DON'T DITCH THE BLACK
Topic: Baseball
In other baseball news, a campaign started by a sports writer, Paul Lukas, aims to do away with the Mets' use of black in their on-field attire. I am excited that someone is playing such close attention to "athletics aesthetics", approaching cultural analysis through the scrutiny of icons and uniforms.

However, I completely disagree with his conclusion regarding the Mets recent color theme. He's worried that black will replace the dominance of blue and orange, and cites numerous examples of the team's on-field apparel and a more recent (not universally adapted) black logo. But generally the black is just a replacement for the previous base color, white. It's true that some of the solid blue color schemes seem to be getting phased out, but this is part of contemporary style that should be accepted. Other teams have done similar things, and it looks sharp. Notice the shine on

I love the Met's orange and blue theme, and the depth of its meaning: colors derived from New York's two preceding NL teams (Giants and Dodgers); New York City's flag. But let's not get carried away. I would even go so far as to suggest a black-on-black alternative road uniform, and/or employment of a Mr. Met alernate logo. Because the Mets iconography is just that deep! They are now old enough that they can have "throwbacks," like the traditional blue cap or the belovedly unpleasant pajama-style 80s v-neck with side stripe.

2006 METS
Topic: Baseball
The 2006 Mets postseason ended last night in an exciting game against the Cardinals at Shea. It was a major disappointment for the organization and their fans, but it's important to realize this was the greatest mets team since 1986. If you act entitled to a trip to (and victory in) the World Series people will start mistaking you for a Yankees fan. Newsday ran a headline today, "Heilman couldn't get it done," but the bullpen was close to impeccable this postseason, including last night. If anyone couldn't get it done it was the middle of their lineup--Beltran, (who struck out looking on 3 pitches with 2 outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th!!!), Delgado, and Wright, all of whom failed to get that big hit the team desperately needed. But let us rejoice in the wonderful season the tenacious and pesky Mets had, stealing bases, playing small ball, and being postseason contenders despite losing 2 of their big starters. They finally have a lineup that can build a dynasty, that they can keep more or less the same for the next several years. One thing that was lacking, to my knowledge, as an estranged Midwestern Mets fan, was a peppy campaign song like this one from 1986. Watch it to the end for the cameos by New York celebrities partially obscured by the poor digitized quality. Please leave a comment if you figure any out. So far I am able to discern Mayor Ed Koch, Twisted Sister, and Cameo.