Odd night at the ol' ball game

While we tailgated, Moppy was also working on Sunday's game. He'd purchased a number of tickets some time ago for the group and had a number of people bail on him this week. His phone kept buzzing as he tried to line up people to fill the gaps on Sunday as he didn't want to waste the tickets or go through the hassle of trying to deal with them in other ways. As Friday night games tend to be just him and me, I spent a good deal of time not doing much.

The vehicle next to us had four young ladies in it and, after Moppy's third phone call, I was beckoned to join them as they took pity on me for being 'abandoned' by my buddy. I did hang out with them for a few minutes until Moppy 'saved' me from them and we ended up going inside not long after that. I was pleased that the most attractive one of the group (in my opinion anyway) was the one that called to me. I chit-chatted to the group rather politely. I still have the feeling that I was supposed to do something there, something much more whatever, but I didn't. I really have no 'game' in those circumstances and we didn't speak long enough for me to relax with their group so I probably looked like an idiot, which would be nothing new.

Once inside and comfortable, it doesn't take long for all that beer to seek escape. As I exited the little geek's room, I heard my name called rather enthusiastically. It was my former boss' boss' boss, the gentleman who had the unpleasant task of informing me that my position had been eliminated. As I'm not good remembering names and I was unaware that he had any long-term memories of me, I was impressed he recognized me. We chit-chatted for a moment, he wished me luck again, and we both were smiling when we departed. I just thought it odd that he was up in the cheap seats. I would have thought he could afford better. Maybe he got the tickets as a last second thing. It's really not important as what was important is that it was nice to see him.

The game went into extra innings. Three of the last four games I've been to have gone to extra innings. The important thing here is that the Brewers won, finally broke their losing streak, and made up a game in the standings.

If it was an odd night at the ol' ball game, at least it ended well.

Tinkering

I've been tinkering these past couple days with my computers. There's been the purchasing of some items and the installing of programmes, not to mention the opening of computers and the rearranging of hardware. It almost feels like I was at work again. So far everything's still working so that's a nice confidence booster.

'The Time Meddler' - Brief Review

I finished watching the Doctor Who story entitled 'The Time Meddler' yesterday. This story closed out the second series of the programme way back in 1965. I think I last saw it back in 1989 or 1990, whenever the local PBS stations last aired it.

It's 1066 and the TARDIS arrives in England. Viking raids are common on the Saxons living there and the Doctor quickly determines that the big blow-out between the two groups is yet to come. Once a wristwatch and a record player are found, the travelers know something is up. Can it be that there's another time traveler around?

It's not a great story but it's got some nice elements to it. While some efforts are made to individualize the Vikings and Saxons, for the most part they come across as a blob of people. A lot of the story revolves around the fact that the Doctor and his companions just keep missing each other. The second episode is rather slow, despite it having the big fight scene in it, as star William Hartnell is on vacation that week and the story doesn't really progress with him absent.

Given the context of the programme at the time, this story would have been more fascinating. While in the story previous the Daleks were shown to have a time machine as well, the time traveler in this story doesn't just have a time machine, he's got a TARDIS just like the Doctor. For the first time in the programme's history another traveler of the Doctor's kind appears, not counting Susan as she was with the Doctor. The name 'Time Lords' would not be spoken for another 4 years and the planet they live on would not be named 'Gallifrey' for another 4 years after that. This would have been a big deal at the time.

One thing that I really like was a relatively meaningless special effect. While the story was shot in the studio, there are times when the characters are standing on a cliff. Behind them in the sky, clouds move. I think that really made the set look nice, really added to the illusion that they were outside.

Thumbs moderately up. Not recommended for people who can't deal with television in black and white or with powerfully short attention spans. If you're not already keen on Doctor Who, this isn't the story that will change your mind about the show.

Ah-cho!

I don't think that I'm allergic to anything but the dustier corners of the archive are testing that theory. Sneezing for a minute straight will change your perspective on the situation.

Better out than in.

Thanks but I knew that part

I've been reminded of the fact that yesterday I was talking about my beer gut and there's a simple logical equation to be had there because of it. As I gave up soda some years back (apart from the occasional tipple), I see no reason to give up beer as well.

Where would be the fun in that?

Weight

I've been walking regularly during my period of non-employment. I've tried to get in at least a half-hour a day but have extended it to an hour on occasion. I've also increased my fiber intake and have felt some benefits from that. Overall, I'm feeling more fit.

I haven't dropped any weight however. I'd like to think that I've gained some muscle and that would impact my weight. I still feel like I've got a bit of a tire around my gut and that annoys me.

Not sure what I'm going to do about that just yet.

Feelings of Accomplishment Rising

Finished a draft of a story yesterday. I think it needs a little work yet but I believe that the text is generally complete. Am increasingly convinced that the script I've been working on is nearly done, at least for a first draft.

Considering the energy of Friday, this is really good timing. Onward and upward!