**I almost never preheat the oven. I preheated the oven today and burnt my pizza. Lesson learned.
**Vitale is doing the Duke - MSU game which makes the game impossible to listen to. I'll have to just jam out on iTunes while I watch some of this contest. I've been digging Ice Cube - The Predator recently.
**I've almost fixed the third bedroom upstairs. I got some junk last week about it. I pride myself on being organized. Welcome to Rick's is another story at the moment.
**I've had the tree up for awhile now but that's it. I just found the lights. I was worried for a second that somebody broke into the house and took them. It was the only logical explanation for days.
**Jeremiah Rivers made a really poor decision in transferring to Indiana. They are terrible and his game hasn't evolved.
**Memphis is OT with Arkansas St right now. What?
**Is Modern Family going to be new tonight? Man I hope so.
**In the Air Tonight is an awesome song but the video sucks.
**I feel like college might have been a waste of time. It seems that you can learn almost all of what you need in life from Bob Seger and Kenny Rogers songs.
**Tennessee touches part of Virginia yet my house finds itself about 14 hours from Memphis. That's a haul.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
3-1 on the weekend
I follow a few teams in this great sporting world of ours and it's a rare bird for them to all find themselves victorious on the same weekend. Georgetown and Arsenal pulled out nice wins early on Saturday. That left me with two teams left to play - ND and the Redskins.
ND vs USC has been one of the worst days on my sporting calendar for nearly a decade. It's usually a complete domination. USC had 8 straight W's in the series, with 6 being complete humiliations. But something funny happened Saturday night. The Irish, after trying their best to give this bad USC team a win, decided enough was enough and grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat.
I knew the 'Skins were in trouble on Sunday after the ND game ended. And I knew I was in trouble because I was going to make it to FedEx. I feel like I should apologize to everybody. Their loss to the Vikings was kinda my fault. Well that and the fact that they just can't score points. I guess both of those things went into the loss.
Back at FedEx: I haven't been going that much the past 3 seasons but every time I get back there (I have to go at least once a season to keep my streak alive) I remember how much I just love being there. It's not even the wins or the losses really, it's live sporting events. They are the best.
I didn't see anybody at Orange A54 but that used to be the spot. I was at a pretty good spot in the Green Lot. Lots of new friends, ran into an old friend and more importantly I found an old love inside the stadium. I would have never thought to buy the cotton candy myself, but it was incredible. It put me in the mood for a funnel cake.
The 'Skins: They just don't score enough points. It's really that simple. Their inability to score basically requires them to play mistake free football to get wins. When you score a decent amount of points, you can overcome dropped balls, turnovers, bad calls, whatever. They don't do that.
I can't believe Favre came in here and didn't do something stupid on the field. I watch the Vikings every week and he's always good for AT LEAST one huge, horrible mistake per half, let alone an entire game. Unbelievable.
Random: I see a lot of bad cornhole sets out there but I did see some nice ones on Sunday. I need to make another one before the next DC United season. And by me I men I'll help Terry make it. I love Celebreation Ale. I better go and buy a bunch of it before it goes the way of Dogfish Pumkin Ale . Some old guy cut in front of me leaving the stadium and I nicked his SUV. It was nothing worse than a kiss on the cheek. Of course 4 golden oldies had to get out and inspect the non-incident. I would have pretended to only speak German if they wanted to exchange information.
ND vs USC has been one of the worst days on my sporting calendar for nearly a decade. It's usually a complete domination. USC had 8 straight W's in the series, with 6 being complete humiliations. But something funny happened Saturday night. The Irish, after trying their best to give this bad USC team a win, decided enough was enough and grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat.
I knew the 'Skins were in trouble on Sunday after the ND game ended. And I knew I was in trouble because I was going to make it to FedEx. I feel like I should apologize to everybody. Their loss to the Vikings was kinda my fault. Well that and the fact that they just can't score points. I guess both of those things went into the loss.
Back at FedEx: I haven't been going that much the past 3 seasons but every time I get back there (I have to go at least once a season to keep my streak alive) I remember how much I just love being there. It's not even the wins or the losses really, it's live sporting events. They are the best.
I didn't see anybody at Orange A54 but that used to be the spot. I was at a pretty good spot in the Green Lot. Lots of new friends, ran into an old friend and more importantly I found an old love inside the stadium. I would have never thought to buy the cotton candy myself, but it was incredible. It put me in the mood for a funnel cake.
The 'Skins: They just don't score enough points. It's really that simple. Their inability to score basically requires them to play mistake free football to get wins. When you score a decent amount of points, you can overcome dropped balls, turnovers, bad calls, whatever. They don't do that.
I can't believe Favre came in here and didn't do something stupid on the field. I watch the Vikings every week and he's always good for AT LEAST one huge, horrible mistake per half, let alone an entire game. Unbelievable.
Random: I see a lot of bad cornhole sets out there but I did see some nice ones on Sunday. I need to make another one before the next DC United season. And by me I men I'll help Terry make it. I love Celebreation Ale. I better go and buy a bunch of it before it goes the way of Dogfish Pumkin Ale . Some old guy cut in front of me leaving the stadium and I nicked his SUV. It was nothing worse than a kiss on the cheek. Of course 4 golden oldies had to get out and inspect the non-incident. I would have pretended to only speak German if they wanted to exchange information.
Game 6: Finally back at Home
Well it had been awhile but the Hoyas finally made their way back to Verizon. I didn't know much about UNC-Asheville besides the fact that they had given UNC a good game. Who knows what that really means.
So the game was 7-7 about 4 or 5 minutes in when Austin Freeman decided he wanted a break. He drained three 3's in about a minute and it was 30-7 before I could finish my nachos.
The rout was on and it enabled JT3 to play with a bunch of different lineups. I really like the press they are using at times this season. It seems to get everybody's energy level up. It really raises the intensity of the defense. I'd use it anytime I felt the guys were slacking in their half court defense.
Random: I'm still not used to the new look in the Acela Club. You can't see the court from the bar. That's bad news now matter how you try and rationalize it.
**The new parking situation isn't as cool as it used to be but I finally figured out the best route to get to where I need to be.
**There were way more people at the game than I would have guessed. The student turnout was pathetic but I guess I can't really throw stones. I wasted a ticket. I need to do a better job of advertising.
**It's amazing what adults will do for a free burrito. People go out of their mind trying to get free food.
**They don't do the dress like a Hoya competition anymore. For me the highlight of that TV timeout contest was seeing which old jerseys they would use.
Here are some of my quick thoughts on the players:
Freeman: Dirty. 7-9 from three is ridiculous.
Wright: Playing like he wants to be in the NBA. He was able to get Freeman lots of good looks. He also had a few more turnovers than you would like but that falls on some of his teammates not being ready for the pass.
Clark: Not much to write home about. It was a weird game with all of the different lineups being thrown out there.
Vaughn: Another solid game in the middle. I can't believe the rate at which he is blocking shots.
Hollis: Didn't go to the basket like last game. Seems to have found his stroke and notched a double double. That has to be his first.
Sims: They weren't running the offense through him as much as the State game but he was alright. I thought the refs were kind of harsh on some of his fouls. He looks like he belongs.
Sanford: Everybody has their favorite player off the bench that they think should get more time. Sanford is mine.
Benimon: Had some nice passes for easy buckets. Good to see him get in the scoring column.
Starks: I want to look up some of Wright's stats from his frosh season to see how they compare.
Bowen: Man he was good in the summer :)
Lubick: Sims is getting some of his minutes. I get the feeling that Nate is frustrated a bit that it's not coming easier to him. 7 points has to be his career high.
So the game was 7-7 about 4 or 5 minutes in when Austin Freeman decided he wanted a break. He drained three 3's in about a minute and it was 30-7 before I could finish my nachos.
The rout was on and it enabled JT3 to play with a bunch of different lineups. I really like the press they are using at times this season. It seems to get everybody's energy level up. It really raises the intensity of the defense. I'd use it anytime I felt the guys were slacking in their half court defense.
Random: I'm still not used to the new look in the Acela Club. You can't see the court from the bar. That's bad news now matter how you try and rationalize it.
**The new parking situation isn't as cool as it used to be but I finally figured out the best route to get to where I need to be.
**There were way more people at the game than I would have guessed. The student turnout was pathetic but I guess I can't really throw stones. I wasted a ticket. I need to do a better job of advertising.
**It's amazing what adults will do for a free burrito. People go out of their mind trying to get free food.
**They don't do the dress like a Hoya competition anymore. For me the highlight of that TV timeout contest was seeing which old jerseys they would use.
Here are some of my quick thoughts on the players:
Freeman: Dirty. 7-9 from three is ridiculous.
Wright: Playing like he wants to be in the NBA. He was able to get Freeman lots of good looks. He also had a few more turnovers than you would like but that falls on some of his teammates not being ready for the pass.
Clark: Not much to write home about. It was a weird game with all of the different lineups being thrown out there.
Vaughn: Another solid game in the middle. I can't believe the rate at which he is blocking shots.
Hollis: Didn't go to the basket like last game. Seems to have found his stroke and notched a double double. That has to be his first.
Sims: They weren't running the offense through him as much as the State game but he was alright. I thought the refs were kind of harsh on some of his fouls. He looks like he belongs.
Sanford: Everybody has their favorite player off the bench that they think should get more time. Sanford is mine.
Benimon: Had some nice passes for easy buckets. Good to see him get in the scoring column.
Starks: I want to look up some of Wright's stats from his frosh season to see how they compare.
Bowen: Man he was good in the summer :)
Lubick: Sims is getting some of his minutes. I get the feeling that Nate is frustrated a bit that it's not coming easier to him. 7 points has to be his career high.
My advice? Learn to live with it
Ok this is the last time that I complain about my shoulder. I promise. Look I'm 14 months from the cut date and it's not exactly where I want it to be. Where I need it to be. C'mon man!
So I was feeling like I needed to do something Sunday night. I decided working out was a good idea. Strike One.
I tweaked my shoulder and then I couldn't fall asleep for hours. Strike Two.
Well we all know that you can't strike out unless you come up with a third dumbass idea in a short amount of time. Taking some old pain medicine? Yeah that did the trick. Strike Three my man.
Was the medicine too old and expired? Was my body not ready for it? Was there alcohol in my system? Did I have an empty stomach? Ah what's the difference really? Either way it completely crushed my Monday and put me right into today.
So my shoulder is what it is. I'm just going to grit my teeth and take it from now on. Talking about your problems is a waste of time. If I can paraphrase from Lou Holtz - 80% of the people don't care and the other 20% are glad that you have them.
The one thing that keeps me thinking that it's going to turn out alright? Before surgery, if I did something to cause it pain, it would hurt for weeks. Now? Just days. So there's that.
Sometimes the small victories add up.
So I was feeling like I needed to do something Sunday night. I decided working out was a good idea. Strike One.
I tweaked my shoulder and then I couldn't fall asleep for hours. Strike Two.
Well we all know that you can't strike out unless you come up with a third dumbass idea in a short amount of time. Taking some old pain medicine? Yeah that did the trick. Strike Three my man.
Was the medicine too old and expired? Was my body not ready for it? Was there alcohol in my system? Did I have an empty stomach? Ah what's the difference really? Either way it completely crushed my Monday and put me right into today.
So my shoulder is what it is. I'm just going to grit my teeth and take it from now on. Talking about your problems is a waste of time. If I can paraphrase from Lou Holtz - 80% of the people don't care and the other 20% are glad that you have them.
The one thing that keeps me thinking that it's going to turn out alright? Before surgery, if I did something to cause it pain, it would hurt for weeks. Now? Just days. So there's that.
Sometimes the small victories add up.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Surfs up brah
I've watched a bit of the Maui Invitational today and all I can do, besides root against UCONN, is think about how I'll be there next year. I don't know who is coming with me, but I'm going. I mean I can't think of one legitimate reason to miss the 2011 Maui Invitational. A school is only eligible to go every 4 years yet the last time Georgetown went over there was in 1999. I'd rather not wait another 12 years for the next one. Thanks.
Here is your field for 2011: Duke, Georgetown, Kansas, UCLA, Michigan, Memphis, Tennessee, and the host school - Division 2 Chaminade. Sick.
I've already got the whole thing planned out. Get there on a Saturday. Chill, do whatever. Same thing on Sunday. Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday go to Georgetown wins at some point and kick it on the beach when they aren't playing. The gym is only 1,000 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Thursday eat turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie on the beach. Friday do whatever. Saturday do whatever. Sunday either go home or send for our stuff and never leave. I'll make sure to have Rocky's bags packed so he's able to get there ASAP should we find suitable housing.
So the new rankings came out today. The Hoyas are #16 in both the AP and the Coaches Polls. I think they should be closer to 10 than 20 but it's early. I think it's a joke that UNC is #25 in both. I also think it's insane that Feinstein has VMI as #25 on his ballot. He's easily the worst voter with no peers in sight.
You know what always makes me laugh? When you are out and somebody has a really annoying song as their ring tone. It's not enough that the song is annoying, it's that that person decided to make it their ring tone and keep it at an insane volume level in public. Somebody at Target had Poker Face set at an obscene level. The offender of course had to struggle to find her cell phone in her purse. I wouldn't have expected anything less.
If you had told me before that season started that the Redskins would be 5-5 after 10 games I would have taken it. If you had told me that 2 of their 5 losses would be to Detroit and St. Louis I would have wanted to fight you.
I was kinda worried that Bret Favre might have retired after yesterday's embarrassment. I'd like to see him in person one last time before he permanently trades football pants for Wrangler jeans.
Random Maui Notes: It wasn't so long ago that Oklahoma was really good at basketball. They really suck now. Jeff Capel, their head coach, can't even find a good Hawaiian shirt to rock on the sidelines.
UCONN escaped with a close win over the Shockers today. I'd like to think that the Hoyas will be able to figure out how to contain Kemba Walker. I'm thinking Jason Clark and Vee Sanford will do the trick.
Kentucky fans seem really annoying on TV. I hope they lose at least once while they are out in paradise.
Here is your field for 2011: Duke, Georgetown, Kansas, UCLA, Michigan, Memphis, Tennessee, and the host school - Division 2 Chaminade. Sick.
I've already got the whole thing planned out. Get there on a Saturday. Chill, do whatever. Same thing on Sunday. Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday go to Georgetown wins at some point and kick it on the beach when they aren't playing. The gym is only 1,000 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Thursday eat turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie on the beach. Friday do whatever. Saturday do whatever. Sunday either go home or send for our stuff and never leave. I'll make sure to have Rocky's bags packed so he's able to get there ASAP should we find suitable housing.
So the new rankings came out today. The Hoyas are #16 in both the AP and the Coaches Polls. I think they should be closer to 10 than 20 but it's early. I think it's a joke that UNC is #25 in both. I also think it's insane that Feinstein has VMI as #25 on his ballot. He's easily the worst voter with no peers in sight.
You know what always makes me laugh? When you are out and somebody has a really annoying song as their ring tone. It's not enough that the song is annoying, it's that that person decided to make it their ring tone and keep it at an insane volume level in public. Somebody at Target had Poker Face set at an obscene level. The offender of course had to struggle to find her cell phone in her purse. I wouldn't have expected anything less.
If you had told me before that season started that the Redskins would be 5-5 after 10 games I would have taken it. If you had told me that 2 of their 5 losses would be to Detroit and St. Louis I would have wanted to fight you.
I was kinda worried that Bret Favre might have retired after yesterday's embarrassment. I'd like to see him in person one last time before he permanently trades football pants for Wrangler jeans.
Random Maui Notes: It wasn't so long ago that Oklahoma was really good at basketball. They really suck now. Jeff Capel, their head coach, can't even find a good Hawaiian shirt to rock on the sidelines.
UCONN escaped with a close win over the Shockers today. I'd like to think that the Hoyas will be able to figure out how to contain Kemba Walker. I'm thinking Jason Clark and Vee Sanford will do the trick.
Kentucky fans seem really annoying on TV. I hope they lose at least once while they are out in paradise.
Game 5: Charleston Championship Day
I have to believe that the brackets were set up in hopes of a Georgetown - NC State final. Well the organizers of the Charleston Classic got their wish as the two teams from the power conferences advanced to the championship game. I was mildly surprised that George Mason didn't give NC State a better game.
In what is becoming typical fashion, Georgetown wore down NC State in the second half to capture what is hopefully the first of many titles this season. The Hoyas turned a halftime tie into a 82-67 victory that might be forever known as the Henry Sims coming out party.
Sims, a highly regarded freshmen 2 years ago, has yet to consistently contribute on the collegiate level. I hope that is all changing as he looked the most comfortable I have ever seen him yesterday, especially as the Hoyas ran their offense through him during the game's most critical stretch. In just 15 minutes Sims was able to contribute 5 assists and 9 rebounds. He also had 4 points but that wasn't the important part. The important part was his vision and feel for the game in the high post of the Princeton offense. I can't say enough about his play so I'll just stop and pray that it continues.
I've been waiting for Hollis Thompson to have a game like yesterday all season (5 games). Not only did Hollis lead the team in scoring but he hit shots and went to the hoop. Oh and he had 9 rebounds. It's funny how those three pointers become easier to hit once you start going to the basket a few times.
Lubick seems to be going through some growing pains as a freshmen right now. He's got a great motor but it's not clicking for him right now. I hope he turns his frustration into hard work and pushes through this. You can tell he will be a player.
The only disappointment for me was the lack of meaningful time for Sanford. I know there is a log jam at the guard position but he has to get minutes. I'm hoping that yesterday's lack of time was due to the fact that State is a rather tall team. There are going to be a lot of available minutes next season and Sanford is going to get a lot of them.
Chris Wright really has picked up where he left off from last season. He had 24 assists in the three games to earn MVP of the tournament. Clark was also named to the All-Tournament team. I'm still scratching my head as to who Julian didn't find himself on that team. 13 blocks in 3 games is pretty sick the last time I checked. Especially when you weren't even supposed to play after being ill.
Random: I know it's early to look at RPI and SOS but Georgetown's three opponents in this tournament went 2-1. That's the best possible scenario. Basically you want to beat all of your non-conference opponents and then root for them the rest of the way to make you look good. So far that has been happening for the Hoyas.
That was the last time I watch a game with sound when Jason Williams is doing the color. He's beyond awful. I'd rather list to Vitale. There. I said it.
In what is becoming typical fashion, Georgetown wore down NC State in the second half to capture what is hopefully the first of many titles this season. The Hoyas turned a halftime tie into a 82-67 victory that might be forever known as the Henry Sims coming out party.
Sims, a highly regarded freshmen 2 years ago, has yet to consistently contribute on the collegiate level. I hope that is all changing as he looked the most comfortable I have ever seen him yesterday, especially as the Hoyas ran their offense through him during the game's most critical stretch. In just 15 minutes Sims was able to contribute 5 assists and 9 rebounds. He also had 4 points but that wasn't the important part. The important part was his vision and feel for the game in the high post of the Princeton offense. I can't say enough about his play so I'll just stop and pray that it continues.
I've been waiting for Hollis Thompson to have a game like yesterday all season (5 games). Not only did Hollis lead the team in scoring but he hit shots and went to the hoop. Oh and he had 9 rebounds. It's funny how those three pointers become easier to hit once you start going to the basket a few times.
Lubick seems to be going through some growing pains as a freshmen right now. He's got a great motor but it's not clicking for him right now. I hope he turns his frustration into hard work and pushes through this. You can tell he will be a player.
The only disappointment for me was the lack of meaningful time for Sanford. I know there is a log jam at the guard position but he has to get minutes. I'm hoping that yesterday's lack of time was due to the fact that State is a rather tall team. There are going to be a lot of available minutes next season and Sanford is going to get a lot of them.
Chris Wright really has picked up where he left off from last season. He had 24 assists in the three games to earn MVP of the tournament. Clark was also named to the All-Tournament team. I'm still scratching my head as to who Julian didn't find himself on that team. 13 blocks in 3 games is pretty sick the last time I checked. Especially when you weren't even supposed to play after being ill.
Random: I know it's early to look at RPI and SOS but Georgetown's three opponents in this tournament went 2-1. That's the best possible scenario. Basically you want to beat all of your non-conference opponents and then root for them the rest of the way to make you look good. So far that has been happening for the Hoyas.
That was the last time I watch a game with sound when Jason Williams is doing the color. He's beyond awful. I'd rather list to Vitale. There. I said it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Game 4: Charleston Day 2
All I really knew about Wofford was that they gave Wisconsin a real scare in the first round of last season's NCAA Tournament. After witnessing some of the most ridiculous upsets over the last few seasons in person, I'll never take an opponent for granted. I hope the guys actually playing in the games have the same attitude since that probably matters just a little bit more than what I think.
Let's fast forward to midway through the 2nd half when Wofford cut the Hoyas lead to 50-45. Now at the time I didn't think it was so great but looking back, and objectively at the time, it was perfect. All you can ask for in these early season games is to be put in uncomfortable spots away from home and see what happens. Having veteran leadership at the guard spot is really going to give this team an excellent chance at going deep into March.
So Wright took over and the Hoyas won easily, 74-59. Vaughn has a double-double with 4 blocks on the side. Benimon played great defense on their best big guy. Sims had one of his best games as a Hoya. Hollis didn't just settle for 3's. In fact he didn't even attempt one. 24 hours after taking 30 three pointers, they only attempted 8. Basically there was a lot of good to come out of this game against a team picked to win their conference.
Favorite quote: Julian Vaughn after notching his first ever double-double: “We didn’t come here just to play well,” he said. “We want to win it all.”
Second favorite quote: Wofford coach Mike Young: “They’re a little bit better than I thought they were.”
Random: The game was delayed on ESPNU because the WVU - Vanderbilt game went longer than the time slot. That was kind of a bummer since I was watching it on DVR. Jason Williams is a horrible announcer. It's almost as if he's being bad on purpose just to see how much he can get away with on the air.
Let's fast forward to midway through the 2nd half when Wofford cut the Hoyas lead to 50-45. Now at the time I didn't think it was so great but looking back, and objectively at the time, it was perfect. All you can ask for in these early season games is to be put in uncomfortable spots away from home and see what happens. Having veteran leadership at the guard spot is really going to give this team an excellent chance at going deep into March.
So Wright took over and the Hoyas won easily, 74-59. Vaughn has a double-double with 4 blocks on the side. Benimon played great defense on their best big guy. Sims had one of his best games as a Hoya. Hollis didn't just settle for 3's. In fact he didn't even attempt one. 24 hours after taking 30 three pointers, they only attempted 8. Basically there was a lot of good to come out of this game against a team picked to win their conference.
Favorite quote: Julian Vaughn after notching his first ever double-double: “We didn’t come here just to play well,” he said. “We want to win it all.”
Second favorite quote: Wofford coach Mike Young: “They’re a little bit better than I thought they were.”
Random: The game was delayed on ESPNU because the WVU - Vanderbilt game went longer than the time slot. That was kind of a bummer since I was watching it on DVR. Jason Williams is a horrible announcer. It's almost as if he's being bad on purpose just to see how much he can get away with on the air.
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