Overplayed

Alright, if you ever been to any sporting event with me, you know my intense disdain for the song below (you have to get about 1:50 in before you'll recognize the song).

This is a song by Zombie Nation and the song is titled Kernkraft 400. Mark is a HUGE fan of techno and to say the least, I am not! It drives me crazy...but that doesn't keep him from trying to put techno on every chance he gets in the car. I'm getting beside the point...

Anyways, despite my disdain for techno, I still just do not understand what the obsession is with this song in the sports world. I don't know if it was on Jock Jams years ago and it just stuck or what. It is on the playlist of any and every team. Even my beloved Bengals overplay this song. In fact, that is where my hatred for the song began. You see, at Bengals games, they play this chant whenever the opposing team scores and they are kicking back to the Bengals. Ugh. I heard it way too much during losing seasons and it will forever have that negative feeling associated with it.

Well, the Bengals aren't the only ones to play it. I have heard this song at EVERY other sports event I have ever gone to since I recognized the song. And sometimes, they play it more than once. Take the classy Mississippi State team for example. Last night, during their game against UK, they played this chant five times. Yes, you read that correctly, FIVE TIMES!!!! I did count because I noticed every time I heard it. Also, my family recognizes my hatred for the song and now when they hear it, they send me a text to let me know.

Seriously, it's an epidemic! This post truly has no other purpose than for me to vent on how much I would like to disconnect this song with the sporting world and to have this chant get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome!

Now that you know, you will hear this song EVERYWHERE!!!

April-Bachelorette Party

No excuse for how lazy I've been, just haven't had time to blog. But I thought I'd highlight the last few months since SO MUCH has happened!

I'll start with E's bachelorette party. I planned a trip to Cincy because it's her favorite city and I centered our trip around a Reds game (because my girl loves her Redlegs). We enjoyed a Reds-Braves game (even though they lost) and a night at Hofbrauhaus and Jefferson Hall for some fine dancing. Here's just a few pics from the night.

Our bride-to-be.

I made the shirt and Erica made the hat.

Allie, Erica, and Em

Jen, Diva B, MJ, and me
taking the bus over to the game

All of us with Mr. Redlegs

Em brought us all gift bags and in them, we each got a gorgeous ring!

Here they are in all their glory. Note that E's shines the brightest!

Jimmy Rollins Commercial

This video makes me laugh everytime! I don't know why I think it's so funny.

Source

Finish the Year with the Bengals

I have gone to a Bengals game at PBS since 2006 and despite the Bengals pitiful season 2008 was to be no exception. Plans fell through for us to go to the Bengals-Ravens game on November 30th, which worked in our favor since it was freezing and raining. My entire family went to the last game of the season (since there was no hope for a Bengals preseason after their 0-8 start) this past Sunday. We knew we were all going to go, but we had no idea how great the tickets would be! Mom and Dad got us tickets on the 5th row behind the endzone. They won which made this game the first time I've actually seen the Bengals win while at the game. Here's some pictures from the day!

Mark and I bundled up to stay warm.

It was 40 degrees without a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather for football!

Daniel and Jen

Had to share our blanket to keep the warmth in

The whole family! Loyal fans!

As promised, I'm including a picture from one of the highlights of the game...the 2nd annual Mascot vs. Pee-Wee football game. Who Dey, the Bengals mascot, gathered all of his local friends such as the Xavier blob, the Cyclones mascot, the IKEA Moose (I was just as surprised as you), Max and Erma, and all of the Reds mascots (Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red, and Gapper) to help play against some of the 4th grade kids from the local Pee-Wee league teams. Well, from the first play you could tell that Mr. Redlegs came to play. He obviously felt this was his chance to relive the old glory days because he seriously took it to those kids. As a kid was running for a touchdown, he slammed the kid into the crowd which invoked an uproar of boos from the crowd. I'm pretty sure this only fueled his fire because on his turn to run the ball, I swear he stiff-armed at least 6 kids. I can't make this stuff up! Here's the picture to prove it!

Yes, that is a drop of blood chasing after them. Fitting for this debacle.

This was all I could capture on film because I was in a state of shock and disbelief! Soon after, Erma's head fell off to reveal a man underneath which explained the muscular calves she had. The whole day was great fun!

Congrats are in Order

Due to my lack of internet access last week, I have been unable to formally congratulate Josh Hamilton on his record-breaking 1st round homeruns at the Derby last week. The whole Durick clan was circled around the TV cheering you on. What an accomplishment and congratulations! You deserve all the attention you are receiving!

Carlin's View on Football

As many of you know, the comedian George Carlin passed away yesterday of heart failure. I can't say that I really listened to a lot of his material and I really don't know much about the guy. However, on one of the NFL blogs that I frequent, they had this video posted of him today talking about the differences between baseball and football.

Now, you all know that I LOVE both baseball and football tremendously. I think both are wonderful sports and there truly is nothing like a day at the ball park. But in those few months where the sports overlap, you can be sure that I'm glued to any details about football. Football is my favorite sport and probably will always be. If you haven't been to an NFL game, you haven't experienced the rowdiness and craziness that can only come from avid football fans.

I thought it was funny to hear the differences between the sports. Hope you enjoy!

Birthday Wishlist

So...if you're looking to find me the perfect birthday present this year (August 1st), look no further...

I want the Brandon Phillips t-shirt for my birthday. I've been needing a new Reds shirt for quite some time and since Phillips is my favorite player, I've decided that this is the shirt I need. So, there you have it. Here's a picture that just sums up why he's my favorite.

...And This One Belongs to the Reds!!!

We had a great time at the game tonight in observance of Daniel's 21st birthday. Not only did Arroyo pitch a good game AND bat 2 for 2 (one of which was a homerun!), but we got to watch only 11 rows behind home plate. Daniel was only 4 rows behind the plate. We had great seats and ate more food than any humans should (it's hard not to when they serve it to you by coming to your seats). Dunn struck out 3 times...typical. Phillips hit a triple with bases loaded (he's my favorite player) and although Griffey didn't get pitched to very much tonight, it was great to see him play. Also, Jay Bruce got a double...he's the real deal! Here's some pics so enjoy!

Griffey at bat
The homerun board proudly displaying Griffey's 600th.
My mom and I at the game
Dad and Dan
My parents after the game.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BRO!!!

Today is my brother's 21st birthday! We are all going up to the Reds-Cardinals game tonight in Cincy to celebrate Daniel turning legal. Hopefully, the Reds can pull off a win for the special occasion, but then again Arroyo is pitching so who knows....

Here's to you baby bro

Happy 21st Birthday Daniel!!!!!

Baseball Park Tour

Alright, due to a lost camera cord, a dead computer, and lack of time, I am just now getting pictures up from my Spring Break trip with Emily (1st week of April). For the record, teachers enjoy Spring Break as much, if not more, than the kids. We traveled to Cleveland, Chicago, and Cincy for Opening Week of baseball. I'm just going to include a few pics from Cleveland and Chicago.

On the bus in Cleveland heading to the game

Opening Field at the Jake

Downtown Cleveland

Bet you overlooked me! Traffic in Chicago

Trying to manuever through the mess of cars.

I'm glad I had such a wonderful co-pilot

Keepin' it classy while waiting at the bus stop

On the subway into downtown Chicago for some Chicago-style pizza.

Cloud Gate aka Giant Metal Jelly Bean

The best dessert I've ever had. A giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a deep dish pizza pan with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge. Kinda amazing!

I can now say that I've been to Wrigley Field. This is huge to me!

It was SO cold at Wrigley Field...but worth every second of it.

We had a great time and we got to see lots of fun things in a small amount of time. Next time, I hope to be in Chicago when it's a little bit warmer but it definitely did not disappoint. Overall, a great time!

Spring Break-Cleveland Style

Today was the first day of mine and Em's Spring Break Baseball Extravaganza. We traveled to Cleveland, OH for opening day at Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field). The game was great and we finished the night off at the Blind Pig on W. 6th Street and a crazy bus ride back to our hotel. We're having a great time and I'll update more later (including pictures).

Batters Up!

As soon as Em and I found out that we would have the same spring break, we knew we wanted to go somewhere fun together. We couldn't figure out where we were going to go until a few weeks ago while sitting over dinner at Mi Casita.

Baseball.

I can't think of anything I'd rather do over my spring break then to go watch baseball games on on opening week.

On Monday, we're going to Jacobs Field in Cleveland to watch the Opening Day game between the Indians and White Sox.
Tuesday is an off day so we're going to drive to Chicago and spend the day there. We're going to Wrigley Field (I've never been) on Wednesday to see the Cubs play the Brewers.
We're staying with my brother in Cincinnati and going to watch the Reds and Diamondbacks play at Great American on Thursday. Daniel and Jen are going to come with us and we may even have some others come up to join us on that day.

Overall, I am SO excited to watch baseball over my break with my best friend! We can't wait!