Ramsayings

Wondered if it was possible for anyone to actually make a film that captures the soul-crushing hopelessness of war without delivering a hamfisted message that turns people off. The Hurt Locker did that for me. Granted, it hasn’t changed the fact that we’re still heavily engaged in both Iraq and Afghanistan, despite electing a President who promised to change all that.

Work harder, Obama.

Watched An Education recently. Wondered what Band of Outsiders would’ve been like with a happy ending.

As I watch the Phils wrap up a come from behind win against the hapless Astros, I can’t help but think about what I’ll be drinking this summer. It ain’t easy being a Pennsylvanian!

Summer beers I like include:

• Troegs Sunshine Pils
• Victory Prima Pils
• Philadelphia Brewing Co. Rowhouse Red (or Fleur de Lehigh)
• Sly Fox Pikeland Pils
• Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale

It’s nigh impossible to choose one as my favorite summer session ale. I know what you’re thinking: first world problems, dude. But it’s one of those things where you like to have a dependable go-to when you reach for a beer in your fridge or cooler, you know? I’ve been partial to Sly Fox, since I love the cans, but now Oskar Blues has Dale’s Pale in our market. I also love the refreshing taste of the Troegs and Victory selections. I must admit a waning appreciation for PBC beers; I just don’t think they live up to the quality of comparable craft beers. What’s your favorite? Feel free to sound off in the comments.

An aside: was the session beer movement just a figment of Lew’s imagination? Friends of mine who homebrew said they’d heard that everyone was going big — very big — just as the economy started tanking. Made sense to me, but as someone who’s trying to wean himself off of those humungo beers, I’d like to think some brewers haven’t abandoned it altogether.

Phillies Opener, originally uploaded by hhannigan.

This was just my second Opening Day game, and, boy, was it a doozy.

See that guy standing alone on the mound? Yeah, that’s President Barack Obama! I snapped it from our seats along the third base line, courtesy of former Nationals right fielder Elijah Dukes!

I never thought I’d attend another Opening Day game after my experience back in ’06. The game was terrible. The weather was worse. Want to know how to fix that? Play against the Nationals instead of the Cards!

Yes, the lowly Nationals were the perfect match for the Phils, surrending 11 runs, including a grand slam to our new minted third baseman Placido Polanco. Welcome back! Halladay didn’t disappoint either, turning in a solid start after a shaky first inning.

It was a really special day for me and my family. I’m thrilled that we got the chance to see a bonafide Opening Day game.

Is there anything more exciting than Opening Day? Depends, I guess. Last time I went, the Phils were shelled by a Cardinals assault led by Albert Pujols. Pujols bounced a ball off the scoreboard in left on a dreary, cold afternoon at Citizen’s Bank Park. Pretty sure he broke a light or two.

Things quickly got out of hand. We sat in the 200 level in right, where a group of drunken students started fights and were puking all over each other. It got so bad they shut down the concessions. It sucked. We suffered through a few more innings and headed home.

We caught their last home game that year, a disappointing loss in a makeup game to the Astros. How things have changed since.

I’m thrilled to be joined on this Opening Day by my family to see the President throw out the first pitch and watch Roy Halladay’s Phillies debut. Here’s to a great 2010 season!