The Boys of Summer return!

Baseball season is just a few short hours away!

And after a many-year absence, I am back in a major league baseball fantasy league. So without further suspense, I present my "Boys of Summer"

Storm Track Baseball League
Team Hendrickson 2008


Position Players-
C-Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
1B-Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
2B-Luis Castillo, New York Mets
3B-Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
SS-Jhonny Peralta, Cleveland Indians
2B/SS-Mark Ellis, Oakland A’s
1B/3B-Matt Stairs, Toronto Blue Jays
OF-Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
OF-Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston
OF-Ken Griffey Jr., Cincinnati
OF-Jeff Francoeur, Atlanta Braves
OF-Andruw Jones, Los Angeles Dodgers
DH-Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox
UTIL-Nomar Garciaparra, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bench-Moises Alou, New York Mets OF
Bench-Cristian Guzman, Washington Nationals SS
Bench-Dmitri Young, Washington Nationals 1B
Bench-Scott Rolen, Toronto Blue Jays 3B
Bench-Delwyn Young, Los Angeles Dodgers OF

Pitchers-
SP-Johan Santana, New York Mets
SP-A.J. Burnett, Toronto Blue Jays
SP-Derek Lowe, Los Angeles Dodgers
SP-Greg Maddux, San Diego Padres
SP-Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels
SP-Livan Hernandez, Minnesota Twins
SP-Dontrelle Willis, Detroit Tigers
SP-Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants
SP-Kenny Rogers, Detroit Tigers
RP-Eric Gagne, Milwaukee Brewers
RP-Kerry Wood, Chicago Cubs

A short fuse...

It seems my temper has been more prevalent as I get older.

For the most part, I'm a pretty mild-mannered person. A "live and let live" kind of person. I used to think I was the most patient person in the world.

Over the past 5 or 6 years, I learned something. I'm not.

Whether I was teaching kids or trying to cope with heartbreak, it seems my trigger gets tripped more easily than when I was a kid. Even in radio, I can get pretty frustrated if things aren't just so.

It concerns me... and it scares me sometimes.

It hasn't done a LOT of damage, but it damn near cost me a very dear friend. And I may have alienated a few people in the process... my mea culpa, if you will.

I've got to get back to where I was 10 years ago.

Fambly

Family is a funny thing... these are folks you are born with, spend most of your early life with, fight with, get drunk and cry with... and through it all, are there for each other with a fair amount of love and support.

So when a trusted and even beloved member of the family starts ripping on you and pretty much demeaning you, you tend to get pretty bitter about the bloody thing, even years later. I'm finding that to be the case today.

My uncle and I had only met a handful of times. I reconnected with him while I was a student at UWGB over 12 years ago and we had had a pretty good relationship. He has his quirks, which I could accept and we had our disagreements, but never to the point of disrespect.

It all came to a head about 4 years ago... My uncle, who is a big fan of sending stuff via e-mail regarding real or supposed injustices sent me an e-mail about boycotting all gas stations for one day to protest high oil prices. I wrote him and said this was not very feasible, as most people would still buy gas, either the day before or the day after. I suggested things like alternative fuels, increased technology, etc. as a means of promoting some intelligent debate.

Well... his response was a bit... harsh.

He basically mocked me for not "Being around the block," because I lived in a sparsely-populated state. Fine, I can take that criticism. Then he tore into my family. He called me, my brothers, and my mom "ungrateful" and "selfish" for what my dad did for us and said he understood why my dad left my mom.

It was like I got hit right between the eyes with a 2x4... and not in the "I have an epiphany" sense, either!

It floored me!!! My own flesh and blood basically ripping on me and my brothers and my mom, simply because I didn't agree with his opinions. And I respected the man! Hell, I was even thinking about flying to Phoenix and spending time with him and his wife.

It's one of the few times I actually bawled that didn't have to do with a friend or loved one passing away.

A few days later, with my temper still unassuaged, I blasted him in an e-mail... most of it is laced with some pretty salty language, but here's what I wrote at the end.

Names changed to protect the guilty.

If this is what I can expect from you in the terms of personal correspondence, do me a huge favor... don't write. In fact, I will not expect nor accept any correspondence, nor respond to you unless I get an apology. And a sincere one at that.

Frankly, I'm disappointed in you, ****. I expected much better from you.

Don't bother to respond unless you do it to apologize.

Your nephew (believe it or not), Matt

P.S. Just because I live in a State with a significantly smaller population than your's, doesn't mean I'm any less intelllegent or "world wise." You have your opinions, I have mine... The only thing is, is I at least have the maturity not to launch into personal attacks against you when your ideals don't mesh with mine.

I guess I should follow my own advice... right, Nicci?

After that, I blocked his address from my e-mail. And with the exception of a dinner 2 years ago in Sioux Falls and e-mailing him Zoey's picture after she was born, I haven't heard from him since.

Tonight, he is back in the area. Dad is taking us out to Outback for supper. I'm going to go, if only to make Dad happy. I hope I can remain civil.

By the way, he still hasn't apologized... and I still haven't forgiven him.

Finally Friday!

And not a moment too soon!

Well, it's your favorite jackrabbit back in the driver's seat for another whirlwind cruise around the circus that is my life.

Basketball has finally been put to rest at work. But what a finish! For the first time in 63 years, Madison made it to the state finals. That's pretty impressive and the town was tickled pink-or was it maroon? Anyway, they finished second and are the favorites to win the thing next year.

Work has been going along at a happy, buzzing pace. With sports essentially done for the time being, I can concentrate on other things at work that might not always get my full attention.

I'm also going on vacation! Barring some minor disaster and the like, I'm going to fly out to Chicago April 23-27 to visit my good buddy Dan. I'm bringing a friend along, so we're going to do our best to stay out of Dan and Jenn's hair during the day. And take them out a few times in the evening! Now, I need to get me taxes done so I can get my refund and stimulus checks and refresh my bank account.

But I'm looking forward to going out there. I had such a blast out there the last time, I just had to share it. Now I just need to find my camera (I THINK it's in my car!) and I'm set!

I decided to wait on getting another car. Frankly, this car has been running well (with the exception of needing a tune-up) and with the body damage it has, I probably wouldn't be able to get jack-squat on a trade. So I'll drive it til it dies and then buy another one. I might go the route my dad is taking and get a Jeep. That would be cool!

The roller coaster that is my personal life has finally found something of an equilibrium. It's not perfect, but it'll do for now. I've also taken to growing some pretty decent facial hair. Nothing like what my friend from Lake Herman has, but not too shabby. I started growing it after Madison's boys won regions, and I'll probably keep it until I get tired of it (or overheated!). My niece Zoey couldn't quite recognize me... I can see in her eyes that she want's to recognize me, but she can't quite make up her mind if I'm her silly uncle Matt or some imposter with weird stuff on his face!

Other than that, things are going well. I've discovered that while having money and things are nice, it's having inner peace and peace of mind that is far more valuable in this world. Wise words to live by. Have a good 'un!

Why I'm not running...

Since my friend who lives on Lake Herman is now an official politico with White House aspirations (okay, so I'm kidding on that, but Jimmy Carter got his political career started by serving on the Plains, Georgia, school board.), I thought I would post my own non-candidate, non-profile, stating why I do NOT want to serve in pubic office!

Name: Matt Hendrickson, soon to be the Grand Sultan of "Oom-poppa-mow-mow!"

Family: Swingin' Bachelor, Baby!

Occupation: Media Star, Graduate School Dropout, World Conquistador in Training.

Age: Too old for Demi Moore and too young for Catherine Zeta-Jones-Douglas-whatever-the-hell-her-name-is.

How long a resident of Lake County: 6 years (hey, gotta have some straightforward answers once in a while!) but I've lived in the area (Dell Rapids, Brookings, etc.) my whole life.

What influenced you not to run to politics? Well, I have a pretty thin skin when it comes to personal attacks. I make it a point to treat others with respect, even if I don't agree with them. I guess it all stems back to my dear mother instilling a sense of MANNERS that has been my biggest weakness. As has been experienced in the Democratic primary and even our own little episode with the hired thug out of Virginia slamming someone who hadn't even DECIDED to run, I know that I couldn't be that cold-blooded. So screw it, I'm not running!

Of course, with the right kind of brainwashing, perhaps I can be a sociopath along the lines of Michael Savage, Fred Phelps, Badlands Blue, and Ted Rall and make a mint in politics!

Who have been your biggest influences in your decision not to run? Jesse Ventura. He once said that the best and brightest in the country are making a difference in the world of business, education, arts and entertainment, and technology and sciences. Politics are for those who are too stupid to succeed in those fields! And that's the best and brightest representing us!

If elected I will: 1) Demand a recount. 2) Find the person responsible for putting me on the ballot, and 3) kick them square in the ass!

After that, I would institute term limits and work to do away with elections and replace them with a drawing system, kinda like Jury duty. Make it so that all they want to do is do their jobs and get the hell out of there as soon as possible! And anyone who wants to make a career out of it would get intense psychological counseling and possible commitment to the happy farm!

Then I would resign after selling my life story to Hollywood for 300-million dollars!

What is your political philosophy? The American public should all be like grumpy old men and tell Uncle Sam to “Leave me alone!” and “Stay off my lawn!” And if it doesn't, turn the garden hose on them!

I vote because: It's a great way of biding my time before becoming world emperor!

Stuck in my head...

Ever have a song stuck in your head that you can't get rid of? It's happening to me now. And at 3 in the morning too!

For some inexplicable reason, I have the song "S.O.S." by ABBA stuck in my head. And for me, that's an OLD SONG (1975, the year I was born!)

I'm not much of an ABBA fan... Mom and Dad liked them well enough to have several tapes and 8-tracks (yes, I said 8-tracks... Nicci, if you wondering what those are, I'll be happy to explain to you at another time!)

But one thing I can say about ol' Benny and Bjorn, they sure know how to write a tune!

Where are those happy days, they seem so hard to find
I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind
Whatever happened to our love?
I wish I understood
It used to be so nice, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.
When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

You seem so far away though you are standing near
You made me feel alive, but something died I fear
I really tried to make it out
I wish I understood
What happened to our love, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.
When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
And the love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.
When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?
When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

Now that I've listened to this song on Napster about 50 frickin' times, it's time to go to bed... nite, all!

Update... now I have the urge to buy an ABBA CD! I just can't win!

Home-bound

The nice thing about the State tournament is that it "absolves" you from actually doing other work! So I'm home this morning in my PJs.

Don't worry, I'm not going to be a complete bum. I just needed sleep considering I finally signed off after 11 last night and got home from work at about 2:30 this morning. But I'll check in before heading back to Sioux Falls, where I'll have two games today...

Tri-Valley vs. Lennox (FM 103.1), 2:45 p.m.

Madison vs. Sisseton (AM 1390), 8:45 p.m.

What a game last night between Madison and Lennox! An old-fashioned "back door" play ala Princeton vs. UCLA (95 NCAAs) gave Madison the win! And great performances by White and Fiegen as well as Vlastuin from Lennox. All three players are Division-One bound (White and Fiegen to SDSU in a couple of years, Vlastuin to Drake next year). The fans definitely got their money's worth last night!

Jeff Larson was right... it was the game of the tournament!

Guten Morgen!

Well, I'm up early, since I have a lot to do today. But since I've been through the wringer over the last few days, I thought I'd give you a quick update on how things are going in this pitiful little life. ;)

Work is going as well as usual. We made goal for the umpteenth time in a row, which is good, but I can't help but think that bad things are coming on the horizon. I've been hearing some things about some of the other stations in the company having to reduce staff and even though we're doing well, budget-wise, I wonder if and when it'll hit us. But I shouldn't let things like that bother me, yet. As long as I go out there, and keep doing a good job I should be okay... But I don't think it'd be a bad idea to touch-up the old resume, either!

Other than that, it's going well. I'm broadcasting the Madison and Tri-Valley games on AM 1390 and FM 103.1 this week for the State "A" tournament in Sioux Falls. It'll be a bit hectic, but I have to remember... it beats the hell out of working at Citibank!

Personal life has not been so fortunate. As has been reflected in earlier postings (and one that's been tossed into the virtual incinerator), the woman I love did not return those feelings. And I'll admit I was pretty mad and I said some pretty rotten things to her in order to assuage my broken heart. I should have followed the advice of Abe Lincoln, who suggested writing a spiteful, venomous, hateful letter to that person and then throw it away. But I failed to do that and now I not only lost the love of my life, but a good friend... double bonus points for me! :(

This little episode shouldn't bother me, but it does. It's amazing that I can be so successful in so many areas of my life, yet fail so completely in this one part. I know it's her loss and that I have so much to offer, but at the same time it seems that every time I find someone, it blows up in my face. My buddy Stadem says that the right woman will come along and completely blow me away when I least expect it. Call me cynical, but the only way that I'll probably be "blown away" is if she's wearing a vest stuffed with plastic explosives!

I talked with my friend Genie about this last night. I've been pretty much a loner in affairs of the heart for a long time. I knew something was missing, but it never bothered me because, frankly, you can't miss what you don't have. When I fell in love, it felt like that missing piece arrived and for the first time in my life I felt whole. And it felt GOOD! And now that it's gone out of my life again, I'm more miserable than ever. And I question a) Will I ever find that missing piece in my life again? and b) Do I even DESERVE such happiness? At this point in my life, both are a resounding "NO".

I'm doing a lot of thinking now... I feel like saying "To Hell With This" and running away and not letting anyone know where I am. A fresh start, if you will... No work stress, no family stress, and no Nicci. Especially no Nicci. But as pathetic as it sounds, I'll probably just stay here and mope.

Jackrabit1, Career Counselor.

Every once in a while, I go onto a message board that discusses broadcasting, the trends, and stuff like that. And while 95-percent of the stuff on there is nothing more than jerks "flaming" on other announcers, managers, owners and the like, you do find some good nuggets and some honest-to-goodness folks that are seeking advice.

Case in point... a radio newbie named Jackie posted this question:

I'm a new person in radio. I see, hear and read a lot of negatives about the radio industry. What can be done to bring passion back into radio? Better yet, what can I do so I don't lose my passion?

A great question and to-the-point! So I posted this response...

I'll probably get ripped a new one for this, but you need to remember that at the end of the day, it's not about how funny the bit was or how many callers called in for the tickets you gave away. When it's all said and done, it's about the DIFFERENCE that you make to that one person.

It's easy to get wrapped up in all the details... the salespeople that seem to make unreasonable demands... the general manager who doesn't know thing one about broadcasting... the folks who are all about "the bottom line". But we have to remember why we got into the business in the first place... to entertain, to have fun, but most of all, to make a difference.

It could be making that one person laugh when they've had their butt chewed seven ways from Sunday. It could be playing that one song that convinces someone to call their spouse and make up after the big fight. It could be convincing that one person to donate the final dollar that helps a family devastated by cancer help make their lives a little bit easier.

We are in a powerful medium... and no matter what forces like consultants, Clear Channel, and the FCC may try to do, in the end, it's about making a difference.

I've been in Radio for 5 years. I've been frustrated, aggravated, spat on, cussed out, and ripped off. But I've also made good friends, had great belly-busting laughs and have enjoyed the HELL out of my career! If I still feel that way after 15 or 20 years, I'll truly be blessed.

It's good advice no matter what profession you're in. Whether you're in broadcasting, banking, or automotive service, if you can remember that you're making a difference and have fun doing it, then it's easy to keep the passion in your job. If you can't, no amount of money is going to make you love it more. And you're not doing you or anyone else any favors.

What do you think?

Counting Blessings...

I know I have a lot to be grateful for... good friends, loving family, and a kick-ass job in radio just to name a few.

But is it wrong to want more? To crave and long for more in my life? Not the material things, but things like love, romance, even a family of my own.

Does that make me a bad person? Should I just be happy with what I have now and leave it at that?

Thoughts? Comments?

3-bucks?!?

From the things that piss me off department...

Usually it's things like politics and getting stood up that burn my balding head. But THIS takes the cake... or in this case, the bread!

I like Potato Bread. It's tasty, it's dense and holds up well for toast and for sandwich-making (especially with my heavy-handedness on spreading the sandwich-y goodness). I like Old Style Potato Bread. It costs a bit more than Wonder Bread, but I figure if I gotta eat it, I want it to be good (I'm such a simple creature!)

Sunday, I was in Sioux Falls with Mom, doing a little shopping and even catching a movie (By the way, "Juno" is excellent! Not a sappy romance or some schmaltz like that). Before the movie we go to a mega-store so I can do a little grocery shopping... not going to tell you the name but it rhymes with "Wall Marte!"

I go to get my ever-lovin' potato bread... and it's 3 BUCKS A LOAF!!!

HUH?

GAH!

WTF!!!!!

So much for "Low, Low Prices." That must be reserved for the crap they import from China!

Cleanup...

So why, oh why did I do it?

I probably broke a cardinal rule in blogging, I deleted one of my own postings. I'll probably go to blogger's hell for it.

But frankly, it wasn't so much a legitimate posting, as it was me throwing a temper tantrum. Hey, I get just as mad as anyone else, and I acted (and wrote) before I thought.

Of course, this decision comes after a weekend of reflection, not to mention copious amounts of Vodka and Bud Light at Pantusso's place... and a pretty funny imitation of me as a "human fire extinguisher!"

But I'm still in pain, I'm still hurting... But I'll be better, stronger, faster... we have the technology! (Apologies to Lee Majors!)

Hoopin' it up...

While I'm waiting to hear the outcome on some important decisions, I'm keeping myself busy with hoops, hoops and more hoops!

First of all, congratulations are in order for the Madison boys for making their return trip to the State Tournament. I'd have to check the record books, but I want to say the last time the Bulldogs made back-to-back state tourney appearances was probably in the 1940s... if anyone knows for sure, please let me know so I don't sound like a moron!

Frankly, I'm glad to see Madsion clicking on all cylinders again. They've had a bit of a rough season with injuries, so they really have only had their full team together for a short while. But you can see the confidence back again, and that was true against Sioux Falls Christian in the Region finals. Definitely makes one forget about that stinker of a last regular season game... oops!

I was just informed that my "fan license" is dangerously close to being suspended... Turns out you can't be a fan and say anything critical about the team-- By that twisted logic, it means I'm no longer a fan of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, the Milwaukee Beers and the Texas State Fighting Armadillos!

But I know that Madison will make a good showing in Sioux Falls next week. And of course, "The Voice of the Bulldogs" will be there... fan license or not! LOL

Speaking of Madison, the Lady Bulldogs have had a rough season. The girls got a new head coach and learned a new style of play. And even though wins weren't plentiful, the girls showed grit, determination and heart--the makings of a good team! And if they can play next season like they played at the end of the season, they're definitely going to turn some heads next year!

But this week, it's all about the ladies, mainly Colman-Egan. The C-E Hawks are the top-seed in this year's Class B tournament and are unbeaten. Augustana signee Cami Koehn has been the sparkplug for this team, as they're looking for their first-ever state title. In many ways, Koehn reminds me a lot of Michelle Amundson, who was a "Miss Basketball" player for Dell Rapids a few years back. Both players make the others around them not only play better, but WANT to play better. THAT's what being an MVP and a leader is all about! But we'll be following them on FM 103.1, so you Colman and Egan folks can put away your poisoned pens!

My Jackrabbits have done well, especially the Lady Jacks. The wrapped up their first-ever regular season Division I conference title and are pretty much a shoo-in for the WNIT later this month. It'd be nice if they could make the NCAA's, but that'll have to wait til next year. As for the men, well, they improved a bit over last year's wreck of a season. Despite not getting many more wins, they stayed in many games, flexed their muscles (thanks to some off-season weightlifting) and now know what it takes to win in Division I men's basketball. Considering the bulk of this year's team was primarily freshman and sophomores, I'm excited to see these salty jacks hit the hardwood next year!

A little chin music?

I was looking at the serious chin fuzz that my friend Cory has sprouted over the winter. And I must say, it reminds one of a young Cat Stevens, minus the radical Islamic politics (Thanks, Erin!).

Makes me wonder if I shouldn't grow some whiskers of my own. I had a goatee for the better part of 5 years before one too many hot summer days compelled me to shave the darn thing off. But with my age, and my propensity to be a little stressed out, would I end up having to dye the damn thing?

And would ladies like the "Distinguised look" compared to looking like a "babyface?"

Of course, I could save a bit on razor blades, too!

Post 101 Update

Seems as though my friend has made up her mind, or is close to it, if her blog is accurate (and it usually is). I'm positive I'll find out this week what her answer is, just a little blurry on what she's decided.

On the other hand, another friend in my life is about to tell me she wants to date me. Well, it's nothing set in stone (her asking), but just a feeling I have.

It's odd... here I was a happy bachelor and now this. One of the more unusual ways to start a Monday!

Post 101

Just took a look at my stats, and I realized that I now have over 100 posts. BUT, that's over the span of 2+ years, so it's rather pitiful in retrospect!

So what shall I talk about today? How about an everything and anything episode of TJD? That sounds about right!

Politics: I've pretty much decided who I'm going to vote for in the Presidential election. And for the first time in my voting life, I'm going for a major party candidate. My selection: John McCain.

Why McCain? I think he's probably the candidate that has the most personal integrity out there. He's not going to speak in broad generalizations like Obama, and he's not going to be a demagogue like Clinton. He's going to speak his mind and call a jackass a jackass if need be. Granted, I may not agree with some of his policies regarding immigration, but he is the least of the three evils in my mind!

Work: Work is humming along as well as can be. We're getting ready for the State Basketball tournaments, which start next week (We're covering Colman-Egan's girls, in case you're curious). Still need a news director, I think poor Matt is getting a little wore down by pulling double-duty on music and news. I did the same darn thing with music and sports a few years ago and I absolutely detested it. I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I threatened Peg I was going to quit!

Last week was a bit rough, though... I had my ass chewed so many times from so many sides, I felt like my butt was a big piece of chewing gum! Parents who think I should be nothing more than a mindless cheerleader and never be critical, bosses who say I need to do more, and announcers who feel put upon. I just about told all three parties to Eff off!

But I did get a computer for my desk so it wasn't all that bad!

Personal: My re-connected friend and I are what I like to call, "Stuck in a Holding Pattern." I feel like she was pushing for me to start up a relationship right away. Of course, I wanted to take it slow, for the first month at least, while I got to know her again and sort through some feelings.

And now that I've done that and made my decision, it turns out I now have to wait. Because she has to sort things out. HUH?!?! You mean she wasn't doing that while I was and I'm getting chided because I was taking my time? SHEESH!

But despite my feelings on this (as well as the advice of several women-friends that told me not to), I'll wait. Yeah, I know, I have no backbone, but I think she's worth it, so much so that I can swallow a little of my self-respect... for the time being! LOL My only fear is that this'll end up like the many job interviews that I've had... the more time it takes to hear back from them, the less likely there will be a positive outcome. Granted this ISN'T a job interview, but the sentiment is still there.

So that's my life in a nutshell, for this week at least. Still getting over this crud in my chest, but I just had a good night's sleep and I feel much better. So much so, I might even do some housework again today.... yeah, right!