up to George Steinbrenner. Good for Zim!

So I for one would love to see the Rays meet the Dodgers in the playoffs. It would mean the Dodgers eliminate the Phillies, which as a Met fan would make me happy. And while I like the Red Sox and have family who are huge Sox fans, I can't help but like the baby Rays from the other Bay area. B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, a surprisingly consistent starting pitching staff (which basically was the reason for my first fantasy baseball championship ever) ... what's not to love?

So that's what I'm rooting for: Dodgers vs. Rays in the 2008 World Series. Let the interviews with Don Zimmer continue.

Chapter 79.9: Innumeracy, Thy Name is Chucklehead

2008-10-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Thank God I'm not the only person who complains about innumeracy! In a recent column in Forbes, Rich Karlgaard rails against the "American math chuckleheads" who thought that instead of an $85 billion bailout for AIG, each Amerian adult should get their share of that amount. The problem is they don't know how to do math. While they thought the simple division meant the 200 million American adults would receive $425,000 each, it actually breaks down to $425 each.

I mean, come on, wasn't it obvious that $425,000 simply couldn't be right and that they needed to punch the numbers back into the calculator to do things over, only this time with the right number of zeroes?

Unfortunately, using chucklehead math, there's simply not enough money in the world to pay for all the math tutors required to retrain math-challenged Americans. Here's a low-cost alternative: Read John Allen Paulos's book Innumeracy and learn how to think logically. These days, we could all use a little help in the wallet.

Here's a math problem to get you started: If a coffee costs $2 at the corner store and you drink two cups a day each day of the work week, how much do you spend on coffee per month? Per year?

Short answer, too much. Long answer is $20 per week, $80-$100 per month, and $1000 per year (assuming two weeks off for vacation). Wouldn't you like to have another thousand dollars in your pocket? This is why I drink the free stuff at the office.

Thank God I don't smoke!

Chapter 79.8: Playoff Predictions

2008-10-02T06:49:00.002-04:00

Ok, I'm a little late on this, but honestly this is what I thought before the games began:

AL
Red Sox vs. Angels: Angels in five. I believe their pitching is simply better than what the Red Sox can muster at this point. And Papelbon hasn't been as sharp lately, which must concern Red Sox Nation.

White Sox vs. Rays: Rays in four. With apologies to my friends in Chicago, I don't think there'll be a Windy City World Series because the Rays, while young and inexperienced, are simply too darn talented. And rested. But those Sox have pluck. They should be able to take at least one.

NL
Phillies vs. Brewers: Phils in four. I'd like to root for the Brewers, since the Phillies are the Mets' chief rivals these days. But I just don't see how the Brewers can do it with CC and God Save Us! as their pitching staff.

Dodgers vs. Cubs: Cubs in five. Ok, here's the one that got affected by last night's game. I honestly was surprised that the Dodgers beat Dempster, so instead of my prediction of Cubs in four, I've added a game. But this could easily be proven wrong. The Dodgers are almost as hot as the Rockies were last year.

Chapter 79.7: Tending to Your Magic Garden

2008-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

With the financial world coming apart at the seams and the economy fibrillating like a bad heart, I found this blog post at the Skoll Foundation's site timely and somewhat interesting. It's a how-to piece for tending to your "social network."

Though clearly not among the top stories in terms of importance, the emergence of online social networks (see Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.) as key tools for advancing oneself has been a trend of 2008 — and no, I don't have a Facebook or MySpace page, though I have real-life friends who would like me to have one. But the Skoll item offers a few really good points that shouldn't be forgotten, which I've put into my words rather than theirs: Meet people in real life; give, don't simply receive; keep connected; keep meeting new people; don't wait to start; invest in yourself.

That last one sounds way too "new agey" for my tastes, but it's not a bad recommendation. So, all you financial industry people out there, I wish you luck. We need you to succeed.

Chapter 79.6: Shea Goodbye, Unless...

2008-09-28T14:02:00.003-04:00

Today, the last regularly scheduled game at Shea Stadium is taking place. In fact, it has begun. I was fortunate enough to get a call just before I left work Thursday night with a free ticket to the Mets game against the Cubs. Pedro Martinez vs. Rich Harden. Game number 159 in the season.

And at many times during the rainy night, I feared they would lose. Indeed, the Mets never led until they won. It will probably be my last night at Shea.

I'll miss it; it was home of my favorite team. I have many memories: my first baseball game, watching Nolan Ryan almost throw a no-hitter against them, riding the #7 train to meet up to watch the Mets play the Cardinals when Mark McGwire his his 400th homer, feeling the entire stadium shake during the final game of the 2000 NLCS, using a ticket from a friend who died on 9/11 to attend one of the first games after that terrible day, running onto the field during the 1983 Simon & Garfunkel concert, watching Billy Joel at the final concert at Shea. There are so many more.

And there could be at least one more night, because the Mets and Brewers are tied for the wild card, courtesy of a three-hit shutout by Johan Santana yesterday and a Cubs win over the Brewers. If the Mets and Brewers both win or both lose today, then they play each other Monday night at Shea.

But after today's game, there'll be a celebrtion of Shea. Even if the Mets end up not going to the playoffs, I wouldn't miss the celebration. The stadium may be ugly and noisy and stinky, but it's been home.

Thanks, Shea. Citi Field won't be quite the same.

Chapter 79.5: Thanks!

2008-09-25T08:20:00.001-04:00

Thanks to those of you voted in my first poll. At this point it remains to be seen who'll be right. Over the weekend, I'll post another.

Chapter 79.4: Mets Continue to Struggle

2008-09-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

The Mets keep on struggling, but at least they finally beat the woeful Washington Nationals.

Yet, despite the awful way they completed last season, I don't have the same sense of dread that I felt then. The 2007 team broke my heart. Of course, so did the 2006 team, when I watched Carlos Beltran follow a breaking pitch into the catcher's mitt for an embarassing third strike in the NL Championship Series. Somehow, I don't think Jerry Manuel — my new favorite manager ;-) — will allow them to quit on themselves like the 2007 squad did.

I'm sure this club could end up frustrating me just as much as the previous two teams, but for some reason I don't think it'll happen. For one thing, they have two legitimate shots at making the playoffs — though in both the division and the wild card, they have close competition. The Phillies are the defending division champs and they must be respected, while the Brewers have CC Sabathia, who may just be the best pitcher in the National League right now.

So, I'll use the Mets as a way to introduce a new gadget on my blog: a poll question. What do you think, will they make the playoffs (and, if so, how do you think they will they get there), or will they be playing ping pong with the Yankees?

Vote early and vote often.

Chapter 79.3: Mind Boggling Collapse

2008-09-17T08:35:00.006-04:00

We are living through an incredible moment. The utter collapse of U.S. financial markets is like something out of a futuristic tale of apocalypse, except it's happening now, in real time, with real damage.

The Bush administration probably will go down as the worst in U.S. history because of the myriad debacles — financial, military, political, legal — that occurred on its watch. To be sure, not everything has been President Bush's fault; too much has happened to blame it all on one person. But then again, not everything was Herbert Hoover's fault either. That doesn't mean we have warm, fuzzy feelings for him or his term in office.

Looking back at Hoover's Wikipedia entry, I'm a little concerned that he was also considered a progressive and a reformer. In this election, we have a purported progressive (Obama) and reformer (McCain) and the election is looking razor thin. (What is it about extremely close elections in this century?)

To a financial know-nothing like myself (just because I can do math doesn't mean I'm up on economic theory), it appears that the rich were trying to get richer on risky investments and when many of those investments failed, they weren't able to make good on their outlay of cash. They were over-extended. Much like the American populace.

Let's face it, this world lives on credit. It's not just in America — all over the world. Hell, I think they extend credit on Antarctica! And if a bank were to say, "I know we gave you a 30-year fixed mortgage, but we need our money now," (which probably isn't legal, so I'm not too worried about it happening to me) there's no way I could pay it without having to borrow money from someone else for less favorable terms. I think that's, in a sense, what has been happening on Wall Street.

This could well be the beginning of our Great Depression. If, as some speculate, we are experiencing the end of the "American empire," then we should probably pay close attention to what's going on. Our next major decisions — like who we choose to be president for the next four years — are exceedingly important for today and for our children tomorrow.

Chapter 79.2: Richard Wright, Leaving the Machine

2008-09-16T07:57:00.004-04:00

Richard Wright, one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, has died. He was the organist, and when you think of early Pink Floyd you think of Syd Barrett and the sound of Wright's keyboard.

While I was never a stoner, I always liked Pink Floyd. Sure it was music to get high to, but it was something more than that as well. Like good jazz, Pink Floyd songs start off as musical oddities and then, as you hear them again, they slowly show you other possibilities. You hear the little nuances that had been missed the first time.

For me, a lot of those nuances were played on the keyboards of Richard Wright. I'll be honest, I haven't listened to much Floyd lately. But as the old rockers start heading to that big ol' juke box in the sky, I think we must remember them as key players in an important time in our lives.

Chapter 79.1: But What Publishers Really Want to Do Is Direct

2008-09-15T00:02:00.001-04:00

An article in the New York Times about a month ago noted an interesting development in film and book publishing. For years, book publishers weren't getting much if any of the Hollywood rights when books went to film. Now Simon & Schuster is getting a piece of the movie pie.

The book publisher now has a deal with a Hollywood management company, the Gotham Group, which seems to put the movie and book rights in the same hands. All I have to go on here is this article, but it seems that S&S is putting itself in a very risky position. How many of their books can honestly be expected to produce profitable films? And is Hollywood's notorious accounting going to wreck havoc on one of the world's largest book publishers?

I could well be naive, but I can't imagine this "end-in-mind" deal is in place for all its Young Adult books. Indeed, the article suggests that whether a book gets made into a film will now be decided well ahead of the game.

So what does this mean for people who want to option the rights to books? Will there be fewer books that get made into films? (Doubtful.) Will it be more expensive to acquire film rights for independent filmmakers? (Somehow, I don't think most indies are going after the same books as S&S and other major publishers.) And will the writer get more out of this? That's really what I want to know.

Somehow, I doubt the poor schlub writer will come out of this with much more money.

Chapter 79: Anticipating the End of the World

2008-09-09T21:10:00.003-04:00

I'm glad that when the Large Hadron Collider is turned on, I should be snoozing away. That way, I'll be right where I need to be when the world comes to an end.

There are some folks who believe that this apparatus, where photons are sent zipping around a 17-mile track, could create black holes. The fear is that that such a creation could blink out all existence on the planet — indeed, the planet itself, Poof! Gone. Interesting little bit of irony: the act of creation leads to the end of existence. I'd like my irony with a nice single malt on the side, please.

While making black holes would essentially prove Stephen Hawking's theory on the subject, the destruction of life as we know it wouldn't help him receive the Nobel Prize he'd deserve. Thankfully, Hawking doesn't expect the world to end tomorrow. I have more faith in his forecast on this issue than the other whack jobs who are predicting death and destruction. Given the proximity of a different anniversary, I could deal without the major loss of life, thank you.

But if I don't hear from anyone after 3:30 EDT tomorrow morning, I call shotgun in the sportscar to oblivion.

Chapter 78.9: Photosynthesis, Anyone?

2008-09-08T21:18:00.001-04:00

School's back in session. Earlier this summer, Stanford University released a report that found young students fare better when learning complex concepts using "everyday English."

As a case in point, researchers noted that students learning about photosynthesis need to understand a little bit of Latin, a dash of French, and some Greek. The problem, the researchers said, is that students are getting new words and new ideas at the same time. That can be difficult for children. Ok, they may be right. They're certainly right that a child can learn about an apple before they knew how to say "apple."

But what's so wrong with teaching a kid something difficult? As long as you have multiple ways of getting the point across — reinforcing the concepts — then a good teacher should be able to get the lesson across. I think that what they're doing is pointing out the obvious: a child won't learn a complex concept without being able to relate to it at a certain level.

Perhaps I'm not understanding what's so revolutionary. I'll read it again.

Chapter 78.8: McCain-Palin, My First Impressions

2008-08-30T12:26:00.003-04:00

Perhaps first impressions is a misnomer, since I'm offering them here a day after the announcement. But I don't mind saying this was my first impression: if disaffected Hillary voters go for the Republican ticket purely because he selected a women to the vice presidential slot of the ticket, then there's something seriously wrong with how people think.

At a certain level, I feel bad for Governor Palin. She's being used like a pawn, though her career after 2008 has just been placed on a higher path. Her selection is so blatantly opportunistic — trying to sway those angry Democrats who were Hillary supporters — that it's beneath the presidency. Does anyone actually think that a person who's spent more time as the mayor of 8,500-strong Wassila, Alaska, than she has as governor of a state with just 670,000 people is ready to step in as president if something happens to the 72-year-old who could be the leader of the free world? Her selection completely undermines the Republicans argument that Sen. Obama is not ready to be president.

Moreover, this selection strongly suggests that the conservatives still run the Republican party, which will only bode poorly for those millions of Americans who ascribe the recent economic difficulties on the conservative policies of President Bush's administration and the previous Congress that followed essentially in lockstep. True, things aren't much better under the current Democratic-led Congress, but I certainly believe there was more debate about things now than there was during the first three-quarters of the Bush administration.

That's another thing I don't like about McCain's selection of Gov. Palin. He's reported to have made the decision based on just a couple conversations. I have enough faith in Sen. McCain to believe he assessed her background and recognized that Palin's conservative stands coupled with her willingness to rock the boat made her a good match for him. But I can't help but think he'd have done more to help his cause by selecting Carly Fiorina as his VP. She's already part of his team as a chief fundraiser and has actual experience leading major corporations. I recognize that Alaska is not exactly some political backwater, but I simply don't think Palin has more experience than Fiorina.

The more I read about Palin, the more I think she could be underestimated, so I'm sure there's a lot more to be learned. But I have to say, it seems to me that the Republicans have conceded that they have little shot of winning the election.

Chapter 78.75: There Be Monsters

2008-08-27T23:15:00.003-04:00

Douse the lights, cue the creepy music, and sit next to your honey because the monsters are out in force!

At least that's what the Washington Post says. And no, they're not talking about Democrats or Republicans. It's not even hephalumps or woozles. Rather, the hoaxers are out in force. In addition to the recently exposed hoax of Bigfoot "sightings" in Georgia, there have been slightly less easily explained findings of what some folks believe are el chupacabra (YouTube video of CNN report) and the newly minted Montauk Monster.

I'm open-minded enough to believe that there are cryptozoological creatures that will turn out to be real. I enjoy watching Destination Truth on Sci-Fi as Josh Gates and his crew travel the world in search of living mythological creatures. And I think it's possible that a large ape-like hominid is living in the Pacific Northwest. (Perhaps the relative lack of Bigfoot scat supports my hypothesis that they were the first to create Pooper Scoopers.)

But I strongly suspect that until incontrovertible proof of life is discovered — like a swimming coelecanth — we will never be rid of monster stories like these. They're fun, they're silly, and in the end they may even do some good for small towns.

If nothing else, it's kept the summer interesting.

Chapter 78.7: Obama-Biden, My First Impressions

2008-08-23T07:37:00.004-04:00

I heard the news today, Oh boy! About a lucky man who made the grade.

With apologies to the Beatles and with recognition that I'm alluding to a lyrical car crash — which is not what I mean to connote — I will say that I'm happy about Obama's selection of Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as his vice presidential candidate – and with the secrecy in which he made it.

I think it was more than a year ago now that I interviewed a woman who was then newly installed as chief of staff for a Congressman. We had an off the record conversation toward the end when I asked her who she liked in the 2008 presidential race. It might have been early 2007, or perhaps even earlier. "I'm not sure why yet, but I like Joe Biden," she said.

Sen. Biden isn't perfect. Though he's clearly a bright man, he's prone to make stupid comments that can be interpreted in a way other than how he intended. He'll have to temper his sense of humor. While he's a Catholic, he's voted pro-choice; that'll be an issue for many Catholics. I for one do not vote for a president based on a person's opinions on this clearly important issue. But it will likely embarass the campaign when a priest chooses not to serve him communion, just as it did with John Kerry.

But Biden's strength is his familiarity with foreign leader and his experience as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. I'd been thinking that if he weren't selected for the vice presidency, he'd make a good Secretary of Defense. But I'm pleased with where he is.

The question to be asked of any vice president is whether he can handle the job of president. While no one wants to talk about it much, that is a matter of utmost concern for this ticket, because there are too many wackos out there who won't like the idea of an African-American president. I believe Biden could step in and do the job, though I hope Obama has a strong first term in the office. We're going to need steady hands atop our government for the next several years.

Let the love-fest begin!

I'm sure Sen. McCain also will select a capable partner (though I really don't think it'll be Mitt Romney, regardless of the possibility that it would swing Michigan his way). And this will be an election for the ages. Personally, I have great hopes for a President Obama. I think he'll be a strong leader and decades from now people will look at Sen. McCain as an unfortunate leader who went up against a tidal wave. (Too bad McCain wasn't elected in 2000, they'll say, but that's a discussion for a different time.)

It will be a difficult couple of months ahead, but I'm happy to be pleased with the Democratic ticket. It's been a long time since I felt this good about a presidential team.

Chapter 78.6: My Kind of Fish Story

2008-08-22T07:15:00.001-04:00

What's not to like in this fish story (except possibly fish)? Apparently a couple of enterprising young students were intrigued by a conversation around the dinner table. Their father, a scientist, was talking shop about bird DNA (and who doesn't?), when one of the teenage girls asked if genetic barcoding could be done on sushi. "Yeah, I think you could," he replied, "and if you did that, I think you’d be the first ones."

Sciencephobes take note: that's how ideas happen.

What the girls found out is that, in a small and admittedly limited sample, many of the seafood meals one may purchase in New York City are fishy to say the least. That is, they're mislabeled. Of course, being sensible and sufficiently conscious of the litigious society we live in, they refused to label the ne'er-do-wells where they bought the faux red snappers and white tuna (nothing said about blue fish; where's their American spirit?). But they did say kind things about one fish seller.

While I might have blogged about this story anyway, the thing that made me most proud of these kids is that they're not pursuing science in college. Don't get me wrong, there's a dearth of good young American scientists coming up through the ranks — especially female scientists — so I'd have been happy to see them pursue the subject. But this means there'll be more curious, scientifically adept kids studying art, studying literature, studying history, studying economics.

As the article concludes, the wheel maybe coming around full circle.

In a way, Dr. Ausubel said, their experiment is a return to an earlier era of scientific inquiry. "Three hundred years ago, science was less professionalized," he said, and contributions were made by interested amateurs. "Perhaps the wheel is turning again where more people can participate."

Let's hope so.

Chapter 78.5: My, How Things Have Changed

2008-08-19T07:28:00.002-04:00

Not so long ago, the next three Mets games would have been an electric series of games. The Braves are coming to town to play my beloved Mets. Alas, these are not the same Braves that won division titles every completed year from 1991 to 2005. (I still think the Expos would have won in 1994, but the strike killed baseball and essentially pulled the plug on that unfortunate franchise.)

One of the remaining stalwarts of those excellent teams from Atlanta that led the National League East for more than a decade is Larry Jones — better known as Chipper. In my opinion, he's a likely Hall of Famer, albeit not a surefire, first ballot honoree.

In an interview with the New York Times, he reflected on those heady days of 1999, when Bobby Valentine managed the Mets and Chipper was one of the most dominant bats in the NL. After taking two of three in a summer series, Jones commented about how Mets fans "can go home and put on their Yankees jerseys." While he was apparently inspired by some yo-yo who wore one of those split Mets/Yankees shirts, Jones was clearly not aware of how deep the divide can be between Mets and Yankees fans.

I suspect it's just as prominent between Cubs and White Sox fans, and maybe even between Dodgers and Angels fans.

Of course, the Braves can still hurt the Mets, who hold a tenuous 1.5 game lead over our latest chief rival, the Phillies. Losing the series to the Braves wouldn't destroy the Mets, but if they damage them in these dog days of August, the Mets could find themselves unable to shake off the inevitable questions about last year's epic, infamous demise.

We'll see what happens. For some reason, I think this could be an exciting season, regardless of how mediocre the Braves have become.

Chapter 78.4: Is Glavine Done?

2008-08-16T23:26:00.004-04:00

Though the 2007 baseball season is long since finished, Mets fans have not forgetten the terrible way it ended. After weeks of bullpen failures and a lack of clutch hitting, John Maine took a no-hitter deep into the game, and while he wasn't able to toss the first no-no in Mets history that day, he was able to win the game and get the Mets back into a tie for first place.

The next day, Tom Glavine couldn't get out of the first inning.

So, while it may not be fashionable among Mets fans, I was saddened to read that his career may be over. Glavine's injured elbow has caused him to shut it down for 2008, and he hopes the Braves will take him back in 2009; he doesn't want to play anywhere else, he said.

Though I've never met him, I have a lot of respect for Tom Glavine. He always worked hard, he answered reporters' questions, and he genuinely seemed to understand a fan's perspective. Plus, he is and will always be a family man. Some of these players talk about how a decision has to make sense for their family, but then they take a few million dollars more to go elsewhere. He did it too, but for some reason, I believe his family meant more to him than the money.

I was proud to see him win his 300th game as a Met. I'm happy he played for my favorite team and that I saw him pitch a few times.

So if this is the end, I'm sad for him and for baseball. But I don't think he's too worried. He's got a family that loves him and he's got nothing to be ashamed of overall — not even that last 1/3 of an inning in 2007 (though I didn't think that at the time).

Chapter 78.3: That's Sir Penguin to You

2008-08-15T22:09:00.005-04:00

I've heard of emperor penguins, but this is a different kettle of fish altogether. Apparently, a king penguin that lives at the Edinburgh Zoo and serves as mascot for the Norwegian King's Guard, has been knighted. (Love the photo!)

According to the zoo, there have been three penguins named Nils Olav — after the the lieutenant who selected the mascot (Nils Egelian) and the then-king of Norway, Olav V — and these birds have gradually swum up the ranks, culminating in a knighthood today.

I'm aware of Caligula's reverance for his horse, Incitatus, who a famous Roman historian claimed was to be named a consul of Rome (though the legend was that the horse was named to the Senate). If a penguin can be knighted and Leona Helmsley's dog, Lucky, could get $12 million in a will, perhaps Caligula wasn't as crazy as he's reputed to have been.

Chapter 78.2: Old Friends

2008-08-12T00:11:00.003-04:00

I've had a lot on my mind recently. Family. Past. Future. Money. Lack. Vacations. Staycations. Children (which kind of incorporates all the previous thoughts).

It's been hard to sit down and write about things like that on a blog, especially since I don't intend to bare my soul for the world to see here. I probably say too much already.

I'm meeting up with an old friend after work...today. It's been a couple years since I've met up with him. Basically, I want to catch up. Acknowledge my history. Hopefully laugh. But there are many old friends with whom I should do the same thing. It's difficult to restart one's past. You never know if it'll build momentum — and sometimes it was better off left in neutral.

But I try to be hopeful. We are nothing without history.

Chapter 78.15: Happy Belated Birthday, NASA

2008-08-06T20:42:00.005-04:00

Somehow I let this pass me by. NASA has turned 50!

I consider myself something of a "spaceophile," so I should have remembered this date. I would have sent a card.

Chapter 78.1: Middle of the Road

2008-08-05T07:02:00.006-04:00

It has begun, as I believed it would. The political parties — or at least the media — in the United States are seeing a shift, not merely away from Republicans but also toward the center. In short, the number of independents is increasing.

Indeed, in the New York Times story I've linked to above is this very interesting paragraph: "Over the same period, the share of the electorate that registers as independent has grown at a faster rate than Republicans or Democrats in 12 states. The rise has been so significant that in states like Arizona, Colorado and North Carolina, nonpartisan voters essentially constitute a third party." (My emphasis)

I've argued with friends who enjoy political debates that the Republican party will undergo a significant shift as moderates wedge themselves away from conservatives. But the Democratic party has seen a shift as well as more centrist Democrats (I count myself as one) find themselves less comfortable with the more left-leaning liberals. To my eyes, that will be the deepest chasm that emerges if there is an Obama administration — especially since it's highly likely to be accompanied by a Democratic majority in both bodies of Congress.

I'll leave it at that for now, but this is a topic I'll return to.

Chapter 78.05: The Beerization of the Charity Gala

2008-07-30T00:11:00.002-04:00

This just pisses me off. I have no problem with drinking, and I certainly have no qualms with people supporting a cause, but when someone thinks that drinking in and of itself should support a cause, well, that's where I get annoyed.

A co-worker put it like this, and I agree with her: "Call me old fashioned (or of advanced age, or whatever), but isn’t there something obnoxious about saying you don’t want to give time planting trees but will get drunk because you’re going to anyway, and a beer is a beer is a beer? OK, so I haven’t planted trees lately, either, and I do buy from companies that supposedly give a percentage of the proceeds to good causes even if I have to pay a few pennies more because I’m going to buy it anyway, but there’s something about this attitude that doing good shouldn’t inconvenience you or mean changing your lifestyle at all that’s really, really depressing to me."

When I was a kid, I sold stickers to support the Little League and sold candy bars to help out my school. I collected wrappers from soup cans and brought them into school. Whatever happened to collecting UNICEF pennies, or visiting orphanages? Drinking beer? That's not a charitable event.

You might argue that a charity gala is just a glorified way of drinking for a cause, and having attended a couple of them — and more importantly, knowing that those events rarely do much better than break even — I'd say you have a point. You might argue that the beer party is more honest, but the fact is, this is dishonest charity. It's not about charity, it's about getting drunk, it's about trying to get laid. Those may be worthy "causes" by themselves, but they are not charity (even if ugly people... sorry, won't finish that thought).

Do yourselves and the rest of humanity a favor: find a cause you believe in that helps other people, support it, and encourage others to do the same for their causes. Charity is intended to be unselfish. Give it a shot, I think you'll find it's far more buzz worthy than a six pack.

Chapter 79.1: Have Jetpack, Will Travel

2008-07-29T10:06:00.002-04:00

How I wish I had a spare $100,000 to spend. Check out this article, which comes with a great video!

Chapter 78: Eureka! I've Found It!

2008-07-29T00:27:00.000-04:00

I know I'm a little odd at times, but I have to admit I really enjoy a silly little show on the Sci Fi channel. Perhaps it's because of my family genetics, but I love Eureka, which is premiering its third season on Tuesday. From the infectious opening theme to the delightfully off-center characters in the town full of scientists and geniuses, I look forward to the whole thing. Even the new line of commercials that parody home shopping shows are clever. And I usually hate commercials that I've seen over and over again.

There are smarter shows out there, and it can be predictable, but there's something about this fictional town and the people that live there that make me happy. If you enjoyed Northern Exposure (one of my all time favorites) back in the early '90s, then I think you'll find a new home in Eureka.

Chapter 77.9: To the Moon! ... Bang, Zoom!

2008-07-27T13:29:00.002-04:00

This could be interesting. The USA Today reports that a group of engineers is working on an alternative rocket to the Ares prototype that may eventually bring Americans back to the moon.

The article doesn't have a lot of detail (it is the USA Today, after all), but the way I read it, it sounds as though NASA doesn't believe it's safe enough to consider seriously; plus, NASA has spent about $7 billion to develop the Ares, so far, and it's not going to change its mind now.

I'm ok with that, but if some engineers can build a better rocket, I think the idea of competition should be fine. Of course, NASA is building with tax-payer dollars, so I'd like to think they've done enough homework to recognize that what they're working on is efficient and effective (I don't expect it be cheap; this is space we're dealing with!)

If nothing else, hopefully it'll inspire some great moon-related shows on Discovery!

Chapter 77.85: Cuppa Matt

2008-07-21T16:53:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to figure out how to allow subscriptions to my blogs, and finally Blogger has added that capability. So if you enjoy my mental meanderings here, please sign up using the clickable subscription button on the right hand side.

I've also set up an email box for those who want to reach me but don't want to post a comment on the blog. So, feel free to email me at cuppasinclair@gmail.com and I promise to get back to you ASAP.

Chapter 77.8: Thanks Billy, Thanks Shea!

2008-07-20T00:30:00.005-04:00

Billy Joel played the final concert at Shea Stadium on Friday night, and my wife and I were lucky enough to get tickets. (Thanks again, Bob & Suzanne, for the truly wonderful birthday present!)

I've seen Billy before, back when he still recorded new albums, but this was a special night and there was really no comparison to the previous concert. The show didn't start on time. He explained from his piano seat that they wanted to let everyone get into the stadium ("We all know the parking sucks," he joked.) But we learned later the real reason for the delay.

The night was electric with his hits and he also dug into his back catalog for songs that don't get much airplay but are still fun, exciting songs. Of course, he refused to play "Just the Way You Are," which he derides as a wedding song — and let's face it, he's right. And before too long it became obvious that "Piano Man" would be among the last songs played. It's his signature song, after all.

In between the first and the last songs was a night full of entertainment, both visual and aural. I truly got a sense of the amazing clarity of high-def television as the screens on which the images of Joel and the other musicians played seemed to be in 3-D. You could see every bead of sweat on Billy's balding pate.

Tony Bennett reprised his performance from Wednesday night on "New York State of Mind." He's really cemented his place among rock fans as the successor to Frank Sinatra, by which I mean an old crooner who can still connect with those of a younger generation. Speaking about generations, Roger Daltrey also came on stage to sing "My Generation" and swing his specially equipped microphone once more. In keeping with the legacy of The Who, Joel smashed a guitar on stage, a la Pete Townshend.

The other special guests were Steven Tyler, who sang "Walk This Way," and Garth Brooks — decked out in a Mets cap and jersey (he played with the team during spring training, 2000) — who sang the Joel-written song "Shameless" that he had a hit with.

Throughout the night, the significance of the venue was never lost. Indeed, with Citi Field towering behind the stage in Shea's center field, it was impossible to not be aware that this night was in part about celebrating the wonderful history of music at Shea Stadium, which began with the Beatles. During "Zanzibar," images of famous Mets games played on the screens.

So it wasn't surprising — indeed, Maureen and I kinda expected it — when Billy Joel reintroduced Sir Paul McCartney to Shea. The old Beatle sang "I Saw Her Standing There," which also could have been as much about the stadiums as it was a remembrance of songs past. The Beatles played Shea in 1965, which I believe was the first time a rock band had played a sports stadium.

Of course, only Piano Man could follow that, and Billy Joel — who had been looking exhausted for at least an hour at that point — allowed the fans to help him sing his song. Maureen and I made our way out as the final notes played, so we didn't actually witness Paul's return for "Let It Be," but I wouldn't be surprised to find the show presented as a DVD in time for Christmas. I'm sure I'll see it then.

So, thanks Billy, thanks Paul, and thanks to the other 55,000 people who shared in such a wonderful night. Even that annoying couple a row over from us who must have been on ecstacy or something.

And thanks again, Bob and Suzanne. This is one birthday present I'll never forget!

Chapter 77.7: Bobby Murcer, One of the Good Yankees

2008-07-13T15:24:00.003-04:00

In my family, being a Yankee fan has never been an option. I've heard from my brothers that they rooted for Mickey Mantle, but not for the Yankees per se. Indeed, by the time the Miracle Mets won it all in 1969, we were already a family of Mets fans and I never knew anything but rooting for the Mets, despite the terrible teams of the late 70s.

Around the time the Mets were stinking up the National League and I was collecting baseball cards, Bobby Murcer was moving toward the tail end of his career. I remember watching Murcer play against the Mets when he was a member of the Cubs, and my older brothers told me about how he was always their favorite Yankee after Mantle retired after the 1968 season.

When he returned to the Yankees, I was able to watch him a little more regularly. (Just because I hated the Yankees didn't mean I wouldn't watch them. It was baseball, after all. I rooted for their opponents.) But it was always hard to root against Bobby Murcer.

I was rooting for him to beat the cancer in his brain, but I think any fan knew it was not quite the same as when he stood at the plate during the game after he'd delivered the eulogy for his close friend Thurman Munson. Murcer hit a homer and drove in the winning run that day. Yesterday, Murcer succumbed to the disease.

I'm a Mets fan and a Yankee hater, but there is always room on a team for a player like Bobby Murcer. He was known for his class and wit. I believe that most non-Yankee fans regarded Murcer as one of the good guys. My thoughts go out to his family.

Chapter 77.6: Why Did the New York Times Interview the Guy From Most Evil?

2008-07-07T23:48:00.002-04:00

As a regular reader of the New York Times and an occasional viewer of television shows about cruel and unusual punishers, I immediately noticed a similarity between the man in a photo that accompanied a story about therapists to the megawealthy in today's Times.

The article discusses the unique needs of megawealthy patients in therapy, the challenges for psychiatrists and psychotherapists to treat them properly, and how the therapeutic needs of the megawealthy are changing.

But what the article didn't go into much detail about was why it was interviewing Dr. Michael Stone, who is a forensic psychiatrist who researches and categorizes the acts of killers, and is the main interviewer in Most Evil, which uses his taxonomy of evil -- detailing from those who kill in self-defense to serial psychpathic torturers who kill with torture as the primary motive. Also barely mentioned is the connection between the New York Times and the Investigation Discovery channel -- part of Discovery Networks.

I don't mean to suggest that anything illegal or unethical is going on; I don't think the people at the Discovery Network have any influence over the news room of America's most important daily newspaper. But Stone's place in the article is intriguing, to say the least.

In the article, Dr. Stone -- who is not the most frequently quoted interview subject, but is not exactly filler, either -- talks about the narcissism of the megawealthy patients. This seems in keeping with his study of murderers and psychopaths, but it seems like there should be more explanation for the lay audience why Dr. Stone is being interviewed at all. They interviewed more than a dozen therapists for the article. Why was Stone so prominent? He's described as "a psychiatrist affiliated with Columbia" and after the second jump it notes that he "is also known as a forensic psychiatrist and is the host of a show on the Investigation Discovery network."

I'd love to learn whether there are significant psychosocial similarities between the super rich and the super-psychotic. The article doesn't delve into this at all. And in the first few dozen comments that appeared, none of the published comments noted Stone's affiliation with Most Evil. Am I the only person who finds this intriguing?

If anyone could recommend some books for me to read about the possible connection between these seeming extremes of personality types (this is one area where I'd prefer nonfiction over fiction), please share them. This is fascinating.

Chapter 77.5: Thoughts on Independence Day

2008-07-04T09:43:00.003-04:00

The other day, I read a great editorial from a somewhat unexpected source: William Kristol.

I'd not considered the idea, for example of reading the full Declaration of Independence aloud on July 4th, though it's not only perfectly appropriate, but perhaps something that should become customary.

William Kristol is not someone I read with regularity. I don't think of myself as inherently conservative, though I see some conservativism within me -- mostly on the financial side. Rather, I consider myself a moderate, though I tend to vote Democratic. Still, Kristol's piece is more about America as a political entity rather than as looking at it as either liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican.

As Kristol writes: "...the declaration itself notes, 'all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.' The people are conservative. Liberty sometimes requires the bold leadership of a few individuals."

In general I agree.

A friend of mine who is a consultant for nonprofit organizations once told me that his basic formula finds that the number of leaders within a group (even a group of leaders) is effectively equal to the square root of the total number.

That makes Thomas Jefferson's experience even more amazing. If the recent John Adams biopic on HBO is to be believed — and it was based on David McCullough's well researched history of the man — then Jefferson was not the most likely person to write the Declaration. Indeed, he appeared to be mostly standoffish and unengaged. Yet this man became the third president of the United States, to say nothing of his standing as the second vice president, serving in John Adams' administration.

And it helps identify this country as a wonderful aberration in history: A country that believes enough in the people to encourage even those who might not see the greatness within themselves to stand up and voice their conscience. God Bless America. Happy Fourth, everyone!

Chapter 77.4: Watch Out for that ... Asteroid

2008-06-30T23:12:00.004-04:00

My, my, has it been a century already? Gosh, how the time flies! Yes, indeed, it was 1908 when the Tunguska Event occurred. Even now, it raises interest, especially among scientists.

For those millions who don't know about it, the Tunguska Event was a massive disaster that could have been worse. It's described in the above Wikipedia entry as the "air burst" of a large meteor that destroyed large sections of Russia exactly one hundred years ago today (regardless of whether you use the Julian calendar or not). I've also heard a theory that I don't see in Wikipedia (thank God) that suggests it was the result of an experiment by Nikola Tesla. If Wikipedia isn't going to spread that bit of nonsense, then I'll go no further with it.

Suffice it to say, the Tanguska Event remains one of the more intriguing mysteries of the twentieth century. The centennial reminds me that the Planetary Society is focusing on near earth objects (NEOs) this year. People who like a good scare should read up on these nonfictional calamities from space. Of course, if you've seen Deep Impact, then you have some idea of what NEOs can do.

If I may go off on a tangent (and it's my blog, so I suppose I can do whatever I want), the recent death of George Carlin has inspired several repeats of his classic television performances. This past Saturday, for instance, the original Saturday Night Live "pilot" was re-aired, which he hosted. Last week, HBO ran a series of his comedy specials. And I was reminded not only of how funny Carlin could be (and repititious, but, hey, that's comedy!), but also how exacting he was about language. As a writer and editor, I appreciate that.

But one bit has stuck with me. He spewed a fair amount of invective on the crying environmentalists who clamor for us to serve as better stewards of the earth. "The earth is fine," Carlin said. "It's people who may have a problem." The earth is a self-correcting system. It may take time, but the earth eventually will shake off humanity like fleas if it needs to.

Yes indeed, the earth will likely outlive us. We might find a way to scorch its surface or something may plummet from the heavens, but short of a well-placed laser shot from a death star, the planet should be able to continue orbiting the sun for eons after we've been lost to history. Food for thought.

Chapter 77.3: Honey, I'm Home!

2008-06-24T19:38:00.005-04:00

Possibly the most significant "welcome home" moment in literary history has been given a pinpoint date. That is, if you believe in the scientists' interpretations of some possibly metaphoric allusions.

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, researchers have identified April 16, in 1178 BC as the day on which Odysseus returned home to win the archery competition as well as the heart of faithful Penelope — and then proceeded to murder the 109 suitors and the dozen frisky maids.

Feel free to comment with quibbles, for there are many possibilities. For example, was that moment one of "the most heralded events of Western literature" as the Times describes it? Are the scientists taking liberties with their interpretations? Was Plutarch right in believing that Homer (or whoever is the true author of this epic tale – if there is one) was describing an eclipse when he relates: "The Sun has been obliterated from the sky, and an unlucky darkness invades the world"?

I'm open to getting into a playful online discussion about this whole thing. I find it fascinating. I don't pretend to be an expert, but the idea of getting to the exact date of such a seminal moment in the history of Western literature strikes me as fairly exciting!

Chapter 77.2: A Sense of Normalcy

2008-06-22T14:50:00.006-04:00

It's official: Tom Brokaw will take over the hosting duties of Meet the Press, the most important Sunday morning news and public policy show in the United States. Of course, one of the main reasons why it had become so significant is because of the effort the late Tim Russert put into it.

In my post offering my thoughts on Russert's untimely death, I openly pondered whether Brokaw would host. While I didn't come straight out and say it in the blog, Brokaw was who I was hoping would take the job.

To me it makes the most sense. Brokaw is the first person I thought of as capable of doing the job well while maintaining the sense of decorum that it requires (automatically cutting Chris Matthews out) through at least the election. I for one will miss Russert on election night. Brokaw will offer a sense of normalcy to what I suspect will be yet another odd election. At least President Bush can't win this time.

Soldier on, Mr. Brokaw, and I wish you well. America is watching and looking for you to pick up that torch and carry it forward.

Chapter 77.1: Summertime, and the Living Is ...

2008-06-20T17:37:00.004-04:00

We are closing in on the summer solstice. Last one to Stonehenge is a smelly druid!

I was a little surprised to discover that the moment of solstice -- that is, the exact minute at which the earth's axis is most oriented toward the sun (yet, ironically, the earth is farther away from the sun than it is during our winter, at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere) -- is at 11:59 GMT tonight. Seems like an odd time for it to occur, but I'm no solar scientist.

These days, summer isn't nearly as much fun as when I was a kid. Sure, the beers that I drink are legal, but that's not as much fun as when I was 17. And I haven't worked as a camp counselor for a loooong time now, so working outside with a couple built-in trips to a beach that I don't have to pay for is a thing of the past.

But it's still summer time, the best season of the year. Enjoy, everyone! And crack open a cold one for me.

Chapter 77: See Ya Later, Willie

2008-06-17T07:45:00.005-04:00

To me, the Willie Randolph situation had become so unimportant that I'd stopped watching the Mets. Yes, that may sound like a contradiction, but my point is this: The Mets are terrible, and unless I hear that things are actually turning around, I probably won't watch much.

I thought about turning the game on late last night, but before I turned the channel from Colbert, I fell asleep. The next thing I know, REM is playing on the Ferguson show. Time for bed.

I wasn't aware of Willie being fired till I heard it on the train platform. I'm not quite sure Omar Minaya flew them all out to California only to fire them. It seems like a pathetic way to avoid the heat in New York. At this point, I don't much care. The team is playing miserably, and I can't bear to watch.

It's not so much that they fired Willie. I can certainly accept that. But to do it in such a callous, cowardly way is simply despicable. The way the firing was handled suggests that the problem wasn't so much with the manager -- or even the players -- but with ownership. It's not enough to sign the checks and pave the way for a new stadium. You need some class, too. From the sound of it, they don't have any.

Jerry Manuel, I wish you luck. I'm sure I'll tune in eventually, but I need a moment.

Chapter 76.9: Tim Russert -30-

2008-06-13T19:40:00.005-04:00

No, that's not a typo. It's a journalistic symbol that denotes the end of a wire service story.

But Tim Russert, who died today at the all too young age of 58, was no wire service reporter, though if he had been one he would have excelled. Russert was perhaps the premier American TV journalist of his generation. How fitting, then, that Tom Brokaw, who will forever be associated with The Greatest Generation, shoud announce Russert's unexpected death. Indeed, how appropriate for Russert to die on a Friday afternoon, the slowest time in traditional news, when the Saturday edition has basically been put to bed and the editors are starting on their desk stash of scotch in the office before hitting the bar.

Russert wouldn't want to have become the story, but by the same token, he'd want the story out -- and accurate -- as soon as possible.

From what I've heard, Russert was passionate about politics and public policy. He was perfect for Meet the Press. I had hoped to meet him one day.

I can't help but wonder who will succeed him. I wonder if Brokaw might serve as the moderator for Meet the Press on Sunday, though he retired a few years ago. Whoever is the next host of that show will have much to aspire to.

-30-

Chapter 76.8: Buy Me Some Peanuts and Crackerjack

2008-06-09T07:24:00.002-04:00

This is the type of helpful travel tip that even non-baseball fans can sink their teeth into. The New York Times has posted an interactive map of the culinary delights available at all the major league baseball stadiums throughout the United States (and Toronto).

While I feel bad for my friends who are fans of the White Sox (not one item on their menu is recommended; the Times says bring a six pack and barter for a dog outside), I can agree with the assessment that the dogs at Shea are edible but way too expensive. (I think everyone can buy a full pack of hot dogs and possibly also the buns for less than the price of one dog at the game.)

I've gone to enough games and eaten enough expensive hot dogs to have decided that I don't need to have a dog and a beer at every game I attend any more. At the prices these days, I'm hard-pressed to attend more than one or two games anyway. But it's nice to fantasize, and if you do go to a game, why not have a game plan about the stadium menu!

Chapter 76.7: National "Take A Hike" Day

2008-06-07T19:18:00.003-04:00

You may not have known it, but today is National Trails Day -- or as I like to call it: National 'Take a Hike' Day. While I'm sure the purpose of this day is to encourage people to walk through some of the many beautiful areas of our country -- mountain trails, forested areas, shorelines -- but I like the idea of telling people to take a hike.

The possibilities for corporate tie-ins are incredible. For example, Timberland might love this: "I can tell your wife's a hiker by that Timberland treadmark on your ass... Timberland: Take a hike!"

Ok, probably not what they have in mind.

Of course, today, the last thing I wanted to do was walk around in this oppressive heat; 96 degrees in early June is not my idea of fun. And tomorrow is expected to be worse. I already bought a six pack of cold beer. I'm in for the night, thank you!

So any one who wants me to head to a bar tonight ... Take A Hike!