Super Happy Baseball Fun Time Hour 2011

Surely some of you have seen some advertisement in your years for a Japanese imported TV show with a title that doesn't quite translate to the U.S. One episode of Seinfeld made particular light of this because a brief clip of Jerry on a Japanese TV show meant he was going to receive countless royalty checks for a whopping 12 cents, which led him to have a serious case of writer's cramp. I title this post this way because, in case you hadn't noticed, the 2011 Major League Baseball season started today and like I do in most years, I probably need to write some sort of preview detailing how I think these things will go. And really, considering the team that I follow and put my irrational faith in, well, I'd rather not talk about how things will go. That's because I'm unlikely to see a baseball season that goes how I want it to unless I start following a team from Japan, where baseball might actually be a super happy fun time this year.

And really, if I wanted to do just that, I do already have the appropriate merchandise for a team to support.

However, while I do follow two sports teams in foreign countries fairly closely, adding a third that is in a country that doesn't speak English is probably too much work. So .... I'm stuck with the Mets. And this year that doesn't look like it's going to be too good a situation. And what would give me that idea beyond the whole "bloated-roster-with-aging-expensive-ineffective-players-coupled-with-a-painfully-thin-farm-system-and-an-ownership-group-that-is-currently-being-sued-for-a-billion-dollars-because-of-its-connection-with-a-ponzi-scheme" thing?

Well, if you read the Sports Illustrated baseball preview this week and its scouting report on New York, it included really positive nuggets like, "Their system is really thin and there's not a lot there. I don't see an impact player coming from within and they have to change the climate. If they're smart, they'll blow the club up and start over," and "God help them." Not making that last one up, either. Fortunately, Terry Collins sent me a letter this morning letting me know that everything's cool, which I can only assume is some sort of misguided April Fool's joke. So basically the Mets are widely expected to be terrible this season, which I suppose isn't surprising, but I can at least take solace in the fact that the Phillies won't be winning the World Series.

And how do I know this?

Well, I could go into detail about how their historically impressive pitching staff is currently just masking an offense that will be nowhere near what it was three years ago when they won the World Series, but really I'm simply relying on the fact that the Phils were the cover subject of this year's Major League Baseball preview issue. And we know how I feel about Sports Illustrated and its supposedly nonsensical cover curse. But also, let's take a look at SI Cover subjects for their baseball previews over the years. If you do your research, you'll see that with the bizarre exception of an impressive three of four stretch that included the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals, 2007 Boston Red Sox and 2009 New York Yankees, Sports Illustrated hasn't featured the eventual champ on its baseball preview cover in my lifetime. Though it did curiously predict the 1998 home run chase. That's a going rate of 3 for 25 right now, an average which is, to say the least, not good enough for Cooperstown.

So, uh, yeah, I'm not worried based on that entirely irrelevant statistic. Some of you may say that the picks I'm about to make are somewhat biased because the season already started today, but, uh, for the 12 teams that did open their season, there's still 99.4% of the season to go. I'm pretty sure it will matter about as much as it would have if I wrote this yesterday.

Let's make some awful predictions.

NL EAST

1. Philadelphia
2. Atlanta
3. Florida
4. NY Mets
5. Washington

The upsetting thing here is that putting the Mets ahead of the Nationals, who are actually building quite well, might be optimistic of me. God, I hope that's not the case, but I couldn't swear to it at this point. Either way, I will maintain hope that New York does something, anything well. In the meantime, I'll just get bitter about seeing the Phillies win another division title despite an aging offensive with several holes now that Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley are older and Jayson Werth has taken his act to D.C.

NL Central

1. Milwaukee
2. Cincinnati
3. Chicago
4. St. Louis
5. Pittsburgh
6. Houston

I've been waiting quite some time for the Brewers to finally break through and take a division title, and with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder still in the lineup and Zach Greinke now joining the rotation, if it isn't happening this year, it isn't happening any year. Plus, my favorite beer is from Wisconsin and they're generally nice people so sure, let's give 'em this one. I'll put my chips on the Crew this time, why not?

NL West

1. San Francisco
2. Colorado (WC)
3. Los Angeles
4. San Diego
5. Arizona

The smart money says that a lot of people don't really think the Giants have a chance at repeating their unlikely run as World Series champions from last year, but I actually think they've got a decent shot for the obvious reason that their pitching is absurdly stacked -- and for many years at that. Lincecum, Cain and the newcomer Bumgarner will all be a part of the equation for years, and while the Phillies' rotation may boast more names, Philadelphia's pitchers will ply their trade in a park built for offense. AT&T Park in San Francisco is the best pitchers' park in the NL west of Queens.

AL East

1. Boston
2. Tampa Bay (WC)
3. NY Yankees
4. Baltimore
5. Toronto

I have a lot of friends who are Yankees fans. A lot of them will not be pleased that I don't have the Yankees making the playoffs. And that prediction is, I'm sure, probably the most obviously wrong one about this whole thing. But I have a hunch that New York's offensive studs -- Cano, Teixeira, et al -- are going to be offset by the declining offensive skills and defensive black hole that happens to sit on the left side of the infield. But it's cool because he got a totally necessary, rational and reasonably priced contract this winter for a 36-year-old who hit .270 last season. I know, I know. It's payback for all he's given you. Good thing, too since he didn't get paid very well on his last contract. Oh, and their pitching rotation has one bona fide ace and four question marks, one of whom has started all of seven games in the Majors. Oh yeah, and the Rays are totally loaded with cheap young talent. So there's that.

AL Central

1. Minnesota
2. Detroit
3. Chicago
4. Kansas City
5. Cleveland

I don't think your eventual champ is coming from this division, I sort of like the relatively well-rounded make up of the Twins, and I don't like a whole lot else. But as every magazine seems to be noting, the Royals just might be primed for a run at the World Series.... in 2015. Seriously, that team is going to kick some serious ass when I'm 30 with the prospects they've got coming up. And the real amusing thing? They could go to that World Series to face another team that has put a large amount of money in its farm system lately... Pittsburgh. Yeah, a Royals-Pirates World Series. Of course this year that would be, you know, nonsense.

AL West

1. Texas
2. Oakland
3. Anaheim
4. Seattle

A lot of people think the Rangers made the World Series last year for the first time in franchise history because they caught a lot of lucky breaks, which is right about the fact that they, well, caught some lucky breaks. But they were also, you know, really good. And that offense is downright scary. And the rest of the this division isn't. So, lucky or not, why isn't this team an obvious choice to repeat exactly? I guess we'll find out in October when I look back and see that I'm wrong on this.

Ok, so now we've basically got something like this, right?

NLDS
(4) Colorado over (1) Philadelphia
(2) San Francisco over (3) Milwaukee

ALDS

(1) Boston over (3) Minnesota
(4) Tampa Bay over (2) Texas

NLCS
(2) San Francisco over (4) Colorado

ALCS
(1) Boston over (4) Tampa Bay

2011 World Series
(1) Boston over (2) San Francisco

So yeah. The Red Sox are going to win the World Series for the third time in eight seasons. That's my prediction, and it's highly uninspired and boring -- and it seems like something that would be completely unbelievable if I were still in my childhood -- but, well, it's probably right. Unless the Mets pull a 1969, but I don't see that coming. And neither do the experts.

Barring a miracle, I'm looking at next year. But hey, maybe it'll shock me. I guess I'll find out at 7 p.m. tonight.

Thia Megia, Naima Adebapo bid farewell to their American Idol journey

Nope. This is not an April Fools' joke -wish it is. (Be careful though on what you read in other sites, today. Lol)

16 year-old Filipino American Thia Megia and fellow AI contestant Naima Adebapo | Courtesy of Google Images/Fox

Despite Thia Megia's beautiful rendition of Elton John's song "Daniel", she was one of the two contestants who have been voted out from the latest season of the "American Idol". Naima Adebapo also was ousted during the double elimination March 31 (April 1, Philippines) episode of the show. Paul McDonald joined them in the bottom 3 but was saved.

On a lighter note, since Megia and Adebapo both made it this far in the competition, they will be on tour with the rest of the Top 11 finalists this Summer.

Noypi's notes:

I admit I just lose one reason to watch the show. I'm a fan of Thia eh.

To Philippine viewers, "pasensya na" with this spoiler. I know our "live telecast" will still be aired in 6 hours pero around 10am actually dapat. Lol.

Thia Megia dedicates a song for her 'kuya' on American Idol

The youngest American Idol 10 contestant, 16 year-old Filipino-American Thia Megia enchanted the judges with her wonderful performance of Elton John's "Daniel" during the March 30 (March 31, Philippine Time) live episode of the talent search.

Thia Megia singing "Daniel" by Elton John | Photo courtesy of Fox

Jennifer Lopez said it was a "beautiful moment" for the young singer.

Randy Jackson somehow agreed saying it showed the very relax side of her that people could hear her beautiful voice but pointed out that it was still a "very safe" performance.

On the other hand, Steven Tyler, said she sang "a great Elton John song well".

Thia Megia dedicated the song to her older brother which apparently made her performance believable and emotional.

She uttered, "I love you, kuya!" after the judges gave their comments.

However, tomorrow will be a double elimination episode. Thia was among the bottom three last week. If she won't get enough votes this time around, she will be going home which I really hope won't happen. :(

Piolo Pascual shirtless on 'Runners' World' April 2011 Cover

Kapamilya hunk posed half naked on the cover of the April 2011 issue of the "Runners' World" magazine.

Piolo Pascual shirtless on 'Runners' World' April 2011 Cover

On the cover story, Piolo Pascual shared his thoughts on running and life saying, "You have to keep better." Features on building strength and endurance, refreshing snacks, beginner's guide on running, and weight loss are also inside this issue.

'Runners' World' April 2011 issue is now available in your favorite stands and stores. :D

Battling Pornography. . . .

"We have a generation of young people for whom the call to repentance must include a call to turn from porn." Those are some terribly true words from Tim Chester in the Introduction to his challenging and helpful book, "Closing the Window: Steps to Living Porn Free." Chester is right. Based on the stats he passes on a few paragraphs earlier, Chester would include adults in that mix as well. . . Christian adults to be exact.

Pornography is accessible, anonymous, and affordable in today's world. As a result, our culture has become increasingly "pornified." "So too," writes Chester, "is the church." According to Chester, a recent survey found that 50 percent of Christian men and 20 percent of Christian women are "addicted to porn." If those stats are true, then one-in-three church members are struggling with pornography.

I first saw pornography when I was 11 or 12 years old. It was with a group of four of my male peers. There are numerous words that describe how I remember feeling when I saw it. . . things like curious, enticed, excited, guilty, dirty, and yes, even disgusted. I remember feeling like it was fascinating, but it didn't measure up. I now know that the latter impression was intuitive. . . that it somehow wasn't what it was supposed to be. God's plan for our sexuality is so much better and so, so right.

Equipping people to battle pornography in their lives - the young and old alike - must be near the top of our ministry agendas for the simple reason that pornography is at the top of a growing number of life agendas. You might not know it, but it's safe to assume. Chester's book offers the best, most practical, and theologically sound start that I've seen yet. I knew it would be good based on the many people who were asking me, "Have you seen Tim Chester's book on pornography?"

Chester offers up five key ingredients that must be present and in place for someone to win the battle with pornography.

1. An abhorrence of porn. You have to hate porn itself (not just the shame it brings), and long for change.

2. You must adore God. Why? Because we can be confident that He offers more than porn.

3. You must be assured of God's grace. You are loved by God and are right with Go through faith in the work of Jesus.

4. You must avoid temptation. Be committed to do all you in your power to avoid temptation, starting with the controls on your computer.

5. You must be accountable to others. You need a community of Christians who are holding you accountable and supporting you in your struggle.

Tim Chester never claims it's easy. This isn't a "take these five steps and everything will be just fine" treatment. No, life is messy. And Tim Chester is writing about a messy battle. It's a battle we must understand, engage in, and fight with long-suffering intensity.

Our culture is changing and changing fast. If you think it's pornified now, just wait.

Jason Ivler photos and video inside the jail | Jason Ivler pictures in prison

TV Patrol reported earlier about Jason Ivler getting VIP treatment while in prison. According to the report, there are photos and video of Jason Ivler posted online that show him with some girls, drinking and partying inside the jail. So I thought of searching them for you and compile them here. Below are some of the photos I found. I also found the video but it cannot be posted here since it contains inappropriate language that blogspot does not allow.

*** I have to delete the photo I posted here earlier. Someone contacted me with a proof that it was not taken inside the jail as reported on TV Patrol...

The purported photo of Jason Ivler with girls and friends drinking inside the jail??? How true is this? I just saw it on TV Patrol earlier and was able to find this in a social media site.

A photo of Jason Ivler and his mom Marlene Aguilar inside Jason's cell?

Saw this photo on TV Patrol as well | Jason Ivler with a girl

An inmate showing his Jason Ivler tattoo

House Stark

Here is another A Game of Thrones preview.  Actually this is more of a behind the scenes kind of thing.  It gives a nice look at some of the Starks and the actors portraying them.  Also, we can see some scenes that have not been in any of the previews yet.

House Stark Feature

Can you tell that I am excited?

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Coronation Night to air live on ABS-CBN on April 10 | Binibining Pilipinas Candidates Photos

The coronation night of the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country, Binibining Pilipinas 2011 will be held on April 10 at the Araneta Coliseum and will be aired live on ABS-CBN.

This year, forty (40) lovely Filipina beauties will be vying for 3 coveted titles which include Binibining Pilipinas - Universe, International and Globe.

Meanwhile, the text voting for the "People's Choice" award has also started. To vote, just Text BINIBINI(space)(candidate number)and send it to the following numbers: 231 (Smart and Talk n' Text) and 2331 (Globe, TM and Sun Cellular).

Courtesy of the Bibining Pilipinas website, here are the photos of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 candidates:

Candidate No. 1	Candidate No. 2	Candidate No. 3	Candidate No. 4
Zephorah Mayon	Elizabeth Durado Clenci	Carolyn Ty	Gianna Therese Quintos
Candidate No. 5	Candidate No. 6	Candidate No. 7	Candidate No. 8
Jennielyn Natividad	Patricia Tumulak	Angelia Ong	Marie Kristina May Marasigan
Candidate No. 9	Candidate No. 10	Candidate No. 11	Candidate No. 12
Bernadette Aguirre	Hazelyn Santos	Diana Arevalo	Carla Lacson
Candidate No. 13	Candidate No. 14	Candidate No. 15	Candidate No. 16
Queenierich Rehman	Marish Alyssa Marquinez	Arabella Hanesh	Sabrinne Al-Tawil
Candidate No. 17	Candidate No. 18	Candidate No. 19	Candidate No. 20
Gerlie Lero	Teresa Pamela Ludovice	Wendy Lucas	Jenette Mieko Noguchi
Candidate No. 21	Candidate No. 22	Candidate No. 23	Candidate No. 24
Kenneth Dimaapi	Paula Camille Figueras	Luzelle Felipe	Martha Chloe McCulley
Candidate No. 25	Candidate No. 26	Candidate No. 27	Candidate No. 28
Isabella Manjon	Shamcey Supsup	Janine Tugonon	Joanna Tuazon
Candidate No. 29	Candidate No. 30	Candidate No. 31	Candidate No. 32
Krystle Ann Grant	Kathleen Subijano	Samantha Purvor	Jenn-Roe Gubat
Candidate No. 33	Candidate No. 34	Candidate No. 35	Candidate No. 36
Dianne Necio	Mary Jean Lastimosa	Suzette Hernandez	Camille Alexis Baltazar
Candidate No. 37	Candidate No. 38	Candidate No. 39	Candidate No. 40
Sarah Clenci	Ladylyn Riva	Glennifer Perido	Monique Manuel