Kinderen laten zich niet opjagen… Die van ons toch niet… Zo kwam het dat Niki uiteindelijk haar lolli in de auto verder opat (op zich niets mis mee natuurlijk, buiten die eventuele plakboel; en echt veilig is dat ook niet als je bv hevig moet stoppen, maar bon). Daar zit ze dus na een tijdje met dat lege stokje in haar handen.

Niki: “hier mama, het stokje”
Mama: “ik ga dat niet vasthouden hoor, dat moet je het nog even bijhouden en straks in de vuilbak gooien”
Een aantal minuten gaan letterlijk voorbij…
Niki (heel serieus): “zeg mama, maar jouw tas ìs toch een vuilbak?”

Kleine nota: Sean durft nogal eens -geheel onterecht natuurlijk – naar mijn handtas verwijzen als ‘de vuilbak’. En zo weten we weeral dat kinderen dus echt wel àlles oppikken.

Ken je dat nog? Zo spatten met verf met behulp van een -bij voorkeur oude- kam of zeef of zo? De blauwe verfvingers van Niki en Yana waren het bewijs van een  door hun zeer geapprecieerde knutselactiviteit.

Gesprekje:
Mama: “wat zijn jullie handen toch blauw. Leuk geknutseld?”
Kids: “wij hebben mogen spatten, met een kam, en dan zo met onze vingers over de kam mogen gaan”
Mama: “of fijn, dat deed ik ook graag als kindje”
Niki: “ja, ik deed dat ook graag als baby’tje, maar dat mocht ik nooit van jou en nu als kindje mag ik dat wel”
Mama: “maar baby’tjes zouden die kam gewoon in hun mond stoppen hoor en dan al die verf opeten”
Niki: “maar als baby deed ik dat niet hoor mama, ik zou daar mooi mee spatten, maar dat mocht ik NOOIT, en dat deed ik zoooooooooo graag”
Mama – even sprakeloos gniffelend achter de hand: “gelukkig dat je dat nu allemaal kan doen hé! En dat je dat zo fijn vindt.”

Vooral de toon en de manier waarop ze reageerde was zo ongelofelijk grappig. Ze is er van overtuigd op dat moment dat ze alle wijsheid in haar heeft. En wie ben ik om dat tegen te spreken.

En Yana? Die is gewoon véél te moe om nog veel reactie te tonen na school. De wintermoeheid is duidelijk aan ‘t knabbelen bij haar. Dringend tijd om eens te gaan vragen naar vitamientjes of zo voor haar.

Net een bezoekje gebracht aan kapsalon ‘Niki en Yana’. Ik moet eerlijk bekennen dat een gezonde portie zelfbeheersing cruciaal was tijdens dit bezoekje. Op het programma: hoofd masseren, wassen (doen alsof gelukkig), kammen (ongeacht of er al speldjes in mijn haar zaten ), speldjes en staartjes erin. Tja, ze moeten ergens starten hé.

Van de kapper gesproken… gesprekje van gisteren tussen Mémé, Niki en mezelf:
Niki: ‘mijn haar wordt weer lang hé mama’
Ik: ‘ja, da’s waar. Zullen we nog es naar de kapper gaan?’
Mémé: ‘en wat moet de kapper dan doen?’
Niki: ‘awel, knippen en een andere kleur opzetten!’
Ah ja???

Gender: Feminine
Origin: Old Norse/Germanic
(IN-ga)

A feminine form of Inge or Ing which is an Old Germanic name of uncertain meaning, it was the name of an ancient Germanic god of which very little is known. In addition to Scandinavia, Inga has experienced prevalent usage in other countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Russia. Other forms of the name are the Old Danish forms Inia and Inken, the Frisian and Finnish Inka, the Saami version of Iηgá and there is an old Norwegian form of Ingara. Inge is rarely ever used as a masculine form and is occasionally used as a female form in Scandinavia, pronounced (IN-ge). Common male forms are Ingi and Ingo. In Sweden, Inga’s designated name-day is October 25. In Norway it is December 17 and in the Swedo-Finnish calendar it is June 20.

Inga is also the name of a genus of tropical trees and shrubs.

The name was and is borne by Swedish stage actress and opera singer, Inga Åberg (1773-1837); Swedish actress Inga Tidblad (1901-1975); Swedish actress Inga Landgré (b.1927); American actress Inga Swenson (b. 1932); American femininist author Inga Muscio (b.1966); Russian Olympic Speed-Skater Inga Artamonova (1936-1966); Bosnian-Australian politician Inga  nee Dosen Peulich (b.1964); Australian anthropologist, author and historian Inga Clendinnen (b.1934) and Danish Opera Soprano Singer Inga Nielsen (1946-2008)

Carlos Gomez and friends, living it up

I love it! October baseball was at its finest tonight, and technically it was still the regular season. The Twins bested the Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings, winning their 17th of 21 to finish the season and win the AL Central Tiebreaker. They could’ve pitched this script for the movie “Little Big League” and it would’ve been rejected because it was too unrealistic…

Man, that was one of the greatest ballgames I’ve ever seen. The Tigers jumped to an early 3-0 lead behind a homer from an apparently-sober Miguel Cabrera, then watched as Minnesota scrapped back with bombs from Jason Kubel and Orlando Cabrera to take a 4-3 lead. Not to be outdone, Magglio Ordonez hit a solo shot in the eighth to tie things. That’s when it got interesting.

Detroit had a couple chances to put it away, but in typical 2009 Tiger fashion, choked. A first-and-third, nobody out rally in the ninth was erased by a strike out and a line drive double play and a 5-4 tenth inning lead went to waste when Ryan Raburn misplayed Michael Cuddyer’s drive to start the bottom of the inning, leading to a triple and the eventual the tying run. Raburn got redemption, however, nailing Alexi Casilla at the plate while trying to tag on Nick Punto’s liner.

The Tigers had another chance to pull ahead in the 12th, loading the bases with one out and apparently catching a break when a Bobby Keppel pitch grazed Brandon Inge’s jersey, but a botched call left Inge at the plate. Inge ended up grounding into a fielder’s choice and Keppel followed with a 3-2 strikeout of Gerald Laird. Finally, Casilla put it to bed in the bottom of the 12th with a one-out single to cash Carlos Gomez.

Well, there’s the game story, in case you missed out on the party. Now, if only we could get some playoff baseball in Toronto. Actually, I’m not sure how I’d handle that, considering I almost had a heart attack cheering for Minnesota tonight. It don’t go no better!

With the win, Minnesota hops a flight to New York to face a Yankees team led by playoff hero Alex Rodriguez. The series tips at six tomorrow, but not before the Phillies and Rockies get the playoffs officially underway at 2:30. Gotta love it!

              Nu se asteptase niciodata sa cedeze la o petrecere. Nu era stilul ei. Ei ii placeau petrecerile, galagia, muzcia, fumul, oamenii. Nu se asteptase ca dupa ore de zbantuiala inconstienta sa fie coplesita de amintiri. Dansul, miscarea, traitul, erau menite sa o faca sa uite. Acum totul i se pare fals si se simtea ca o ipocrita acolo pe parchetul rece simtind cum curentul o tragea pe la glezne. S-a retras impiedicata din camera. Pe hol-cupluri de oameni in stare de ebrietate acuta; oameni care abia se cunoscusera, dar care nici nu-si mai aduceau aminte propriul lor nume. In bucatarie- o ceata de fum si contururi vagi in cautarea brichetei sau a paharului cu whisky. Drept inainte- o coada lunga la toaleta. Nu era locul unde isi dorea sa fie. Pipaind peretele, gasi o clanta. Sa intre sau sa nu intre? O rasuci usor, iar usa de deschise cu un scartait zgomotos. O tranti in urma ei inabusind galagia din restul casei. Se impiedica din nou, dar avu noroc pentru ca aluneca intr-un pat. Se rezema pe perna si se uita in jurul ei. Era un dormitor inghesuit. Doar patul si un sifonier din lemn masiv de abanos. Singura lumina venea de afara. Pe peretii albi se jucau umbrele masinilor trecatoare. In fata ei erau doua tablouri. Nu reusea sa desluseasca imaginile. Simtea cum lacrimile ii alunecau calde de-a lungul obrajilor fierbinti. Simtea cum fondul de ten se topea pe fata ei. Pielea o ustura. Isi musca tare buza de jos. Tremura. Suspina. Era intuneric, iar asta nu ii calma singuratatea. Ar fi vrut sa strige, dar avea gatlejul uscat.

               A trantit usa de perete numai ca aceasta sa ricoseze zgomotos inapoi. Isi vari mainile in buzunar cautandu-si tigarile si bricheta. Dintr-o singura apasare flacara se ivi, iar tocmai cand se pegatea sa traga primul fum simtit cum un miros fin de scortisoara ii inunda plamanii. Lasa distras fumul sa il acopere, iar ochii ii cautara sursa. Spera sa fie un betisor parfumat sau un odorizant de camera, dar o data ce s-a trantit in pat a simtit ca mai era o alta persoana langa el. A dat ochii peste cap tragand cu sete din tigara.

            Se simtea ca intr-un Montagne Russe. Acum o clipa inima ei se zbatea ca o pasare cu aripile retezate doar ca sa inghete in loc atunci cand usa se deschisese si sa ii sara din piept atunci cand simti pe cineva trantindu-se langa ea in pat. Acum incerca sa nu hiperventileze. Sa inspire si sa expire norii de fum ce se adunau deasupra ei. Privi timida pe sub gene scrumul incandescent din varful tigarii. Ghicii degetele inclestate in jurul celuilalt capat si buzele crispate la fiecare fum. Degetele ei se odihneau pe cearceaful rece.

“Cine esti?” a intrebat in soapta.

“Nu stiam ca mai era cineva aici,” ii raspunse o voce groasa. “Scuze.” Insa nu dadea niciun semn cum ca ar pleca.

“Se fumeaza in bucatarie.”

“Stiu,” i-a raspuns plictitsit.

“Esti bine?” l-a intrebat aproape din reflex

“Te intereseaza?”

O persoana nu trebuia judecata dupa aroganta in spatele careia se ascundea. “Doar am intrebat, nu?”

A marait. “Nu.”

“Ce ai?”

Chiar nu isi dorea ca o fata sa se joace de-a terapeutul cu el. Nu acum.

“Iti sta mult mai bine cand taci,” a decis ca sarcasmul era cea mai eficienta solutie.

“Eu am fost prima aici,” vocea ii devenise mai sonora.

“Si?”

“Si pot sa te intreb ce vreau pentru ca nu ai plecat atunci cand ti-ai dat seama ca sunt aici.”

“Si daca nu vreau sa raspund? Tu de ce esti aici?”

             Ea nu ii raspunse. Trase furios din tigara sufland apoi fumul gradat. Lumina de afara forma cerculete difuze pe tavan. Urmari darele de lumina care treceau prin cristalele lustrei reflectand pe pereti contururi intrerupte ale spectrului culorilor. Auzi vag un suspin si aproape ca ii scapa tigara din mana.

“Nu-mi spune ca plangi,” a spus.

“Si daca plang?” i-a raspuns o voce ragusita.

         Se simtea de parca l-ar fi lovit un ciocan in cap, iar zgomotul ar fi continuat sa se auda.

“Asculta,” era o parte din el care nu putea sa ramana indiferenta. “Imi pare rau. Pe mine ma cheama Ari. Ce ti s-a intamplat?”

         Clipi incercand sa inlature boabele de lacrimi  prinse in dantela fina a genelor ei. Inima ii sarea acum in sus si in jos cu forta inepuizabila a unei pasari colibri. Degetele ei se inclestasera in jurul plapumei.

“Eram…” cuvantul ramasese suspendat in aer. “Fericiti. Sau cel putin eu eram. Fericita,” isi drese glasul. “Apoi el…stii tu…” isi musca buza de jos.

Ofta. “Te-a parasit.”

O liniste apasatoare ii invalui. Tigara era de mult uitata si tot ce simtea era dulcele ei parfum de scortisoara asemeni unui balsam care parca ii patrundea prin pori.

“Sa-ti spun o poveste?” a intrebat-o apropiindu-se de ea. Raspunsul fu un suspin inabusit. “Era baiatul asta o persoana decenta, amabila care a intalnit o fata,” simti cum gatlejul i se usca si cum broboanele de transpiratie rece i se prelingeau pe tample. “Uimitoare. Exuberanta. Amuzanta. Nu stiu daca poti sa intelegi. Nu putea sa tii pasul cu ea,” nu realiza cum vocea ii devenea din ce in ce mai traganata si  mai obosita.

“Si ce s-a intamplat?” a intrebat in soapta.

Soapta ei a alunecat lin ca o sageata spintecand firul amintirilor fara noima. “Exact asta era. Nu puteai sa tii pasul cu ea. Era surprinzatoare. Ca un joc,” a continuat. “Si cand ai crezut ca ai castigat de fapt ai pierdut.”

Il privea cu interes. “Si fata stia ca baiatul o… admira?”

Il auzi cum ofta prelung. “Stia.”

Simti cum inima i se strangea ca hartia creponata de impachetat flori. Simti cum se intoarse pe spate si isi aprinse o noua tigara. Vazu cum scrumul se fremata si se forfotea. Statu pentru o clipa asa- ascultandu-i respiratia.

“Imi pare rau, Ari,” spuse pe un ton sasait.

“Si mie. Mai plangi?’ a intrebat-o.

Fara sa isi dea seama, in timp ce fumul se imprastia in jur, zambi.

Il auzi razand. “Nu te vad, dar stiu ca zambesti.”

Isi musca buza ascultand ecoul rasului lui cum vibra in mintea ei. Atat de viu. Chicoti.

“Deci,” straniu- se simtea mai relaxat. “Cum ai ajuns aici?”

“Eu si gazda ne stim de mult,” i-a raspuns. “Tu?”

“Da, si eu o stiu pe gazda.”

“E si ea aici?” isi plimba usor mana deasupra cearceafului.

“Da. El?”

“El?” intreba confuza. “A, da,” cum de uitase? “Nu.”

“Mai bine.”

“Stiu,” il cerceta atent cu privirea. “Am auzit ca ajuta…in astfel de situatii…tinutul de mana,” isi sfasiase buza de jos.

“Sincer, pentru mine nu conteaza,” i-a raspuns plictisit.

       Si-a lasat mana in mana lui rezemandu-si degetele de degetul lui mic. Mana lui ramasese inerta. Privirea ei se concentra pe scrumul care acum se zbatea isteric parand gata sa erupa. Tigara  se terminase. Ultimul nor fum se imprastia. Acum vedea si ea liniile intrerupte de curcubeu. Mana lui se stranse in jurul mainii ei.

“Scuza-ma, dar cred ca am uitat cum te cheama.”

“Nu ti-am zis,” i-a raspuns bland. “Inge.”

“Poftim?” parea contrariat.

“Inge,” a repetat. “Ingborg, dar mai usor- Inge.”

A suras. “N-am mai auzit de numele asta in viata mea.”

“E rar. Da.”

“Ei bine, Inge, mi se pare ca te simti mai bine.”

“Si tu la fel,” ochii i s-au rotit in directia lui.

“Atunci,” a inghitit. “Poate ca ar trebui sa ne intoarcem.”

“Da.”

            Inima i s-a oprit numai ca apoi sa fie propulsata pana in gat. S-au ridicat in sezut amandoi. Mana ei inca mai era ferm lipita de a lui. Inghiti in sec. Inima ii ateriza direct in stomac ca sa inceapa sa pulseze regulat ca o bomba cu ceas. Mana ei dreapta i-a cuprinsul obrazul.

“Ce degete reci ai, Inge,” a bajbait in timp ce mana lui s-a dus instinctiv spre obrazul ei care ardea. Fruntiile lor se intalnira la jumatatea distantei. Degetele ei se prelinsera de-a lugul gatului lui si se inodara in parul lui greu si cret. Isi tinu respiratia.

       Usa se deschise. Lumina se aprinse.

       Cum ghicise avea parul cret  si satent. Ochii erau ca ai ei- simpli si caprui.

      Avea o fata rotunda, ca de copil si buzele vanete ca strugurele copt. Ii aducea aminte de un urs panda cu tot acel rimel intins pe fata. Il privea cu ochii curiosi ca de caprioara.

“Aici erati!” a spus gazda. “Inge, ce-ai patit?”

“N-am nimic,” s-a ridicat de langa el.

“Cum nu? Hai vino sa bei un pahar cu apa,” a luat-o dupa umeri si a ghidat-o in bucatarie. A ramas privind in urma ei. Era ca o minge de puf roz. Isi duse degetele la nas. Erau reci, amortite si miroseau puternic a scortisoara.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pfoai…nu imi place asa mult. Un pic cam fantezista dar foarte dulce amaruie. Sau depinde de persoane…a si inca ceva – prea multe structuri gerunziale. Prea complicat.

Valt of staat het leven nu echt met het al dan niet bezitten van een compleet Pixar-boek (voor diegenen met kinderen, you know what I mean)? Ongewild en zelfs niet helemaal bewust ben ik alleszins ook op de trein gerold. Daarstraks heb ik me zomaar in bochten gewrongen om toch maar op de Pixar ruilbeurs te kunnen kaartjes wisselen met grootmoeders, mama’s en anderen. Maar eigenlijk, eigenlijk doen we dat toch een beetje onszelf aan. Ik had het kunnen weten op het moment dat ik in de Delhaize aan ‘t twijfelen was om al dan niet zo’n verzamelmap te kopen. En deze trezebees koopt er dan niet één, maar twee voor de kids. Dus ook 2 boeken volledig te vullen. Of dat ook zal lukken is zeer twijfelachtig. Zo’n ruilbeurs zal ik alleszins niet direct vrijwillig meer opzoeken. Of ik moet echt wel in een superbeste en vooral niet-gestresseerde stemming zijn. Wie weet…

Nude, Inge laid-back in the dusty sofa sited in the midst of the dim room. Doors remain still opened. ‘Now, please me.’ She commands.

Kneeled, he gets down on her feet.

Leisurely he starts washing each bare foot with a soaked lime old sponge. The same gorgeous pinky feet than after he rubs with rough white towels.

Inge smokes. He knows pretty well how important will be for her approval to pick a bright color accurately matched with her clothing. He applies the first coat of a dark cherry red in a tipped toe nail. Then, the second layer of shiny polish. He lets it dry. The evening seems to keep muggy through a casement without windows.

He must wait for a while before massaging them with an over-sweet vanilla oil … He covers the heel, toes and most areas below the ankle on the foot, making circular motions with his dump thumbs and fingers over the sole of her feet… squeezing carefree every little toe… For a moment he is roughly sucking a ringed big toe and licking between fingers, rousing every nerve ending connected with the entire body… Fired up, still inhaling smoke, she throws the cigarette butt into the basin’ water, and puts one foot over his nape…

Children are still playing in the TV room. The old wooden beans are creaking over their heads. Finally He puts her feet on the Swarovski’s crystals inlayed shoes placed besides them.

‘Princess. You got it.’ He says.

Now, she stands up just dressed in her four inches heels.

‘Good job, my sweet boy.’ ‘So you like my feet, don’t you? Hm’

‘If you’ve ever thought that sex without love is a luxury, maybe you should afford it.’ Pablo says soberly.

Inge smiles and puts the pink lip stained glass on the table in front of him.

‘I don´t follow you.’

‘Life is plenty of luxuries you’ll never reach them. Luckily, sex is an universal stuff, as the sense of humor or the wasted time…’

‘By the way, Haven’t I told you yet?’ He inquires. ‘I’d like to give you my whole time.’

‘What such a generous boy…’ She mocks and gets up for another glass of wine.

‘Alas, I never do it for free.’

Geeeeente

Mas que CALOR! Isso mesmo! Depois da temperaturazinha amena de Liubliana (xodades) e a chuvinha de Veneza, tomamos um choque ao chegar em Viena, capital da Austria. Tô falando de calor mesmo, não esses míseros 29 graus que faz em Belém. Calor, 35 graus, clima seco e impiedoso.

Falemos de Viena. A chegada foi tranquila, pelo menos pra mim, que estava tirando um cochilo básico hehe. Sem brincadeiras, não nos perdemos na chegada, nem no caminho para o Happy Hostel, tipo um bed and breakfast, albergue, quartinho, biboca, que a gente ficou.

Westbanhof, subúrbio de Viena. Muito bom! Silecioso (exceto pelos roncos do papai), camas confortáveis e o melhor: preço baixo!! Por sinal, isso é um verdadeiro achado em Viena. A capital é muito conhecida pelos seus preços altos. Museus, ônibus, souvenirs, enfim, tudo é muito caro. No entanto, vale a pena. Um passeio nos ônibus número 1 e 2, que rodeiam o “Ring” (principal parte antiga da cidade, onde ficam os monumentos e prédios mais importantes da cidade) é uma ótima pedida para ter uma visão geral do que é a cidade.

E quente viu.

Como disse anteriormente, o Happy Hostel é uma ótima opção de hospedagem em Viena. Bem localizado, tem metrô, supermercado, bares, ruas de compras, e restaurantes por perto. Recomendo o Gasthaus, restaurante da “vovó’ Inge, uma senhora muuuuuuuuuuito simpática e muito fofinha que é a dona do restaurante. Como fica a menos de 1 minuto da recepção do Happy Hostel (que tem seus quartos alugados em prédios antigos das redondezas), o restaurante da vovó recebe muitos jovens viajantes. Assim, a vovó oferece um menu estudante especial, que custa 5,80 euros. Super barato! Sopa e main dish, deliciosos, por um preço mínimo.

Além disso, uma dica para os viajantes de carro é tomarem cuidado com as autoroutes (autostrada, auto estrada, autobahn) da Eslovenia, Hungria, Eslovaquia, Republica Tcheca), pois os pedágios comuns no lado ocidental da Europa, foram abolidos. Para trafegar pelas rodovias é necessário comprar um tipo de passe, que se cola no vidro do carro. Papai esqueceu de comprar o da Áustria, e quando saímos para a Eslováquia, fomos parados na fiscalização e flagrados sem o passe no vidro. Tivemos que pagar uma multa bem salgada pelo erro… 120 euros. 3 dias sem almoço.

Enfim, Viena é com certeza uma parada obrigatória. Estudem o básico de alemão antes de vir. É uma droga nao entender os outdoors e propagandas

Remember when the Home Run Derby didn’t suck?  Is it just me, or is it impossible to watch?  Let’s just say if I had to choose between watching the derby or any Vin Diesel flick then I would hate my life.  I remember back in my younger years when it was exciting to watch and it was awesome.  Now it has become boring and stale so I’m going to fix it.  Listen up MLB/ESPN because as always, I am here to help.

1. No more Brandon Inges. I don’t want to see an 0  for in the Home Run Derby.    In fact I don’t care if the guys who participate in it are even All Stars.  Give me Adam Dunn, Mark Reynolds, Russel Branyan and the biggest mashers you can find.
2. No more “Swing Off”. All it does is tire out the competitors.  Biggest bomb advances, thats what we’re here to see anyway.
3. Shorten It. This thing lasts longer than Hanukkah.  I don’t need to see a concert on the field, especially by whoever that was on Monday.  I also don’t need to see Albert Pujols take 43 pitches trying to win some guy a car.  Let the guy hit the ball from home, go pick it up and hit it again from where it landed.  If it goes out he wins.  If not, he can play for the Natinals.
4. Get rid of Chris Berman. This goes for any broadcast, not just the derby.  But this is even worse because he feels as if he has free rein to ramble on and on using terrible nicknames.  How does someone get such a high profile job in sports without knowing anything about sports?  It’s like letting Helen Keller teach Spanish.

That is it.  My new Home Run Derby.  Enjoy.

~ Jjaks Clayton

I have to admit I am disappointed by two things last night:

1. Joe Mauer was my sleeper pick…that didn’t work out too well

2. Albert Pujols didn’t win, didn’t even make the finals

Now, I didn’t have a clear cut favorite last night but I have an admitted man-crush on Pujols so I would have loved to see him win it, especially at home. But I was really pulling for Mauer, don’t ask me why because I really don’t have a reason…maybe it was just the thought of a hit-for-average guy out slugging the big boys. Either way the 2 guys I was pulling for didn’t come through.

I was extremely impressed with Cruz and Fielder…wow those guys can hit. As soon as Cruz asked for his pitcher to throw it a little harder he started blasting shots that rivaled McGwire’s performance at Fenway in ‘99. Prince is a beast and he hit some shots that I still can’t believe, when he gets into a ball he really gets into it. 503 feet is all I have to say. I hate to dwell on the Pujols thing but…if he told his pitcher to throw it probably 7-12 mph faster, he would have won it all.

To wrap up the preface to the All-Star Game Preview I have to say I enjoyed last night’s Derby, even though there were no Hamilton esque performances or towering numbers put up (in terms of homers) there were plenty of moonshots hit that made me and every fan stand up and yell as soon as they came off the bat.

Overall Grade: B+ Not the best I have ever seen but not the worst. Brandon Inge being in it drops the grade, I can’t believe another AL hitter wouldn’t enter it. The Cruz, Fielder extravaganza is the only saving grace for the event even though the Celebrity All-Star Game was a pleasure to watch too.

It’s tough to really say who has the better team when you are breaking down the line-ups for the All-Star game. After all, these players are the cream of the crop for their respective leagues. I am going to be ridiculously tedious with the lineups but don’t worry I won’t do the same for the benches.

1. Ichrio vs Hanley: For traditional “lead-off” hitters the AL has the advantage here. Both players are incredibly skilled batters who have game changing ability when they are in the box, one with his speed and at-bat presence the other with power. However, you have to give the edge to Ichiro he has more patience at the plate and will wait for lincecum to come to him in deeper counts, plus he knows how to be a lead-off hitter and the importance of having the first batter of the inning on base.

2. Jeter vs. Utley: As you all know I am a die-hard Yankee fan and you will probably think my opinion of these hitters is skewed but I am giving the edge to Utley here. I love Jeter and his ability at the plate but Utley is a machine, although he is prone to the strike-out, he drives the ball deep to all fields. He has the speed advantage and more game-changing ability than Jeter plus he will see more pitches to drive with Pujols batting behind him.

3. Mauer vs. Pujols: Mauer is right up there with the best hit-for-average players in the bigs, but then again so is Pujols. Pujols is the best player in the game right now plus he is at home and probably wants revenge after his lackluster performance in the derby, sorry Mauer, your great but Pujols is better.

4. Teixeira vs. Braun: Great match-up here. I have to give the advantage to Teixeira though, he has more patience at the plate and knows situational hitting better than Braun. Braun is a great hitter but strikes out a lot, Teixeira will draw more walks plus he is batting lefty against a righty, a luxury that Braun doesn’t have.

5. Bay vs. Ibanez: This is where the line-ups start to get interesting. Bay is batting way below Ibanez (in terms of average) but has better power numbers than him, tough to argue because of Ibanez’s injury though. I have to give the advantage to Ibanez here, lefty against a righty plus he is so locked in right now. And with Hamilton and his struggles batting behind Bay, Jason may see some pitches that don’t come near the plate, same can be said with Wright batting behind Ibanez, although Wright is only struggling in the power department.

6. Hamilton vs. Wright: Hmmmmm…this is very intriguing. Although I love Hamilton and his power I have to, and I hate to do it, give the advantage to Wright. Even though his power numbers are down he is on fire at bat and isn’t battling back from injury like Hamilton is. Both hitters strike out from time to time but Hamilton hasn’t hit his stride yet and Wright is among the league leaders in average, hate to say it but advantage Wright.

7. Longoria vs. Victorino: I am not trying to take away from Victorino and his abilities but he isn’t really supposed to be in the starting lineup, I know it was voted on but he doesn’t compare to Longoria. Victorino is a scrappy hitter that can be a nuisance once on base, but he has to get there first. Longoria is one of the best hitters in the game and can take any pitch out of the park. The only advantage that Victorino has in this matchup is that he is a switch hitter, but that won’t mean anything during the course of the game. You can’t deny how great Longoria is and how dangerous he is at-bat, Victorino doesn’t scare anyone when he is in the box…except maybe CC Sabathia.

8. Hill vs. Molina: Well the Molina brothers aren’t really in the game for the offensive prowess, except for Bengie and that is debatable. So the advantage easily goes to Hill here, I know Molina is having a good year at the plate but nothing near what Hill has done. Neither batters are feared by any stretch of the imagination but at least Hill can run down the base paths and make a ground ball interesting. Hill gets the advantage by a landslide.

9. Lincecum vs. Halladay: Lincecum gets the advantage, both probably won’t bat in this game making this position in the batting order useless but hey it’s still fun to talk about. Halladay hates hitting so if he does bat don’t expect him to swing, therefore Lincecum gets the advantage any way.

Starting Pitchers: Lincecum vs. Halladay: Probably the match-up everyone wanted. Both are electric pitchers who are fun to watch and must be devastating to try to hit, which means more fun for the viewers. I will keep this short and sweet, I think the advantage goes to Halladay. Halladay has been here before and he is one of the best if not, the best pitcher in the MLB right now, plus he has seen most of these guys at least once over his career. He knows when and how to throw pitches in certain situations and can get a strikeout when necessary. Don’t get me wrong I love Lincecum and think he is amazing but I have to take the vet in this one, he won’t be nervous about getting the start and he might be auditioning for his new ball club and fans when he takes the mound.

Reserves: Both are pretty evenly matched except that the AL definitely has less power on the bench but a whole lot more speed and guys who can get on base and cause havoc. The NL has tons of power, they probably have more power in their 3 back up 1st basemen (Howard, Fielder, Gonzalez) than the AL has on their whole bench. After carefully studying the reserves I have to give the advantage to the AL, and this is not just because I want them to win, I will assure you of that. They may lack traditional power but don’t be fooled they have guys who can put the ball out, but what really sells me is the amount of hitters they have that hit for average. Many of these guys are contact hitters who will get the ball in play and make the NL defenders get rid of the ball quickly. The NL lacks speed and power doesn’t always win, the AL has a deeper set of reserves and also many role players who can be shifted around if necessary. If it comes down to a battle of the benches, and the AL pitchers can keep the power bats guessing, I believe the AL has the distinct advantage in this game.

Bullpen: Haren and Santana…that’s all I really have to say. Both of these guys have had success in both leagues and will be coming out of the bullpen tonight in relief of Lincecum. If the NL can pitch to their ability and keep the AL bats at bay they win. If this game becomes a pitching contest, which it rarely does, I don’t see the AL keeping up with the shear dominance of the NL pitchers. Haren and Santana out of the bullpen that’s really scary and that’s what gives the NL the edge here.

ASG Winner: Shouldn’t be a surprise but I am picking the AL. The NL wants a win badly this year but the AL has too much depth off the bench and guys that are role players. I really don’t see the NL winning this one unless they jump out to a decent lead early on in the game.

AL MVP: Justin Morneau:Power hitter than has long ball ability but can also shoot a double down the line or in the gap to drive in 1 or 2 runs. With him coming off the bench after they take out Teixeira he is a huge asset and a great candidate for the AL MVP.

NL MVP: Ryan Howard:Charlie Manuel knows how to use this guy and when to put him in at the perfect situation. If the NL is losing early and continue to in the 8th or 9th inning expect Manuel to save him for that opportunity especially if Mo comes in for a save or to keep the game tied. Howard’s long ball ability to both fields and clutch hitting make him an ideal candidate for the NL MVP.

Hope you enjoyed it!

2009 State Farm HomeRun Derby in St. Louis

Live Reporting, Highlights, & Chat @ Newsday (this was Live event, now closed)

HomeRun Derby Participants with Stats from ending season

American League
Carlos Pena (Rays): 24 home runs
Brandon Inge (Tigers): 21 home runs
Nelson Cruz (Rangers): 22 home runs
Joe Mauer (Twins): 15 home runs

National League
Albert Pujols (Cardinals): 32 home runs – hometown favorite
Ryan Howard (Phillies): 22 home runs
Adrian Gonzalez (Padres): 24 home runs
Prince Fielder (Brewers): 22 home runs

The 2009 Home Run Derby, the 25th installment, will be held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on July 13 of that year, while the 2010 event will be in Anaheim, California at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, and the 2011 event will take place at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.  ~cited from wikipedia.org

FINAL in the 2009 Home Run Derby

Busch Stadium, St. Louis — N.L. 51, A.L. 31
Player	Team	Round 1	Round 2	Subtotal	Finals	Total
Prince Fielder	Milwaukee	11	6	17	6	23
Nelson Cruz	Texas	11	5	16	5	21
Ryan Howard	Philadelphia	7	8	15	–	15
Albert Pujols	St. Louis	5	6	11	–	11
Carlos Peña	Tampa Bay	5	–	5	–	5
Joe Mauer	Minnesota	5	–	5	–	5
Adrian Gonzalez	San Diego	2	–	2	–	2
Brandon Inge	Detroit	0	–	0	–	0

WINNER:  Prince Fielder  (Former Detroit Tiger’s Cecil Fielder’s son)

The Practice Stadium, Practice & Warm-up

Great News Articles, click directly to current story:

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Check this out, FUNNY! Fan Drops HR ball at the Derby!

I am going to go out on a limb and predict the outcome of tonight’s Home Run Derby. I follow baseball as much as anyone and I have a strong love for this game. It is unlike any other game in so many ways. The numbers tell a lot about a player, and it is the only sports where you play defense with the ball. Hardly anything that happens in baseball can be described as “expected” which is part of the beauty of the game. Here’s the lineup for tonight’s HR derby:

National League:
Prince Fielder
Adrian Gonzalez
Ryan Howard
Albert Pujols

American League:
Brandon Inge
Nelson Cruz
Joe Mauer
Carlos Pena

I think Albert Pujols is the best player in the game; he hits better than anyone and has top three power in the league. This is why Albert won’t win. I will advance him to the second round, but don’t see him leaving as champion. I hope to be wrong!

Prince Fielder is another player I love. He has tremendous power and is a true lover of the game. I think he makes it to the final, but anything can happen.

Adrian Gonzalez and Ryan Howard are also two other top notch home run hitters. Howard is as good as anyone at hitting the long ball but I think he is done after the first round. Adrian Gonzalez may just be the best player nobody knows about in baseball, he’s truly a force. I think he is done after the first round. The favorites always seem to let you down in this contest. Both these guys have enough power to go the distance.

Now to the American League where the lineup looks much less powerful, but like I said nothing is predictable.

Carlos Pena is an absolute stud that should find his way to the second round at least. For the purposes of my predictions he’s done after the first round.

Nelson Cruz is an oldie but goody; he’s having an awesome season and deserves to be in this contest. That being said I think he goes out first.

Mauer and Inge are both new comers to the contest, and have never been seen as powerful forces. This is why these two are my sleepers, Inge goes to second round, Mauer goes to final.

First four eliminated:
Howard
Cruz
Pena
Gonzalez

Second round contestants:
Pujols
Fielder
Inge
Mauer

Inge has the lowest odds to win the derby which is part of the reason I’m going with him this far. He is having a terrific season playing third base instead of catching, and has been great this season. I think he keeps it close, and possibly swings his way to the final, but I will eliminate him in the semi finals and predict he finishes 3rd.

Pujols gets in the second round easily but I think he hits a wall here. I am giving him 4th place but would not be surprised to see him win it. After all, he is the favorite.

The final features two of my favorite players in the game, the catcher Joe Mauer against the traditional powerful 1st baseman. A catcher in the finals, you say??? Yep you heard it here first! Mauer is hitting the cover off the ball as usual but never with this kind of power. With the second lowest odds to win behind Inge, I like both these guys’ chances to get to the final and possibly win.

For the sake of not making a fool of myself I must pick Prince Fielder, have to like a 1st baseman to come in 1st, but Prince certainly is worthy of an award like this. I’ll crown Prince champ of 2009, but who do you like???

El pasado 9 de Julio se celebró la fiesta de la Serpentine Gallery en la capital inglesa. El que puede considerarse como el evento del verano tuvo lugar en los londineneses jardines de Hyde Park, a donde acudieron los miembros mas destacados de la sociedad inglesa. Entre las invitadas, hemos seleccionado a las más elegantes para conformar la siguiente serie fotográfica.

Melissa Montgomery

Denise Kaufman

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Laura Bailey

Caprice

Emma Crosby

Laura Bowen

Saskia Boxford

India Hicks

Saffron Aldridge

Olivia Cole

Inge Theron

Tess Daly

Thandie Newton

Leah Wood

Brussel is toch een beetje op reis gaan. Multicultureel, divers, kleurrijk, prachtige terrasjes en resto’s. Hier enkele oude en nieuwe tips:

- de markten Oude Graanmarkt 5

- ZEBRA bar Sint-Goriksplein 31

-De Antoine Dansaertstraat moet je zeker eens tot het einde afwandelen. Tot aan de Henegouwenkaai en dan terug via de Vlaamse steenweg.

-LE CORREGE rue le corrège in de Europese wijk. Zalig lekker restaurant en idem bediening.

-CAFE AU SOLEIL is een gezellig terras en juist om de hoek een lekkere Italiaan LA CANEVA (vrouwebroersstr) in de Sint-Jakobswijk.

-PARKING 58 bisschopsstraat 1, niet ver van de De Brouckère. Neem de lift  tot de 10e verdieping. Hier heb je een prachtig zicht over de Brusselse binnenstad.

Jorge Posada and his famous nose

…and thankfully, I might add. After three straight losses, including an ugly 10-8 collapse yesterday, the Jays finish their four-game set with the Yankees this afternoon in the House That Steinbrenner Built. The invicible Ricky Romero goes to the hill for Toronto, facing washed-up veteran Andrew Pettitte. I’m calling a win, but then again, I’m a major homer.

After listlessly falling 4-2 on Friday to some overpaid meanie, the Jays actually gave themselves a chance to win the past two, with Roy Halladay and friends letting one get away Saturday and Brett Cecil & co. blowing a four-run lead yesterday despite counterpart Joba Chamberlain looking shakier than he did when he picked up his DUI. Ugly, ugly stuff.

On a positive note, Halladay and Aaron Hill were named American League All-Stars yesterday, Halladay’s sixth such honor and Hill’s first. Adam Lind is one of five players up for the final roster spot, which fans have the chance to vote for. Ian Kinsler, Chone Figgins, Brandon Inge and Carlos Pena are also up for the position. Let’s see what happens!

Hoe leg je een kind uit wat duinen zijn? In mijn absoluut niet wetenschappelijke uitleg  kwamen de woorden zand, planten om het zand op de plaats te houden, heuvelachtig (dus op en neer) en achter zee en strand.

Niki: “Gaan we dan nu naar het op-en-neer-strand mama?”
Ik: “En hoe noem ik dat weer?”
Yana: “Gaan we dan nu naar de duiven mama?”

En inderdaad, die namiddag zijn we samen met mémé en pépé langs het duinenweggetje geweest. Héél leuk zo in het zonnetje maar toch wel een teleurstelling voor Yana en Niki. Want wat bleek: in tegenstelling tot wat ik me herinner van die specifieke duinen, is daar bijna geen zand meer maar vooral véél planten.  Geen punten gescoord dus.  Maar het was toch een hele leuke namiddag. Voor mémé was dit de eerste keer dat ze terug naar buiten kon sinds haar operatie. En wat heeft ze genoten van de kids, van de bloemen en planten, van de voorbijgangers, …

En dat was ineens ook de eerste namiddag waarop we met z’n viertjes met de fiets weg waren. Op de middag is Sean nog snel de fiets van zijn pé mogen gaan halen, dan in de gauwte een fietsstoeltje gekocht, en hup, weg waren we. Zooooo zalig.

Justin Verlander alone may give the Tigers enough pitching to win this surprisingly weak division.

When the season began I don’t think I gave the Tigers enough credit to emerge as the division leader. They are playing pretty good ball and manager Jim Leyland will keep this team on it’s toes and playing good fundamental baseball. Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge are both having nice seasons at the plate. This is a fairly well balanced team overall.

Those spunky Twins are 5 games out and the White Sox are 6 out of first place. If the Twins pick up some starting pitching in a trade (unlikely) or if the guys they have now pick up the pace a good bit they’ll have a chance to catch the Tigers. Not a great chance but a chance none the less. Their offense relies too much on former MVP Justin Morneau and All Star catcher Joe Mauer. Jolting Joe from Saint Paul is having an outstanding season so far. I’ve gushed about him in previous updates and rightfully so I think. He might be emerging as the best all around position player in baseball.

The White Sox? Why hasn’t Ozzie been fired yet? He talks so much my head hurts when I see him on TV. With the volume off,

Sorry Tribe fans but the Indians have been worse than expected. Remind me again why they signed Kerry Wood as their closer?