Orioles Magic

When I was younger there were few things I liked more than watching the Baltimore Orioles play baseball. I always wanted to be like Cal Ripken, Jr., my childhood hero. I worshipped this guy, and still do to some extent. When he retired I lost a lot of interest in the game. Especially since the Orioles haven't been able to put together a contender in years... and I mean YEARS. What's it been now? Eleven losing seasons in a row? It really makes it tough to stay interested.

Until now.

For some reason, I'm more interested in baseball this year than I have been in a while. Maybe it's because the Orioles front office is actually trying to build a team the right way instead of signing stop-gap, washed-up veteran re-treads (thanks for your contributions, Kevin Millar). The team is a lot younger now with a lot more potential. And for the first time in a long time there are a number of prospects in the O's farm system. I believe the Orioles have six prospects that are currently in the Top 100, including the No. 1 overall player, Matt Wieters.


It's definitely an exciting time to be an Orioles fan. It helps when they start the season 2-0 against the New York Yankees. A team that is becoming known for signing those same stop-gap type players only for 10x more the money. How's that $260 million for Sabathia and Teixeira now, Yanks fans? I know it's early, but this might be one of the few bright spots the Orioles might experience this season.

Oh yeah, I wanted to mention that I won a bet on Opening Day. My friend Matt, a dreaded Yankee fan, bet me that the Yanks would win on Opening Day. The loser would have to purchase some sort of shirt from the other team and wear it to work. So, since the Orioles won 10-5 on Monday, Matt will soon be wearing a Nick Markakis shirt to his place of business. Enjoy that day, Matt! Could have been worse for him I guess... could have been a Red Sox shirt.

Top Ten Favorite Cartoons (from my childhood)

I've been seeing a lot of things on Facebook regarding Top 5 lists. Things like, Top 5 movies I could watch over and over again, Top 5 books I've read, etc. etc. I saw one recently that was Top 5 cartoons that I grew up watching. But since this is the Monday Top 10 (that's right 10!) I'll have to expand that list a bit. So, here's the list for this week.

Here are the Top Ten Cartoons I Grew Up Watching:

10. Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears
9. Scooby Doo
8. The Flintstones
7. Looney Tunes
6. Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends
5. Smurfs
4. Thundercats
3. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
2. Transformers

And the number one cartoon I grew up watching -

*drumroll*

1. G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero

Be sure to check back next Monday for a new Top Ten.

Must Haves

A friend of mine sent me a link to one of the most ridiculous (and gross) products I have ever seen (the product was called Squeez Bacon - that's right a type of bacon paste in a bottle - but enough about that). While I was upset that he sent me something so disgusting, I would later thank him because it led me to one of the greatest products ever. A true "Must Have". Ladies and gentlemen I give you the one... the only... Tauntaun Sleeping Bag!


Can you believe something so cool exists? I mean, how could you not want one of these things? If you're questioning whether or not you need one, let me review a few of the features provided by the folks at ThinkGeek.com:
  • classic Star Wars sleeping bag simulates the warmth of a Tauntaun carcass
  • built-in embroidered Tauntaun head pillow
  • glowing lightsaber zipper pull
This has to go down as one of the greatest things ever. Not only because it's a Star Wars product, but because it let's you get up close and personal with one of the most important creatures in The Empire Strikes Back. Hell, without the Tauntaun to save Luke's ass from the bitter cold Star Wars wouldn't be half of what it is today! Think about it... the Tauntaun single-handedly saved the franchise. Who'd a thunk it!

So, if any of you dear readers are looking for a good birthday gift idea for me this year you know what to do. Now if I could just get my wife to dress up like Han Solo when she tucks me in at night... err... wait... nevermind.

The Tauntaun Sleeping Bag is available at ThinkGeek.com. Click here to get yours!