Thursday, November 05, 2009
Just a Little Bit More Than 60 Days
But either way, as a Phillies fan I have very little to be sorry about. I get to root for possibly the best Phillies teams ever assembled and as the saying goes, "Wait 'til next year."
Speaking of that, I heard the pefect quote from the great Rogers Hornsby today.
“People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”
February will be here before you know it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
59 Years Ago... Robert Redford Played for the Phillies?
So, it's the Phillies and the Yankees in the Fall Classic in 2009. The losingest vs. the winningest (in the American league, at least). Yes, I am aware that I just made up two words, but for the sake of this blog, let's just go with it, ok?.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Hilarious (maybe NSFW)
I think the fact that he goes on to sexually harrass his co-anchor really makes this even funnier.
Friday, September 11, 2009
8 years...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Who's a bigger villian?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
My Heart Broke a Little
Now, I have to take you back to July of 2006. That's when Mrs. That Guy and I found out we were having a baby. It was decided very quickly that our baby was going to be a Phillies fan like her dad. Mrs. That Guy is an Orioles fan (mostly thanks to her college years spent in Baltimore and to be honest I even root for the Birds when they aren't playing the Fightins). So before our daughter's little brain was even fully developed a deal was struck. I gave up my rights for her to be an Eagles fan and Mrs. That Guy gave up on her chance to have a little Orioles cheerleader. Since the NFL pretty much blows and I am lucky if I watch more than a quarter the whole season, I figured I really got the good end of the deal.
The little one really seemed to enjoy being a Phillies fan (after birth, that is). Even though all the experts said babies shouldn't watch tv, I would let her watch an inning or so and she would love it. This past October, her favorite phrase was "Let's go Phillies!"
Ok now more recent history. This past Sunday we took my father-in-law to an Orioles game as a belated father's day gift. It was a great day. Mrs. That Guy, This Guy and Mrs. This Guy, This and That Guy's parents and That Guy's mother and sister-in-law all were there. Even after nearly 15 years, Camden Yards is a great place to watch a game and despite the heat we all had a great time. I "allowed" the little one to wear Orioles gear and she was really getting into the game. You have never seen anything more cute than when a two year old yells charge right on cue.
So finally back to tonight. As we drive home, I suggest that we listen to the Phillies on the radio. And the answer was, "Daddy, I don't like the Phillies. I want to hear the Orioles."
Well, my heart dropped quicker than a Brad Lidge slider. My dreams of a lifetime of suffering along with my daughter (last year as the obvious exception)as a Phils fan was "out of here". How could I let this happen? It was just too cute when she said, "Go O's!". How could I have known that one day at an O's game would change two and a half years of hard work? I mean, I was sad when a 6 year old This Guy spent one summer as a Giants fan (Yeah I know. One can only wonder why that happened) but this was totally different. My mind started racing as to how to change her mind. My first response was saying what I always say to her when she does something that dissapoints me, "Daddy is very sad that you don't like the Phillies," I said. Her response, "You're right daddy. I like the Phillies."
Phew, if only I knew it was that easy. I wonder if that will work when she is 16?
So for now our family is back to normal and all is right as the pennant race gets underway. Let's go Phillies!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thank you, Mr. Watson
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Just some random political thoughts...
Your ideas are good ideas. They make sense, they're wonderful. I can't say they're bad ideas or that the ideas are stupid. I hope I never make an argument where I don't mention that your idea is a good one. Chances are they're not.*
Your problem and why you're simply wrong-- your ideas won't work, EVER. It's not ever going to work, it never has worked. Ask the USSR--oh wait, you can't. I just hope you learn that sooner rather than later.
The biggest problem I have with your president (I can say that because I didn't vote for him-- sure he's still my president, but when we disagree I can blame it on you for voting for him) is that the people who elected him didn't actually vote for him. They voted against what was previously there. Sure, there were plenty of people who wanted to vote for him, but it certainly wasn't because of his political views.
You can think of it as a baseball team who fires a manager because he's too much of a hard ass. The players start complaining, the fans start complaining and the next thing you know the next manager hired is a player's manager-- the exact opposite of the hard ass. It rarely works out. I say rarely because many of you know that's exactly what the Phillies did following the firing of Larry Bowa. I would like to remind you that it was Charlie Manuel last season who was second in the league in ejections.
Anyway, all I'm saying is that This Guy thinks your ideas (whether it be universal health care, a house for all the homeless, world peace, or communism) are good in theory. This Guy also thinks you are a fool if you think any of them can ever be accomplished without hurting the people who matter most.
*This Guy reserves the right to call your idea or you stupid should he deem it necessary.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sorry for all the sad posts...
Two months ago today, a very good friend of mine was murdered. I haven't written about it because I didn't know how exactly to say the right things. I still don't and the truth is, whatever I say won't bring him back.
Daniel Coverston was 22 years old. He stood by me on my wedding day and I was proud to have him there. I met Dan through my wife, who grew up with him. They were like brother and sister. I think the toughest part about his death is expecting to see him the next time and not totally realizing there won't be a next time.
We know why Paul Harvey died-- he was old. We know why Harry Kalas died-- he had a bad heart, and had lived a full life. We may never know why Daniel was killed. There are rumors and theories and speculation. The truth is, we'll probably never find out. That just makes it harder.
Anyone who knew Daniel, knew him as someone who couldn't sit still-- EVER. Most of you know that I detest the sport of soccer. There was no more perfect fit for a sport than soccer for Daniel. He could run around as much as he needed. I spent a lot of time with Dan and he was one of the most genuine kids I've ever known. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and told you straight out how he felt.
While words seem to escape me, I just wanted to say I miss him. I can only imagine that God called him way too early so he could run around up there and play soccer because he needed more time to get all that energy out of his system.
We miss you, Dan. Until it's our time, watch over us and put one more in the Upper V just for me.
Monday, April 13, 2009
"Outta here!"
Harry passed away this afternoon at the age of 73. Never again will we hear the dolcent tones of Mr. Kalas. There will be no more, "Michael Jack Schmidt"s, "Mickey Morandini"s, "Ricky Botalico time", or "Pat Burrell"s.
For 38 seasons, and the only 2 world championships in their team history, Harry called nearly every game the Phillies played. The only days he missed were for the enshrinement in the Hall of Fame of his best friend, Richie Ashburn, and his own enshrinement. I never met Harry Kalas, but I feel as if I've lost a friend. The friend who told me stories of Greg Luzinski and Garry Maddux home runs and Steve Carlton and Tommy Greene no-hitters. I didn't get to hear the game today without Harry behind the microphone, and that may be a good thing. In my head Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, and Ryan Howards homeruns still got that familiar, "swing and a long drive, watch that baby, way out of here!" call that I've heard every summer I've ever known.
I know that the season will go on, and the Phillies will continue to hit homeruns, they may even win some games. This season just won't be like any other. The Phillies aren't the same Phillies without Harry. To me, baseball won't ever be either. Maybe he didn't call a game on the radio the way the experts would like, but you certainly knew he was calling the game-- you just may have had to wait a couple of seconds to get the count.
Twelve years ago, Harry lost his best friend. I can imagine the stories they are sharing together up in heaven. Chances are Harry is asking Whitey if J-Roll should be bunting more, and Whitey probably replies that the game is easy. And then they'll wish some Phillies fan a happy birthday.
The game is easy, but it will never be the same.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Not Such a Good Day
It amazes me that the thousands of broadcasters that came after him, none truly understood how he became so popular. While many tried to sound the same, Mr. Harvey proved that the best broadcasters had a delivery that is all their own.
You will be missed, Mr. Harvey. Good day!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Stand by for News...
It's amazing to believe that someone could do the same thing everyday for 50 years. It's even more amazing that it could be done so well. This Guy and That Guy have had the opportunity to sit behind the microphone and deliver the "news". I can't speak for him, but I know I only wish I had the ability to delivery it as well as Mr. Harvey did.
It wasn't so much what he said, or even how he said it. It was his ability to not say something (what people in the business call dead-air) and keep the audience's attention. He once described it as letting the audience listen and not just hear his news. He had many trademark statements, but he started each news broadcast with, "Good morning Americans..." for the next 4 or 15 minutes he delivered the news he wanted to. It wasn't always the same news as other networks or broadcasters, but it was always the same format.
Mr. Harvey, I just want to say thank you for all you did for the industry. Thank you for painting pictures with your typewriter. "For what it's worth..." my day was better after "standing by for news."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
That's Not What I Said...
- ER-- I know, I know it's 14 seasons old, but there's just something about the last season of a show that you need to see
- Chuck---- need I say more? (It's ok, Mrs. This Guy knows why I watch.)
- Seinfeld-- I know it's been off the air for awhile now, it's still good. Catch up if you didn't watch it when it was on
Did I mention LOST? oh yeah, I did.
Those of you that are smart out there will notice that there is a problem with my tv viewing schedule. First one to figure it out in the comments gets -- something. HINT-- My DVR only has two tuners.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Maybe You Should Just Tell Me What TV Show You Want to Watch
Secondly, please accept my apologies for the lack of links and pictures, but I am doing another remote blog today. Don't want to overextend the Girl Scout resources.
Now that is taken care of... the task at hand. I am in complete agreement on the news thing. This is coming from a guy who LIVED the news business for nearly 10 years. I just couldn't understand how people could get by without watching the news.
Well, apparently the tree in front of me was so big that I couldn't see that huge forest that was burning down (forest fires... Great video, very little impact on human lives. Sorry people in Australia, but 9 times out of 10 that fire doesn't affect anyone). Anyway, there was that one day (Mrs. That Guy basically got fired in said business) and I finally ran into that tree and suddenly I could see the whole forest. And man did that forest suck. Boring, consultant drivel that didn't matter to anyone. It wasn't the stuff of Walter Kronkite, hell, it wasn't even the stuff of Geraldo Rivera and it wasn't worth watching.
Ok, now that rant is over we can move on. The goal of 3 hours of TV a week is commendable. Especially from a guy that confessed just months ago that he watched closer to 20 hours a week.
I wholeheartedly agree with most of This Guy's list. I have never gotten into Friday Night Lights, but I do see that it is a good show.
Watched an episode of The Big Bang Theory last night (a certain news conference pre-empted our other shows). I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times.
The other two don't need any explanation. Two great shows, even if they are on two different levels.
Now, I am requesting that This Guy add just two more hours of viewing a week. You'll life will be more enriched, if you do.
1. House - I can't believe that a guy who is sarcastic and cynical doesn't like this show. House is the best character on television. Period. Although the storylines have gone a bit overboard this season, Hugh Laurey's genius helps this show stand on it's own.
2. Top Chef - I still don't know why I like this show so much (yes, it's a reality show, but a very well done one). It's just plain entertaining. Tom Collichio is great as a judge/host.
Honorable Mentions: Just in case you get snowed in and have nothing to do.
1. Hell's Kitchen - I know, I know a bad reality show, but Gordon Ramsey's comments are just too funny to pass up.
2. Entourage - I know This Guy doesn't have the HBO, but watch this show on DVD someday. Great writing, great chemistry with the cast and Jeremy Piven is genius.
So there you go. Five hours of TV a week ain't bad. It still gives you plenty of time to "figure" out your number one show. And as Tom Snyder used to say, "Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air."
Monday, February 09, 2009
Why I don't watch the news...
There are many reasons why I don't watch the news. For some reason I felt you all wanted to know what they were:
- I went to college and studied electronic media. To those of you who don't know what that means, it's basically TV news. In other words, how to produce TV news. I guess it's kinda like working at McDonald's and eating there everyday. Don't wanna do it.
- I'm tired of the same story all the time-- see our fearless leader and the 100 old people trying to pass a "stimulus" package.
- Of course Michael Phelps smokes marijuana. Have you ever looked at a picture of him?
- Guess what, there was a fire and a shooting overnight.
Okay, that's enough about why I don't watch the news. On to other (some would dare say) important things.
So, a little while ago, I wrote about watching a whole lot of TV. I have now decided that the television industry has gone down the toilet. When ABC cancelled Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone (two of the best tv shows on the networks-- I don't have HBO or Showtime, so I can't speak for them) I admit, I was a little sad. Replacing quality programming with reality shows is one thing, but when they're crap and more crap, that's rediculous.
I have decided I could get by on watching only 3 hours of television a week. I won't only be watching 3 hours of tv a week, but I could and still be happy. Can you name those three hours? I'll give you a hint, it's 4 shows. They span three networks. Ok, I know you want to know so here they are in a famous ThisandThat countdown:
4. NBC 9 PM- Friday Night-- Friday Night Lights - many of you aren't watching it. You should be! It's fabulously written, and performed better than any other show on TV (yes, that includes #1 with a few exceptions). As a whole the acting is amazing.
3. CBS 8 PM- Mondays-- The Big Bang Theory- Hilarious! Social awkwardness is funny (unless it's a part of your job), and a big helping of Kaley Cuoco isn't bad either.
2. CBS 8:30 PM- Mondays-- How I Met Your Mother-- Suit up and watch it. Major-- Major-- laughs each and every episode, wait for it...AWESOME.
1. ABC 9 PM- Wednesdays-- LOST-- Speaking of AWESOME. If you're not watching-- you're missing out on the single most influential television show, EVER. Yeah, I said it. Michael Emerson is the exception I was talking about up there in #4. Ben Linus is one of the most intriguing characters ever to grace the small screen. Go and watch the first 4 seasons then catch up with season 5, because next year's final season is going to be AMAZING.
Next week, I'll tak about the shows that could have made this list. I had other things I was thinking of blogging about, but talking about LOST has made me want to go theory hunting the rest of the evening!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Gadgets and Gambling... a Perfect Pair
Someday, This and That in the Morning will broadcast (I mean blog) from there live. But until then we have to rely on others to do the covering. www.engadget.com does a nice job. So does cnet and a host of other sites.
Here's just a glimpse of what I've read about so far:
-a 1080p OLED TV that is less than a milimeter thick. That's the size of a credit card, people.
-TV's that have Wi-Fi built in to automatically display Internet.
-how about a scanner that scans in 3D objects.
-Speaking of 3D, there are several manufacturers demoing those no-glasses 3D TV's.
-plus a ton of way other cool stuff
(Normally I would link to all this stuff, but I am doing a remote post from my phone, so as not to use company equipment... Never mind the company time)
So there you have it. Rumor has that This and That Guy's dad used to attend these shows. So we'll just have to follow in his footsteps. Oh, and I'm sure we can squeeze in a little time for th drinking and gambling. Probably not the topless girls, though... our wives may be reading.
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