Fries and Ketchup: Failures, Homecomings, and Exploding Heads

The weekly column where we do our best to mention anything we missed in the last week (or longer). It's a lot like those moments when you're out of ketchup, at a fine fast food restaurant, but lack the energy to go and get more; so you scrape away at the dregs on your hamburger wrapper, until all you can see is silver aluminum foil. It's classy, yet unrefined.

Wait 'til next year: On Wednesday night, the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers came to an abrupt end. (Who knew good pitching and hitting, beat bad pitching and hitting?) It was a season that saw the team get off to a hot start, complemented by Orlando Hudson going for the cycle and a record-setting start at home. They led the National League almost the entire season, helped mostly by the vast improvements of Matt Kemp and Andre Eithier. They also (for the second year in a row) swept the NL Central division winner in the divisional series. Lastly, they were one of the last four teams standing. All of these things, mark a successful season.

They also (for a second year in a row) got lambasted by the Phillies in 5 games, with two former Dodgers helping do much of the damage. The news of the McCourts divorce couldn't come at a more inappropriate time, the day of game one of the NLCS. Oh and Manny got caught using female fertility drugs, when he left he was killing the ball, afterwards he was just another guy in Dodger blue.

We could focus on this seasons failures, but that is what the offseason is for and the season isn't technically over until a champion is crowned. So until then, I will remember the season that was, as a success. I mean honestly, why rush into thinking about Frank McCourt only getting to see us on the weekends?

Teach: If you ever feel nostalgic about your lost youth, or just sports, then this post by Joey over at FreeDarko is a must read. I found it especially timely because I read it the day after my 26th birthday.

This week was Spirit Week at the high school where I work. The following are spirit days I wish we would have instead of Wacky Wednesday, Stoplight Day, and Sweats and Slippers Day.

Also, let it be known that Wacky Wednesday looks like Mardi Gras without the booze. Stoplight Day allows high schoolers to call out the students who don't have boyfriends and girlfriends, and Sweats and Slippers Day just looks like all the students are coming in to take the SAT's. Slightly Disturbing. Slightly cruel. And slightly lame.

-NBA Lottery Suit Day

-19th Century Presidents Day

-Evolution Day (come as your favorite link in the chain)

-Dictator Day

-Bible Day

Feel free to add suggestions.

Buy This Album: A Place to Bury Strangers' Exploding Head
For the first time in my life, I am working in an office. Even worse, it is at a collection agency. My main responsibility is to collect back-taxes from people who can barely afford to pay their bills. The people I work with are nice enough, but it's easily the worst job I have ever held. With every call you get another story of despair and failure, making each day at work more taxing than the last. Why am I telling you this? Because my first week on the job, I got this album and wanted to take this time to thank APTBS. "Exploding Head" has allowed me to cool my spirits in a short drive home. And without it, I'd probably be an alcoholic by now. Did I mention this job is the bane of my existence?

For a more conventional review, check out Sputnik Music.