Say It Ain't So-Weezer

Dance, Dance-Fall Out Boy

Band Update

My band is doing fine right now. We have about three songs that we can play from start to finish, the three being a cover Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy, a cover Say it Ain't So by Weezer, and our origional song called Mr. P, Whats an Octane? (inside joke) Our guitarist Mike has recording software at his house, so hopefully we finish this cd by the time that I move. Oh, if you are wondering about our band name, It was origionally Fission, then it got changed to Heed the Paradox, and now, I'm not quite sure what it is. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

This Upcoming Year

This year is going to be great for me because, of course, we are moving back to Hastings. It is going to be great! I get to see all of my old friends, and I could even spend some time with you guys. I must say, though, I do have mixed feelings about this move. I have made so many friends here, and July 31 will probably be the last time that I see them again. But I still can't wait to get back "home."

My Frosh Baseball Season

I had a great year playing baseball. Our team went 16-3, and we had a lot of fun in the process. Hiting and fielding this year were not exactly good, but I made up for the slack with my pitching. I had a 4-0 record in 6 games, 3 complete games, 0.58 era (2 earned runs in 24 innings), 21 strike-outs, and I did not hit one batter. Oh, if you are wondering about the 2 no decisions, one was a game that I came in relief for one inning, and the other was the game that Grandma, Laurie, Lyn, and Lia saw.

My Band

I am officially in a band! I was asked about a month ago, and have had about four practices since. Here are the band members; Kyle Richards (guitar), Mike Mainuli (guitar), Eric Wilbur (bass), Brandon Marino (bass; yes we have two bassists), Joel Annibalini (vocals), Taeyoung Kim (keyboard), and me (drums).

My CAD Class

My CAD (computer assisted designing) class might be my favorite class ever. Here is just a taste of how fun it is. Opening day of the March Maddness tournment is at hand. The tables that we sit at are in a circular shape. Our teacher, Mr. Thorne, was haveing a good day. So me and my friends Dan and Rob decide to just watch the tournment live on CBS.comsports. We all turn our monitors to face Dan, who was in the middle of me and Rob, and started to watch three different games at once. We say Kansas vs. Portland St., Georgia vs. Xavior, and Marquette vs. Kentucky. We do still get our work done, though.

Baseball

Hey, guys. I have just started playing baseball on my High School's freshman team, and I am having a blast! Every day after school, I head to practice for about two hours, and on mondays, wednesdays, and fridays we have a game. I am also really excited that some of you get to see me in action on the 18th, although this is not the ideal game for you to watch, seeing as this team is quite good. None-the-less, I will really enjoy having you watch me.

My New Glasses

This past month, I got my new glasses. They work great! I don't have to wear them all of the time, though. Just when I cannot see the board, watching tv, things like that. They have brown Izod frames (yes, like the underwear), and an even bigger plus, they make me look smarter. There is just one more thing that I might get with them if I need them; RecSpecs for baseball (how cool is that)!

Minnesota Twins

This year, the Twins are starting anew, having gotten rid of two of thier franchise players and some others. Yet, I have high hopes for them this year because of the newly aquired players. Starting with the outfield, Michael Cuddyer, becoming one of the team leaders, will have a monumental year defensivlly. And new teammates Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez will only add to our ability beyond the dirt. Moving on to the infield, where they seem to be having some difficulty. First of all, the right-side of the infield is perfectly alright with Morneau and Brendan Harris (but I believe that Casilla should be the starter). But as you move over to the left-side of the infield, things start to get a bet worse. I am not doubting Mike Lamb's ability as a third baseman, but I do not believe that he can match-up to Punto's range and versatility. And Adam Everett, having never layed on turf, I wonder how he is going to adapt. Caatcher is obviously just fine with Mauer and Redmond behind the plate. Moving on to pitchers, who I believe have, more this year than any other year, the most responsibility for winning games. The transaction that took Santana from us is a lot of slack to make up, which will put a lot of pressure on our pitchers, but I believe that they will handle it with aplomb. Liriano, hopefully our new ace, will have a monsterous year after his surgeory. Boof and Baker will hopefully win 15 games this year, and with Livan Hernandez coming from the Nationals, it will make our roster full of capable, expierenced pitchers. On to the batting order. Before I show you how I think it should look like, if you disagree, please write me a comment.

1. D. Young LF
2. B. Harris 2B
3. J. Mauer C
4. M. Cuddyer RF
5. J. Morneau 1B
6. M. Lamb 3B
7. A. Everett SS
8. J. Kubel DH
9. C Gomez CF

This Month....

This past week, our family went to the historic Philadelphia. Right as we arrived, we headed to Valley Forge (nothing special). The next day, we went to downtown Philadelphia to se the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the home of Ben Franklin. And to top off this awesome day, we went to the Science Museum to see a traveling Star Wars exibit (I must admit, Jack liked it more than any of us). We left the city the next day and headed to Gettysburg. It was really intersting. The only minor set-back to our fun was the intense winds and bitter cold on top of Little Round Top. Our final day consisted of my favorite part of the vacation. We visited Hershey. The whole town smelled like..... soap (just kidding). We ventured inside Chocolate World, and returned an hour and a half later with bags of chocolate bars, kisses, ect.

Minnesota Sports Blunders

Minnesota this year has really been loosing it's touch in the sporting world. Here are just a few. (These are in no particular order)

• Vikings missing the playoffs
• Torii Hunter leaving the team
• The KG trade
• Randy Moss
• Gopher football (0-8 in confrence, 1-11 overall)
• The Johan Santana trade (I'm hoping not, but it looks likely)
• T-Wolves

Yet, There are also good things that have happened this year.

• Adrian Peterson
• Gaborik's 5 goal, 1 assist game
• Gopher Basketball
• One of the Wolves' wins was over the Suns

My Favorite Drummers

Before I start naming drummers, I would like to tell that if you think that someone should be added to the list, just post me a comment and I will look into it.

1. Neil Peart- Rush He is the greatest ever, WITHOUT A DOUBT!!
2. Mike Portnoy-Dream Theatre He is so accurate and percise, it seems unhuman.
3. The Rev-Avenged Sevenfold His double bass are like two cannons going off one after another.
4. Travis Barker-Blink 182, +44 He is the ultamite punk rock drummer.
5. John Bonham-Led Zeppelin Just and all around great drummer.
6. Keith Moon-The Who The greatest drummer from the 70's.
7. Buddy Rich-Jazz Great The greatest jazz drummer of our time.
8. Chad Smith-Red Hot Chili Peppers His groovy beats are some of my favorites.
9. Joey Jordison-Slipknot He is the fastest rock drummer ever.
10. Jojo Mayer-Nerve One of my favorite jazz drummers.
11. David Schoeberl-Independent Quite possibly the best drummer ever.

Honorable Mentions

Dave Grohl-Nirvana
Jason Bittner-Shadows Fall
Ringo Starr-The Beatles
Phil Collins-Genesis
Stewert Copeland-The Police
Matt Sorum-Velvet Revolver
Phil Rudd-AC/DC
Dave Mackintosh-Dragonforce
Andy Hurley-Fall Out Boy
Bob Bryar-My Chemical Romance
Charlie Watts-The Rolling Stones
Dave Lombardo-Slayer

The New Year

This Christmas was very fun! There was not very much snow on the ground, though (it had all melted by then). I got a double bass drum pedal, a bunch of Neil Peart "fan gear," and a new Ipod. Everything was great. Sam got a new skateboard, and Jack got a toy guitar. We also went to the Blue Man Group in Boston as an early Christmas present. It was so cool! Our new year was also quite enjoyable, although I was on the computer when the ball dropped. I can't wait for you guys to come out and visit us. Take care.