DAILY DOSE: "We Can Both Remove Our Halos"

So I’m going to the ballgame after work tonight, which means that I brought a bookbag with a change of clothes/shoes/ballcaps in it. Walking to the bus stop with the backpack slung over my shoulders, I began to wonder, “Why was it only ‘cool’ to wear your backpack with one shoulder strap in high school, but then only ‘cool’ to wear your backpack with both shoulder straps in college?” Does anyone else remember having to go through that adjustment period freshman year, or am I just crazy?

Anyway, I suppose I should make some sort of comment about the NFL Draft. I’ll be honest, I didn’t pay really any attention to any pre-draft hype, or really the draft itself this year (and with ZERO Penn State players being taken for the first time since 1953, I’m sure you can understand why), so I’m not that qualified to make any remarks. My gut tells me that the Steelers picking a Todd Heap-like Tight End is a good thing, because it gives Ben someone big and athletic to throw to underneath. So long as Joey Porter doesn’t take any cheap shots at Heath during training camp, we should be gravy. Also, bonus points for anyone named “Heath.” What a great name.

I’m going to go on the record as saying that I really like the way the receiving corps is shaping up. I think we’ll have a nice assortment of tough, quick, ball-catchers that are going to compliment the running game well. We’ve basically got two Randle El’s now, My Boy Hines, and (hopefully) Zamir Cobb, the badass kid from Temple who caught everything thrown at him in preseason last year, before being injured. Also, when the tall WR we just drafted from UGA (Hines’s alma mater) fills out his frame with a little cream n’ clear, he’ll be the heir apparent to Plexiglass.

Throw in a “Bill Cowher-type corner” from a REAL SCHOOL, and I get a good vibe from the draft.

One final draft thought—did anyone else notice that New England is so good that they drafted a PUNTER in like, the 3d or 4^th round? Crazy.

Now, for something that angered me. I’m watching the Pirates game last night, and for those of you that don’t know (and this is the second time I’ve referenced it in as many posts) the Real Oliver Perez please stood up last night, and shut down the Astros for 7 2/3 on route to a 2-0 win for the Bucs. I think he struck out 9 (maybe 10). The kids downright electric and he threw a no-hitter through 5 2/3.

So what do I have to be angry about? Well, I’m specifically blaming Fox Sports Pittsburgh for ruining the no-hitter. EVERYONE knows that during a no-no, you do ANYTHING but mention it. ANYTHING. I even called Kup to clue him in on it, but did everything short of saying “he’s throwing a no-hitter” (in fact, those are four words that should never be spoken by anyone). Kup got the hints, bless his heart, and we went on our merry way. Now, with two out in the sixth, and JEFF BAGWELL (mind you, not the pitcher or anything) coming to bat, the asshole director of Fox’s telecast had an asshole camera man ZOOM IN on the scoreboard, to the point where there was only the “H” and the “O” on screen. Sure, it made for a cool visual—but it’s the KIND OF VISUAL YOU SAVE UNTIL THE END OF THE GAME. No doubt, as I sat there talking to Kup, I screamed at the TV, told Kup what had happened, and we instantly agreed the no-hitter was the proverbial Dead Man Walking. Sure enough, after working the count to 3-2 by fouling off a couple of dirty sliders, Bagwell sat on a curveball, and beautifully laced it through the hole between 1^st and 2d. No more no-no.

I don’t believe in fate. I don’t even really believe in luck. But I’m mad-superstitious, and I do believe that one shouldn’t frak with the Fates. Fox did, and they cost Ollie a no-hitter. Now they owe him an apology.

Your Link of the Day is a little claymation movie I found mildly entertaining. In actuality, it’s pretty lame. I’m just interested to see how many of you out there know 1) WHO ‘Ash’ is, and 2) WHY he’s awesome.

Song of the Day is a tough one. There’s really nothing on my mind, so howzabout y’inz chime in with some good music choices. I’m in need of new stuff. (anyone who tells me to listen to the new Rob Thomas song or the Burger King commercial with Darius Rucker gets banned FOREVER. YOU HEAR ME!!!)

In the meantime, hollatchaboy,

-apk

*Radio Edit: Song of the Day is "The Woman in You" by Ben Harper, recommended and brought to you by Lauren, who also recommends his cover of "Strawberry Fields." Thanks for playing, Lauren, you're Official Kingdom No-Prize is in the mail!