Saturday Review: There’s more to a baseball game than just baseball

OK, let’s get the formalities out of the way:  St. Paul climbs out of early hole to beat Grand Prairie in 11.

The good news is that the Grand Prairie AirHogs are in first place in their division. They had just come back from a road trip and a 9 game winning streak. That’s the baseball side of things. The entertainment side of the game is equally as important.

Watching great baseball is fun. But let’s face it, we fans like to eat at ball games right? We also want to have fun at ball games as well. I’m just saying, for the money, I don’t know how to beat a fun night at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie.

AirHog player Greg Porter's wife Morgan, and their baby Dash, along with Ace Bacon and me

What lots of folks don’t realize is this is a business, like everything else. There are players out there that are real people, with real families, along with real dreams and desires, just like you and me. I get the feeling sometimes that because baseball is a game, that we fans don’t stop to consider that this isn’t a serious proposition for these players. If they (the players) don’t produce, they could be sent elsewhere. That’s not a knock on the AirHogs, that’s sports in general. I go to many ballgames in a season, and I see how much the players give of themselves.

And you know who else gives a lot of themselves at ball games? The staff and contractors at ball games. Watch this.

You see this young lady here in the video?

She’s an intern for the AirHogs. That means she doesn’t get paid directly from the organization. She is working on her Master’s degree from a local college, and gets educational credit for her volunteer work.

There are so many people involved to put this grand show on night after night. You might think this would take lots of money to go see a game right? Look at this.

Sooooooo much for sooooo little.

So let’s recap here.

1. A quality baseball team that is in first place in their division.

2. A beautiful ball park that is in the shade when game time rolls around. Did I mention there is a swimming pool in center field? (It’s called Porter’s Pool because Greg Porter was the first player to hit a home run in the pool).

3. Just about any kind of food and drink you need. Yes, a beer and a dog is standard here. Peanuts and cotton candy too.

4. Great entertainment between innings.

5. A beautiful Field of Dreams to watch the great game.

6. Make memories.

Yes, there is a lot more to a baseball game than just baseball. There are tons of things else.

Do yourselves a big favor. Come out and watch some baseball.

A Persuasive Idea to Volunteer For

I’ll be honest here when I say there is an organization that I want to devote some time and resources to because I feel like it’s the thing to do. I feel compelled to help this organization, and it’s also one of the places that my employment sends volunteers to help with. I’m kind of babbling here, let me let this video explain it:

Wow. If that doesn’t move you, I don’t know what can.  I’m very proud of my company for taking a large role in helping the North Texas Food Bank. I would like to think we are doing some good, and that progress is being made, and then I read something like this.

Maybe what gets me about this organization is, I remember as a kid needing help just like this. I remember how difficult it was to ask for food, and keep my pride. I still remember exactly how that feels.

If you are looking for a way to do some good, and helping people, contact the North Texas Food Bank. I’m sure they would appreciate your call.

Michael Nye’s About Hunger & Resilience Photo/Audio Exhibit
June 5 – 29

For the past four years, artist Michael Nye has been researching and capturing stories of hunger around the country. Visit the Janette Kennedy Gallery in South Side on Lamar (1409 South Lamar Street, Dallas) this June to view Nye’s collection of what hunger is and how it seeps into the lives of those around us. With captivating photos accompanied by heart wrenching audio interviews, Nye’s work is an educational and emotional experience not to be missed. Click here to listen to a clip of Nye’s exhibit featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered on March 30th.

Gallery Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. or the lobby staff can open the gallery for guests during off-hours.
Top 6 Reasons to Check Out Michael Nye’s About Hunger & Resilience Exhibit:

1. Need somewhere to take the kids this summer? Make Nye’s exhibit a family event!
2. View the work of an internationally renowned artist… for FREE!
3. Get out of the office! Experience hunger through a company workshop or social event at the gallery.
4. Walk in hunger’s shoes; view the exhibit and discuss over a simple home-cooked meal instead of dining out.
5. Put a twist on your weekly Happy Hour! Discuss hunger with fellow exhibit-goers at a nearby hot spot.Learn more about hunger and be an advocate for North Texans in need!

Do any of these things without spending a dime; the exhibit is FREE to the public!

Add a twist to your corporate meeting or social gathering during the month of June and host it at the gallery! Set aside some time for a learning moment and let us share the story of hunger in North Texas. For more information to schedule your event or meeting, contact Kristen Sweat at kristen@ntfb.org or 214.270.2021.

Thanks El Fenix!

So I am proud to say I recieved a gift card to El Fenix recently and with today being Cinco de Mayo, what better way to celebrate then going for a nice Tex-Mex dinner? My friend Kristi and I was escorted to a booth and I had the steak fajitas. The chips and salsa are the best in town too. The meal was perfect and our waitress was Maria, (or was it Carmen?) and she made certain we were taken care of as far as refills and anything else we needed.

It was just a great experience as always at El Fenix. I just wanted to say thanks for the gift card!!!

Saturday Scattershooting

April 24, 21010

Good Saturday morning world!

It’s the best day of the week for me. I have time to sit down with a cup of coffee and collect my thoughts that get stored in my head throughout the week, but I never have time to write about at that time.

Thanks for stopping by, I know there are millions of things to read, so I’ll get right to the point with my thoughts.

How bout those Cowboys huh? Dez Bryant and Sean Lee. Everyone keeps asking the question “what about left tackle?” I would imagine Jerry already has that question answered. The Cowboys already have Doug Free, but remember, this is an unrestricted cap year in the NFL, which means Jerry can go buy anyone he wants in the free agent market place. Owners can spend as much as they want, there is no cap. Watch what happens after this draft is over. The fun will just be starting.

I’m starting a new group to see if there is an interest by writers who want to network and exchange ideas. The group is called “Starving Writers” and I have started a page on Facebook for the group. I find it hard to really think of myself as of writer, but the fact is, I’ve been doing this blog for a few years now, and I like writing, so I guess I can consider myself as a writer. Pretty sure there are tons of folks like me out there so we’ll see how this group goes. Let’s hope we can get some people interested in it but I’m somewhat sceptical as I haven’t seen many people comment on this blog, but we’ll see. I’m sure there are people out there that write poetry, short stories, interest in many things, so let’s see if we can stir that interest in joining a group. The reason I call the group Starving Writers is most writers that are starting out and are passionate about writing, very seldom get paid. We do it because it’s interesting and it’s like a second nature to us. It’s like a starving artist kind of thing. There is talent and desire, we just don’t get paid for it. That’s ok, we don’t need the money to do what we like to do. So, we’ll see how it goes.

I’m very thankful my stress test came back ok. It was huge in fact for me to realize I’m ok. I hadn’t realized how worried I was about myself that I caused myself more harm than good. The plain truth is, I worried too much and dwelled on it too much. After the stress test, I went out last night and had some chicken wings and boy, were they good. It was a far cry from the rice and beans I had been eating to make sure I hadn’t been eating any fat.

Some other rambling thoughts:

Will Tiger and his wife get divorced?

Will the Texas Rangers ever get sold?

How will the Dallas Mavericks feel if they lose in the 1st round to San Antonio?

How long will it take before Deadspin.com to get sued?

I’m about to go do some Saturday chores. Thanks for reading my blog, and come back soon!

The NY Yankees have an “Official” Guacamole

Ho boy, it’s funny how the sports world is turning to advertising during this economic recovery. Even the New York Yankees are not immune from looking NASCARish when it comes to advertising.

Yes, it’s true. Wholly Guacamole, already the official guacamole of the Dallas Cowboys, now has been named the official guacamole of the Bronx Bombers.

And two sibling products of Saginaw-based Fresherized Foods — Wholly Salsa and Wholly Queso — similarly have been designated the New York team’s endorsed salsa and queso dip, respectively.

Just don’t try and push this official guacamole any farther north than Connecticut, because that’s the Boston Red Sox’s territory.

Wholly Guacamole now official avocado dip of New York Yankees (Star Telegram)

Happy Easter, 2010

My friend Kristi and I were out riding around last night, enjoying the nice weather and warmth of spring. We drove out to Joe Pool Lake and it was just about night time and I was able to take the above picture with my cell phone. There were lots of folks out at the lake and the smell of camp fires was so sweet to smell. It felt really good to just get out and ride around without the rush of traffic.

I have a stress test scheduled for 4/20, but I may go to the doctor’s office tomorrow to get some blood work done and to see if we can schedule the stress test sooner, as I am having a lot of discomfort, so we’ll see how that goes tomorrow.

Today is Easter Sunday. I didn’t go to church because I didn’t feel good. I ask the Lord to forgive me, but he already knows I don’t feel well. I still ask for his forgiveness though. I thank him for dying for all of mankind’s sins.

Kristi and I were out and about for awhile today, and we were trying to impress each other with what are we going to eat once I get another stent in and the cardiologist clears some more plaque out of my arteries. I was thinking a home made hamburger sounded good. Kristi thought an Outback T-bone steak sounded great as well. Both of our diets have suffered sine I have been really watching my diet and not eating anything with a lot of fat or salt in it. About the biggest thing on our menu now is baked chicken breast and rice. I’ll usually have Boston Baked Beans just to fill me up, and that’s the extent of my big meals. Every so often. I’ll make spaghetti with turkey meat in the meat sauce, but that’s about it. Pretty boring no?

Then I get to thinking, even after my planned surgery, maybe I should just keep eating the rice so I don’t have to go get the plaque cleaned out again right? Sometimes, life is complicated right?

KFC serving up heart attacks beginning April 12

From the Consumerist

Last August, we wrote about the “Double Down,” a mysteriously tempting (and potentialy lethal) new food item being tested by KFC. For those coming late to the story, it’s bacon and cheese sandwiched between two pieces of fried chicken. And now, many months later, I’ll finally be able to get my hands on one.

KFC announced the decision to go live with the Double Down yesterday, but we weren’t sure they weren’t playing a April Fools gag. But no, they truly are going nationwide with the delicacy on April 12.

The sandwich will be available in two forms. The Original Recipe sandwich will set you back about 540 calories, 32g of fat and 1380mg of sodium. The not-as-bad-for-you Grilled Double Down totals 460 calories, 23g of fat and 1430mg of sodium.

The Best Sports Bars in the Metroplex

From DFW.com

By Jay Betsill

 Some of the greatest moments in my life have come at live sporting events. There is no substitute for seeing a game, whether its the Cowboys, Mavs, Stars or Rangers, up close and personal, surrounded by screaming fans. (Anyone who got to see Nolan Ryan pound Robin Ventura into submission at Arlington Stadium knows what I’m talking about.)

But there is that rare sporting event that is best enjoyed from afar. On a bar stool.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, with nearly 50 games spread out over its first weekend, truly is Madness. And the best way to get a flavor for all the buzzer-beaters and blowouts is to plant yourself in front of a giant bank of TVs, beer in one hand, burger or wing in the other, and stare.

That, my friends, is why there are sports bars.

Get the list after the jump

I am humbled

I am humbled and feel blessed that I (along with 20,000 fellow work associates in north Texas), get to work volunteering in the north Texas community this coming year.

The timing of our team volunteering in the community is great because of the upcoming Super Bowl 45 that will be here in 2011. Much to do, and much to plan for. Cutting edge volunteering for such organizations as Slant 45, and many others to help the citizens of our community. We have plans this year to join up with the United Way and many other great organizations to Walk For the Homeless, the Susan B. Koman Foundation and many others.

I can’t wait to get started.

El Fenix Restaurant, A Dallas – Fort Worth Tradition

The year was 1965 and our family had a tradition of going to El Fenix for a great time with the family and great times.

The food was the original Tex-Mex and the Margaritas flowed freely. Some of my best family memories included a night at El Fenix restaurant.

Fast forward to 2010. My friend Kristi and I decided to have a special evening at El Fenix on Hwy 183 in Irving. Our hostess was Dianna. I ordered the tortilla soup and Kristi had the San Luis dinner.

As we waited for dinner, I was enjoying the glass of red wine and looking at the old pictures on the wall surrounding our booth. There was a picture of a very young Roger Staubach and Bob Lilly at a Dallas El Fenix. The picture brought a flood of memories of my family talking about those great Cowboys teams of yesteryear.

Those were the days right? Life was so easy then, the memories were all so good then as well. Then, our meal came. Dianna was so nice and made sure everything was perfect for us. I really appreciated her sense of caring to make sure we had a great dining experience. It was totally awesome.

When I asked Dianna for our check at the end of our meal, I asked to speak to her manager, who’s name is Bernardo. I explained to Bernardo how great Dianna was and how much we appreciated her serving us. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make certain our meal was perfect.

I don’t know how far in space this blog goes, but if you are reading this, and want a great dining experience, go to El Fenix. You will not regret it. It’s a perfect tradition.