2632

If one looked at the lineup card for the Orioles/Yankees game on this date in 1998, one would have the nagging feeling something was missing. It wouldn't be until the lineup was announced at Camden Yards when everyone realized what that "something" was...

Cal Ripken Jr. was not announced in the starting lineup. History had been made. "The Streak" was over.

Yes, it is simply referred to as "The Streak". Ripken played in an astounding 2632 consecutive games, surpassing Lou Gehrig's record (from 1939) by 502 games. What started on 30 May 1982 and spanned 17 seasons had finally come to an end.

Why end at 2632? Ripken would later state that he decided to end the streak at season's end to avoid off-season controversy and he wanted to end it on his own terms. Those of us who grew up with Ripken as the face of the Orioles (myself included) will also argue that he wanted the streak to end where it began - Baltimore, in front of the Oriole faithful.

The end of "The Streak" also was the beginning of the end of what is known as "The Oriole Way." "The Oriole Way" was a belief that hard work, professionalism, and a strong understanding of fundamentals were the keys to success at the major league level. This is how Ripken - and all the players of during Ripken's tenure, including the 1983 World Series Championship team - played baseball. Truth be told, Ripken was not a flashy player; but he went out everyday, gave 110% and got the job done. Or as he put it on numerous occassions, "I just go out there and do my job like anyone else." Thus, Ripken’s name has become synonymous with strength, character, perseverance and integrity.

This isn't to say that today's Orioles are a bunch of assholes and fucktards (aside from owner Peter Angelos). Nor is it that they're rude slackers. I'm sure a majority are upstanding guys who work hard, are professionals and understand the fundamentals. They're not the Orioles I grew up with; however, baseball isn't the same as I grew up with either.

But to a kid growing up in Maryland, Ripken was a god. The hometown boy playing for the hometown team. He was the good guy that everyone liked. He was the player that was actually cheered at visiting ballparks (which I have witnessed at the Metrodome). Girls had a crush on him; boys wanted to be him. Kids wanted #8 for their jerseys, and some of us still do.

Yet amidst all the fanfare "The Oriole Way" was, either by design or fluke, was somehow ingrained into us Maryland kids on some level. That in and of itself is not a bad thing at all.

Yeah, 2632 is an amazing feat that will likely never be surpassed. But #8 will live on in our hearts for not only how he played the game, but who he was as person.

600

I am not (and likely never will be) a Brewers fan despite living in Milwaukee for my adult life. This largely due to my being a Cubs fan, plus a slight grudge still held from a one game Orioles/Brewers playoff in 1982.

However, as a life-long baseball fan, congratulations go out to Trevor Hoffman (now of the Brewers) for amassing his 600th save.

Granted, Mario Rivera of the NY Yankees is now at 555 saves. Bar any major injury or catastrophe, he will likely surpass Hoffman as the all-time saves leader before his career is over. But I digress...

This day, and more importantly, this moment belongs to Hoffman.

Hoffman, the all-time saves leader, is the first pitcher in history to compile 600 saves; an impressive feat capping off 17 impressive years as a closer. Plus, with #600, he further solidifies his spot in MLB history - not to mention further securing his ticket to Cooperstown.

And for this week in baseball history, "Hells Bells" never sounded so sweet.

the day the music died, "gen X" style

Sixteen years ago today...8 April 1994.

The day we learned that the life of one of the most influential and iconic rockers ever came to an end. Kurt Cobain, best known as the lead singer & songwriter of Nirvana, was found dead at his home in Seattle.

Officially, Cobain's death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound on 5 April 1994 per the coroner's report. However, the cause of death remains a topic of fascination and debate. Conspiracy theorists claim Cobain was murdered (presumably by Courtney Love) but results are inconclusive.

Cobain changed the face of rock forever by introducing the world to his now famous sound (labeled "grunge" by the populous) to the music scene, inspiring bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden in the 1990s and Puddle of Mudd in the 2000s, to name a few. As a result, alternative rock catapulted to the mainstream and became a dominant genre on radio and MTV in the early 1990s - and effectively ending the reign of the new wave/electronica sound of the 1980s. Rolling Stone ordained Nirvana the "flagship band of Generation X" and anointed Cobain "spokesman." As a private person - almost the stereotypical, misunderstood artist if you will - Cobain was uncomfortable with the anointment and the attention that followed. Focus turned to Nirvana's music and artistic message, resulting in In Utero (1993). This ended up being the band's last "new" work.

I remember first hearing about Cobain's death and sincerely thought it was a joke (a sick joke, but a joke nonetheless). Then I did what anyone would do to verify music news in the 1990s - I turned on MTV. Kurt Loder then confirmed the news of this tragedy. I'm convinced he was on 24/7 covering this story. Fans and admirers alike flocked to memorial services (especially in his hometown of Aberdeen, WA) - much the same as they did with John Lennon's death in 1980. While the similarities between the two aren't readily apparent, both were major rock artists with the balls to openly and freely speak their mind on a variety of topics. That's something that only comes along once a generation.

The untimely death of Cobain had lasting effect on the world of music. The grunge movement embraced acceptance and individuality - artists were encouraged speak their mind and put their own original spin on it - dare I say "come as you are"? The year 1994 not only marks the loss of an artist barely at the brink of his potential, but a regression in the music industry (read: grunge is dead). The door was opened for "pop sensations" such as N*Sync, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. It is debatable if there is indeed talent there, or if this "talent" was generated through the miracle of drum machines, etc. Think of it as the 1980s new wave, part two. The days of individuality - gone.

Thankfully, the 2000s have brought about artists with a "real band" sound such as Billy Talent and Rise Against; not to mention the reunion of Soundgarden at Lollapalooza 2010. However, one does have to wonder how the alternative music scene would have evolved had Cobain lived.

Oh...nevermind....

information taken from Rolling Stone, MTV and Greg Prato

get your fixx

Frozen custard: it's a Milwaukee staple. There are state-reknown (and perhaps even Midwest-reknown) custard stands all across the metro area. The stands that everyone's heard of? Kopps. Gilles. Leons. Oscars. Admittedly, I have been to all of them on more than one occassion.

However, there is one custard place that seems to get lost in the shuffle. But to us east side dwellers, it's the place to get our fixx...our Lixx Fixx.

Lixx, on the corner of Belleview and Downer, has been a cornerstone of the upper east side for as long as I've been in Mil-town. The great thing about Lixx: you can create your own Fixx from a list of numerous ingredients from heath bar to blueberry to peanut butter...well, you get the point. Of course, my mom went with her standard rasberry. My personal fave...cinnamon apple bits and caramel.

You really can't go wrong with a Lixx Fixx. It's a delicious treat for people...and canines...of all ages. Just ask Caye.

there's no nice way to say it...

Kicking the bucket.
Going six feet under.
Having the angels ask you to fly.

No matter how metaphoric or flowery you put it, death is not a fun or happy subject nor is there a nice way to say it. I realize this blog is (or at least is so far) about more frivolous and less life-altering subjects, but once in a while, a trip down a darker road is deemed necessary.

Let's face it, there's been quite a bit of death in 2009. Personally, my Grandmom and my dog, Tiger Lily, passed on.

Grandmom's death was somewhat expected and "a relief" (as my dad put it) as her health was failing. She also wasn't her usual feisty, spunky self; which was quite strange and sad as she was always busy running around and quick with a sassy comment. Grandmom was also the relative who always told me I was so creative and should really doing something with those talents. Well, it took a few years but I finally listened...thanks Grandmom.

Tiger Lily's passing was completely unexpected which makes it a little sadder on some level. She was also my first pet as an adult, so she'll always hold a special place in my heart. Lily was a good dog that sometimes did bad things (such as eating couch cushions) but overall had a good and happy life. Her mom and her brother Caye also miss her very much.

However, death has affected almost everyone on some level this year as a number of high-profile "rich and famous" people have passed. Not that celebrities overshadow our families, friends or pets passing because that is certainly not the case. But in this years "class of 2009", at least one of them has had some impact on each of us (whether it be directly or indirectly).

Ed McMahon: Carson's sidekick - thus making him the most well-known sidekick in history. The former host of Star Search - arguably the precursor to American Idol (and all the other reality talent competitions). I don't know if I can forgive him for that.

Farrach Fawcett: I remember playing Charlie's Angels as a kid but since I was a brunette I always ended up as Kate Jackson. Honestly, that's probably why I wasn't huge fan of hers in the day. However, the way she publicly and courageously dealt with her battle with cancer speaks volumes. For that alone, she should be admired.

Michael Jackson: Personal life aside, MJ truly was "The King of Pop" and one of the few all-around entertainers of the 80s. Sure he was certifiably bizarre and whiter than I was, but we can only speculate on the "inner" demons. He will be forever recognized (and rightfully so) for his contributions to the music and entertainment industry.

Billy Mays: Maybe a pseudo-celebrity, but the world would be a much dirtier place without Oxy Clean and Orange Glo.

Walter Cronkite: As a broadcast minor, we watched early footage of Mr. Cronkite. Amazing. The man could almost transport you to the live action to the point where you felt like you were experiencing it yourself. How could he do it? "That's the way it is". There is no other way to sum it up.

John Hughes: Perhaps of all the celebrities, this one hits the hardest as his movies were a fabric of our lives in the 80s. We may have forgotten (until recently anyway) that he was involved in Uncle Buck and Home Alone (and thus largely responsible for Macaulay Caulkin's career)...but movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles and my personal favorite, The Breakfast Club remain true classics. Each one of us could relate to at least one of the characters in The Breakfast Club, and the film helped us to realize that no one social sect in high school had it easy. Hughes effectively tackled the highs and lows of growing up in a humorous way, yet made you think at the same time. I doubt anyone in the near future will come close to capturing the essence of adolescence quite the way Hughes did.

goodbye Sears...hello Willis?

A Chicago icon is no more...in name anyway.

Today the Sears Tower is officially renamed the Willis Tower after Willis Group Holdings, the British insurance outfit that bought the building.

I understand the logic behind the renaming. Sears moved out in 1992. Willis is occupying most of the building and bringing hundreds of jobs to the city. Why wouldn't said company rename the building?

The sentimental side doesn't like it too much. When I see the first glimpse of the Chicago skyline driving down I-94, I get excited. The most prominent building? The Sears, oops, I mean Willis Tower. Walking along Lake Michigan or Navy Pier, there it is in its urban glory.

Sigh. OK, I guess I can call it Willis Tower for one day.

But in the hearts and minds of us Chicago sentimentalists, it will always be the Sears Tower.

hey now, you're an all-star

Baseball has been, and probably always will be, my favorite professional sport.

I've been a fan since I was six, and vividly remember my first game (but I'll spare you most of the details):

Orioles v. Yankees at the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. I attended with my granddad, dad and brother. My other option was to attend a family bridal shower. Given the choice today, I'd still pick the baseball game.

The O's were winning 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth. The Yanks scored 4 runs in the top of the 6th to go ahead 5-3. Then the storm came. A three-hour storm. O's win, 3-1.

And I was hooked.

Now growing up in Maryland just outside DC (pre-Nats era) it's pretty obvious why I'm an O's fan. Being a Cubs fan; that takes a small explanation. My granddad and dad hail from Chicago. The north side of Chicago. They taught me about baseball and at age six, I could be easily influenced; yet I have never wavered from being a Cubs fan. The Cubs are the ultimate underdogs. I like underdogs. And let's face it, I enjoy being a Cubs fan living in Milwaukee - if anything, it annoys people. And that's just fun.

But on the evening of the midsummer classic, we tend to put away rivalries for just one game and focus on the actual game of baseball. We sit back and remember it as "America's pasttime". It's a never-ending story where every game is a new nine-inning chapter and every player has the chance to be the hero.

Thus in honor of the All-Star game and the players past & present, I give you my favorite memories:

• 1983, Comiskey Park, Chicago - Cal Ripken Jr.'s first all-star appearance (warning: you'll see a theme here)
  
• 1990, Wrigley Field, Chicago - It's Wrigley. Ryne Sandberg, one of my all-time favorite players gets to play at his home field. And Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, throws out the first pitch.


• 1991, SkyDome, Toronto - Cal Ripken Jr. wins MVP


• 1993, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - Cal Ripken Jr. gets to play at his home field. Jim Palmer is honorary captain. Kirby Puckett wins MVP.


• 1999, Fenway Park, Boston - All-Century team is named which includes Cubs Ernie Banks and Greg Maddux (well, he started as a Cubbie); and Orioles Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray and my all-time favorite player Cal Ripken Jr.


• 2001, Safeco Field, Seattle - Cal Ripken Jr.'s final All-Star game. At the start of the game, Alex Rodriguez suggested Ripken move over to his customary shortstop position. An ultimate classy move, and the sole reason I don't completely dislike A-Rod. Ripken hits his first pitch over the left field wall and receives his 2nd MVP.


• 2002, Miller Park, Milwaukee - The military fly-by route went right over my house. I thought that was uber-cool. The game itself ended in a tie.

So, take me out to the ballgame...

ah...the Pinecone

While driving back from a facility visit on Wednesday, I stopped by to see an old friend: the Pinecone. For those of you unfamilar with this magical place, it is a gas station off I-94 (WI-26/Johnson Creek exit). But it by far is not just any gas station (or "travel plaza", if you will)...

It is the home of the place where elephant ears are as big as one's head and as a result, one could find crumbs from said delicious delight in the backseat of a car for months after the indulgence; where cookies rival the size of manhole covers (ok, maybe not that big, but they are impressive); where eclairs are so gimorous that it can potentially take three days to finish, speaking from experience (note to self: do not try to drive while eating a gimorous eclair ever again).

However, it's much more than the baked goodness...

I first stumbled upon the Pinecone years ago, but was re-aquianted with this icon in April 2006 en route to Camp Wawbeek in the Dells...thanks Danny and Andrew! The Pinecone is a, dare I say "mandatory", stop when travelling to/from camp (or any other destination). It's "the" place:

• to get just the right amount of sugar/caffeine needed for a weekend of no sleep and to get than last "rush" to actually make it back to Milwaukee (and then catch up on sleep)
• to discover how many things you really can decorate with a Packers logo
• to find a greeting card with a Badger picture
• to laugh at the above "findings" (and more) with like-minded, fun-loving people
• to begin and/or end yet another fabulous adventure

It's about good friends and good memories...yes, all that from a little 'ol gas station in Johnson Creek.