Go Tribe!

It's shaping up to be a big weekend in baseball. My old team the Cleveland Indians have three big games against the White Sox starting tonight. If they can sweep the series, they'll make the playoffs for the first time in about 5 years. This is really exciting considering I was spoiled with the good teams the Indians used to field. For those of you that don't know, I lived in Cleveland from Jan of 1996 through Jan of 2000. These were the years when the Indians always locked up the AL Central by mid September. Since then, my boys have gone into the skid known as "rebuilding" while losing all the great talent they had in those late 90's teams. I've dusted off the old Chief Wahoo hat and will be cheering hard this weekend.

Staying on the subject of baseball, Cheryl and I are going to the Marlins/Braves game tomorrow evening. While I was hoping the game would have playoff implications, it was not meant to be this year for the Marlins. Regardless, I'm looking forward to it. Everyone stay out of trouble this weekend.

The moron is back in the news

My old friend Cindy Sheehan is back in the news. As all you regular readers of the Lounge know, I really dislike this woman. I guess she was arrested today in front of the White House while protesting again....yawn. Above is the picture of her being hauled away. It is indeed a great day! A few things of interest in this story:

1) You need to have a permit to protest in Washington DC and Cindy did not have one. Other places this might not be required, but in Washington it is understandable. Play by the rules if you want to protest...it's that simple. If you are asked to break things up by the police (and this happened three times) and you don't leave, you will be arrested.

2) Climbing the fence outside the White House is a no-no. One of Cindy's friends decided it would be a good idea to do this and the Secret Service got him quickly. Hopefully they gave him a good beat-down and a body cavity search. I don't care who you are...climb the fence at the White House and you are getting your ass kicked.

3) Doesn't Cindy have a job? I have wondered about this for a while and honestly don't know the answer to the question. Some Americans might want to join her in her quest, but us normal people need to WORK. I would think Cindy should concentrate on being a productive member of society and paying taxes like the rest of us. Then she can complain about how the government runs things.

4) Is this woman really the good role model that parents want their kids to look up to? I sure hope not. In addition to having no job and being arrested, she showed her wonderful respect for the law by laughing and smiling about the whole situation. Boy, I sure hope Mikey grows up to be like her!

Happy News

Well, the Dolphins pulled out a win today. All the shit that Ronnie Brown has been getting was put to rest today with a 132 yard effort against Carolina. I hate it when sports reporters (the so-called "experts") write off a rookie after only two games. I'll be laughing in December when Ronnie reaches 1000 yards.

In a related happy story, I finally found a cool website that isn't the same old "doom-and-gloom, count the bodies and tell me how the world sucks" news site. It is called happynews.com and everyone should check it out. If you like body counts and negativity, prepare to be disappointed. If you want something that is a nice change of pace, check it out.

Who's gonna show up?

So, what Dolphins team is going to show up today at 1pm? The team that looked great in week one scoring 34 points against Denver or the jackasses in New York last week that scored 7? Hopefully Nick Saban can right the ship today. Carolina is coming off a big win against New England and I am hoping for the proverbial "letdown" this week. That in combination with a motivated team at home will hopefully translate into a win. Stay tuned...

A little looting fun

Yes, I stole this idea...I admit it. But it was SO funny that I couldn't pass it up. My old buddy Gunther at Frotuss.com posted this today and I have been laughing my ass off for about five minutes. I'm sure that the people over at Heineken are pretty happy about the publicity.

This gentleman seems rather resourceful. He didn't take food, water, or any of the necessities he might need after Katrina flooded his neighborhood...he got the beer. He's going to have bad cottonmouth in the morning after drinking all those beers and no water. I guess the people over at Heineken are right...It's all about the beer.

No way!

Above is the now famous picture of Kate Moss getting ready to do a line. This whole story really amuses me. Yeah...I know this story is a day or two old and I am late to the party...it's just really funny. Everyone is acting like "we had no idea models snorted coke". Yeah, right. The entire industry is full of girls who do it constantly. There is a reason why these girls stay so skinny, people! Saying you are "shocked" by a model blowing lines up her nose is like being "shocked" that kids under 21 drink. Please.

Here we go again

All I can say about Rita is HOLY SHIT. Thats it. Rita's central pressure just dropped to 898 mb, which is the third lowest ever in the Atlantic basin. Lower than Andrew, Lower than Camile, and yes...lower than Katrina. Unless something strange happens in the next few days, the damage could be just as bad as what we saw in New Orleans. With that being said:

1) If you are in the path of the storm...get out. Heroes who try to ride out these types of storms end up dead.

2) If you are a politician...shut your mouth. I'm already hearing rumblings and politicians who want independent investigations as to why the preparations are going smoother for Rita than for Katrina.

3) If you aren't in the path and can help out...do so. Be happy and appreciative that you aren't the one whose house is going to be flattened in three days. Living where I do, I am thankful every day.

A little humor helps

This picture is hilarious. The "to go" comment on the bottom makes it really hilarious. I think the picture sums up the attitude of most people in the Keys very well. As the Keys were the location for my engagement and wedding, it is obviously one of my favorite places on earth.

I hope that everyone takes the mandatory evacuations down there seriously, though since there is noplace to run and hide in the Keys once a hurricane shows up.

Back to Reality

Well, the Dolphins have fallen back to reality this week after getting their asses handed to them by the Jets 17-7. They looked a lot more like the 4-12 team from last year today. Pimpbling and I were pleaseantly surprised to have the company of Gunther for the game. He was a little more fortunate today as his Browns beat Green Bay.

It looks like Rita is now up to 50mph winds and the National Weather Service expects a Category One by tomorrow night. The current track is pointing to the Keys, but any small shift north and we are in the path. Phillipe could turn west and I wouldn't be surprised to see Tropical Storm Stan form later this week right on the heels of Phillipe. Welcome to the peak of hurricane season in South Florida.

Taking a Chad

I think that the word "Nap" needs to be replaced in the dictionary with "Chad". I went out last night with the Senator, Big Daddy, and Chad to watch the college football games. Chad was late as usual because he fell asleep. I have never seen anyone sleep more than Chad does. He sleeps like 12 hours a night and is always taking a nap. Crazy shit.

On another front, it looks like TD 18 is heading our way. This one should be Tropical Storm Rita later today or tonight. Hopefully it will stay south of us and we'll only get some wind and rain on Tuesday.

I'm heading to Brus Room around 3:30 with Pimpbling to see if the Dolphins can follow-up on their win from last week. Living here in South Florida(sometimes knows as New York City South..how YOU doin?) there are usually more Jets fans at the bars than Dolphins fans. And, yes they are usually obnoxious as many New Yorkers are. Hopefully we'll come home with a win.

Prime Catch/ Idiot Watch

Cheryl and I had dinner with my parents last night at Prime Catch here in Boynton. I have only been there three times, but every time the food has been excellent. You would think I'd stay away from seafood places (since I don't like it), but the steaks are so good that I will always make an exception. It's kind of strange being the ONLY person in Florida that dislikes seafood, but I have managed pretty well. Next on my list is what I call "Idiot Watch". I know I promised to retire the Katrina rhetoric, but like boxers I am briefly coming out of retirement.

"George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power."

Above is a quote from the wonderfully idiotic Cindy Sheehan (who had her cute little "camp" outside the Presidents ranch this summer). Is this woman insane? Maybe she needs to check into a mental institution. PULL THE TROOPS OUT OF NEW ORLEANS?? Take the troops out who are providing the protection that residents need...great idea Cindy. I guess Cindy hopes that New Orleans can go back to the looting, murder and rapes that were happening 2 weeks ago without the troops there. And people listen to this woman??

Mixing it up a little

I see that we have a little sparring going on in the comments sections. A little friendly boxing is always encouraged at the Margarita Lounge. It seems like we have Gunther and Pimpbling (oh yeah..and me) in one corner and MT in the other. Don't worry MT, the Senator has been pretty slack on his comments (and his blog) recently and I'm sure he will have your back.

As for me, I hit it out of the park today at work. Every now and then you have a day where everything works out and today was that kind of day. With tomorrow being Friday, hopefully I can carry the rally into the weekend.

Speaking of the weekend, lots going on for the Florida teams this weekend. Florida/Tennessee, Miami/Clemson and Florida State/Boston College should all be good games on Saturday. Plus, the Dolphins/Jets game on Sunday might be better than we all expected.

Last one on Katrina

In an effort to "move on", this will be my last post mentioning Katrina. The whole "blame game" going on in the media really upsets me and has gotten under my skin the last week. There is a time and a place for analysis and accountability. I just don't believe two weeks after one of the largest disasters in US history is that time.

A few weeks or months from now, Congress will spend lots of taxpayer dollars in the hunt to throw around blame. Our culture always wants instant gratification, we want answers today. We want someone to blame, we want a scapegoat. In this case, there is only one clear-cut "bad guy" out there and she isn't around anymore. Her name is Katrina.

Please stop

And people wonder why I can't stand watching the evening news. Bias is the reason...plain and simple. Oh yeah...it's time for a little pent-up political rage. If I was not an intelligent and resourceful person, I would beleive that George W. Bush is the reincarnation of Satan himself. All I need to do is look at the news anytime there is a problem in the world and would know that it is ALL his fault.

I guess all this finger-pointing about Hurricane Katrina has finally gotten under my skin. I am usually very good at expressing my feelings, but when someone else states something so accurately and so eloquently, I can do nothing but agree. Here is an article from Jack Kelly that I suggest everyone read: Link

Who the hell was that?

Who was that team that beat up the Broncos yesterday at Dolphins Stadium? I couldn't beleive my eyes all afternoon. The Dolphins score 34 points in a game? I have become so used to the Jay Fiedler-led Dolphins scoring 7 or 10 points a game that I was shocked to see points on the board. Now, one game does not make a season, but I was pleasantly surprised by my team's performance and hope that my 8-8 prognostication was an error.

Football

Well, I am sure Gunther is sad this morning after the poor offensive showing the Buckeyes had last night. You gotta put the ball it in the endzone. Don't feel bad pardner (subtle reference to Brent Mustberger), the Canes looked equally shitty last week against Florida State. Actually, Miami looked a lot worse than your beloved Buckeyes. We can now both hang our heads at having a loss early in the year. The good news is that an early loss to a highly ranked team is much better than a loss late in the year or a loss to a crappy team like TCU.

Speaking of losses, the Dolphins open their season today against the Broncos at 1pm. After a stellar 4-12 record in 2004 (with more drama than a high school prom), Nick Saban is hoping to improve a team that really sucked last year. I would consider an 8-8 record this year a success but think they will be more competitive than everyone thinks. It's not like they are going to make the playoffs or anything, but they did manage to beat the Patriots last year.

Arrival of the Piano

Today is a very happy day for Cheryl. This morning around 11am Zeke and I delivered her piano. We almost killed ourselves lifting into the Uhaul van I rented, but we "got 'er done". The rest of my day has been relatively uneventful..an hour working in the yard, some college football on TV, and a few small naps.

As for the golf tournament yesterday, we were the big winners. Our team was 3rd in 2003 and 2nd in 2004, so we were due to win this year. Unfortunately, we didn't win a trophy like the last two years, we won gift certificates to the golf shop. Not that I'm complaining...we had a great time all afternoon and it sure beats working on a Friday afternoon. I was hoping to go out tonight to watch the Ohio State-Texas game, but it seems like most of my friends are out of town. I guess the couch is going to be the location of choice.

Golf, Ophelia, and the Piano

Well, we are close to the end of another week. You gotta love the four day work week, huh? Actually, its going to be a 3 1/2 day work week for me. I am playing in the annual Rotary Club golf outing at Cypress Creek tomorrow with a few co-workers. I'm usually recruited for these events because I am a pretty decent golfer. Unfortunately, the boys might be disappointed tomorrow as I haven't hit a golf ball in about 5 months. Actually, with now Hurricane Ophelia circling a few hundred miles north of us, I hope we don't get wet.

As for this weekend, Cheryl and I will soon be proud owners of a piano. Zeke was looking to get rid of his wife's piano and I offered to buy it off him. Needless to say, Cheryl is very excited. She's already ordered sheets and sheets of piano music. I'm renting a Uhaul van on Saturday morning and hopefully won't break anything...wish me luck.

Blog Comments

I want to thank everyone who comments on the blog on a regular basis. I also want to encourage everyone who does not comment to do so...I'd love to know who is reading and what you think about the stories, my opinions, life, whatever. To comment, just click on the comment link below the story. Once the next page pulls up, click on the "post comment" link to enter your comment.

On the comments section, I have added a word verification feature. All you need to do is type the word that is on the page. This is to avoid all the spam programs out there that have been placing annoying advertisements on the Margarita Lounge. It doesn't effect anyone's ability to post an actual comment....just the crap I don't want. Thanks again to everyone for reading.

Back in the Saddle

I have survived my trip to Pittsburgh and have returned in one piece. It was nice to visit K-Delish and his family for the weekend, but there is nothing like coming home to your own bed. Lots of fun was had and a few beverages were drank on my little trip to the great white north. While 50 degrees at night might be "pleasant" in Pennsylvania, it downright cold for a South Floridian in early September...I was glad to feel the warm blast of humidity when I stepped off the plane last night.

I am also gearing up for the big game tonight. Miami/Florida State kicks off just after 8pm in a college version of Monday Night Football. Go Canes!

Thanks to Cheryl for posting the idiotic comments from Kanye West the other day. I'm amused by all the finger-pointing going on now about the handling of Katrina by the Louisiana government officials. Local and regional disaters have always been the responsibility of the local and state governments with Federal assistance provided. If things weren't done right, the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana (both Democrats) need to first look at themselves before blaming Bush for things. Lets all remember that there was never this type of problem when Jeb handled the 4 hurricanes Florida had last year. There were also no complaints about how Rudy Guiliani and Governor Pataki handled the aftermath of 9/11 four years ago. Conveniently, all three of them were Republicans. Here's a good link that probably says it better than I do: http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/nl74.html

Kanye West

In my husband's absence tonight, I feel obligated to post this......

On the Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert (LIVE) tonight, Kanye West blurts out "George Bush doesn't care about black people". Way to spread the love and promote giving, dumb ass.

http://www.juiceenewsdaily.com/0605/news/west.html?1125709350109

Headin' North for the Weekend

I will be heading north to Pittsburgh tomorrow morning to visit the great K-Delish for a few days. Hopefully everyone will be able to survive a few days without my babbling. See ya on Monday...everyone have a great Labor Day weekend.