Halloween Pictures

Click to see larger picture
Aidan's cousins... Mary Kate and Claire on Halloween.

Happy Halloween

We had an interesting Halloween night here in Kingwood. Pretty heavy rain threatened to wash out the trick or treaters. We got quite a few though. But, no where near the close to 100 or so that we usually get. Norma and I had planned to take Aidan out to the neighbors houses with his lion outfit on... but it was too cool and wet. He is battling a little cold and we didn't want to risk it. Plus, he hates the dark. So little.

Instead he helped pass out candy (after he finally woke up from an early evening nap). He got a kick out of seeing the kids and was picking up candy and handing it to Norma and I like we were doing to the kids. It was really cute. He got it. You take the candy out of the big plastic caldron and you give it to people. What a genius this boy is!

Norma was a little depressed. Halloween is her favorite. The rain definitely put a damper on the festivities.

One thing we did do is get caught up on Rome on hbo. We had tivo'd it last night. Man, is that a darn good show! Wow. Great stuff. I just can't wait to see what they do next week. The writing is so good. Excellent stuff. This past episode had so many twists and turns. It reminds me a lot of Six Feet Under. Anytime I think I can predict what they will do - it goes in another direction. Sweet, sweet show.

WWRD: What Would Rosa Do?

Read this question on Americablog:
"Would Rosa Parks have voted for Supreme Court nominee Judge Alito?"

Very interesting, considering he did the "photo op" at her coffin today.

On Friday, I'll move up my Rosa Parks tribute lesson that I usually do each spring during African American History month. I am really looking forward to seeing the reaction of my students to the video and discussion we'll have. Her imapact on America was so huge. Just that attitude of "this movement is bigger than me and my life." That is something you rarely see today. And it is the reason she is such a great American heroine.

Aidan: Destroying a Cake, prt 3

Baby on a sugar high.

Aidan: Destroying a Cake, prt 2

He likes...
He uses "hands on technique"...
and he EATS.

YUM.

Aidan: Destroying a Cake, prt 1

How to destroy a cake... part one.

Aidan looks...
says, "hmmmmm..."
and then "He Likey!"

Time to 'DIG IN!'

Aidan: Cake Party!

More fun pictures to come tonight when the baby finally goes to bed. We took about 80 pics of his b'day party. CAKE EVERYWHERE! It was so fun.

He is now one year old. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful son. Everyday just keeps getting better...
and better...
and better...
and better...

:)

Aidan: Happy 1st Birthday

To Aidan,

Happy first birthday son.  I am writing this letter as my birthday gift to you.  You already know some of the things we got you as toys.  You have been banging on the boxes and playing with them as much as you could.  But, your mom won’t let you open them until tomorrow.  We can’t wait to celebrate after work tomorrow.  

There has been nothing in my life that has been more important to me – than you.  You are the most important because your mother and I brought you into this world with all the love we have for each other and it resulted in the most perfect and beautiful boy we have ever seen.  

The last year has been the very best of my life.  I am 35 now and feeling a little slower, fatter and definitely older.  But, when I look at you and see myself in you… I realize that a part of me and a part of your mother will always live in inside you.  That is the most awesome feeling in the world.  

We have high hopes and dreams for you.  The biggest dream is that you are happy.  Everyone says, “That’s the happiest baby I’ve ever seen.”  You smile and smile and smile.  We can make you laugh at any time.  And we often do, just out of the blue.  Your laugh is full of an energy and spark that is unique.  I know that I don’t have that kind of spark inside me… not like that.  I’m not sure your mom does either.  But you have it.  And it is going to be my sole responsibility and job number one that you never lose that.  

Throughout my life I have overcome a lot and have gone through good and bad times, but I didn’t learn until later in life how important it is to enjoy.  Your life is going to fly by and years from now we’ll dig this up and read it and I will say – "That seems like yesterday that it was your first birthday!  

That is why every day that we spend with you is a gift.  So on a day that is your first birthday we are going to try to shower you with love and gifts… but it can never equal what you have given to us.  We are the luckiest parents in the world.  

Happy First Birthday Aidan…
I love you.
Dad    

Game 4: Backe was great... (in progress)

Brandon Backe showed tonight why he is going to be a force next season. This is a front of the rotation guy and probably will slide into Clemens spot in the big three. He was great tonight. I have never seen a more emotional pitcher. Right now they have taken him out... and he's pacing the dugout. The guy is wild. You have to love his emotion. The crowd adores him. Plus, he's a Galveston boy and everyone considers him one of us here in Houston.

This series has been just nutz. Can you even have a closer series that is so lopsided in the wins? The Astros have been in every single game to the bitter (and I do mean bitter end). Tonight's game has the exact same feel to it. Like the Astros are trudging through quicksand. It's as if someone drugged them at the plate. Absolutely nothing going offensively.

I am very excited about the future of this team and the prospect for 2006. But, the offense is going to have to improve. I think it will through maturity and this experience in the world series. The young guys like Willy Taveras, Chris Burke, and Jason Lane will start to step up and carry this load. Now that Bagwell and Biggio are in their twilight and 2006 will almost assuredly be their final seasons, it is time for the new crop to take over. And they are very talented. Just in this series they are overmatched in terms of the situation, experience and their young talent.

The Sox have done it each game. They have found a way to win. That's what Champions do. My hat is off to them. But, I still love my Astros. I will proudly wear my Astros jacket to work tomorrow. Even though as I type ... the Sox just took the lead in the 8th. Brad Lidge gives it up again... how totally strange and odd. What a wierd series. I could have never predicted the way these games have gone.

Regardless... I'm proud of this team that never quit. They were 15-30 in may and no team since 1914 has made the playoffs with a record like that at the end of May. I will proudly wear my NL Champion hat when I get one. Beating the Braves and Cards was sweet. We were so close in this series. It will be a long winter of recounting the ways we could have won. But, I am going to try to be as positive as I can be. This is my team. And you gotta love YOUR team.

Who knows... maybe things will buzz again in the hive in the 8th and 9th and we'll make a little playoff magic of our own... I can only hope.

Swoopes comes out, in her words

ESPN.com - WNBA - ESPN The Magazine: Swoopes comes out, in her words

This has to take courage. She could have easily waited until she retired, which won't be too long from now.

I salute her for being open and honest. I only hope it helps break some barriers and that people can start realizing that gay and lesbian people should no longer be discriminated against.

Here's to you Sheryl Swoopes. I hope that you get to experience that 'freedom' that you need.

Game 3: 5-5 in the 10th...

My stomach is in knots. This game is unreal. Baseball is not for cowards, that's for sure. Break out the pepto and tums.



Jason Lane has BIG HUGE BALLS. What a massively huge hit in the bottom of the 8th. Too bad this dang thing isn't over and we couldn't capitalize on a runner at 3rd with 1 out in the ninth.

Am I going to make it through this series? My body is revolting. My mind races with the tension of this up and down game... and my body says, "What the heck are you doing up there... calm down. We are deteroriating down here!"

Please... Astros... Please. Finish this thing off already!

Go Stros.

Astros: Game 3 (in progress)

It's been another really tough game to watch in the World Series. I think I've finally just relaxed and realized that tonight's game will make me happy either way. If we win... wow, of course, I am happy. If we lose... this was the best season in team history and I enjoyed it immensely but it'll be all but over. Down 3-0 is pretty insurmountable. This White Sox team is very good. Scrappy, tough and even though each game has been so, so close and could have gone either way... they have done what they had to so far.

We were feeling pretty good when it was 4-0 Astros with our #1 guy Roy O on the mound. But, boy did that change quickly...

Things unraveled for Oswalt and he threw 46 pitches in the inning. That was the most in his career in one inning and believe me... I have never seen him like that before. It really did hurt to see my favorite pitcher get creamed like that. I have a 2001 Oswalt jersey, with the very cool American Flag patch on the back, eactly like what they wore to commemrorate 911.

Roy is the man. I love this Astros team. Hopefully we can do something in the 8th and 9th and capitalize in this game on homefield and the last at bat.

Either I'm going to be happy we've won... or happy this is over. It's been exhausting to watch.

Poll: Bush would lose an election

CNN.com - Poll: Bush would lose an election if held this year - Oct 25, 2005

Interesting:
"In the latest poll, 55 percent of the respondents said that they would vote for the Democratic candidate if Bush were again running for the presidency this year."

I find this pretty interesting, but unfortunately VERY SAD.

People realize now what we were all trying to explain last year at this time. Just goes to show you how Americans can be. Short sighted. And ill-informed.

Rosa Parks, matriarch of civil rights, dies at 92

Rosa Parks, matriarch of civil rights, dies at 92 - Race in America - MSNBC.com


An American hero and icon... died today.

Each spring we do a two class lesson on civil rights. It leads into a human rights project that my world history class does. I have a tremendous video that I recorded on HBO called "Mighty Times: The Legacy Of Rosa Parks." If you have HBO - check it out. I am sure it will be airing a bunch here in the next few weeks.

She was an amazing woman. I always tease my kids in class with,
"She took a seat for your civil rights!" Instead of 'took a stand.' Rosa actually did sit on that bus. She is oft remembered for "not sitting." But, the real deal was she sat exactly where she should have been sitting - in the back and in the black section. But, the rule was that if the front was filled for the white man... the blacks had to get off the bus. She refused to do so.

The kids love the lesson. And it is a sad day to see her pass today.

Juice Box Opened?

ESPN.com - MLB/PLAYOFFS2005 - MLB expected to open Minute Maid roof for Game 3

Looks like MLB is forcing the Astros to take the top off at home in games 3, 4, and 5.

Interesting. It has been the Astros practice all post season to keep it closed so that the fans are loud. I guess MLB doesn't care about home field advantage.

What do you think? Who should decide whether the roof is open or not?
1) MLB
2) The Astros
3) Fox TV

As for the fans, a lot of them called in the past few weeks hoping it would be open. They want to see outdoor baseball. I understand that. The weather is fantastic.

BUT, are they messing with our kharma here?

UT Longhorns #1? Whatthe?

ESPN.com - NCF - Texas takes over BCS top spot; USC second

In the narrowest margin ever between two top schools in the BCS standings, the Texas Longhorns are now ranked #1. They overtook the USC Trojans after beating #9 Texas Tech handily this weekend. The Longhorns now have a computer ranking of .9763 compared with USC's .9756.

Obviously to ANYONE that has seen the two teams play, Texas is .0007 percent better. (insert sarcasm here) Luckily the two teams will showdown in the Rose Bowl for the National Championship and everyone will be happy to settle it on the field, right?


Vince Young... Heisman?
Not necessarily. There are still other unbeaten teams. Like #3 Virginia Tech. Tech is at .9162 according to the computer. But what happens if Tech, Georgia, Alabama, or UCLA also finish unbeaten?

Folks, that is one reason that I'm not a HUGE college football fan. I enjoy it alright. I love the individual matchups and the games. But, as a fan, with no true playoff system, I can't think of college football as more than a corrupt joke.

What a shame. Their college super bowl would be bigger than the actual super bowl if they had one! A college playoffs would be bigger than March Madness - NCAA's college basketball tourney.

But, still, the bowl games and the old money in college football can't take their hands off their old money long enough to realize there is a ton more to be made by creating a real championship.

As a Penn State fan, I have seen too often the results of this stupid system, where my Lions have been undefeated and not #1... or even given the chance to prove it.

What a shame.
Maybe when Aidan is my age... probably not. Idiots!

Astros: Down 2 Games to None

It was an incredible baseball game. Had all the elements. Comebacks and great tension. I am exhausted just from watching it.


The White Sox are a really great bunch of guys and a tremendous team. They really are. I always liked Scott Podsednik when he was with the Brewers. I thought that was a brilliant deal to go out and get him last year by the Sox. But, not for his power. His dinger to win the game tonight was simply astounding. I don't think anyone could have predicted it. 500 regular season at bats and NO HOME RUNS. And he hits one off what used to be the premier reliever in baseball - "Lights Out" Brad Lidge.

Well, I have work to do. I have to get a lesson ready for the morning. And then I need to catch some sleep. I ran on the treadmill this morning, worked in the yard for a hour or two and I am beat tired. Hopefully it'll help me sleep.

I'll be seeing that home run in my nitemares.

My Life: Keeping the Faith

Two teams that I root for...
The Astros, of course.
AND Stewart & Colbert 08.

If only that could actually happen... Stewart/Colbert in '08. Wow. It would be so much fun.

I have been enjoying Stephen Colbert's Colbert Report (pronounced Repour, french like). It is on just after the Daily Show and it is a bit more far fetched. Colbert plays a 'character' of sorts. He is doing his take on the "news-commentary" shows that Fox, CNN and MSNBC run. It is pretty much a wink and a smile to "The Factor" and their obnoxious host Bill O'Reilly. So far, so good. He is cracking me up. Very pompous and very edgy. I likey.

Looks like the Tivo Season Pass continues for Colbert Report.

Astros: Game one goes to the Sox

My theory on this series is that all we have to do is win one game in Chicago. Because I don't think anyone can beat us in Minute Maid Park. The place is electric when our fans start buzzing. And we have Roy O going in game 3.

But, every series takes on a life of it's own. Tonight's game one is the first part of the story and it ends sadly for my hometown 9. Missed opportunities to drive in runners from third with less than 2 out in the 7th and 8th cost us big time. We had the chances to capitalize and tie or win the game, we just didn't deliver.

Sad really. Especially watching Jeff Bagwell punch out in the 8th with runners at 2nd and 3rd. He was swinging so freaking hard. It didn't look like the Baggy that had been pinch hitting and getting clutch hits down the stretch of the season.

Their thirdbaseman was awesome tonight. He made two or three plays that probably saved a run a piece. He also hit a dinger. Joe Crede. I don't like that guy! But, they got the job done tonight.

Tomorrow night is going to be freezing cold. Andy Pettitte has pitched in this kind of weather before. So I feel ok about that... but our bats will need to heat up. Three runs doesn't get it done for us. We need 4 or 5 and that will be enough for our pitching staff.

Roger Clemens. Man, leaving after two innings because of the hamstring. I can't imagine he'll pitch again in the series. That is a big psychological lift to Chicago. With that and with home field advantage, many in the media will be writing us off. That's just the way I'd like to see it go, really. Write off these Astros! Heck, print up sportspages with tomb stones (just as the Houston Chronicle did in May of THIS season). Then the Astros will have them right where they want them.

Whether or not we win this thing... this is one of my favorite all time teams. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area and loved the 1979 Pirates. I was 9 and just old enough to really know what was going on with baseball. I remember very clearly watching on a small black and white tv and wearing my silly looking old time Pirates hat with the three horitonal pinstripes. The "We are Family" team came back from being down 3 games to 1 in the World Series and beat the Orioles on the road. So I will never give up. I know that Phil Garner, current Astros manager and 2nd baseman on that '79 pirates team, won't give up either.

My Life: 10 Step Program to Stop Swearing

This fall I have realized how bad my language is getting. With Aidan following me everywhere and uttering, "Dahhh, Dahhh" to everything he sees... I have realized that he may pick up on my terrible potty mouth.

So, plan of action:
I will do 10 pushups everytime I swear.

I am wearing myself out. The baseball playoffs and the tension that has ensued has caused me quite a bit of "pushing up." But I am getting better.

I don't quite understand it really. I don't swear or even ever think of it at school when I am teaching. It is just at home. I unleash... ahhh, H-E-double toothpick. Hopefully I can turn this thing around in the next two weeks. Then I will feel more comfortable as Aidan starts really putting some words together... hopefully none that would make paint peel.

Astros: They Take Center Stage

Tonight is Game 1 of the World Series in Chicago. All of Houston is going to be buckled in for this one.



We have waited so long, it is still so wild to think we have made it. Almost hard to believe, like I won't believe it until I actually see Biggio up for his first at bat.

Today I worked in the yard and washed both the cars. I had to get outside some and enjoy the amazing weather we are having. This is the best time of the year in Houston. And I think it's the best time of the year for sports. Great college football matchups with history and tradition. Pro football is heating up as well. Baseball's fall classic about to get underway. And basketball is just about to tip off their season. A great time of year.

Especially when your baseball team is still playing. Which our Astros never have been at this time of the year. It is history tonight and it will be a lot of fun to take it all in and enjoy.

This city has been buzzing. So I guess there is no better term for it than the "Hive" like they have been nicknaming Minute Maid Park. I downloaded the game from my Tivo unit over to my desktop so that I can create a dvd for Aidan of our final outs that got us to the World Series. I rewatched some of those games just a moment ago from Minute Maid Park in Houston. Wow, was that crowd just crazy or what? Buzzing is indeed the best term for it.

I just hope we can at least take 1 of the first two in Chicago and we'll be all set to come home to the loudest fans in baseball. They will be a big, big boost to the team.

On Friday they held a huge pep rally to see the team off to the airport from Minute Maid. The fans were told to "Take off their sox" for the weekend by the mayor. It was awesome to see the love and support for this team.


Go Stros!

Aidan: Halloween Card

This is Aidan's Halloween card. Click on the image to see a full sized picture.

I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would scan it and put it on here. He is a cutie. Everyone is raving about it. So I thought I would share it on the blog. We sent out copies to family and friends through snail mail... but this is our chance to send it out to everyone that reads the blog.

As Aidan says, "Hope you have a GRRRRRRREAT Halloween!"

Teaching: Google Earth

Today I have a couple of extra minutes in class after my test. I am going to show the kids "Google Earth." You can learn more about it here: Google Earth. It is a very, very cool program.

Basically I'll use it to show them Rome - the place we will have just taken the test about. But, we'll also take some volunteers from the kids and type in their address and then zoom in right on their house. Neat stuff. I hope they enjoy it.

It is amazing what technology can do these days!

Apocalypse, now?

Apocalypse, now? - Hurricanes' Aftermath - MSNBC.com

Is the rapture coming?

It’s been 10 months of epic disaster. First there was the tsunami that killed some 250,000 people in Southeast Asia. Then came Hurricane Katrina with its devastating toll on the Gulf Coast, followed by an earthquake that took tens of thousands of lives in South Asia. Now, Hurricane Wilma, one of the most powerful storms ever measured in the Atlantic Basin, is stalking the Florida coast, and experts are warning of a deadly avian flu pandemic.

It’s enough to make just about anyone pause to look for meaning in the madness.

yeah, looks like we are all destined to go down in a sea of madness. The author goes on mention: "So close is the correlation between recent events and the biblical prophecy of the Second Coming, by the reckoning of RaptureReady.com, its "Rapture Index" has been hovering around 160 — the highest levels since just after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. According to the Web site, "the higher the number, the faster we're moving towards the ... rapture." When the number is above 145, it advises: "Fasten your seatbelts!""

ProphecyUpdate.com"
Hmmmm, maybe I better break out the bible?

Everyone has different ways of dealing with tragedy and potential disasters. As someone that stared down a Cat 5 hurricane for 3 days of my life... I can relate. But, to think that since we are in the peak of hurricane season that this is signaling the "end of days" seems a little much for me.

Now, don't get me wrong... we need to be concerned about the damage we are doing to this planet. Could it be that waters in our Gulf are warmer, which is creating bigger badder hurricanes? Could it be that due to the water temp and current changes that hurricanes are going to become increasingly violent. What do you think could be causing the water to rise in temp?

...hmmmmm, must be God...

Maybe it's our dependance on burning fossil fuels which adds to the greenhouse effect that warms our planet? nah. That's too complex. Must be God.

Call me crazy.

Astros: Priceless

What a great feeling...

WE WIN

44 years for this team ... and they are finally in the World Series.

Astros 5
Cards 1
(they can now blow up Busch Stadium! And they can remember their last game there - when we won the pennant!)

My first day in Houston after I got my job down here 10 years and 5 months ago, Norma and I walked into the AstroDome and I bought a Stros hat and "It was on." I have been an Astros fan since. I once built and ran an Astros website in the very early days of the Internet - before there was even an astros.com.

Tonight was just a special night. Roy O is the man!

We won't be favored to win in the World Series... and that's just FINE by me. We have been the underdogs all season... why should that change now?

I am just so glad for our fans... they get 3 more games to make the most noise in baseball. There is no doubt that Minute Maid is the loudest place in the MLB. And it will probably rock the roof off next week!


Whew... Biggo. Bagwell. 15 years.
Whew... Pettitte. Clemens. Hometown boys - bring the WS to Houston.

I am estatic. Time to go celebrate. And I'll catch up on sleep later!

I love everything. I love everybody. I am crazy right now. It is a wonderful feeling!

Aidan: My Astro Buddy

I have to keep in mind on Wednesday (and possibly Thursday) that what happens with my beloved Astros is not life and death. It will feel like it at the time... but what is important is this little guy right here. I can't even imagine what it is going to be like to take him to games and to relive some of the moments with him that he was too young to remember. It is one of the reason that I have been Tivo'ing some of the big moments from this Cardinals Series. I will create a little dvd and share it with him sometime.

How do I know he's going to be an Astros fan? His mom is one of the biggest ones I know. She is what you call, "Die hard." She always believes or (Bee-lieves, as the signs say at the "Bee Hive" - Minute Maid Park). Norma and I have a lot of fun going to games. We took Aidan once this year... it'll be great to take him next year and the year after when he is walking and talking. :)

So regardless of how Roy O does tomorrow night... my little Astro fan isn't going to care at this point. He is still going to look at me like I am crazy for yelling at the tv. And he's going to love me whether or not the Astros make it to the World Series. Is there really anything else that matters more?

Aidan: Mower Mike

We bought Aidan a new toy this weekend. He absolutely loves it. It's called "Mower Mike" -- it's a toy lawnmower and the thing makes 20 different sayings as it rolls and it's mouth on the top chomps. He played with it a ton this weekend, even when he was feeling sick.

He really is loving the plastic pumpkin right now that yells, "Happy Halloweeeen!!!" And then breaks into an evil laugh. You would think it would scare him, but he loves it. The motion sensor kicks in and the freaking thing never stops. Kinda gives me a headache, but he loves it.

We took him to the doc today. He is concerned he could be coming down with an infection that for many kids is turning into bronchitis. He was worried about it. We were shocked because we almost decided not to take him in to the doc. Aidan is so well behaved, some days you can't really tell he's sick at all. But after the doctor gave him a once over, he was breaking out the px pad pronto.

Now I have a pretty sore throat. Not sure if it is from lecturing so much or if I am coming down with what he has... but it is a bummer. Fact is though, I have to get through my material, we have a test on Thursday/Friday this week. So I will be breaking out the thermos tomorrow and downing some tea and hitting the cough drops like a pill-poppin junkie. Yeah!

I have a couple of other pics of Aidan that I'm going to post and then it's bed time for fordee.

Politics: Zahqiel Brings the Noise

Blogger Zahaqiel points out today that:

I know people out there are defending the government's stance on race and poverty... but here's the facts:
1) US infant mortality rates have been increasing ever since 2000, and are now the same as in Malaysia.
2) Black children are twice as likely to die as white children before their first birthday.
3) Parts of the US are already at 3rd world poverty levels.
4) The US is the only wealthy nation without universal health cover.
5) Child poverty rates in the US are above 20% (same as Mexico incidentally).

Indeed, that is scary.
What is going on in this country. We have replaced the quest for excellence with a quest for finding 'fear.' We are so afraid of everything in this country (terra, murderers we see on the news, the next pandemic, hurricane, or political screwup) that we have taken our eyes of the ball.

Let's start taking care of our own people!

Astros: "Houston, we have a problem" - ESPN ARTICLE

I am on my planning period now. I have gotten through 3/4 of my day at work. The kids made the day pass by pretty well. Many were depressed and wondering, "Why did that happen to the Astros last night Mr. D?" Some just said, "The Astros suck." Others were just very quiet. They didn't say a word. That probably would have been me, had I had to be a student today.

Instead I was a teacher and I have a big job to do. We have a test on the Roman Empire and Christianity on Friday. I can't just say, "I'm too sick to go into work - sick from a Pujols stomach punch that kept me up at night." I couldn't call in sick on these kids. So I went to work. I know many in Houston did call in sick today. They had to. It is a most terrible feeling. The only thing that could have made it worse was realizing that it was game 7... but alas, we have 2 more games to try to get to the series.

I read this article today:
ESPN.com: Page 2 : Houston, we have a problem

It is written by the guy that is a life long Red Sox fan. He wrote the book, Now I Can Die In Peace - all about last season's improbable Red Sox rally and Championship. Some of his words made me feel better - others have been where we are today as fans. But, some of his words just made me feel worse:

During the ninth inning of Monday night's Cards-Astros game, I wasn't hoping the Astros would win. I was hoping they wouldn't blow it. There's a difference. Weird things happen when you haven't won in a long time; the poor Astros have never even appeared in a World Series. After awhile, in that situation, you start expecting to lose. Then one of those seasons rolls around when good things keep happening, and they keep happening, and you wait for the other shoe to drop ... only it never does. Eventually, you reach a point that Houston fans reached Monday night -- you drop your guard, assume everything is different this season, give in to the moment -- and that's when sports can truly crush you. It's happened to me. I didn't want it to happen to them.

And yes, I saw it coming. Before Eckstein's at-bat in the ninth, I remember thinking, "This has to rank among the happiest crowds I've ever seen at a baseball game." They were three levels beyond ecstatic. They could smell it. They were headed to the World Series. Then Eckstein bleeded out a grounder for a single. You could hear the subtle change inside the ballpark, a slight shift in sound and demeanor.

Uh-oh. These are the Astros. Keep your guard up.

I knew that sound. Knew that feeling better than anyone. Lidge started having trouble throwing strikes against Edmonds. Suddenly, people weren't screaming and waving those towels anymore. You could feel the wheels slowly starting to squeak. Pujols was on deck -- nobody wanted any part of him. They started showing those awkward shots of the guys in the dugout, or the people in the stands, everyone with that frozen, "Oh, my God" face going. When Edmonds walked and Lidge seemed rattled enough that Phil Garner felt obliged to visit the mound, the terror alert was officially raised to red.

Now Pujols was digging in with one of those, "He better not hang a slider" looks on his face. If that wasn't scary enough, Fox showed a "St. Louis Cardinals: 39 comeback wins in reg. season" graphic. And this is where I hate what happened to me as a sports fan, because I don't think normally about this stuff anymore. Even before the first pitch to Pujols, I was sitting there thinking about the following five things...

1. Eckstein's single was just like Gary Carter's single in Game 6 of the '86 Series at Shea -- seemingly innocent, but not really.

2. Lidge has already thrown eight pitches that could have recorded the final out -- five away from the number of pitches Schiraldi and Stanley threw before the Mets tied Game 6.

3. The situation bore an eerie resemblance to Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, the last time somebody blew a series-clinching ninth inning at home (Angels-Red Sox, aka the Dave Henderson Game). That series had policemen on horses protecting the field even before the final out (just about the biggest jinx ever), as well as tortured Angels manager Gene Mauch staring blankly from the dugout (saddled by his own immense baggage from Philly's '64 collapse) and a franchise that had never made the World Series. This series had the Astros still hoping to break their 43-year drought to make their first World Series as well as a brutal history of home losses in the NLCS (1980 and 1986). No horses, though.

4. Al Michaels announced the Hendu game 20 years ago; during the latter stages of Monday night's Astros-Cards game, he was announcing "Monday Night Football" at the same time on ABC. Warrants mentioning.

5. Roger Clemens was in the dugout for the Hendu Game, Game 6 at Shea ... and Monday night's game. Also warrants mentioning.

There was one other thought, of course: Please don't let Lidge throw a strike to Pujols.

He goes on to explain that Houston is a "Dead Man Walking." He says that there is not really any way they can come back... he hopes they do, but it is so improbable now. He mentions only one comeback when a team has had to deal with this kind of heartbreak - the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks.

What will end up happening? Who knows? But, all I can say is that I am sick today. My body doesn't feel right. My head feels hollow. My heart aches. It aches for all those fans. For 45 years of anticipation. For 45 years of disappointment. And I finally realized today that it will never leave me. Even if the Astros win the series and advance to play the White Sox... we'll always feel this pain.

And then I realized, I may be watching the playoffs next year and be feeling exactly as the author did about watching the Astros this year. "Please don't do it to them... I know how it feels!"

There is always tomorrow, right?

HoustonChronicle.com - Justice: Heartbreaking loss gives series new feel

Today as I walked into the school and went to my classroom a student was waiting for me. He had this look of confusion. He was a student of mine last year. "How could that have happened Mr. D?" he said and just stared right through me.

We talked through that top of the ninth inning last night. We relived it again, hoping it might take some of the burn away.

We are all just left with, "We have to get them tomorrow."

Astros: I can't believe it. Astros lose 5-4

All I can say is... I am in disbelief.

We went from needing one strike to end the game and go to the world series... to giving up a seeing-eye single, walk and then a 3-run homer by Albert Pujols.

Astros lose 5-4. One pitch away from going to the World Series.

Instead, we have to rebound from the worse loss in team history... maybe in just about any team's history... and play Wednesday for game 6 and a game 7 if necessary on Thursday night.

It is really hard for me to imagine. I went from tears of joy streaming down my face as we got the second out and the crowd came to a defeaning roar in Minute Maid... to this. Just a blank expression. I have nothing left. And I can't believe what I just saw.

We were 82-1 with a lead after 8 innings this season. Now we are 82-2. We had won 7 straight home playoff games.

If any team can come back from this... it's this Astros team. They came back from being 15 games under .500 in May. A 15-30 record to start the season and then make the Wild Card on the final game of the regular season.

If any team can do it... it's this group. But, I must say... this city will really be feeling it tomorrow. It will be a tough Tuesday in Houston. We were one out away and we'll have to think on that until Wednesday night.

I am sick.

HOLY CRAP!

I JUST CALLED THE SHOT!

HOLY CRAP

BERMAN HITS A 3 RUN DINGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOLY CRAP

HOLY CRAP

HOLY CRAP!!!!!

Astros: Game 5 (in progress)

I write this post as the Astros are down 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th.

[my stomach is a wreck]

We are one win away... the entire city was buzzing today. "Killer B" fever.

Please... we need 2 runs. Please. Let's end this thing tonight.

I am now going back to watching the game... and I am on the edge of my seat. My prediction... Berkman is going deep tonight to make the difference... I can feel it.

[crosses fingers, toes, and anything else crossable]

Astros: Play it again Sam

I can watch these Astros highlights OVER and OVER again on SportsCenter. They just do not get old.

I don't mind the White Sox winning the AL Championship at all. They are a great scrappy team. A lot like my Astros. If we can win one more - it will be a neat matchup in the World Series. Ozzie Guillen is what baseball is all about... just like Phil Garner. Two seriously scrappy guys that bleed baseball.

As for the "lowlights" of my Texans getting drilled on Sunday night football... well... I told my dad:
"I will take going 0-16 (with the Texans having a TERRIBLE season) if the Astros get to the World Series. We just have the strangeness of having baseball's best team and football's worst!"

Tomorrow night can not get here quickly enough!

GO STROS!

Astros: We are so close!

This was a nail biter. I am glad I don't actually bite my nails. I would have none left. 2-1. Wow.

This puts us ONE GAME AWAY from our first ever World Series berth. I can not tell you how exciting this is. I went to bed thinking about it last night... I woke up this morning with it on my mind. Tomorrow will be a fun day at school. I'm wearing my baseball tie with a white collared shirt... and my Berkman Brick Red Astros jersey over it. Friday was great, too. Everyone had a little extra steam in their stride. Everyone smiling. There is nothing like the boost a pennant race gives you.

Tomorrow night will be wild. The roof just might come off Minute Maid. To be able to win at home to propel you into the series, what an opportunity. We actually only have to win one in three tries. We have Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt and then Roger Clemens to pitch if needed. But, I say, "There is no time like the present!"


LaRussa gets TOSSED. That was fun to watch. :)


Willy T slides in with the go ahead run in the 8th


Final play... Bruntlett to Everett to Berkman... DOUBLE PLAY!


Happy, Happy Stros. One win away from the World Series.

Astros 4 - Cardinals 3 (Hou up 2-1 in the series)

Astros win... Astros win again. Another great game. Nail biter. The Stros bully was just tough again. Clemens was obviously hurting and off his game, but still only gave up a pair of runs. Mike Lamb was simply CLUTCH. Dinger and doubled.


Brad Lidge gave up his first run against the Cards in like, forever... but held on to nail down the save. It wasn't "Lights Out Lidge" like usual, but the lights were dimmed enough to knock off the Redbirds.

Tomorrow's game will pit Brandon Backe (the starter in last Sunday's epic 18-inning game) vs. the Card's Jeff Suppan. Let's keep the mojo rollin!


Lamb gives Morris a kink in his neck!


High Fives All Around!

George Will - on what a real conservative is

On K Street Conservatism - Newsweek Columnists - MSNBC.com

Most of you who read this blog know that I am no fan of Bush. But, what really gets under my skin is how his "fans" don't account for the fact that his government has broken every conservative rule in the book.

George Will does a great job in this article of explaining just how few "conservative" governance has gone on during the past 5 years. Just proves my point again... if you "love" Bush... you are not really a conservative. You are a fan of big spending, expansionist government... unfortunately with a "morally" conservative compass. What a bad combination - in my opinion.

No wonder 28% of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction. That means that a very large majority of the country would like to see this country head down a different path.

It's about time we started to realize it.

Classic Dilbert

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!

This is classic Dilbert at its best.


click to enlarge

Video Content for your new Video iPod

TWiTorrents: Channel List

The guys at TWiT (This Week in Tech) are now doing their shows for video iPods as well as just regular audio podcats downloads. I will have to check this out tonight. Neat stuff.

Check out the TWiT Torrents - may need a BitTorrent player as well

Gotta check my laptop battery

HoustonChronicle.com - News from AP

Just read this article... a little frightening that I could very well have one of these laptops. I have an HP Pavillion widescreen. I love it. Have had it a couple of years. I think I bought mine in the window that they are looking for in the recall. HP recalls 135,000 laptop battery packs

Hewlett Packard Co. is recalling about 135,000 battery packs for some HP and Compaq laptop computers because of reports they overheated and melted, the Palo Alto, Calif., company announced Friday.

The lithium ion rechargeable battery packs are used with HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario, HP Compaq and Compaq Evo laptop computers.

The company has received 16 reports of the batteries' overheating; four cases occurred in the United States.

The recalled packs bear a barcode label starting with GC, IA, L0 or L1.
I'll be checking right away. Last thing I need is to have my laptop catch on fire... especially if I'm using it at the time... ouch!

BIG WIN

Game 2:
Astros 4, Cards 1
Series tied 1-1
Head back to H-town on Saturday for the Rocket's start!

Chris Burke continues to be "baby Babe" hitting a triple and a single and driving in a run. Wow. Oswalt was incredible. And Lidge was "lights out" as his nickname says.

This was a huge win. Last year the teams won their home games, the cards had home field advantage and that was that. This year, it's different. This is OUR year. Finally.

RIP VCR

Did you know...?

• Many manufacturers have halted production on VCRs forever!
• 2006 will be the last year for VHS movie releases.

Long live TIVO!

I have been planning a sidebar item on my blog that is going to be called "What I Tivo." Look for it in the next couple of weeks. We have been Tivo users for the past five years. We are on our second Tivo box now. I love it. Really comes in handy with a baby. I just press "pause" or RUN TO GET HIM and then come back and press "rewind." (the former usually happens most often)

Didn't realize though how they are phasing out the VCRs. Please leave me a comment if you use a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and let me know what you have thought of it. I have never heard of someone getting Tivo and taking it back and being dissatisfied. Usually once they try it, they never go back!