Its been a while since I have posted anything dealing with the Mats, so here is a sweet SNL performance of "Bastards of Young" from the year I was born.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The (un)Friendly Confines
Go Cubs Go. Although almost impossible, I am still cheering for ya to make the post-season.
ps. Milton Bradley: I do dislike you. It is certainly not because you are black, but because you have been a complete failure as a Cub. For every good play you have made you have made three stupid plays.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
I am excited.
A few days previous, I swore that I was just going to chill out. No need to rush into anything at all. I was clearly trying too hard to make something happen. But alas, this girl. I was a bit messed up, she might of been also. A shitty cover band was blaring from a tent behind us. She sat down next to me at the picnic table like she knew me. Now she does.
Her smile is priceless. It has been a while since a girl has smiled at me like that. There is just something sincere about it. That night we all closed the Roadhouse. Three A.M. Time just flew by. The other day she surprised me by taking me on a tour of Wrigley Field. A few days later she cooked me dinner. She is too good to me.
Tonight we watched the cubs get their ass kicked by the worst team in major league baseball. But it was still a good time.
I am excited.
A few days previous, I swore that I was just going to chill out. No need to rush into anything at all. I was clearly trying too hard to make something happen. But alas, this girl. I was a bit messed up, she might of been also. A shitty cover band was blaring from a tent behind us. She sat down next to me at the picnic table like she knew me. Now she does.
Her smile is priceless. It has been a while since a girl has smiled at me like that. There is just something sincere about it. That night we all closed the Roadhouse. Three A.M. Time just flew by. The other day she surprised me by taking me on a tour of Wrigley Field. A few days later she cooked me dinner. She is too good to me.
Tonight we watched the cubs get their ass kicked by the worst team in major league baseball. But it was still a good time.
I am excited.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
We Real Cool - Gwendolyn Brooks
THE POOL PLAYERS.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.
We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We
Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We
Jazz June. We
Die soon.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.
We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We
Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We
Jazz June. We
Die soon.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Boatless Booze Cruise part 1
Slightly intoxicated. I'm sorry. I just wanted to say:
My man Kyle Orton (The great Neckbeard) threw 3 interceptions tonight against the 49ers during their first preseaon game. I felt terrible for the guy. You seriously can't get much worse then that. In the man's defense I say that:
1. It was the first preseason game, thus the 'rust' needs to be removed from the man, and everyone on the team.
2. Still not on the same page with his receivers, it will take a few weeks to truly know where they are going, and when to throw - with time he will be able to tell where someone is at without even looking.
3. A new team / system. The Neckbeard has been learning the Chicago system for a while, thus everything is new to him.
All i am saying is : Denver, there is no need to panic yet. These are just practice games. This is when you want the man to make mistakes. This is the best time to learn what you are doing wrong, so you can correct it before it really counts. If he is still throwing 3 ints in the 3rd or 4th preseason game, then perhaps you should be worried, but I don't see that happening. Honestly, I think after some time the man is going to find his groove with this team, and he is going to be damn good. So don't call for Simms just yet. Just believe me as a Chicago fan; we were always calling for that 2nd stringer to step in to 'save' us. The Neckbeard will be good, just give him some time.
With that in mind, Cutler is playing tonight. I am more then pumped to see him in action with the Bears! I can only expect good things, but I can't imagine things going as smoothly as everyone in Chicago would hope. I predict him playing for a quarter and one half: 10 for 16, 1 TD and 0 ints. (which would be a solid start in my opinion). But in all honesty, I don't really care too much about what happens in this game, just avoid injuries... No need to be the Chicago Cubs. As they are findin out, having so many injuries ends up hurting you team. We sure could of used Z and Lilly against the Phillies... but at least we can hang our hats on the fact that we can beat up on the shitty teams.
love,
James
My man Kyle Orton (The great Neckbeard) threw 3 interceptions tonight against the 49ers during their first preseaon game. I felt terrible for the guy. You seriously can't get much worse then that. In the man's defense I say that:
1. It was the first preseason game, thus the 'rust' needs to be removed from the man, and everyone on the team.
2. Still not on the same page with his receivers, it will take a few weeks to truly know where they are going, and when to throw - with time he will be able to tell where someone is at without even looking.
3. A new team / system. The Neckbeard has been learning the Chicago system for a while, thus everything is new to him.
All i am saying is : Denver, there is no need to panic yet. These are just practice games. This is when you want the man to make mistakes. This is the best time to learn what you are doing wrong, so you can correct it before it really counts. If he is still throwing 3 ints in the 3rd or 4th preseason game, then perhaps you should be worried, but I don't see that happening. Honestly, I think after some time the man is going to find his groove with this team, and he is going to be damn good. So don't call for Simms just yet. Just believe me as a Chicago fan; we were always calling for that 2nd stringer to step in to 'save' us. The Neckbeard will be good, just give him some time.
With that in mind, Cutler is playing tonight. I am more then pumped to see him in action with the Bears! I can only expect good things, but I can't imagine things going as smoothly as everyone in Chicago would hope. I predict him playing for a quarter and one half: 10 for 16, 1 TD and 0 ints. (which would be a solid start in my opinion). But in all honesty, I don't really care too much about what happens in this game, just avoid injuries... No need to be the Chicago Cubs. As they are findin out, having so many injuries ends up hurting you team. We sure could of used Z and Lilly against the Phillies... but at least we can hang our hats on the fact that we can beat up on the shitty teams.
love,
James
Friday, August 14, 2009
This feels like a holy war
In the past few days I have received some compliments. I like compliments, they make me feel good.
'Awesome'
'Sexiest man'
'Witty' (although this might have been sarcastic)
'Amazing human being'
'Sexy sexy piece of freak meat'
Those are some solid compliments. Thanks, friends!
--
Lifter Puller / The Hold Steady :
I cant stop listening to Craig Finn. I am obsessed. I want to go to 15th & Franklin for some odd reason. I know the Nice Nice doesn't exist. Infact even in the songs the place burned down. But I still want to go there. And there is something very strange about that. I am such a nerd.
--
The Eagle is taking me to the Eagles game. Yes, the Bears vs. Eagles game. I will get to see both Cutler destroy the Eagles' D, and M. Vick's Wildcat formation. If I were clever I would make a joke about wilddogs or something, but I am going to pass. You know, the guy went to prison. Perhaps he learned his lesson?
'Awesome'
'Sexiest man'
'Witty' (although this might have been sarcastic)
'Amazing human being'
'Sexy sexy piece of freak meat'
Those are some solid compliments. Thanks, friends!
--
Lifter Puller / The Hold Steady :
I cant stop listening to Craig Finn. I am obsessed. I want to go to 15th & Franklin for some odd reason. I know the Nice Nice doesn't exist. Infact even in the songs the place burned down. But I still want to go there. And there is something very strange about that. I am such a nerd.
--
The Eagle is taking me to the Eagles game. Yes, the Bears vs. Eagles game. I will get to see both Cutler destroy the Eagles' D, and M. Vick's Wildcat formation. If I were clever I would make a joke about wilddogs or something, but I am going to pass. You know, the guy went to prison. Perhaps he learned his lesson?
' The Crunch' - Charles Bukowski
too much too little
too fat
too thin
or nobody.
laughter or
tears
haters
lovers
strangers with faces like
the backs of
thumb tacks
armies running through
streets of blood
waving winebottles
bayoneting and fucking
virgins.
an old guy in a cheap room
with a photograph of M. Monroe.
there is a loneliness in this world so great
that you can see it in the slow movement of
the hands of a clock
people so tired
mutilated
either by love or no love.
people just are not good to each other
one on one.
the rich are not good to the rich
the poor are not good to the poor.
we are afraid.
our educational system tells us
that we can all be
big-ass winners
it hasn't told us
about the gutters
or the suicides.
or the terror of one person
aching in one place
alone
untouched
unspoken to
watering a plant.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
I suppose they never will be.
I don't ask them to be.
but sometimes I think about
it.
the beads will swing
the clouds will cloud
and the killer will behead the child
like taking a bite out of an ice cream cone.
too much
too little
too fat
too thin
or nobody
more haters than lovers.
people are not good to each other.
perhaps if they were
our deaths would not be so sad.
meanwhile I look at young girls
stems
flowers of chance.
there must be a way.
surely there must be a way that we have not yet
though of.
who put this brain inside of me?
it cries
it demands
it says that there is a chance.
it will not say
"no."
too fat
too thin
or nobody.
laughter or
tears
haters
lovers
strangers with faces like
the backs of
thumb tacks
armies running through
streets of blood
waving winebottles
bayoneting and fucking
virgins.
an old guy in a cheap room
with a photograph of M. Monroe.
there is a loneliness in this world so great
that you can see it in the slow movement of
the hands of a clock
people so tired
mutilated
either by love or no love.
people just are not good to each other
one on one.
the rich are not good to the rich
the poor are not good to the poor.
we are afraid.
our educational system tells us
that we can all be
big-ass winners
it hasn't told us
about the gutters
or the suicides.
or the terror of one person
aching in one place
alone
untouched
unspoken to
watering a plant.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
I suppose they never will be.
I don't ask them to be.
but sometimes I think about
it.
the beads will swing
the clouds will cloud
and the killer will behead the child
like taking a bite out of an ice cream cone.
too much
too little
too fat
too thin
or nobody
more haters than lovers.
people are not good to each other.
perhaps if they were
our deaths would not be so sad.
meanwhile I look at young girls
stems
flowers of chance.
there must be a way.
surely there must be a way that we have not yet
though of.
who put this brain inside of me?
it cries
it demands
it says that there is a chance.
it will not say
"no."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I'm doing fine
Coal City Police Officer Jason Clark (left) and Wilmington Police Officer Jose Campos (right) work their way up a set of stairs during the rapid deployment school shooting drill at Booth Central School in Wilmington on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009.
At the beginning of last week I found myself in Wilmington for the Herald. I met up with a writer and members of the Wilmington and Illinois State Police at this abandoned school. The police were practicing how to handle a school shooting situation. As soon as I was assigned this shoot, I knew I'd have a great opportunity to get some solid stuff, and it did not disappoint. I hungout for a bit, watched then train, and joked around with some of the cops. The one threatened to throw me into a locker, to which I jokingly replied with, "Man, I thought these days were over with". Which of course was a lie in the sense that I never really had a bully at school. Every school on TV has at least one bully, I don't know if the Minooka school students were just lazy or TV lied to me, but I never had an experience with one.
Anyways, one of the state cops offered me the opportunity to take a gun and involve myself in a situation, (aka be a school shooter). It should be mentioned they were using real guns with different parts making them 'airsoft' guns. Either way, the thought of me either shooting cops or being shot at by cops intrigued me, and made me laugh. It would make for quite a story.
Unfortunately though, they were running late and I had to take off. Thus I missed my opportunity to unload some shots into America's finest. Another time perhaps?
This weekend I found myself in a surprisingly similar situation. The Joliet police and firefighters were supposed to have a paintball match at Challenge Park Extreme (which is now named CPX apparently) for charity. No firefighters showed up, so it was just police officers there. So for whatever reason I spent several days this week hanging out with the police. They grabbed an extra mask for me and I went out on the battleground with them. I put my big zoom lens on my camera and stood off in the distance so I didn't get shot, but still. it was fun. Every day is something different. Everyday is also Sunday when you are unemployed. Which is practically my situation. The Sun Times like to randomly send me my paychecks, so sometimes I go weeks without any payments. Not a good way to get by.
Friday, August 7, 2009
100 Midnights
Bears camp was interesting. It was very packed. The past few years I have gone there have always been people there, all the spots to see the team practice fill up eventually. But this was ridiculous. Cutler sure has got this state pumped for football. From my shitty view I witnessed him throw a interception, which created a loud "uggggh" from the entire crowd, and Cutler threw several bombs to Olson who seemed to drop all of them, but I expect that to change. Its just practice, everyone has time to workout the kinks. Garret Wolfe walked by me as I was walking to my spot and for whatever reason I patted him on his back. I wonder how long he is going to be on this team. Last year, and apparently this year we have four running backs. The great Forte, the respected (but unproven in a Bears uniform) Kevin Jones, The 'other' Adrian Peterson, and Garrett Wolfe. That is quite a few backs for a team that almost only used one (Forte) last year. For whatever reason I can only remember Wolfe being used on third-and-longs in which a screen pass would be thrown to him, and also during either a fake punt or field goal in which he ran for the first down. Is he going to get a shot at taking some legit handoffs? Only time will tell I guess.
After practice Nick, Corey, and I went to Taco John's; a more legitimate and delicious taco bell. For whatever reason the cashier took our names with our orders. This practice would make sense if it were crowded, but it was pretty much only us in the place. When the guy asked for mine, I just said James. I don't even know why I said it but James is my middle name. I always liked it better then Ryan, but never used it for anything. Anyways, I wish that were my name. I should start going by James. Ryan Thompson is such a common name. Do you people realize how many Ryan Thompsons there are out there? Just look on facebook. My mom couldn't even find me on facebook. "Oh wow, look at all these Ryan Thompsons, where are you?", asked my mother. "I don't know mom, thanks for naming me such a common name!" was my unclever reply.
I have a feeling I have either told this story on the internet, or to anyone who is about to read this. But at a book reading / signing author Bret Easton Ellis and I joked about how around the time of my birth every single soon to be parent decided that the name Ryan would be a original name. Thus every other dude (some girls even) are named Ryan.
In my last post I promised to tell a near exciting story, and clearly none of these are that. Stay tuned shortly. It involves Wilmington, guns, and cops. How could that not be a good story?
--
I swear I have no feelings for that girl.
After practice Nick, Corey, and I went to Taco John's; a more legitimate and delicious taco bell. For whatever reason the cashier took our names with our orders. This practice would make sense if it were crowded, but it was pretty much only us in the place. When the guy asked for mine, I just said James. I don't even know why I said it but James is my middle name. I always liked it better then Ryan, but never used it for anything. Anyways, I wish that were my name. I should start going by James. Ryan Thompson is such a common name. Do you people realize how many Ryan Thompsons there are out there? Just look on facebook. My mom couldn't even find me on facebook. "Oh wow, look at all these Ryan Thompsons, where are you?", asked my mother. "I don't know mom, thanks for naming me such a common name!" was my unclever reply.
I have a feeling I have either told this story on the internet, or to anyone who is about to read this. But at a book reading / signing author Bret Easton Ellis and I joked about how around the time of my birth every single soon to be parent decided that the name Ryan would be a original name. Thus every other dude (some girls even) are named Ryan.
In my last post I promised to tell a near exciting story, and clearly none of these are that. Stay tuned shortly. It involves Wilmington, guns, and cops. How could that not be a good story?
--
I swear I have no feelings for that girl.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Young...take it, it's yours...
So I finished that book. It never really got better in my opinion. In one of the last chapters of the book, Chuck has a conversation with his boss about how he wants to turn his adventure into a book. His boss thinks its a bad idea, and tells him that people on the internet are going to criticize it. And I suppose that would be correct, and were I stand.
One chapter did kind hit me hard though. The main character travels to Minneapolis and discusses The Replacements. He talks about how his friend, whom died of cancer loved The Mats, and especially the song "Bastards of Young". Chuck mentions he listened to this song after thinking about his friend and he couldn't stop crying when he would listen to it. It is a damn good song, and it has an especially touching / sad line of:
"The ones who love us best are the ones we'll lay to rest / And visit their graves on holidays at best. The ones who love us least are the ones we'll die to please / If it's any consolation, I don't begin to understand them."
Those are some rough lines. But anyways, my dad loved that band, and he got me into them, so I definitely know what the author was talking about during that part. But the rest of the story was just uninteresting to me, surprisingly. Books about road trips are usually books that I enjoy. Chuck K's personality and sense of humor just never clicked with me. I like to think I can get along with most people, but I have a feeling I would be annoyed if I were to hangout with this guy.
I have an (almost) exciting story to share with you blog, but right now I need to get going. I am off to the Chicago Bears Training Camp. I am excited to see the great Cutler in action, although I will miss the neckbeard. I predicting right now that he is going to have a great season in Denver. I don't think the man got enough credit around here. He was a solid QB. I am not bringing my camera this time, but I plan on going back in a few days to get some pics. I will put up a good one if I get one.
Love,
Ryan
One chapter did kind hit me hard though. The main character travels to Minneapolis and discusses The Replacements. He talks about how his friend, whom died of cancer loved The Mats, and especially the song "Bastards of Young". Chuck mentions he listened to this song after thinking about his friend and he couldn't stop crying when he would listen to it. It is a damn good song, and it has an especially touching / sad line of:
"The ones who love us best are the ones we'll lay to rest / And visit their graves on holidays at best. The ones who love us least are the ones we'll die to please / If it's any consolation, I don't begin to understand them."
Those are some rough lines. But anyways, my dad loved that band, and he got me into them, so I definitely know what the author was talking about during that part. But the rest of the story was just uninteresting to me, surprisingly. Books about road trips are usually books that I enjoy. Chuck K's personality and sense of humor just never clicked with me. I like to think I can get along with most people, but I have a feeling I would be annoyed if I were to hangout with this guy.
I have an (almost) exciting story to share with you blog, but right now I need to get going. I am off to the Chicago Bears Training Camp. I am excited to see the great Cutler in action, although I will miss the neckbeard. I predicting right now that he is going to have a great season in Denver. I don't think the man got enough credit around here. He was a solid QB. I am not bringing my camera this time, but I plan on going back in a few days to get some pics. I will put up a good one if I get one.
Love,
Ryan
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dear Blog
So Blog. It is just you and I, again. Its a Saturday night, (or sunday morning to be technical) I have been put in a decent mood due to alcohol and some good friends. That may sound sad, but I don't think I'd have it any other way currently. I was going to go on a rant about certain broads and such, but I deleted it. Instead to keep with this blog's theme, I have this Larry Arms quote: "Fuck what we say and all that we do. I'm saving myself for something beautifully true."
On that note I am attempting to read my first Chuck Klosterman book, "killing yourself to live". Everyone loves this book, but fifty pages in I am just not feeling it. I will finish it, but why are people so pumped about this? Does it get better? Using obscure songs to describe people and situations does not make for solid music journalism. I know you work for Spin and like these girls, and are going on a road trip, and have a huge record collection. Which is dramatic and shit, and thats fine - but why come off so pretentious? Perhaps I am being too harsh.
Speaking of pretentious, I am just going to listen to a few Lifter puller songs now. How do you feel about that Chuck? This current song is called "lets get incredible". To quote, 'I think the same thing thats eating you up on the inside is the same guy thats eating you out'. That is solid, and in no way describes anything in my life right now.
The cubs won. That is good. Closers Gregg and Marmol still piss me off, but I am not going to rant about the team again, yet. Give me a few weeks.
love,
Ryan
ps. If this was facebook my status would be Ryan Thompson perhaps sent one or two too many text messages tonight.
or even: Ryan Thompson doesn't mean to come off as cocky, but he always has an easier time getting up in the morning when he knows his pics are on the front page.
But this is not facebook and I don't have the guts to put either. Besides my mom is now facebook friends with me, and she would probably comment about me being out to late or something embarrassing. So deal with that, blog.
On that note I am attempting to read my first Chuck Klosterman book, "killing yourself to live". Everyone loves this book, but fifty pages in I am just not feeling it. I will finish it, but why are people so pumped about this? Does it get better? Using obscure songs to describe people and situations does not make for solid music journalism. I know you work for Spin and like these girls, and are going on a road trip, and have a huge record collection. Which is dramatic and shit, and thats fine - but why come off so pretentious? Perhaps I am being too harsh.
Speaking of pretentious, I am just going to listen to a few Lifter puller songs now. How do you feel about that Chuck? This current song is called "lets get incredible". To quote, 'I think the same thing thats eating you up on the inside is the same guy thats eating you out'. That is solid, and in no way describes anything in my life right now.
The cubs won. That is good. Closers Gregg and Marmol still piss me off, but I am not going to rant about the team again, yet. Give me a few weeks.
love,
Ryan
ps. If this was facebook my status would be Ryan Thompson perhaps sent one or two too many text messages tonight.
or even: Ryan Thompson doesn't mean to come off as cocky, but he always has an easier time getting up in the morning when he knows his pics are on the front page.
But this is not facebook and I don't have the guts to put either. Besides my mom is now facebook friends with me, and she would probably comment about me being out to late or something embarrassing. So deal with that, blog.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Fun Night
Children watch as the Life Star Medical Helicopter lands in the softball field and Illinois state Trooper M.T. Dorenez holds up a pair of DUI simulator goggles during the Manhattan Police and Fire Community Fun Night in Central Park on Friday, July 31st, 2009.
So, I have several assignments this weekend, which is quite exciting! I had more to type, but I am not currently feeling it. I will be back soon journal.
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