Cardinals Win World Series

The St. Louis Cardinals completed a historic run to win the World Series Friday night.  The Texas Rangers on the other hand have to be disappointed as they lose their second straight World Series.   Within the last six months I've moved to Illinois, within 45 miles of St. Louis.  First it is great to be near a big city again as I'm in sports overload between the sports coverage on TV, in the papers, and on the radio.  As I'm a huge sports fan that is all a good thing.  I also work with many Cardinals fans so I've gotten to ride this wave as it has happened.  There is nothing better than being able to root for your team on the big stage and it has been fun to ride this crazy train with the local fans.  I'm happy for my buddies and for the team as it was well deserved.

Tony LaRussa as a manager is a guy who catches some grief locally for some of his moves and tendencies.  That said, three World Series trips and two World Series titles in 16 years makes it hard for any fan to beat him up too much.  I too scratched my head all year at moves he made and how he coached but through it all his team was ready to play no matter who was in the lineup. 

I love seeing guys who have been around forever get their first World Series ring and St. Louis had not shortage of those who won it all for the first time.  42 year-old Arthur Rhodes, Octavio Dotel, Rafael Furcal, and my favorite Lance Berkman were among those who had been around for many years and finally won the big one.  There was also a big contingent of those who were young and won their first ring.  Jason Motte, Jaime Garcia, hometown hero David Freese, Daniel Descalso, Jon Jay and Adron Chambers.  And then there are the guys who are at the front and center of this team - Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Yadier Molina.  These guys won their second championship in St. Louis and they were all huge in getting this team to and through the playoffs as the leaders in the clubhouse.  I know I didn't name everyone and those I've omitted all played their part.  Some smaller or bigger than the others.   

So I give props to this team and to all their fans.  Counted out in September they roared back to make the playoffs and beat the "unbeatable" Phillies, dumped the Brewers and played a great series in winning against the favored Texas Rangers.  It was fun to watch. 

Horror Movie Favorites

For me the definition of a horror movie or the horror genre is not very specific.  So when I talk about horror movies I'll lump in anything from a scary movie, monster movie, slasher flick or even a cartoon or comedy related to those topics.  As such I'll share with you my favorite horror movies.  It is Halloween after all.  It all starts with The Lost Boys.  As with many folks I relate more closely with movies I grew up with and this is a classic example.  For me it had everything - the cool vampires, pretty girl (Jami Gertz was oh so hot), great soundtack, great visuals, and sly humor.  I fell for it all hook line and sinker.  I obviously haven't grown up as it still tops my list.  Kiefer Sutherland was the definition of cool.  Did you see Tina Turner's saxaphone player in the band at the boardwalk playing I Still Believe?

Halloween is next on my list.  The classic 1978 version is a great story that would scare any kid to death...well in the 70's.  The simple look and story of Michael Myers is a great hook.  Throw in scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis and all is good in the world.  I also enjoy the 2007 remake by Rob Zombie so I put it right up there.  Looking at the movie in this list you'd think it might be a little more violent for my taste but all I can say is it works.  The back story really draws me in.

Scream was a movie in which I fell for the story.  I was one of those who didn't see it coming at the end.  Still there was much more to the movie.  The cool visual new visual of the villain Ghost Face and humor woven throughout the movie and the raspy voice that became synonymous with the movie were but a few of the attributest that stick out.  Best scene:  "There are rules!" - watch as the rules of horror movies are explained and played out on screen.  Great theater. 

Mad Monster Party is a Rankin-Bass cartoon utilizing stop motion animation.  It is about a party with monsters - duh.  One of those things you love as a kid and you never let go of it.  I've shown it to my kids over the years and I can't say it plays quite as well to youngins now days but that doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for the movie. 

All of the big three universal monsters are no brainers for me - Dracula, Wolfman, and Frankenstein.  I love these movies and don't have any issues sitting through all the spinoffs.  These are truly classics.  I own the legacy gift set which contains them all.  A must if you enjoy these movies.

The Fog has zombie like ghosts terrorizing a small town.  I think this movie is underappreciated for it's time (1980).  The Crow is that movie that has a great storyline and some cool visuals.  I also own the most awesome 18" figure with trenchcoat and the arms down and palms up.  That is such a cool pose.  The Shining isn't a classic horror movie but is very gripping.  You can see yourself going crazy just like Jack Nicholson's character did from a long winter of isolation.  REDRUM REDRUM

Munster, Go Home!, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Young Frankenstein are all examples of the fun you can have with the genre.  These span everything from Frankenstein and his family living in American suburbia, to a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania, and a dancing monster.  All are great reimagings of classic monsters in a humorous context.  I never tire of these movies. 

The Legend of Boggy Creek - scared the heck out of me as a kid despite the low budget flick it was.  13 Ghosts - Can't say there is one thing that sucked me in but I'll watch it over and over.

Jeepers Creepers - Not sure what I like the most.  The sequel holds up well for me as well. 

2011 Topps Football Cards Review

I like many others was big into the trading card craze when it went nuts in the 80's and 90's.  I tended towards the sports genre but also enjoyed non-sports cards as well.  At this point in life I don't get to pick up too many cards or packs nowadays but do on occasion.  More often than not they end up as a bookmark.  The other day I picked up a pack of 2011 Topps football.  I must say I am very impressed.  The design was simple, the pictures very nice, and the back was the old standby of stats, bio and short write-up.  Adrian Peterson was the big grab with Champ Bailey also being a nice looking card.  The name of the plaer was at the bottom of the card curved towards a nice spotlight of the team's logo.  Also in the pack was a Super Bowl Legends insert of Jim Plunkett.  I really enjoy cards that tend towards retired players or past games/achievements but I thought it was somewhat plain and could have been done better.  Still that didnt' change what I thought of the pack I pulled.  A very good effort by Topps.     

Introductions

I’m Roy and as the title of this blog states I’ll promise you one thing and one thing only - randomness. I say that because my thoughts are all over the place. I am a huge sports fan so you’ll be seeing much in the way of one of my biggest passions. I will also open up on my inner geekness as I’ll speak on things I enjoy that might just fall under the heading of nerdiness. Pop culture in general will also be a target of mine as will anything from politics, small town life, and the world in general. As stated, I promise randomness, nothing more, nothing less. I hope you enjoy.

Oh and the gal to the left?  It is October.  Supposedly this was done for a t-shirt as part of a fundraiser for breast cancer.  I just think it looks cool.  Would love to have the shirt.