First Game of the Year

Greetings from Chase Field in Arizona. Giants vs Diamondbacks. We got here an hour plus early and the little dude got three autographs, including one from Justin Upton. He is one happy camper.

Play Ball!

I'm sitting in my office on a quiet, pre-East Friday afternoon, knocking out a ton of work. The weather in San Francisco is a perfect 68, with blue skies. Tomorrow I leave for vacation in Scottsdale. And most importantly, the Yankees are on my office TV on opening day. Though they are currently losing 4-2, it doesn't matter. Because baseball is back. Hope springs eternal.

Play ball!

Bands that I Don't Get/Annoy the Crap out of Me

In no particular order, bands that either annoy the living crap out of me - or ones that I simply do not understand, include:

-- Vampire Weekend (maybe the top offender. I hear them on the radio and want to jump out the window. Every. single. time.)

-- Pavement (what am I not getting here? Folks who I deeply respect, including guy RTP boys love them but I have yet to see the light)

-- Andrew Bird (what's all the fuss?)

-- Bjork (sounds to me like cats having sex)

-- Grizzly Bear and all of his associates (anything Pitchfork likes that much has got to be wrong) except Ariel Pink (who's awesome)

-- The Strokes (over-rated!!!)

-- Belle and Sebastian (For real?)

-- Peter Bjorn and John (See Belle and Sebastian)

Any others out there I am missing? RTP boys?

More Milk

I'm on glass number six and am already finding this revolting. Might be a short-lived experiment.

Gallon of Milk a Day

For years I have been unsuccessful in my efforts to gain weight, despite the fact that my appetite is both constant and voracious. I've tried pretty much everything, but the problem as I see it is threefold: 1. genetic predisposition 2. a wonky thyroid (actually, no thyroid) and 3. with all the working out, my metabolism is pretty revved up.

My Crossfit guys suggested something that seems to have merit, but is pretty damn gross; drinking a gallon of milk a day. One dude at Crossfit is doing it and had put on eight pounds in two weeks. Like me. he's on the skinny side.

A gallon of milk a day. For those keeping count, that's a lot of milk. I started last night and am only four glasses in and already it's kind of gross. But - I will give it a go and see where it takes me. My goal is to hit 160 pounds - a weight I have never before seen. As of last night I was at 152, which is around where I have been hovering these past few months (I was unsurprisingly down to the mid 140's when training for the 100 miler).

I'll be sure to chronicle my "progress" in the coming weeks. In the interim, wish me luck. Think I am going to need it.

My Main Man B

My main boy B (I won't say his name quite yet)  hasn't been doing too well lately physically. Along with his name, I'll spare the details to protect his privacy but he's in the hospital dealing with some significant health issues (though I WILL say it isn't cancer). He had major surgery today which will hopefully ameliorate his present condition. Regardless, he has a long way to recovery and is looking at a few more weeks in the hospital. If you would, send some healing vibes his way. I suspect he can use them.  My poor boy - he is a most excellent dude. Get better soon, Amigo.

Sunday Night Lineup

I think last night was one of the greatest nights of television. It started off with the kick off of the second season of Game of Thrones. That might very well be the best show that utterly confuses the hell out of me. I mean, I have virtually no idea what in the hell is happening during that show - and yet I'm somehow utterly engrossed. I'm sure my brother Neil will weigh in on this and suggest I read the books. I suspect he might be right.

Anyway, Game of Thrones was followed by the season finales of three terrific shows: Shameless (madcap is the only way to describe this one), House of Lies (came along very strong as the season progressed) and Californication (maybe my favorite show of the past four years).

That's a murderer' row of TV. Alas, it's only to be for one special night.