the latest Bill Simmons piece: Sox win Most Valuable Team award. It sums up the 2007 Sox very nicely and I love his description of Papelbon at the end.
Simmons can be a very polarizing figure, people either love him or hate him. I enjoy his humor and his love of Boston sports, but what really strikes a chord with me is his relationship with his dad. My own dad is a rabid and lifelong Sox, Pats and BC fan and is enjoying his golden years in sunny Florida. I go down and visit him during spring training and he spends his summers up here with us, so we get to enjoy the Sox together for most of the season. The rest of the time we watch together over the phone and this post season has been no exception.
We had a very similar conversation on Sunday night and came to the same conclusion as the Simmons' men, the whole team could get the MVP. It was almost impossible to single anyone out of the team effort. We also would never have discussed the subject pre-final out back in '04. This one was waaaaay different.
The Sox seem to have turned that same corner that the Pats turned a few years back. You don't worry because you know they'll find a way to pull it out. That's because like the Pats, the current Red Sox are a team, first and foremost, and that's the key to success.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Red Sox are World Champions!
Once again the Rockies made a late inning surge but the Sox held on, beating Colorado 4-3 
in game 4 to become World Champions again.
Lester was great in his first post season start, throwing 5 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Delcarmen, Timlin and Okajima came in in relief with Manny and Oki giving up 1 and 2 runs respectively, but Papelbon shut the door on the series and the Rockies season.
Mike Lowell had a double in the 5th, scoring on a head first slide at the plate and a solo home run in the 7th and was named series MVP. SIGN HIM, THEO!
How great is this team? Everyone came up big at one time or another during this championship run. Everyone.
The best thing is that so many of these guys are just starting out. I think we're gonna see some great baseball in this town for quite a while.
in game 4 to become World Champions again.Lester was great in his first post season start, throwing 5 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Delcarmen, Timlin and Okajima came in in relief with Manny and Oki giving up 1 and 2 runs respectively, but Papelbon shut the door on the series and the Rockies season.
Mike Lowell had a double in the 5th, scoring on a head first slide at the plate and a solo home run in the 7th and was named series MVP. SIGN HIM, THEO!
How great is this team? Everyone came up big at one time or another during this championship run. Everyone.
The best thing is that so many of these guys are just starting out. I think we're gonna see some great baseball in this town for quite a while.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sox up 3-0!
Dice-K went 5 and 1/3 and singled to drive in 2 of the Sox 6 runs in the third. Can you believe it? But the Rockies would not go gentle into that good night. They came roaring back in the 7th as Holliday stroked an Oki-Doke pitch for a 3 run homer making it 6 to 5.
We didn't have to sweat it for long as the rookies Ellsbury and Pedroia came through again, and the Sox scored 4 more times in the 8th and 9th and Pap closed it out. 10-5 final.
This team always responds.
I'm going out on a limb here because everyone on this team fits the MVP mold in one way or another and there's still at least one more game, but I'm going with Ellsbury for now. Talk about bringing it, this kid is fearless.
Tomorrow night I think I'm going to have to set the clicker up so that I can flip from the TV audio to the AM tuner with a minimum of effort. If the Sox were to close the series out it would be tantamount to sacrilege to hear the final call come from those idiots Buck and McCarver. I'd do it for the whole game but unfortunately the 2 feeds are not even close to being synced. Bummer.
We didn't have to sweat it for long as the rookies Ellsbury and Pedroia came through again, and the Sox scored 4 more times in the 8th and 9th and Pap closed it out. 10-5 final.
This team always responds.
I'm going out on a limb here because everyone on this team fits the MVP mold in one way or another and there's still at least one more game, but I'm going with Ellsbury for now. Talk about bringing it, this kid is fearless.
Tomorrow night I think I'm going to have to set the clicker up so that I can flip from the TV audio to the AM tuner with a minimum of effort. If the Sox were to close the series out it would be tantamount to sacrilege to hear the final call come from those idiots Buck and McCarver. I'd do it for the whole game but unfortunately the 2 feeds are not even close to being synced. Bummer.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Weekend Mashup
Check out the Buzz Report on CNET. Molly Wood is very good. I especially like the out takes from her tech reviews.
To effect the quality of the day is no small achievement. I got this in a fortune cookie recently and it made such an impression on me that I googled it. Seems like its a very common fortune as I found quite a few blogs and websites where people were referring to finding it. I also found that it's a subtle variation of a Henry David Thoreau quote: "It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day--that is the highest of arts." Here's the thing. I like the quote because I've found that there is hardly anything more rewarding than changing the quality of someones day. For the better, that is.
Brady and Manning have a shot at the same record this week. Being the first QB to beat all 31 opponents. Brett Favre has a shot at it next week. Also, both the Pats and Colts will be trying to remain undefeated.
Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 松坂 大輔 ) is on the mound for the Sox tonight in Colorado and I think he's going to give us another good outing. I saw a press conference with him today and he said that after holding a replica of the World Series trophy he's anxious to hoist the real thing. Could be just the motivation he needs. We'll see...
Go Sox, Go Pats!
That is all.
To effect the quality of the day is no small achievement. I got this in a fortune cookie recently and it made such an impression on me that I googled it. Seems like its a very common fortune as I found quite a few blogs and websites where people were referring to finding it. I also found that it's a subtle variation of a Henry David Thoreau quote: "It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day--that is the highest of arts." Here's the thing. I like the quote because I've found that there is hardly anything more rewarding than changing the quality of someones day. For the better, that is.
Brady and Manning have a shot at the same record this week. Being the first QB to beat all 31 opponents. Brett Favre has a shot at it next week. Also, both the Pats and Colts will be trying to remain undefeated.
Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 松坂 大輔 ) is on the mound for the Sox tonight in Colorado and I think he's going to give us another good outing. I saw a press conference with him today and he said that after holding a replica of the World Series trophy he's anxious to hoist the real thing. Could be just the motivation he needs. We'll see...
Go Sox, Go Pats!
That is all.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Yes!
Sox win 2-1. God that was a white knuckler, but Pap closed it out with the high heat and the Sox go up 2-0 in the series.
Schilling lasted through 5 and 1/3 in what could be his final Fenway appearance. Okajima came in with 2 men on and shut the Rockies down for the next 2 and 1/3 innings (How the hell does he throw so accurately with his head down?). Crazy Legs Papelbon got the last 4 outs.
So it's off to Mile High, and although I'd love to see them sweep, it would be sweet if they could win the big one at home.
I went to my first game in '61 so I've seen quite a few incarnations of this team and I've gotta tell ya, this is one special team. The pitching, the hitting, coming up big when the pressure is on, these guys are phenomenal.
And speaking of first games, I really love to see kids at the park. I've heard some people comment lately that it's a waste of an expensive seat to bring young kids to a game. It's not. I was only 6 and I remember every moment as if it were yesterday. The sounds and smells of Fenway are burned into my soul. That's how you become an official member of Red Sox Nation. Sending in 20 bucks and getting a cheesy card in the mail has nothing to do with it.
Schilling lasted through 5 and 1/3 in what could be his final Fenway appearance. Okajima came in with 2 men on and shut the Rockies down for the next 2 and 1/3 innings (How the hell does he throw so accurately with his head down?). Crazy Legs Papelbon got the last 4 outs.
So it's off to Mile High, and although I'd love to see them sweep, it would be sweet if they could win the big one at home.
I went to my first game in '61 so I've seen quite a few incarnations of this team and I've gotta tell ya, this is one special team. The pitching, the hitting, coming up big when the pressure is on, these guys are phenomenal.
And speaking of first games, I really love to see kids at the park. I've heard some people comment lately that it's a waste of an expensive seat to bring young kids to a game. It's not. I was only 6 and I remember every moment as if it were yesterday. The sounds and smells of Fenway are burned into my soul. That's how you become an official member of Red Sox Nation. Sending in 20 bucks and getting a cheesy card in the mail has nothing to do with it.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sox win game 1 in rout!
Josh Beckett was masterful through 7 tonight as the Sox beat the Rockies 13 to 1 with Timlin and Gagne taking care of the 8th and 9th, finishing it off in fine style.
Gagne..? Fine style..? Who would've thought we'd be puting those words together to describe a Monsuier Gagne post season performance? Then again, there was nothing ordinary or predictable about this game.
With Beckett striking out the side in the top of the first and Pedroia homering to lead off, you just knew it was the Sox night, and boy was it ever. Up 6 to 1, the Sox drove a stake through the Rockies heart by scoring 7 runs in the 5th and just cruised from there. This team is marching in lockstep to the beat of the bullpen drum corps, and I'm lovin' it.
It's too soon to be licking each other's popsicles just yet, but this post season seems to be following the '04 script pretty closely. It's a little spooky...
Gagne..? Fine style..? Who would've thought we'd be puting those words together to describe a Monsuier Gagne post season performance? Then again, there was nothing ordinary or predictable about this game.
With Beckett striking out the side in the top of the first and Pedroia homering to lead off, you just knew it was the Sox night, and boy was it ever. Up 6 to 1, the Sox drove a stake through the Rockies heart by scoring 7 runs in the 5th and just cruised from there. This team is marching in lockstep to the beat of the bullpen drum corps, and I'm lovin' it.
It's too soon to be licking each other's popsicles just yet, but this post season seems to be following the '04 script pretty closely. It's a little spooky...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Safe Computing
I'm going to give you some information today that may save you a lot of time and aggravation. First thing I want to talk about is targeted ads. Have you ever noticed that sometimes websites seem to be able to read your mind? You go to Autofinder or the Ford website and for the next couple of weeks every site you go to is showing you ads for cars and trucks. Thats because sites put tracking cookies on your hard drive.
Targeted ads cue on your cookies and from the sites you redirect from, among other things. Most websites use tools to collect your info. All you need is to be on them for a second and they have a ton of info about you. They map your location and system info to the stories and the ads you click on so they can use it to adjust what they present. It also tells them how the user found the site, whether searching Google or redirecting from another page's link.
Not all of them collect personal info like IP address, computer names, etc. but some sites do. It's a good reason not to use your name when you are configuring your computer i.e. "Frothington family computer". You should also make it a practice to clean your cache. Get rid of the cookies, offline internet pages and mru lists.
The quickest way is to open Internet Explorer, go to Tools (Top left of the IE window next to Favorites), scroll down to Internet Options at the bottom of the drop down list. This will bring up a window of IE options and on the first tab or page (General) you will see Delete Cookies, Delete files, and Settings. Click on both Cookies and Files. When you hit the delete files button, be sure to select the offline content checkbox. Piece of cake, but it can be even easier...
If we're talking about your home machine, you should install Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. The personal version is free and it's the best tool out there. It not only roots out spyware but also blows away all your cookies. There are some upgraded versions that have more functionality like real time (constant) scans and a version for buisness computers, but the free one is fine for home use. Update it and run it weekly. Please note that Ad-Aware is not a replacement for Norton/Symantec anti virus. You need them both.
Second thing I'm going to talk about is music downloading and P2P (peer to peer) file sharing in general. Don't do it. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or free music. What you are doing is opening up your hard drive so that any unscrupulous person can put anything they want on it. Think spyware or malware. I see a steady stream of people whos PC's are virtually unusable because they are so polluted. The crap comes from music downloading, surfing porn, or both. You need to stick to trusted sites like iTunes or Amazon. If you're concerned about DRM's and cost, you should read my article on DRM free downloads on berryjooks.com. You'll find it on the berry's shuffle page.
OK, I've rambled enough for tonight. The Sox start back up tomorrow night and I need my beauty rest.
Targeted ads cue on your cookies and from the sites you redirect from, among other things. Most websites use tools to collect your info. All you need is to be on them for a second and they have a ton of info about you. They map your location and system info to the stories and the ads you click on so they can use it to adjust what they present. It also tells them how the user found the site, whether searching Google or redirecting from another page's link.
Not all of them collect personal info like IP address, computer names, etc. but some sites do. It's a good reason not to use your name when you are configuring your computer i.e. "Frothington family computer". You should also make it a practice to clean your cache. Get rid of the cookies, offline internet pages and mru lists.
The quickest way is to open Internet Explorer, go to Tools (Top left of the IE window next to Favorites), scroll down to Internet Options at the bottom of the drop down list. This will bring up a window of IE options and on the first tab or page (General) you will see Delete Cookies, Delete files, and Settings. Click on both Cookies and Files. When you hit the delete files button, be sure to select the offline content checkbox. Piece of cake, but it can be even easier...
If we're talking about your home machine, you should install Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. The personal version is free and it's the best tool out there. It not only roots out spyware but also blows away all your cookies. There are some upgraded versions that have more functionality like real time (constant) scans and a version for buisness computers, but the free one is fine for home use. Update it and run it weekly. Please note that Ad-Aware is not a replacement for Norton/Symantec anti virus. You need them both.
Second thing I'm going to talk about is music downloading and P2P (peer to peer) file sharing in general. Don't do it. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or free music. What you are doing is opening up your hard drive so that any unscrupulous person can put anything they want on it. Think spyware or malware. I see a steady stream of people whos PC's are virtually unusable because they are so polluted. The crap comes from music downloading, surfing porn, or both. You need to stick to trusted sites like iTunes or Amazon. If you're concerned about DRM's and cost, you should read my article on DRM free downloads on berryjooks.com. You'll find it on the berry's shuffle page.
OK, I've rambled enough for tonight. The Sox start back up tomorrow night and I need my beauty rest.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Red Sox are AL Champs!
The Sox beat the Indians 11-2 in game 7 of the ALCS and are on their way to the World Series.Dice K, Oke Doke and Papelbon combined to hold the Tribe to 2 runs and Pedroia and Youkilis had the hot bats tonight.
Josh Beckett was presented with the ALCS MVP trophy but I've gotta tell ya, everyone contributed in this series. How about Coco crashing into the wall to make the last out? Nice.
The boys are dancin' on the diamond again and I want to see it one more time.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Is it just me...
or does Joe Buck and Tim McCarver remind anyone else of David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane) and Alan Thicke (Growing Pains).
Someone must be able to out bid Fox for these games. I would be willing to start a fundraiser.
Someone must be able to out bid Fox for these games. I would be willing to start a fundraiser.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Sox club Tribe 12-2 and it's down to game 7
Schilling was good for 7, Drew came through, Youk used his head, Ellsbury was inspiring and Gagne was lights out. How can you not love these guys?
The game 6 win sets up a Sunday to remember in Boston. The undefeated Pats in the afternoon and then a winner takes all nightcap at Fenway. The new millenium has been very, very good to us.
Go Pats! Go Sox!
The game 6 win sets up a Sunday to remember in Boston. The undefeated Pats in the afternoon and then a winner takes all nightcap at Fenway. The new millenium has been very, very good to us.
Go Pats! Go Sox!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Sox win 7-1 and it's back to Boston!
How about those Red Sox, is Josh Beckett the man or what?Youk and Pedroia are hitting again and we even saw a brief glimpse of Jacoby Ellsbury filling in for Manny in left. That gives me hope that he may play for Coco Crispy on Saturday.
I still think Manny got robbed on the wall ball, the yellow line shouldn't extend over the wall, but that being said he should have been running regardless.
Well, it's back to Fenway for a Schilling Carmona matchup and my Dad can come down off the roof for a couple more days. Thank God the next 2 are weekend games, I've gotta get some sleep!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
berry's new blog
Hi, you've found berry's new blog. I've got a website @ www.berryjooks.com with technology reviews and how-to's along with music and sports news but I thought it would be fun to ramble a bit on here.
This space is where I'm going to vent and pontificate and perhaps even entice you over to my site for a closer look at what I'm up to. My real passion is for building large scale voice and data networks but I love all things electronic. I'm also a real nut job for the Patriots, the Red Sox and ABC's Lost. Quite the strange brew... and speaking of strange brew, Clapton has a new autobiography and a new compilation CD out. The book is getting great reviews and the CD is on my gottagetit list as most of my Cream collection is still on vinyl (yup, I'm that old).
As you can see I'm already all over the place, but that's exactly why I wanted to start this blog. I try to keep to the subject on my website, this place I can be a little more free form.
Well, that's it for now, but I'll leave you with these thoughts:
The Sox can win 3 playoff games in a row and have done it as recently as 2004. You've just gotta believe.
The Pats will continue to crush all opponents and finish every game with, as Bill Simmons so succinctly put it in his last column, the eff you touchdown.
Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest. Mark Twain
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