The Ballad of G.I. Joe

The Ballad of G.I. Joe from Olivia Wilde

The Answer to 'Numb Baseball'

Here’s the answer to “numb baseball:” Promotion and Relegation.

Can you imagine if the Reds could knock the Pirates down to AAA? That would make games in September insanely exciting. Could you imagine the being on the brink of demotion? Small market teams struggling at the bottom would be less willing to sell their players because doing so would seal their demise. Then they’d lose all sorts of sponsorship and media money.

Could you imagine if Louisville would win AAA and make it to the bigs? Pick up a few victories over huge clubs? See the rotten Yankees come to town?

Imagine teams of newly-promoted kids playing games in huge parks... not just one individual making his debut on a random summer night. The nation could fall in love with a team like the Toledo Mudhens. Who knows?

Finally, and perhaps more tangibly? Why not try an open cup, in which all of the nation's teams enter a single-elimination tournament?

Baseball could become magical. Attendance would skyrocket at all levels. And this system might help people forget about the steroids era. Hell, and ESPN might be forced to cover a topic beyond the Red Sox/Yankees.

At this point, it will never happen - we’re so entrenched in marketing deals and farm systems, and all that; I'm not sure how this idea could ever get off the ground.

Maybe the open cup is the proper first step.

Are you on board with this idea? If so, let me know and let’s start a movement.

Nani

Blitzen Trapper: Black River Killer

I see no limit to how incredible this band can become. Combining Tom Petty's tone with Neil Young's grit and sensibility is potent. These guys are going to be around for a long time.

Things Dads Like, Vol. 2

Dads like not pronouncing the letter "H."

Growing up I was always told "look at that 'uge' fireworks display" or "be proud to be part of the 'uman' race." Or, "do you want to go see that new 'ugh' Jackman flick?" Or,"hey hippie, why don't you go work for the 'umane' society." Or, "what insurance do you have?......'umana.'"

Good thing I wasn't ome-schooled.