Category: Generic

Is My UMass Lowell Athletics Boycott Over?

From 2000 to 2004 I had my second stint as a student at UMass Lowell. During that time I had a show on the school’s radio station. We tried to run a talk show and for a while there it worked pretty well. We had segments with the head coaches of the men’s hockey and basketball teams. The hockey spots in particular were a lot of fun. A few times we had the director of athletics on as well.

It ended when the director of athletics sold out the station to the local newspaper. When the bullshit went down I vowed that as long as that director worked for the university to not have anything to do with the athletics department or the paper again. I think it’s been 18 years and I’ve stuck to that vow.

I almost broke it two years ago. Maybe bent more than broke. We were going to go to a UML at Vermont game with Bellana. I don’t remember why, but we didn’t get to the game.

When I found out Harry was in the Vermont pep band I thought about trying again. Obviously Covid will keep us away, but I still googled the UML athletics department staff. None of the people involved with fucking my radio station were there. I googled the director’s name and found that he retired in 2018.

I am free to follow my alma mater’s hockey team again.

I’m still never reading that shit rag of a newspaper though.

Two Notes

Two notes as I get ready for bed on a Saturday night.

First, game three of the Red Sox/Rays ALDS series is tomorrow at 4:00. I really thought Tampa Bay was going to sweep us, but last night the offense and the bullpen pulled out an impressive win. We need more of that tomorrow. We have a chance to close out the series without leaving Fenway. Sounds good to me.

Second, one of my neighbors is having a party with insanely loud music that is making my skin crawl. Where is Lizardfish when we need some massive volume to drown out the lame noise?

Fried

I’d say I was suffering from brain fry today except that it’s not just my brain it’s my whole body and my whole existential being. After working in the yard for half the day yesterday and working around the house for half the day today, my tank is completely empty. Mentally, physically, the whole kit. I’d say I need to sleep, but I had a really good night’s sleep last night and it didn’t clear things up after yesterday’s labors.

I was going to write something else too, but I think doordash just dropped off our dinner. We’re not supposed to be dining out anymore (well… taking out, more accurately?) but with all the work we’ve done today we’ve kind of earned it.

I’ll write more after dinner.

Pep Band

We found out yesterday that Harry has joined the UVM pep band that plays at hockey games.

I also found out that the athletic director responsible for my boycotting UMass Lowell athletics is no longer the athletic director.

I’m going to have to drill Harry on attendance and social distance policies and Covid safety at UVM games because of this:

I would LOVE to go and hear Harry play, even if I am secretly rooting for the other team.

After Eight Innings

This one turned around nicely. After eight innings the Red Sox are up 11-6. They have hit five home runs. J.D. Martinez managed to not trip over second base when running out his homer. Thank the baseball gods for that.

One inning to go with a five run lead. Am I feeling confident? Good heavens, no! Are you nuts?