As a 70s child, I have a good deal of round-edged photos that are stuck in between card board and dirty, wax-ish "stuff" that's supposed to preserve pictures (when in reality all it's doing is sealing those precious memories to the cardboard stronger than superglue ever could).
Every so often, I'll look through those photos and see how hideous the outfits were back in the 70s. If I had a dollar for every out of control collar I wore from the ages of 2-8, I would have been a millionaire.
When I look at the collection, I quickly come to the realization that the collection is more like a bunch of bookmarks from my life, i.e. quality over quantity. I attribute that to two reasons: one, my parents were never ones to carry around a camera; and two, technology wasn't what it is today. Polaroids were the Twitter of photography back then.
That leads me to the point of this post.
From the first poop, to the first time they eat peas, to the first time you take them to Fenway Park or walk them down the isle, today's technology makes it very easy for parents to catalog every bit of their kids lives. You can tell from my arsenal of toys that I've done just that with my two kids (girls, five and two):
With all this technology and being able to shoot and record just about every second of my kids lives, there are no excuses to miss a thing. I'm able to stream live to the internet via my iPhone and Blackberry to Qik, which is then sent to Twitter and to Facebook. I can post photos to Flickr, videos to YouTube, create DVDs for the family to watch, etc. I've pretty much cataloged every major, semi-major, funny, unintentional moment that my kids have been a part. I've been sticking some sort of recording device in their face since the time the doctor brought them into this world.
Today's tech gadgets make is SO easy for parents to create, produce and share content. These gadgets turn the least tech saavy dad into the next Martin Scorsese. Aim, shoot, download, post and share. That's pretty much the process (with a few minor technical details in between).
The best part of it all is that I love doing it. Not only am I producing high quality images and high def video, I'm creating a treasure chest of memories that my kids will have for their rest of their lives (less any major computer crashes, drive failures, etc. - back-up is a post for another day).
Will my kids appreciate it when they have families of their own? I hope so because I'm having fun doing it. I just hope that they won't mind five cargo loads of external hard drives dropped off at their door step someday.
Some of my favorite memories:
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Monday, May 11, 2009
From Ordinary Dad to Martin Scorsese
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Playoffs, Championships and Parades
Bruins
I have a great feeling about how the Bruins will fare in the playoffs this year. They hit a little funk about a month ago, but have come back with vengeance. The last game against the Habs was more like the Haggler / Hearns fight back in the 80s, not a hockey game. I think it'll be the B's and the Sharks in the finals - the two top teams, beating the crap out of each other for the right to hoist that heavy peice of metal over their shoulders. That would be an instant draw and GREAT marketing opportunity for the NHL as Joe Thorton would make his return to Boston to try and beat the team that traded him away a few years ago.
First test will be those pesky Canadiens. B's in a tough and physical six games.
Celtics
If the Celtics are going to repeat, it's looking like their road to another parade might start against Philly and finish in LA (with a pretty good detour in Cleveland). Both LA and the Cavs are playing great ball. The Magic are a threat in the East, but I just don't think they are physical enough to stick with the C's in seven. I do worry about KG's knee and the depth of this team that's taken a hit because of injuries. Then again, Doc might just be holding the walking wounded back so that they come back in full force come playoff time.
Red Sox
It's way to early to talk about the Red Sox because I'm focused on the C's and B's. However, I was able to snatch a couple of opening day monster seats. That experience alone got me thinking about when baseball really kicks in for me, which is about after the NHL and NBA playoffs (once our teams have been eliminated or won). I will mention one thing about the Sox that's ticked me off so far...starting pitching? All the starters look like AAA pitchers, with the exception of Beckett who pitched a gem on opening day but then earned a six-game suspension by throwing at Bobby Abreu's head in his last start.
Championships
Speaking of playoffs and championships, I have to tip my cap to the Boston Unviersity Terriers. It hurts to say that as I'm a Northeastern University Husky, but their dramatic overtime win in the men's hockey national championship was quite a thrill to watch. It also helps knowing that the Huskies were beat by the national champion. (I still owe @jimrattray a 12 of Magic Hat #9s via a Bean Pot bet).
Maybe, just maybe, the Terriers are kicking off parade season in Boston.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thoughts on Varitek signing
The is he going to sign or not going to sign drama is over. Captain Jason Varitek will be behind the dish for at least another year (with a second option year).
It's hard to tell what really happened between both sides, but there was some sort of sticking point. My guess is that Tek really wanted that second year and BorASS wanted him to hold out for it, thinking that the market where there.
Tek's chance to cash in big time was during the 2008 season. Yes, he had issues off the field, but playing baseball is his JOB. If you're up for a contract, it's your job to perform as best as you can to ensure that you have some flexibility in the market. Maybe "economic conditions" contributed to the lack of big money for Tek. However, he was offered arbitration and could have made MUCH more money if he took that offer. You have to question the counsel Tek was getting.
In the end though, it's nice to have Tek back with the team. The biggest reason is his defense and pitch calling capabilities. Yes, he "handles" the staff well. However, I think the staff LOVES having him back there because of how manages the game. It helps them be better pitchers.
For those that talk about his offensive production, tell me how many other catchers in the league are powerhouses at the plate? Any of them hitting clean-up (prob wrong here, but that's ok. I'm trying to make a point).
Here's what I think every team wants out of that position.
Tek brings all of that (in addition to being a fan favorite). Nice to have him back. Let's hope he kills it this season and gets that second option year locked up sooner rather than later.
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Welcome to Beantown Smoltzie
Something tells me we are going to like this guy. Not only does he say all the right things, but you can tell that he generally means it. Hey, he might not pitch until October, but that's fine with me, especially if that means another parade.
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Monday, December 1, 2008
Take your team support to the grave...literally
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Report: Yanks make Sabathia an offer; Lowe, Burnett up next?
Seems as if the Skankees are going to buy the World Series next year, or at least try to.
Report: Yanks make Sabathia an offer; Lowe, Burnett up next?: "Associated Press and Boston.com Staff compilation The free-agent season opened Friday with the Yankees reportedly making CC Sabathia a monster offer, expected to be the largest one ever made to a pitcher. ESPN's Buster Olney reported the offer was expected..."
(Via Extra Bases.)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Manny never comfortable in Boston
I'm really hoping Scott Boras gets hit by a train soon. I'm tired of his mouthing off and all the mud he throws back at Boston.
Manny thinks that his crap doesn't stink. He doesn't want to be scrutinized. He doesn't want to be talked about in a negative way. He could never understand why New Englanders were so passionate about baseball, which really makes me laugh because as a professional baseball player you have to be passionate about the game. At some point, Manny was a fan before he was a player.
From his snake of an agent regarding why Manny never moved to the suburbs like other professional Boston athletes (read, move to large, big house complexes where your neighbor is four football fields away and the area is gated):"I think he explored that [moving to the suburbs] and he did not find the process to be much different," Boras said. "It was just basically that the Boston community for Manny was something that he was just not comfortable with. He happens to be comfortable in the suburbs of Cleveland, or in the suburbs of Los Angeles, but that's just an individual appraisal on his part. He felt that way for years. He voiced it to management and certainly that was the reasoning behind his decision."
Manny has enough money to buy any house that he wants. He came to Boston for the biggest pay day of his career at that point. He didn't think about the pressures he would face in Boston, especially in a pre-2004 Red Sox Nation.
So Boras, please shut your pie hole and find a new home for Manny. Do your job and stop trying to get ink for yourself.
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Sunday, October 19, 2008
Not conceding, but I am not feeling good
Sox are down by 1 run, bottom of the 6th as I write this. Momentum is
not in our favor and I am not liking our chances.
(And yes, I am secretly hoping that this blog post helps the sox pull
off the win - again)
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
$100 million reasons why Dice K is the savior
The sanity of Red Sox Nation lies in the hands of the $100 million man, better known as Dice K. The Sox were handed their jock strap last night with a note that said, "Sorry guys, but we not only snatched games three and four at your precious Fenway Park, but we plan on taking game six on your field as well. Please get the champagne ready."
Let's not put that champagne on ice just yet. Here are 100 million reasons why the Sox can still win this series.
Well, maybe not 100 million reasons, but I do have a few nuggets to chew on that might help ease our fears of losing to an expansion-era team:
- The Sox have been here before. We all know this. Good teams play better under pressure and this is as pressure packed as you can get. The Sox are still a good team despite the injuries, the awful pitching and zero offense.
- The Dice man throws a slow game. The pace is even slower than Wakefield and much slower than Lester. The Rays seemed to feed off the face pace and the energy that sort of game brings to the table.
- The Sox seem to play better on the road this year in the playoffs than they have at home. If Dice mail prevails on Thursday, I'm feeling good about our chances at the Trop to steal two and head to the WS.
- Beckett and Lester are professionals who are probably foaming at the mouth to get one more shot to prove that they are studs. What better stage to do it in a live or die situation, on the road, with your season on the line. These sort of guys want the ball in this situation.
So my fellow Red Sox Nation members, please do not give up hope. While there aren't 100 million reasons that the Sox will end up winning this series, all we need is one big game at home and a gem of a pitching performance by Dice K. Then we focus on the next game - it's the one game at a time strategy.
If all else fails, we still have the Bruins. ;)
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
ALCS game 4 recap
As I am typing this the Sox are down 13-3 in game 3 of the ALCS. I'm not too pleased. We're suffering from bad pitching, no hitting and a group of Ray starting pitchers who are hitting their stride at the right time.
Tomorrow's media coverage will be interesting - lots of postmortem stuff; we've been down 3-1 before crap; and a big heaping plate of this team is too old and it's time to rebuild.
Here are my thoughts:
- Sox will take game 5. This is the "let's throw everything at them so we can get a win" game. The problem with this is that it leaves you sort of flat for game 6, which is in Tampa. Not good.
- Game 5 will feature a loud Boston crowd from the get go. If by chance, the Sox get whooped again, especially early, I bet a Sox pitcher is going to plunk Longoria. This will be great because it'll carry over to the following year - really getting rivalry going.
- I think that if Tampa does end up beating the Sox, that they will win the World Series. They seem to be a resilient bunch and are hitting their high point at the right time. Again, they could be so high off of beating the Sox that they let down for the big show.
- If the Sox lose to the Rays, Theo & Co. will not settle for second best next year. This loss will not sit well with this group - not after all the drama the team went through this year. I expect the Sox to be extremely aggressive in the offseason. As I said, this loss will leave a very bad taste in management's mouth. Same could be said for the fans.
- Last but not least...Tampa and Sox tickets will sell out quicker than Sox and Yankees tickets.
Since the Pats are in the crapper, we now hang our parade hopes on a repeat by the Celtics or, if pigs fly, the Bruin's hoist the cup.
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My ALCS game three postmortem
If you read this blog regularly or if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you know that I was at game three of the ALCS last night. Here's my postmortem and some observations.
- If anyone finds the bat of David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury or Jason Veritek, please alert the appropriate authorities. There is a reward.
- Is there more pressure of playing at home than on the road? Yes. Case in point Jon Lester's performance.
- Does the media get inside players heads regardless if they say they read the paper or not? Yes. Case in point, Jon Lester's performance.
- When did Fenway turn into a kiddie park with polite vendors, roomy seats, "no smoking?" reminders and people that walk around recycling beer cups? I miss the grungy, f-bomb laced, falling apart Fenway atmosphere. You want me to what? Follow a code of conduct? Huh? WTF?
- What happened to real fans? Yes, while Fenway was packed with faithful last night, the section I was particularly in was filled with those less than excited to be there. Case in point with this pink hat crew. Yes, pink hats. In front of me. How ironic was that?
- Lastly, what happened to the energy that the fans would bring to the team. The crowd was as noisy as the geek squad in a library. The only time we mustered up a Let's Go Red Sox chant was when we actually had guys on case. Oh sorry, the crowd did get excited for Sweet Caroline (probably all pink hats singing anyways).
- My brother and I are 0-2 in playoff baseball this year when either of us are in attendance. I consider this a family curse. The only way to break it is either watch the games at home or go to one together and test out the theory. Maybe we'll have a chance if the boys start hitting and snatch game two and three, stealing game 6 in Tampa. That would really piss Hector off.
I still say Sox in 6, though I desperately wanted them to win it at home.
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
How the internet helps folks grow a set
If you follow this blog, you know that yesterday I posted a rant about the MBTA increasing parking lot costs by $2. I know that $2 isn't a lot, but it drives the cost from $3.50 to $5.50 (if you park at Wellington or any where on the Orange Line I think).
From time to time, my rants get picked up by Universal Hub, as was the case with this post.
You'll note the comment by dot.douchebag.lane. Shim (she/him) thinks that I'm just another whiner. I'm complaining just to complain. This is far from the truth.
The whole point to my rant was that I'm getting a bit tired of getting squeeze for a buck here, a buck there, three bucks over here, 40% more in electricity costs, sky rocketing oil prices for home heating, etc., etc. It's just getting very difficult to live and raise a family in the state of MA (maybe this is the truth every where, but I'm a lifer so I have no clue).
Regardless...I have a good job and do some photography work on the side. I make enough money to support my family, pay our bills and enjoy some wiggle room from time to time - enough to keep the kids in activities and do some stuff for the wife and I. By no means are we the Rockafella's. We're comfortable with our slot in the middle class category for now. (Yes, I do have dreams of the three car garage, full functioning basement with man-town, one or two dogs, white picket fence, etc., etc. But, I know that dream is a bit off because my wife is at home with the kids and we're living off one income. That's cool. It's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make because it's for the health, growth and happiness of my family.
What drives me crazy about blogging and opening yourself to moronic commenters like dot.douchebag.lane, is that people tend to grow a set of balls because they are hiding behind the computer screen. Now I know I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree. I just know what I know. And what I know as it relates to this subject is that this is another area that I'm getting squeezed for my hard-earned money. The worst part is that there is no alternative. I can't drive to work because we have one car - my choice because it's easier to take the bus and train to work than have another car payment. It's sacrifice over convenience. I'm cool with that.
dot.douchbag.lane thought I was just whining. He pulled the inflation card. I understand that, but shim totally missed my point. Rather than outlining his stance and backing up his "original" thought, shim grew some balls and decided to attack me because he assumed that I'm a typical MA resident who just likes to complain. I could guarantee that thousands of other area commuters agree with me about this and just the cost of living in MA in general.
The kicker of it all is that shim decides to throw another jab at me as it relates to my hatred of pink hats. Yea, THAT topic again.
That's what makes me chuckle about blogging and interacting with people online in general. Arguing over a topic in an educated, adult manner is one thing. Acting like a moron, pretending to be a hard ass because you won't get touched up is another.
Regardless, I'm sure I'll run into dot.douchebag.lane on the T someday. Shim will be heading to Fenway, wearing shim's pink Red Sox hat and shim's "I heart Jacoby" booty tight t-shirt.
How do you like THEM apples?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Not liking THIS Sox Rays Prediction
I love the Boston.com video previews to big games and big series. However, I'm not liking the Red Sox Devil Rays one posted today.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Like baseball stats?
I consider myself a fan of the game of baseball, but this stuff is ridiculous. Talk about having too much time on your hands. However, maybe it's a case of being like Rain Man. 38-34 96 72-24 42-6, 30-18 51-19 18-5, 4-18 38-20 6.00 63-35 22-20 85-57 (Via Extra Bases.)
Red Sox' record within the American League East. They are a major league-best 57-33 in games against other divisions.
Games in which the Red Sox scored first — more than any team except the Mets (100 games).
Red Sox' record in games where they scored first (.750). The Angels have the best record in the major leagues when scoring first (.810).
Red Sox' record when they scored first at home and when they scored first on the road.
Red Sox' major league-best record against teams that finished .500 or below. They were 44-48 (.478) against teams that finished over .500.
Red Sox' record in one-run games at Fenway Park, best in the AL, and record in one-run games on the road, worst in the AL.
Red Sox' record in games decided by between 3 and 5 runs, second only to the Cubs (38-15).
ERA of opposing lefthanded starters at Fenway Park this season (5-12 in 21 starts). The Angels' Joe Saunders was 2-0, 3.75 at Fenway in 2008.
Red Sox' record in games Coco Crisp started. They were 32-32 when he didn't start. The Sox were 40-18 in games where Crisp batted eighth or ninth.
Red Sox' record in games Jason Varitek did not start.
Red Sox' record in games Kevin Youkilis started.
If I had an alter-ego, Hector would be it
I'm a firm believer that everyone has two personalities. For example, I grew up in an urban neighborhood and consider myself very street smart. When it comes to books smarts, I'm a few pennies short of a dollar. However, I do have clusters of areas where I am an expert - take photography, graphic design, computers, socialnet and corporate PR for example. These are areas I have excelled at over the years. In fact, it's because of those clusters that I am in the position I am today - VP for a PR firm, working in the corporate practice, lead socialnet and tech go-to person in the office, etc., etc.
While in the office, I'm a mild natured sort of guy who brings a blue collar approach to a white collar job. On the other hand, when I'm with the fellas, at the Razor for a Pats game, I'm a different beast all together. Now I know that's probably not considered two personalities, but if you have ever seen me in action at a Pats game, you'll agree.
My point here is that everyone puts on a front at some point in their lives and that's not a bad thing.
If I were to have an alter-ego on the blogosphere, it would be my man Hector. I could go into all the details, but just read a few of his posts and you'll see where I'm coming from. Hector is raw. I'm more well-done. This is true in every way with the exception of sports. Hector is a Tampa Bay Devil Ray fan and I'm hoping that the Sox meet the Rays in the ALCS. I would love to read a long, fire-laden rant from Hector about how sick and tired he is of the Sox, especially after they stomp, spit and throw away the world series hopes of all the bandwagoners who now call the Trop home.
Despite all the profanity and hatred, Hector is a good writer and is pretty darn funny. Too bad his Rays are going to be playing golf sooner than the Red Sox will be.
(if you can't tell by now, this post was all about firing up Hector and getting him to spit something witty, trashy and down-right rude back at me. Why? Because it'll be funny as all hell)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Live-Blog for Johnny Pesky
Toeing the Rubber has a play by play blow of the Johnny Pesky number retirement episode at Fenway Park today:
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Patriots hangover cure: Sox playoff berth
Nothing better than a playoff berth to take care of a Cassel hangover.
Just when the we were all about to jump off the Tobin Bridge because of the Sons of Bill and their butt-whooping loss to the Fins, the Sox reel us all back in with hopes of back to back World Series parades.
And oh yea, the Sox are retiring Johnny Pesky's number. The guy is a class act. Nice to see him get the recognition. The guy is a Sox fixture in the same lore as the Green Monstah.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Theo, Hot Coffee and Colored Leaves
Fall, by far, is my most favorite time of year. The weather gets crisp. Baseball steams ahead towards the playoffs. Football is just getting underway. And all eyes are on New England as the leaves on the tree turn various shades of orange, red and yellow.
Today is one of those "it feels like fall days." Specifically, here's why:
Red Sox are in the hunt for a playoff run. They are one game out of first and have trailed the DRays most of the year. They had the opportunity last night, but just couldn't muster up one more run. Also, looks like Theo is going to get a raise. Good for him. The guy has been the mastermind behind all the moves the Red Sox have made since the 2004 season and his hard work has paid off in the form of two championship parades (and being in position to possibly go back to back this year).
I was feeling some hot coffee this morning so headed to D&D. I'm not a Starbucks kind of guy. I find the menu to be too intimidating. I can't pronounce venti without it sounding like something I caught while waiting in the doctors office. I typically would get an iced coffee, but because of the crispness in the air, I decided to go with hot. Good call on my part I think. It hit the spot. I hardly drink hot coffee when the weather is warm so by ordering a hot coffee today, I think we're moving into long pant weather vs. cargo shorts and T's.
I have a couple trees on my property and I can already see the transformation in color. It's not a ton of color change, but I can see on the fringe of some leaves that the process is starting.
Next thing you know, we'll be shoveling out cars from underneath two feet of snow. That's ok though, because at that point, we'll have already celebrated the Sox back to back championships, will be watching the Pats and the Sons of Cassel int he playoffs, hoisting banner #17 to the rafters (reference to the Celtics championship just in case any of you were sleeping at the wheel), and hoping that the Bruins step their game up and get with the Title Town program.
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Red Sox and DRays all tied up
So here we are, middle of September and the Red Sox have caught up to the once running away with it Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This has GOT TO piss some people off - especially those Boston haters. Did you watch Kazmir last night? He looked more like Matt Clement.
I think the Sox will sweep the Rays down at the Trop during this trip and totally embarrass them in the process of taking over the lead in the AL East. It will be demoralizing for this young club and I'm going to love every minute of it. It could only get better if the DRays were the Yankees.
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