It’s Friday!

Didn’t I say that last week? I’m running short of time today so a quick post this morning. Sgt. Hasan Akbar was sentenced to death today. He’s the guy who attacked the 101st Airborne in Iraq. Missing bride in Georgia is considered a criminal investigation although police are not ruling out a Runaway Bride type of thing. The wedding that was suppose to happen had 600 invites, 14 maids and grooms, and highly anticipated. Finance John Mason has agreed to a polygraph on Friday. 5 year old Samantha Runnion was killed in 2002 and her accused has been found guilty. Alejandro Avila was found guilty of kidnapping, murder, and sex assault.

Milwaukee won today avoiding a sweep at Busch. We’re now headed to Atlanta with Mulder taking the mound tonight at 635 pm. In fact, we’re playing Atlanta all weekend. Anybody got an extra ticket? First time in 17 years, two 300 game winning pitchers will face off when Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens meet in Houston tonight.

Well have a great weekend and see y’all on Monday.

Ready for the Weekend

I’m so ready for a day or two or three off. Off-no errands to run, none of mom going, “While we’re out and about…”, no schedule down to the minutes type of thing. I want off. I had one of the salads at Sonic tonight and it was really good. Not a huge salad person but I wanted something light, not real heavy. It hit the spot. Not much news today so a short post then I’m off.

Curt Shilling bruised the ankle bone that he had surgery on-he’s out now for a couple of weeks. STL won today against the Brewers and it sounds like I should have gotten up and watched the game. It was Carpenter’s birthday and he matched a career high 12 strikeouts. Then Grudzielanek (someone, please, come up with a nickname!) hit for the cycle. That’s a single, double, triple, over the wall type of day at the plate. It was the first Card to hit the cycle since John Mabry on May 18, 1996 at an away game. It was the third cycle at Busch. The first was Lou Brock on May 27, 1975 and the second was Ray Lankford on September 15, 1991. Congrats to Carpenter and Grudzielanek. Izzy is on the 15 day DL, mostly so we could call up Carmen Cali out of Triple A Memphis. Cards have a 14-5 record with a 6 game winning streaking heading into tomorrow’s possible sweep. Game time is 110pm with Marquis on the mound.

A 12 year old missing Florida girl was found alive and well in a Wal-Mart in Easley, SC. Magarita Aguilar-Lopez disappeared while 25 year old Antonio Paulino-Perez was babysitting her. Unclear whether she went willingly or was forced. A Georgia bride to be is missing. She went jogging Tuesday night and hasn’t been seen. Jennifer Wilbanks is set to be married this weekend. She disappeared from Duluth, GA.

In history Benito Mussolini was executed on this date in 1945. In 1967 Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the Army.

Continuing with the Army theme, DoD released figures for killed in action in Iraq. Total servicemen is 1572; 1198 in hostile action, 374 in non-hostile action.

See y’all tomorrow.

Welcome

Welcome to all of you tripping by-pull up a chair and make yourself comfy. I’ve got lots to cover today. Feeling lots better all though the sinus are stirring. So let’s start off with baseball. Izzy’s out for who knows how long with a strained right abdominal muscle. Docs will look at it today and we should know more this evening. So, thinking “Get Well Soon” thoughts out to Izzy. We won today (even though Izzy didn’t last too long when he came in) over Milwaukee, 5-3. We now have a 5 win streak, we won 10 out of the last 11, and NL best 13-5. I think we picked up where we left off last year. Game today as 1210 pm with Carpenter taking the mound for game two against the Brewers. Congrats to Mark Mulder being named the NL Player of the Week. I think hell has just gotten cold because I’m going to congratulate a Yankee. A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) knocked in 10 RBIs last night-a 3 run homer, a 2 run homer, a grand slam, and a RBI single. The most ever RBI’s in a game is 11 and I think that stands from ‘27 (I didn’t note the exact year in my notes!).

Let’s see…The autopsy was done on the siblings from Georgia that drowned and cause of death is drowning-no foul play that the ME could find. However, a case is still being investigated. Maybe it is just nothing but I’m not thinking so.

There have been 3 train wrecks in Tokyo with one of them reaching for a 100 deaths. Current tally is 91 but expected to rise. Sri Lanka also had a deadly train crash. I think I’ll avoid Amtrak for a while.

Missouri put to death Donald Jones this morning at 1207 am. In March of 1993 he went to his grandma’s and begged for money for drugs. She refused and preached at him. He got pissed and hit her in the head with a butcher block, then stabbed her to shut up her screams. He took money and her car which he lent out for 2 rocks of cocaine. Really nice guy. His last meal? Chicken strips, coleslaw, 2 orders of fries, pizza, and apple crisp with ice cream.

A little happier news today that doesn’t involve blood and death-Tom Avery reached the North Pole on Tuesday. He used dogs and methods that Robert Peary did when Peary reached the Pole in 1909. Apparently the Peary Expedition was a hotly contested “did he or didn’t he make it” thing that has been put to rest.

A travel warning for all those out there for somewhere you won’t believe. An increase of murder and kidnappings of American Citizens in the past eight months has led to 30 total kidnapped or murder in this area. Libya? Iraq? Timbuktu? Nope-Mexico. Nuevo Laredo has seen the worst of this but the whole border area in Mexico is dangerous for American citizens. Apparently drug traffickers/kingpins/idiots are increasing the violence and targeting Americans that are worth (or that think are worth something).

Joining Farrah Fawcett, Nick and Jessica, the Osbornes, a drummer with a rock band, and VH1’s Celebrealty vein, Bobby and Whitney are going to the dogs on Bravo. Yep-I’ll add that to the list of things I never want to see.

A man suspected in raping 25 women in three states has been charged after DNA testes ran on a pair of underwear from 1973 provided a cold hit. Clarence Williams was charged in ‘74 but it resulted in a hung jury. In ‘76 he was convicted for a separate rape but that was overturned. In 1978 he was out on bail pending retrial and fled to Georgia. The guy goes 27 years then decides to buy a shotgun and the background check popped his wanted status. Yep-dumb idiot of the week.

A little history them I’m done. 1773 British Parliament passed the Tea Act and in December (16th to be precise) the settlers in Boston had a tea party. In 1954 White Christmas with Bing Crosby debuts. Of course, in today’s world this would be debuted on Thanksgiving weekend and in stores the next Thanksgiving. In 1997 Andrew Cunanan began his crime spree that would end on July 25th in Miami after killing fashion designer Versace.

All right y’all I see ya tomorrow.

Almost Spring in Oklahoma

The sky this evening turned green and I kept waiting for the sirens to sound-no such luck. After a blah winter which it wasn’t cold except for a week it look like spring is going to be a wash out, also. Not sure who said it but someone once said that man can survive anything but a string of ordinary days. Weather is too nice with the expect showers in the evening.

Well, I don’t have enough credit to get a car and dad doesn’t have good enough credit to help me out on the car I wanted. Of course, I’m bawling and mom’s preaching. I know that she means well but a little sympathy would go a lot further then this crap. I’ve changed and I’m changing and mom only seems to see what she wants. It’s really tough on occasion. So what did I do when I found out this car deal was a no go? Went to Wal-Mart. Finances are the toughest thing for me and I have done so well here lately. At least I knew what I had and that what I spent I actually had. I never really knew in the past what I had in the checking-usually a minus. I did get necessities-bras, pantyhose, supper stuff, and stuff for work. Still, I’m trying to break old habits and I almost (okay, I did) fall back into this habit. Spending when I’m lonely, bored, or depressed. So today, we start new.

Not much going on in the news this week. A lot of sad stories like the kid in Minnesota that got ran over by his school bus. Or the two kids in Georgia that was found in an algae covered pond less than a 100 yards from the house. Nicole Payne was 2 and on a daily breathing treatment. Her brother Jonah, 3, was on medication. The police have done polygraphs and interviewed the mother.

Then in history the Gestapo was established in 1933 on this date. The Gestapo was the Nazi’s secret police force. In 1986 Chernobyl had a meltdown in the Ukraine. For those that don’t remember this, Chernobyl was a nuclear plant that had a chemical meltdown releasing nuclear products into the air.

Rain delay in ST Louis today. Game will be made up on Thursday which means the Cards play till May 16th. Game tonight against the Brewers; Suppan takes the mound at 700 pm. Oh, and the Twins organization released plans for a new ballpark.

Well, maybe tomorrow I’ll have more. See ya later.

Another week started

Praise God and hallelujah I’ll have a car either Monday night or Tuesday. I’m so believing that all this will turn out and I’ll get it. I’ll have all the details when I get it. Spent a very boring weekend. Spent most of Saturday hanging around mom’s while she did this or that or whatever. I’m not doing this wait-and-see thing next weekend. Mom and Manda’s in Missouri headed home today. Manda had trial today over her wrecked Neon from like two-three years ago. They should be home this evening. Watched the movie Jaws this weekend and got a kick out of it.

Checked my library hold list-25 items on it with one item in. Lots of 1 of 1 hold and a few Not Checked Out. I have a feeling I’ll get my own shelf when everything comes in. Started the new reading list and so far so good.

White Sox became the first to win 15 this year. LaRussa, with Sunday’s win, is now 2126 wins, fifth on the All-Time Wins list. STL is now 12-5 with a win streak of 4. We swept Houston at STL this weekend and we take on Milwaukee tonight with Suppan on the mound. Game time is probably 700 pm or there abouts.

Well, y’all, things to do and people to annoy. See y’all tomorrow.

It’s Friday

I feel like the dog in the commercial that keeps saying, “It’s bacon!” only “It’s Friday!” What a week-I feel like I’ve really been through the washer. Tired, wore out, ready for a couple days of vegging, watch the Cardinals, watch a few movies, and sleep. I’ve got Jaws from the library and am looking forward to seeing this movie. Last weekend I watched Psycho. Even though sister Sarah found it funny I thought it was tense and suspenseful. Not a lot of blood or violence, just good old physiological mind games. Next up is North By Northwest and The Exorcist. I’m working on AFI’s 100 Greatest Thrillers.

In the one line news department today I’ve got a couple of stories. Mad cow is now in Holland with their first case reported. Processed meat may cause pancreatic cancer. I’m going vegetarian. (You can quite laughing any time now.) Earth Day is today and was first celebrated in 1970.

Ruth Hussey passed away recently at the grand old age of 93. Hussey was nominated for an Academy Award for the 1940 movie Philadelphia Story. She played James Stewarts wise-cracking girlfriend in the movie. Was also in the movie Northwest Passage.

The first soldier since the Vietnam War era has been found guilty of murdering his fellow soldiers. Apologies-I didn’t get the guys name but he was the one who attacked fellow soldiers late at night with grenades and rifle fire at the 101st Airborne Division camp in Iraq. Next up: sentencing hearing. He could be headed for death row at Leavenworth.

Chopper shot down in Iraq killing 11 civilians, 6 of whom were Americans. Same company that lost four employees in a ambush that resulted in their bodies hanging from a bridge. Iraqi insurgents shot down the chopper.

In 1889 the Oklahoma Land Rush started. I am so not going to comment on this.

In 1914 Babe Ruth pitched his 1st professional game for the Orioles (won 6-0), later that season was traded to the Red Sox. By 1918 his hitting powers convinced everyone he needed to be an everyday player and he moved to the outfield. Sox won their last World Series Championship (before 2004) and then the Babe was traded to the Yankees. I never knew that Ruth was a pitcher. The things I learn doing this blog.

Cards beat Cubs today as Chris Carpenter pitched nine solid innings and won the shut-out. Way to go Carpenter. We hand the ball over to Marquis for tonight’s game against Houston at 710 pm. The NL Central reads: Cards, Reds, Astros, Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates. Reds!?!? Well, the season is young, they may get to a distant third or fourth yet this year.

Well, y’all have a great weekend and see y’all Monday

I think spring is here!

No tornado sirens yet in Tulsa but it’s only getting down to the 60’s tonight (right now 68) and the high is going to be mid-80’s. Of course, we have a chance of storms for the next couple of days, but still from here to June everyday will say “high mid-seventies and a 20% chance of t’storms.” Welcome to Midwest weather. We can’t complain though, it’s 76 in the Keys and snowing in Wyoming.

Heartbreak Hotel went to Number One in 1956 marking the first number one by a young singer named Elvis Presley. Elvis also released the movie Love Me Tender in 1956. Where has the time gone? Also in history, on this date in 1918 Baron Manfred von Richthofen was shot down and killed. Richthofen was better known as The Red Baron (and no, I’m not talking pizza or Snoopy!).

In entertainment today, Benjamin Bratt has announced that he’s expecting. Or rather his wife Talisa is expecting. They have one child, Sophia (a normal name in Hollywood kids!), and will be expanding the household in the fall. Dragnet, Quincy, Bob Newhart, and Dynasty are all making debuts on DVD in the next few months. TVShowsonDVD can give you the news on any of your favorite shows that you would like to see on DVD.

In new documents released today, Jessica Lunsford was possibly buried alive after being sexually assaulted. Lunsford was the first of two Florida girls that have been abducted and killed by sexual predators. I can’t image what Jessica’s father, Mark, must be going through right now. Prayers, please, for this family.

Yankees not only are in last place but are being hit with a 31 million dollar luxury tax. The only other MLB team that will have to pay in Boston (969, 177 dollars). Sheffield won’t be punished for getting into it with that fan at Boston.

And for STL news we got our first look at the Cubbies and it wasn’t pretty. We lost 3-1. We turn around and play them today at 1210 pm on ESPN. I hope Carpenter and crew can do a better job this time around. It just seemed that the players were just off for lack of a better term.

Well, I got to mosey. See you guys tomorrow.

Slow news day…

It’s a slow news day which is a really good thing. I was halfway expecting some nut with anti-government sentiments make a statement yesterday. However, we can’t breathe too easily yet-today is the anniversary of Columbine. Ah spring…Flowers blooming, birds chirping, idiots rampaging. Is my cynicism showing?

We have a new pope-wait, Catholics have a new pope. You’d think a president was elected with all the coverage here lately. As a non-member of the 1.1 million member Catholic church it’s really hard to care. I believe in talking to God; not in having a priest pass along a message. I’m so tired tonight I’m getting grumpy.

A little sports and then I’m done. STL won today 7-1 and Matt Morris picked up the save. Seems Redbird bats are starting to come alive. By the way, we’re in first in the NLC. We play Chicago Cubs tonight at 610 pm. White Sox has become the first to reach 10 wins in the AL. Oh, and teams that are 5-9 include the Royals, Tampa Bay, and the Yankees. I just may burn in hell for all the fun I’m getting out of watching the Yanks flounder this season. One last piece of info-Fenway opened opened on this day in 1912. Red Sox beat the NY Highlanders (early Yankees) 7-6.

Well, I’m off to bed, see ya’ll tomorrow.

I’m exhausted

I didn’t sleep well this weekend and got woke up today out of a fitful sleep. Now I’m really fighting the sandman. But for y’all, a quick post before I crash. We’ve got lots of sports, some history, a little news-a whole bunch of goodies.

In Arlington, Virginia on Monday a school bus and a dump truck collided killing one girl on the bus. It took rescue workers close to a half hour to pull the dump truck driver out of the truck. Police are asking anyone who saw the accident to call and report what they saw. Hmmmmm, maybe more than just a bus and truck colliding?

After the big boss man got on to the Yanks yesterday, the team responded by winning over Tampa Bay 19-8. The Yankees tied a MLB record with a 13 run inning in the second. It must be a night for big scores because the Cards were leading 2-1 over the Pirates when the ninth inning rolled around and we scored nine. Nine! Even Molina got into the act and got a hit. With two weeks of play under our belts, the Dodgers are the first team this year to win 10 games. Oh, remember that Red Sox fan that hit Yankee outfielder Sheffield? His season tickets have been revoked by the Sox. Poor guy. I’m sure the Royals have season tickets if you’re desperate.

Lance Armstrong announced that the 2005 Tour de France would be his last. It seems Lance is going to retire after the race. ABC, ESPN, and MNF (it’s alphabet soup time!) have announced that Monday Night Football is being moved to ESPN. NBC is picking up ESPN’s Sunday night games. Sorry to say, it just won’t be the same. I like the cute intros into the games and I’m going to miss John Maden. I watched for about an hour every Monday (and usually while doing something else) before CSI Miami came on. Man, what am I gonna do now? Better yet, what’s mom going to do without her football?

Some history for you today: In 1775 the American Revolutionary War began with battles in Lexington and Concord. Also today in 1993 the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas burned to the ground killing 80, 22 of which were children. And in 1995 the Murrah building in Oklahoma City was bombed. 168 deaths and 500 injured was the total with many children in these numbers. Before 9/11, OKC was the biggest terrorist hit on this country’s soil.

Well, y’all see ya tomorrow.

Tampa Bay’s in fine company right now!

Yankees are in last place with Tampa Bay right now and I’m sure the Devil Ray’s are just thrilled with the race for last place. I can’t help it-it’s so amusing to me. Of course George Steinbrener isn’t a happy camper. Duh-you spend the most on players of any team you want to win. Maybe the Yanks are just off to a bad start. And maybe the Red Sox are just good this year. More baseball news later.

Mark Hacking plead guilty to first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife Lori. Lori found out that Mark was not admitted to medical school and that he had lied about other things. Authorities in Utah couldn’t prove that Lori was pregnant so he wasn’t charged with a capital crime. Which maybe a good thing-doesn’t Utah have the option of hanging?

A lot of history today and starting out in 1775 when Paul Revere made his mad dash via horseback to warn on the British coming. In 1906 a 8.3 earthquake rattled San Francisco destroying a four square mile area of the town. Fire broke out from the quake and 500 deaths were reported. In 1923 the first game was played at Yankee stadium with the Yanks beating the Red Sox 4-1. 1956 Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco. And in 1983 the US Embassy in Beirut was destroyed by a car bomb. 63 Dead, 17 of them Americans.

Sarah Lunde disappeared April 9th from her home in Ruskin, Florida shortly after returning from a church trip. A convicted sex offender has been arrested for the crime and Sarah’s body was discovered in an abandoned fish pond. Mark Lunsford was on hand to help search for Sarah. Mark lost his daughter Jessica to a sex offender earlier this year.

Returning to baseball news, Cal Eldred could be out for two months with a vial myopericarditis which is inflammation of the lining and muscles of the heart. He has been released from the hospital and with time and some medication should be good to go. St Louis swept the series with the Brewers this weekend marking the first Brewer sweep since September 9-11, 2002. LaRussa got his 800th win as the Cards manager this weekend. We’ve moved to Pittsburgh for a 605 pm game against the Pirates this evening.

Dad got a new screen door put on-took him all day to do it though. On Sunday he got a new ceiling fan put in the dining room. Mom took Sarah and Faith shopping, dad put the ceiling fan in, I have no idea what Jake did, and I napped in Sarahs bed. A nice Sunday was had by all . Mom came out Friday night and we got somethings straightened and put away. I need to do some rearraging and hang some pictures up still but overall, though things are going great at my new place.

I got my 90 day evaluation done at work on Friday. Apparently I’m wonderful and I got a 75 cent raise. Also, I’m the new “Night Manager.” Which means I keep doing what I’m doing but they’re actually going to pay me more. That works for me!

Well, y’all I need to get going. See ya tomorrow.