Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn
I've always been fascinated by the story of Hemmingway being challenged to write a compelling story that was 10 words or less. The result was the title of this post: "For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn." The brevity ends up telling a much larger story than is actually written. It's brilliant.
Now let's face facts, I'm no Hemmingway, but in the spirit writing more, by writing less, I'll be limiting myself to 10 words or less on every post on this blog. Now before you go and get all nit-picky, photos and links to articles don't count.
Now, sit back and enjoy the brevity.
Now let's face facts, I'm no Hemmingway, but in the spirit writing more, by writing less, I'll be limiting myself to 10 words or less on every post on this blog. Now before you go and get all nit-picky, photos and links to articles don't count.
Now, sit back and enjoy the brevity.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I'm such a trendsetter
January 2006 - I move to Ypsilanti
Spring 2009 - Midwest Sliders move to Ypsilanti
Sure, they are moving out of Ypsilanti in 2009, but then again so am I (if not sooner)
YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Oestrike Stadium, home to Eastern Michigan University's defending Mid-American Conference Baseball Tournament champion Eagles, will also be home for the 2009 season to the Midwest Sliders, an independent professional baseball club competing in the Frontier League. The announcement was made jointly by EMU Athletics Director Dr. Derrick Gragg and Midwest Sliders President and Director of Team Personnel Rob Hilliard.
The Sliders, purchased last January by Baseball Heroes of Oakland County, LP, operated in 2008 as a travel squad, playing all 96 games on the road. The Oakland County-based ownership group plans to start construction on a 3,900-seat stadium next spring in Waterford Township. After the ball park's completion, the club will be renamed the Oakland County Cruisers. "For the upcoming Frontier League season, we want to bring the club as close as possible to Oakland County while playing in a first-class facility," explained Hilliard.
"We're extremely pleased to call EMU home for the 2009 season and look forward to bringing this affordable, family entertainment activity to the greater Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area," Hilliard said, adding that he, Vice President & General Manager Bill Terlecky and Manager & Player Development Director Eric Coleman were anxious to meet with Ypsilanti officials, members of the local business community and area residents.
"We've had a long and rich baseball tradition here at EMU and have always prided ourselves on putting our best foot forward," said Dr. Gragg. "We believe Rob and his staff are knowledgeable baseball people and good folks who will fit in well, both on campus and in the surrounding community."
According to Hilliard, the club will be called the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti for 2009, taking a page from MLB's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The cap will include a "Y" in its design.
The ball club is releasing its 2009 Frontier League schedule and will soon begin to offer promotional packages to area businesses. Plans are also underway to add portable food & beverage carts, souvenir stands and other fan-friendly amenities. Together with an in-game entertainment program, Midwest Sliders games at Oestrike Stadium will take on all of the trappings of a typical Minor League ball game.
"Every aspect of our operation is being developed in concert with EMU's Athletic Department and head coach Jay Alexander," said Hilliard, who stressed the importance of cooperation, coordination and communication as the Sliders assume the role of tenant.
The ball club has set ticket prices for its 45-game home schedule, which begins with a three-game series against two-time defending Frontier League champion Windy City Thunderbolts on Friday, May 29 (7:15 pm); Saturday, May 30 (7:15 pm); and Sunday, May 31 (2:00 pm). Grandstand reserved seating is $8.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12 years of age and under, as well as for senior citizens age 55 and over and Eastern Michigan University students. Season ticket packages are $315 for one ticket (saving $45 off individual game-day pricing); $585 for two tickets (a $135 savings off individual game-day pricing); $810 for three tickets (a $279 total savings), and $990 for four tickets (a $450 total savings).
A 12-game Flex Pack allows fans to redeem 12 undated coupons for any Midwest Sliders home game, subject to ticket availability, and includes a free ticket to the Sunday, May 31 game with Windy City. At $72, fans realize a $32 savings off game-day ticket pricing.
A Weekday Pick Six package gives fans an opportunity to choose any six Monday thru Thursday home games for $36.00, a $12 savings off game-day ticket pricing. Finally, a Baker's Dozen program featuring a "Division Rivals" package and a "See the League" package provides fans with two options to purchase a dozen games and receive a free ticket to a 13th game.
Season tickets, Flex Packs, Weekday Pick Six packages and the Baker's Dozen program will be available for online purchase at noon, Monday, Oct. 20. Visit www.cruisersbaseball.com and click on the TICKETS section. Click on THE TEAM section for more information on the Sliders. Click on the VIRTUAL STADIUM TOUR and surf the rest of the Web site to learn more about the Oakland County Cruisers and stadium plans in Waterford.
Spring 2009 - Midwest Sliders move to Ypsilanti
Sure, they are moving out of Ypsilanti in 2009, but then again so am I (if not sooner)
YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Oestrike Stadium, home to Eastern Michigan University's defending Mid-American Conference Baseball Tournament champion Eagles, will also be home for the 2009 season to the Midwest Sliders, an independent professional baseball club competing in the Frontier League. The announcement was made jointly by EMU Athletics Director Dr. Derrick Gragg and Midwest Sliders President and Director of Team Personnel Rob Hilliard.
The Sliders, purchased last January by Baseball Heroes of Oakland County, LP, operated in 2008 as a travel squad, playing all 96 games on the road. The Oakland County-based ownership group plans to start construction on a 3,900-seat stadium next spring in Waterford Township. After the ball park's completion, the club will be renamed the Oakland County Cruisers. "For the upcoming Frontier League season, we want to bring the club as close as possible to Oakland County while playing in a first-class facility," explained Hilliard.
"We're extremely pleased to call EMU home for the 2009 season and look forward to bringing this affordable, family entertainment activity to the greater Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area," Hilliard said, adding that he, Vice President & General Manager Bill Terlecky and Manager & Player Development Director Eric Coleman were anxious to meet with Ypsilanti officials, members of the local business community and area residents.
"We've had a long and rich baseball tradition here at EMU and have always prided ourselves on putting our best foot forward," said Dr. Gragg. "We believe Rob and his staff are knowledgeable baseball people and good folks who will fit in well, both on campus and in the surrounding community."
According to Hilliard, the club will be called the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti for 2009, taking a page from MLB's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The cap will include a "Y" in its design.
The ball club is releasing its 2009 Frontier League schedule and will soon begin to offer promotional packages to area businesses. Plans are also underway to add portable food & beverage carts, souvenir stands and other fan-friendly amenities. Together with an in-game entertainment program, Midwest Sliders games at Oestrike Stadium will take on all of the trappings of a typical Minor League ball game.
"Every aspect of our operation is being developed in concert with EMU's Athletic Department and head coach Jay Alexander," said Hilliard, who stressed the importance of cooperation, coordination and communication as the Sliders assume the role of tenant.
The ball club has set ticket prices for its 45-game home schedule, which begins with a three-game series against two-time defending Frontier League champion Windy City Thunderbolts on Friday, May 29 (7:15 pm); Saturday, May 30 (7:15 pm); and Sunday, May 31 (2:00 pm). Grandstand reserved seating is $8.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12 years of age and under, as well as for senior citizens age 55 and over and Eastern Michigan University students. Season ticket packages are $315 for one ticket (saving $45 off individual game-day pricing); $585 for two tickets (a $135 savings off individual game-day pricing); $810 for three tickets (a $279 total savings), and $990 for four tickets (a $450 total savings).
A 12-game Flex Pack allows fans to redeem 12 undated coupons for any Midwest Sliders home game, subject to ticket availability, and includes a free ticket to the Sunday, May 31 game with Windy City. At $72, fans realize a $32 savings off game-day ticket pricing.
A Weekday Pick Six package gives fans an opportunity to choose any six Monday thru Thursday home games for $36.00, a $12 savings off game-day ticket pricing. Finally, a Baker's Dozen program featuring a "Division Rivals" package and a "See the League" package provides fans with two options to purchase a dozen games and receive a free ticket to a 13th game.
Season tickets, Flex Packs, Weekday Pick Six packages and the Baker's Dozen program will be available for online purchase at noon, Monday, Oct. 20. Visit www.cruisersbaseball.com and click on the TICKETS section. Click on THE TEAM section for more information on the Sliders. Click on the VIRTUAL STADIUM TOUR and surf the rest of the Web site to learn more about the Oakland County Cruisers and stadium plans in Waterford.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Those effing deadbeat community organizers
As one who has worn the hat of community organizing - devoting hundreds of thousands of hours volunteering for communities I have lived it (albiet most in the Old West End, which is a cake walk compared to what a vast majority of community organizers face), I found Rudy and Sarah especially appalling last night when community organizers became the butt of jokes. Seeing the sea of rich white faces at the convention cackle at the notion of even spending a moment volunteering, let alone accepting the fact that the effort is a worthy and thankless job, honestly made my skin crawl.
The only thing I can say right now is a very heartfelt "f*ck you" to Sarah, Rudy and all the other Repubs joining on this bandwagon. F*ck you for diminishing the work of thousands of Americans to serve your own short-term needs. F*ck you for negating the important role that community organizers provide in cities, towns, and countryside across this country.
But I'll let Jason Lenkins from the Huffington Post continue on with this thought, since his thoughts are more reasoned at this time. For me, it is clearly still too raw to discuss.
"Tonight at the RNC, the McCain campaign made their feelings about community organizers abundantly clear. Defeated primary opponents spit on their name. Conventioneers loudly mocked their existence. Sarah Palin told not one, but two jokes about them, which is certainly a comedy foul, because everyone knows you are supposed to use the Rule Of Three.
"Tonight, community organizers were made to feel the brunt of the Republicans' smarmy derision. And for what? You know, one overworked conservative trope from tonight was that the American people should not expect the government to solve all of their problems. You know who would agree with that? Community organizers. These men and women serve a public duty, taking care of those who do fall through the cracks of government largesse, motivating citizens to give their time and sweat to serve society's needs without making an unnecessary dip in the taxpayer till.
"Community organizers mobilize volunteers that are young and old. They work from churches and community centers. They go to work in small towns and big cities. They assist people of all ages, and all walks of life. They tutor children, care for the infirm, spend time with the elderly, get food to the hungry, clothes to the needy. They expand opportunities and improve lives.
"Why, if I'm not mistaken, they even make sure that voters can get to the polls on those odd Tuesdays in November."
The only thing I can say right now is a very heartfelt "f*ck you" to Sarah, Rudy and all the other Repubs joining on this bandwagon. F*ck you for diminishing the work of thousands of Americans to serve your own short-term needs. F*ck you for negating the important role that community organizers provide in cities, towns, and countryside across this country.
But I'll let Jason Lenkins from the Huffington Post continue on with this thought, since his thoughts are more reasoned at this time. For me, it is clearly still too raw to discuss.
"Tonight at the RNC, the McCain campaign made their feelings about community organizers abundantly clear. Defeated primary opponents spit on their name. Conventioneers loudly mocked their existence. Sarah Palin told not one, but two jokes about them, which is certainly a comedy foul, because everyone knows you are supposed to use the Rule Of Three.
"Tonight, community organizers were made to feel the brunt of the Republicans' smarmy derision. And for what? You know, one overworked conservative trope from tonight was that the American people should not expect the government to solve all of their problems. You know who would agree with that? Community organizers. These men and women serve a public duty, taking care of those who do fall through the cracks of government largesse, motivating citizens to give their time and sweat to serve society's needs without making an unnecessary dip in the taxpayer till.
"Community organizers mobilize volunteers that are young and old. They work from churches and community centers. They go to work in small towns and big cities. They assist people of all ages, and all walks of life. They tutor children, care for the infirm, spend time with the elderly, get food to the hungry, clothes to the needy. They expand opportunities and improve lives.
"Why, if I'm not mistaken, they even make sure that voters can get to the polls on those odd Tuesdays in November."
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Unofficial un-endorsement
So yes, it has indeed been forever since I have posted anything. I know I promised posts a few weeks ago, but things have bordered on lunacy dealing with this house fire.
The company we hired to to the fire restoration has been less than stellar with customer service. It got so bad I ended up yelling at someone on the phone last week that "my house better f*cking be done by next Friday or they will hear from my attorney." Confrontational? Me? Yes, I was that pissed. Those keeping score at home will note that it has been almost two months since the fire and still no finished house. Keep in mind that prior to the fire we were trying to sell the house and that I had just dropped $500 in additional landscaping to get the yard looking great for curb appeal. Now all of that has been wasted, since June and July have been a total bust for trying to sell, it's not like this is the peak time to try and sell anyhow. Oh wait, it is.
They delays have been unreal. We've heard every excuse in the book, "our guys got sent to Iowa for the floods (not to be heartless, but I'm pretty sure my fire happened BEFORE the floods), the crew is tied up at another job (again, I don't care), the foreman got sick (again, not my problem), the subcontractor didn't show (the contractor actually tried to claim this wasn't his fault, I had to remind him how a contractor/sub contractor relationship works), we had a hard time getting crews in because of the holiday week (what they get the whole effing week off?), and on and on and on.
So back to the landscaping. I've really had to bite my tongue this week just so that we can get the work done as fast (and good) as humanly possible and get the thing back on the market. The reason I've had to bite my tongue and not completely go off? Apparently our yard and garden also double as a good place for the construction crews to do whatever the h*ll they want. Monday they washed paint brushes over the herb garden, Tuesday it was plaster all over the grass, Wednesday, it was trashcans placed on top of plants, and who knows what I'll find today. I'm pissed, but at the same time I just don't care. I just want to get back into the house, I'll fix all this stupid stuff next week and submit a bill to them.
The whole process has been a nightmare, but since I came just short of spitting split pea soup at them during my ranting and yelling last Friday, they have gone gangbusters at the house. Saturday the entire kitchen was gutted of cabinets (and we got to keep the non-burnt ones to use for basement/garage storage wherever we move next). Sunday - no work - to much Jesus loving. Monday they painted all the ceilings, and started and finished all the plaster and drywall in the kitchen. Tuesday all the painting was finished. Wednesday the kitchen floor was re grouted. Today all the cabinets are supposed to go in. Tomorrow is counters and back splash, carpets shampooed and last minute details. Hopefully Monday is when they deliver all our freshly scrubbed possessions back.
You'll notice that I never made any mention of the company's name. I'm waiting until the job is officially done before I give my official un-endorsement of them. In the meantime though, if they honestly think I am paying my $500 insurance deductible, they are sorely mistaken. They will get the honor of that.
The company we hired to to the fire restoration has been less than stellar with customer service. It got so bad I ended up yelling at someone on the phone last week that "my house better f*cking be done by next Friday or they will hear from my attorney." Confrontational? Me? Yes, I was that pissed. Those keeping score at home will note that it has been almost two months since the fire and still no finished house. Keep in mind that prior to the fire we were trying to sell the house and that I had just dropped $500 in additional landscaping to get the yard looking great for curb appeal. Now all of that has been wasted, since June and July have been a total bust for trying to sell, it's not like this is the peak time to try and sell anyhow. Oh wait, it is.
They delays have been unreal. We've heard every excuse in the book, "our guys got sent to Iowa for the floods (not to be heartless, but I'm pretty sure my fire happened BEFORE the floods), the crew is tied up at another job (again, I don't care), the foreman got sick (again, not my problem), the subcontractor didn't show (the contractor actually tried to claim this wasn't his fault, I had to remind him how a contractor/sub contractor relationship works), we had a hard time getting crews in because of the holiday week (what they get the whole effing week off?), and on and on and on.
So back to the landscaping. I've really had to bite my tongue this week just so that we can get the work done as fast (and good) as humanly possible and get the thing back on the market. The reason I've had to bite my tongue and not completely go off? Apparently our yard and garden also double as a good place for the construction crews to do whatever the h*ll they want. Monday they washed paint brushes over the herb garden, Tuesday it was plaster all over the grass, Wednesday, it was trashcans placed on top of plants, and who knows what I'll find today. I'm pissed, but at the same time I just don't care. I just want to get back into the house, I'll fix all this stupid stuff next week and submit a bill to them.
The whole process has been a nightmare, but since I came just short of spitting split pea soup at them during my ranting and yelling last Friday, they have gone gangbusters at the house. Saturday the entire kitchen was gutted of cabinets (and we got to keep the non-burnt ones to use for basement/garage storage wherever we move next). Sunday - no work - to much Jesus loving. Monday they painted all the ceilings, and started and finished all the plaster and drywall in the kitchen. Tuesday all the painting was finished. Wednesday the kitchen floor was re grouted. Today all the cabinets are supposed to go in. Tomorrow is counters and back splash, carpets shampooed and last minute details. Hopefully Monday is when they deliver all our freshly scrubbed possessions back.
You'll notice that I never made any mention of the company's name. I'm waiting until the job is officially done before I give my official un-endorsement of them. In the meantime though, if they honestly think I am paying my $500 insurance deductible, they are sorely mistaken. They will get the honor of that.
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