Shameless Plug: I'm in Giant Robot Issue 61

Giant Robot issue 61 is finally out at newsstands, and guess who is that playing Nintendo Wii. Yes, it is yours truly! That is like a photo taken at the last minute as a filler. I think it turned out well, don't you? Anyways, there is a lot of stuff featured this issue, including my first official published work: a 100 word review on the American release of Harajuku Dance Rock by An Cafe. Interestingly, the Oshare Kei group has since disbanded. Here is the little snippet:


The rest of the post is at my multipurpose blog: an Infinite Playlist

Happy Birthday Skipper!

Happy birthday to Tommy Lasorda, who had an incredibly busy day by doing a live chat as well as attending the ceremony of his painted likeness being inducted into the Smithsonian.

Quite a nice full birthday indeed!

A Special Day

Today's midweek noon time special was quite a special one for me. After attending the late night marathon the previous night, this day game was viewed through cloudy eyes for the first few innings from our seats in Mannywood. However, in the 3rd inning, a nice couple who couldn't stand the heat gave us their seats for the game. We gladly accepted and looked at them. They were awesome seats!

I guess we lucked out today. A women passed out on my way back from the restroom and it took forever to find a security guard. It is interesting that when you are doing something rowdy, they are always there to stop you, but when you need guest services, no where to be found. Anyways, I hope the woman is okay.

Anyways, today was a nice game. It was nice to see the Dodgers manage to sweep the Pirates and reinforce their home-team advantage lead over the Cardinals, who have finally hit a wall.

Manny would not play today, but it was just a good sign that the Dodgers still beat the Pirates with mostly their bench. I would really like to thank the couple who gave us their tickets.

I feel really burnt out, but I had an awesome day. And I forgot that I even got a bobblehead!

Dodger Bear is Sleeping Well Tonight

My Dodger Bear has been hanging around in my room ever since I won him from a claw machine at a Toys R Us on my dad's birthday. My dad is not a baseball fan so I kept Dodger Bear for myself.

Here he is sleeping with his new Dodgertown blanket from the game. What a long game! Unfortunately, I was so hungry, my friend and I decided to leave in the top of 13th to get food. When we got to his house, Ethier homered and we missed it! But we aren't sad, because the Dodgers won!

Dodger Bear wishes you good night Dodgers Nation.

Red Hot One Hundred

Red Hot One Hundred is not only Viewtiful Joe's special move, but could be used to describe Randy Wolf's amazing month where he has won 5 straight decisions and finally earning his 100th career win. He was amazing through 7 innings and has been the best starting pitcher on the Dodgers pitching staff both both sides of the ball. The hope now is that Wolf will be the Kuroda of this year and finish strong and dominate in the playoffs as well. Because the way Billingsley has been pitching and bad luck that Kershaw has been getting in the run-support department, I would promote Wolf to be the 1st or 2nd pitcher if the playoffs started today.

You have to ride the horse that is hot, especially during the playoffs. What Billingsley did in the beginning of the season doesn't matter if he doesn't rediscover it soon. If the playoffs started today, I would go with Wolf, Billingsley, Kershaw, and Garland (and Kuroda to round off the 5 in case the Dodgers make it to the NLCS). Right now, our top 2 of Billingsley and Kershaw is not better than the Cards (Wainwright, Carpenter), Phillies (Lee, Hamels), and Giants (Lincecum and Cain). Sure they have greater potential than the other combos, but that is because they haven't even come close to reaching their full potential. That is not good if you want to win now.


Of course, the problem with the team now that they are in a slump is the offense hasn't been producing run despite getting a lot of base hits. They still suffer from mad situational hitting and making unproductive outs with runners on base. Sacrifices are something this team cannot take for granted. I feel the Angels are much better at playing small ball despite being a power hitting team. Unfortunately, the Dodgers don't have someone like Chone Figgins, one of my favorite offensive players. Not only is he a pretty good contact hitter, Figs is also an excellent bunter with nice speed. Of course, the Dodgers don't have the luxury of squandering opportunities in the playoffs, especially if they face off against pitchers like Wainwright, Carpenter, Lee, Hamels, and probably Lincecum and Cain. Get hot soon, or go home.

Hello Mr Garland

Divert Attention and Worries

Going to the fourth game against the Diamondbacks, sitting in Mannywood once again. Look me up if anyone is in the area, I'm in 53FD Row B.

At a lost for words

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