July 2014 – Daniel Shank Cruz

Lucy

I decided to see the movie Lucy today because the commercials I’d seen for it made it look like it would raise some interesting philosophical questions about what it means to be human rather than simply being a stereotypical action film, and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed it thoroughly; it was one of thoseContinue reading “Lucy”

The Baseball Hall of Fame’s New Ballot Eligibility Rule

The Baseball Hall of Fame announced today that candidates for election will only be allowed to stay on the ballot for ten years rather than fifteen. Three players who have already been on the ballot for more than ten years (Here they are, along with my opinion on whether or not they should be elected:Continue reading “The Baseball Hall of Fame’s New Ballot Eligibility Rule”

Magazine Acquired Recently: Baseball Cards, April 1990

My favorite hobby as a boy was collecting baseball cards, and in my infinite nerdiness–present even then–my first-ever magazine subscription was in 1990 to the now-defunct Baseball Cards magazine. I have been unable to ascertain when Baseball Cards stopped publication, though a safe guess is that the major mid-1990s sports card market crash caused itsContinue reading “Magazine Acquired Recently: Baseball Cards, April 1990”

The All-Star Game and Baseball Fandom

The All-Star Game is tomorrow in Minnesota. I have loved this game since I became a baseball fan, and still try to watch it every year. Honestly, I make more of an effort to watch it than to watch the World Series some years, depending on who is playing. I love the pageantry of theContinue reading “The All-Star Game and Baseball Fandom”

Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions

The 2014 World Cup came to a close today with Germany beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The final was fairly exciting despite the scoreline with each team having a number of good chances go untaken. It was the same score as the 2010 final, but a much better match. Although the match today wasContinue reading “Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions”

Book Acquired Recently: Roger Bernard Smith’s did music die

Smith, Roger Bernard. did music die. Denver: Tiger’s Eye, 2014. I just bought this book at the Tramontane Cafe in Utica. Smith is an acquaintance of mine who reads regularly at the Tram’s Thursday night open mic poetry readings. It is always a pleasure to buy a book by someone you know! I haven’t beenContinue reading “Book Acquired Recently: Roger Bernard Smith’s did music die”