FANdemonium

Dear Milwaukee, This is a very difficult letter (post) to write.  I’ve truly enjoyed the time we’ve spent together.  You’re beautiful, fun, exciting, and entertaining.  You’re kind and comforting in a way I’ve never experienced in any other place.  But it’s time for me to go. It’s not you.  It’s me.  I’m a restless dreamer and would kick myself if I didn’t try and see what else is out there.  So I’m moving.  Not on – just moving.  To Boston.  Or, back to Boston, rather.  I’m going to teach at Emerson College while finishing my MFA in creative writing. I’ll…

I gotta admit – I’m a sucker for clever comedy.  Borderline cheesiness is kinda my thing.  It’s why I was disappointed Francisco Elson only played for the Bucks for two seasons – I miss the Elf clip they used to play after he scored.  “Francisco!  That’s a funny name.”  Made me smile every time. So I was in cheesy humor heaven while attending a Timber Rattlers game at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox City Stadium – the Appleton stadium which, by the way, represents the most interesting use of a corporate sponsorship for naming rights while trying to maintain the…

I woke up early Saturday, went for a run, and got ready for a day of tailgating.  Of course, you, as a true sports fan, are already aware that I intended not to follow cars too closely around I94 all day, but to join fellow fans in enjoying food, drinks, good company, and…well, good drinks prior to the Brewers/Astros game.  It was the big day – the day of Timo’s Tailgate Extravaganza – an event I have heard much about over the past few years, but had not yet had the pleasure of attending.  I’m here to report that the…

I’ve been avoiding this topic – the whole lockout, now turned lockouts situation – for a few reasons.  First of all, sports are fun, they’re entertaining.  I’m well aware that it’s business, but it’s business for those involved in the business end of things.  As for me…well, I’m a fan.  I often take a Wizard of Oz approach to sports, choosing to not mind the man behind the curtain.  Furthermore, I simply don’t have a mind for numbers.  Aside from being intrigued and sometimes impressed by statistics, I’ve never been much of a stats junkie.  Numbers just don’t stick.  There was…

Albeit late, I’d like to wish all of you a very happy Independence Day.  I hope you spent the holiday weekend enjoying friends, family, and the beautiful weather. Me?  Well, I was insulted.  Sorta. I was enjoying the weekend, minding my own business, listening to my mom tell everyone (again) about how she just finished reading a book (trust me, this is a big deal), when my sister looks at me and says, “You made her like sports and books…You made her boring.” Now, certainly, I didn’t make her anything.  Although I will take some credit for helping make her…

I’m out in Boston for a while here – a trip prompted by the Brewers/Red Sox series at Fenway Park this past weekend.   I’ve been to Fenway before, but never for a game of such significance.  That is to say, although I was always cheering for a team, it was never my team.  This time, of course, I had more than a vested interest in the outcome.   Before I relive the experience, I have to admit that I love visiting other sports venues.  In addition to going to Fenway, I’ve been to Gillett Stadium (Patriots), U.S. Cellular Field (White…

In the interest of diversifying my entries, I resisted the urge to drive to Miller Park this past Saturday, and instead allowed my Honda to make the very familiar trip down to the Bradley Center.  It was about time I checked out the Milwaukee Mustangs.  And what better timing?  They hosted a tailgate party outside the BC prior to the game against the Kansas City Command.  So I finagled a friend into joining me and soon we both found ourselves ready for some football. Now, once again I’m going to draw attention to the fact that I am not a…

I’m a huge reality television fan.  As such, I love Survivor.  But I hate – I mean loathe the season finale.  I always want to find out who wins, of course, but before getting to the big announcement, you have to endure watching a bunch of spiteful, vindictive, suddenly holier than thou castoffs address the finalists in a segment that has, over the years, morphed from a question and answer session into a sickening soapbox session.  Ugh.  It happens every season.  In recent years I’ve even begun to wonder if it’s inevitable.  I mean, if I were on the show,…

At school, I start each class period by asking my students how their yesterdays were.  On Mondays it’s, “How was the weekend?”  On Tuesdays it’s, “How was your Monday?”  You get the idea. The other day’s prompt brought the usual updates about part-time jobs, the regional track meet, video games, and television shows. “Did you see The Bachelorette?” one student asked. “No, I didn’t.” “Did you see the Brewers?” another shouted, “Corey Hart had three home runs and seven RBIs.  It was amazing!” “I know,” I replied, “I was there.” I love saying that.  I love being there for the…

I went to the Brewers game last Tuesday.  I wasn’t feeling the best, but it was well worth it – I’m 2-0 at Miller Park so far this season.  Then Wednesday came around and I really didn’t feel well.  Thursday I spent the day in bed with what I think was the flu.  Nearly a week later, I can’t say I’m back to 100% yet. So I haven’t caught a lot of sports action in the last week, which means I’m in rare form (especially considering the NBA playoffs are on…I love this time of year).  Of course, if there…