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OT Thread - Faux's Ballpark Extravaganza '09 (Part Deux)

Tiny by Faux on Comment 992 comments



After visiting the Metrodome/Minneapolis and Miller Park/Milwaukee -

Metrodome - I've been there once and am going to miss it. The walk down to the seats is steep even on the lower level, and it's loud and echoey, but still one of the funner parks I've been in. Decent food, nothing special but good selection and quality. New park note - The area Target Field is in is windy as fuck. I would plan on not going to MIN for any trips until the nicest part of summer, or at least bring all your football gear. I put the o/u on snow-outs at 5 for the 2010 season.

Minneapolis - BUSES, TONS OF BUSES. I loved it. Low key, lots of hamster trails in the sky, nothing is outside (except see above). Good food, nice views, great city to walk around in. I heartily recommend the 8th St (Pub?), the Mac and Cheese was some of the best I've ever eaten, and I don't even like cheese.

Miller Park - Fuck you, Selig. I didn't think I could hate you any worse, but now I have to think of new, more painful ways to describe my hopes of your untimely death. 1. Milwaukee is a gem of a city, but you can't tell because the stadium is 10 miles out of the city center. 2. There is one bus that goes to the stadium, and it only runs every 20 mins on one small route that goes along one street. I had heard that you were putting it out so far to get the parking revenues, but for fuck's sake run more than one bus and one route. 3. The pleb's parking lot is about a mile and a half walk from the stadium, if you get there early. With no cover. Oh, and you walk into the ass end of the stadium. 4. Why the hell do the seats face the center fielder? Do you have some sort of agreement with the local chiropractor's association? There is no excuse, it is a baseball first stadium, fucking put the seats facing the correct direction.

On a lighter note, the stadium itself on the inside was nice, but not even in my top five. It had no notable food aside from every single stand having the same sausages and hot dogs. Oh, and for a state that prides itself on cheese, they use the same shitty cheese sauce in their nachos and fries as your local 7-11.

Milwaukee - Markets and festivals and little shops and cafes in corners. It's like a little slice of Toronto without the passport. I spent about 3 hours just walking the river and lake. If you can go there, do it. I'm going back next year if I can.

Here's my scorecard:

SEA OAK LAA TEX | MIN CHW DET CLE KC | TOR BOS NYY1 NYY2 BAL TB = 9/15

COL SF LAD ARI SD | MIL CHC PIT CIN STL HOU | NYM1 NYM2 PHI WAS ATL FLA = 6/17

Anyone else have any new stadiums they've visited? Any thoughts, good or bad?

As always, OT rules apply. Talk about whatever, minus the obvious.

0 recs  |  Comment 992 comments

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Read More: i dont remember how to do this anymore, obligatory sb tag, brianl thinks jeff is awesome and you should worship him, baseball roadtrip, whoever controls the pretzels controls the universe, obligatory sorry nola tag, fuck you selig, fuck the umps - bring on the robot commissioner

Comments

Display:

I want to put this out there that I loved the Rays stadium.

Most people tell me I’m insane but as a 13 year old the place was awesome. The seats were nice and it was a dome. Both of those were cool as a 7th grader.

That being said I’d probably hate it now.

by Kirkharbaugh on Aug 16, 2009 10:37 PM PDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Also for anyone who hasn't heard of Closure In Moscow

you should listen to it as soon as you can. Their self titled CD is pretty damn good.

by Kirkharbaugh on Aug 17, 2009 1:22 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Please no spoilers or in depth discussion

haven’t seen it yet and definitely intend to soon.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure. I just wanted to give it a thumbs up.

If enough people feel like discussing it with spoilers, we can do so in a FanPost.

by Decatur on Aug 17, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Go Now!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 17, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really want to but work seems to think I belong here right now

but since it’s supposed to be ONE HUNDRED GOD DAMNED DEGREES again on Wednesday I’ll probably go then.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good to hear. I'll try to get out to see it this week.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by all the reviews I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed Sunshine and Moon, and those were decidedly uneven, so I’m excited to a ‘real’ sci-fi flick that succeeds on all levels.

by sammy on Aug 17, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a spoiler but HOLY SHIT WETA IS GOOD AT THEIR JOB!

It really has gotten to the point where CGI looks so good that you don’t even really notice.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 17, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just finished Y the Last Man

and I doubt I am going to be able to focus on my work at all today. It was really good, but that ending was kind of a gut punch and I’m not sure I liked the last issue so much.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 9:18 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Totally agree.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Aug 17, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've only been to five of the current parks.

At the top of my to-see list are AT&T, Camden and PNC.

by Teej on Aug 17, 2009 9:29 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Those three will spoil you for ballparks forever

and I’d be hard-pressed to pick one favorite out of them, although I do tend to say PNC when people ask. They’re all beautiful.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

PNC got everything right

The park itself is small-scale, only two levels, and in addition to designing the park right, they used their site absolutely perfectly – the outfield is wide open so the park opens up to downtown Pittsburgh across the river, so from almost every seat you get not only a great view of the game but also of the river/city/hills behind it. And they close off the bridge closest to the park on game days so you can walk over the river from downtown right to the park.

Once in the park, it’s not overwhelmed with advertisements and hi-def boards that cover every inch of the park like a lot of modern parks; the game itself isn’t competing for your attention like it is in a lot of places.

It’s the rare park where they didn’t put a foot wrong.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I seem to remember there were Sounders involved

but I was 9 years old so I don’t remember the particulars.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

IT WAS

A KITTY

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate when people do that

My brain always (correctly) reads “it’s” as “it is” and so when people fuck it up my poor head gets so confused and my reading comes to a screeching halt.

by Graham on Aug 17, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been to Fenway

It’s the only non-M’s field I’ve been to. Seats & site-lines are bad, but the ambience and the way the fans get into it are pretty awesome.

Fuck the Angels! And the Yankees and Red Sox while we're at it.

by urchman on Aug 17, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CB Bucknor had a bad game the other day

but it’s not just baseball umps that have this problem. I give you the goal-not-goal stylings of Rob Shoebridge.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 10:34 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

oh pwecious diddums got sent off

“Pete’s one of my best friends”. Whatever. I wonder if Pete knows that?

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Refereeing was hilarious on Saturday

I love how King Chav gets sent off for a high studs challenge, another Galaxy player gets a red card for slapping Riley in the head, and Tyrone Marshall gets two yellows for a total of one foul.

by Graham on Aug 17, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I loved Camden.

I’d love to go back to someday.

by royalcurve on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You can't beat the one dollar hot dogs at Oakland Coliseum.

You have to be good at dodging bullets to get there, though.

by Manzanillos Cup on Aug 17, 2009 11:35 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Me too, probably.

Having attended dozens of A’s games (I lived in Oakland) I just think the “Oakland is scary” angle is not entirely true. Sure, some parts of Oakland aren’t super savory, but some parts are as nice as Seattle. And I found getting to the ball park easy. BART and a short walk!

by royalcurve on Aug 17, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you could change one rule about baseball, what would it be?

I’m expecting a bunch of “robot umps” responses, and that’s always a good discussion. But I’m curious about more arcane rules, too.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 12:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Robot umps are just a hot topic because of the level of technology. (my opinion of course)

If it happens it won’t be the first time technology has changed the game, and probably not the most either. Lights, night games.

by Kermit. on Aug 17, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could this really be accomplished?

Wouldn’t there be an easy way to make a loophole to this and give the players compensation in some other way?

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would make one rule change and enforce another

I would require a pitcher, when wanting to issue an intentional walk, to signal the umpire, and then the batter would get to go straight to first and doesn’t have to stand there through four intentionally wide pitches.

I would also enforce the rule about batters staying within the confines of the batters box – any batter that scuffs the back of the box with his foot in an attempt to obfuscate where he should be standing starts with an 0-1 count.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually I like making them throw wide

When they fuck it up it’s hilarious

by Graham on Aug 17, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If it were a regular occurrence I would absolutely agree.

But it doesn’t happen nearly often enough to outweigh the time it takes to do it.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If the pitcher goes to his mouth, that's a ball, right?

Or is it a balk if a guy is on base?

I always wondered if the pitcher could just touch his lip four times to intentionally walk a guy.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was just thinking of posting this, I'm pretty sure it's a ball when they are on the mound

Unless permission has been given for the pitchers to put their hands to their mouths. It’s worded kind of funny like that too, “go to the mouth” or something like that.

by Kermit. on Aug 17, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only when the pitcher's on the rubber I think

but why couldn’t the pitcher just say “HEY UMP I WANT TO WALK THIS GUY” rather than touching his lip four times?

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet if pitchers just started twiddling their fingers on their lips to walk a guy

and make a mockery of it, a rule change allowing to call out a walk would follow shortly thereafter.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know how you could enforce that.

A pitcher could just walk the guy on four pitches, and asking umpires to determine whether a walk was intentional or doesn’t seem workable.

IBBs annoy me, too, but I don’t what the alternative is.

by Teej on Aug 17, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough.

I don’t know how many batters would refuse a walk, though.

by Teej on Aug 17, 2009 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It should be against the rules for the same reason the infield fly rule exists.

Isn’t dropping a pop-up and throwing out 2 batters a completely reasonable strategy? I mean, a pop-up is pretty much the worst contact you can make, why should there be a ban on double-plays with it?

It’s against the rules because you don’t want players doing intentionally silly things for a competitive advantage. In the case of the intentional walk, it also makes the game far less interesting for fans.

Pujols has already been IBB’d 36 times this year. Are you saying it’s good for baseball and good for baseball fans to miss those potential ABs?

by lailaihei on Aug 18, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

Maybe their attention spans would go up

by Graham on Aug 18, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If players could decline walks you would potentially have endless standoffs

of pitchers throwing unhittable pitches and batters refusing to take first

by Poochie on Aug 18, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

An intentional walk takes five to ten seconds.

The sort of situation you are describing would drag on forever and probably lead to more offensive output and thus longer games.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would.

Hell even in slow pitch a guy had 3 balls on him and stood there like he wasn’t going to swing so I threw it off the backstop.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 19, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Basically

If a pitcher wants to walk someone he will walk someone.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 19, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of my chest and into right field.

God I hate those.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 19, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahh!

One I guy I played with had that happen to him on a double play turn running to 2b.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 19, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is that Nathan Fillion?

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Aug 19, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think JoePoz' suggestion was that a batter can refuse any four-pitch walk

and if he walks the second time, he gets a double walk – two four pitch walks in a row, and then a walk is a triple walk, etc.

by seattlebruin on Aug 17, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Limited number of pitching changes per inning (or minimum amount of batters faced, if you'd prefer.)

I’d also like it if bench players could be used more than once per game.

by acblue on Aug 17, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What, like a designated pinch hitter / pinch runner?

Not sure that really works. I mean you already kinda have that in the DH. You’re basically creating a second DH at that point.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

There would have to be restrictions to their use.

Like maybe they get pinch hit once, pinch run once and be used as a defensive replacement once per game.

by acblue on Aug 17, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry, no better way to say it

But I think that’s just kind of silly. If you want more options for in-game tactics, a way to do that that wouldn’t upend roster rules would just be to expand the rosters to something like 27.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like the limited pitcher changes per inning,

but it would probably have to include a limited pinch-hitter per inning rule as well. Otherwise the team at bat would have an unfair advantage.

by Jed MC on Aug 17, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

New Stadium rules:

1) New stadiums in cold-weather locales need a roof, retractable if you please.

2) No faux-quirks that affect play (hills/flagpoles in CF).

by waldo rojas on Aug 17, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also, please build your outfield so homeruns go over the wall.

No more yellow lines painted halfway up some giant wall.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The bottom foot or so of the outfield corners are still unpadded at Angel Stadium

even though two players have messed up their knees pretty badly sliding into the walls there.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 17, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Batters must keep one foot inside the batter's box between every pitch

I don’t imagine it would eliminate annoying between-pitch routines—epitomized by Nomar—entirely, but if it would possibly dissuade batters from going through them on each pitch, it could save time. (Exceptions for injuries, of course)

Obviously Nomar is an extreme example and many batters don’t have a routine between every pitch, but if it managed to just save a fraction of a second between every pitch, it could speed the game up. That and enforcing the 20-second rule for pitchers.

by pmc47 on Aug 17, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has anybody here had any experience with the G1/Android?

Do you recommend it? If so what are your must have apps?

by Robert on Aug 17, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Care to be a little more substantial than "they suck"?

I’ve been curious about the G1 for a while now.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was just giving Robert a hard time.

He and I have this discussion almost daily. From what I have heard they are nice phones and are not as bad I would like to believe.

by Kirkharbaugh on Aug 17, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh.

This is the iPhone at its best.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Aug 17, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm less than sold on T-mobile in the states

But I really need a GSM phone and Android seems to be the most solid of the mobile OS. The app store is what sold me on it but I would wait for the G2 because there are few things in the hardware that will eventually cause problems down the line.

by Robert on Aug 17, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do they still sell the G1?

I know they’re selling the second-generation version called MyTouch, and it doesn’t have the physical keyboard, which is a bit of a bummer.

by Teej on Aug 17, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They're still listed on the T-Mobile web site, yeah

they’re $150. And they come in three colors!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

SLOOOOOOW!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 17, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I will agree with this.

But it just needs more time to develop the OS software. The hardware is fine.

by d0nkey on Aug 18, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you can live without a physical keyboard,

Then go with the MyTouch 3g instead. The G1 is Edge speed only, and will run slooooow on T Mobile’s network. I would highly recommend the HTC Hero, but nobody here is carrying it yet. The Hero is sex in handheld form

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Aug 17, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am addicted to a physical keyboard so no mytouch for me

G1 is 3g though and xda-developers has a hero build for the G1

by Robert on Aug 17, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's right, the G1 is 3g

My bad. That said, I’ve heard the phone is a bit underpowered. However, Android is pretty awesome, and has a ton of additional potential. And yes, xda-developers is an incredible site

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Aug 17, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed on xda.

I don’t have 3G but even edge network speeds are okay for me.

by d0nkey on Aug 18, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I highly recommend the G1.

iPhone is better if you want useless applications to show off to random people that don’t really care. And T-mobile is not that bad of a company, and the service is pretty good, even though I’m not in a 3G area.

But, it really comes down to: QWERTY Keyboard or no?

I hate typing without a keyboard.

by d0nkey on Aug 18, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would be in a 3G area if

fuckhole T-mobile rep didn’t say “Oh yeah 3G will be coming soon” when I shelled out $400

by d0nkey on Aug 18, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The phone also gives you root access to your device.

That was the selling point for me. I’m a linux guy, so this device is all sorts of fun

by d0nkey on Aug 18, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A Linux softball player

I never thought I would see the day.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 18, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know there's one or two LLers here who brew their own beer

I’d like to give it a try when I finish moving into my new apartment, but I don’t really know how to get started. Anyone have any advice for a rookie?

by Tube on Aug 17, 2009 2:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Clear an entire afternoon.

And get a simple recipe.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 17, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And make sure that you have sufficient space to brew in

“on your kitchen table” might not be enough room.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So then what is enough space?

I’ve got a ~8×8 alcove I was thinking of using; do you think that’ll be enough?

by Tube on Aug 17, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That should be, yeah

I tried to make beer on a kitchen table in a studio apartment once and it didn’t go well. But your space is probably big enough. Be sure to post the results!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have a friend who used to brew in a small condo kitchen with success

the alcove sounds good— she had the carboy around the corner in the living room

by msb on Aug 17, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you have brew supply place nearby?

We have one in bham and the guy was super helpful. And the recipe had step by step instructions. So as long as you have a kit I say just go for it.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 17, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is really important

There’s one in Tacoma/Parkland that’s been incredibly helpful (for winemaking too), and they loooove helping newbies through this.

by marc w on Aug 17, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bob's Homebrew Supply, by the Duchess on 55th just north of the University Village

I popped in there a couple years ago and they were pretty friendly but I can’t vouch for how good the advice was, as I haven’t tried it yet. Do you have the name or approximate location of the place in Bellingham, and Tac/Parkland? I’m thinking about getting into this as well, if a place comes recommended it helps.

by Kermit. on Aug 17, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I went there when I lived in seattle, but I wasn't eager to attempt anything in a tiny rented apartment.

The place in Tacoma is called The Beer Essentials (link), and it’s just off the 512 freeway in Spanaway/Lakewood – the address is 2624 112th St. #E-1, Lakewood, WA. 98499.

by marc w on Aug 17, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nearest brew supply store looks like it's an hour or so away

There’s a local brewpub, but I’d think it’s a little weird to go in there asking for secrets.

by Tube on Aug 17, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ya unless there dicks. They should help

Its not like you’re asking for their recipes. You just want some help with the step by step procedure.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 18, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Make sure you talk to someone who loves their job.

People who love their work will almost always talk about what they do and how they do it.

by Sec 108 on Aug 18, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I visited Oriole Park at Camden Yards this weekend

I can say that it was without a doubt the oddest experience I’ve ever had at a ballpark.

The ballpark itself was clean and provided relatively good sightlines. I sat in the centerfield seats. Unfortunately the seats there do not have cup holders. I don’t know if other seats around the park do, but it was pretty annoying. I also couldn’t see the right field corner. Brian Roberts hit a ball on Friday that I thought might get out, but it was apparently nowhere close. Either way, I couldn’t see it. Additionally, the PA/music/speaker system sucks. It’s almost impossible to hear anything.

The weird parts about my visit:

1. Felix Pie drills a homerun to the section to my left. Ball drills a woman in her chest. Woman and her husband try to find the ball on the ground. Man two rows in front of them (wearing a Raul Ibanez jersey t-shirt) grabs the ball and is quite pleased with himself. Lady then runs over to the man and attempts to get the ball. Lady starts yelling at the man. About 75% of people start chanting for the man to hand over the ball back to the lady. Man keeps ball. I smile inside. Lady gets escorted away for being belligerent. Lady returns three innings later and waits about an inning before going after the man again. This entire time, her husband is just chilling there, watching the game.

2. Nobody in my section gave a damn about the game. There was more hooting and hollering from row to row, even people attempting to talk to folks located 5 or 10 rows away. This became very, very distracting.

3. The number of lesbians located in my section was, well, surprising. Also, why is it that they all rock the mullet?

4. A lot of folks in Baltimore have gaps between their two front teeth.

5. Getting a scalped ticket for a game that was nowhere near sold out was way harder than I thought it would be.

6. You can head down the stairs into a section anytime you want — no waiting for a batter to finish an at bat to be courteous to other fans.

7. You can stand in the aisles during at bats, for probably the entire game, because the ushers don’t give a damn.

I go to law school. Therefore, I have no life.

by andrewgolfsalot on Aug 17, 2009 3:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The ballpark itself was great.

I loved how open it felt with there being no actual exterior “wall” in the outfield. It’s very similar to Nationals Ballpark in that sense.

The weirdness was mostly due to the nature of the fans there and the atmosphere at the game. Just didn’t feel “normal.”

I go to law school. Therefore, I have no life.

by andrewgolfsalot on Aug 17, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

For those who like Felicia Day

(from Buffy, or Dr. Horrible, or The Guild) here’s a new video -

Date My Avatar

You’re welcome.

by royalcurve on Aug 17, 2009 3:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

Felicia Day is smokin’ in that video.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Aug 17, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Less than 2 hours remaining till the draft pick signing deadline.

FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS!

by Goose on Aug 17, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

T-Minus 60 minutes

FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS!

by Goose on Aug 17, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Larry Stone:
Update 8:32: And down the stretch they come!!!!! No update, I just always wanted to do that. Twenty-six minutes to go…if the Mariners are holding the announcement of a done deal at the behest of MLB, they’ve successfully managed to build up the suspense. But I think it’s legitimately going down to the wire.

by Decatur on Aug 17, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does anybody here watch Entourage?

I still like to watch it, but this season is really failing the first 5 seasons. Way too much about relationships, and way too little about the business.

by Kenny Knows Sports on Aug 17, 2009 8:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Isn't that how every good TV series ends?

I go to law school. Therefore, I have no life.

by andrewgolfsalot on Aug 17, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't give it up because of Jeremy Piven

but it’s really only good these days when he’s in it. It realized a while back that “hey look at Vince and his buddies get laid every week” wasn’t a viable way to long term success, but their writers are HORRIBLE at everything but Piven’s character.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's a total cock but that's why he works in Entourage

because his character is a complete and utter cock and he absolutely nails it.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 17, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Love him on that show

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Aug 17, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i was an extra on a TV show a few weeks ago and talked to a lady that was an extra on Entourage.

She was in the episode where Ari walks in on the “females in business” luncheon with Beverly D’Angelo and Ari just goes off on all women. She said it was just him improv’ing the entire time. Pretty awesome.

by Kenny Knows Sports on Aug 17, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Example - I was an agent for actors for six years...

I went to a party where Piven (amongst other celebs) made an entrance. I walked by him, and he said, “hey, take my coat..” I said, “I’m not the help.” He said, Well you’re not good looking enough to be an asshole, so take my coat." I took his coat outside and put it on the balcony. I should have put it over a sprinkler.

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 17, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And his coat got stolen later, by someone I didn't know. So fitting.

While his coat got stolen, we were both in the same drinking game… Every time John Madden says something remotely sexual, take a drink (I’m proud to have brought this to the party). “And there he goes — that guy knows how to shove it right up the crease.” “Talk about a tight receiver!!”

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 17, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And... Madden...

“What… what you have to know about Brett Favre (who wasn’t even in the game), that guy…. That guy can play some… what are we… That guy… Brett Favre can take it up the hole if he needs to. he’ll take it right up the hole.”
“You know, the thing about LT is that he can bruise you right in the middle [DRINK]. That guy knows what he’s doing when he’s right up in your middle area.” [DRINK]

“I was surprised Alexander didn’t push up through the rear of his blocker. If he would have pushed through the rear of his blocker, he would have been good to go [DRINK].”

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 17, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that this shows that football is really just a euphemism for gay sex.

Because every announcer does this, Madden just doesn’t have a filter.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Aug 18, 2009 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup.

The show has been getting a little worse every year, but it’s still good enough to be worth watching every week.

by Teej on Aug 17, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to get into it... but I like to complete things.

With shows that decline, that’s a problem. I guess I could watch just the first few seasons and pretend it ends or something.

by lailaihei on Aug 18, 2009 4:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely.

Entourage isn’t really the kind of show where the plot keeps you hanging. The seasons are pretty self-contained.

by Teej on Aug 18, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then don't start watching Deadwood on DVD...

It’s the best show ever that never had a true ending.

by Kenny Knows Sports on Aug 18, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

GAHHHHHHH Don't get me started.

So much worse than what Twin Peaks ever did. By the end Twin Peaks was just all over the map, but Carnivale you could see it gathering steam in a particular direction.

by Kermit. on Aug 18, 2009 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The whole story was written for six seasons, and they killed it at two.

The creator has said that the story will get told one way or another (movie? miniseries? book?), but that was years ago. Hopefully something happens, but I’m not holding my breath. Sucks.

by Teej on Aug 18, 2009 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone told me a similar story, I heard graphic novel series.

I haven’t bought into one of those since Sandman or the Wolverine issues of the late ‘80s/early ’90’s. Definitely would buy it though.

by Kermit. on Aug 18, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As would I.

Get it done, guys! Between Kermit and me, that’s probably at least 15 people who would buy it!

by Teej on Aug 18, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The music for the show was pretty good, really helped set the mood

Can’t think of his name but he’s been all over a string of HBO shows. Rome, maybe Deadwood as well.

by Kermit. on Aug 18, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Ari is the only reason to watch anymore.

"hey look at Vince and his buddies get laid every week" is exactly right. Vince is the most one-dimensional character in TV. Do SOMETHING besides having sex with a different random every episode.

by Kenny Knows Sports on Aug 17, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I couldn't get into it.

Everybody on that show is a douchebag, and I don’t like watching douchebags being douchy.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Aug 19, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How old are you?

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 19, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Under 30.

I just don’t care for traditional smelling pit sticks. And damn that axe touch smells delicious

by d0nkey on Aug 19, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My questions would be this:

How much do you use when applying the Axe?
How many body parts receive a daily treatment of the Axe?
What led you to use Axe over say soap and water?

by Sec 108 on Aug 19, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me and a buddy are going to California at the end of the month.

We’re going to San Francisco and Oakland for a weekend of baseball. Any suggestions for those two stadiums?

The Yankees suck-a-doodle-doo!

by JamMasterJesus on Aug 18, 2009 3:41 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Stay away from the Pier in SF.

Honestly, I blew through that area in a whirlwind of parks (SF OAK LAA LAD in 6 days), so I didn’t get to do more than a day in SF, and I just wandered around downtown aimlessly and did the Alcatraz tour (which I found pretty fun).

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Aug 18, 2009 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whatever else you do, you must go to Genova Sandwich in Oakland. On Telegraph.

Unless you hate perfect sandwiches. As for the ball parks themselves, nah no advice.

by royalcurve on Aug 18, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rec'd for being the least informative,

yet still my favorite.

The Yankees suck-a-doodle-doo!

by JamMasterJesus on Aug 18, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

AT&T is gorgeous

if you sit on the third base side, you can see the entire bay from the upper deck.

Also, take the escalators. It’s like 14 ramps to get from the bottom of the stadium to the top otherwise.

by seattlebruin on Aug 18, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My god, the new Kings of Leon album is fucking amazing.

As a music snob, I’m really impressed with their development into an incredible band. Anyone agree?

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 18, 2009 3:57 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It is pretty amazing.

One of those albums you can listen to all the way through.

by Mariner John on Aug 18, 2009 3:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's unbelievable.

Very few albums get the “Masterpiece” mark from me, especially Top 40, but holy crap.

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 18, 2009 4:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I liked it, from the 4 or 5 songs they play on XM. I was thinking about getting it.

As with everything else, I had no idea they were on the regular radio, because I only ever listen to XM, and never even the popular stations. Good for them.

One band I have heard everywhere I try not to listen to the music in is Green Day. Holy shit have they gotten bad.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Aug 18, 2009 7:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I spent a lot of time in the car this weekend and without fail forgot to bring any CDs.

The radio is awful. Just awful. Especially on the weekends when NPR goes all Prairie Home Companion-y. I just pretty much left it on 92.5 and turned it down every third song or so.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only MGMT song I know is "Electric Feel"

which I kind of like because it jumps between a 4/4 feel and a 5/4 feel. Well, not really like. I commend them for trying something creative.

by BrianL on Aug 18, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is that the name of it?

It seems like it could be. It keeps saying electric. And then I get angry and push buttons.

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 18, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is this a joke?

I found their new album just an embarrasment. Cliched, trite, just…. bad.
I thought ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak’ had some good songs on it, and I remember telling friends to pick it up. Then their follow-up to that sucked, and now this… well, they’re getting paid, and that’s cool for them. But I would pay money to never hear anything on that execrable album again.

by marc w on Aug 18, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow... uh, that may have been too strong.

I do not enjoy the songs on that album, but I’m glad it has brought joy to millions of people, and that it has brought the band considerable remuneration.

by marc w on Aug 18, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, I really feel that a band that started out sounding cliche,

like Aha Shake heartbreak (which was recorded like a lame Strokes album) came out as one of the stronger “radio worthy” bands out there. I wouldn’t hate radio if more bands were as good as Kings of Leon.

In other news, I’ve recently realized that U2 is more than fucking awesome. Apparently I’m getting too old, or I’m tired of being snobbish.

Illegible

by kevin_ess on Aug 18, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuck! Seriously

Go die in a fire Brett Farve.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 18, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahahahahahahahahaha

Boy if Farve just wants to play but doesn’t want to go to training camp he should just say so.

by BrianL on Aug 18, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haven't played it.

Well, I tried to play Madden 10 but it keeps glitching and freezing so I haven’t gotten far.

by BrianL on Aug 18, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't care for his flip-flopping about whether or not to retire.

And I absolutely hate the media circus that constantly surrounds him.

by katal on Aug 18, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is the worst news I've ever recieved.

Brett Farve, go away.

The Yankees suck-a-doodle-doo!

by JamMasterJesus on Aug 18, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

From the bio of some random dude that just started following me on Twitter:
Bio Professional Internet Business Marketing Consultant & Success Couch.

I want a success couch.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 8:59 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

They are pretty pricey.

But you’ll be able to pay it off in no time thanks to all the success you’ll be having.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is fairly common in the networking circles.

Seems similar to the whole preacher/therapist thing. They try to teach everyone else how to live well so they can avoid having a real job.

by Sec 108 on Aug 18, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was that guy Metallica hired in 'Some Kind of Monster' a "life coach"

Because that’s what I imagine all life coaches are like.
That guy was hilarious. That movie was hilarious.

by marc w on Aug 18, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Kirk comes off really well in that movie.

And most people surrounding the band sense disaster while the ‘life coach’ stumbles along amiably, collecting ridiculous checks.

by marc w on Aug 18, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

When we watched the movie

all my wife could say about the life coach is “he makes like 800 bucks an hour and he dresses like THAT? I wouldn’t take life advice from that guy!”

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 18, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are there any decent places in Spokane to stop for lunch?

Specifically somewhere cheap-ish and not too far from the highway?

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 9:23 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Zips!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 18, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have one full day to kill in Dayton, Ohio next Wednesday

I have access to a car and will be spending ~half the day at the United States Air Force Museum. Suggestions on how to kill the rest of the day?

by seattlebruin on Aug 18, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

Dayton is awful, except for the museum which is amazing.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also, fun fact!

When my uncle was stationed at Wright-Patterson my cousin came down with a form of E. Coli that none of his doctors had ever encountered or even heard of before. My aunt worked on post as well and apparently would occasionally hear alarms coming from somewhere below her, but she worked on the first floor and was not aware of any way to get underground. Her building was generally evacuated for no apparent reason shortly following these alarms. Their entire town was occasionally given water boiling notices with no explanation and everyone in said town had to install water filtration systems in their showers because otherwise the water would leave you with an oily sheen after bathing.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

San Diego!

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OMG OMG OMG

From Cotixan – Two California Burritos and Carne Asada Fries

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can see through you, burritos!

I can see your tasty naughty parts on the inside!

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

Worth it.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was trying to not wreck sb's life.

He has to go to Dayton, for goodness sake.

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 18, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not that I have been there ... but recommended by others

Rancho Bravo next to the Winchells on 45th, El Camion in the Home Depot parking lot in North Seattle off Aurora Ave LA Pasadita ( N. Northgate Way between Corliss and Meridian), Tacos El Asadero (the taco bus located on South Othello Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Way South)

by msb on Aug 18, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See? This is my problem.

I seem to never be happy unless I go back home to Arizona. I do have high hopes for San Diego though!

by royalcurve on Aug 18, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's funny.

It’s not like I have high expectations, my taste buds just don’t like what they’re tasting at the local taco trucks. They want to though!

by royalcurve on Aug 18, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A friend who quested her way through every Mexican joint in the area

decided Taqueria La Estacion down in Burien was the most authentic & best she’d had, as a former San Diegoianian

by msb on Aug 18, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holy Hell

This is like 5 minutes from where I park for work.

Taqueria La Estacion

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Aug 18, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As I understand it, for decades the Mexican food in this area was primarily cooked by folks who'd come from Jalisco

and that it’s taken a long time for other regions to work their way in. Am I right in that AZ mexican food tends to be influenced by its neighbors in Sonora and Chihuahua?

by msb on Aug 18, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

Border food is much more apt to have certain types of peppers, such as adobo. Jalisco has much more seafood.

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 18, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah. At least in southern Arizona

I can’t speak for the other regions. Very heavy on the Sonoran style. And no tomato sauce, just red chile.

by royalcurve on Aug 18, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've never been there since the Mexican food within walking distance of my house is amazing

but I may go check that out. Taqueria el Rodeo in Burien has the best Chile Relleno in town but the rest of the menu is blah.

by Sec 108 on Aug 18, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can get perfectly tasty Mexican/Latin American food here.

Most of it isn’t especially authentic, but it’s still tasty. The taco trucks are by-and-0large just plain bad, which is puzzling.

by acblue on Aug 18, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs