Hollywood Four Auto History

Automobiles are an integral part of our lives. We spend a lot of time in them, whether it's going to work or going on vacation or just going for a cruise. The Hollywood Four have had quite a number of automobiles in their lives over the past 28 years (mostly Dad). In honor of our newest addition to the family today (Mom's new Durango), here is a short tribute to the many vehicles that have been in the family since the early 1980's (as best as I could remember, that is, and reconstruct with photos from the Internet).

MYBA Tournament Bracket Set

The Medina Youth Baseball Association season ending tournament bracket is final (11-12 yr olds). Andrew and his Astros finished second in the league overall, and first among NL teams. This gets them a first round bye in the NL bracket. The winner of the NL bracket will play the winner of the AL bracket for the championship. The Yankees, the top seed in the AL, also finished the regular season in 1st place (by 1/2 game over Astros). Astros play the winner of Reds/Dodgers Monday night (click image to right for magnified view).

Happy 4th of July

Our neighbors seem to be taking the 4th of July celebration seriously this year. They have been launching quite an arsenal of fireworks this evening. Fine by me as it is a great show over Lake Frogerick (our back yard). Here is a quick clip of the action before it gets too dark. Happy 4th of July!

On The Road Again

I am working from the YRC Worldwide corporate offices in Overland Park, KS this week again. This is my fifth trip to Overland Park this year. This week I am working on a special project with our CMO; but hope to also spend some time with some of my fellow marketing colleagues this week as well. I always enjoy a little face-to-face time with the "other half" of our corporate marketing team (the other half, of course, are based in Akron, OH). Word of my trip must have leaked because our stock is up over 40% today! :)

All-Star Game

Andrew was voted by his fellow teammates as one of two players to represent the Astros in the 11 year old All-State game that took place today (two were also voted to the 12 year old All-Star game). Unfortunately, the NL All-Stars lost the game to the AL All-Stars 5-15 mostly due to a poor start in which erratic pitching and fielding put the NL team in the hole 0-7 after the first inning. Andrew struck out his first two at bats and I was wondering if he'd "show up" for up for the game. Thankfully he redeemed himself by crushing a long ball over the left fielder's head in his last at bat for a double which also drove in 2 runs. It was the longest and only extra base hit of the game (yes, Dad was proud). Despite the loss, the NL All-Stars each received a medal of honor at the end of the game. Dad was busy helping coaching, but managed to take a few pictures and video clips with his phone shown here.

Louisville Weekend

This weekend the Hollywood Four all went to Louisville for so Abby could compete in the Louisville Feis on Saturday. She finished 5th overall in her main competition (19 dancers) and 1st overall in her set dance competition (she danced her "the downfall of Paris"). She also took a couple other first place medals in some lesser competitions for specific dance steps. On Sunday, Dad got breakfast in bed at the Hyatt Place. Then we packed up and went to Churchill Downs for the early part of the afternoon (since the kids have been enjoying horse racing 3D on my iPad). We won about $65 and spent only $20 so that was good. In the evening we went to a new minor league baseball stadium to watch the Florence Freedom play.

Astros Win Again

Last night the Astros played the Reds in a late MYBA league game. The Astros continued their hot streak winning the game easily with solid pitching and great hitting. Andrew was on fire with 3 hits in 3 at bats, stole 6 bases and scored 3 runs. In the field he played 1B, 3B and OF. The Astros remain undefeated with a record of 6-0-1. Two more games this week against the A's and the Pirates (although Andrew will miss the second game because we'll be at the Louisville Feis with weekend for Abby).