Friday, 17 October 2003: Well, I'm just batting 1.000, aren't I? Initially I wanted it to be the Cubs vs. Twins in the World Series. Twins got bumped off in the first round of the playoffs. So I started pulling for a Curse Series between the Cubs and the Red Sox (they who suffer from the Goat Curse and the Bambino Curse, respectively). The Cubs lose two nights ago and the Sox lose last night. So, now it's Yanks against the Marlins. Boring series. I'm not tuning in. At least if the Sox made it instead of the Yanks, I would've watched it. But it's just no fun to watch the Yanks constantly winning anymore. I preferred when they were underdogs. I really think the World Series is going to be highly anticlimactic since the Championship Series were both so exciting. Should've just ended it there. Ratings are sure to go down on TV now.

Oh, and for the record, I don't believe in curses. It was just some bad playing and bad managing at critical moments.

Thursday, 16 October 2003: I'm sure I don't really need to go into detail about the disappointment I'm feeling over the Cubs pitiful loss to the Marlins last night in the NLCS. Just suffice it to say that I'm upset and I don't really want to talk about it and I'm pulling for the Red Sox tonight in their game seven match up against the Yankees.

Wednesay, 15 October 2003: A note to Chicago Cubs fans... breathe. Or, in the words of Mr. Miyagi, "breathe in through nose, out through mouth."

Yes, you have every right to be upset about what happened in game six last night against the Marlins. Yes, it was incredibly unfortunate that that guy knocked away Moises Alou's chances of catching that foul ball and making the second out of the eighth inning which eventually led to an eight-run spree by the Marlins to win the game. It sucks. But don't go blaming the fan.

Who's to say what would've happened if he hadn't touched it? I admit that I truly believe that Alou would have had the ball which would have resulted in the second out keeping the baserunner from advancing to third and, potentially, keeping the Cubs in better spirits and may likely have resulted in a win. But, we don't know that for sure.

The guy was in his right to grab at the ball. The ball had flown foul and there is no rule saying he can't nab it. And who are any of you to say that you wouldn't have done the same thing if you were sitting in his seat? I know we all like to think that we would've done the "right" thing by backing up and holding back everyone else to allow Alou to catch the ball uninterfered. But do you really know that for sure? If you say "yes", you're likely a liar. Everyone wants to walk away from the ballpark with a free souvenir. Especially in the playoffs.

Leave the guy alone. Stop harrassing him. Stop cursing and swearing his existence. Stop wishing he would die or threatening to do so yourselves. He's got a huge wieght to live with on his back now... isn't that enough?

I don't know who you are man, but I forgive you. Took me a little while to realize it, but I do.

And, no, I'm not forgiving him because I'm that guy. I could only wish to afford playoff tickets. Especially in those dream seats.

Tuesday, 14 October 2003: I picked up the latest issue of Vanity Fair yesterday because it was the special 410-page (can you imagine having to do the layout work on that mother?) American Music issue. Several things I noted right away about it.

First, it has a really cool mix of musicians on the front cover which is a three-panel fold out. This includes Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Dr. Dre, James Taylor, Mary J. Blige, Lucinda Williams, Liz Phair, Anthony Kiedis, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, and "Andre 3000" Benjamin. I would just like to say that seeing Willie Nelson sitting right behind Dr. Dre is an interesting sight indeed. Also, is it me or is Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) looking more and more like Iggy Pop every day? Scary.

Second, the cover has the feature headlines scattered all over it. But, if you look at the innermost panel of the cover, it features a great headline... "Bonus: No Britney Spears Interview!" Hallelujah and praise the Lord! It's amazing how many ways that girl has gotten herself in the spotlight. Just when you think she can't do anything that is any more outrageous, she one ups your expectations.

Finally, on page 342, we get a picture of entertainment's latest odd couple du jour... jazz goddess Diana Krall and rock legend Elvis Costello. In a picture entitled "The Funny Valentines", we see the two of them hand in hand by a piano (her standing and him laying across the top). Yes, they are an odd pairing, but they actually look really good together. Interesting.

Monday, 13 October 2003: Happy anniversary, Katie! Yes, to all of you who have not been keeping exact count, Katie and I have now been married two years.

I love you, hon.