Back in the Old Form

The Braves, under GM John Schuerholz, is back up to their old mid-season tricks. As I write this, about an hour until the MLB trade deadline for 2007, they have traded for Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira, filling what had been more or less a hole in their lineup with the well-paid slugger, and getting lefty reliever Ron Mahay. The Rangers come out fairly well on the deal, getting up-and-coming catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who had been backing up all-star Brian McCann and filling in at first base, in addition to three minor league prospects.












They also added powerful reliever Octavio Dotel, sending promising, if inconsistant starter Kyle Davies to the Royals. This move should help them to shore up their bullpen, which was the bane of their team's existance last year, and a real weak spot since John Smoltz returned to the starting rotation, dominating it in the way he did the Braves bullpen. While the starting rotation remains a bit of a question mark beyond Smoltz and Tim Hudson, these trades give the Braves what should be a competent relief staff, and with the addition of Teixeira, one of the most powerful offensive lineups in the National League. If they weren't seen as a contender before, they certainly will be now, and barring some unexpected injury, I will be surprised if they aren't back on top of the NL east by October. The Mets and Phillies did do a little patchwork, but in the end, I'd say they should watch their asses, because Atlanta will be coming up fast.

Not Important

If you didn't know, Albertson's recently had a fire sale on grocery stores in Oklahoma; Homeland got the Norman locations. Since Homeland (where the carrots are) does not have a contract with Starbucks, my former place of employment will be no more...probably already is.

Anywhom, all this has me thinking about a few people, who I will likely never see again, with whom I had a casual, friendly, if conditional rapport. What has, and will become of Jake, Tania, Joy, the old guy with the Terrible Herb's cup, Jim, the Senator... hell, even wacky Jan and her traveling zoo... it's not really that important, but these were people who I basically got to know in one way or another over three years, and I wonder about them sometimes. Oh well. I guess this is just one of those things I'll have to accept and move on. I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing happens again. It's a big world out there, full of opportunity, and people who don't care. Ah, but I feel rambley now... anyway, like I said, not really important.

I'm Going to Hawaii!

Happy dance!!

Two Questions

Okay, I've got two questions.

First, what's up with that ODOT "test sign" on 235 south near the capitol? What are they testing exactly, whether or not you can actually see the sign? How about if it doesn't fall down and impale some passing motorists....so far that test is successful it would seem, because the sign's been there for at least 5 years. I'm really confused by that thing.

Second....crap. What was my second question again? I don't remember. That's really unfortunate. Well, I suppose it's just one question then. Anyway...tests signs. What's up with that?

Will It Blend?

That is the question! This is from the best video series on YouTube. If you've got some time on your hands, check these things out.

You're getting sleeeeepy.

So lately I can't seem to get up in the morning...maybe it's because I can't seem to establish a routine, but no matter when I go to bed, even if I get up before it, I'm basically out of action until 10:30 or so. Some days I consider that a good thing, but since I'm trying to normalize my sleeping, it's not going so great...oh well, there's always tomorrow. Catch you later, The Internet!