Monday, November 17, 2008
Sports Filled Weekend
This past weekend was one of the most sports active weekends I have had in a long time. Friday night Brittany and I went to the Blues game against the Blackhawks with the tickets she got me for my birthday. It was a great game! The Blues won 4-3 in OT and there were 4 fights. At one point the Chicago had 4 guys in the penalty box. On Saturday we drove up to Green Bay to meet her parents and see Anthony. We met up with Anthony at the St. Norbert's Green Knights hockey game. It was really good hockey, but I know Anthony could be playing at that level. I think there was one midget playing. On Sunday, we were woken by a fire alarm in the hotel. I think it was a Green Bay wake up call for everyone to start their tailgating, which we did. We got to Lambeau around 8 o'clock and started putting back some Bud Lights. For a while we were drinking coffee with Baileys to help wake us up, and the girls drank some mimosas. There were definitely some characters while tailgating and at the game. I was sitting right next to a drunk man who wouldn't stop slurring and some people in the next row up yelling " cheaters never win" all game every time the Bears had a penalty. Unfortunately the Bears didn't win. They got smoked 37 to 3 ACTUALLY, but it was fun none the less. On the way home we hit a lot of traffic and didn't get home until around 9:30. It was a really fun weekend and I can not wait to be finished with school work this week so I can relax again this weekend hopefully.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I've Got the blues... literally
As I have said before I know it is early, but have begun to slide already. Here is the update.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sweet Jane
Last night Nick and went to Johnny's Ice House to get our skates sharpened for a big day of hockey. I decided I am going to shadow the best guy on the other team when I do not have the puck because (1) he scores too many easy goals and (2) I figured since he has the puck a lot I will be able to have the puck more often as well. At Johnny's we watched some pretty decent guys and it was getting really choppy and dirty. Dad, you mom and angela should come up on a thurs one weekend and play with nick and I.
After Johnny's we went to Murphy's Bleachers to get a few beers, wings, and burgers. While we were there one of dad's favorite songs "Sweet Jane" by Lou Reed came on. It might be the first time I have ever heard that song out in Chicago.
After Johnny's we went to Murphy's Bleachers to get a few beers, wings, and burgers. While we were there one of dad's favorite songs "Sweet Jane" by Lou Reed came on. It might be the first time I have ever heard that song out in Chicago.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Grandparents
I found these two charts on ancestry.com
Unfortunately both of my grandpa's died young. My grandpa Klipsch died before I was born and my grandpa Condellire died when I was around 3 years old. First, I wish I could have met my grandpa K. My mom says that he would have really enjoyed watching us play all of our sports. I don't think my grandpa C. was alive when I started playing hockey, soccer or baseball, but my mom and dad are sure he would have been to most of the games too. I enjoy hearing stories about both of them whether good or bad. It is a shame that I have had to make perceptions of them through other people rather than really get to know them myself. I am grateful that I was able to develop fun relationships with both of my grandma's. I sometimes get upset for my dad because I know how close grandpa and him were and I look forward to the day in the distant future when my dad can spoil my kids and watch them play their sports and what not. Same thing goes for you mom. I bet you two are getting pretty bored at home without Anthony or me playing hockey, but I am sure Angela is keeping you both busy. I loved that both of your parents remained your closest friends and I look forward to our relationship growing as well.
Unfortunately both of my grandpa's died young. My grandpa Klipsch died before I was born and my grandpa Condellire died when I was around 3 years old. First, I wish I could have met my grandpa K. My mom says that he would have really enjoyed watching us play all of our sports. I don't think my grandpa C. was alive when I started playing hockey, soccer or baseball, but my mom and dad are sure he would have been to most of the games too. I enjoy hearing stories about both of them whether good or bad. It is a shame that I have had to make perceptions of them through other people rather than really get to know them myself. I am grateful that I was able to develop fun relationships with both of my grandma's. I sometimes get upset for my dad because I know how close grandpa and him were and I look forward to the day in the distant future when my dad can spoil my kids and watch them play their sports and what not. Same thing goes for you mom. I bet you two are getting pretty bored at home without Anthony or me playing hockey, but I am sure Angela is keeping you both busy. I loved that both of your parents remained your closest friends and I look forward to our relationship growing as well.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Update/ Nick's Future
I don't have much to blog about except for the fact that I am in the library freezing my butt off and writing and writing an international finance paper. Anyway Nick this post is for you. I'm not sure if you have seen this but it is of Rick Nash. Probably the sickest goal I have ever seen. This will be you in a few years. If you think I could be in the NHL take a look at this first.
And the weekly Blues update...
And the weekly Blues update...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
CTA Old Hag
Quick Story...
I was on the 147 bus on my way home from work sitting next to an old stinky lady reading a book. The bus was crowded and I was falling asleep by the time we got off lakeshore drive. Anyway, seats were opening up and instead of moving to any empty seat with no one next to me I chose to stay where I was. This jerk next to me decided that it was worth her effort to pull the string and act like she was getting off the bus so I would get up and sit somewhere else. As soon as I sat down at another seat the lady sat down and started laughing. What a jerk! Why not just ask me to move seats so her smelly bottom could occupy two seats?
I was on the 147 bus on my way home from work sitting next to an old stinky lady reading a book. The bus was crowded and I was falling asleep by the time we got off lakeshore drive. Anyway, seats were opening up and instead of moving to any empty seat with no one next to me I chose to stay where I was. This jerk next to me decided that it was worth her effort to pull the string and act like she was getting off the bus so I would get up and sit somewhere else. As soon as I sat down at another seat the lady sat down and started laughing. What a jerk! Why not just ask me to move seats so her smelly bottom could occupy two seats?
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Walking Dead
I have always heard about this drink, but I have never tried it. My dad would like it because it comes from Scandinavia land of vampires, werewolves, and van helsing. That was a good movie. 
Do they sell these ingredients in 2 oz bottles? Probably not. That is basically an 18 oz shot of disgusting. Think about taking a shot that was 1.5 x's a can of beer. Mom you might like this.
Do they sell these ingredients in 2 oz bottles? Probably not. That is basically an 18 oz shot of disgusting. Think about taking a shot that was 1.5 x's a can of beer. Mom you might like this.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Relatives?
While in Italy, this was the closest spelling I could find of our last name. In Sicily I found our real last name, but I was unable to go and meet them in Alessandria Della Rocca. This picture was taken in Venice and the store was a restaurant. An expensive one from the look of the menu, but unfortunately it was closed.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tribute to Ken Wilson OHH BABY!!!
Growing up I loved listening to Ken Wilson announce Blues games. I still feel he is the best. It was a shame the Blues organization let him go.
Kawasaki Disease
For those of you who do not believe me when I say I had Kawasaki Disease when I was little take a gander if interested:
Kawasaki disease is a condition that primarily affects young children. It is believed to be caused by a non-contagious infection, although scientists are unsure of the exact cause. About 80 percent of cases occur in children under the age of 5, and boys are more likely to get it than girls.
Although a pathogen is suspected, scientists have been so far unable to identify the virus or bacterium that causes Kawasaki disease. Some recent research suggests that Kawasaki disease may be caused, in some children, by the New Haven coronavirus, a newly discovered virus related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. While clinical data appears to suggest a link between these illnesses, further testing is required to substantiate a relationship between the two.
Other studies have suggested a genetic component because siblings of affected children are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than children in the same neighborhood. Also, people of Japanese descent are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease no matter where they live in the world. It does, however, affect children of all races, and between 1,500 and over 4,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Some recent research suggests that Kawasaki disease may be caused, in some children, by the New Haven coronavirus, a newly discovered virus related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. While clinical data appears to suggest a link between these two illnesses, further testing is required to substantiate a relationship between the two.
During Kawasaki disease, the blood vessels may become inflamed. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease, meaning that symptoms appear for a short while and disappear on their own. The disease has three specific phases, each associated with certain signs and symptoms. The most dangerous phase is the acute phase, which typically lasts from 10 to 14 days, depending on whether or how it is treated. Overall, Kawasaki disease usually lasts between six and eight weeks, although it may take a year or more for complete healing.
Kawasaki disease is rarely fatal. Less than 1 percent of treated children will die because of the disease. Among untreated children, up to 25 percent of children will experience coronary artery aneurysms in connection with the disease. This rate drops to 10 to 15 percent among children who are treated. A coronary artery aneurysm is a condition where part of the wall of the coronary artery bulges out, sometimes resulting in a heart attack. However, modern treatment techniques have reduced the rate of coronary aneurysm to about 5 percent. Throughout the disease course, however, various cardiac abnormalities may occur, including arrhythmias, damage to the heart valves, pericarditis, and other cardiovascular problems.
Kawasaki disease was first identified in Japan, where it is most common, in 1967 by a Japanese pediatrician named Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki. The medical term for the condition is mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Prior to Dr. Kawasaki’s description, some infants and children with this condition were said to have a condition called infantile periarteritis nodosa.
There is no known prevention for Kawasaki disease, although physicians have developed ways to treat the disease. Successful treatment depends on rapid diagnosis and action. If treated within the first 10 days, the potential cardiovascular damage from Kawasaki disease can be dramatically limited.
Kawasaki disease is a condition that primarily affects young children. It is believed to be caused by a non-contagious infection, although scientists are unsure of the exact cause. About 80 percent of cases occur in children under the age of 5, and boys are more likely to get it than girls.
Although a pathogen is suspected, scientists have been so far unable to identify the virus or bacterium that causes Kawasaki disease. Some recent research suggests that Kawasaki disease may be caused, in some children, by the New Haven coronavirus, a newly discovered virus related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. While clinical data appears to suggest a link between these illnesses, further testing is required to substantiate a relationship between the two.
Other studies have suggested a genetic component because siblings of affected children are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than children in the same neighborhood. Also, people of Japanese descent are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease no matter where they live in the world. It does, however, affect children of all races, and between 1,500 and over 4,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Some recent research suggests that Kawasaki disease may be caused, in some children, by the New Haven coronavirus, a newly discovered virus related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. While clinical data appears to suggest a link between these two illnesses, further testing is required to substantiate a relationship between the two.
During Kawasaki disease, the blood vessels may become inflamed. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease, meaning that symptoms appear for a short while and disappear on their own. The disease has three specific phases, each associated with certain signs and symptoms. The most dangerous phase is the acute phase, which typically lasts from 10 to 14 days, depending on whether or how it is treated. Overall, Kawasaki disease usually lasts between six and eight weeks, although it may take a year or more for complete healing.
Kawasaki disease is rarely fatal. Less than 1 percent of treated children will die because of the disease. Among untreated children, up to 25 percent of children will experience coronary artery aneurysms in connection with the disease. This rate drops to 10 to 15 percent among children who are treated. A coronary artery aneurysm is a condition where part of the wall of the coronary artery bulges out, sometimes resulting in a heart attack. However, modern treatment techniques have reduced the rate of coronary aneurysm to about 5 percent. Throughout the disease course, however, various cardiac abnormalities may occur, including arrhythmias, damage to the heart valves, pericarditis, and other cardiovascular problems.
Kawasaki disease was first identified in Japan, where it is most common, in 1967 by a Japanese pediatrician named Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki. The medical term for the condition is mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Prior to Dr. Kawasaki’s description, some infants and children with this condition were said to have a condition called infantile periarteritis nodosa.
There is no known prevention for Kawasaki disease, although physicians have developed ways to treat the disease. Successful treatment depends on rapid diagnosis and action. If treated within the first 10 days, the potential cardiovascular damage from Kawasaki disease can be dramatically limited.
Clear Lake Trip
This past weekend Brittany and I visited Randy and Barb (Brittany's parents) in Clear Lake. I love going because it is very peaceful and relaxing.
First I was given a minor tour of where Randy worked at Five Star Coop. Really I just got a tour of the his office because the elevator was too dusty, which was fine because I saw a lot of old pictures and news articles of Brittany. ( what a big shot)
After the elevator we visited Brittany's grandpa in the nursing home. When we got there we saw him wheeling himself down the hallway minding his own business, and we were able to check out his cool green sweater, which Randy convinced him he got for his birthday.
We then hightailed it Grandma Loretta's house to pick some apples and scratch some corneas. We were able to find a lot of juicy apples, but almost lost Brittany's eye in the process. I didn't know apple picking was a contact sport. Then we were off to Grandma Irene's to visit. She is a very active and hip lady going to concerts with younger crowds.
Then came the pumpkin carving:
After we carved the first pumpkin and ate dinner Randy and I watched the Blues beat the Blackhawks in shootouts while Brittany and Barb carved the other pumpkin.
Blues still looking good at the top.
On Sunday morning I had an encounter with about 100 frogs, 50 toads, and 1 salamander. It was pretty disgusting. I will post the pictures of that when I have good ones.
First I was given a minor tour of where Randy worked at Five Star Coop. Really I just got a tour of the his office because the elevator was too dusty, which was fine because I saw a lot of old pictures and news articles of Brittany. ( what a big shot)
After the elevator we visited Brittany's grandpa in the nursing home. When we got there we saw him wheeling himself down the hallway minding his own business, and we were able to check out his cool green sweater, which Randy convinced him he got for his birthday.
We then hightailed it Grandma Loretta's house to pick some apples and scratch some corneas. We were able to find a lot of juicy apples, but almost lost Brittany's eye in the process. I didn't know apple picking was a contact sport. Then we were off to Grandma Irene's to visit. She is a very active and hip lady going to concerts with younger crowds.
Then came the pumpkin carving:
After we carved the first pumpkin and ate dinner Randy and I watched the Blues beat the Blackhawks in shootouts while Brittany and Barb carved the other pumpkin.
Blues still looking good at the top.On Sunday morning I had an encounter with about 100 frogs, 50 toads, and 1 salamander. It was pretty disgusting. I will post the pictures of that when I have good ones.
Friday, October 17, 2008
OHH BABY!!!
I know it is still early, but just in case I do not see the Blues on top of the Central division ever again this season I wanted something to remember this by.
Weird Pet Obsession
The above picture is of Brittany's two cats Simon and Mimi. Last fall when I first met them I was honestly very mean toward them because they caused me to want to rip my eyes out of my sockets because they were so itchy. Also I thought cat people were a little coo-coo, but I have found they are not... well some are. Now after getting used to them I have become to like them a lot more. Especially Mimi because she likes me more, but Simon just kind of does his own thing.
Maybe one day they can meet Ginger...
mmm... she looks hungry!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Bored at Work
I was bored at work today and decided to write a quick post to see if the two people who used to read my blog still come on and reads my blog. I wouldn't blame anyone for not looking since my last post was when I was in Europe.
Managing work and school has been a lot tougher than I thought it was originally going to be. I find myself always procrastinating with regards to schoolwork. Like this week I have 2 exams, a paper, and a group presentation due. I have been in the library longer in the past two days than I have been all semester. Which isn't saying a lot because I know Amy and Nick were in the library a lot more than I have been while in college. I remember my sophomore year I chose hockey over studying for an accounting exam, mainly because I knew if I did not go with NIck none of the old men would pass him the puck.
All the studying aside, everything is going really well. Election season is among us and I will have to take a study break this evening to check out the final debate. The debates have not moved me in anyway though and I am afraid that neither candidate is up for the job. Who would be though? Ron Paul? He seemed to have an idea of what was going on during the primaries, but he was preaching less government interference and now we are moving in the opposite direction. Obama sounds good, but I really do not know how he will react to things when in office. This is true with all campaigns. I want a candidate who isn't afraid to tell people what they do not want to hear. For McCain... Enough of this Maverick crap. It gets to be very repetitive and frankly annoying.
Managing work and school has been a lot tougher than I thought it was originally going to be. I find myself always procrastinating with regards to schoolwork. Like this week I have 2 exams, a paper, and a group presentation due. I have been in the library longer in the past two days than I have been all semester. Which isn't saying a lot because I know Amy and Nick were in the library a lot more than I have been while in college. I remember my sophomore year I chose hockey over studying for an accounting exam, mainly because I knew if I did not go with NIck none of the old men would pass him the puck.
All the studying aside, everything is going really well. Election season is among us and I will have to take a study break this evening to check out the final debate. The debates have not moved me in anyway though and I am afraid that neither candidate is up for the job. Who would be though? Ron Paul? He seemed to have an idea of what was going on during the primaries, but he was preaching less government interference and now we are moving in the opposite direction. Obama sounds good, but I really do not know how he will react to things when in office. This is true with all campaigns. I want a candidate who isn't afraid to tell people what they do not want to hear. For McCain... Enough of this Maverick crap. It gets to be very repetitive and frankly annoying.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Itinerary
I just want to apologize to the 3 people who read this blog for not being the best blogger. I have had a lot of trouble uploading pictures because my internet here so slow! But I will plan on spending an entire day uploading pics no matter how long it takes. Here is my itinerary for the rest of my time here...
April 19th- Fly into Rome and set up my base
April 21st- Day trip to Cinque Terra
April 23rd- Day trip to Pompeii
April 24th- Fly to sicily via Palermo
April 26th- Fly to Venice
April 28th or 29th fly to Berlin or Munich
April 28th- May 2nd- travel through Germany (Berlin, Munich, and maybe one other place.
May 3rd- Prague
May 5th- Vienna or Geneva... what do you guys think i should do
May 8th- fly back to London, pick up my bags and fly to Toronto to watch ant play some hockey
Granted this is not all set in stone, but it is a good start. I should know exactly what I will be doing in the next 2 days, but it has been stressful with packing, planning, and studying for finals.
April 19th- Fly into Rome and set up my base
April 21st- Day trip to Cinque Terra
April 23rd- Day trip to Pompeii
April 24th- Fly to sicily via Palermo
April 26th- Fly to Venice
April 28th or 29th fly to Berlin or Munich
April 28th- May 2nd- travel through Germany (Berlin, Munich, and maybe one other place.
May 3rd- Prague
May 5th- Vienna or Geneva... what do you guys think i should do
May 8th- fly back to London, pick up my bags and fly to Toronto to watch ant play some hockey
Granted this is not all set in stone, but it is a good start. I should know exactly what I will be doing in the next 2 days, but it has been stressful with packing, planning, and studying for finals.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Final Day in Paris
I know I skipped a day, but that is because the day I skipped is going to have a lot of pictures... hopefully. Anyway on the final day in Paris while my two hotel mates were sleeping I decided to go see the Sacre Coeur. It was a nice 30 minute walk there, but it was nice because I was able to see Moulin Rouge. The main street I had to walk on was filled with sex shops and what not. Some things probably too inappropriate. Anyway the walk was nice and when I finally got to the Sacre Coeur I was not disappointed. The views from the top were probably the best in Paris! Unfortunately I was hassled by Jamaicans trying to get a buck out of me. I wasn't able to take pictures from the inside, which was unfortunate because the interior was the neatest I have seen in a chapel while in Europe.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
First Day in Paris
So the first day in Paris was more like a get to know our surroundings day. The city is quite big, yet not as big as London, so luckily we were use to the metropolis. Anyway, the first day we kind of just walked around the the city as much as we could. We went by the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and walked down the Champs-Elysees. Unfortunately it was raining when we got there so our walking was limited because we forgot to bring umbrellas.
Walking by the Eiffel Tower was an amazing site. I have seen tons of pictures of it, but to see it with your own eyes is amazing, especially when it is lit up at night. At the Arc de Triomphe we saw a ceremony, which I think was commemorating the unknown soldier, but I could be wrong. The Champs-Elysees was really hopping and kind of reminded me of Michigan Ave. back in Chicago. All the top end stores and fancy restaurants lined the street, and the stores were much bigger than in Chicago. I saw a 4 story Gucci store!
Walking by the Eiffel Tower was an amazing site. I have seen tons of pictures of it, but to see it with your own eyes is amazing, especially when it is lit up at night. At the Arc de Triomphe we saw a ceremony, which I think was commemorating the unknown soldier, but I could be wrong. The Champs-Elysees was really hopping and kind of reminded me of Michigan Ave. back in Chicago. All the top end stores and fancy restaurants lined the street, and the stores were much bigger than in Chicago. I saw a 4 story Gucci store!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Fun and Tiring Weekend
I was getting bored with color so I decided to post a few black and white photos as you can see. Some of these places you may have seen already, but I hope not. This weekend my good friend Brett came and visited Paul and I in London. Brett is studying abroad this semester in Rome and I am trying to plan a trip to see him the weekend after Easter Weekend. This weekend we went to see the Tower of London, went to the Tate Modern Art Museum, and basically conducted a crash-course walk around tour of London for Brett. I would say we probably walked a total of 10 miles in 3 days. Last night we went to see the movie Be Kind Rewind starring Jack Black and Mos Def. If anyone was thinking of seeing it I would strongly recommend you not to on the account that it might have been the worst movie I ever saw.
The Tower of London was very fascinating. It was the home of many royal kings and queens for 10 centuries. We saw the home of Sir Isaac Newton and Ann Boleyn and saw the place where 75 beheading took place in front of thousands. People were also hung, drawn, and quartered which was is a little too emetic to describe, but you can look it up if you are feeling brave or interested. Inside the main castle we saw the armory of the the soldiers throughout London's history and were also able to see the coronation crowns, scepters, swords, rings, and orbs of past kings and queens. Let's just say I have never seen so much gold, diamonds, silver, and rubies in one place.
At Tate Modern we saw the exhibit of three modernism artists. Duchamp, Man Ray, and Picabia were some strange dudes, but very interesting. From having female aliases (Man Ray) to putting a toilet seat on a wall and calling it art (Duchamp) to being completely entranced by machines ( Picabia) all three men were way ahead of their time and possibly still ahead of ours in terms of expressing ideas in unconventional medias.
Good news though I have everything booked for my trip to Paris, which will be the weekend of March 14. I am also trying to plan a trip to Zurich, Switzerland where one of my foreign exchange buddies is from.
Westminster Abbey
Big Bend with the London Eye in the background
Paul, Brett and I in front of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge over the river Thames
Tower of London: Home to 10 centuries of royal intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture, and murder.
The Tower of London was very fascinating. It was the home of many royal kings and queens for 10 centuries. We saw the home of Sir Isaac Newton and Ann Boleyn and saw the place where 75 beheading took place in front of thousands. People were also hung, drawn, and quartered which was is a little too emetic to describe, but you can look it up if you are feeling brave or interested. Inside the main castle we saw the armory of the the soldiers throughout London's history and were also able to see the coronation crowns, scepters, swords, rings, and orbs of past kings and queens. Let's just say I have never seen so much gold, diamonds, silver, and rubies in one place.
At Tate Modern we saw the exhibit of three modernism artists. Duchamp, Man Ray, and Picabia were some strange dudes, but very interesting. From having female aliases (Man Ray) to putting a toilet seat on a wall and calling it art (Duchamp) to being completely entranced by machines ( Picabia) all three men were way ahead of their time and possibly still ahead of ours in terms of expressing ideas in unconventional medias.
Good news though I have everything booked for my trip to Paris, which will be the weekend of March 14. I am also trying to plan a trip to Zurich, Switzerland where one of my foreign exchange buddies is from.
Westminster Abbey
Big Bend with the London Eye in the background
Paul, Brett and I in front of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge over the river Thames 
Tower of London: Home to 10 centuries of royal intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture, and murder.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Chicago Cubs
One of the best things someone can do to gain the respect and trust of a North Chicagoite, is to attend a baseball game with them at Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. When most people think of the Chicago Cubs they think of tradition, ivy covered walls, Fergie Jenkins & Harry Caray. A more accurate representation would be khaki shorts, frat boys & rich business men on their iphones.
Reasons why some people like Wrigley Field
1. Experiencing tradition at a high cost
2. Located on the North Side
3. Its Trendy
4. Comfortable Surroundings
1. Experiencing tradition at a high cost
The main reason why people flock to Wrigley Field each year is the fact that it is one of the few ballparks that is trapped in time. People come to experience baseball tradition (although the definition of tradition when it comes to baseball is sketchy, remember the sport did not integrate until 1947). However this tradition comes at a high cost, which people don’t mind. On prime dates a ticket in the bleachers costs $45. But this does not deter rich people from enjoying the “simpler things” in life. Wrigley is an old stadium where people still pee in troughs, but people love paying top dollar to do this. They also like being around “real baseball fans”, even though most of the people in the bleachers are drunk rich frat kids that aren’t from Chicago and have no idea who Ernie Banks is.
2. Located on the North Side
Wrigley Field is located on the North Side of Chicago. The North side is basically the gentrified, trendy part of Chicago. Also many people listen to Jim Croce (whom most think is black) and the perception of most non-Chicago people (the majority of Cubs fans) of the Windy city is through the song “Bad. bad, Leroy Brown”
Well the south side of chicago
Is the baddest part of town
And if you go down there
You better just beware
Of a man named leroy brown
This is one of the main reasons why people do not venture to watch the Chicago White Sox. They are located on the South Side which is viewed as the “baddest part of town” where of course black people named “Leroy” live.
3. Its Trendy
Liking the Cubs right now is trendy. They haven’t won a World Series since 1908, they are located on the North Side and celebrities like them. Bill Murray, John Cusak, and Hillary Clinton (although she flip flops between them and the Yankees) are all Cubs fans. One should keep up to date on things that are trendy in order to befriend more people from north Chicago. ie) eating expensive Indian food, shopping Organic, or going on a wild rose detox. So for the upcoming season, try to know at least one player on the Chicago Cubs and defend Mark Prior at all costs.(This advice goes to almost every "Cubs" fan I know)
4. Comfortable Surroundings
Wrigley Field is known as the Friendly Confines and people feel comfortable there because other than Ronnie Woo Woo, most Cubs fans are white (and we are not talking about the white people that go to White Sox games). Next to a Dave Matthews Band reunion concert, one can not find a bigger collection of khaki shorts and golf shirts than the Wrigley Bleachers. Also once a friend of mine was sitting in the bleachers next to a girl with an LSU sweater. She was talking about Baton Rouge and said “I love it but I can’t stand all the n%#%%ers” TRUE STORY. What is most disturbing is the fact that she said this in such a nonchalant manner. Simply put, this individual from the south finally found a place in the North where she felt her views were acceptable. I sense that if she were sitting in the Left Field Pavallion at Dodger Stadium, she would not be so open about her true feelings.
So if you find it difficult to befriend one of the many phony Chicago Cub fans, it doesn’t help to know a little something about the Cubs and to suggest a trip to Wrigley Field. Or if you want to find true baseball fans venture down to St. Louis, Mo where almost, if not all, fans in Busch Stadium are truly genuine and championships are won.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Trafalgar Square
The other day I was planning on going on a bus tour through London, but I ended upbeing too fascinated with the area around the bus stop ( Trafalgar Square) to even get on the bus. It is a very cultural area with spanish dancers playing their castanets, insanely good soccer jugglers, rapper, street artists, the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and amazing monuments. I will try and post the video of these kids showing off their juggling skills.
The National Gallery was amazing. Famous works by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, any many others were on display. Unfortunately I didn't see any Donatello to complete the Ninja Turtle set, which was one of my favorite cartoons as a kid. Seeing Van Gogh's painting Sunflowers reminded me of art class at Truman with Mrs. Brown, who always showed that picture to the class. It was also interesting to see how Monet increasingly became more of an impressionists in his later years, but also increasingly blind. Obviously I couldn't take pictures inside the museum, but here are some of the surrounding Trafalgar Square area.
The National Gallery was amazing. Famous works by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, any many others were on display. Unfortunately I didn't see any Donatello to complete the Ninja Turtle set, which was one of my favorite cartoons as a kid. Seeing Van Gogh's painting Sunflowers reminded me of art class at Truman with Mrs. Brown, who always showed that picture to the class. It was also interesting to see how Monet increasingly became more of an impressionists in his later years, but also increasingly blind. Obviously I couldn't take pictures inside the museum, but here are some of the surrounding Trafalgar Square area.
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