They call it the World Series...

and for the longest time it was played here. Original Yankee Stadium. For some a place where dreams were realized and for others hearts broken. 26 World Championship Teams have graced that park.

Well as the final lights went out on Yankee Stadium last September, I remember sitting in the stands with my father saying, tears in his eyes...wondering..."when will they win a title again"?

Well new seasons bring new beginnings. When the Yankees cristened the new Yankee Stadium this past May, hopes and dreams were alive for a 27th World Series Title. Afterall, what better way to throw a first birthday then with a parade through the Bronx come late October. Personally, after 10 years of not seeing the Yankees win a World Series, six of them not even winning a playoff series, and one of them not making the playoffs...Ya I would say its about time. The Yankees have won 4 series in my lifetime, the Sox have won 2. In my opinion, that is two too many.

So as Jeter walked off the field yesterday, proud to be AL East Champs yet again. He knew there was still much work to be done. For him, the battle has just begun. Jeter will not rest until he puts a 5th ring on his finger on the next opening day. This is the reason I live. I live for October baseball. I live for the hopes that go along with them. Will this be the year again?

I think its time they call it the World Series...and I think its time that it's normally played here:

Hips Don't Lie

Why is that we identify with certain songs at certain points in our lives? What was the significance or the story behind it? Were the songs of one summer that good or that overplayed that we can't help but remember them? Was the song on a playlist that you repeatedly heard over and over during a roadtrip with your buddies? (Special shoutout goes to Ja Rule's Let's Ride for that one.)

Regardless of reason, I think its safe to say that we all have certain songs that no matter when we hear them take us back to a vivid memory. When we are lucky enough to have those moments, I think we should acknowledge them, laugh, and be happy that 3:40 seconds could bring back such good times. For me such a moment happened this morning.

So there I was driving down North Cap with my windows down, not really listening to anything in particular. Then...like magic, a blast from the past took me to 2006. The song: Shakira - Hips don't lie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygctbqBijFk

Now before you laugh, limit or judge don't even try to pretend you don't like this song. It was the summer jam of 2006, and let's be honest we all have witnessed that random couple at the bar awkwardly making out to it.

Anyways, point being: Anytime I hear this song, I think of my dear friend Raymond. Senior year of college a group of us took a weekend away from DC and headed to NY for a Yankees game, and Atlantic City for some gambling. As fate would have it, Shakira was in town at Boardwalk Hall. Raymond, for his part, decided to see if there were tickets available, afterall he does love his music. Long story short, Ray got the last ticket in the venue, 5th row, center. It was as if fate had looked down on the kid from jersey and said...yes Ray...today is your day.

When reached for comment following the show, his response, "Mark, her hips did not lie."

So what about you? What song brings you back to the past?

Just when you thought it was over

Faithful Reader(s)?

For the few of you who have ever followed my blog, you know that it has been a long time since I last entertained you with my words. Well, today is a new day my dear friends. I commit to you a new pledge. After striking a deal with John Bane involving the video below, I will now be a routine "blogger" once again. So enjoy team, I hope you like it. And like Mase says, "I'm baaackkkk"