The Earth is Off Its Axis

It Don't Mean a Thing,
If You Ain't Got that Ring!

As I've mentioned in the past, when you're a Yankee fan, the expectation is not to get eliminated in the first round of the American League Championship Series. That's right, Yankee fans want nothing less than that championship ring!


Needless to say, I am disappointed but even Yankee fans have to move on. One of the few things that have taken my mind off the loss has been the meltdown in Boston. Like the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox are a terrific organization and if you're a true Yankee fan, you love seeing these two teams at their best and just going at each other, full swing. As a matter of fact, Yankee fans almost always expect to meet the Red Sox some time during the post season and there was no way any of us could have anticipated a Red Sox meltdown, at the end of the season. We do expect the Yanks to beat them down on the field but not a complete implosive meltdown! Well, for the past few weeks, Yankee fans have been scratching their heads in disbelief with what's going on in Red Sox nation. 

Pappi Yankee?
It Gets Even Crazier!

First, we learn that one of the best managers in baseball and the only man with enough "street cred" to bring Boston two championships in recent history is essentially being held accountable for the season flameout and is leaving. Soon after, we learn that Theo Epstein the wonder boy - G.M. also instrumental in assembling a viable Bosox teams worthy of bringing a nod of respect from Yankee fans, is leaving to become the Chicago Cubs G.M.! We then learn Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and John Lackey were drinking beer, eating fried chicken and playing video games in the clubhouse during games at the stadium. As soon as I climbed back on my chair, I then discovered that Mr. Red Sox himself, David Ortiz does not want to be with the Red Sox next year, then adds he would even consider playing for the Yankees! Wait, wait, it gets even crazier!  Bosox owner, John Henry does't like what he hears about the team's treatment of Terry Francona (The now former Red Sox manager) on a radio talk show and decides to pop in, just to clear the air. While he does deny being instrumental in a smear campaign involving Francona, he does acknowledge having been against the deal to sign outfielder, Carl Crawford. At this point, I have no idea who would want to manage the Red Sox next year but my understanding is that Moammar Gadhafi might be the man for the job! I also suggest they all take a time out, break bread and let the light shine on them at Mama Sushi! 

The Next Red Sox
Nation Manager?

My daughter Candice, is vehemently opposed to what I'm about to say but even though the Yankees are not in the playoffs, every single game has been exciting to watch.  This time around, I'm been cheering for the team with the lowest payroll to win!


Another item that has kept my mind off the Yankee loss has been what's going on at Zucotti Park. Essentially, the prevailing sentiment of these protests are that the common man is really pissed off at Wall Street execs. Naturally, these feelings of discontent have to do with the downward spiral of the economy, the rise of unemployment, top CEOs getting richer, inept CEOs getting richer and finally, the middle class coming face to face with the "new normal" The New York Times also puts a face on two opposing members of this battle, in The Soft Drink Summit.  Photo Booth Slide Show Portraits, from the New Yorker also provides us with a look at who the protesters are. Many people I speak to are unable to see what the expected outcomes are for the protesters, while the rest of us acknowledge that this form of action is absolutely necessary and vital. When we view events like these, we need to remember that no one major event in history can be attributed to a singular action. For example, the collapse of the Berlin wall did not occur because people on both sides of the wall decided one day to start knocking it down. No, that event was a culmination and series of situations that took years to develop itself into a movement and ultimately, led to the demise of the wall. With regards to the protesters, I believe this too is just a small part in the machine that will bring about larger change.  


Finally, we bid farewell to one of the most influential people of our time, Steve Jobs. As someone who has owned and raised his children on macs, ipods and itunes (They've also raised me!), all of us have been deeply affected by his loss and the impact he has made on our lives.