Perpetually Recovering From The Night Before
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Top Five Reasons I Will Not Miss Zack Greinke
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 180 lb.
Projected 2011: Starter
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 200 lb.
Projected 2011: Mid-Season Starter
Awesome athlete. Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round of the 2004 amateur draft out of Tallahassee Community College. Before his trade to the Royals he was considered the Brewers' No.2 Overall prospect. He will become my favorite player when he takes Melky Cabrera's job. Melky Cabrera sucks.
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 195 lb.
Projected 2011: Sept Call Up
On August 30, 2007, Jeffress was suspended for fifty games after testing positive for drug abuse. This was not his first positive test; he was given a warning for his first offense. In June 2009, he tested positive a third time and was suspended for 100 games. One more positive test will result in a lifetime ban for Jeffress. That means I already love this guy! His back is against the wall and throws major heat. Awesome!
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 175 lb.
Projected 2011: Dominate AA
Jake Odorizzi is a stud. Considered one the best pitchers in the Midwest League last year. Throws in the 90's and can hit 94-95 when he reaches in the tank. Will be the Royals No.2 Starter in a couple of years.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Brian's Best Three of the Week (2/13/11-2/18/11)
MLB Spring Training
There might be snow on the ground here in Kansas, but in far away places like Florida and Arizona, where the sun washes over your eyes like Visine, MLB pitchers and catchers are reporting for Spring Training. After a refreshing World Series, between the Giants and Rangers ended three-and-a-half months ago, I'm ready for some baseball. The promise of a new year and the hope that I can catch some Royals games with my father is the reason baseball is my favorite sport that starts with a "b" and ends with a "ball". My father and I have one sports team that we favor in common, the Royals, the gonna-be-dreadful-Kansas City Royals. Spring Training will now bond us after the winter's hibernation and give us so much more to talk about, debate about and care together about. Yes, Spring Training is the best. Because right now the Royals are in a first place tie in the division with Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland. A hundred losses look about as far away as the Cactus League sun.
2. Food
Chipotle Fajita Burrito
I'm on a diet, no wait take that back, I'm in the middle of a "lifestyle" change. I have developed a bit of an eating disorder over the last, say, two plus decades and need to change my intake habits pronto. I need to lose weight. I need to lower my blood pressure. I need to become more physically fit. I need to be able to see my penis while standing...ok that last one isn't necessary, but, it would be cool. So I need to do all these things and make all these choices that run against the current of the culture I've created for myself. My problem is that there's this dude named Steve Ellis and in 1993 he opened the very first Chipotle in Denver, Colorado and created the greatest fast food (that doesn't taste fast) restaurant in the world. I think he borrowed like a thousand bucks from his pops to get it started. The only money I borrowed from my folks to get anything started was for a 1987 Honda Civic. Now, there's nobody holding a gun to my head and making me eat the 890 calorie (yikes!) steak fajita burrito, but if my doctor asks, I'm saying you carjacked me on a daily basis and forced me to inhale the four ponds of perfection or die. You got my back right?
3. Technology (really old technology)
RIM Blackberry 7290 PDA
This phone was released in 2004. I did not purchase my 7290 until 2009, used, on ebay. It is now 2011 and in smart phone years that means the 7290 is a dinosaur. It has no camera. It is unable to receive or send a MMS message. The screen looks like Fisher Price's "My First Cell Phone" and the only thing that makes it a touch screen is if you touch it to clean it. Browsing the internet on this beast is like dial up. Only slower. The battery life is (seems like) half of what current phones have. I can barely hear people due to signal strength and I think people have a hard time hearing me. Oh, and it's huge, like Speak & Spell huge. The plus side is that due to the lack of extra's, the phone is pretty light weight. Score! I have owned eight, yes eight, different Blackberry models and I just recently went back to this fantastic mobile device because I don't know anyone else that would be caught dead using this thing. That's what makes it cool to me. In 2004 this thing was like $500.00 and bad ass! Now the 7290 is drinking Geritol, going to bed at six o'clock in the evening and complaining about the government. While all these Android phones are partying, pulling all nighters and raw dogging randoms. Well screw you new, more convenient and state-of-the-art smart phones! Give me my 7290. But, be sure I've got my charger, because after two phone calls it will need a nap.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Return of the Awesomeness
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Was Rickey Henderson the Greatest Baseball Player Ever?
Rickey Nelson Henley (Super Man) HendersonOakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Angels, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers OF.
The Curious Case of Boxing Deaths in 2009
It has been reported that former WBC World Welterweight Champion Vernon Forrest (pictured left) was shot and killed in an apparent car jacking this past weekend. Forrest was reportedly shot seven to eight times, in the back, by two men that pulled up to the former champion while he was putting air in the tires of his Jaguar, at an Atlanta gas station. The Augusta, GA native was one of the real "good guys" in the sport. Forrest wasn't one of the most well known boxers, but during his run through the welterweight class he defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosely (considered the best pound-for-pound boxer of this decade) twice in 2002. On Sept. 13, 2008, Forrest reclaimed his WBC 154-pound title by beating Sergio Mora. The Mora fight would be Vernon's final fight. He suffered a rib injury while training for an April fight against Jason LeHoullier. That fight was canceled, and Forrest had to vacate his title. This news comes as a shock after the report of
former two-time champion Arturo Gatti (pictured right), who retired in 2007, being found dead July 11 at a Brazilian resort. Gatti's wife, Amanda Rodrigues, is being held as the prime suspect. It's made me wonder what's going on with people connected to professional boxing this year. Even gentlemen who were on the verge of turning pro have been struck down this year. John Nii Kacsu Abbey, 26, was stabbed in the chest as he waited with his daughter Natalie at a bus stop in London Road, West Croydon, on January 30th, of this year. Abbey, who boxed as a featherweight for Ghana at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, had been on his way to the Mayday hospital. Besides Forrest and Gatti, here is a list of those we've lost who were associated with professional boxing, and ask yourself if this doesn't seem like a curious case of boxing deaths in 2009 (and we still have five months to go).Alexis Argello, 57, three-time world champion boxer and member of the Boxing Hall of Fame, July 1 (gunshot)
Chuck Bodak, 92, noted cutman and member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, February 6 (complications of a stroke)
Vince Cervi, 41, Australian heavyweight boxer, March 9 (shot)
Benjamin Flores, 30, super bantamweight boxer, May 5
Ludumo Galada, 26, featherweight boxer, January 10(car accident)
Reg Gutteridge, 84, boxing journalist, television commentator and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, January 24 (stroke)
Ingemar Johansson, 76, former boxing world heavyweight champion, 1952 Summer Olymics boxing silver medalist and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, January 30 (Alzheimer’s disease)
Raul Macias, 74, bantamweight champion boxer, March 23 (cancer)
Greg Page, 50, former heavyweight boxing champion, April 27(complications from brain injury)
Giovanni Parisi, 41, former 1988 olympic gold medalist and lightweight boxing champion, March 25 (car crash)
Giselle Salandy, 21, top contending woman boxer, January 4 (car accident)
Jose "Chegui" Torres, 72, former world light heavyweight boxing champion and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, January 19 (heart attack)
Masatate Tsuji, 30, Japanese boxer, March 24 (brain hemorrhage sustained in boxing match)
Rest In Peace...
Brian's Best 3 of the Week 7/26-8/1

1. TV
ROBOT CHICKEN
STAR WARS
Episode II
"Brian's Best 3 of the Week" is usually about current stuff but I had to let people know about something that a year later is still pretty damn funny. First I'll explain the tv show. Robot Chicken is a sketch comedy show, from actor Seth Green (Dr. Evil's son Scott) and some other guys that aren't Seth Green, that uses stop motion animation. They incorporate clamation, dolls, action figures, toys and other random stuff into the making of the show. You can catch Robot Chicken on the Cartoon Network's [Adult Swim]. The show focuses on mocking pop culture, referencing toys, films, television, and popular fads. One particular motif often involves the idea of fantastical characters being placed in a more realistic world or situation (such as Stretch Armstrong requiring a corn syrup transplant after losing his abilities due to aging, Optimus Prime performing a prostate cancer Public Service Announcement, and Godzilla having problems in the bedroom). The program even had a 30 minute episode dedicated to Star Wars featuring the voices of Star Wars notables George Lucas, Mark Hamill (from a previous episode), Billy Dee Williams, and Ahmed Best. The Star Wars episode was nominated for a 2008 Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour). That brings me to Star Wars Episode Dos (which aired in November of 2008). I thought the first Star Wars parody was balls out funny, but, Episode 2 was awesome. Here are some Youtube clips of Episode II. See for yourself, then buy the dvd, then start watching Robot Chicken.
2. FoodGodfather's Pizza
4840 S Broadway St
Wichita, KS 67216-3713
(316) 522-7111
There used to be four Godfather's Pizza locations in Wichita back in the day. Now there is only one, in south city, on 47th and Broadway and that's a shame. In my opinion Godfather's makes the best pizza I've ever had. Their Humble Pie, on original crust, with extra cheese and sauce would be my death row "last meal" hands down. I know Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Dominoes and even Little Caesars advertise more (does Godfather's even advertise at all?) and I know a city (more like a town) the size of Wichita can't can't possibly support every eating establishment ever opened (hello Emerson Biggins) but only one Godfather's? Out in B.F.E.? My car starts to run all jacked up every time I venture to the south side (probably from the sun reflecting off all the mobile homes) and doesn't start to execute efficiently until I hit Derby. So for me to sacrifice vehicular performance and take the pilgrimage to Thunderdome for pizza, well, it must be the tits. What really gets me about Godfather's only location is that the place isn't cheap. Other than putting a Scotch and Sirloin at 17th and Grove, having a pizza place that's so expensive in south city just doesn't make sense, and place was getting hammered when I journeyed there the other nite. I'm not being unrealistic when I say you could buy a nice Subaru Impreza (like a '98 or '99) for what it costs to get two large pizzas, bread sticks and a two liter of Coke. They must take food stamps or government vouchers or something I've never heard of, because there was a gang of people waiting for their carryout orders. Trust me, if you want a great pizza, with tons of toppings and employees that look like they were just released from Leavenworth, then run on over to the best pizza spot in town-Godfather's Pizza! Oh, yeah, if a bum stops you for a dollar on your way out, give him a little something before he stabs you with a rusty butter knife and takes your wallet. Thanks.
3. AthletesThe Worst LEGO Set Ever...I Mean E-V-E-R
The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen. The Company has passed from father to son and is now owned by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a grandchild of the founder. Now I'm pretty sure Ole Kirk is rolling in his grave with the knowledge that his beloved LEGOs have branched out into the 'Prophet Mohammed Play Sets'. Wow. Now you've probably seen the 'Jesus n' Friends Play Sets' (cross sold separately), with Jesus (really good likeness by the way), Mary Magdalene, the Apostles and many of your all-time favorite Bible characters. You can put the Savior and his homeboys in all kinds of wacky positions or recreate some of your favorite biblical moments. Who doesn't wanna see the LEGO version of the parting of the Red Sea? Now that would be intricate and time consuming. "Let my LEGO people go!" But I digress. The prophet Muhammad (not Mohammed) is the founder of the religion of Islam and is regarded by Muslims as a messenger and prophet of God. Pretty important stuff. Might not wanna poke fun at prophets for a profit there LEGO. I don't know if anyone has noticed, but, Islam is like the second largest religion in the world and I wouldn't say that Islamic extremists have a super cool sense of humor. Hey, who wants to run some Koran smack!?! Not a long line to jump into that nightmare while the water is warm. Look Kristiansen, stop the insensitive toy making and get back to what's in your wheelhouse, like the 'Jedi Starfighter with the Hyperdrive Booster Ring Play Sets'. Those are fun and they don't usually make bad guys wanna plant 747's into our skyscrapers, you Danish douche. Hey I could go on and on, but I just bought the kids a 'Yom Kippur and You! LEGO Play Set' and we got's some serious reconciliation to do! Peace bitches!Monday, July 20, 2009
What Should Vick Do Now?
Suspended NFL star Michael Vick's federal dogfighting sentence ended Monday, freeing him to lobby for a return to the field. Vick's attorney Lawrence Woodward told The Associated Press outside Vick's suburban Virginia home that the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback had been released from federal custody as scheduled. That means Vick no longer has to wear the electronic monitor he's had on while under home confinement for the last two months of his 23-month sentence. Freedom will allow Vick to step up his efforts to resume his pro football career. Vick hopes to soon meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has said he would review Vick's status after Vick completed his sentence. So what should Vick do if Goodell reinstates him (and he should)? First there needs to be an NFL owner that wants to deal with the media scrutiny that will come with bringing Vick in. He hasn't played anything other than prison ball in two years, so a franchise needs to worry about him being in shape and being able to capably play the toughest position (quarterback) in sports. Also, training camp starts July 30th for most teams and that's awfully close. Can Vick show up, in shape and willing possibly to play a position other than Qb? Something he said he would never do. The "Wildcat" offense they ran in Miami last year is gimmicky, at best and wouldn't work on very many other teams, which would be a nice offense for Vick to run. I think Vick should go to say the United Football League for a year. Play nothing but quarterback. If he tears that league up, proves he still has the arm, the legs and the desire to play, he would be in a great position to return to the NFL for real. He would then be a free-agent and have more options than he currently has. The UFL ends it's season after Thanksgiving. He could then get on with a team possibly in need of a qb. The NFL seems to have qb injuries every year I've noticed. If Vick believes he can just show up and play a whole season in the most physically demanding sport, at the most difficult position with the media and PETA at every practice and every game trying to dismantle him; he's delusional. Get reinstated. Thank Goodell. Play in a chump league (UFL). Then come back and be what you used to be. I saw Vick play the Broncos (at Envesco Field at Mile High) in Denver and he was breathtaking to watch. He has the athletic ability (which is scary) to do that again I believe. He's just gotta do it right. 











































